Abstract: A delivery tube assembly for delivering a breathing gas to a patient, the delivery tube includes a first lumen having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The lumen is configured to deliver the breathing gas from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A second lumen is configured to flow an insulating gas around the first lumen. A method of insulating a breathing gas with an insulating gas and discharging the insulating gas to atmosphere is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical ventilator includes a pressure generator for increasing a pressure of gas that produces heat during the operation thereof. A heat sink spaced from the pressure generator is provided for absorbing heat from the pressure generator. A bacteria filter requiring heating in excess of an ambient temperature for the effective operation thereof is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink. A heat pipe is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink and the pressure generator for conveying at least part of heat produced by the pressure generator to the bacteria filter via the heat sink.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus and a method of reducing condensation within a breathing apparatus. The apparatus (100) includes a respiratory device (112a, 112b) arranged to process respiratory gases, a conduit (116) for input of respiratory gases to the respiratory device, and a temperature-altering device (120) arranged to alter the temperature of the respiratory gases for reduction of condensation within the respiratory gas device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nasal cannula for an anti-snoring apparatus, comprising a forked tube pneumatically connected to apertures, which are embodied and positioned in such a way that air can be administered into the nose of a user via these apertures. The nasal cannula further comprises a heating wire extending in the interior of forked tube in such a way that the heating wire can heat the air supplied through the forked tube. The invention moreover relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element for nasal cannula including internal radius steps at tube connection points. The invention further relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element having rounded off transition regions. The invention finally relates to a method for avoiding condensation in nasal cannulas. To this end, the gas is heated as it flows through the tubes of a nasal cannula.

Abstract: A patient delivery tube for the delivery of a heated, humidified gas. The patient delivery tube includes an elongated tubing member molded from a flexible polymer, said elongated tubing member comprising a first end, a second end and an axially aligned passageway extending therethrough and an electric heater comprising a conductive material, said electric heater arranged along said axially aligned passageway for perimetrically heating said axially aligned passageway. A method of delivering a heated, humidified gas to a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly disposed within a shield. The shield is disposed within an opening of an enclosure. The shield protrudes from the opening at an angle and has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A system for pulmonary rehabilitation by the application of positive airway pressure, characterized in that the system comprises a source of pressurized air, a source of pressurized oxygen, control arrangement for enabling a control of the sources of pressurized air and pressurized oxygen, a source of sterile water, a source of heat, and an output arrangement for providing pressurized and heated air and oxygen to a patient. The system can be rendered portable by use of a mobile casing. Means can be provided for enabling an automatic following of a patient by the casing.

Abstract: An inhaler operable to control a temperature of a medicament of the inhaler includes a medicament reservoir being configured to store a medicament therein. A medicament ejector is operably coupled to the medicament reservoir and is configured to eject the medicament from the reservoir to deliver the medicament to a patient. A controllable thermal source is in thermal communication with at least an inside portion of the medicament reservoir and is operable to controllably affect a temperature of the medicament. A thermal control system is in operable communication with the controllable thermal source and is configured to control the thermal source to maintain the medicament within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a coated substance which preferably includes a drug to vaporized for inhalation therapy. A device in accordance with the present invention preferably includes a substrate which has an interior surface surrounding an interior region and an exterior surface upon which the coated substance is to be adhered. Though the substrate is preferably metallic, it does not need to be. A combustible element is placed in the interior region of the rigid substrate and an igniter is connected to the combustible element. The igniter is for initiating oxidation of the combustible element. Preferably, the coated substance is vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering heated and humidified air to the respiratory tract of a human patient for respiratory tract therapy and treatment. The apparatus includes a supply unit and a delivery tube that can be releasably connected to the supply unit. Methods of respiratory tract therapy and treatment are also provided.

Abstract: In a breathing apparatus the chemical cartridge through which respiratory air flows to generate oxygen is divided into a plurality of air treatment chambers (15 to 18) by means of retaining grids. An impact-damping means (21a, 21b) consisting of a multilayer fine wire mesh, which abuts flat against the relevant front cover is located in the external air treatment chambers (15, 18) whilst provided in the middle air treatment chambers (16, 17) is a damping element (24, 25) consisting of a multilayer fine-wire mesh folded in a zigzag fashion, having fold edges running parallel and at a distance from the outer wall of the chemical cartridge (2), one edge thereof running in a zigzag fashion is fixed to a wire grid (26, 27). The damping elements of each adjacent air treatment chambers are not in alignment. Potassium hyperoxide granules (22) for oxygen generation are located in the air treatment chambers.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device including a drug delivery tube that defines a flow path and a droplet ejection device configured to eject droplets of medication into the flow path. Using collected feedback, the pulmonary drug delivery device can control the size of the droplets that are administered to a user.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A silencer for a CPAP device comprises a housing assembly defining a flow path passing therethrough and including at least one of an inlet chamber, an acoustic chamber and a blower chamber. Each of the chambers has an inlet and an outlet for fluid communication therebetween. The silencer includes a combination of reactive components, resonators and dissipative elements disposed within the inlet, acoustic and blower chambers. The reactive component may be configured as a compliant-walled reactive tube. The resonator may be configured as a perforated plate defining a cavity volume. The dissipative element may comprise porous material substantially occupying the cavity volume bounded by the perforated plate in the chamber walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) is disclosed. The ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) comprises an inner wall (22, 122, 222) that defines a fluid passageway for 5 ventilation gases, an outer wall (24,124,224) that surrounds the inner wall (22, 122, 222) and has a greater thickness than the inner wall (22, 122, 222), a helical separator member (26, 126, 226) interposed between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224) so as to define an insulation chamber between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224), and a heating element (28, 128, 228) disposed within the insulation chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier system for heating and humidifying respiratory gases has a housing with an inner chamber, a first port at the first end for connection to a ventilator breathing circuit and a second port at the second end for connection to a patient to supply respiratory gases to the patient and to receive exhaled gases from the patient. A body of heat moisture exchange (HME) material is located within the chamber, and a water permeable device is also located within the chamber. The housing has a water refill inlet communicating with the water permeable device. A water supply outside the housing is connected to the water refill inlet to supply water to the water permeable device. A heater mounted outside the housing supplies heat to the housing and maintains the housing at a selected temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable Portable Pulmonary Body Core Cooling and Heating System specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination Portable Pulmonary Body Core Cooling and Heating System invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This Portable Pulmonary Body Core Cooling and Heating System invention utilizes the user's own pulmonary system to regulate core body temperature by introducing controlled temperature air into the user's lungs by their own breathing process.

Abstract: A flexible respiratory gas tube arrangement for supplying a respiratory gas to a person includes a flexible tube, a heater to heat the gas as it is delivered through the tube, a first connector provided to one end of the tube and adapted to connect the tube with a breathing mask, and a second connector provided to the other end of the tube and adapted to connect the tube with a CPAP device. The second connector includes a first portion that provides a respiratory gas passage and a second portion that provides integrated contact elements by which power is supplied to the heater. The contact elements are adapted to be engaged with a power supply provided on the CPAP device for supplying power to said heater.

Abstract: A method for treating viral infections in vivo in subjects in need of such treatment by applying heat to affected body tissue, use of an apparatus to provide heated moist gas or heated liquids to affected body tissue that is infected with a virus and apparatuses capable of providing heat to a body part that is infected with a virus.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for medical applications is improved in such a manner that the capacity of an energy store can be utilized as best as possible when there is a breakdown of the power supply. A charge level detector (16) is provided for the energy store which reduces the power output of the energy consumer (6) when there is a falling charge level of the energy store (14) with a drop of the supply voltage (15).

Abstract: A system for delivering a humidified gas to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a supply tube having a first supply tube end and a second supply tube end. The supply tube has a first inner diameter. The system also includes an apparatus for delivering heated and humidified gas to the first end of the supply tube and a single lumen having a first lumen end and a second lumen end. The single lumen has a second inner diameter, smaller than the first diameter. The first lumen end is in fluid flow communication with the second supply tube end. The system also includes a nasal cannula in fluid flow communication with the second lumen end. A method of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiratory breathing circuit prevents heat loss and condensation in a flow of humidified air through a conduit from a humidification system to a patient interface, such as a nasal cannula. The circuit directly impedes heat loss or insulates the flow of a humidified gas therein, and provides a heating source inside the circuit along the length of the circuit to prevent net heat loss from the circuit tubing by providing thermal energy and/or insulation to impede convective, conductive, or radiative heat loss by the gas as it flows through the system. A temperature, humidity, or other flow quality measuring probe is disposed at the distal end of the circuit near the patient interface to actively measure a corresponding quality of the humidified gas flow to provide feedback to the system. A pressure relief valve is provided on the circuit to prevent a pressure build-up and/or structural failure.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.

Abstract: A respiratory gas treatment unit includes a humidifier with an induction water heating mechanism. A biocompatible heating target is placed in contact with humidifying liquid held in a humidifying vessel. A magnetic field is generated in close proximity to the heating target to generate heat in the target. The biocompatible heating target can be submerged within the humidifying liquid or can be formed by integrally molding ferromagnetic particles into a plastic wall or floor of the humidifying vessel.

Abstract: A nasal cannula, for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, comprising: a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: A heating assembly for a respiratory treatment machine includes a base and a water tank. The base has a receiving space communicating with a recessed platform at a via an opening, and a heating plate securely placed on a bottom face of the receiving space. The water tank has a main receptacle, a secondary receptacle integrally formed and communicating with the main receptacle and movably received inside the receiving space, a conducting plate securely provided at a bottom face of the main receptacle and an extension integrally formed with the conducting plate and provided at a bottom face of the secondary receptacle. The extension has a dimension corresponding to that of the heating plate such that after the secondary receptacle is received inside the receiving space, the extension is placed on top of the heating plate and engaged with the heating plate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus or system for withdrawing a cryogenic liquid from a container wherein the liquid may be drawn from the container independent of the orientation of the container. The apparatus comprises a conduit having a flexible metallic hose portion and a metallic head. The flexible hose portion has a first end in fluid communication with an outlet portal of the container and a second end to which the head is attached.

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: The present invention relates to an evaporator for respirators, including a storage tank for a liquid, a gas intake flange and a gas outlet flange as well as an apparatus for heating the liquid, which is formed such that it can heat a small portion of the liquid and inject the formed vapor into the gas to be humidified, with the gas to be enriched with the liquid being passed through the upper part of the storage tank over the surface of the liquid, which may be located in the lower part of the storage tank, so as to provide a simple evaporator for respirators having a low consumption of energy. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of evaporating liquids.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: This invention relates to respiratory humidifiers and heated breathing conduits used to couple a patient to the humidifier. A conduit overheating detection system for a conduit having heating wire or element is disclosed. The overheating detection system may be utilized with a in a single limb conduit system or dual limb system. In each of these systems the conduit overheating detection system monitors the current in the heating element(s) and alters the power to the heating element(s) to prevent the occurrence the heating element(s) and/or conduit from overheating.

Abstract: An aerosol is formed by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage such that the material volatizes and expands out of an open end of the flow passage. The volatized material combines with ambient air such that volatized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosol are disclosed wherein the apparatus may include an electrically conductive sleeve at an open end of the flow passage, an electrically conductive flow passage and/or a spacer chamber. The volatilized material may contain a volatilized solute and vehicle such that the resulting aerosol particle sizes of the solute and the vehicle are either different or the same.

Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapy device for the specifically local treatment and curing of colds in the region of the nose, frontal sinus and throat area in human beings. The external appearance of the therapy device can resemble that of a common hair dryer or face sauna, but the therapy device also contains a means for reducing or suppressing HF radiation (electrosmog) which is normally emitted towards the external environment. According to the invention, a body made of crystallized salt, especially from a natural source, resulting in negative ionization of the heated air flow, is arranged in the region of the heated air flow prior to the exit thereof from the small, handy device. The body is cross-flown by the heated air flow or is at least touched thereby. The treatment of colds with the aid of said therapy device is based on the fact that cold viruses, i.e., primarily rhino viruses and corona viruses, can be eliminated by active treatment with a heated air flow.

Abstract: A first and second housing is joined together by a middle housing rotatable with respect to the first and second housing. The first and second housings have conduits passing through exterior walls and an annular ring on an inside wall together with an annular interior edge rotatably joined to first and second side rim channels of the middle housing. A heat-moisture exchanger material having an annular opening through which a tube passes is mounted within the middle housing so that in a first rotatable position air and moisture passes through the first and second housing conduits directly and in a second rotatable position must pass through the heat-moisture exchange material.

Abstract: A protection circuit, configured to detect and suppress electrical pre-arcing and arcing conditions in a resistive heater wire circuit, comprises a transient voltage suppressor, signal level sensing load coupled to the output of the voltage suppressor, detection and control circuitry, and a high-speed switch or electrical gate. The control circuitry is configured to control the operation of the switch, coupled between said control circuitry and the heater wire, wherein the switch is opened in response to an electrical pre-arcing or arcing condition or a short circuit condition.

Abstract: A humidification apparatus for humidifying a gas flow to be supplied to a patient or other person in need of such gas is provided. A first temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at an outlet of a humidification chamber and a second temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at the patient end of the conduit. A display is provided for display of temperature information to a user. A controller or processor is configured or programmed to receive input from the temperature sensors and to output a signal to the display to cause a temperature to be displayed to the user which is the lower of the temperature sensed by temperature sensors.

Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosols include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. In some embodiments, the liquid aerosol formulation is propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by passing liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor, which is mixed with air to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, particles of the aerosol consist essentially of the second component. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler. The aerosol can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.

Abstract: A humidifier having a heat-generating composition for generating steam is disclosed. The humidifier is permitted to fit the face, keeping the humidity high at a space between the face and the humidifier for many hours. A central non heat-generating belt, which functions as a flexible belt, is provided between inner heat-generating regions containing heat-generating composition. Lateral non heat-generating belts, which function as a flexible belt, are provided between the inner heat-generating regions and outer heat-generating regions. The humidifier fits the face by deforming the flexible belts. Thus, the face is kept moisturized by steam discharged from the inner heat-generating regions and the outer heat-generating regions.

Abstract: An adjustable air conditioning and regulation apparatus for human respiratory system includes an air treatment assembly and a host controlling assembly. The air treatment assembly has an air filter, a humidity control, a heating device for temperature control and a pressure control. The air filter removes the particles and smells from the air. The clean air is regulated by the controls that maintain the clean air at a desired level of temperature, pressure and humidity. The apparatus provides clean, fresh and comfortable air for the patients with compromised respiratory system.

Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier system for a patient includes a replaceable, closed water reservoir (1) with stable pressure, provided for receiving a water reserve for the breathing gas humidifier system. An intermediate storage unit (4) with water is closed from the environment and is located under the water reservoir. The water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) have a valve (16, 14) each, with one of the valves cooperating with the other valve, so that there is a flow connection between the water reservoir (1) and the intermediate storage unit (4) only when the water reservoir (1) is received in a connector (2) of the intermediate storage unit (4). The intermediate storage unit (4) is connected via a water connection line (5) located below the water level to a heated evaporator chamber (7), which opens above the water evaporating at the boiling point into the breathing gas line to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances.

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: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit that includes a housing having a fibrous media in the housing that is designed to absorb and retain moisture and heat from exhaled air passing through the housing. The HME unit is designed to transfer the moisture and heat to inhaled air passing through the HME unit. The HME unit has an internal bypass in the housing to enable air to pass through the heat HME unit without passing through the fibrous media. The present invention also provides a breathing circuit that includes a medication bypass HME unit, a medication treatment device and a ventilator that is connected in a closed system.

Abstract: A device for passive humidification of tracheostomized or intubated patients, comprising an outer body which forms an opening for connection to the patient and is connected to at least one seat of a filtering element which is connected to the outside, the device further comprising, on the outer body, a coupling for connection to at least one oxygen delivery duct which ends proximate to the outer part of the filtering element.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for collecting liquid from exhalation gas from a patient. The device includes a first pipe conduit (5, 8) for the supply of inhalation gas to the patient, a second pipe conduit (6, 9) for the removal of exhalation gas from the patient and a container device (1) for collecting liquid from the exhalation gas. The container device includes a first space (2), which forms a portion of the first pipe conduit (5, 8) and through which the inhalation gas thus flows, and a second space (3), which forms a portion of the second pipe conduit (6, 9) and through which the exhalation gas thus flows. The second space (3) is arranged to receive the collected liquid. The first space (2) is separated from the second space (3) by means of a wall member (4), which has a good thermal conductivity and permits transfer of heat from the exhalation gas to the inhalation gas.

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.