Abstract: A device for admixing liquid anesthetics into the respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient makes it possible to monitor the concentration, the flow of respiratory gas, the mixture ratio, and the flow of anesthetic. Errors may thus be indicated and safety is increased in medical practice. The device utilizes the phenomonen that during the evaporation of an anesthetic admixed with the respiratory gas, the temperature in the thermally insulated ambience of the mixing chamber drops by an amount depending on the ratio of the vaporized anesthetic to the respiratory gas, thus on the concentration. The temperatures are measured at the inlet of the mixing chamber by an inlet sensor and an intermediate sensor, and at the outlet of the mixing chamber by an outlet sensor.

Abstract: A vapor inhalation device includes a container for medicated liquid to be vaporized and a cover situated over the container which communicates with a breathing mask which is positionable over the mouth and/or nose of the user. An insert having discharge openings and an atomizing device is arranged such that the vaporization rate of the medicated liquid in the container is enhanced through the introduction of a gaseous medium under pressure.

Abstract: A device for delivering humidified air at a specific optimal temperature to the nose and throat via a breathing tube and face mask for purpose stated in title; air is simultaneously heated and humidified by being bubbled thru water raised to a specific temperature by a resistance-type heating element controlled by a thermostat. Intake and exhaust valves in the face mask control direction of air flow, and an adjustable air intake tube is provided to facilitate inspiration for those with compromised lung function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for humidifying gases, suitable for use in conjunction with a high frequency positive pressure ventilation (HFPPV) respiratory system, includes a nebulizing chamber 11 arranged to receive a pulsed gas flow from an oscillating valve 5 and a liquid reservoir 15 communicating with the chamber 11 such that in use liquid from the reservoir 15 passes into the chamber and is entrained in droplet form by the gas flow. A pump 20 is intermittently operable to introduce a predetermined quantity of liquid into the reservoir 15, and control means 6 of the apparatus are adapted to maintain the valve 5 in its closed condition during operation of the pump 20.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vapor generator for generating a supply of a gas bearing vapors of a compound at a desired concentration. Also disclosed is a method for generating a supply of gas bearing vapors of said compound which process utilizes the vapor generator disclosed herein. The supply of gas bearing vapors can be generated on demand at a desired constant delivery pressure. The generator comprises a gas line for conveying pressurized gas from a source thereof through first pressure regulating means to a vessel; said vessel for retaining a reservoir of said compound in its liquid phase and having headspace thereabove, said vessel being insulated and having heating means to maintain said liquid and said headspace at a desired temperature. The gas line extends into the vessel to a position within the reservoir of liquid and there is terminated with gas distributor means.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an aerosol is provided which includes an atomizing chamber, an aerating wheel and an annular bacteria filter each of which must be sterilized in an autoclave or sterilizer, connected into a modular unit and releasably disposed of through a plug connection on the outer side of the housing. The air supply openings formed in the wall of the aerating wheel chamber, which serve to establish communication between the annular filter chamber and the aerating wheel chamber, may be reduced in a stepless manner by a slidable closure ring. By this regulation of the air supply, the mechanism can also be used for respiration.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing volatile substances which includes a housing, and at least one piezoelectric blower. Each blower includes a piezoelectric element having a first end mounted to the housing and a second end free, and a generally planar impeller blade connected to the free end of the piezoelectric element and having its distal end unconstrained by the housing. A frame is attached to, or provided as an integral part of, the housing and is located in proximity to the distal end of the blade. The frame is adapted to detachably mount a replaceable substrate cartridge containing a volatile substance. In use, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element for oscillating its free end perpendicular to its plane at or close to resonance and propagating a traveling wave along each blade to generate and shed vortices at the distal end of the blade which contact the substrate cartridge, thereby dispensing the volatile substance to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A nebulizer jet (10) having complementary portions (12 and 14) molded as a single part and joined by an integral hinge (16) for ease and precision of assembly. When the complementary portions are folded together about the hinge, they form a nebulizer chamber (22) with a jet inlet port (32), a liquid inlet tube (36), and an outlet port (34). A fractionating ball (40) is also molded integrally with the nebulizer jet, and is folded about another integral hinge (44) and secured in an operative position adjacent to the outlet port.

Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for reproducing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular wall heater. The metal tubular body has a rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The top end portions is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube and a separate transverse gas delivery tube, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidified liquid each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of this cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lie closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge cylindrical metal body which insures as a evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with two evaporators comprises first and second anesthetic evaporators each having a respective rotatable first and second side-by-side opening valve disc with a radially extending opening therein with an arm located between the disc which has a transverse bore therethrough. The cylindrical latch is slidable in the bore and has an accommodation recess adjacent each of its ends at aligned diametrical locations. A control pin is carried by each of the discs and enters into the opening at one diametrical location and is of a size to be accommodated within the accommodation recess of the latch when the pin and the opening are properly aligned with the accommodation recess of the latch. The latch is positionable in the opening of either selected disc with the pin accommodated within the accommodation recess in a position at which its opposite end frees the other disc for rotation for opening its associated evaporator.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for admixing anesthetic with respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient, which comprises a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving the liquid anesthesia and the respiratory gas, and an outlet for supplying the mixture. A feed line is provided in the inlet for the liquid anesthesia, with a heat exchanger for equalizing the inlet temperatures of the anesthesia and respiratory gas. Temperature sensors are provided in the inlet and the outlets with a circuit for determining the difference between the temperatures. Without heating of the chamber this difference is proportional to a ratio between the evaporated anesthetic and respiratory gas. With the chamber heated to equate the inlet and outlet temperatures, the amount of heating is proportional to the flow of anesthetic to the chamber.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer comprises an ultrasonic vibrator, a liquid supply chamber, and a liquid absorber for absorbing liquid from the liquid supply chamber and feeding it to the ultrasonic vibrator. The liquid absorber abuts against the lateral side of the utmost end of the ultrasonic vibrator in the vibration direction thereof and projects at the front surface thereof ahead of the utmost end of the ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for admixing anesthetic with respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient, which comprises a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving the liquid anesthesia and the respiratory gas, and an outlet for supplying the mixture. A feed line is provided in the inlet for the liquid anesthesia, with a heat exchanger for equalizing the inlet temperatures of the anesthesia and respiratory gas. Temperature sensors are provided in the inlet and the outlets with a circuit for determining the difference between the temperatures. Without heating of the chamber this difference is proportional to a ratio between the evaporated anesthetic and respiratory gas. With the chamber heated to equate the inlet and outlet temperatures, the amount of heating is proportional to the flow of anesthetic to the chamber.

Abstract: A closure system for a non-refillable container is provided. In the system, an internally threaded cap is carried in threaded cooperation on the neck of the container. Removal of the cap from a capped container is prevented through a combination of locking lugs and camming ramps having end stops. Locking lugs can be either on the cap or on the container neck with corresponding camming ramps located, respectively, on either the container neck or the cap. The locking lugs radially flex over the camming ramps as the cap is screwed onto the neck and radially snap back when out of camming relation with the camming ramp. Removal of the cap is prevented by contact of the locking lugs with the end stops of the camming ramps when the cap is attempted to be removed.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier having a float operated relief mechanism that is normally air tight, and will release excess water from the humidifier, should the water inlet valve malfunction, to preclude liquid water from getting into the stream of air being humidified.

Abstract: The apparatus is self-contained for carriage in a pocket or handbag and comprises a nebulizing chamber 12 from which tangentially extends an outlet tube 14 leading to a perpendicular head 15 provided with a mouthpiece 16. The chamber is cylindrical and houses a rotatable disc 25. An adjustable inlet 30 is provided in the chamber and material to be nebulized is introduced to the chamber 12. The disc 25 is driven by a battery and electric motor in the casing 29 and both draws air in through the inlet and breaks up the material in the casing to nebulize it. Baffles 40, 41 control the size of particles expelled and a damping connection 44 reduces unpleasantness to the user from vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for saturating a gas with the vapor of a liquid is formed by two chambers. In the first chamber the gas is passed through the liquid which has a higher temperature than the temperature at which the gas must ultimately have been saturated on leaving the apparatus. Thereafter, the gas is passed into a second chamber. The liquid in said chamber has the temperature at which the gas must be saturated.

Abstract: An anaesthetic vaporizer of the by-pass type has a sump 7 with an outlet flow path comprising a first run 27 leading upwardly, a second run 30 leading downwardly and a third run 32 leading upwardly again. A duct 23 connects the lower end of the run 30 with the lower part of the sump and in normal operation is sealed by the sump liquid. However, if the vaporizer is displaced such that the liquid flows from the sump into runs 27 or 30 of the outlet flow path the liquid inevitably drains from the duct 23. A flow path for inflowing gas is thereby opened directly to the downstream end of the run 30, preventing the over-administration of vapor from the device and removing any danger of liquid anaesthetic being blown through the device from the runs 27 and 30.

Abstract: In a system for delivering vapor from a container partially filled with liquid to be vaporized by bubbling a carrier gas therethrough, the flow of the vapor is precisely regulated by a controller so as to provide a uniform mass flow rate of vapor. The controller is programmed to receive signals representing the sensing of the total gaseous pressure, temperature and liquid level in the container and to use the signals in a computation according to the following formula:m*=AF.sub.c (1+B.DELTA.T-C.DELTA.P-DF.sub.c +E.DELTA.L)whereinm*=Approximate vapor mass flowF.sub.c =Carrier gas mass flow.DELTA.T=Temperature variation from nominal (T-T.sub.o).DELTA.P=Pressure variation from nominal=(P-P.sub.o).DELTA.L=Charge in liquid level=-.intg.m*dtA,B and C=Positive constants computed for each chemical and nominal operating conditions; andD and E=Positive or negative constants computed for each chemical and nominal operating conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed battery-powered vapor dispensing apparatus has a housing with an access opening, an air intake port, an air discharge port, and means for supporting a vaporizable product in a path between the intake and discharge ports. A structurally-integrated mechanism for creating air flow along the path, assembles as a unit with the housing. The mechanism includes a chassis and an electric motor having electrical contact lugs on one end and a shaft supporting a fan projecting from the other. The chassis comprises a base, means for mounting the motor, a battery compartment, and means for mounting two resilient wire connectors such that one portion of each is resiliently urged against a lug of the motor and a second portion of each is resiliently urged against a battery terminal.

Abstract: A linear, annular flow nebulizer for use in inhalation therapy comprising a shell having walls with an ambient air intake in one of the walls; a nebulizer conduit having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal fluid passageway, the proximal end communicating with a gas source and the distal end inwardly tapering to define a nozzle which penetrates a wall of the shell; and, a nebulizer cup having a bottom end mounted within the interior space of the shell, the bottom of the cup having a well surrounding a dispensing port spaced from and in alignment with the nozzle, the well permitting the angular confluence of a liquid stream into a gas stream to produce an aerosol.

Abstract: A humidifier-injector for use with a jet ventilator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steam generator for evaporating from a vaporizing portion (17) thereof a liquid (12) sucked up by means of a liquid sucking-up member (10) to provide a steam generator which is capable of vaporizing a liquid efficiently in a short time by application of heat from a heating unit (13) and air fed from a fan (15).

Abstract: An evaporative dispenser is disclosed for emitting a vaporized material into the ambient. A battery powered, motor-driven fan forces air through the dispenser housing and across a material reservoir to evaporate and entrain material therein prior to being discharged from the housing. A supply container is supported directly on a reservoir lid and comprises structure which cooperates with the housing to direct the air flow across the reservoir. The supply container also comprises a battery nesting recess which affords compact packaging of the components within the housing. A transparent viewing window is provided for easy viewing of the level of material in the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for precisely controlling the mass flow rate of vapor from a bubbler by a carrier gas stream.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a fluid desired to be introduced into the air by forcibly moving air over the surfaces of an absorptive material which has been impregnated with the fluid desired to be distributed. The device comprises a housing adapted to be attached to a wall or other surface and utilizes a liquid material contained within a hollow container which is so positioned within the housing that the liquid flows into a cup-like member within which a layer of the absorptive material is disposed. The cup-like member includes at least one opening over which air is caused to pass and thereby evaporate the liquid from the absorptive material. A battery powered fan is so positioned as to cause the air to flow past the opening in the cup member and thereby evaporate some of the vaporizable fluid. The entire assembly is contained within a housing which has an air inlet and an air plus vapor outlet, and includes means for properly positioning the several elements in the proper relationship.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an airway humidifier for directly humidifying the air flow requirement of a respiratory tract during the inspiration phase of a breathing cycle is provided, which comprises a nest of relatively large bore, thin wall air transmitting elongated hollow fibers terminating at an output end that is adapted to communicate the merged flow through a tube to the respiratory tract, a water chamber surrounding said fibers and having sufficient rigidity to resist collapse when subjected to negative operational water pressure, a water source for water heated to about 105.degree. F. (40.degree. C.) and a water pump connected to said chamber and said source and adapted to maintain said chamber filled with water under negative pressure, said fibers having an internal diameter of the order of 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air freshening device comprising an upright housing including, adjacent the bottom thereof, an air inlet and, adjacent the top thereof, an air discharge, a fan in said housing intermediate the air inlet and the air discharge means for causing air flow through the housing, a filter, structure for removably supporting the filter in the housing intermediate the air inlet and the fan in the path of the totality of the air flow through the housing, a sleeve assembly within the housing for introducing into the air flow downstream of the filter a substance to be dispensed, which sleeve assembly is operable to releasably support the filter and includes relatively rotatable inner and outer sleeves, one of the sleeves defining an interior chamber, openings in the sleeves for affording valved access to the interior chamber in response to relative rotation between the sleeves, a coupling for releasably connecting the sleeve assembly and the housing, and a package of the substance to be dispensed lo

Abstract: In an apparatus which produces and delivers water vapor upon the skin of an animate subject for dermatological purposes, circuitry monitors the fluid level of a heated container and disables the heating element thereof. When the water level drops, resistance in a temperature sensitive device drops disabling voltage to the heating element via the control circuitry. The control circuit cuts off power to the heating element and is capable of producing a warning signal. Also provided in combination therewith are a vapor ionizer and means utilizing capacitive discharge technology for stepping up voltage to a vapor ionizing electrode coil member.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a stream of heated humidified air to the nasal mucosa for treatment of the common cold or allergic rhinitis comprising a container adapted to contain water, apparatus for producing a supply of air under pressure, pressurizing apparatus for applying at least a part of the supply of air under pressure to the container for causing a pressurized flow of water to issue therefrom, a remote outlet member receiving at least a portion of the supply of air under pressure and the pressurized flow of water from the pressurizing apparatus and the producing apparatus via a flexible conduit, the outlet member comprising apparatus for heating at least a portion of the supply of air and apparatus for supplying the pressurized flow of water to the supply of air after heating thereof for providing a humidified heated stream of air.

Abstract: An improved Y-fitting for the patient system of a respirator includes a membrane humidifier received therein and accommodating an exchangeable element including hollow filaments to which breathing air is directed and which are externally charged with water circulating therearound.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying gas with a liquid has a cavity defined by top, bottom, and side walls. An interior wall is attached to the side wall and defines a first and second cavity within the enclosed cavity. At least a first opening adjacent the bottom wall and at least a second opening adjacent the top wall extend through the interior wall to provide fluid flow communication between the first and second cavities. An enclosed conduit for the introduction of a gas to be humidified is secured to the side wall. The enclosed conduit has a closed end and an opening adjacent the closed end, which opening extends through the side wall of the humidifier adjacent the bottom wall and opens into the first cavity. The opening through the side wall provides for the formation of bubbles of a gas which are introduced into the humidifier through the enclosed conduit. An opening is provided through the top wall of the humidifier for exhausting the humidified gas from the humidifier.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replinishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy to the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the cartridge module. The cartridge module is separated in two compartments by means of a metallic disc positioned horizontally in the approximate center thereof and having a tube extending above and below the disc. Water is drawn from the water supply through the tube and into the mixing chamber located above the disc in the cartridge module. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with connections to a source of oxygen or air which terminates above the top of the tubing extending through the disc. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a temporary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally above the disc which serves as an evaporating surface.

Abstract: A humidifier and heater for air to be inhaled for connection to an inhalation conduit of a respirator comprises a housing having a bundle of vapor permeable fiber tubes which have evaporation fiber wall surfaces extending therethrough. A packing is arranged adjacent each end of the housing in said tubes and seals the space in the housing around the tubes between the packing. The tubes in the interior of the housing in the space have a coating on their exteriors of at least either copper or silver. Warm water is circulated into the housing in the space around the tubes and the inhalation air is directed through the tubes or vice versa.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in liquid level sensing apparatus having a liquid replenishment line so that as liquid is expended more may be added to keep the liquid at a desired predetermined level. The apparatus is contemplated for use in the humidification of gases, particularly for the administration of oxygen and the like to a patient.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an improved method and apparatus for humidifying medical gases. The apparatus improved is of the type which comprises a portable housing enclosing a water reservoir, a gas chamber, gas inlet and outlet conduits to carry the gas through the water reservoir and gas chamber. The improvement comprises an audible pressure relief valve in association with the gas chamber. When a predetermined pressure within the gas chamber has been exceeded, the pressure relief valve opens to relieve the excess pressure and to simultaneously warn the operator than the predetermined pressure level has been exceeded. The alerted operator may then check to determine if there has been a malfunction in the apparatus or ancillary apparatus.

Abstract: Inhalator, including a housing having a space formed therein which is accessible from outside the housing, a first fluid container having a pump and a second fluid container without a pump being selectably placeable in the space for emitting fluid, an atomizing element for receiving fluid emitted from the containers, a manually operable actuating element being slideable through a given region for turning the atomizing element on and off and for driving the pump of the first fluid container, and a fixed receptacle for selectably holding the first fluid container so it extends into the given region and for holding the second fluid container out of the given region.

Abstract: The humidity exchanger for a breathing apparatus and a conduit for the passage of inspiration and expiration air comprises a housing having an opening at each end and with a bundle of fiber tubules extending longitudinally through the housing and embedded at respective ends in packing so as to define a space within the housing around the tubes. Inspiration air is directed upwardly through the tubes past a non-return valve and out through a fitting which also forms a passage for the expiration air. The fitting also extends in communication with an inlet for the tube chamber, the space in the housing around the tubes and between the packing. An outlet is also provided for the chamber around the tubes which extends out to atmosphere.

Abstract: A humidity exchanger for a breathing apparatus includes an outer housing having one end with an opening for the passage of inspiration and expiration air therethrough and an opposite end into which is fitted a separate inner housing. The inner housing carries a first tube bundle of fibrous tubules defining passages therethrough for the passage of either inspiration or expiration air. This passage contains spaced apart packings through which the tubules extend and spaced between the packings defines a heat exchange space around the tubules. Construction includes an inner tube or conduit centrally of the bundle with a passage of heat of the inspiration or the expiration air into the space surrounding the tubules within the inner housing. The inner housing leads into a front space of the outer housing through a conduit connected to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of generating a vapor stream is disclosed which comprises the steps of providing a jet of electrostatically chargeable liquid particles and electrostatically controlling the jet so as to meter some of the liquid particles into a vaporizer for a period of time sufficient to become vaporized.

Abstract: An interlock device for a pair of vaporizers of an anesthesia machine. Each vaporizer includes a rotary dial for establishing the vapor concentration provided. The interlock device insures that one vaporizer is closed whenever the other is open and comprises a pair of reciprocable pins and a cooperating pivotable lever. Each pin is arranged to be extended into a cam recess in the vaporizer dial by the pivoting action of the lever. Rotation of one dial automatically causes the pin located therein to move out of the cam recess and into contact with the lever. This action pivots the lever and causes it to contact the other pin to extend the other pin into the recess in the associated vaporizer dial, thereby locking the dial closed.

Abstract: A humidifier for gases, for example for medical administration, may be adapted for insertion into a well of a heater for warming liquid in the humidifier. A seamless metal can defines a cylindrical wall and a closed bottom end, containing wick means for absorbing water and presenting it in dispersed form to gases flowing through the can. Transparent probe means extend into the can and serve as a liquid level control for preferably automatically controlling the liquid level in the can to be maintained in the lower one third of the can.

Abstract: Liquid atomizer having a vibration generator for generating vibrations, an atomizer element receiving the vibrations, and a container with liquid to be atomized. Liquid is transported solely and directly from the container to the atomizer element by a wick of elastically resilient material in contact with liquid in the container and at a point remote from the liquid in the container, mechanically coupled to the atomizer element by disposing the wick against the atomizer element. A tube may surround the wick until almost to the coupling point.

Abstract: A superior room air freshener is disclosed having a short distance of travel from point of entry to egress for the delivery of a volatile liquid refreshener. The device is battery operated and can be wall mounted or displayed on a table.

Abstract: Atomizer for fluid, including an atomizer housing, a unitary fluid container removably inserted in the housing, an atomizing element activatable by ultrasonic flexural vibrations being disposed in the housing, means integral with the fluid container for transporting the fluid from the fluid container to the atomizing element, and manually activatable means for operating the transporting means and atomizing element.

Abstract: An evaporative dispenser is disclosed for emitting a vaporized material into the ambient. A battery powered, motor driven fan forces air through the dispenser housing and across a material reservoir to evaporate and entrain material therein prior to being discharged from the housing. A supply container is supported directly on a reservoir lid and comprises structure which cooperates with the housing to direct the air flow across the reservoir. The supply container also comprises a battery nesting recess which affords compact packaging of the components within the housing. A transparent viewing window is provided for easy viewing of the level of material in the reservoir.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a device for conditioning of heated breathing air for divers.Breathing air supplied from compressed air containers through pressure reducing valves is very cold and dry. Heating of breathing air makes the air even drier and, due to the low specific heat of air it cannot supply the diver with a substantial amount of heat.According to the invention the air is heated to above the body temperature of the diver and humidified to close to saturation. Upon inhalation the air temperature is lowered whereby some of the vapor will condense and give off its heat of evaporation. The device according to the invention contains air passages wherein the air is heated, humidified by means of wicks or a tube provided with a nozzle arranged in a Venturi portion connected to a water tank, and an air temperature regulating device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the delivery of vapor from a bubbler containing a supply of liquid through which a carrier gas is bubbled and from which bubbler vapor is delivered in a vapor stream entrained with the carrier gas. The method comprises the steps of sensing the ratio of vapor to carrier gas in the vapor stream and applying heat to the liquid within the bubbler at rates relative to the sensed ratios of vapor to carrier gas being delivered from the bubbler in a vapor stream to hold the ratio constant.A vapor delivery control system is also disclosed which comprises a vaporizer, a heater thermally coupled with the vaporizer, and means for maintaining a supply of liquid in the vaporizer.

Abstract: An improved technique is described for providing a mixture of a plurality gases to be used for diving and other applications. More specifically, the technique provides for the mixture of such gases as hydrogen and oxygen while decreasing the likelihood of explosion during mixing. In particular, hydrogen and oxygen bubbles are introduced into a column of liquid through needle injectors positioned in a region of turbulent liquid flow. The liquid flow is maintained such that the bubbles from the injectors are forced through a series of baffles which gradually decrease the turbulence as the gases mix by equilibriation. When hydrogen and oxygen are mixed, the hydrogen and oxygen are maintained at a ratio of 95:5 H.sub.2 -O.sub.2 such that the final concentration of gas is in the nonexplosive range. In addition, the fluid column confines any explosive mixture (produced by direct bubble contact) to the individual bubble volume enclosed by the liquid boundary.