Systems and methods are provided for portable and compact nitric oxide (NO) generation that can be embedded into other therapeutic devices or used alone. In some embodiments, an ambulatory NO generation system can be comprised of a controller and disposable cartridge. The cartridge can contain filters and scavengers for preparing the gas used for NO generation and for scrubbing output gases prior to patient inhalation. The system can utilize an oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production and compliment oxygen generator activity as an independent device. The system can also include a high voltage electrode assembly that is easily assembled and installed. Various nitric oxide delivery methods are provided, including the use of a nasal cannula.

Systems, methods and apparatuses for aerosolizing all or substantially all plant matter, medications, flavors, smells, liquid and/or other material to be aerosolizing are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention comprise an aerosolization chamber sealed except for two or more conduits, a first conduit coupled to a source of fully or almost fully oxygenated gas, a heating element capable of heating the aerosolization chamber to a temperature above a combustion temperature, a second conduit configured to transport aerosolized gases and elements out of the chamber and, in one implementation, at least one valve positioned in the second conduit preventing the flow of atmospheric air into the vaporization chamber. In some instances, the first gas substantially clears the vaporization chamber of atmospheric air prior to reaching combustion temperature. A second gas containing oxygen may be intermixed with the vaporization gases and vaporized elements proximal to the combustion chamber.

To provide a control device for an aerosol inhalator capable of compensating changes in temperature of a heater due to inhalation. A control device for an aerosol inhalator includes a first sensor for obtaining a first value relating to a temperature of a load which atomizes an aerosol source stored in a reservoir or retained by an aerosol base using heat generated by supply of electric power, a second sensor configured to detect an inhalation, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine, based on a second value based on the first value and a threshold, whether the aerosol source in the reservoir or the aerosol base is depleted or insufficient (850A), and correct at least one of the second value and the threshold when detecting the inhalation (840) and, in the determination, compare the second value and the threshold, at least one of the second value and the threshold being corrected (842).

A respiratory flow therapy apparatus including a sensor module can measure a flow rate of gases or gases concentration provided to a patient. The sensor module can be located after a blower and/or mixer. The sensor module can include at least an ultrasonic transmitter, a receiver, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor and/or a flow rate sensor. The receivers can be immersed in the gases flow path. The receivers can cancel delays in the transmitters and improve accuracy of measurements of characteristics of the gases flow. The receivers can allow for detection of a fault condition in a blower motor of the apparatus.

A blood component collection cassette that can trap a substance where blood components coagulate by using a simple and economical configuration, and a manufacturing method of the blood component collection cassette are provided. A blood component collection cassette (28) includes a cassette main body (40) where a flow path (42) is formed and is configured to be mountable to a centrifugal separation device (14). The cassette main body (40) has a first sheet (40a) and a second sheet (40b) which are formed of a soft material. The flow path (42) is formed between the first sheet (40a) and the second sheet (40b). A filter member (60) for trapping a substance where blood components coagulate is arranged on the flow path (42) in the cassette main body (40).

A centrifugal separation device of a blood component collection system, which is one form of a biological component collection system, performs a pressure release step of stopping a collection and returning pump at the end of a returning operation, and releasing a positive pressure inside a filter structural member, a clamp closure step of closing an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage of the filter structural member, and a collection operation starting step of starting a subsequent collection operation.

Gas recirculation systems for use in endoscopic surgical procedures including a gas recirculation pump are disclosed. The gas recirculation pump may work in conjunction with an insufflator used to inflate a patient's peritoneal cavity during surgery. The gas recirculation system may recirculate a high flow rate of gas from and to the patient while filtering particulate matter out of the gas and while maintaining an adequate moisture content in the gas. The gas recirculation pump may include a disposable pump cartridge releasably connected to a pump motor. A controller may detect a fault or safety condition in the gas recirculation system based on the load placed on the pump motor.

A steam inhaler includes a steam chamber housing having mounted therein a heater assembly. The steam chamber housing defines a steam chamber adapted to receive water. A fitting mounted to the steam chamber housing has a steam conduit section extended toward an exterior vent opening, a nozzle conduit section extended from the steam conduit, and a fresh air conduit section extended from the steam conduit section at a location downstream of the nozzle conduit section. The fitting is configured such that steam flows freely from the steam chamber, through the steam conduit section toward the exterior vent opening, a suction provided at the nozzle redirects at least a portion of the steam into the nozzle conduit section toward a mask, and the fresh air conduit directs fresh air into the steam conduit section to reduce a temperature of the steam exiting the exterior vent opening.

Devices, cartridges, and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein a device generates an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract, while reducing Hoffman analytes and mutagenic compounds delivered to the user as compared to a common tobacco cigarette.

An oxygen concentrator may have a compressor to feed a feed gas for sieve bed(s) via a first manifold, an accumulator to receive enriched air from the bed(s) via a second manifold. It may include an outer housing for the manifolds, the compressor, and the accumulator. The housing may include an access portal to a compartment therein, for removably receiving the bed(s) as a canister assembly. The first manifold may be adjacent to the compartment and have inlet coupling(s) for removably coupling respectively with inlet(s) of the canister assembly. The inlet coupling(s) may each have a first central axis. The second manifold may be adjacent to the compartment and have outlet coupling(s) for removably coupling respectively with outlet(s) of the canister assembly. The outlet coupling(s) may each having a second central axis. The first and second central axes may form any one of an obtuse, acute, or right angle.