Nitric oxide generation, dilution, and topical application apparatus and method

A nitric oxide gas generator, comprising:

• a first pump in fluid communication with a first filter and an inlet of a reaction chamber wherein the first filter is capable of filtering oxygen and moisture;
• the reaction chamber having at least the inlet and an outlet and containing a first reactant in a solid form, a second reactant in a solid form, and a third reactant in a solid form that when combined and heated are capable of producing a nitric oxide gas;
• a heating element connected to the reaction chamber wherein the heating element is capable of heating the reaction chamber in a manner sufficient to heat the reactants and initiate the production of the nitric oxide gas;
• and
• the outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, the atmosphere outside the apparatus and a second pump wherein the second pump is capable of drawing the nitric oxide gas out of the reaction chamber.

A nitric oxide gas generator, comprising:

• a first pump in fluid communication with a first filter and an inlet of a reaction chamber wherein the first pump is capable of pressurizing the reaction chamber and the first filter is capable of filtering oxygen and moisture;
• the reaction chamber having at least the inlet and an outlet and containing a granulated mixture of reactants, wherein the granulated mixture is capable of passing through a five micron screen and comprises an effective amount of calcined chromium oxide, a nitrite compound, and a nitrate compound, that when combined and heated are capable of producing a nitric oxide gas;
• a heating element connected to the reaction chamber wherein the heating element is capable of heating the reaction chamber in a manner sufficient to heat the reactants and initiate the production of the nitric oxide gas;
• the outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, the atmosphere outside the apparatus and a second pump;
• the second pump in fluid communication with a second filter and an aperture wherein the second pump is capable of drawing the nitric oxide gas out of the reaction chamber and pumping the nitric oxide gas through the aperture;
• and
• the aperture in fluid communication with a delivery line.

A nitric oxide gas generator, comprising:

• a first pump in fluid communication with a first filter and an inlet of a reaction chamber wherein the first pump is capable of pressurizing the reaction chamber and the first filter is capable of filtering oxygen and moisture;
• the reaction chamber having at least the inlet and an outlet and containing a first reactant in a solid form, a second reactant in a solid form, and a third reactant in a solid form that when combined and heated are capable of producing a nitric oxide gas;
• a heating element connected to the reaction chamber wherein the heating element is capable of heating the reaction chamber in a manner sufficient to heat the reactants and initiate the production of the nitric oxide gas;
• the reaction chamber further comprises fins that are connected to an outside wall of the reaction chamber and to the heating element such that the fins are capable of dissipating heat through the reaction chamber;
• the outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, the atmosphere outside the apparatus and a second pump;
• the second pump in fluid communication with a second filter and an aperture wherein the second pump is capable of drawing the nitric oxide gas out of the reaction chamber and pumping the nitric oxide gas through the aperture;
• and
• the aperture in fluid communication with a delivery line.