Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in the feedback and control systems employed in the field of ventilation therapy. In particular, a system for delivering a supply of gases to a patient is described which incorporates a detachable cartridge or open tubular section (22) used to house a mechanism (11) which senses the humidity, temperature, flow and other attributes of the flowing gas. Information obtained from the sensor may be used to provide feedback to a controller (9) which controls the humidification mechanism in order to provide optimally humidified gases to a patient (1). It will be appreciated that the feedback and control system as described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used in respiratory care generally or with a ventilator.

Abstract: Breathing assistance apparatus including humidifier (4) and heated conduit (6) adapted to deliver humidified gases at desired and accurate level of humidity to patient. Humidifier includes controller (18) that delivers flow rate, temperature and humidity of gases and then determines required power input to deliver gases as required. Need for external sensors is dispensed with providing simple and less bulky apparatus.

Abstract: A gases delivery conduit for the supply of humidified medical gases as formed from an extruded plastic tube. The extruded plastic tube includes at least one heating element embedded within the wall of the tube. The heating element includes a pair of electrical conductors separated by a positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localised resistance of the material is positively related to the localised temperature.

Abstract: A gas and air mixing device receives a pressurised supply of a gas, drawing an air supply from the ambient environment and outputs a pressurised combined mixture of air and said gas. The device includes a turbine with a gases inlet and a gases outlet and a pump with an air inlet and an air outlet. A combined gases outlet receives gases from the gases outlet of the turbine and air from the air outlet of the pump. The combined gases outlet ouputs a combined flow of the gases. The turbine is configured to drive the pump.

Abstract: A gases delivery conduit for the supply of humidified medical gases as formed from an extruded plastic tube. The extruded plastic tube includes at least one heating element embedded within the wall of the tube. The heating element includes a pair of electrical conductors separated by a positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localised resistance of the material is positively related to the localised temperature.