Inventors:
Charles M. Schwartz - Columbus OH
Eugene J. Meierhoefer - Hackettstown NJ
Assignee:
Warner-Lambert Company - Morris Plains NJ
International Classification:
A61M 1102
B05B 730
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.