Abstract: Provided is an artificial airway and a breathing circuit provided with the artificial airway, including a tubular outer shell; a moisture permeable and water resistant film disposed on an entire circumference of an internal surface of the outer shell, forming a water retention region with the outer shell, and forming an aeration region on an internal surface side thereof; a feed water inlet provided in the outer shell to supply water to the water retention region; and a heater disposed outside the outer shell, heating the water in the water retention region to generate water vapor, and also heating an inspiratory gas flowing in the aeration region, wherein the water supplied from the feed water inlet is retained in the water retention region by the moisture permeable and water resistant film, and only the water vapor generated by the heating of the heater passes through the moisture permeable and water resistant film and flows into the aeration region to heat and humidify the inspiratory gas flowing in the ae

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

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 device (102) provides respiratory treatment for SDB (including mild OSA) and other respiratory conditions. A flow generator warms and humidifies gas at controlled flow levels. For example, the device (102) delivers breathable gas to the upper airway at flow rates of about 10-35 Liters/minute. Levels of flow rate, temperature and/or humidification of the device may be automatically adjusted in response to the detection of SDB events. The device may also automatically deliver adjustments of any of the levels in accordance with detected phases of respiratory cycles. In some embodiments, the device automatically delivers distinct levels to either of the nares based on independent control of flow to each nare. A warm-up procedure controls temperature and humidity at a desired target during a ramp-up of flow to the set therapy level. A cool-down procedure controls temperature above the dewpoint to avoid condensation internal to the device and patient interface.

Abstract: A device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a device that forms drug containing aerosols for use in inhalation therapy. In a device aspect of the present invention, a device for delivering drug containing aerosols for inhalation therapy is provided. The device includes a housing and an airway that has a gas/vapor mixing airway. The airway further includes a subassembly, which has a metallic substrate coated on its surface with a composition comprising a drug.

Abstract: A nebulizer and cartridge structure thereof for use in a nebulization apparatus comprises a first cartridge accommodation space and a second cartridge accommodation space. The first cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection bottom, and the second cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection side. Moreover, the second cartridge accommodation space is disposed under a lower connection position of the first cartridge accommodation space. The connection bottom is connected to the connection side to form an included angle that can be a lead angle. The lead angle further includes a fillet angle or a chamfering angle. Accordingly, the nebulizer and the cartridge structure can efficiently reduce the residues of liquid medicament.

Abstract: A fan unit which in use forms part of a gases supply unit, the gases supply unit suitable for use as part of a system for providing heated humidified gases to a user, the fan unit having a casing that has an inlet aperture and an outlet passage, the outlet passage including an exit aperture, the fan unit also including a fan which is located inside the casing and which is adapted for connection to a motor to drive rotation of the fan in use, the fan drawing gases into the casing via the inlet aperture, and forcing these gases out of the casing via the outlet passage as a gases stream, the outlet passage further including at least one bypass vent hole independent of the exit aperture and arranged at an angle to the path of the gases stream through the outlet passage.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes a liquid reservoir (3) with a liquid to be evaporated, a heater (9) and an evaporator tube (12). The evaporator tube (12) has a first porous element (1) having a first porosity and with an area in contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir (3) and a second porous element (2) with a second porosity and with an area present on an evaporator side (50) used to dispense the evaporated liquid, and an area outside the liquid reservoir heated by the heater (9) which is not directly in connection with the liquid. The first porous element and the second porous element are in contact in contact areas with the first porous element forming a wick delivering liquid from the reservoir to the contact area.

Abstract: A removable peripheral device and a breathing assistance unit form part of a system for providing pressurized heated humidified air at to a user. The removable peripheral device and the breathing assistance unit are mutually adapted to be removably connectable to, and in electrical communication with, each other via a connection between the removable peripheral device and the breathing assistance unit. The removable peripheral device comprises a housing and a first connector extending from an end of the housing. The housing has a larger cross-section than the connector. The breathing assistance unit comprises an exterior casing and a second connector mounted within the casing and accessible from outside of the casing. An interfacing portion, the second connector and the housing formed so at least a portion of the housing adjacent the first connector end interfaces with the interfacing portion to connect the removable peripheral device to the breathing assistance unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a substance. One embodiment includes a substance including a drug to be vaporized for inhalation therapy. A sealed fuel cell containing a combustible filament is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the substance. An igniter is operatively associated with the combustible element. The substance may be vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea includes a CPAP device and a detachable humidifier. The humidifier includes a tank that is removably insertable into a humidifier base. A sealed air flow path from the CPAP device and through the water tank is established when the water tank is placed in the humidifier base.

Abstract: A breathing assistance unit for providing pressurized heated humidified air at to a user is configured to increase user compliance. The breathing assistance unit comprises means for generating positive emotional and cognitive states of a user about the therapy.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.

Abstract: A humidifier (14) for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber (16) configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub (20) configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid (18) provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal (19) provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator (12) configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube.

Abstract: A method of conveying humid breathing gases from a patient through a breathable breathing tube. The breathing tube includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a device that forms drug containing aerosols for use in inhalation therapy. In a device aspect of the present invention, a device for delivering drug containing aerosols for inhalation therapy is provided. The device includes a housing and an airway that has a gas/vapor mixing airway. The airway further includes a subassembly, which has a metallic substrate coated on its surface with a composition comprising a drug.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas includes a liquid storage space for storage of a liquid, a humidifying region for loading the respiratory gas with the liquid by the respiratory gas coming into contact in the humidifying region with the liquid, a respiratory gas supply device for supplying the respiratory gas to the humidifying region, a respiratory gas withdrawal device for withdrawal of the humidified respiratory gas from the humidifying region, and a partial-amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space into the humidifying region.

Abstract: A breathing system (1) includes a gas source (10) connected to a patient interface (80) via a passageway (90). An in-line humidifier (50) is disposed along the passageway. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber (400) having a fluid inlet (420), a fluid outlet (430), and a reservoir (410). The humidifier includes a liquid trap (200) comprising a chamber (210), a fluid inlet (220) in communication with the liquid trap chamber, and a fluid outlet (230) in communication with the liquid trap chamber. The fluid outlet of the liquid trap is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the humidification chamber. The liquid trap is constructed and arranged to discourage liquid from back-flowing from the humidifier to the source of gas. For example, a spill height defined by the liquid trap's fluid inlet is elevated relative to a low point of an interior of the liquid trap regardless of an orientation of the humidifier.

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: The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas, a humidifying apparatus, a respiratory gas tube and a connecting apparatus therefor. The apparatus of the invention includes a blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing device which has a bottom region, a top surface region and a side region extending upwardly between the top surface region and the cover region, as well as a connecting device for connecting a humidifying apparatus for humidifying the respiratory gas, wherein the connecting device is arranged in the side region of the apparatus in such a way that the humidifying apparatus can be laterally coupled thereto. The humidifying apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by a partial amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid pre-stored in a liquid storage space into a humidifying region.

Abstract: A device for delivering a drug by inhalation is disclosed. The device includes a body defining an interior flow-through chamber having upstream and downstream chamber openings, and a drug supply unit contained within the chamber for producing, upon actuation, a heated drug vapor in a condensation region of the chamber. Gas drawn through the chamber region at a selected gas-flow rate is effective to form drug condensation particles from the drug vapor having a selected MMAD between 0.02 and 0.1 MMAD or between 1 and 3.5 ?m. A gas-flow control valve disposed upstream of the unit functions to limit gas-flow rate through the condensation region to the selected gas-flow rate. An actuation switch in the device activates the drug-supply unit, such that the drug-supply unit can be controlled to produce vapor when the gas-flow rate through the chamber is at the selected flow rate.

Abstract: A method of sealably locating a humidifier water tub in a humidifier base comprising positioning a rear surface of the humidifier water tub to abut a humidifier seal to form an air path from a flow generator outlet into an interior of the water tub, and pressing a humidifier lid of the humidifier to engage a surface of a tub lid of the humidifier water tub to form a sealed air path between an interior of the humidifier water tub and an air delivery conduit connector positioned on the humidifier lid.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising a flow generator and a humidifier adapted to receive a supply of air at positive pressure from the flow generator and deliver it to an air delivery tube, wherein the humidifier includes a base, a humidifier lid, and a water tank, and the water tank includes a water tank lid, the water tank is removably receivable in the base to define a first air flow path from the flow generator to an interior of the water tank, and the humidifier lid is connectable to the air delivery tube, and is adapted to form a seal with the water tank lid to define a second air flow path from the interior of the water tank to the air delivery tube.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a ventilator system includes (a) a ventilator device having an inhalation port and exhalation port; (b) a patient conduit for delivering to and removing gas from the patient; (c) an exhalation conduit fluidly connected to the exhalation port and the patient conduit; (d) an inhalation conduit fluidly connected to the inhalation port and the patient conduit; and (e) a device for generating aerosolized medication, the device being fluidly connected to the inhalation conduit so that the aerosolized medication is delivered to the patient as the patient inhales. According to the present invention, at least the inhalation conduit has a variable length to position the device for generating aerosolized medication a predetermined distance from the patient conduit.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for moisturizing hyperpolarized noble gas and associated hyperpolarized noble gas products which are formulated for inhalation or ventilation delivery include adding moisture content to (dry) hyperpolarized gas.

Abstract: A medical breathing assistance apparatus (20) for supplying pressurised gases to a patient is disclosed. The breathing assistance apparatus (20) comprises a heating chamber (29) and a pressure chamber (27) both adapted to contain water, and at least one pressure adjusting means (24,25,26). The pressure chamber (27) is connected to the heating chamber (29) and the pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is located between the heating chamber (29) and a gases supplying means (23) supplying gas to both the pressure chamber (27) and heating chamber (29). The pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is adapted to convert pressurised gases from the gases supply means (23) to two different pressures, one to each of the heating chamber (29) and the pressure chamber (27), so that water flows from said pressure chamber (27) to the heating chamber (29).

Abstract: A pressure support system (10) comprises a humidifier (20) adapted to increase the amount of water vapor entrained in a supply of breathing gas, and a positive air pressure device (30) fluidly coupled downstream of the humidifier. The positive air pressure device is structured to generate a positive pressure flow of breathing gas from the supply of breathing gas received from the outlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in the vessel. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer; methods for comparing the amount of contents actually released from the vessel compared to a theoretical constant; and methods for time logging (alone or in conjunction with the logging of other data) the actuation of the dispensing valve for comparison to a prescribed method. Devices (including metered dose inhalers) for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the work of breathing. Heated and humidified air is delivered through a nasal cannula to the nasal passageway of a patient at a flow rate above 20 liters/min thereby reducing inspiratory work.

Abstract: A system and process for monitoring the valves of an anesthetic dispenser with a safety valve (2) and with a dispensing valve (3) for dispensing the anesthetic in the form of a vapor. The valves are connected in series. A system has a downstream dispensing gap (5) and a fixed bypass resistance (9). The dispensing valve (3) is first opened for an equalization time. The safety valve (2) and the dispensing valve (3) are closed and the differential pressure between the saturated vapor branch (4) and the mixed gas branch (8) is measured by means of a differential pressure sensor (6, 7). The safety valve (2) or the dispensing valve (3) is opened and the differential pressure between the saturated vapor branch (4) and the mixed gas branch (8) is measured by means of the differential pressure sensor (6, 7).

Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid-evaporate delivery device which relies on the efficient use of air currents to deliver liquid evaporate to airspace around the device. Efficient air currents may be provided by rotating the air currents around the wick, by providing a helical channel for the air to flow around the wick, and/or by aligning a fan with the longitudinal axis of the wick.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in the feedback and control systems employed in the field of ventilation therapy. In particular, a system for delivering a supply of gases to a patient is described which incorporates a detachable cartridge or open tubular section (22) used to house a mechanism (11) which senses the humidity, temperature, flow and other attributes of the flowing gas. Information obtained from the sensor may be used to provide feedback to a controller (9) which controls the humidification mechanism in order to provide optimally humidified gases to a patient (1). It will be appreciated that the feedback and control system as described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used in respiratory care generally or with a ventilator.

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein which comprises a fresh gas inlet, a mixed gas outlet, a first gas branch circuit, a second gas branch circuit and a vaporizing chamber. The vaporizing chamber has a reservoir for containing an anesthetic agent. The first gas branch circuit connects the fresh gas inlet and the mixed gas outlet. The second gas branch circuit comprises a first pneumatic circuit, a pressure compensation unit, a second pneumatic circuit, a wick unit and a third pneumatic circuit. The pressure compensation unit has a curved, continuous and sealed vent slot. The wick unit has an immersion portion which is directly contacted with the anesthetic agent in the reservoir. The fresh gas inlet, the first pneumatic circuit, the vent slot, the second pneumatic circuit, the wick unit, the third pneumatic circuit and the mixed gas outlet are sequentially connected with one another.

Abstract: A humidifying device for breathing gases. The humidifying device has a housing with a recess, a heater, an evaporating chamber with a water feed, a breathing gas feed channel, a breathing gas outlet channel and at least one float element and at least one filling level indicator. The evaporating chamber can be introduced at least partially into the recess and is in contact with the heater to heat water and is designed to receive water from a water reservoir through the water feed. The at least one float element is guided in a floatingly movable manner on the water and is designed to close the feed of water above a water level set point in the evaporating chamber, and the at least one filling level indicator is designed to recognize the drop of the water level from the water level set point as a function of the position of the at least one float element.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to generate an aerosol having a desired particle sizes, i.e., from molecular to about 10 microns, which can be used to effectively deliver a physiologically active compound to organs and tissues such as the lung, eye, mucosa and skin. The aerosol is formed through vaporization of the compound while mixing the resulting vapor with a gas, in a ratio, to form the desired particle size when a stable concentration of particles in the gas is reached.

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: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a humidifier tub including an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet may have an exit port positioned in a plane disposed below the air inlet. A base plate is provided to the bottom of the humidifier tub. The base plate and humidifier tub define a water chamber adapted to receive a volume of water. The humidifier tub may include a guidance structure adapted to direct air entering the humidifier tub via the air inlet to swirl downwardly and around within the humidifier tub reaching the water surface before exiting the exit port. The tub may include a structure to prevent the inadvertent entry of water from the tub to the flow generator.

Abstract: A device for mixing anesthetic vapor with anesthetic gas has a pressure limitation feature achieved in a simple manner. The device has a valve device (11), with which the evaporator is switched on and off. The valve device (11) is equipped with an overpressure release device (22).