Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to headgear and a patient interface, or components of a headgear or patient interface, such as a nasal cannula. In one embodiment is a size adjustable headstrap to be provided as a headgear or a part thereof, in another is a portion of a headstrap or component for association therewith in which the portion or component facilitates improved location of the strap upon a user's face, in another embodiment is a system for encapsulating or covering a connector from contact with a user's face or facial skin, in another embodiment is a face mount part or body for a patient interface of a particular configuration, and in yet a further embodiment is a gases flow manifold for delivering of gases to a patient interface of a particular configuration for improved patient comfort.

Abstract: A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for controlled hydro-injection release of an erodible solid cartridge into a liquid. The dispenser assembly includes a fluid flow member with an inlet for attaching to a pressurized fluid line and an outlet. A hydro chamber with a hydro-injector member is provided in the fluid flow member. The hydro-injector member has an inlet opening which faces the inlet of the fluid flow member and outlet opening. A cartridge holding member is removably attached to the fluid flow member and is configured to house the erodible solid cartridge in an activation chamber. A plate is positioned in engagement with the hydro-injector member. An expandable member extends from the plate. The hydro-injector and the plate control the rate of erosion of the erodible solid cartridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to headgear and a patient interface, or components of a headgear or patient interface, such as a nasal cannula. In one embodiment is a size adjustable headstrap to be provided as a headgear or a part thereof, in another is a portion of a headstrap or component for association therewith in which the portion or component facilitates improved location of the strap upon a user's face, in another embodiment is a system for encapsulating or covering a connector from contact with a user's face or facial skin, in another embodiment is a face mount part or body for a patient interface of a particular configuration, and in yet a further embodiment is a gases flow manifold for delivering of gases to a patient interface of a particular configuration for improved patient comfort.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for controlled hydro-injection release of an erodible solid cartridge into a liquid. The dispenser assembly includes a fluid flow member with an inlet for attaching to a pressurized fluid line and an outlet. A hydro chamber with a hydro-injector member is provided in the fluid flow member. The hydro-injector member has an inlet opening which faces the inlet of the fluid flow member and outlet opening. A cartridge holding member is removably attached to the fluid flow member and is configured to house the erodible solid cartridge in an activation chamber. A plate is positioned in engagement with the hydro-injector member. An expandable member extends from the plate. The expandable member is maintained proximate to or in contact with a top of the erodible solid cartridge to control the rate of erosion as the erodible solid cartridge is eroded.

Abstract: A medical pole 1 has a movable base 103 supporting a pole member 3. The movable base 103 a frame 105 and two or more wheels. A first wheel 111 has a first mode in which the first wheel 111 is swivelable about a respective upright axis relative to the frame and is rollable about a respective transverse axis, and a second mode in which the first wheel 111 is rollable about the respective transverse axis but is non-swivelable about the respective upright axis. The first wheel 111 is configurable between the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for controlled hydro-injection release of an erodible solid cartridge into a liquid. The dispenser assembly includes a fluid flow member with an inlet for attaching to a pressurized fluid line and an outlet. A hydro chamber with a hydro-injector member is provided in the fluid flow member. The hydro-injector member has an inlet opening which faces the inlet of the fluid flow member and outlet opening. A cartridge holding member is removably attached to the fluid flow member and is configured to house the erodible solid cartridge in an activation chamber. A plate is positioned in engagement with the hydro-injector member. An expandable member extends from the plate. The expandable member is maintained proximate to or in contact with a top of the erodible solid cartridge to control the rate of erosion as the erodible solid cartridge is eroded.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A mount provides a structure that facilitates coupling of a nebuliser downstream of a humidifier chamber and upstream of a conduit that delivers conditioned breathing gases to a patient or user. The mount can couple together a chamber, a nebulizer and a conduit.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A mount configured for use within a respiratory system that provides a structure that facilitates coupling of a nebuliser downstream of a humidifier chamber and upstream of a conduit that delivers conditioned breathing gases to a patient or user. The mount can couple together a chamber, a nebulizer and a conduit.