Patent ID: 6792946
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: A61M,A62B

Abstract:
A patient heat-moisture exchanger circuit in combination with an aerosol generator, comprising:a first housing having a first conduit integral with an exterior side, the first conduit having a passageway leading inwardly through the exterior side of the first housing; a heat-moisture exchange material affixed on an interior edge portion of the first housing, the heat-moisture exchange material having an opening therethrough axially aligned with the passageway in the first conduit; a second housing joined to the first housing and rotatable with respect to the first housing, the second housing having a second conduit integral with an exterior side, the second conduit having a passageway leading inwardly through the exterior side of the second housing; a heat-moisture exchange material affixed on an interior edge portion of the second hocusing, the heat-moisture exchange material having an opening therethrough axially aligned with the passageway in the second conduit; an elongated tube slidably mounted within the passageway of the first conduit, with a protective cover over an entrance into the passageway of the first conduit, the elongated tube adapted to slide through the first housing and the heat-moisture materials affixed to the first and second housings when an atomized liquid is emanating from the aerosol generator and the first and second housings are turned with respect to each other so that the first and second conduits are axially aligned; and the elongated tube having a distal end abutting an entrance to the first housing when the first and second conduits are axially misaligned so that inspired and expired breath of the patient passes through the heat-moisture material.