Portable, nitric oxide generator

A method of providing nitric oxide comprising:

• selecting a generator comprising a reactor system, self-contained and containing first reactants and second reactants;
• generating heat by activating the second reactants;
• generating nitric oxide by activating the first reactants in response to the generating heat;
• and
• introducing the nitric oxide into a breathing air of a subject.

A method of providing nitric oxide, the method comprising:

• providing first reactants in a dry mixture, wherein the first reactants are selected to react in response to heating thereof and to generate nitric oxide gas upon heating;
• providing a first container containing the first reactants, wherein the first container further comprises providing a conduit extending from the first container to conduct the nitric oxide gas from the first container;
• providing a second container thermally insulated and substantially surrounding the first container and allowing the conduit to pass outside the second container;
• providing a third container, sealed, breachable, and containing salt water, the third container being located outside the first container and inside the second container;
• providing second reactants, dry and located inside the second container, the second reactants being selected to react in the presence of water and be exothermic upon reaction in the presence of water, thereby generating energy and heat to initiate reaction of the first reactants in the first container;
• providing a breaching assembly positioned to breach the third container upon actuation of the breaching assembly and allow the salt water to pour onto the second reactants, initiating mutual reaction of the second reactants;
• and
• producing nitric oxide gas.