Abstract: A nebulizer for use in connection with a lung ventilating system characterized in providing a dual stage atomization of medicament carrying liquid. A first stage develops an aerosol exhibiting an initial, relatively larger average liquid particle size which is introduced to a chamber at a given stagnation pressure. From that chamber, a second atomization is carried out by passing the gas entrained liquid particles through a knife edge orifice to produce a rapid expansion free-jet flow and consequent particle breakdown to achieve a desired particle size distribution.

Abstract: A nebulizer device for producing an aerosol spray via a flow of gas at varying oxygen concentrations is disclosed. The nebulizer device comprises a body defining an initial nebulization chamber, a subsequent baffling chamber and a venturi formed therebetween. Air intake ports are disposed on the body adjacent the nebulization chamber for providing the nebulization chamber with air in predetermined quantities. Regulating means are disposed about the nebulization chamber for regulating the flow of the air through the intake ports. An aerosol system for producing an aerosol of fine particles of liquid is located in the nebulization chamber upstream of the venturi such that the flow of the aerosol spray through the venturi encourages the atmospheric fluid to enter the device through the intake ports thereby diluting the aerosol. The venturi is located downstream of the intake ports and increases the flow rate of the atmospheric fluid through the intake ports.

Abstract: Liquid fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene, or naptha, is sprayed through a tube into a centrifugal blower. The fuel supply tube extends concentrically through a central collar on the blower casing at one axial side of the blower, and ambient air is supplied through this collar into the blower. Manually adjustable valves control the supply of liquid fuel and air, respectively. The blower casing has an outlet for vaporized fuel at the same side of the blower as the central collar. An electrical heating element on the casing keeps the fuel vaporized inside. An electric motor which drives the blower is bolted to the opposite side of the casing. A holder encircles the motor outside the blower casing, and a handle connects this holder to the casing. Support legs extend down from the blower casing and the motor holder.

Abstract: An improved respirator nebulizer for introducing a water and/or medication aerosol into a flow from a respirator to a patient's respiratory system. The present invention includes a manifold body, wherethrough is passed a demand respirator low pressure main flow to a patient, and includes ducting for passing a high pressure nebulizer flow from the repirator to break up liquid from and within a cup reservoir that is scoured from that reservoir into an aerosol and encapsulated into the main flow. The manifold body, its component elements and the cup reservoir are all preferably formed by conventional molding methods and equipment, with the manifold body and component assemblies intended to be disposable after short usage or, alternatively, can be constructed to be sterilized for additional usage, with cup reservoir intended to hold a pre-measured and mixed liquid and could be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: A refilling device incorporated into mechanical ventilator machines as used in medical systems wherein a funnel is incorporated into the molded cover of a humidifier chamber. A lower portion of the incorporated funnel when attached to the humidifier chamber, defines a high fluid level at its narrow cylindrical dimension while the upper, wide cone-like dimension is covered by being fitted with sealing filler cap.

Abstract: A mist generator for producing mists having uniformly fine particles which includes a housing having a base, a nozzle extending upwardly therefrom and a compressed gas inlet coupled to the nozzle and a cooperating structure disposed within the housing and engaging the nozzle, the cooperating structure having a plurality of successive chambers which function with the nozzle to aspirate a liquid retained in the base to form a mist and then effect agitation of the mist and, discharge it in a downward direction within the housing and an outlet on said housing for discharging the mist.

Abstract: A separator adapted for use as part of a fluid dispenser system for supplying inhalable fluids and including a liquid source, a gas source, nozzle means, and supporting structure positioned so that gas from the gas source is directed by the nozzle means to aspirate liquid from the liquid source and cooperate therewith to form a desired mixture of liquid and gas. The separator includes an inner member having a radial surface extending therefrom. An outer casing surrounds a portion of the inner member and the radial surface extends into engagement with the outer casing and forms a tortuous passageway between the inner member and the outer casing.

Abstract: A nebulizer device for use in a breathing circuit is disclosed. The device consists of a nebulization chamber in flow communication with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is configured to be coupled to a source of gas which is directed into the nebulization chamber. The gas outlet is configured to direct gas from the chamber to a patient connection. A uniquely configured siphon jet assembly for producing fine particles of liquid extends into the nebulization chamber and is movable into a plurality of positions. This permits the regulation of both the amount of liquid entrained by the gas as well as the size of the liquid particles formed.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a rectangular housing defining an air inlet chamber between the first partition and the top wall of the housing, a valved air inlet communicating with the air inlet chamber, a second partition defining an air outlet chamber between the second partition and the bottom wall of the housing and a central chamber between the first and second partitions, a valved air outlet communicating with the air outlet chamber, apertures in the first and second partitions for affording air flow from the air inlet chamber, at least one tray member, a support on the end walls for horizontally supporting the tray member in the central chamber and for facilitating at least partial withdrawal of the tray member, a holder on the tray member for removably holding a plurality of relatively thin rectangular envelopes which contain a substance to be dispensed and which are arranged in parallel vertical relation to each other to permit air flow past the envelopes from the air inlet chamber to the air outlet chamber

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid including a flexible container for storing liquid, a closure connected to the container, a cap rotatably connected to the closure having an orifice therein, a film-forming post connected to the closure with an orifice therein alignable with the orifice in the cap, a stem projecting upwardly from the closure for conveying liquid to the film-forming post, and a dip tube connected to the stem for conveying liquid from the container to the stem.

Abstract: A vaporizer for air treatment and the like producing vapors which can be renewed to provide effective operation for an extended period of time. The vaporizer comprises an hourglass-shaped container having a pair of adjacent chambers communicating by means of a restrictive orifice. Each chamber has an opening in the end covered by a porous membrane. The container contains a supply of particulate fluid-like carrier material carrying a volatile vapor-producing treating material. A part of the treating agent is transferred by the carrier material to the membrane for producing air treating vapors by volatilization or evaporation of the treating agent. Inversion of the container, mixes and redistributes the treating agent among the carrier vehicle particles and exposes a freshly loaded vapor producing membrane.

Abstract: A sterilizable evaporative humidifier for respiratory usage having a disposable absorbent evaporative element is disclosed. The humidifier provides humidification, low pressure drop and a very short warm-up period. Electronic controls are provided to ensure safe automatic operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid including a container for storing liquid, a closure connected to the container, a film-forming post connected to the closure having an orifice therein, a cap rotatably connected to the closure having an orifice alignable with the orifice in the film-forming post, a dip tube connected to the closure for conveying liquid from the container to the closure, the cap being adapted to selectively seal the orifice in the closure.

Abstract: A nebulizer to produce a finely dispersed aerosol from a solution passing over its surface comprises a chamber through which a gas, such as air, is adapted to be blown. The chamber has an outlet conduit, and mounted in the chamber facing the outlet conduit is an inclined upright bar formed with a longitudinal V-groove having a central gas exit port to which is connected a gas input delivery tube. A sample introduction tube is connected to the top end of the bar at said V-groove to admit sample solution thereto. The side walls of the V-groove below the gas exit port are lower in height than above the gas exit port to prevent aerosol droplets from settling on the walls and from interfering with the entry of the aerosol into the exit port. An impactor rod is adjustably mounted on the lower portion of the bar and is adjusted so that its top end is in front of the gas exit port.

Abstract: Improved nebulizing apparatus is disclosed for generating a heated liquid-dispensed-in-gas mist for administration to a patient undergoing aerosol therapy. The apparatus includes a novel fastening means for attaching a heater unit to the underside of a reservoir containing the liquid. The heater unit is easily attached and detached and yet enables good heat conductivity for heating the liquid within the interior of the reservoir. The bottom of the reservoir itself includes a concave heat conducting surface which, in operation, is in direct contact with the surface of the heater unit. The fastening means includes at least two draw clips which extend upwardly from the heater unit and which engage the reservoir to effect the desired fastening. By an adjustment of the draw clips with respect to the heater unit, the heat conducting surface of the reservoir can be forced out of its concavity to a flat, planar shape in good surface contact with the heater to enhance heat conductivity to liquid within the reservoir.

Abstract: A nebulizer for forming a liquid mist in a stream of gas. The nebulizing chamber carries a liquid suction conduit adapted to communicate with a supply of liquid below the nebulizing chamber. Accordingly, as suction is exerted on the nebulizing chamber, for example, by a patient breathing in, liquid is drawn upwardly into the nebulizing chamber through the suction conduit. When the liquid reaches a predetermined level it enters into the nebulizing apparatus of the device, with the result that nebulization only takes place at a predetermined minimum level of suction.

Abstract: A water vapor supply unit having a partition dividing a water tank into two compartments above a water line but allowing communication below the water line. A water level control in one compartment maintains the water level in both. One or more air inlet nozzles for each compartment are provided and are of angular form. They are side wall mounted for adjustment for regulation purposes. Each compartment has one or more vapor outlet fittings. A mount for a water level controller assures its proper disposition when mounted in place.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A primary venturi-type insert member is disposed uprightly within a vertical tubular portion of the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface. The aerosol containing oxygen is humidified by being further charged with evaporated water from the capillary absorption means. Suitable egress port means is provided to which a flexible tube is connected.

Abstract: A respiratory gas humidifier comprises a closed water reservoir having a water level therein which is maintained so that it does not vary beyond a great change in the height level. A guide nipple is mounted on the bottom of the reservoir and extends upwardly in the water and an inlet conduit extends into the top of the reservoir and overlies the guide nipple, but is spaced therefrom. A float is provided with a sleeve or hub portion which is guided on the guide nipple and the inlet conduit and includes a float portion which maintains the lower end of the hub portion below the level of the water in the reservoir. Respiratory gases are guided through the inlet conduit and to a space between the hub portion of the float and the guide nipple so that it always exits into the water at the same level and bubbles upwardly through the water and out through an outlet for use by a patient.

Abstract: A nebulizer cap for oxygen therapy and the like includes a cap body, having attachment means for sealingly connecting the cap body to a container for liquid to be neubulized. A dip tube is carried by the cap body to extend into the container, with the one end of the tube being in flow communication with conduit means defined by the cap body. The conduit means communicates with the liquid inlet of a nebulizing venturi, while a gas port passes through the cap body to the exterior, and is in communication with a gas inlet of the nebulizing venturi. The conduit leading from the dip tube to the liquid inlet of the venturi is defined by open channels, positioned on an upstanding portion of the cap body. A thin metal heat exchange shell is sealingly positioned over the upstanding portion of the cap body to enclose the channels, which preferably define a zig-zag flow pattern. A toroidal heater can fit over the shell when heating is desired.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A venturi-type insert member is disposed vertically with the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber located above the water level in the cartridge. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with a connection to a source of oxygen or air and terminates above the level of the water in the cartridge. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface.

Abstract: Humidifier and nebulizer adapter heads and humidifier assembly for inhalation therapy wherein high moisture content can be provided in a gas stream at high flow rates. The humidifier assembly consists of a disposable bottle and the disposable humidifier adapter head. The adapter head employs a conventional nebulizer to create a dense aerosol of sterile water and/or medicament entrained in an oxygen/air stream. The stream passes through a labyrinth of wide baffles which forces the stream to take a tortuous path resulting in turbulent flow and a high removal of droplets from the gas stream, but without generating a significant back pressure. The large surface area deflectors of the labyrinth also allow higher humidity of the gas stream due to evaporation. Water removed from the gas stream drains directly to the bottle.

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 producing 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 walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a housing having a flow passage therethrough for the flow of respirator air with a respirator air inlet at one end of the flow passage and a respirator air outlet at the other end of the passage. A plurality of U-shape tubules are disposed in the flow passage and they have walls made of a material permeable to water vapor but impermeable to water. A tubule holder plate closes the flow passage and it is provided with a plurality of bores therethrough of a number corresponding to the tubules located at two spaced locations and into which extend the respective ends of the tubules which are sealed at these ends to the tubular holder plate. A water inlet conduit extends into the inlet of the flow passage and connects the respective inlet end of the tubules, and a water discharge conduit extends out of the flow passage inlet for the discharge of the water from the outlet end of the tubules.

Abstract: A screw top closure for a container opening defining a helically threaded neck, and a rotatable screw top positioned to permit rotation by the screw top between outward and inward positions on the neck. A sealing partition is positioned across the opening of the neck. In accordance with this invention, an aperture is defined in the sealing partition, the aperture being positioned in off-center relation to the rotational axis of the screw top. A sealing cap member is positioned across the aperture, with a rupturable seal, facing the screw top. A projection is defined on the side of the screw top facing the partition, being positioned to be longitudinally spaced from the sealing cap member when the screw top is in the outward position, and to engage the sealing cap member when the screw top is rotationally advanced to its inward position. Accordingly, the seal between the cap member and the partition may be ruptured in aseptic manner by the projection, to open the aperture.

Abstract: A gas humidifying device is disclosed which includes a generally enclosed chamber defining a water reservoir, and an umbrella-shaped member positioned in the chamber with its downwardly facing peripheral edge normally extending beneath the surface of the water in the reservoir, whereby the interior of said member defines a gas accumulation space in contact with the water surface. Gas inlet means are connected to the gas accumulation space for introducing a dry gas to be humidified; and gas outlet means are connected to the chamber, and communicate with the chamber which is external to the gas accumulation space within the unbrella-shaped member. At least portions of the peripheral edge of the umbrella-shaped member are upwardly displaceable from the normal position to a position above the water surface and such displacements intermittently occur as pressure builds up in the gas accumulation space in consequence of gas flow proceeding to such space from the inlet means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nebulizer of simple three-piece construction, adapted by its design to be injection molded for delivering to a patient, entrained in a stream of oxygen or other gas flowing at a modest rate (such as 6 to 8 liters a minute) a quantity of liquid supplied from a unit-dose hermetically sealed vial. The entire nebulizer with unit-dose vial attached, fits the hand of the patient, and its small size and the use of a unit-dose vial simplifies self-administration by an out-patient. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the nebulizer to a mouthpiece, with means permitting the patient to control the concentration of the mist delivered to the lungs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tubular connector for connecting the end of a tubular gas carrying conduit to the mouth of a thermoplastic bottle containing a liquid wherein the mouth prior to use has a breachable seal. The connector comprises two oppositely facing cup means each having internal threads therein, one to be screwed to the gas conduit the other to the mouth of the bottle. The two so disposed cups are connected by axially disposed tubular means extending respectively from each bottom of the cups whereby they are maintained in spaced relationship. That cup that is attached to a gas conduit is supplied with a relief valve at the bottom of the cup whereby excess gas pressure in the system is permitted to escape. At the same time a thin annular membrane is associated with the said relief valve whereby an audible sound is achieved due to the escaping gas.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a plurality of hollow tubules having walls of a foil material which is impermeable to water but is permeable to steam vapor. The tubules have inside diameters of less than 300 microns and are about 15 microns thick. Breathing gas to be humidified is directed over one side of the foil for example through the tubules and the water is directed over the opposite side for example the exterior of the tubules.

Abstract: A bubbler system utilizing interconnected dual-chambers forming a series path for a carrier gas thereby rendering useful in excess of 90 percent of the material contained therein. The inlet and outlet ports of the bubbler system are provided with an inner and outer seal, creating a compartment in which may be positioned a small hammer. The user of the system removes the outer seals, makes desired connections to the ports, and thereby connects the bubbler to a using system without exposing the material to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An adapter for a humidifier is provided that mounts on a sealed container of purified or sterile water and connects usually to a flowmeter which is attached to a pressurized gas container. The adapter includes a spike member to pierce the container wall, a pressure chamber defined between the inner wall of the adapter and the spike member, and port means in the adapter wall establishing communication between the pressure chamber and the outside atmosphere. An audible relief valve means is located in the port to effect audible pressure relief under above normal pressure conditions in the pressure chamber during the humidifying process while pressurized gas is being introduced into the water to moisten the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for atomizing oil of high viscosity by a venturi tube, whereby pressurized air is introduced from the outside into a reservoir through said venturi tube, while the oil in the reservoir is transported to the venturi through a conduit, or a suction tube, by the pressure differential between the oil reservoir and the open end of a nozzle and is heated in a heating chamber just before the atomization nozzle which is open into said venturi so as to provide fluidity to the oil.

Abstract: A volatile anesthetic vaporizing apparatus including a concentration control flow valve means actuated by a substantially linear rotary dial for dividing an inflowing gas stream into two separate streams, one stream being passed over liquid anesthetic to pick up a vapor and the other stream flowing through a bypass duct. The gas stream flowing over liquid anesthetic flows through a temperature responsive valve means, the latter being actuated by a temperature sensitive bimetallic strip which is in direct contact with the vapor saturated air stream which is relatively cool due to the vaporization of the liquid anesthetic. The valve means so situated in the vapor stream essentially does not include any moving parts. Such valve means is formed by the spaced mounting of a planar valve element on a planar surface having a vapor opening therein or an inlet passage.

Abstract: An inhalator is constructed with an outer housing and an inner protective housing. The outer housing includes an opening adapted to receive the anatomy of the nasal region. The outer housing also contains a reservoir for holding a supply of medicinal liquid. The inner housing contains and protects an oscillator which energizes an electromechanical transducer, the transducer extending through a wall of the protective housing in sealed relation thereto and carrying a vibratory atomizing member which is positioned to receive liquid from the reservoir. The oscillator includes a position sensitive on-off switch which permits operation only when the inhalator is in a predetermined orientation. A droplet shield is positioned forward of the atomizing member, between the atomizing member and the opening in the outer housing so that liquid droplets of the aerosol and respiration moisture precipitate thereon and run off along a path over which the droplets will not strike the atomizing member.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic nebulizer for administering a medicament aerosol to a patient. Output from an oscillator is connected through a series inductor to a transducer adjacent a reservoir which generates aerosol from the medicament. The inductor is tuned for series resonance with the bulk capacitance of the transducer. An impedance change in the transducer when liquid is removed or consumed from the reservoir reduces the power delivered to the transducer and prevents transducer damage.

Abstract: A method for regulating temperature and other characteristics of a gas stream flowing in a system is disclosed wherein a liquid is divided into droplets, the droplets are introduced directly into the gas stream to establish a heat exchange interface and the temperature of the liquid is regulated in order to maintain the temperature of the gas stream at a predetermined level at a predetermined target location in the system.

Abstract: A cartridge-type humidifier apparatus embodying a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules. Certain upgraded embodiments of the cartridge modules are sterilizable and reusable several times before being disposed of, or portions thereof recycled. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complementary tubular walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid. Each cartridge includes an absorption column preferably of the cylindrical tube form which is adapted to lay closely adjacent and draw water up along the cartridge's cylindrical metal body wall which serves the evaporating surface when heated by the heater modules.

Abstract: Liquid fuel comprising hydrocarbon as its main component, which is in liquid state at normal temperature and pressure, is held in a container of an apparatus for vaporization of the liquid fuel to enable the fuel to be readily converted into a gaseous state for example for cooking purpose.

Abstract: A process for generating in a pressure vessel a ready supply of a vapor of a normally liquid active substance in an inert carrier gas under pressure and dispensing vapor intermittently from the supply. Once a body of the active liquid substance and overlying atmosphere of vapor is established in the vessel, the vapor is dispensed intermittently in a series of predetermined doses. Simultaneously with the dispensing of each dose, carrier gas is bubbled under pressure into a bottom zone of the vessel in minute bubbles so as to provide saturated vapor, replacing the dose dispensed. A number of conditions are coordinated to insure that saturated vapor is always dispensed. These conditions include the relationship between the depth of the vapor space, the head of liquid above the bubbling zone, the relative amount of each dose, and the initial size of the bubbles. The process is specially useful for gassing cold box cores.

Abstract: A nebulizer comprising a container with a supply of water, a downwardly opening cap with air delivery means and housing an aspirator connected with a supply of oxygen under pressure and adapted to draw water from said supply, an elongate heating unit with an upper end defining a heating chamber and carried by the container, said cap engaged with the upper end of the unit to define a mixing chamber of fixed predetermined volume and shape in which the aspirator is positioned, water inlet means communicating with the heating chamber and water supply, water outlet means communicating with the heating chamber and the aspirator and an electric resistance heater in the unit, spaced from the heating chamber to heat water in the heating chamber and temper the atmosphere in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier-nebulizer apparatus is disclosed which includes a liquid reservoir having a sterile liquid such as water contained therein, the liquid reservoir having a sealed wall portion adapted to be pierced by the piercing element of an adapter head when mounted on the liquid reservoir. The adapter head may be attached to a source of pressurized gas, such as oxygen, and includes control valve means movable to discharge a nebulized gas-liquid mixture from the adapter head during a nebulizing mode of operation. The control valve means is also adjustable to a position to introduce oxygen into the liquid reservoir in a manner to effect discharge of humidified oxygen through a discharge port on the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A humidifier system for delivering breathing gases such as air or oxygen from a respirator, anesthesia machine, oxygen source, or the like to a patient under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a support housing adapted to receive a removable water tank, the housing also containing a low water sensing system, a water heating means, and a system for sensing and for regulating the temperature of the water in the tank. The tank includes an air inlet leading to a diffuser chamber, from which air flows through a diffuser plate, through the water to the humidifier, and thence to an outlet for delivery to the patient. The diffuser plate incorporates a plurality of cone-shaped apertures which create air turbulence in the water so that as the breathing gases are forced through the water tank under positive pressure, the gases are uniformly heated and humidified prior to delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for delivering a controlled and metered amount of vapors of a vaporizable liquid in a carrier gas to a destination for use there (e.g., ether vapors to a mask for use in anesthesia during surgery). A feature of the apparatus is a metering device in which the height of a ball floating in the gas stream indicates the rate of flow.

Abstract: A humidifier for respirators includes a vessel having a tubular passage therethrough which is connected at one end to the inhalation line and the opposite end to the line leading to the patient. Water is circulated from a storage tank to a water chamber defined around the tubular member and the tubular member is made of a material which defines an evaporation surface which is impervious to water but pervious to water vapor so that the inhalation air becomes moistened when it is passed through the tubular member. The water which is circulated is circulated from a storage tank which is maintained at a predetermined level by the gravity of feed of water from a closed container which is mounted above the storage tank. The water in the storage tank is advantageously heated before it is circulated.

Abstract: A fluid heating apparatus for use in medical applications in the heating of water for use in a nebulizer is provided having a heated passageway for connecting between a water reservoir and a nebulizer head for heating only the water being used immediately before use. The passageway may be formed at the interfacing surfaces of a housing and an insert. The insert may be coated with a biocompatible material which possesses certain heat conductive properties while providing a water seal. A channel may transverse the surface of the coating to establish the passageway. An electrical heater may be located within the insert.

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer comprises a housing having a liquid reservoir and a vaporizing chamber over the reservoir. A gas inlet into the housing provides for flow through a vaporizing passage and into the vaporizing chamber for subsequent flow outwardly above the chamber, through an outlet vaporizing passage, to an outlet for discharge to the place of use. The vaporizing passage includes a spirally wound wick tube disposed between an interior wall of the housing and an interior barrel of cylindrical shape which retains the tube in position. In addition a bypass passage connects the inlet to the outlet passage and a control is provided for regulating the flow through at least one of the passages so as to regulate the amount of the circulated gas which is enriched with vaporized anesthetic.

Abstract: A volatile anesthetic vaporizing apparatus including a concentration control flow valve means actuated by a substantially linear rotary dial for dividing an inflowing gas stream into two separate streams, one stream being passed over liquid anesthetic to pick up a vapor and the other stream flowing through a bypass duct. The gas stream flowing over liquid anesthetic flows through a temperature responsive valve means, the latter being actuated by a temperature sensitive bimetallic strip which is in direct contact with the vapor saturated air stream which is relatively cool due to the vaporization of the liquid anesthetic. The valve means so situated in the vapor stream essentially does not include any moving parts. Such valve means is formed by the spaced mounting of a planar valve element on a planar surface having vapor opening therein or an inlet passage.

Abstract: An odor control device for use with an air passage of a main heating and/or air conditioning system having a blower. The device has a body with an air flow chamber therein, a panel secured to the body and having an air inlet port for admitting air into the chamber, a rotatable plate mounted on the panel, and a container for odor conditioning material mounted on the rotatable plate and preferably held thereon by a magnetic bar attached to the plate and attracting a perforated metal plate in the container, thereby permitting the container to be easily removed from the plate and attached thereto. The panel and plates have communicating arcuate inlet and outlet passages to permit the air to pass from the chamber in the body to the container and thence to the conduit of the main system.

Abstract: A humidifier-nebulizer apparatus is disclosed which includes a liquid reservoir having a sterile liquid such as water contained therein, the liquid reservoir having a sealed wall portion adapted to be pierced by the piercing element of an adapter head when mounted on the liquid reservoir. The adapter head may be attached to a source of pressurized gas, such as oxygen, and includes control valve means movable to discharge a nebulized gas-liquid mixture from the adapter head during a nebulizing mode of operation. The control valve means is also adjustable to a position to introduce oxygen into the liquid reservoir in a manner to effect discharge of humidified oxygen through a discharge port on the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A relatively simple air or air-oxygen powered device utilizing the principles disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,421,692 and 3,421,699 comprises means for feeding liquid to the atomizing sphere and the combination of multiple spray producing sources and treatment of atomized particles by various techniques to produce extremely dense mists or fogs adapted for inhalation by human subjects.