Importance

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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. The tube is then suitably directed to a patient in a conventional manner. The cartridge has a metal wall portion so that when it is associated with a heater the water in the absorption means may be more readily heated by an electric heater. By combining the concept of nebulization and humidification there is achieved an extremely high rate of water content in the gases distributed to a patient.

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First Claim