Breathing assistance apparatus

A device for controlling the gas flow between a pressurised gases supply and a user, comprising:

• a body portion including a first opening adapted to be in fluid communication with a pressurised gases supply, a second opening adapted to be in fluid communication with a user,
• a first auxiliary outlet in said body portion,
• a second auxiliary outlet in said body portion, which during inhalation of a user is closed, and during exhalation of a user is open and in fluid communication with said second opening, and
• valve means adapted such that during a user's inhalation, the flow of gases from said first opening is directed to said second opening, and during a user's exhalation, the flow of gases from said first opening is directed to said first auxiliary outlet, said valve means comprising an axially moveable member including means for substantially sealing inside said body portion, said member in use axially moveable within said body portion, said movable member including at least two apertures and said first auxiliary outlet and said second auxiliary outlet comprise apertures in said body portion which align with said apertures in said moveable member during exhalation of a user, and are closed off by solid sections of said moveable member during inhalation of a user.

A system for supplying gases to a user at a pressure above ambient comprising:

• a pressurised gases supply for supplying a continuous positive pressure above ambient,
• gases delivery means for supplying said gases to a user, said gases delivery means being in fluid communication with said pressurised gases supply, and
• flow control means disposed within said gases delivery means or in fluid communication therewith, said flow control means comprising a device for controlling the gas flow within said gases delivery means, said device including a body portion including a first opening adapted to be in fluid communication with said pressurised gases supply, a second opening for providing fluid flow to and/or from said flow control means, a first auxiliary outlet in said body portion, a second auxiliary outlet in said body portion, which during inhalation of a user is closed, and during exhalation of a user is open and in fluid communication with said second opening, and valve means adapted such that during a user's inhalation, the flow of gases from said first opening is directed to said second opening, and during a user's exhalation, the flow of gases from said first opening is directed to said first auxiliary outlet, said valve means comprising an axially movable member including at least two apertures and said first auxiliary outlet and said second auxiliary outlet comprise apertures in said body portion which align with said two apertures in said moveable member during exhalation of a user, and are closed off by solid sections of said moveable member during inhalation of a user.