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 housing for a sensor to prevent condensate from collecting in the sensor. The housing includes a deflector to channel condensate forming in the housing away from the sensor. A notch is provided at the base of the sensor to ensure any condensate forming on the sensor itself does not collect at the sensor base. Further the interior of the housing is roughened and treated with an antifogging agent to ensure any condensate falls continuously so droplets do not form.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor senses absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold facilitates easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for sensing the absolute humidity of gases where the relative humidity of gases are measured, the humidity transducer is heated, the resulting temperature measured and the absolute humidity calculated (based on the power to heat said transducer, the temperature of said transducer and the relative humidity). In further embodiments the humidity transducer may be heated to a pasteurisation temperature, to substantially kill any common pathogens present on the humidity transducer. The flow rate may be determined to estimate a more instantaneous valve of humidity. The operation of the sensor may be continually monitored for correct operation and various constructions disclosed for improving the efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A gases transportation pathway for use in supplying a humidified gases stream to a patient includes regulated conduit heating. The regulated conduit heating may include a section of positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localised electrical resistance of the material is positively related to the localised temperature. The regulated conduit heating may be a layer of positive temperature coefficient material within the wall of the gases transportation pathway with at least a pair of conductors running the length of the pathway and in electrically conductive contact with the positive temperature coefficient material.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

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 gases transportation pathway for use in supplying a humidified gases stream to a patient includes regulated conduit heating. The regulated conduit heating may include a section of positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localized electrical resistance of the material is positively related to the localized temperature. The regulated conduit heating may be a layer of positive temperature coefficient material within the wall of the gases transportation pathway with at least a pair of conductors running the length of the pathway and in electrically conductive contact with the positive temperature coefficient material.

Abstract: A housing for a sensor to prevent condensate from collecting in the sensor. The housing includes a deflector to channel condensate forming in the housing away from the sensor. A notch is provided at the base of the sensor to ensure any condensate forming on the sensor itself does not collect at the sensor base. Further the interior of the housing is roughened and treated with an antifogging agent to ensure any condensate falls continuously so droplets do not form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for sensing the absolute humidity of gases where the relative humidity of gases are measured, the humidity transducer is heated, the resulting temperature measured and the absolute humidity calculated (based on the power to heat said transducer, the temperature of said transducer and the relative humidity).

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.