An exhalation device for a non-invasive ventilator, configured to reversibly convert between a passive ventilation configuration and an active ventilation configuration, comprising: (i) a housing with a first end and a second end, the housing defining a gas flow path extending between the first end and the second end; (ii) an exhalation port configured to passively release gas to the environment; (iii) an internal diaphragm positioned at an interface between the exhalation port and the housing, configured to allow release of gas exhalation; and (iv) an adapter comprising an adapter exhalation port and configured to reversibly engage the exhalation port to define a controlled exhalation flow path from the exhalation port to the adapter exhalation port, and comprising an internal air flow control configured to actively control the flow of exhalant through the controlled exhalation flow path.

Systems and methods for coupling a respiratory support circuit (5, 5a) to a pressure generator (140) include multiple flow paths 13,17) for corresponding modes of operation. A first flow path (13) for a first mode of operation couples fluidly between the pressure generator, through a control port (12) and a circuit port (14), to an exhalation limb (20) of a dual-limb configuration of a respiratory support circuit. A second flow path (17) for a second mode of operates couples fluidly between the pressure generator, through a control port (16) and a circuit port (18), an exhalation valve (21) of a single-limb configuration of the respiratory support circuit.

A valve module (20) for a ventilation system (100), includes a tube interface (21) for connection to a counter-tube interface (14) of an exhalation end (13) of a ventilation tube element (11) as well as a device interface (22) for connection to a counter-device interface (114) of an exhalation port (113) of a ventilator (110). The device interface has an exhalation valve section (24) providing an exhalation flow (93) of exhaled air (92) with an exhalation pressure (94). The exhaled air from the tube interface (21) flows through a module space (23). A ventilation tube device (10), the ventilator (110) as well as the ventilation system are provided with the valve module. Processes are provided for severing and establishing a connection between the device interface, the ventilation tube device and the counter-device interface of the exhalation port of the ventilator of the ventilation system.

A method for controlling a ventilator includes the steps of providing an inhalation pressure limit, determining when a pressure in a connection to a patient circuit is greater than the inhalation pressure limit, and opening the valve when the pressure is greater than the inhalation pressure limit. An associated computer readable medium for controlling the method is also described.

A valve assembly comprising a fluid conduit (11,18) having an inlet and an outlet, and a valve seat (24) adapted to be engaged by a valve member (40) for controlling the flow of fluid through the outlet of the fluid conduit (11,18), wherein the valve assembly is defined by at least a valve body component (10) and a valve seat component (20) engaged therewith, the valve body component (10) defining at least part of the fluid conduit (11,18), and the valve seat component (10) defining at least the valve seat (24).

An exchanger conduit permits temperature and/or humidity conditioning of a gas for a patient respiratory interface. In an example embodiment, a conduit has a first channel and a second channel where the first channel is configured to conduct an inspiratory gas and the second channel configured to conduct an expiratory gas. An exchanger is positioned along the first channel and the second channel to separate the first channel and the second channel. The exchanger is configured to transfer a component (e.g., temperature or humidity) of the gas of the second channel to the gas of the first channel. In some embodiments, an optional flow resistor may be implemented to permit venting at pressures above atmospheric pressure so as to allow pressure stenting of a patient respiratory system without a substantial direct flow from a flow generator of respiratory treatment apparatus to the patient during patient expiration.

The present invention relates to an exhalation valve (10) for a ventilator apparatus for at least partial instrumental respiratory assistance of a patient, comprising a valve housing (14) with a flow passage (16) which extends along a passage trajectory (D1, D2) defining a local axial, radial and circumferential direction and along which respiratory air can flow through the valve housing (14), wherein the valve housing (14) has a housing-side valve sub-formation with a closed end surface (24) which extends around the passage trajectory (D1) and towards which a mating surface (26) of a valve body (12), movable relative to the valve housing (14) and facing the end surface (24), can be pretensioned by the pretensioning force of a pretensioning device (58) in such a way that the mating surface (26), when subjected to respiratory gas in an exhalation flow direction (E) counter to the pretensioning force of the pretensioning device (38), is removable, with enlargement of an annular gap (42) which is present or can be generated between the end surface (24) and the mating surface (26), from the end surface (24) in a lifting direction (A), such that the flow passage (16) can be flowed through in the exhalation flow direction (E), and flow through the flow passage (16) in a flow direction opposite to the exhalation flow direction (E) can be blocked by the mating surface (26) of the valve body (12) bearing on the end surface (24), wherein the valve body (12) has a skirt (44) which, when viewing the exhalation valve (10) in a reference state not loaded with intended respiratory flow, surrounding the mating surface (26) and the end surface (24), extends in a circumferential direction and, in the reference state, protrudes from the mating surface (26) past the end surface (24) counter to the lifting direction (A), wherein an annular gap space (46) is provided radially between the skirt (44) and an end portion (22) of the valve sub-formation that has the end surface (24).

A turbulator adapted to be mounted to or inserted in an inlet portion of a flow meter for a ventilator is disclosed. The turbulator is adapted to create a turbulent gas flow in the inlet portion downstream of the turbulator upon passage of a gas flow therethrough. A flow meter for a ventilator is provided. The flow meter may comprise such turbulator. The turbulator may be arranged in the inlet portion of the flow meter. A membrane for a ventilator flow meter is provided, as well as a flow meter comprising the membrane. A flow meter comprising a turbulator and a membrane is disclosed.

A patient valve for ventilating a patient with a ventilator, including a first valve element having at least one connection, wherein the at least one connection is oriented with the central axis thereof at an angle deviating from the vertical position in relation to the patient valve central axis, such that a shortened patient valve having a reduced dead space volume is supported.

Disclosed is a fluid trap for use with, or comprising part of, a respiratory therapy system, d particular comprising part of, or configured to be connected to, a breathing limb, such as an expiratory limb, of a respiratory therapy system. The fluid trap comprises a container configured to contain fluid received from an inlet; a closure, the closure and container being configured to be removeably mounted together to close the container; and a valve configured to be removeably mounted on at least one of the container and the closure, and configured to be in a closed condition which prevents fluid from flowing through the inlet when the closure is not mounted on the container, the valve being further configured to be in an open position which allows fluid from the inlet into the container when the closure is mounted on the container.