Voluntary Worldwide Field Corrective Action of the Vital Signs Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier (HCH) / Anesthesia Breathing Circuit

TOTOWA, N.J. -- In April 2011, Vital Signs Devices, a GE Healthcare Company, initiated a voluntary worldwide field correction of the Vital Signs Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier (HCH)/Anesthesia Breathing Circuit. This device is sold under various part numbers - see list below.

GE Healthcare initiated the field correction in April 2011, and began notifying customers with affected units through an Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter and a follow-up call to confirm receipt of the letter. Through these efforts, all customers were informed of the issue and provided with safety instructions. Customers have been directed to NOT use the anesthesia circuits containing the Vital Signs Devices Passive Humidification Device (Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier, or “HCH”), or the stand alone HCH device with the product item numbers and lot numbers listed below, isolate all affected product, contact Vital Signs Customer Service at 1-800-932-0760 to arrange for the return and replacement of product. All affected Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier and Anesthesia Breathing Circuits with affected Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifiers are being replaced.The Vital Signs Devices Passive Humidification Device (Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier or “HCH”) may have an occlusion that can prevent proper flow of the medical gases or oxygen, possibly resulting in insufficient oxygen delivered to the patient (hypoxia or hypoxemia). This device may be included in Vital Signs anesthesia circuits or sold separately. The affected units were manufactured between January 2011 and April 2011.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as a Class I recall. FDA defines Class I recalls as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the volatile product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”For additional information regarding this field correction, please contact Vital Signs Customer Service at 1-800-932-0760. Hours of Operation: 8:00 am EDT to 5:00 pm EDT, Monday through Friday.

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Benefit From The Value Of A Humidifier Rating

Home improvement can be very expensive, and in order to cut down on decoration and furniture replacement costs many people now use a valuable tool known as a humidifier. This type of appliance can help to inject moisture into a dry climate within the home, which in turn can help to eliminate costly damage to furnishings and d�cor. You can enjoy the benefits of single room humidifiers as well as whole house humidifiers, which can help reduce dry air in all of your rooms, such as the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, the living room, and all communal areas. Another benefit of using this type of equipment within your home or office is that you can reduce ill health that can often arise from dry air, such as allergies, respiratory conditions, and skin conditions. These humidifiers are easy to use and maintain, so you don�t have to go to any unnecessary trouble in order to enjoy the benefits of good air quality within your home or your office.

The Internet is the ideal place to check out and compare humidifier rating information. You will find a great deal of information relating to these devices, with ratings available to help you find out more about areas such as how well they perform, how easy they are to use and maintain, and their overall value for money. With such a wide choice of humidifier types, makes, and models, trying to make the right choice can be very time consuming and difficult, but with the information that can be gleaned through these ratings the task of finding the device that will best suit you and your home or office can be made far simpler and faster. Whatever type of humidifier you are after and whatever your budget, it can really pay to take the time and view these ratings before making any firm commitment.You can learn more about these ratings online and make a more informed purchaseSelecting the right humidifier for your needs through the use of ratings

The Internet is the ideal place to check out and compare humidifier rating information. You will find a great deal of information relating to these devices, with ratings available to help you find out more about areas such as how well they perform, how easy they are to use and maintain, and their overall value for money. With such a wide choice of humidifier types, makes, and models, trying to make the right choice can be very time consuming and difficult, but with the information that can be gleaned through these ratings the task of finding the device that will best suit you and your home or office can be made far simpler and faster. Whatever type of humidifier you are after and whatever your budget, it can really pay to take the time and view these ratings before making any firm commitment.

Author: Ciara McNamara

What To Think About Before You Buy A Humidifier

A humidifier has been shown to not only improve health, but to keep a home and possessions in good condition. Even the Environmental Protection Agency has said that humidifiers can lessen the opportunity for mold or mildew to grow in a space where levels of humidity are higher than they should be. The first thing to do is determine whether you need a humidifier, so test out the air in your home with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument that helps monitor the air you breathe.

The filters that may be replaced once in awhile are the wick filters, charcoal prefilters and the HEPA filters.The last few things to look at are operation noise level and settings, safety shut off features, benefits of humidifiers with filters, and regular maintenance and warranty information. If the humidifier is for your bedroom, seek out a model with a low or silent option with at least low and high setting levels. Safety shutoff and a built-in humidisat are must have in the way of safety features in case you forget to turn off the humidifier when the water reservoir is empty, while also regulating the humidity level in your home.Next, look at the convenience of cleaning your humidifier. Portable units are sold in various sizes of water reservoirs, from a 1-litre to a 5-gallon tank or larger. Many portable units have a two-gallon tank that runs for 1.5 days, but a 1-litre tank will have to be filled more frequently.

The last few things to look at are operation noise level and settings, safety shut off features, benefits of humidifiers with filters, and regular maintenance and warranty information. If the humidifier is for your bedroom, seek out a model with a low or silent option with at least low and high setting levels. Safety shutoff and a built-in humidisat are must have in the way of safety features in case you forget to turn off the humidifier when the water reservoir is empty, while also regulating the humidity level in your home.

Author: Jon Kilminster

Need Tips To Decide Which Holmes Humidifier Filter You Need?

A Holmes humidifier filter is among the best filters available these days. Holmes manufacturer is not just a specialist in creating the necessary equipment to make life more comfortable. It is concerned as well about creating a healthier and cozier environment.

After that, determine what type of humidifier you will need, whether it�s warm mist or cool mist. Do your research on what type of humidifier does what; some models both humidify and purify the air, and though they�re more expensive, they�re usually worth it. Compare prices of humidifiers, both cool and warm mist versions, and then make a list of what to do next.The HEPA filters are High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. Holmes humidifier filter of HEPA type can trap larger amount of the small particulates that other humidifiers would circulate around the room. A true or absolute HEPA filters can trap 99.97 percent of particles of .3 micros, and this is indicated on a serial number assigned to the filter.The charcoal prefilters are a type of filter that absorb odors, trap particulates like dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, harmful fibers, tobacco smoke and other types of airborne allergens. Charcoal prefilters are best if there is someone in your family suffering from respiratory problems or asthma.A part of humidifier that is important is the filter. Holmes humidifier filter needs replacement every 3 or 6 months depending on its types. Almost all humidifiers of Holmes feature a FilterCheck monitor to allow you to keep watch on the filter�s condition.Proper maintenance of humidifier is crucial to the device�s functionality. Replacing the filter is necessary because it prevents the accumulation of bacteria and minerals which can cause leakage and malfunction of the humidifier.Thus, while most of the Holmes humidifier filters need replacement every three months or so, some conditions in certain areas require earlier replacement. When you buy any of Holmes filters, they are usually in three, six, twelve, or eighteen packs. Regardless of the content however, you can guarantee that they all receive good customer satisfaction reviews.Humidifier is a device that moisturizes the air. Cool and dry climate render the humidity low. While this may seem to be harmless, too low humidity can bring ill health. Conditions such as colds, sinusitis, allergies, and nose bleeding can be associated with very low humidity of the environment.The Ultrasonic humidifier is the latest technology. Rather than using a fan to blow air over the filter, the ultrasonic employ high-frequency vibrations to gently shove the water vapors through the humidifier and out into the room. They are also energy-efficient and quiet. This humidifier is perfect at night when everyone is sleeping.Holmes warm mist humidifier is actually a steam humidifier- a vaporizer. Its function is to boil water, release the steam and moisture into the air. There are options in this humidifier to attach a steam vapor to mitigate coughing. This type of humidifier is best used when asthma patients are around.On the other hand, Holmes humidifier filter HWF64 is a honeycomb filtration to trap mineral pollutants common in water. It also helps in preventing these mineral pollutants to penetrate your home. In using this type of filter, it is recommended to replace it at the beginning of each season, or every two months depending on the severity.There are three types of Holmes humidifier, namely, a humidifier that provides warm mist, cool mist and ultrasonic. A cool mist humidifier is the most common humidifier available. Also called evaporative and wick humidifier, the cool mist composes of three parts: the wick, fan and reservoir.

A humidifier is not just an accessory in today�s time. It becomes a necessity. However, to continually enjoy its benefit, it is important that a Holmes humidifier filter is replaced as regularly as possible.

Author: Rudy Silva

Information To Help You Select A Holmes Humidifier Filter

Among the parts of the Holmes humidifier that needs constant replacement is the Holmes humidifier filter. It is the part that screens impurities before the humidifier lets out cool air. A humidifier is a device that enables you to regulate the humidity of a room. With this device, you can increase or decrease the humidity.

The wick filters are very common. Their availability is almost everywhere and ready. The Holmes humidifier filter hwf23 and Holmes humidifier filter hwf62 are examples of wick filters.All filters must be replaced periodically for optimal performance. Even though Holmes feature the FilterCheck monitor, sometimes, the hardness of water and the frequency of using the device can influence the frequency of replacing the filter.In addition, all filters of Holmes boast of Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mildew, and mold, all of which affect the performance of components of humidifier.Moreover, these humidifiers are healthier to use because of the presence of the steam, which is less likely to release mineral impurities or micro-organisms into the room. In some warm mist humidifier, the heating can be a problem, if the appliance is not of good quality. Holmes humidifiers are high-performance. And so is its Holmes humidifier filter.The wick is the filter tasked to absorb water from the reservoir and provide a bigger surface so it can evaporate. Adjacent to the wick is the fan which blows air onto it to help the water to evaporate. For this humidifier, you may need to replace Holmes humidifier wick filter.You�ll need to decide which room to put the humidifier in, and configure the square feet with the humidifier model�s details. You�ll need a humidifier that will cover more area than the actual room size; models for 700 square feet are usually adequate for a small room or bedroom. However, if you buy one that is too large, condensation will form on the inside of the windows and mold and mildew could develop.Holmes wick filters are compatible with selected Holmes humidifiers including HM1230, HM1285, HM1700, HM1740, HM2025, and HM20 models. These filters have indicator to let you know when it is time for replacement.Cool mist humidifier does not require heating the water, making it ideal in some areas where heating is an important function of a humidifier. If there are infants or small children around, this is the type of unit to use.A humidifier is not just an accessory in today�s time. It becomes a necessity. However, to continually enjoy its benefit, it is important that a Holmes humidifier filter is replaced as regularly as possible.

The HEPA filters are High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. Holmes humidifier filter of HEPA type can trap larger amount of the small particulates that other humidifiers would circulate around the room. A true or absolute HEPA filters can trap 99.97 percent of particles of .3 micros, and this is indicated on a serial number assigned to the filter.

Author: Rudy Silva

RASIRC Awarded Contract by Lockheed Martin

Company’s RainMaker Humidifiers to be used in ISIS Airship

Photo available at http://www.rasirc.com/news/downloads/photos/rainmaker.jpg(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omitted.)Engineers at Lockheed Martin plan to power the airship using solar rays during daylight hours. Solar energy will also electrolyze water, with the hydrogen and oxygen stored separately and used at night to generate energy via a hydrogen fuel cell.Humidifiers can make cool mist or warm mist. A warm mist humidifier has been compared to being in a greenhouse, whereas a cool mist humidifier puts out cool air and will not make the air in the room warm. You will choose based on your personal preference.The interactions of aerosols with clouds represent a leading source of uncertainty in quantifying anthropogenic radiative forcing of climate globally since preindustrial times (Solomon et al. 2007). Clouds are also reported to constitute the largest source of uncertainty in climate sensitivity to radiative forcing in current coupled ocean-atmosphere climatemodels (Soden and Held 2006). In the tropics, differences in the predicted sensitivity of marine boundary layer clouds to CO2 doubling have been specifically identified as the main source of uncertainty in cloud feedback (Bony and Dufresne 2005).About RASIRCUnder the DARPA program, ISIS is designed to revolutionize persistent, theater-wide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It will demonstrate battlefield surveillance, tracking and fire-control, and enable engagement of hundreds of time-critical air and ground targets simultaneously in both urban and rural environments, provided by a persistent, maintenance free satellite-like system.

RASIRC products purify and deliver ultra-pure liquids and gases. RASIRC technology is the first to generate ultra-high-purity (UHP) steam from de-ionized water. It reduces cost, increases yield, and improves safety. RASIRC dryers, humidifiers, and steam generators are of critical importance for many applications in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, medical, biological, fuel cell, and power industries. Custom systems are available upon request. Call 1-858-259-1220, e-mail info@rasirc.com, or visit www.rasirc.com.

Humidifier Use In The Home

Humidifiers get a lot of use in baby nurseries. When baby is having a breathing problem due to illness, improving and moisturizing the air will help him/her breathe easier. But, humidifiers are not just for baby.

SAN DIEGO -- RASIRC®, the steam purification company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract from Lockheed Martin to supply RainMaker® Humidifiers for use in humidifying hydrogen and oxygen on an unmanned, high altitude, long endurance airship. The Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS) program was awarded to Lockheed Martin in April 2009 by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). RASIRC designs and manufactures products for controlled humidification and ultrapure steam generation for critical manufacturing processes.Very simply, a humidifier puts moisture into the air. This moist air makes it easier for anyone who suffers with allergies, asthma, sinus headaches or swollen nasal passages to breathe. Humidifiers also help prevent dry skin and hair and static electricity in the winter time when the heat is on in the home. Humidifiers can also be beneficial for the home by preventing over drying of wood, peeling of wallpaper, and preventing cracks in drywall and plaster.1. IntroductionIn a recent U.S. decadal survey for Earth observations from space (National Research Council 2007), objectives for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aerosol-Clouds-Ecosystem (ACE) satellite mission include retrieval of aerosol and cloud property profiles. Here we focus on the proposed retrieval of the number, effective variance, and effective radius of ambient aerosols in the 0.1-1-mm radius range at 500-m vertical resolution with associated uncertainties of 100%, 50%, and 10%, respectively. These definitions represent nominal aerosol retrieval requirements established during ACE mission planning, which are intended for the purpose of better constraining the representation of aerosol-cloud interactions in climate models, to be distinguished from the proposed requirements for the retrieval of other aerosol properties more closely tied to the direct effects of aerosols on the atmospheric radiative budget. The retrieval of ambient rather than dry aerosol size distribution properties is considered to reduce the dependence of retrieval accuracy on collocated atmospheric state profiles that are not measured by the ACE mission (such as relative humidity) and size-resolved aerosol composition.

It is very important that you keep your humidifier clean and follow the manufacturers suggested cleaning schedule.

Author: Kelly Gillis