Erich Jaeger Gmbh & Co. Kg

Circassia Ab

Erich Jaeger Gmbh & Co.

Rudiger Eichler

Tom Steinmuller

An apparatus for the collection of samples of exhaled air during normal respiration, comprising a flow generator, an orally insertable exhalation air receiver, and a device for isolating the nasal airways, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a sensor for detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and to transmit said change as a signal; a control unit adapted to receive said signal and to control said device for isolating the nasal airways; wherein the flow generator is connected to or integrated with the exhalation air receiver. A method of collecting samples of exhaled air during normal respiration conditions, comprising the steps of: detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and transmitting said change as a signal; receiving said signal in a control unit; activating a device for isolating the nasal airways; activating a flow generator connected to an exhalation air receiver; and collecting a sample of exhaled air during exhalation when the nasal airways are isolated.

Apparatus and method for the collection of samples of exhaled air

Exchangeable flow meter

To permit accurate introduction of aerosols containing, for example, irritants or similar substances, into the pulmonary tract or airways of a patient, the breathing cycles of the patient are counted and, after a number of normal breathing cycles, and during a limited period of time in the inhalation phase of a breathing cycle, and after commencement of the inhalation phase, a predetermined quantity of aerosols is introduced to the patient by applying compressed air of controlled pressure to an atomizer or aerosol fog generator (32, 34); initiation of inhalation is sensed, for example by a pressure transducer (24), the output of which is connected to a threshold stage (50) sensing inhalation and exhalation, respectively, and setting a time delay period for example of less than half than normal duration of the inhalation phase of the patient, which then triggers a timing interval by a monostable flip-flop (56) which, during the time period thereof, applies the controlled compressed air to the atomizer (32, 34), the compressed air being shut off, and thus terminating atomization well in advance of the end of the inhalation cycle, and preferably less than 1/2 second, for example less than 0.3 second, so that the quantity of aerosols is accurately controlled and will reach the alveoli to be absorbed in the lungs so that the breathing tube will be essentially free from contaminating aerosols.

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Zellingen, Germany

Rudiger Eichler