Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing assistance apparatus that may be configured to reduce the risk of damage to electronics within the apparatus as a result of liquid leaks within the apparatus or impacts to the apparatus. In other forms, the apparatus may be configured to allow for easy assembly and/or safe operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit. The apparatus being operable in a humidifying mode and a non-humidifying mode, and includes a humidification chamber for containing an amount of water that can be located in an operating position in the humidifying mode and, optionally separate from the apparatus in the non-humidifying mode. The apparatus may also have an auxiliary flow path that can be activated in the non-humidifying mode and a powered device that heats water in the humidification chamber when the apparatus is in the humidifying mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that can be used to humidify a stream of air that may be delivered to a patient for respiratory assistance during Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy. The apparatus includes a humidification chamber and compartment that receives the humidification chamber in which the humidification chamber is secured in the compartment to enhance thermal engagement, for example, between a heater plate of the compartment and a heater base of the humidification chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing assistance apparatus that may be configured to reduce the risk of damage to electronics within the apparatus as a result of liquid leaks within the apparatus or impacts to the apparatus. In other forms, the apparatus may be configured to allow for easy assembly and/or safe operation.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus that comprises a housing with inner and outer walls and an upper surface, wherein the walls and upper surface are integrally formed as a single part to avoid seams or joins between the walls to reduce the risk of damage to electronics within the apparatus as a result of liquid leaks. Also disclosed is a control system for a heating element of a humidifier which provides a secondary or back up protection mechanism to disable power to the heating element if a first electronic protection circuit does not cause the first switching member to disable power to the heating element.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus that comprises a housing with inner and outer walls and an upper surface, wherein the walls and upper surface are integrally formed as a single part to avoid seams or joins between the walls to reduce the risk of damage to electronics within the apparatus as a result of liquid leaks. Also disclosed is a control system for a heating element of a humidifier which provides a secondary or back up protection mechanism to disable power to the heating element if a first electronic protection circuit does not cause the first switching member to disable power to the heating element.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter, including a fluid flow path and rotor. The rotor has at least one blade positioned in the fluid flow path. A ring is positioned upstream from, and adjacent to the rotor. The ring is adapted to condition the flow at the leading edge of the rotor blade over a range of operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid flow meter, comprising: means for defining a fluid flow path; a rotor, with at least one blade, positioned in said fluid flow path; and a ring positioned upstream from, and adjacent to, said rotor; wherein the ring is adapted to conditions the flow at the leading edge of the rotor blade over a range of operating conditions. By providing a ring the accuracy and flow measuring range may be improved.