Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.

Abstract: A system and method for storage and delivery of a cryogenic mixed gas is disclosed, the storage apparatus including a compact and lightweight dewar for containing cryogenic temperature mixed gas at supercritical pressure. Different heat exchangers associated with the dewar provide for heat input to the dewar to maintain gas therein in a single phase and provide continued expulsion energy. A backpack receives the dewar and includes means for quick connect of the dewar with an end use outlet, intermediate heat exchangers in the backpack conditioning the mixed gas for end use. No electrical input for fluid circulation is required.

Abstract: A method and system for breathing gas heat exchange for use with an underwater pressurized gas source connected to a breathing apparatus comprising a length of tubing sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of expanding gas from the pressurized source to the breathing apparatus in order to substantially increase the temperature of the expanding gas. The tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly unenclosed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which the method and system is used.

Abstract: A catalytic heater supplies heated water that circulates to heat a diver's suit. An insulating housing closed at opposite ends by cap members defines a chamber containing a catalyst inside of a multi-tube heat exchanger. Fittings in the cap members pass water through the multi-tube heat exchanger to and from the suit, and a gas circuit flows mixed hydrogen and oxygen to the catalyst that reacts with the mixed hydrogen and oxygen to produce heat that heats the water in the multi-tube heat exchanger for the diving suit. Optionally, hydrogen may be mixed with oxygen from a breathing gas mixture so that after heating the water, the gases remaining may be breathed by the diver. The catalytic heater provides a safe, reliable source of warm water for active thermal protection of divers over a wide range of diving applications.

Abstract: A gases transportation pathway for use in supplying a humidified gases stream to a patient includes regulated conduit heating. The regulated conduit heating may include a section of positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localized electrical resistance of the material is positively related to the localized temperature. The regulated conduit heating may be a layer of positive temperature coefficient material within the wall of the gases transportation pathway with at least a pair of conductors running the length of the pathway and in electrically conductive contact with the positive temperature coefficient material.

Abstract: The Invention relates to method as well as a sensor device with a sensor element for detection of gases and vapors in air. The sensor element is preferably a heated metal oxide sensor with heating structure and gas sensitive layer, wherein the temperature of the gas sensitive layer can be maintained constant by way of a heating structure and an automatic control device. The sensor element is disposed in a heat in a preferably heat insulating casing for protecting against air flows, wherein the gas can penetrate into the casing through a gas permeable diffusion layer. The resistance of the heating structure, which is a measure for the temperature of the gas sensitive layer, is employed as a temperature reference for the automatic control according to the present Invention method. The temperature of the sensor element is purposefully influenced by adding further interference values to the automatic control value ‘sensor temperature’.

Abstract: A fault protection circuit for a respiratory conduit heater element in a respirator humidification system is disclosed. The circuit includes a spark detector as well as overcurrent detector. Several variations are included for the spark detector including a two winding transformer, a centre tapped two winding transformer), and a high pass filtered inductor. A semiconductor switching configuration is also disclosed. Once the protection circuit detects a change in current over a certain level, or the average level raises above a threshold, then the current in the heater element is interrupted for a preset period.

Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

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 system for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the interior chamber of a respirator is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a body configured to conform to the face of a user and form an interior chamber defined by the respirator body and the face of the user. The system includes a sight region in the upper portion of the body through which the user can see. A thermoelectric module having a first temperature plate and a second temperature plate is interposed in the lower portion of the body so that the first temperature plate contacts the interior chamber and the second temperature plate contacts the external environment. A power source provides DC current to the thermoelectric module causing a temperature differential between the first temperature plate and the second temperature plate. Preferably, the plates of the thermoelectric module include heat exchangers and fans for maximizing the efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: An improved, compact and low-maintenance respiration humidifier of a simple design is proposed, which has an outer jacket with a water feed as well as a breathing gas feed line and breathing gas drain line and contains a bundle of hydrophobic hollow fibers. The breathing gas feed line and the breathing gas drain line are in a gas flow connection with the interior of the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers preferably include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and have structure for electrical heating on their outer, water-side circumferential surface.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus is provided including a liquid ventilator. The primary components of the apparatus include a ventilator, control valve, and chiller/oxygenator. The invention utilizes a closed loop circulation of a breathable liquid to provide liquid ventilation and pulmonary cooling. The ventilator is a dual-chambered device which may be hand or machine actuated. A dual compression force is applied to the ventilator which induces a patient's inspiration of oxygenated and cooled liquid from an inspiration chamber, and simultaneously induces transfer of oxygen depleted, heated liquid into the oxygenator/chiller from an expiration chamber. Upon release of the compression force, the ventilator returns to its normally open or uncompressed state inducing evacuation of the liquid from the patient's lungs into the expiration chamber and flow of re-oxygenated and chilled liquid into the inspiration chamber of the ventilator, thus readying the ventilator for the next inspiration phase.

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 anaesthetic 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 breathing circuit component includes an inlet, an outlet and an enclosing wall. The enclosing wall defines a gases passageway between the inlet and the outlet. At least a region of the enclosing wall is formed from a breathable material that allows the passage of water vapor without allowing the passage of liquid water or respiratory gases. The breathing circuit component may be the expiratory limb of a breathing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating an aerosol of an exact dose for inhalation purposes. The inventive apparatus provides a temperature sensor 100 and/or a humidity sensor 200 in order to measure the ambient temperature of the system or the humidity of the air drawn in by the compressor 21. The sensors are preferably arranged adjacently between the outlet of a drying stage 25 and a dispersing nozzle 3. The maximum amount of a medicament that can be absorbed by a predetermined air volume can be determined (detected) by such determination of temperature and humidity. On the basis of this determination result, the supply of the appropriate amount of the medicament-containing liquid is controlled by a control means 5.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger including a gas-permeable element, preferably a fibrous media, adapted to be warmed and to trap moisture from a patient's breath during exhalation and to be cooled and to release the trapped moisture for return to the patient during inspiration to effectively conserve the humidity and body heat of the patient's respiratory tract, wherein the media comprises a hydrophilic nylon polymer. The gas-permeable element can be formed entirely of monocomponent fibers of the hydrophilic nylon polymer or, preferably, fibers comprising at least a sheath of the hydrophilic nylon polymer can be bonded at their points of contact by a bonding agent, such as a polyester.

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: A portable apparatus for domiciliary and ambulatory oxygen therapy intended for people suffering from respiratory insufficiencies and treated by administering gaseous oxygen so as to correct the gas contents in their blood, in particular the carbon dioxide and oxygen contents. The system includes an air compression device; a concentrator device allowing gaseous oxygen having a purity of 50 to 99% to be produced; an oxygen liquefaction device; an accumulation and storage device for the oxygen liquefied by the liquefaction device; a liquefied-oxygen warming and vaporizing device; and a gas transport section for conveying the oxygen warmed and vaporized by the warming/vaporizing device to a gas delivery interface connected to the upper airways of a user.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal catheter provides direct pharyngeal delivery of high flows of humidified air, oxygen, helium, or other gases to supplement ventilation of a spontaneously breathing patient. For example, flow rates in the range of approximately 4 to 40 liters per minute can be employed. The flow passes through a heater that maintains a desired temperature, and a humidifier that maintains a desired relative humidity. The present invention includes a nasal catheter that can be cut to a desired length and removably attached to a horizontal delivery tube. Gas can be supplied through oxygen connections at either end of the horizontal delivery tube.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation is described. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the size of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the size 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: The present invention is directed to a method for changing the body temperature of a patient by having them hyperventilate a gas mixture containing sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen. The method may be applied to cool patients in any clinical situation where induced hypothermia is desirable or to rapidly rewarm hypothermic patients. The invention also includes the gas mixtures used in the method.

Abstract: A ventilation system supplies a gas mixture that is humidified and heated through a proportional valve which is a fail closed and normally closed servo control valve positioned proximate a patient. The proportional valve is operated by a controller that regulates the pressure and the mode (e.g., high frequency, normal respiration, combinations) gas is delivered to the patient through a nozzle connected to the endotracheal tube. The nozzle has an exhaust connected to it and a pressure sensor through a pressure sensing port. The exhaust is a capped corrugated tube that is heated and perforated to allow air to escape, to muffle gas and respiration noises, and to trap moisture.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation is described. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the size of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the size 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: A vaporizer for vaporizing liquid anesthetic has a chamber for liquid anesthetic, a gas flow passage, a throttle in the gas flow passage, a first connection between the chamber and the gas flow passage upstream from the throttle and a second connection between the chamber and the gas flow passage downstream from the throttle. The vaporizer is more accurate and usable with different liquid anesthetics by having an outlet valve arranged by an outlet in the vaporizer, this outlet valve being regulated by the pressure upstream from the throttle.

Abstract: A patient adapter for being connected to gas tubing in a ventilator circuit comprises of an inspiratory and an expiratory pipe, the latter having an internal diameter at least about 20% greater than the diameter of the inspiratory pipe. The invention also includes a respirator circuit in which an expiratory limb has an internal diameter at least about 20% greater than the diameter than the inspiratory tubing limb.

Abstract: A thermal exchange breathing device is provided which include a heat exchange module 14 which is mounted in a face mask (12) with an air flow passage extending from a mouthpiece (72) through a breathing vent (64) to an atmospheric vent (68) through a heat exchange medium (68) in the heat exchange module. The face mask (12) is provided with a head strap (22,94) which may include connectors (95 and 95′) between the respective ends of the head strap and the sides of the face mask, said connectors including a stand-off (97) to keep the face mask snug against the user's face when the user wears a helmet.