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Breathing Easier

The Delphi Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a convenient oxygen source for adult patients with a respiratory illness.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 11 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some studies indicate the number could be even larger. COPD patients typically have one of two lung diseases—chronic bronchitis or emphysema—or sometimes both.

More than three years ago, Delphi Medical Systems engineers set out to design a portable oxygen concentrator to deliver concentrated oxygen to patients requiring supplemental oxygen therapy treatment in a convenient format. The impressive result—the Delphi Portable Oxygen Concentrator, sold in North America as evo Central Air, is a compact, intuitive device that affords exceptional portability. Measuring under one foot (305 mm) high and weighing in at less than ten pounds (4.5 kg), it is small enough to enable more mobile lifestyles. For example, it can fit easily in carry-on baggage for air travel, which the airlines are making easier than ever for respiratory illness patients thanks to the efforts of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), among others.

The evo Central Air is available now and will be distributed in North America exclusively through evo Medical Solutions' nationwide network. evo, a manufacturer and distributor of respiratory products, has serviced the home and health care respiratory markets for many years.

The evo Central Air is primarily designed to be used by patients who according to a clinician's prescription or direction, require supplemental oxygen and also want to remain active and mobile in everyday life. Its size and convenience make it ideal for the patient on the go.

The durable device can be powered by a conventional AC wall plug or via DC power, such as an automotive 12 volt power receptacle, and it contains a rechargeable battery that can power the unit for about three hours, depending on the setting. A series of alarms clearly indicate any issues, such as oxygen concentration falling below a specified level, low battery power, or if a filter needs to be cleaned or changed.

Getting the all clear

The release of the evo Central Air took a big step forward in early 2008 with the receipt of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance letter on Delphi's pre-market notification [510(k)] submission. With this important government clearance, Delphi moved forward with plans to market and sell the portable oxygen concentrator in the United States. This was the first 510(k) written, submitted, and approved all under the Delphi name.

"The 510(k) clearance is a significant accomplishment for the Delphi Medical Systems team and represents a historic point on our Delphi company timeline," said Francisco A. (Frank) Ordoñez, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "The team's hard work and dedication have been outstanding, and are a testament to the continued success of Delphi Medical Systems."

Getting carried away

A variety of accessories are available to enhance the convenience of the evo Central Air. Among the most popular accessories are the carrying case and pull cart.

The included carrying case has a convenient fabric enclosure for the concentrator, with openings for all connections, external pouch for a water bottle, and a clear protective cover allowing access to the control panel. It also features a shoulder strap for ease of portability. The Delphi custom fold-up pull cart is also included and designed to be used in conjunction with the carrying case and its large easy-roll wheels enable use in almost any setting. When attached to the wheeled cart, users can simply pull the concentrator along wherever they go.

"Delphi Medical Systems is committed to providing the most convenient and reliable oxygen therapy system for patients," said Monika Zienert, Delphi's clinical affairs manager. "Offering these accessories, as well as service parts, helps provide patients with a robust, reliable source of oxygen that won't interfere with their mobility."

For more information, visit www.delphimedical.com.

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This article, including the exhibits being furnished as part of this report, as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements that reflect, when made, the Company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue," the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the Company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession financing facility, to obtain an extension of term or other amendments as necessary to maintain access to such facility and to secure the anticipated advances from GM in order to obtain any such extension or amendment; the Company's ability to obtain Court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 cases prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the Company to consummate its amended plan of reorganization which was confirmed by the Court on January 25, 2008 or any other subsequently confirmed plan of reorganization; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining Court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the Company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the chapter 11 cases on the Company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan (including the transformation plan described in Item 1. Business "Plan of Reorganization and Transformation Plan" of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC) and to do so in a timely manner; the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the Company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees or those of its principal customers and the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers. Additional factors that could affect future results are identified in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC, including the risk factors in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors, contained therein. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise. Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company's various prepetition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities.