Abstract: A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has at least two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier has a breathing air humidifier with at least a top part and a bottom part, wherein a water reservoir is provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in at least one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with at least one water reservoir, and at least one filing device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.

Abstract: An oxygen humidification and delivery device includes a case, humidification material, a seal film or seal plate, and an oxygen delivery tube. The humidification material is disposed within the case. At least two protuberant air ports are provided on the top of the case, one of which is air inlet, and the other is air outlet. The seal film or seal plate is adapted to seal the case accommodating the humidification material. The air ports are connected to the oxygen delivery tube.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of liquid within a chamber (10) is disclosed. The valve comprises a liquid inlet (30) and a primary float (40) that is movable in response to a change in the level of liquid (20) within the chamber (10) between an open configuration in which liquid (20) is able to flow through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid (20) within the chamber (10) is below a predetermined acceptable level, and a closed configuration in which liquid (20) is prevented from flowing through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid within the chamber (10) is at or above the predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: A nasal humidification and dispensing device is used to introduce a vapor into a user's nose. The device includes a pair of nostril inserts. Each nostril insert includes a base portion and an upper dome-shaped portion that, when joined, define an open interior chamber. The base portion and the dome-shaped portion have at least partially opened walls. A vapor emitting material is disposed in the interior chamber. A resilient connector extends between and connects the nostril inserts. The nostril inserts are disposed in a user's nostrils so that air that is breathed in through the inserts passes over the material and entrains vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying respiratory gas to a patient in which respiratory gas components are metered with great accuracy and sources of error are detected early. The apparatus has metering devices for respiratory gas components which are connected, on the leading side of a mixing chamber volume, to a ring line; a first respiratory gas analyzer on the trailing side of the mixing chamber volume; a second respiratory gas analyzer at a patient connection; a regulating device for the respiratory gas components which controls the delivery of respiratory gas components, as a function of the concentration measured with the second respiratory gas analyzer, in such a way that the difference between a predetermined concentration and a measured concentration at the patient connection is minimized; and means for performing a plausibility comparison between the measured values of the first respiratory gas analyzer and the second respiratory gas analyzer.

Abstract: A pressure support system that comprises a patient circuit, a docking assembly, and a tank. The patient circuit delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient. The docking assembly has an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas, and is also adapted to be connected with the patient circuit. The tank is constructed and arranged to be removably connected with the docking assembly, and enables the pressurized flow of breathable gas to pass therethrough. The tank is also adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough.

Abstract: An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient's breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a base configured to retain a body of liquid therein, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base. At least a portion of the base is constructed of a heat conducting material. The top cover defines both an inlet and an outlet communicated with an interior of the base. The inlet is configured to receive pressurized breathable gas and the outlet is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas with added humidity.

Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus and method for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system such as used in emergency treatment of severe respiratory distress. The apparatus of the invention includes a 3-port Tee fitting, one port of which is connected to the inlet port of a CPAP full face mask operable at a continuous elevated pressure. A second port is connected to a CPAP gas conduit supplying a pressurized oxygen-containing gas. The third port is connected to a flexible tube receiving aerosolized medication from an upper outlet of an openable/refillable lightweight nebulizer. The flexible tube is of a length to support a nebulizer in a vertical attitude.

Abstract: A portable anesthetic machine comprises a chassis having a cradle which removably receives a vaporizer, a control panel and a support member. The control panel and support member are pivotal relative to each other to selectively change the machine between carrying and use configurations. The control panel includes a gas flow path having gas inputs connectable to sources of carrier gases, a manifold which combines the gases, a carrier gas outlet and inlet connectable to the vaporizer input and outlet, respectively, a common gas port, and flow control devices to control the carrier gas flow rate and to control the anesthetic and carrier gas mixture. A controller is also provided which controls the flow of gas into and around the vaporizer to maintain a substantially constant concentration of anesthetic agent in the gas stream delivered to the patient without the need to adjust the flow of gases from the gas supply sources.

Abstract: This invention relates to an evaporator comprising a casing (1; 21) and a heater (7; 27). Gas is supplied through an inlet (4; 24) and discharged through an outlet (5; 25). The casing forms an evaporating space (2; 22) and a heating space (3; 33) heated by the heater (7; 27). The evaporating space (2; 22) may be partially filled with a liquid (16; 36). The gas flows from the inlet (4; 24) via the heating space (3; 23) to the evaporating space (2; 22) and further to the outlet (5; 25). This invention moreover relates to an evaporator comprising an outer and an inner tub. The outer tub is heated. The inner tub may contain a water reserve and is inserted into the outer tub. The upper side of the bottom of the outer tub (8; 28) or the underside of the bottom of the inner tub (10; 30) is made of a soft elastic material. The invention finally relates to corresponding methods.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus to supply pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a humidifier having a gas inlet coupled to the gas outlet of the flow generator, and a filter operatively positioned between the gas outlet of the flow generator and the gas inlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: A wick arrangement for an anesthetic evaporator includes a wick with a carrier material (2) that is essentially impermeable to gas provided with wick material (3, 4) on both sides. A great path length is provided for saturating the gas with anesthetic vapor in the smallest possible installation volume by providing flow channels such as helical flow channels (10, 11) extending helically on both sides of the wick. The gas flow is led in counterflow in the flow channels (10, 11) by a housing (9).

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearings secretions the lungs. A fixed shrouded-venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vapor wand for administering inhalation anesthesia to wild animals. The wand has a fibrous wick that absorbs liquid anesthetic inserted by a syringe through a distal end cap and/or a leur fitting. Holes are spaced around the distal end of the wand so that movement of the air pump handle causes vaporized anesthetic to be dispensed through the holes.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.

Abstract: A cool air inhaler for use in treating croup, having a body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an enclosed space open at an upper portion of the body wherein the upper portion of the body is adapted to generally conform to contours of a lower part of a patient face. An air chamber is formed in an upper part of the body and has an exhaust vent for exhausting the patient's exhaled air to an exterior space while an ice reservoir is formed in a lower part of the body to contain ice and meltwater from the ice and an air passage is connected from the exterior space and passing through the ice reservoir to conduct air to the air chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for operating at an air pressure is disclosed for use with a respiratory therapy breathing apparatus that provides a breathable gas supply to patients requiring higher concentrations of liquid vapor and gas pressure. The humidifier apparatus includes a feed liquid supply bag in fluid communication with a humidifier cartridge via a conduit. The conduit enables air to flow therethrough to equalize air pressure between the humidifier cartridge and the feed liquid supply bag in response to liquid being supplied to the humidifier cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator that comprises an oscillating membrane that is provided with openings. The aerosol generator is further characterized in that the liquid container is impinged upon with negative pressure by displacing a sealing element using a slidable sleeve and a rotary sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering anaesthetic to human or animal patients. The apparatus is an anaesthetic machine which is arranged to mount components of an anaesthetic delivery circuit, and which includes a collector arrangement in the form of a manifold having a plurality of inlets and outlets. The manifold enables a reduction in the number of tubes connecting the various components in an anaesthetic system, which are normally required in prior art anaesthetic machines. The manifold also includes an arrangement which provides a Venturi effect on gas flow, and enables a pressure gauge to be mounted out of a patient breathing circuit. The machine is preferably portable.

Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying breathable gas includes (a) at least one humidifier part configured to retain a body of liquid therein and defining at least one chamber therein, (b) an inlet communicated with an interior of the at least one humidifier part and connectable to a blower outlet, and (c) an oulet communicated with the interior of the at least one humidifier part and connectable to a patient supply conduit. The at least one chamber is arranged such that liquid from the body of liquid is prevented from exiting the at least one humidifier part through the inlet thereof when the at least one humidifier part is rotated from a working, upright orientation.

Abstract: Passive humidifier for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device having a plurality of chambers defined by arced baffles. Each opening between the arced baffles is provided with a deflector baffle to prevent direct passage of air.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator that comprises an oscillating membrane that is provided with openings. The aerosol generator is further characterized in that the liquid container is impinged upon with negative pressure by displacing a sealing element using a slidable sleeve and a rotary sleeve.

Abstract: A humidification device (10) for use with a CPAP unit (18) or similar breathing device is provided which includes a stationary cabinet (12) with a slide-type drawer member (14) adapted to hold a supply of humidifying water. The cabinet (12) includes an input (28) and an output (30) allowing connection of CPAP device conduits (100, 102) respectively for delivering air to the humidifying device (10), and for delivering humidified output air to a patient. Use of the sliding drawer member (14) facilitates filling of the device (10) with water and periodic cleanup thereof. In alternate embodiments, electrical resistance heaters (84, 86) are secured to the drawer member (14). Mating electrical connectors (42, 94) respectively mounted on the cabinet (12) and drawer member (14) provide electrical power to the heaters for water heating purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (10, 30, 120, 170) for humidifying breathable gas including at least one humidifier part (12, 18, 36, 38, 40) configured to retain a body of liquid therein and defining at least one chamber (14, 16, 74, 76) therein, an inlet (22, 32) communicated with an interior of the at least one humidifier part (12, 18, 36, 38, 40) and connectable to a blower outlet, and an outlet (24, 34) communicated with the interior of the at least one humidifier part (12, 18, 36, 38, 40) and connectable to a patient supply conduit. The at least one chamber (14, 16, 74, 76) is arranged such that liquid from the body of liquid is prevented from exiting the at least one humidifier part (12, 18, 36, 38, 40) through the inlet (22, 32) thereof when the at least one humidifier part (12, 18, 36, 38, 40) is rotated from a working, upright orientation.

Abstract: A combination spirometer or peak flow meter and nebulizer system is provided. Utilization of common elements, on a time sharing basis is accomplished by the combined instrumentation. The sharing of a common chamber by a peak flow meter and a nebulizer system is controlled by valves operated in response to phases of the respiratory process of a patient. With this combination vaporized medication is provided to a patient for inhalation during the inhale phase of the respiration cycle and the effectiveness of the inhaled medication is monitored by measuring the rate of flow of the breath exhaled during the exhale phase of the same respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A device for metering anesthetic is provided such that a new anesthetic is immediately available for the metering when the anesthetic is changed. The metering device has an assembly unit that can be removed from the medical apparatus as a module with a reservoir (4) for a liquid anesthetic, an intermediate container (9) arranged downstream of the reservoir (4), a metering gas source (11) connected to the intermediate container (9) and a metering element (14) for anesthetic on the discharge side of the intermediate container (9). An evaporator chamber (15) may be provided for evaporating the metered anesthetic. A connecting device lets through at least anesthetic vapor as an interface between the assembly unit (1) and the medical apparatus (2).

Abstract: A breathing aid device is disclosed which includes an air stream source, a mouthpiece that is received in the mouth of a user, a conduit interconnecting the air stream source and the mouthpiece, and a water source that introduces water into the air stream, where liquid water droplets are periodically sprayed through the mouthpiece and into the mouth of a user by the air stream. A method of relieving parched breathing passages is also disclosed, which involves providing a mouthpiece connected to an air stream, periodically spraying liquid water droplets, carried by said air stream, through said mouthpiece into the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating the air flow in a respirator system is provided. The method provides for the establishment of control set points in a true calibration protocol through the simple triggering of the microprocessor of a controller. When the trigger is initiated, the microprocessor engages and provides the logic for the calibration cycle. The calibration cycle proceeds until a second trigger terminates the process and establishes the control set points. The calibration sequence of the method relies only on an initiation and termination trigger that is facilitated by components integral to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supplying breathable gas. The apparatus (10) includes a flow generator (12), a gas outlet (14), a connector (21) interposed between the flow generator (12) and the pressure sensor (20), the connector having a connecting inlet (22) and a connecting outlet (24), a pressure sensor (20) interposed between the connecting outlet (24) and the gas outlet (14). The connector (21) is adapted to allow selective connection to either a duct member (30) providing a direct flow path from the connecting inlet (22) to the connecting outlet (24) or to a humidifier (26) interposed between the connecting inlet (22) and the connecting outlet (24).

Abstract: The invention is a humidification and filtration mask having an open cell foam reservoir attached to the facial or inner surface of a paper filtration mask. The reservoir provides for evenly wetting the paper mask by capillary action, after being charged with water. The device offers low inspiratory airway resistance compared to other art and is lighter and less costly.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: An interlock arrangement for evaporators in an anesthesia apparatus having at least two evaporators for setting a desired gas concentration prevents more than one evaporator from being activated at a time. The evaporators are connectable to a gas distributor. The interlock arrangement has for each evaporator, a mechanical element with the mechanical elements being arranged so that they cross each other in a crossing region. The mechanical elements are fashioned in the crossing region so that the mechanical element for one evaporator is displaced when this evaporator is activated and thereby locks the other mechanical elements in a position in which an activation of the further evaporators is prevented.

Abstract: An improved disposable bubble oxygen humidifier is provided having a humidifying chamber included for the blending of oxygen and moisture. A slide switch on the top of the humidifier directs pure oxygen to the patient, or alternately, routes the oxygen through the humidifier and on to the patient. Hoses are attached at an inlet supply port and an outlet discharge port.

Abstract: The improved medical nebulization device includes a head and a removeable depending liquid reservoir. The head has a closed top, closed sides and open bottom defining a central space in which is secured a nebulization chamber having closed sides and an open top and open bottom. A nebulization baffle is connected to the head top and extends into the nebulization chamber. A liquid draw tube is connected to the baffle and depends from the chamber into the reservoir. A nebulized aerosol output port extends between the space outside the chamber and a point peripheral of the head for supplying nebulized aerosol to a patient. An auxiliary multiple gas entrainment inlet port, with removeable cap, extends into the chamber at a point remote from the output port and is adapted to supply auxiliary gases such as a mixture of oxygen and helium. The liquid reservoir in one embodiment includes a graduated liquid measuring scale and is transparent.