Abstract: Process for inhalation and inhaler for production of aroma- and active-substance containing vapors of plant material and/or fluids via hot air. The previous apparatuses conceived for this—in comparison to smoking—hazardous-substance-free vaporizing of active substances of plant material were too inconvenient in their operation, so that they were not successful. The new inhaler makes it possible to flow the hot air through the portion of plant material to be vaporized or the fluid with one pass, and yet to make it possible that inhalation can occur independently and comfortably in multiple inhalations. Herein the produced vapors are collected in a balloon and thereafter inhaled using a valve mechanism with associated mouthpiece independently of the vapor generator. The inhaler makes it possible, to inhale the active substances of the therefore suitable plant material (such as, for example, tobacco), without exposing the user to the hazardous substances which would occur during combustion.

Abstract: The present invention is a vaporizer apparatus (1) and method for uniformly extracting active ingredients of specimen of crude natural product, or inert particulate matrix impregnated with volatile substances without pyrolysis which uses hot air (2), or a heated inert gas stream to volatilize the specimen. The heated air or gas in introduced from below (from either a hot air gun or a high-pressure tank connected to a heat exchanger), and ascends through in most embodiments through a permeable support structure (4) (e.g., fritted glass disk, etc.) subsequently causing specimen particules disposed on the permeable support structure to be suspended within the confines of an isolation chamber (5).

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes an induction heating arrangement to vaporize fluid contained in a fluid passage. The vapor is then expelled from the fluid passage into the air creating a mist that forms the aerosol. The aerosol generator includes an excitation coil that inductively heats a heating element which transfers heat to the fluid in the fluid passage. The fluid passage can be located in a metal tube which can be removably mounted in the aerosol generator.

Abstract: A humidification unit adapted to be disposed in a patient circuit for humidifying the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient via the patient circuit by an artificial ventilator system. The humidification unit includes an exothermic member having an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheral wall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to pass therethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passing therethrough. Liquid delivered to the hollow fibers is heated by the exothermic member and the as vapor resulting from the heating passes through the hollow fiber walls and humidifies the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus and method for uniformly extracting active ingredients of a specimen of crude natural product or inert particulate matrix impregnated with volatile substances, without pyrolysis, which uses hot air or a heated inert gas stream to volatilize the specimen. The heated air or gas is introduced from below (from either a hot air gun or a high pressure tank connected to a heat exchanger) and ascends through a permeable support structure (e.g., fritted glass disk, etc.), subsequently causing specimen particles disposed on the permeable support structure to be suspended within the confines of an isolation chamber. This allows a maximized gas extraction exposure for each suspended particle, and promotes a uniform extraction of the aggregate charge through its periodic mixing. A filter prevents the particles from being inhaled by the user. During device disuse, the heated airstream flows through an optional side-arm of the vaporizer apparatus, preventing wasteful loss of active ingredients.