Humidifier with structure to prevent backflow of liquid through the humidifier inlet
A humidifier includes a base configured to retain a body of liquid therein, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base. At least a portion of the base is constructed of a heat conducting material. The top cover defines both an inlet and an outlet communicated with an interior of the base. The inlet is configured to receive pressurized breathable gas and the outlet is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas with added humidity.
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This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/467,382, filed 7 Aug. 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,337, which is the US national phase of international application PCT/AU02/00155 filed 14 Feb. 2002, which designated the United States, and claims the benefit of Australia Application Nos. PR3117, filed Feb. 16, 2001, and PR 7288, filed Aug. 27, 2001, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present application claims priority to Australian Provisional Applications PR3117, filed on Feb. 16, 2001 and PR7288, filed on Aug. 27, 2001, the specifications and drawings of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
The present invention relates to a humidifier for use with an apparatus for supplying breathable gas such as those used for Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
An apparatus for NIPPV or CPAP typically comprises a blower whose output is connected to a patient interface, such as a mask, via an air delivery conduit. Some patients find NIPPV or CPAP more comfortable when provided with humidified air. To this end, manufacturers often supply humidifiers which may be attached in the air circuit between the blower outlet and the patient interface. Humidifiers typically include a water reservoir and are configured such that ambient air from the blower entering the humidifier collects moisture through contact with the water, before continuing on to the patient interface.
Typically, the blower and humidifier are separate components connected via a flexible conduit. An air delivery conduit connects the humidifier outlet to a patient interface mask. Alternatively, the blower and humidifier may be rigidly-connected together. Air from the blower outlet passes into the humidifier inlet where it is humidified and then passes to the air delivery conduit. A potential problem with either arrangement is that if the humidifier is tilted relative to its normal orientation, water may run or spill from the humidifier into the blower outlet which may damage the electrical circuits of the blower and potentially cause infection control problems.
It is one aspect of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate the prior art disadvantages.
It is another aspect to provide a humidifier for a CPAP apparatus that is adapted to substantially prevent liquid contained thereto from undesirably exiting an inlet of the humidifier.
It is another aspect to provide a humidifier that is capable of directly connecting to a CPAP apparatus.
It is another aspect to provide a humidifier that has an inlet that is directly connectable with a CPAP apparatus to effectively eliminate a supply tube.
It is another aspect to provide a humidifier that is capable of heating the liquid contained therein.
One embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for humidifying breathable gas including a humidifier body configured to retain a body of liquid therein, an inlet communicated with an interior of the humidifier body and connectable to a blower outlet, and an outlet communicated with the interior of the humidifier body and connectable to a patient supply conduit. The interior of the humidifier is arranged such that liquid from the body of liquid is prevented from exiting the humidifier body through the inlet thereof when the humidifier body is rotated from a working, upright orientation.
In this manner, the liquid is substantially prevented from entering the blower outlet and possibly damaging the blower.
It is contemplated that the apparatus may also include a first chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the first chamber inlet preferably being connectable to a blower outlet, a second chamber having an inlet preferably connected to the first chamber outlet, and an outlet preferably connectable to the patient supply conduit, the second chamber preferably having the carrying capacity for the body of liquid. The first chamber inlet and outlet and volumes of the first and second chambers may be adapted such that, when the humidifier is disposed in the working upright orientation, the body of liquid is contained in the second chamber and, in other relative positions of the humidifier, the body of liquid is retained in at least one of the second chamber and the first and second chambers at a level therewithin below a level of the first chamber inlet.
A volume of the second chamber may be larger than a volume of the first chamber.
The first chamber may be located substantially above the second chamber in the working upright orientation of the apparatus.
The first chamber inlet and outlet may be located adjacent opposing sections of the first chamber.
The second chamber outlet may be located closer to the first chamber outlet than the first chamber inlet.
At least a portion of a base of the second chamber may be made of a heat conducting material.
The heat conductive portion may be in the form of a metallic cap which covers an opening of the base.
The apparatus may also include a top cover, a base, and a divider disposed between the top cover and base, wherein the base defines a receptacle formed therewithin, which preferably retains the body of liquid in the working orientation of the apparatus.
The top cover and the divider together may define the first chamber and the receptacle and the divider together form the second chamber.
The first chamber inlet and the second chamber outlet may be formed in the top cover and is the first chamber outlet and the second chamber inlet may be formed in the divider, the first chamber outlet and the second chamber inlet may be defined by a single aperture in the divider which communicates the first and second chambers.
The divider may define first and second sections, the first section together with the top cover preferably defining the first chamber.
The divider may include a plurality of apertures, separated by ribs, which may provide fluid communication from the second chamber to the second chamber outlet formed in the top cover.
The top cover and the base may be formed from a relatively rigid polymer material and the divider may be formed from a relatively resilient material.
The first chamber inlet may be connected to a blower outlet, the first chamber outlet may be connected to the second chamber inlet, the second chamber outlet may be connected to the patient supply conduit, and a portion of the second chamber below and behind the second chamber inlet may define a volume thereof greater than a volume of the body of liquid.
A portion of the second chamber between the first chamber inlet and the second chamber inlet and below the second chamber inlet may define a volume thereof greater than the volume of the body of liquid.
Portions of the first chamber and second chamber between the first chamber inlet and the second chamber outlet may define a volume thereof greater man the volume of the body of liquid.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a CPAP apparatus including an apparatus for humidifying breathable gas as described above.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a humidifier for a CPAP apparatus having a humidifier body defining a fluid reservoir and a fluid passage therein. The humidifier body has first and second chambers with a dividing member therebetween. The dividing member includes an orifice therethrough to communicate the first and second chambers with one another. Air from a blower (not shown) arrives in the first chamber via a first chamber inlet and departs from the second chamber via a second chamber outlet. The fluid passage includes the inlet, outlet, the orifice, and, at least, portions of the first and second chambers. The humidifier is designed to carry a body of liquid having a maximum volume, Vmax. In a working orientation of the humidifier, the liquid body lies in a bottom portion of the second chamber. With respect to the working orientation of the humidifier the orifice lies forward of and to the side of the inlet. The first and second chambers are configured such that a volume of a first portion of the second chamber, which lies directly beneath the fist chamber, is greater than Vmax. Additionally, the volume of a second portion of the second chamber, which is disposed to the side of the first chamber, is greater than Vmax. Furthermore, the volume of a portion of the second chamber forward of the inlet plus a portion of the first chamber forward of the inlet is greater than Vmax. Additionally, the volume of a portion of the second chamber to the side of the inlet plus a portion of the first chamber to the side of the inlet is greater than Vmax.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a humidifier for a CPAP apparatus having first and second chambers, wherein an inlet lo the humidifier is communicated with the first chamber, an outlet from the humidifier is communicated with the second chamber, and the first and second chambers are intercommunicated via an orifice extending therebetween. The inlet and orifice are arranged relative to one another such that a level of a volume of liquid present within the humidifier is below at least one of the inlet and orifice for any orientation of the humidifier.
Although certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein as having certain features, one skilled in the art would recognize that alternative embodiments of the invention could be provided based on at least one or more features, either individually or in combination, of the illustrated and described embodiments.
The benefits of the present invention will be readily appreciated and understood from consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments of this invention, when taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In a working orientation represented in
The embodiment of the humidifier 10 shown in
As shown in
Similarly, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in
For each of the orientations of the humidifier 10 shown in
It is also contemplated that the humidifier 30 may include an additional internal passage to allow monitoring of the CPAP pressure without degrading signal strength or necessitating relatively large correction factors due to signal attenuation within the humidifier, such as described in co-pending Applications incorporated above, as well as co-pending Application No. WO 02/066107, entitled “Air Pressure Signal Monitoring in Apparatus for Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing”, filed on even date herewith and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
As shown in
As shown in
In use, a predetermined maximum volume of liquid is poured into the receptacle 60 of the base 40 after removing the top cover 36 and the sealing gasket 38 from the base 40. The top cover 36 and the sealing gasket 38 are then reattached to the base 40. As shown in
In the working upright orientation of the humidifier 30, as shown in
Similarly as with the embodiment illustrated in
For each of the orientations of the humidifier 30 shown in
In
In FIG, 11, the humidifier 30 is rotated to an angle about 90° from the working upright orientation, such that the side 82 is below the side 80 (i.e., flipped 180° from the orientation illustrated in
In
The humidifier 30 thus ensures that the body of liquid 78 is disposed in one of (a) only the second chamber 76, or (b) portions of the first and second chambers 74, 76 at a level below the inlet 32, to prevent liquid from exiting through the inlet 32 at orientations of the humidifier 30 up to an angle of about 90° from the working upright orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, a number of features of the humidifier 30 contribute to ensuing this function. These include relive positions of the inlet 32 and first aperture 50. More particularly, the inlet 32 and first aperture 50 are located on opposing ends of the first chamber 74. Also, the volume of the second chamber 76 is larger than the volume of the first chamber 74, which is assisted by the raised portion 48 of the gasket 38 so that liquid displaced from the first chamber 74 may be accommodated within the second chamber 76 without overflow through aperture 50. Furthermore, the outlet 34 is located closer to the first aperture 50 than the inlet 32, which assists in ensuing that liquid will exit via the outlet 34, rather than though the inlet 32.
The humidifier 30 therefore substantially prevents or reduces the risk of water exiting through the inlet 32, which may damage the NIPPV or CPAP apparatus, when the humidifier 30 is in other orientations up to an angle of about 90° from its working upright orientation.
It is contemplated that the humidifier 30 may be used as a retrofit or add-on component for a CPAP apparatus. To facilitate this usage, it may be preferable to provide a connecting structure 100 that is configured to connect between the CPAP apparatus and humidifier 30. As shown in
To facilitate connection of the humidifier 30 to the connecting strut 100, it is contemplated that another embodiment of a humidifier, indicated at 120 in
As shown in
Referring back to
In certain circumstances, it may be desirable to provide heated humid air to the respirator mask. Accordingly, another embodiment of the connecting structure, indicated at 150 in is
As shown in
Referring to
It is also contemplated that the heating element 162 may be upwardly resiliently biased to ensure adequate contact between the heating element 162 and the heating plate 174.
As shown in
Claims
1. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising
- a humidifier including a base configured to retain a body of liquid therein, at least a portion of the base being constructed of a heat conducting material, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base; and
- a connecting structure configured to connect between the CPAP apparatus and humidifier and allow communication of an outlet of the CPAP apparatus with the an inlet of the humidifier, the connecting structure including a housing providing a base portion to support the humidifier thereon, and a retaining mechanism configured to secure the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus,
- wherein the base portion includes a heating element in contact with the heat conducting material of the base of the humidifier.
2. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top cover defines both an inlet and an outlet communicated with an interior of the base, the inlet configured to receive pressurized breathable gas and the outlet configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas with added humidity.
3. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure includes a control knob to control a heat setting of the heating element.
4. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure includes contact elements that communicate with a power supply within the CPAP apparatus.
5. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure is configured to allow removable attachment of the CPAP apparatus to the humidifier.
6. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting material is a metallic material.
7. A CPAP apparatus including a humidifier assembly according to claim 1.
8. A humidifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the humidifier is provided in the base and an outlet of the humidifier is provided in the top cover.
9. A humidifier for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient, the humidifier comprising:
- a humidifier body configured to retain a body of liquid having a predetermined maximum volume, the humidifier body comprising:
- a first chamber having a first chamber inlet configured to receive the flow of breathable gas, and
- a second chamber in communication with the first chamber through a passage, the second chamber being structured to contain a predetermined maximum volume of liquid when the humidifier body is in a normal upright, operating position, the second chamber comprising a second chamber outlet configured to deliver the flow of breathable gas with added humidity,
- wherein the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passage are arranged such that when liquid is contained in the second chamber in the upright, normal operating position, the possibility of liquid flowing from the second chamber through the passage is reduced or prevented, and liquid that flows from the second chamber and through the passage is collected in the first chamber such that liquid is discouraged or prevented from spilling back from the first chamber inlet when the humidifier body is inadvertently rotated from the upright, normal operating position to a non-upright position.
10. A humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the humidifier body has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction from a rear side of the humidifier body to a front side of the humidifier body, and a transverse axis extending in a direction from a left side of the humidifier body to a right side of the humidifier body, and no liquid will flow out of the first chamber inlet when the humidifier body is rotated about 80°-110° around the longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis from the upright, normal operating position.
11. A humidifier according to claim 10, wherein the second chamber outlet is higher than the first chamber inlet in the upright, normal operating position.
12. A humidifier according to claim 11, wherein the second chamber has a larger volume than the first chamber.
13. A humidifier according to claim 12, wherein the passage is forward of and to the side of the first chamber inlet.
14. A humidifier according to claim 13, wherein the first chamber inlet is positioned on a transverse side of the humidifier body.
15. A humidifier according to claim 14, wherein the first chamber inlet is positioned on a rearward end of the transverse side of the humidifier body.
16. A humidifier according to claim 14, wherein the first chamber inlet is positioned on the left side of the humidifier body.
17. A humidifier according to claim 14, wherein a portion of the second chamber extends forward of the first chamber.
18. A humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the second chamber outlet is disposed above the passage from the first chamber to the second chamber.
19. A humidifier according to claim 9, wherein a level of the predetermined maximum volume of liquid is below the passage in the upright, normal operating position.
20. A humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are releasably engagable with each other.
21. A humidifier according to claim 20, wherein when the first chamber and the second chamber are engaged with each other, mating portions of the first chamber and the second chamber provide a seal between the first chamber and the second chamber.
22. A humidifier according to claim 21, wherein the mating portions provide a releasable connection between the first chamber and the second chamber.
23. An apparatus for supplying breathable gas under pressure, comprising:
- a blower to generate a flow of pressurized breathable gas;
- the humidifier according to claim 9 structured to reduce risk of or prevent spillback of liquid from the humidifier to the blower;
- a connecting structure configured to connect between the blower and the humidifier and allow communication of an outlet of the blower with the first chamber inlet of the humidifier; and
- an air delivery conduit in communication with output from the humidifier.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising:
- a patient interface connected to the air delivery conduit.
25. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising:
- a humidifier that defines a reservoir for a body of liquid, and a fluid passage between an inlet provided at a rear side of the humidifier and an outlet of the humidifier for exposure of a flow of breathable gas from the CPAP apparatus to the body of liquid, the humidifier comprising
- a base configured to retain the body of liquid therein and including a heat conducting material, and
- a top cover that covers the base, the top cover including the outlet; and
- a connecting structure configured to connect between the CPAP apparatus and humidifier and allow communication of an outlet of the CPAP apparatus with the inlet of the humidifier, the connecting structure comprising a housing, the housing providing a generally horizontal, open receptacle within which the humidifier may be removably disposed by generally horizontally inserting the humidifier within and pulling it out of the receptacle, the housing comprising a base portion forming a lower surface of the receptacle and configured to support the humidifier thereon, a heating element positioned on the lower surface and in thermal contact with the heat conducting material of the base when the humidifier is disposed in the receptacle, and a retaining portion positioned adjacent the top cover of the humidifier and being spaced above the base portion, the retaining portion being configured to assist in retaining the humidifier in the generally horizontal receptacle.
26. A humidifier assembly according to claim 25, wherein the base and the top cover are detachably connected to each other.
27. A humidifier assembly according to claim 26, wherein the housing comprises an opening that communicates with the inlet when the humidifier is fully inserted into the generally horizontal receptacle.
28. A humidifier assembly according to claim 27, further comprising a retaining mechanism to secure the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus.
29. A humidifier assembly according to claim 28, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a resiliently biased locking member configured to releasably engage a projection of the CPAP apparatus.
30. A humidifier assembly according to claim 29, further comprising a release member coupled to the resiliently biased locking member to move the resiliently biased locking member out of engagement with the projection of the CPAP apparatus.
31. A humidifier assembly according to claim 30, wherein the release member is provided in the base portion of the housing.
32. A humidifier assembly according to claim 25, wherein the heat conducting material of the base of the humidifier is provided in an opening in a bottom wall of the base of the humidifier.
33. A humidifier assembly according to claim 31, wherein the heating element is upwardly biased into engagement with the heat conducting material.
34. A humidifier assembly according to claim 33, wherein the heating element is a resistance heater.
35. A humidifier assembly according to claim 34, further comprising a seal between the heat conducting material and the bottom wall.
36. A humidifier assembly according to claim 35, wherein the connecting structure includes contact elements that communicate with a power supply, a controller, and/or sensors within the CPAP apparatus.
37. The humidifier assembly according to claim 36, further comprising a resiliently biased member to facilitate connection and disconnection between the humidifier and the connecting structure, wherein the humidifier is removed from the connecting structure by upwardly moving the member to withdraw its lugs from recesses on the connecting structure and pulling the humidifier generally horizontally out of the receptacle.
38. A CPAP system, comprising:
- a CPAP apparatus wherein the CPAP apparatus includes a controller to control the heating element of the humidifier assembly; and
- a humidifier assembly according to claim 37.
39. The CPAP system according to claim 38, wherein the CPAP apparatus includes a controller to control the heating element of the humidifier assembly.
40. A humidifier, comprising:
- a humidification chamber having a reservoir configured to store a body of liquid having a maximum value, the humidification chamber defining a portion of a fluid passage, the fluid passage configured to direct a flow of breathable gas into exposure with the body of liquid to humidify the flow of breathable gas, the humidification chamber also having an inlet for the flow of breathable gas and an outlet for the humidified flow of breathable gas; and
- a backflow chamber forming another portion of the fluid passage and in fluid communication with the humidification chamber, the backflow chamber having an inlet to receive the flow of breathable gas and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the humidification chamber,
- wherein the maximum volume of the body of liquid is contained entirely in the humidification chamber when the humidifier is in a normal, upright operating position, and a level of the maximum volume of the body of liquid is below the humidification chamber inlet and/or the backflow chamber inlet when the humidifier is in a non-upright position in which a portion of the body of liquid is transferrable along the fluid passage from the humidification chamber to the backflow chamber.
41. A humidifier according to claim 40, wherein the humidification chamber and the backflow chamber are constructed and arranged to be releasably connected to each other, and when the humidification chamber and backflow chamber are connected to each other, the outlet of the backflow chamber engages and is in fluid communication with the inlet of the humidification chamber.
42. A humidifier according to claim 41, wherein the humidifier comprises a base, a top cover removably connected to the base, and a seal between the base and the top cover.
43. A humidifier according to claim 42, wherein the top cover includes the outlet of the humidification chamber.
44. A humidifier according to claim 43, wherein the base includes a receptacle that forms part of the humidification chamber.
45. A humidifier according to claim 44, wherein the base is formed of a transparent material.
46. A humidifier according to claim 45, wherein the top cover is formed of a transparent material.
47. A humidifier according to claim 46, wherein the base comprises a heat conducting plate provided in an opening in the base.
48. A humidifier according to claim 47, wherein the heat conducting plate is formed of metal.
49. A humidifier according to claim 48, wherein the heat conducting plate is circular.
50. A humidifier according to claim 49, further comprising a seal between the heat conducting plate and the base.
51. A humidifier assembly, comprising:
- the humidifier according to claim 50; and
- a connecting structure configured to connect between the humidifier and a CPAP apparatus and allow communication of an outlet of the blower with the backflow chamber inlet of the humidifier, the connecting structure comprising a housing defining a generally horizontally extending receptacle configured to receive the humidifier.
52. A humidifier assembly according to claim 51, wherein the housing comprises a base portion configured to support the humidifier and a retaining portion configured to retain the humidifier in the housing.
53. A humidifier assembly according to claim 52, wherein the retaining portion is spaced above the base portion and is generally parallel with the base portion when the humidifier is retained in the housing.
54. A humidifier assembly according to claim 53, wherein the base portion comprises a heating element configured to engage the heat conducting plate of the humidifier when the humidifier is retained in the housing.
55. A humidifier assembly according to claim 54, wherein the heating element is resiliently biased into engagement with the heat conducting plate.
56. A humidifier assembly according to claim 55, wherein the heating element is a flat plate-like resistance heater.
57. A humidifier assembly according to claim 56, wherein the housing comprises contact elements configured to receive power from the CPAP apparatus.
58. A humidifier assembly according to claim 57, wherein the housing comprises resiliently biased locking members on a side thereof that are configured to engage the CPAP apparatus to secure the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus.
59. A humidifier assembly according to claim 58, further comprising a release member configured to move the resiliently biased locking members out of their biased position to release the connecting structure from the CPAP apparatus.
60. A humidifier assembly according to claim 59, wherein the release member is provided in the base portion of the housing.
61. An apparatus for humidifying breathable gas, comprising:
- a CPAP apparatus configured to generate a flow of breathable gas; and
- a humidifier assembly according to claim 60 releasably connected to the CPAP apparatus to humidify the flow of breathable gas.
62. An apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the flow of breathable gas from the CPAP apparatus enters the backflow chamber through the inlet of the backflow chamber, travels through the backflow chamber, and enters the humidification chamber through the inlet of the humidification chamber.
63. A humidifier, comprising:
- a humidification chamber having a reservoir configured to store a body of liquid having a maximum volume, the humidification chamber defining a portion of a fluid passage, the fluid passage configured to direct a flow of breathable gas into exposure with the body of liquid to humidify the flow of breathable gas, the humidification chamber also having an inlet for the flow of breathable gas and an outlet for the humidified flow of breathable gas; and
- a backflow chamber forming another portion of the fluid passage and in fluid communication with the humidification chamber, the backflow chamber having an inlet to receive the flow of breathable gas and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the humidification chamber,
- wherein the maximum volume of the body of liquid is contained entirely in the humidification chamber when the humidifier is in a normal, upright operating position, and the maximum volume of the body of liquid is retained in the humidification chamber or in the humidification chamber and the backflow chamber below the inlet of the backflow chamber in a non-upright position in which a portion of the body of liquid is transferrable along the fluid passage from the humidification chamber to the backflow chamber.
64. A humidifier according to claim 63, wherein the humidification chamber and the backflow chamber are constructed and arranged to be releasably connected to each other, and when the humidification chamber and backflow chamber are connected to each other, the outlet of the backflow chamber engages and is in fluid communication with the inlet of the humidification chamber.
65. A humidifier according to claim 64, wherein the humidifier comprises a base, a top cover removably connected to the base, and a seal between the base and the top cover.
66. A humidifier according to claim 65, wherein the top cover includes the outlet of the humidification chamber.
67. A humidifier according to claim 66, wherein the base includes a receptacle that forms part of the humidification chamber.
68. A humidifier according to claim 67, wherein the base is formed of a transparent material.
69. A humidifier according to claim 68, wherein the top cover is formed of a transparent material.
70. A humidifier according to claim 69, wherein the base comprises a heat conducting plate provided in an opening in the base.
71. A humidifier according to claim 70, wherein the heat conducting plate is formed of metal.
72. A humidifier according to claim 71, wherein the heat conducting plate is circular.
73. A humidifier according to claim 72, further comprising a seal between the heat conducting plate and the base.
74. A humidifier assembly, comprising:
- the humidifier according to claim 73; and
- a connecting structure configured to connect between the humidifier and a CPAP apparatus and allow communication of an outlet of the CPAP apparatus with the backflow chamber inlet of the humidifier, the connecting structure comprising a housing defining a generally horizontally extending receptacle configured to receive the humidifier.
75. A humidifier assembly according to claim 74, wherein the housing comprises a base portion configured to support the humidifier and a retaining portion configured to retain the humidifier in the housing.
76. A humidifier assembly according to claim 75, wherein the retaining portion is spaced above the base portion and is generally parallel with the base portion when the humidifier is retained in the housing.
77. A humidifier assembly according to claim 76, wherein the base portion comprises a heating element configured to engage the heat conducting plate of the humidifier when the humidifier is retained in the housing.
78. A humidifier assembly according to claim 77, wherein the heating element is resiliently biased into engagement with the heat conducting plate.
79. A humidifier assembly according to claim 78, wherein the heating element is a flat plate-like resistance heater.
80. A humidifier assembly according to claim 79, wherein the housing comprises contact elements configured to receive power from the CPAP apparatus.
81. A humidifier assembly according to claim 80, wherein the housing comprises resiliently biased locking members on a side thereof that are configured to engage the CPAP apparatus to secure the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus.
82. A humidifier assembly according to claim 81, further comprising a release member configured to move the resiliently biased locking members out of their biased position to release the connecting structure from the CPAP apparatus.
83. A humidifier assembly according to claim 82, wherein the release member is provided in the base portion of the housing.
84. An apparatus for humidifying breathable gas, comprising:
- a CPAP apparatus configured to generate a flow of breathable gas; and
- a humidifier assembly according to claim 83 releasably connected to the CPAP apparatus to humidify the flow of breathable gas.
85. An apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the flow of breathable gas from the CPAP apparatus enters the backflow chamber through the inlet of the backflow chamber, travels through the backflow chamber, and enters the humidification chamber through the inlet of the humidification chamber.
86. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising:
- a humidifier including: a base configured to hold a volume of liquid therein, at least a portion of the base being constructed of a heat conducting material, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base; and a connecting structure configured to connect between the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier and allow communication of an outlet of the CPAP apparatus with an inlet of the humidifier, the connecting structure including: a housing providing a base portion to support the humidifier thereon, the base portion includes a heating element in contact with the heat conducting material of the base of the humidifier, wherein the humidifier assembly further comprises: first and second internal passages; the first passage extending from a first inlet, through the base of the humidifier configured to hold the volume of liquid, and to a common outlet; the second passage extending from a second inlet to the common outlet; the first passage being disposed so as to be exposed to a surface of said volume of liquid when held in the humidifier; the second passage being configured to be able to communicate with a pressure and/or sound sensing device arranged to obtain measurement signals of the flow of breathable gas; and, the second passage being isolated from a surface of a said volume of liquid when held in the humidifier so as to avoid degradation of the measurement signals.
87. A humidifier assembly according to claim 86, wherein the connecting structure includes a control knob to control a heat setting of the heating element.
88. A humidifier assembly according to claim 87, wherein the connecting structure includes contact elements to communicate with a controller within the CPAP apparatus.
89. A humidifier assembly according to claim 87, wherein the connecting structure includes contact elements to communicate with sensors within the CPAP apparatus.
90. A humidifier assembly according to claim 86, wherein the connecting structure is configured to allow removable attachment of the CPAP apparatus to the humidifier.
91. A humidifier assembly according to claim 90, wherein the first and second inlets are coaxial.
92. A humidifier assembly according to claim 91, wherein the second internal passage is communicated with the common outlet via at least one aperture formed in the common outlet.
93. A humidifier assembly according to claim 92, wherein the top cover and the base of the humidifier are held together by a retaining clip.
94. A humidifier assembly according to claim 93, wherein the top cover includes an internal wall structure to guide gas, the internal wall structure extending downwardly from a top wall of the top cover towards the base.
95. A humidifier assembly according to claim 94, wherein the housing of the connecting structure provides a generally horizontally extending receptacle within which the humidifier may be disposed.
96. A humidifier assembly according to claim 95, wherein the connecting structure includes a retaining portion configured to secure the humidifier in position.
97. A CPAP apparatus including a humidifier assembly according to claim 96.
98. A CPAP apparatus according to claim 97, further comprising a power supply to provide power to both the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier assembly when the CPAP apparatus is connected to the humidifier assembly.
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Type: Grant
Filed: May 4, 2011
Date of Patent: Aug 27, 2013
Assignee: ResMed Limited (Bella Vista)
Inventors: Alexander Virr (Mangrove Mountain), Ian Malcolm Smith (Westleigh), Perry David Lithgow (Moruya), Richard Llewelyn Jones (Hornsby Heights), Andrew Cheung (Abbottsford)
Primary Examiner: Kristen Matter
Application Number: 13/100,783
International Classification: F23D 11/00 (20060101); F23D 14/00 (20060101); A61M 15/00 (20060101);