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Abstract

A nebulizer component, interconnected in the inspiratory flow path, includes an interior chamber with a lower region for storing liquid medicine at system pressures and an upper region containing a nebulizer (jet atomizer and baffle) for periodically nebulizing the liquid medicine for producing a fog of nebulized particles suspended in gas which mix with the breathable gas which flows through the chamber to the patient. Medical apparatus for removing any potentially contaminated residual medicine or condensed liquid from the lower region, for introducing liquid medicine for storage in the lower region for a subsequent nebulizer treatment, and for immediate introduction of nebulized liquid medicine during any bronchospasm crises are provided in order to maintain the pressures and function of the system, prevent the spread of contamination into the ventilator system or out of the system to attendants and others in the surrounding ambient environment, and eliminate sources of potentially life-threatening accidents during such removal and introduction. Specific embodiments include a novel liquid medicine vial, an adapter for a probe-activated valve, and specific arrangements of flow-paths, valves, and connectors to provide for maintaining pressures and function and for preventing spread of contamination during such removal and introductions for a ventilator system which is more economical and less labor intensive to operate.

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First Claim