Abstract: A respiratory or surgical humidifier having communication capabilities for communicating with other medical devices. The humidifier can obtain updates from the other medical devices and transmit and receive other data using the communication capabilities. The humidifier's operational state can be logged and its health can be assessed by another device. The humidifier's operation can be controlled based on data communicated from other medical devices. Also disclosed are other medical devices for communicating with the humidifier. Also disclosed are methods by which devices of a humidification and ventilation system can authenticate each other.

Abstract: A display may include an array of pixels. Each pixel in the array includes an organic light-emitting diode coupled to associated semiconducting oxide transistors. The semiconducting oxide transistors may exhibit different device characteristics. Some of the semiconducting oxide transistors may be formed using a first oxide layer formed from a first semiconducting oxide material using first processing steps, whereas other semiconducting oxide transistors are formed using a second oxide layer formed from a second semiconducting oxide material using second processing steps different than the first processing steps. The display may include three or more different semiconducting oxide layers formed during different processing steps.

Abstract: A chip package structure includes an interposer structure that contains a package-side redistribution structure, an interposer core assembly, and a die-side redistribution structure. The interposer core assembly includes at least one silicon substrate interposer, and each of the at least one silicon substrate interposer includes a respective silicon substrate, a respective set of through-silicon via (TSV) structures vertically extending through the respective silicon substrate, a respective set of interconnect-level dielectric layers embedding a respective set of metal interconnect structures, and a respective set of metal bonding structures that are electrically connected to the die-side redistribution structure. The chip package structure includes at least two semiconductor dies that are attached to the die-side redistribution structure, and an epoxy molding compound (EMC) multi-die frame that laterally encloses the at least two semiconductor dies.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

Abstract: A humidification system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first and second sensors are adapted to sense flow characteristics within the system. The first and second sensors are isolated from the flow by barriers formed by respective first and second sealing members. The sealing members extend through apertures formed in the system and have a portion that contacts the sensing elements of the respective first and second sensors. A cartridge can hold the sensors and provide repeatable penetration depths into a flow passage of the system. A medical tube has a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. One component can be a spirally wound elongate hollow body; the other component can be an elongate structural component spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a breathing assistance apparatus comprising a conduit for conveying gases therein, the conduit comprising circuitry. The circuitry may comprise at least one heater wire part to heat gases in the conduit, in use, and at least one sensor wire part comprising at least one sensor for monitoring a parameter of the gases in the conduit. There is also provided a controller to control provision of AC power or AC voltage to the heater wire part; and control selective reading of the sensor. The controller may be configured to read the sensor at or about a particular portion of the AC power waveform provided to the heater wire part.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: Various control methods can indirectly determine incorrect connections between components in a respiratory therapy system. For example, errors in the connections can occur between a patient interface, a humidifier and/or a gases source. The methods can indirectly detect if a reverse flow condition exists or other error conditions. A reverse flow condition can occur when gases flows in a direction different from an intended direction of flow. The detection of the reverse flow condition can be indicative of likely errors in connections between the humidifier, patient interface and/or gases source.

Abstract: Various control methods can indirectly determine incorrect connections between components in a respiratory therapy system. For example, incorrect connections can occur between a patient interface, a humidifier, and/or a gases source. The methods can indirectly detect if reverse flow conditions or other error conditions exist. A reverse flow condition can occur when gases flows in a direction different from an intended direction of flow. The methods can be implemented at the humidifier side, at the gases source side, or both.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a breathing assistance apparatus comprising a conduit for conveying gases therein, the conduit comprising circuitry. The circuitry may comprise at least one heater wire part to heat gases in the conduit, in use, and at least one sensor wire part comprising at least one sensor for monitoring a parameter of the gases in the conduit. There is also provided a controller to control provision of AC power or AC voltage to the heater wire part; and control selective reading of the sensor. The controller may be configured to read the sensor at or about a particular portion of the AC power waveform provided to the heater wire part.

Abstract: Various control methods can indirectly determine incorrect connections between components in a respiratory therapy system. For example, errors in the connections can occur between a patient interface, a humidifier and/or a gases source. The methods can indirectly detect if a reverse flow condition exists or other error conditions. A reverse flow condition can occur when gases flows in a direction different from an intended direction of flow. The detection of the reverse flow condition can be indicative of likely errors in connections between the humidifier, patient interface and/or gases source.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system can include a humidifier used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an inlet and associated sensor, an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A humidifier can include a control system configured to change a humidification chamber outlet temperature set point or an amount of generated humidity, including for example, a maximum outlet temperature set point, as a function of inlet gas temperature. The control system can reduce and/or minimize rainout (i.e. condensate) while maintaining a substantially consistent humidity in the gases delivered to a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: Various control methods can indirectly determine incorrect connections between components in a respiratory therapy system. For example, incorrect connections can occur between a patient interface, a humidifier and/or a gases source. The methods can indirectly detect if reverse flow conditions or other error conditions exist. A reverse flow condition can occur when gases flows in a direction different from an intended direction of flow. The methods can be implemented at the humidifier side, at the gases source side, or both.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for an inspiratory limb for a breathing circuit that includes a first segment that comprises a first heater wire circuit and a second segment that comprises a second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can include an intermediate connector that includes a connection circuit that electrically couples the first heater wire circuit to the second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can be configured to operate in two modes wherein, in a first mode, electrical power passes through the first electrical connection to provide power to the first heater wire circuit without providing power to the second heater wire circuit, and in a second mode, electrical power pass through the first electrical connection to provide power to both the first heater wire circuit and the second heater wire circuit.

Abstract: A humidification system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first and second sensors are adapted to sense flow characteristics within the system. The first and second sensors are isolated from the flow by barriers formed by respective first and second sealing members. The sealing members extend through apertures formed in the system and have a portion that contacts the sensing elements of the respective first and second sensors. A cartridge can hold the sensors and provide repeatable penetration depths into a flow passage of the system. A medical tube has a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. One component can be a spirally wound elongate hollow body; the other component can be an elongate structural component spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

Abstract: A humidification system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first and second sensors are adapted to sense flow characteristics within the system. The first and second sensors are isolated from the flow by barriers formed by respective first and second sealing members. The sealing members extend through apertures formed in the system and have a portion that contacts the sensing elements of the respective first and second sensors. A cartridge can hold the sensors and provide repeatable penetration depths into a flow passage of the system. A medical tube has a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. One component can be a spirally wound elongate hollow body; the other component can be an elongate structural component spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body.