U.S. patent number RE46,079 [Application Number 13/944,960] was granted by the patent office on 2016-07-26 for humidifier with structure to prevent backflow of liquid through the humidifier inlet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ResMed Limited. The grantee listed for this patent is ResMed Limited. Invention is credited to Andrew Cheung, Richard Llewelyn Jones, Perry David Lithgow, Ian Malcolm Smith, Alexander Virr.
United States Patent |
RE46,079 |
Virr , et al. |
July 26, 2016 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Humidifier with structure to prevent backflow of liquid through the
humidifier inlet
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Virr; Alexander (Mangrove
Mountain, AU), Smith; Ian Malcolm (Westleigh,
AU), Lithgow; Perry David (Moruya, AU),
Jones; Richard Llewelyn (Hornsby Heights, AU),
Cheung; Andrew (Russell Lea, AU) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ResMed Limited |
Bella Vista, New South Wales |
N/A |
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
ResMed Limited (Bella Vista,
AU)
|
Family
ID: |
25646583 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/944,960 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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13100783 |
Aug 27, 2013 |
RE44453 |
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10467382 |
Aug 30, 2005 |
6935337 |
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PCT/AU02/00155 |
Feb 14, 2002 |
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Reissue of: |
11181807 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
7614398 |
Nov 10, 2009 |
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Reissue of: |
11181807 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
7614398 |
Nov 10, 2009 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Feb 16, 2001 [AU] |
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PR3117 |
Aug 27, 2001 [AU] |
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PR7288 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
16/16 (20130101); A61M 16/109 (20140204); Y10S
261/65 (20130101); A61M 2205/21 (20130101); A61M
16/0066 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F23D
11/00 (20060101); A61M 15/00 (20060101); A61M
16/16 (20060101); A61M 16/10 (20060101); F23D
14/00 (20060101); A61M 16/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;128/204.14,204.17,206.12,205.17,203.16-203.17,203.26-203.27 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Kaufman; Joseph
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation .Iadd.reissue of application
Ser. No. 13/100,783, which is an application for reissue of U.S.
Pat. No. 7,614,398, filed as Ser. No. 11/181,807 filed Jul. 15,
2005, which is a continuation .Iaddend.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.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
.[.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 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..].
.Iadd.8. A humidifier, comprising: a humidifier body configured to
retain a body of liquid having a predetermined maximum volume, the
humidifier body comprising: a humidifier body inlet adapted to
receive a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier body outlet adapted
to deliver the flow of breathable gas with added humidity; a gas
introduction chamber having a gas introduction chamber inlet and a
gas introduction chamber outlet, the gas introduction chamber inlet
being adapted to receive the flow of breathable gas from the
humidifier body inlet; and a humidification chamber in
communication with the gas introduction chamber and the humidifier
body outlet, wherein the gas introduction chamber outlet serves as
a humidification chamber inlet, the gas introduction chamber inlet
is oriented to direct the flow of breathable gas in a substantially
horizontal direction when the humidifier is in an upright,
operating position, the humidification chamber comprises a bottom
portion below the gas introduction chamber when the humidifier is
in the upright, operating position, and comprises a side portion
beside the gas introduction chamber when the humidifier is in the
upright, operating position, wherein each of the gas introduction
chamber and the humidification chamber has an upper boundary that
is defined by a common upper wall portion of the humidifier body,
the gas introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber
outlet are positioned above the liquid when the humidifier body
retains the maximum volume of liquid and is in the upright,
operating position, the gas introduction and humidification
chambers are configured so that when the humidifier body retains
the maximum volume of liquid and is rotated from an upright,
operating position by about 80.degree.-110.degree., a maximum level
of liquid in the humidifier body remains below at least one of the
gas introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber
outlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.9. The humidifier according to claim 8, wherein a volume of
the gas introduction chamber is smaller than a volume of the
humidification chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.10. The humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the gas
introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber outlet
are located at substantially diagonally opposing sections of the
gas introduction chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the volume
of the humidification chamber is greater than the predetermined
maximum volume of liquid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The humidifier according to claim 8, wherein the
humidifier body includes at least one securing element positioned,
configured and dimensioned to detachably secure the humidifier body
to a connecting structure configured to detachably connect between
a CPAP apparatus and the humidifier body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The humidifier according to claim 12, wherein the at
least one securing element includes a pair of locking lugs each
configured to be received in a respective recess of the connecting
structure once the humidifier body is fully inserted relative to
the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The humidifier according to claim 13, wherein the
humidifier body includes an upper portion having an external
recess..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, the
humidifier assembly comprising: a humidifier comprising a reservoir
configured to retain a body of liquid having a predetermined
maximum volume, the reservoir comprising a first chamber adapted to
receive breathable gas from the CPAP apparatus, and a second
chamber adapted to receive a flow of breathable gas from the first
chamber; and a connecting structure configured to connect the CPAP
apparatus and the humidifier, the connecting structure comprising:
a base portion to support the humidifier thereon; a first wall
face; a second wall face opposite the first wall face, the first
and second wall faces extending from the base portion and being
positioned between the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier when
connecting the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier; and a retaining
mechanism configured to detachably secure the connecting structure
to the CPAP apparatus, the retaining mechanism being positioned on
the first wall face, wherein the base portion and the second wall
face form at least a part of a receptacle adapted to laterally
receive the humidifier, and wherein the first wall face is
configured to engage a corresponding face of the CPAP
apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The humidifier assembly according to claim 15, wherein at
least a portion of the humidifier remains exposed when the
humidifier is received within the receptacle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The humidifier assembly according to claim 16, wherein
the base comprises a heating element configured to engage a heat
conducting plate of the humidifier when the humidifier is retained
in the receptacle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The humidifier assembly according to claim 17, wherein
the second wall face comprises an extension member extending away
from the first wall face, the extension member being configured to
interact with the humidifier so that the heat conducting plate is
biased into engagement with the heating element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The humidifier assembly according to claim 18, wherein
the heating element is a flat plate-like resistance
heater..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The humidifier assembly according to claim 19, wherein
the first wall face and the second wall face each have an opening,
and wherein the opening of the first wall face cooperates with the
opening configured to define a gas flow passage..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The humidifier assembly according to claim 20, wherein
the opening in the second wall face is adapted to be fluidly
connected to an inlet of the first chamber of the humidifier when
the humidifier is received within the receptacle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The humidifier assembly according to claim 21, wherein
the first wall face comprises an electrical connecting member
configured to engage a corresponding electrical member of the CPAP
apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The humidifier assembly according to claim 22, wherein
the electrical connecting member is positioned toward a lower
portion of the first wall face..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The humidifier assembly according to claim 23, wherein
the connecting structure further comprises biased locking members
that are configured to engage the CPAP apparatus to secure the
connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The humidifier assembly according to claim 23, wherein an
outlet of the first chamber serves as an inlet of the second
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The humidifier assembly according to claim 25, wherein
the second chamber is configured to contain the predetermined
maximum volume of liquid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The humidifier assembly according to claim 25, wherein an
inlet of the first chamber faces a horizontal direction when the
humidifier is in an upright, operating position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The humidifier assembly according to claim 27, wherein
the first chamber inlet and the first chamber outlet are positioned
above the maximum volume of liquid when the humidifier is in the
upright, operating position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The humidifier assembly according to claim 28, wherein
the first and second chambers are configured so that when the
reservoir retains the predetermined maximum volume of liquid and is
rotated from an upright, operating position by about
80.degree.-110.degree. around an axis parallel to a bottom face of
the humidifier, a maximum level of liquid in the humidifier remains
below at least one of the first chamber inlet and the first chamber
outlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The humidifier assembly according to claim 29, wherein a
volume of the first chamber is smaller than a volume of the second
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The humidifier assembly according to claim 30, wherein
the first chamber inlet and the first chamber outlet are located at
diametrically opposing sections of the first chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The humidifier assembly according to claim 31, wherein
the volume of the second chamber is greater than the predetermined
maximum volume of liquid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The humidifier assembly according to claim 32, wherein
the reservoir is formed of a transparent material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The humidifier assembly according to claim 33, wherein
the connecting structure further comprising a release member
configured to release the CPAP apparatus from engagement with the
connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The humidifier assembly according to claim 34, wherein
the release member is provided in the base portion of the
housing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The humidifier assembly according to claim 33, wherein
the connecting structure is configured to receive and secure the
humidifier when the connecting structure and the humidifier are
moved laterally toward each other in a first direction and is
configured to engage the CPAP apparatus when the connecting
structure and the CPAP apparatus are moved laterally toward each
other in a second direction, the first and second directions being
the same..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The humidifier assembly according to claim 15 wherein the
retaining mechanism comprises a movable locking
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The humidifier assembly according to claim 37 wherein the
movable locking member is movable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The humidifier assembly according to claim 38 wherein the
movable locking member is resiliently biased towards the engaged
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The humidifier assembly according to claim 37 further
comprising an aperture configured to receive the movable locking
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The humidifier assembly according to claim 15 wherein the
retaining mechanism comprises a movable button structure configured
to allow manual release of the connecting structure from the CPAP
apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The humidifier assembly according to claim 41, wherein
the movable button structure is coupled to a locking
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The humidifier assembly according to claim 42, wherein
movable button structure is configured such that manual movement of
the button structure moves the locking member out of a biased
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising: a
humidifier having a reservoir for a body of liquid, and a fluid
passage between an inlet, provided at a rear wall of the
humidifier, and an outlet of the humidifier for exposure of a flow
of pressurized 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 metallic
plate, and a top cover above the base, the top cover including the
outlet; and a connecting structure configured to allow connection
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 horizontal receptacle within which the
humidifier is removably disposed by 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 metallic plate of the base when the humidifier is
disposed in the receptacle, a first locking portion configured to
assist in locking the humidifier in the horizontal receptacle, a
second locking portion configured to assist in locking the
connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The humidifier assembly according to claim 44, wherein
the base and the top cover are detachably connected to each
other..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The humidifier assembly according to claim 44, wherein
the humidifier includes a divider therein that divides an interior
of the humidifier into first and second chambers..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The humidifier assembly according to claim 46, wherein
the first chamber is adapted to receive the pressurized breathable
gas from the inlet of the humidifier, and convey the pressurized
breathable gas from the first chamber to the second chamber via a
passage formed in the divider..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The humidifier assembly according to claim 47, wherein a
maximum volume of the body of liquid is contained entirely in the
second chamber when the humidifier is in a normal, upright
operating position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The humidifier assembly according to claim 47, wherein
the heating element is upwardly resiliently biased to ensure
adequate thermal contact between the heating element and the heat
conducting metallic plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The humidifier assembly according to claim 49, wherein,
while the connecting structure is fastened to the CPAP apparatus
and the humidifier is locked on the connecting structure, the
humidifier is configured to prevent or discourage liquid from the
body of liquid from exiting through the inlet of the humidifier
into the outlet of the CPAP apparatus, if as a unit the humidifier,
the connecting structure and the CPAP apparatus are inadvertently
rotated 80-110 degrees from an upright working orientation to each
of a plurality of non-upright orientations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The humidifier assembly according to claim 50, wherein
the connecting structure includes an upstanding wall portion that
extends in a substantially vertical orientation, the humidifier
having a rear wall that abuts or is proximate the upstanding wall
portion when the humidifier is fully inserted relative to the
connecting structure, the upstanding wall portion including an
opening that aligns with the inlet of the humidifier when the
humidifier is fully inserted relative to the connecting structure,
the opening being configured to allow communication of the
pressurized breathable gas from the outlet of the CPAP apparatus to
the inlet of the humidifier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. A CPAP system including the humidifier assembly according
to claim 51..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The CPAP system according to claim 52, wherein the
connecting structure includes a controller to control the heating
element of the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The humidifier assembly according to claim 44, wherein
the connecting structure includes a movable button structure
configured to allow manual release of the connecting structure from
the CPAP apparatus, the connecting structure being operatively
connected to the second locking portion to move a biased locking
member of the second locking portion out of a biased
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising a
humidifier configured to retain a body of liquid therein, the
humidifier having an inlet configured to receive pressurized
breathable gas and an outlet configured to deliver the pressurized
breathable gas with added humidity, the humidifier including: a
base, at least a portion of the base being constructed of a heat
conducting material, a cover having the inlet and the outlet of the
humidifier, and a seal between the cover and the base; and a
connecting structure configured to removably 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 including: a housing providing a base portion
to support the humidifier thereon, wherein the base portion
includes a heating element in contact with the heat conducting
material of the base of the humidifier, and a retaining structure
configured to fasten the connecting structure to the CPAP
apparatus, wherein, while the connecting structure is fastened to
the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier is supported on the
connecting structure, the humidifier is configured to prevent or
discourage liquid from the body of liquid from exiting through the
inlet of the humidifier into the outlet of the CPAP apparatus, if
as a unit the humidifier, the connecting structure and the CPAP
apparatus are rotated 80-110 degrees from an upright working
orientation to each of a plurality of non-upright
orientations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
retaining structure includes a locking member configured to lock
the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The humidifier assembly of claim 56, further comprising a
securing mechanism to detachably lock the humidifier to the
connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The humidifier assembly of claim 57, wherein the
connecting structure includes an upstanding wall portion positioned
towards a rearward side of the connecting structure, the upstanding
wall portion having the retaining structure, the retaining
structure being configured to removably fasten the rearward side of
the connecting structure to a frontward side of the CPAP
apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The humidifier assembly of claim 57, wherein the securing
mechanism includes a plurality of locking lugs formed on the
humidifier and plurality of recesses provided in the connecting
structure, wherein the humidifier is structured for connecting to
the connecting structure by moving the humidifier in a generally
horizontal direction relative to the connecting structure until a
fully inserted position is achieved, at which position the lugs are
moveable in a generally vertical direction into the respective
recesses, to therefore lock the humidifier against withdrawal from
the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. The humidifier assembly of claim 59, wherein each lug
positively engages with a side wall surface of the respective
recess when in the fully inserted position, each said side wall
surface extending in the generally vertical direction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The humidifier assembly of claim 60, further comprising a
biasing element to bias the locking lugs into the respective
recesses..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. The humidifier assembly of claim 61, wherein, to allow
removal of the humidifier from the connecting structure, the
biasing element is manually movable to allow the lugs to withdraw
from engagement with the recesses, at which point the humidifier is
pulled out from the connecting structure in the generally
horizontal direction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. The humidifier assembly of claim 59, wherein, to allow
removal of the humidifier from the connecting structure, the lugs
are manually movable in the generally vertical direction to
withdraw the lugs from engagement with the recesses, at which point
the humidifier is pulled out from the connecting structure in the
generally horizontal direction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
humidifier includes a divider therein that divides an interior of
the humidifier into first and second chambers, and wherein the
first chamber is adapted to receive the pressurized breathable gas
from the inlet of the humidifier, and convey the pressurized
breathable gas from the first chamber to the second chamber via a
passage formed in the divider..Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. The humidifier assembly of claim 64, wherein a maximum
volume of the body of liquid is contained entirely in the second
chamber when the humidifier is the upright operating
orientation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. The humidifier assembly of claim 64, wherein the
non-upright orientations include positions where the humidifier is
rotated about multiple horizontal axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. The humidifier assembly of claim 66, wherein the
non-upright orientations are those which occur when the humidifier
is inadvertently rotated at least up to about
80.degree.-110.degree. in both clockwise and counterclockwise
orientations relative to the horizontal axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. The humidifier assembly of claim 66, wherein the
horizontal axes include a first axis that runs from a front to a
back of the humidifier, and a second axis that runs from lateral
side to lateral side of the humidifier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. The humidifier assembly of claim 58, wherein the
upstanding wall portion extends substantially vertically upwards
from the base portion..Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. The humidifier assembly of claim 69, wherein: the housing
includes rear upper corner portions and rear lateral side portions
that extend rearwardly from the upstanding wall portion and form a
rearward-most part of the connecting structure, and the rear upper
corner portions and the rear lateral side portions are configured
to hold the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. The humidifier assembly of claim 70, wherein the rear
upper corner portions and rear lateral side portions are configured
to hold the CPAP apparatus while the retaining structure fastens
the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the heating
element is upwardly resiliently biased to ensure adequate thermal
contact between the heating element and the heat conducting
material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.73. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
connecting structure includes an upstanding wall portion extending
in a substantially vertical orientation compared to the base of the
connecting structure, the humidifier having a rear wall that abuts
or is proximate a front wall of the upstanding wall portion when
the humidifier is fully inserted relative to the connecting
structure, the upstanding wall portion including an opening in the
front wall that aligns with the inlet of the humidifier when the
humidifier is fully inserted relative to the connecting structure,
the opening being configured to allow communication of the
pressurized breathable gas from the outlet of the CPAP apparatus to
the inlet of the humidifier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.74. The humidifier assembly of claim 73, wherein the inlet of
the humidifier comprises a generally cylindrical tube that projects
horizontally rearward from the rear wall of the humidifier, and
wherein the tube extends into the opening when the humidifier is
fully inserted relative to the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.75. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
retaining structure includes a recess adapted to receive a tab or
prong of the CPAP apparatus, wherein the recess is configured to
receive the tab or prong to detachably lock the connecting
structure to the CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.76. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein a rearward
side of the connecting structure comprises at least one electrical
connecting member configured to engage a corresponding electrical
member of the CPAP apparatus for power supply and control of the
heating element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.77. The humidifier assembly of claim 76, wherein the
electrical connecting member is positioned toward a lower portion
of the rearward side..Iaddend.
.Iadd.78. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
connecting structure is configured to receive and secure the
humidifier when the connecting structure and the humidifier are
moved laterally toward each other in a first direction and is
configured to engage the CPAP apparatus when the connecting
structure and the CPAP apparatus are moved laterally toward each
other in a second direction, the first and second directions being
the same..Iaddend.
.Iadd.79. A CPAP system including the CPAP apparatus and the
humidifier assembly of claim 55..Iaddend.
.Iadd.80. The CPAP system of claim 79, further comprising a button
structure to counteract biased engagement between a prong or tab of
the CPAP apparatus and a recess of the connecting structure,
wherein manual movement of the button structure causes relative
movement between the prong or tab and the recess, to unlock the
connecting structure from the CPAP apparatus, at which point the
connecting structure and the CPAP apparatus are releasable from one
another..Iaddend.
.Iadd.81. The CPAP system of claim 80, wherein the CPAP apparatus
includes a controller to control the heating element of the
connecting structure, as well as at least one electrical connecting
member to allow power supply from the CPAP apparatus to the
connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.82. A CPAP system including the CPAP apparatus and the
humidifier assembly of claim 57, further comprising a button
structure to counteract biased engagement between a prong or tab of
the CPAP apparatus and a recess of the connecting structure,
wherein manual movement of the button structure causes relative
movement between the prong or tab and the recess, to unlock the
connecting structure from the CPAP apparatus, at which point the
connecting structure and the CPAP apparatus are releasable from one
another..Iaddend.
.Iadd.83. The CPAP system of claim 82, wherein the CPAP apparatus
includes a controller to control the heating element of the
connecting structure, as well as at least one electrical connecting
member to allow power supply from the CPAP apparatus to the
connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.84. The humidifier assembly of claim 55, wherein the
connecting structure includes a movable button structure configured
to allow manual release of the connecting structure from the CPAP
apparatus, the connecting structure being operatively connected to
the retaining structure to move a biased locking member of the
retaining structure out of a biased position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.85. 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 wall of the
humidifier, and an outlet of the humidifier, for exposure of a flow
of pressurized breathable gas from the CPAP apparatus to the body
of liquid, the humidifier comprising: a base having a bottom
portion constructed of a heat conducting metallic material, side
wall portions extending upwardly from the bottom portion, the side
wall portions and the bottom portion together being configured to
retain a body of liquid therein, and a cover above the base, the
cover including the inlet and the outlet; and a connecting
structure configured to allow connection 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 is
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, and a heating
element positioned on the lower surface and in thermal contact with
the heat conducting metallic material of the base when the
humidifier is disposed in the receptacle, the connecting structure
further including a humidifier attaching structure that removably
attaches the humidifier in the generally horizontal receptacle, and
a CPAP apparatus attaching structure configured to removably attach
the connecting structure to the CPAP apparatus, wherein the
connecting structure includes an upstanding wall portion that
extends in a substantially vertical orientation, the humidifier
having a rear wall that abuts or is proximate the upstanding wall
portion when the humidifier is fully inserted relative to the
connecting structure, the upstanding wall portion including an
opening that aligns with the inlet of the humidifier when the
humidifier is fully inserted relative to the connecting structure,
the opening being configured to allow communication of the
pressurized breathable gas from the outlet of the CPAP apparatus to
the inlet of the humidifier, wherein the inlet of the humidifier
comprises a generally cylindrical tube that projects horizontally
rearward from the rear wall of the humidifier, and wherein the tube
extends into the opening when the humidifier is fully inserted
relative to the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.86. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the base and the cover are detachably connected to each
other..Iaddend.
.Iadd.87. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the humidifier includes a removable divider therein that divides an
interior of the humidifier into first and second
chambers..Iaddend.
.Iadd.88. The humidifier assembly according to claim 87, wherein
the first chamber is adapted to receive the pressurized breathable
gas from the inlet of the humidifier, and convey the pressurized
breathable gas from the first chamber to the second chamber via a
passage formed in the divider..Iaddend.
.Iadd.89. The humidifier assembly according to claim 87, wherein
the humidifier is constructed to prevent or discourage spillback of
liquid through the inlet of the humidifier when the humidifier is
inadvertently moved from a normal, upright positon to each of a
plurality of non-upright positions in which the humidifier assembly
is not designed to operate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.90. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, further
comprising a seal between the base and the cover..Iaddend.
.Iadd.91. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the base is at least partially formed of a transparent
material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.92. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the heating element is upwardly resiliently biased to ensure
adequate thermal contact between the heating element and the heat
conducting metallic material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.93. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the humidifier attaching structure includes a plurality of recesses
of the connecting structure that receive corresponding lugs on the
humidifier when the humidifier is fully inserted into the open
receptacle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.94. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein:
the humidifier includes a removable divider therein that divides an
interior of the humidifier into first and second chambers, and the
first chamber is adapted to receive the pressurized breathable gas
from the inlet of the humidifier, and convey the pressurized
breathable gas from the first chamber to the second chamber via a
passage formed in the divider..Iaddend.
.Iadd.95. The humidifier assembly according to claim 94, wherein,
while the connecting structure is attached to the CPAP apparatus
and the humidifier is supported on the connecting structure, the
humidifier is configured to prevent or discourage liquid from the
body of liquid from exiting through the inlet of the humidifier
into the outlet of the CPAP apparatus, if as a unit the humidifier,
the connecting structure and the CPAP apparatus are inadvertently
rotated 80-110 degrees from an upright working orientation to each
of a plurality of non-upright orientations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.96. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
connecting structure is removably locked to the humidifier and the
connecting structure is configured to be removably locked to the
CPAP apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.97. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the heat conducting metallic material comprises a metallic plate
having a horizontal portion and an upstanding wall along at least a
portion of the plate, the upstanding wall having a lip positioned
at a distal end of the upstanding wall, the lip extending generally
parallel to the horizontal portion of the plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.98. The humidifier assembly according to claim 97, further
comprising a resilient seal member positioned at a junction where
the plate and the side wall portions of the humidifier
meet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.99. The humidifier assembly according to claim 97, further
comprising a flange integrally formed with at least one of the side
wall portions of the base of the humidifier, the flange and a
portion of the plate being positioned to overlap one another in a
horizontal plane..Iaddend.
.Iadd.100. A CPAP system including the CPAP apparatus and the
humidifier assembly according to claim 85..Iaddend.
.Iadd.101. The CPAP system according to claim 100 wherein the CPAP
apparatus includes a controller to control the heating element of
the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.102. A CPAP system including the humidifier assembly
according to claim 95..Iaddend.
.Iadd.103. A CPAP system including the humidifier assembly
according to claim 96..Iaddend.
.Iadd.104. The humidifier assembly according to claim 85, wherein
the connecting structure includes a movable button structure
configured to allow manual release of the connecting structure from
the CPAP apparatus, the connecting structure being operatively
connected to the CPAP apparatus attaching structure to move a
biased locking member of the CPAP apparatus attaching structure out
of a biased position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.105. A humidifier, comprising: a humidifier body configured
to retain a body of liquid having a predetermined maximum volume,
the humidifier body comprising: a humidifier body inlet configured
to receive a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier body outlet
adapted to deliver the flow of breathable gas with added humidity;
a gas introduction chamber having a gas introduction chamber inlet
and a gas introduction chamber outlet, the gas introduction chamber
inlet being adapted to receive the flow of breathable gas from the
humidifier body inlet; a humidification chamber in communication
with the gas introduction chamber and the humidifier body outlet,
the humidification chamber having a bottom surface comprising heat
conductive metallic material, and a cover that defines an upper
boundary of both the gas introduction chamber and at least a
portion of the humidification chamber, the cover including the
humidifier body outlet, wherein: the gas introduction chamber
outlet serves as a humidification chamber inlet, the gas
introduction chamber inlet faces a horizontal direction when the
humidifier is in an upright, operating position, the humidification
chamber comprises a bottom portion below the gas introduction
chamber when the humidifier is in the upright, operating position,
and comprises a side portion beside the gas introduction chamber
when the humidifier is in the upright, operating position, the gas
introduction chamber outlet is positioned above the liquid when the
humidifier body retains the maximum volume of liquid and is in the
upright, operating position, and the gas introduction chamber and
the humidification chamber are configured so that when the
humidifier body retains the maximum volume of liquid and is rotated
around a horizontal axis parallel to the bottom surface of the
humidifier chamber, in each of clockwise and counterclockwise
directions, from the upright, operating position to a plurality of
non-upright positions, the possibility of liquid flowing from the
humidification chamber and out through the humidifier inlet is
discouraged or prevented..Iaddend.
.Iadd.106. The humidifier of claim 105, wherein a volume of the gas
introduction chamber is smaller than a volume of the humidification
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.107. The humidifier of claim 106, wherein the gas
introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber outlet
are located at substantively diagonally opposite sections of the
gas introduction chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.108. The humidifier of claim 107, wherein the volume of the
humidification chamber is greater than the predetermined maximum
volume of liquid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.109. The humidifier of claim 105, wherein a maximum level of
liquid in the humidifier body remains below at least one of the gas
introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber
outlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.110. The humidifier of claim 105, wherein the non-upright
positions include positions where the humidifier is inadvertently
rotated about multiple horizontal axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.111. The humidifier of claim 110, wherein the non-upright
positions are those which occur when the humidifier is
inadvertently rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise
orientations relative to the horizontal axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.112. The humidifier of claim 110, wherein the horizontal axes
include a first axis that runs from a front to a back of the
humidifier body, and a second axis that runs from lateral side to
lateral side of the humidifier body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.113. The humidifier of claim 110, wherein the horizontal axes
are perpendicular..Iaddend.
.Iadd.114. The humidifier of claim 105, wherein the humidifier body
includes a side wall that defines a side wall boundary of both the
gas introduction chamber and the humidification
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.115. The humidifier of claim 114, wherein the humidifier body
inlet being positioned on a rear side wall of the humidifier
body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.116. The humidifier of claim 114, wherein a lower boundary of
the gas introduction chamber and an upper boundary of at least part
of the humidifier chamber are formed with a common
wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.117. The humidifier of claim 105, wherein the humidifier body
includes at least one securing element positioned, configured and
dimensioned to detachably secure the humidifier body to a
connecting structure configured to detachably connect between a
CPAP apparatus and the humidifier body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.118. The humidifier of claim 117, wherein the at least one
securing element includes a pair of locking lugs each configured to
be received in a respective recess of the connecting structure once
the humidifier body is fully inserted relative to the connecting
structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.119. The humidifier of claim 118, wherein the humidifier body
includes an upper portion having an external recess..Iaddend.
.Iadd.120. A humidifier, comprising: a humidifier body comprising:
a humidifier body inlet configured to receive a flow of breathable
gas, the humidifier body inlet including a cylindrical tube that
extends rearward from a rear wall of the humidifier body; a
humidifier body outlet adapted to deliver the flow of breathable
gas with added humidity; a gas introduction chamber having a gas
introduction chamber inlet and a gas introduction chamber outlet,
the gas introduction chamber inlet being adapted to receive the
flow of breathable gas from the cylindrical tube; a humidification
chamber in communication with the gas introduction chamber and the
humidifier body outlet, the humidification chamber having a bottom
surface comprising heat conductive metallic material, and a top
cover that defines an upper boundary of both the gas introduction
chamber and at least a portion of the humidification chamber, the
top cover including the humidifier body outlet, wherein: the gas
introduction chamber outlet serves as a humidification chamber
inlet, the gas introduction chamber outlet is positioned above the
maximum volume of liquid when the humidifier body is in the
upright, operating position, and when the humidifier body retains a
volume of liquid and is moved from the upright, operating position
to each of a plurality of non-upright positions, the possibility of
liquid flowing from the humidification chamber and out through the
humidifier inlet is discouraged or prevented..Iaddend.
.Iadd.121. The humidifier of claim 120, wherein a volume of the gas
introduction chamber is smaller than a volume of the humidification
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.122. The humidifier of claim 121, wherein the gas
introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber outlet
are located at adjacent wall sections of the gas introduction
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.123. The humidifier of claim 122, wherein the volume of the
humidification chamber is greater than the predetermined maximum
volume of liquid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.124. The humidifier of claim 120, wherein a maximum level of
liquid in the humidifier body remains below at least one of the gas
introduction chamber inlet and the gas introduction chamber
outlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.125. The humidifier of claim 120, wherein the non-upright
positions include positions where the humidifier is inadvertently
rotated about multiple horizontal axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.126. The humidifier of claim 125, wherein the non-upright
positions are those which occur when the humidifier is
inadvertently rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise
orientations up to about 80-110 degrees relative to the horizontal
axes..Iaddend.
.Iadd.127. The humidifier of claim 125, wherein the horizontal axes
include a first axis that runs from a front to a back of the
humidifier body, and a second axis that runs from lateral side to
lateral side of the humidifier body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.128. The humidifier of claim 125, wherein the horizontal axes
are perpendicular..Iaddend.
.Iadd.129. The humidifier of claim 120, wherein the rear wall of
the humidifier body defines a rear wall boundary for both the gas
introduction chamber and the humidification chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.130. The humidifier of claim 129, wherein a lower wall
boundary of the gas introduction chamber and an upper wall boundary
of at least part of the humidifier chamber are formed with a common
wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.131. The humidifier of claim 129, wherein at least part of
the rear wall boundary spanning the gas introduction chamber and
the humidifier chamber is substantially planar in a vertical
direction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.132. The humidifier of claim 129, wherein the gas
introduction chamber defines a gas path extending at least from the
gas introduction chamber inlet to an interior upper surface of the
humidifier body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.133. The humidifier of claim 120, wherein the humidifier body
includes at least one externally located securing element
positioned, configured and dimensioned to detachably secure the
humidifier body to a connecting structure configured to detachably
connect between a CPAP apparatus and the humidifier
body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.134. The humidifier of claim 133, wherein the at least one
securing element includes a pair of locking lugs each configured to
be received in a respective recess of the connecting structure once
the humidifier body is fully inserted relative to the connecting
structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.135. The humidifier of claim 134, wherein the humidifier body
includes an upper portion having an external recess..Iaddend.
.Iadd.136. A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus, comprising:
a humidifier to expose of a flow of pressurized breathable gas from
the CPAP apparatus to a body of liquid, the humidifier comprising:
an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being provided proximate a rear
wall of the humidifier, a base including a heat conducting metallic
plate, and a top cover detachably connected to the base, the top
cover including the outlet, and an elastomeric seal between the
base and the top cover; a connecting structure configured to allow
connection between the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier and allow
communication of an outlet of the CPAP apparatus with the inlet of
the humidifier without the need for an external flexible conduit
extending between the CPAP apparatus and the connecting structure,
the connecting structure comprising: a housing providing a
horizontal receptacle within which the humidifier is removably
disposed by 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, and an upwardly biased heating
element positioned on the lower surface and in thermal contact with
the heat conducting metallic plate of the base when the humidifier
is disposed in the receptacle, a retaining mechanism having at
least one biased locking member configured to lock the connecting
structure to the CPAP apparatus, a movable button structure
operatively connected to the at least one biased locking member,
whereby manual movement of the button structure moves the biased
locking member from an engaged position to a disengaged position to
allow for manual release of the connecting structure from the CPAP
apparatus, and a retaining portion configured to secure the
humidifier in position relative to the connecting structure, the
retaining portion extending substantially parallel to the base
portion and being spaced above the lower surface of the base
portion, the retaining portion having a downwardly facing surface
that engages an exterior portion of the humidifier as the
humidifier is horizontally loaded into the receptacle, the
retaining portion being positioned to constrain the humidifier such
that, during assembly, the heat conducting metallic plate of the
base of the humidifier slides against the upwardly biased heating
element, wherein the inlet provided at the rear wall of the
humidifier is positioned to receive the pressurized breathable gas
once the humidifier is fully loaded into the receptacle; and a
securing mechanism that releasably locks the humidifier in the
horizontal receptacle, wherein, when the connecting structure is
locked to the CPAP apparatus and the humidifier is locked on the
connecting structure, the humidifier is configured to prevent or
discourage liquid from the body of liquid from exiting through the
inlet of the humidifier into the outlet of the CPAP apparatus, if
as a unit the humidifier, the connecting structure and the CPAP
apparatus are rotated from an upright working orientation to each
of a plurality of non-upright orientations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.137. The humidifier assembly according to claim 136, wherein
the connecting structure includes an upstanding wall portion that
extends in a substantially vertical orientation, the rear wall of
the humidifier abutting or located proximate the upstanding wall
portion when the humidifier is fully inserted relative to the
connecting structure, the upstanding wall portion including an
opening that aligns with the inlet of the humidifier when the
humidifier is fully inserted relative to the connecting structure,
the opening being configured to allow communication of the
pressurized breathable gas from the outlet of the CPAP apparatus to
the inlet of the humidifier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.138. The humidifier assembly according to claim 136, wherein
the connecting structure receives and secures the humidifier when
the connecting structure and the humidifier are moved horizontally
relative to each other and is configured to engage the CPAP
apparatus when the connecting structure and the CPAP apparatus are
moved horizontally relative to each..Iaddend.
.Iadd.139. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein a side of
the connecting structure comprises at least one electrical
connecting member configured to engage a corresponding electrical
member of the CPAP apparatus for power supply and control of the
heating element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.140. The humidifier assembly of claim 139, wherein the
electrical connecting member is positioned on a lower portion of
the side..Iaddend.
.Iadd.141. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
humidifier body includes a rear portion having an external
recess..Iaddend.
.Iadd.142. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
exterior portion of the humidifier includes a recess positioned
along a rearward side of the humidifier to receive the retaining
portion when the humidifier is horizontally moved and fully
inserted within the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.143. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
securing mechanism includes at least one movable locking lug that
is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the
securing mechanism further including a biased member that supports
the at least one movable locking lug, the biased member being
manually operable to move the lug from the locked position to the
unlocked position, thereby allowing the humidifier to be
horizontally withdrawn from the connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.144. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
humidifier includes a gas introduction chamber and a humidification
chamber, the gas introduction chamber being positioned to receive
the pressurized breathable gas from the inlet of the humidifier,
the gas introduction chamber being oriented to direct the
pressurized breathable gas in a substantially horizontal direction
when the humidifier is in the upright working orientation, the
humidifier further including a substantially vertically extending
passage oriented to direct the pressurized breathable gas from the
gas introduction chamber in a downward direction towards liquid
contained in the humidification chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.145. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
plurality of non-upright positions includes up-ended position in
which the rear wall of the humidifier is vertically below a front
side wall of the humidifier, whereby even if the liquid level
within the humidifier is higher than the inlet of the humidifier,
liquid is discouraged or prevented from exiting through the
inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.146. The humidifier assembly of claim 145, wherein the
plurality of positions includes two side-lying positions where the
rear wall is horizontally spaced from the front side wall of the
humidifier, whereby, in said side-lying positions, liquid is
discouraged or prevented from exiting through the
inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.147. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
connecting structure includes an upstanding wall including an
aperture to receive pressurized breathable gas from the CPAP
apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.148. The humidifier assembly according to claim 136, further
comprising clips to detachably connect the base and the top
cover..Iaddend.
.Iadd.149. The humidifier assembly according to claim 136, wherein
at least a portion of the humidifier remains exposed when the
humidifier is received within the receptacle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.150. The humidifier assembly according to claim 136, wherein
rear wall extends in a substantially vertical direction when the
humidifier is in the upright working orientation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.151. The humidifier assembly of claim 136, wherein the
humidifier includes a gas introduction chamber and a humidification
chamber, the gas introduction chamber being positioned to receive
the pressurized breathable gas from the inlet of the humidifier,
the gas introduction chamber being oriented to direct the
pressurized breathable gas in a substantially horizontal direction
when the humidifier is in the upright working orientation, the
humidifier further including a vertical passage communicating the
gas introduction chamber with the humidification chamber, and
wherein the plurality of non-upright positions includes a position
in which the inlet faces downward and the passage is positioned at
a level higher than the inlet, whereby liquid is discouraged or
prevented from moving from the humidification chamber and exiting
through the inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.152. The humidifier assembly of claim 151, wherein the
plurality of positions includes two opposite side-lying positions
where the humidifier is rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise
manners about a longitudinal axis if the inlet, whereby, in said
side-lying positions, liquid is discouraged or prevented from
exiting from the humidification chamber through the
inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.153. A CPAP system including the humidifier assembly
according to claim 136..Iaddend.
.Iadd.154. The CPAP system of claim 153, wherein the CPAP apparatus
includes a controller to control the heating element of the
connecting structure, as well as at least one electrical connecting
member to allow power supply from the CPAP apparatus to the
connecting structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.155. A CPAP system including a blower to generate a flow of
pressurized breathable gas and the humidifier according to claim
8..Iaddend.
.Iadd.156. A CPAP system including a blower to generate a flow of
pressurized breathable gas and the humidifier of claim
105..Iaddend.
.Iadd.157. A CPAP system including a blower to generate a flow of
pressurized breathable gas and the humidifier of claim
120..Iaddend.
Description
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 than 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,
V.sub.max. 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 first chamber,
is greater than V.sub.max. Additionally, the volume of a second
portion of the second chamber, which is disposed to the side of the
first chamber, is greater than V.sub.max. 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
V.sub.max. 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 V.sub.max.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a
humidifier for a CPAP apparatus having first and second chambers,
wherein an inlet to 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:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a humidifier according to one
embodiment of the present invention in a working, upright
orientation;
FIGS. 2-5 are schematic views of the humidifier shown in FIG. 1 in
corresponding non-working, upright orientations;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to another
embodiment of the present invention in a working, upright
orientation;
FIG. 7. Is an exploded perspective view of the humidifier shown in
FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the humidifier shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 9 is schematic view of the humidifier shown in FIG. 6 showing
an air flow path through the humidifier;
FIGS. 10-13 are schematic views of the humidifier shown in FIG. 6
in corresponding non-working, upright orientations;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a humidifier and connecting
structure according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the connecting structure shown in
FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the humidifier shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the humidifier and connecting
structure shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the connecting structure
shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a humidifier and heater according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the heater shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the humidifier shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in FIG.
21; and
FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the humidifier and heater
shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the humidifier
of the present invention, indicated at 10. The humidifier 10
includes a humidifier body 12 defining a fluid reservoir and fluid
passage therein. Additionally, there are two chambers 14, 16
defined by the humidifier body 12 and a dividing member 18. The
dividing member 18 includes an orifice 20 therethrough to
communicate the chambers 14, 16 to one another. Air from a blower
(not shown) arrives in the first chamber 16 via a first chamber
inlet 22. Air departs from the second chamber 14 via a second
chamber outlet 24. The fluid passage includes the inlet 22, outlet
24, the orifice 20, and, at least, portions of the chambers 14, 16.
The humidifier 10 is designed to carry a body of liquid 26 having a
maximum volume, V.sub.max.
In a working orientation represented in FIG. 1, the liquid body 26
lies in a bottom portion of the second chamber 14. With respect to
the orientation of the humidifier 10 depicted in FIG. 1, e.g., the
orifice 20 lies forward of and to the side of the first chamber
inlet 22 (e.g., at a diagonally opposite end of the chamber 16). As
shown, the volume of a first portion 14A of the second chamber 14,
which lies directly beneath the first chamber 16, is greater than
V.sub.max due to its relatively increased height. Additionally, the
volume of a second portion 14B of the second chamber 14, which is
disposed to the side of the first chamber 16, is greater than
V.sub.max. Furthermore, the volume of a portion of the second
chamber 14 forward of the inlet 22 plus a portion of the first
chamber 16 forward of the inlet 22 is greater than V.sub.max.
Additionally, the volume of a portion of the second chamber 14 to
the side of the inlet 22 plus a portion of the first chamber 16 to
the side of the inlet 22 is greater than V.sub.max. Hence, in order
to minimize the volume of the humidifier 10, the first chamber
inlet 22 is positioned as far to one side of the humidifier body 12
and as far rearward of the humidifier body 12 as possible.
The embodiment of the humidifier 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is
configured to prevent liquid from the liquid body 26 from exiting
through the inlet 22 thereof, such as when inadvertently rotated
from an upright, normal working position (generally illustrated in
FIG. 1). For this reason, it is preferable for the humidifier 10 to
be capable of being rotated from the upright, working position by
about 120.degree. without allowing liquid to exit from the inlet
22. It is more preferable for the humidifier 10 to be capable of
being rotated from the upright, working position by about
80.degree.-110.degree. without allowing liquid to exit from the
inlet 22. It is contemplated that for the embodiment of the
humidifier 10 shown in FIG. 1, it may be especially preferable for
the humidifier 10 to be capable of being rotated from the upright,
working position by about 90.degree. without allowing liquid to
exit from the inlet 22, since the humidifier 10 is readily able to
be placed on one side thereof due to the substantially fiat, normal
sides thereof. However, of course, it may be desirable for the
humidifier 10 to be capable of being rotated more or less than
90.degree., depending on the particular configuration of the
humidifier 10. It is noted that while the humidifier 10 is designed
to prevent liquid from exiting the inlet thereof when inadvertently
oriented in other than the upright working position, it may be
possible to purposefully enable liquid to exit from the inlet, such
as by jostling or rapidly and/or repeatedly rotating the humidifier
10. In situations wherein it is highly undesirable for liquid to
exit the inlet of the humidifier, the configuration (e.g., volume)
of the chambers, size and placement of the inlet and outlet, and
size and placement of the aperture intercommunicating the chambers
may be altered from the illustrated embodiment to decrease the
possibility of liquid exiting the inlet of the humidifier.
As shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement of the chambers 14, 16, inlet
22, and outlet 24 means that, if the humidifier 10 is rotated in a
clockwise direction by up to 90.degree. about axis .alpha., then
the liquid body 26 will accumulate in the second portion 14B of the
second chamber 14 and a portion of the first chamber 16 adjacent
the outlet 24. In this situation, liquid of the liquid body 26 may
run out of the outlet 24, but will not run out of the inlet 22 back
into the blower.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, if the humidifier 10 is rotated in a
counter-clockwise direction (relative to the position illustrated
in FIG. 1) by up to 90.degree. about axis .alpha., then the liquid
body 26 will accumulate in the first portion 14A of the second
chamber 14, but will not spill over orifice 20 into the first
chamber 16.
As shown in FIG. 4, if the humidifier 10 is rotated in a clockwise
direction (relative to the position illustrated in FIG. 1) up to
90.degree. about axis .beta., then the liquid body 26 will
accumulate in a rearward portion of the second chamber 14 but will
not spill over orifice 20 into the first chamber 16.
As shown in FIG. 5, if the humidifier 10 is rotated in a
counter-clockwise direction (relative to the position illustrated
in FIG. 1) up to 90.degree. about axis .beta., then the liquid body
26 will accumulate in forward portions of the first and second
chambers 14, 16 and will not spill back through first chamber inlet
22. Furthermore, liquid of the liquid body 26 will drain out of the
humidifier 10 through second chamber outlet 24.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the humidifier 10 has
an exterior shape that is generally rectangular and the humidifier
10. As illustrated, the inlet 22 is positioned to correspond to a
blower outlet being on the upper left-hand side when viewed from
the front in an upright position. Therefore the humidifier inlet 22
is positioned at the back of the humidifier 10 on the upper
left-hand side, when viewed from the front in an upright position.
The humidifier outlet 24 lies on the front upper right-hand side,
when viewed from the front in an upright position. However, it is,
of course, possible for the inlet and outlet to be repositioned
corresponding to the position of the blower outlet.
For each of the orientations of the humidifier 10 shown in FIGS.
1-5, the level of the liquid body 26 is always below the level of
at least one of the inlet 22 and orifice 20 intercommunicating the
first and second chambers 16, 14. In this manner, in a case wherein
the inlet 22 is disposed below the level of the liquid body 26
(such as in orientations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4), the orifice
20 is disposed above the level of the liquid body 26, which
prevents liquid from flowing therethrough and exiting the inlet 22.
Conversely, in a case wherein the orifice 20 is disposed-below the
level of the liquid body 26 (such as in orientations illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 5), the inlet 22 is disposed above the level of the
liquid body 26. Accordingly, liquid may flow through the orifice
20, but is prevented from exiting through the inlet 22.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a humidifier 30 according to the
present invention. The humidifier 30 includes an inlet 32 and an
outlet 34, both of which are communicated with an interior of the
humidifier 30. The interior of the humidifier 30 defines a
reservoir for a body of liquid and a fluid passage. The fluid
passage is communicated to each of the inlet 32 and outlet 34 and
is configured such that fluid (e.g., breathable gas at an elevated
pressure) flowing therethrough is exposed to the body of liquid.
Additionally, the humidifier 30 is adapted for detachable
connection to an NIPPV or CPAP apparatus (not shown) which includes
a blower. When connected, the output of the blower is attached to
the inlet 32. Air from the blower enters the inlet 32, flows
through the fluid passage, and collects moisture through contact
with the liquid body, before continuing on to the outlet 34 and
then to the patient.
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 FIG. 7, the humidifier 30 includes a top cover 36, a
gasket 38, and a base 40. The gasket 38 is disposed between the top
cover 36 and base 40, which are secured together via sliding clips
72. (See FIG. 6.) Of course, other suitable fastening arrangements
and constructions are possible. For example, the top cover 36 and
base 40 may be formed with snap-fit or other cooperating
constructions. Alternatively, other types of mechanical fasteners
may be utilized. It is contemplated that the top cover 36 may be
formed from a relatively rigid polymer material, such as
polysulfone (for example, grade UDEL P1700, manufactured by BP
Amoco Polymers), and includes the inlet 32 and the outlet 34. The
gasket 38 may be formed from a relatively resilient material, such
as silicone rubber (for example, SILASTIC 94595-IIC, manufactured
by Dow Corning) and is divided into first and second sections 42
and 44 by a channel structure 46. The first section 42 includes a
raised portion 48 having a first aperture 50 extending vertically
therethrough. The second section 44 includes a plurality of second
apertures 52 extending vertically therethrough and being separated
from one another by ribs 54. The top cover 36 may also include a
divider wall structure 56 (FIG. 8) which corresponds to and is
received within the channel structure 46 of the gasket 38. The
gasket 38 includes a sealing flange 58 formed about a periphery
thereof. The base 40 may be formed from the same or similar rigid
polymer material as the top cover 36 and may include a receptacle
60 formed therewithin, a bottom portion 62, and side walls 64
extending upwardly from the bottom portion 62. The base 40 may also
include a removable bridge structure 66, which divides the
receptacle 60 into two sections 68 and 70, which correspond to the
sections .[.22.]. .Iadd.42 .Iaddend.and .[.24.]. .Iadd.44
.Iaddend.of the gasket 38.
As shown in FIG. 8, to assemble the humidifier 30, the gasket 38 is
attached the base 40. The flange 58 of the gasket 38 forms a
sealing engagement with an upper edge portion of the side walls 64
of the base 40. The top cover 36 is then attached to the base 40
via sliding clips 72 (FIG. 6) on opposite sides of the humidifier
30, such that the top cover 36 covers and seals with the gasket 38.
The removable bridge structure 66 vertically supports an
intermediate portion of the gasket 38. As shown, a downwardly
facing surface of the channel structure 46 of the gasket 38 engages
an upwardly facing surface of the bridge structure 66. When
assembled, the gasket first section 42, the top cover 36, and the
divider wall structure of the top cover 36 together form a first
chamber 74. The receptacle 60 of the base 40 together with the
gasket 38 form a second chamber 76. The first chamber 74 is thus
located above the second chamber 76 and the volume of the second
chamber 76 is larger than the volume of the first chamber 74. The
first and second chambers 74, 76 are in communication with one
another via the first aperture 50 within the gasket 38. The second
chamber 76 is in communication with the outlet 34 via the second
apertures 52 within the gasket 38.
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
FIG. 9, a body of liquid 78 is held in the second chamber 76 when
the humidifier 10 is in the upright working orientation of the
humidifier 30. Breathable gas from the blower enters the inlet 32
and travels through the first chamber 74 and into the first
aperture 50. The gas passes through the aperture 50 and enters the
second chamber 76 where it is humidified by contact with the body
of liquid 78, before exiting through apertures 52 in the gasket 38,
and then out through outlet 34 (FIG. 6).
In the working upright orientation of the humidifier 30, as shown
in FIG. 9, a liquid level, indicated at 81, of the body of liquid
78 is below the aperture 50. Thus, liquid from the body of liquid
78 cannot exit via the inlet 32 and there is no risk of damaging
the electronic components of the NIPPV or CPAP apparatus. The body
of liquid 78, however, will be displaced in the humidifier 30
according to the orientation of the humidifier 30. Accordingly, the
humidifier 30 is configured to substantially prevent liquid of the
body of liquid 78 from exiting through the inlet 32 in non-upright
orientations to avoid damage to the NIPPV or CPAP apparatus
connected to the humidifier 30.
Similarly as with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the
embodiment of the humidifier 30 shown in FIGS. 6-13 is configured
to prevent liquid from the liquid body 78 from exiting through the
inlet 32 thereof, such as when inadvertently rotated from an
upright normal working position (generally illustrated in FIG. 6).
For this reason, it is preferable for the humidifier 30 to be
capable of being rotated from the upright, working position by
about 120.degree. without allowing liquid to exit from the inlet
32. It is more preferable for the humidifier 30 to be capable of
being rotated from the upright, working position by about
80.degree.-110.degree. without allowing liquid to exit from the
inlet 32. It may be especially preferable for the humidifier 30 to
be capable of being rotated from the upright, working position by
about 90.degree. without allowing liquid to exit from the inlet 32.
However, of course, it may be desirable for the humidifier 30 to be
capable of being rotated more or less than 90.degree.. It is noted
that while the humidifier 30 is designed to prevent liquid from
exiting the inlet thereof when inadvertently oriented in other than
the upright working position, it may be possible to purposefully
enable liquid to exit from the inlet, such as by jostling or
rapidly and/or repeatedly rotating the humidifier 30. In situations
wherein it is highly undesirable for liquid to exit the inlet of
the humidifier, the configuration (e.g., volume) of the chambers,
size and placement of the inlet and outlet, and size and placement
of the aperture intercommunicating the chambers may be altered from
the illustrated embodiment to decrease the possibility of liquid
exiting the inlet of the humidifier.
For each of the orientations of the humidifier 30 shown in FIGS.
10-13, the level of the liquid body 78 is always below the level of
at least one of the inlet 32 and aperture 50 inter-communicating
the first and second chambers 74, 76. In this manner, in a case
wherein the inlet 32 is disposed below the level of the liquid body
78 (such as in orientations illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12), the
aperture 50 is disposed above the level of the liquid body 78,
which prevents liquid from flowing therethrough and exiting the
inlet 32. Conversely, in a case wherein the aperture 50 is disposed
below the level of the liquid body 78 (such as in orientations
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13), the inlet 32 is disposed above the
level of the liquid body 78. Accordingly, liquid may flow through
the aperture 50, but is prevented from exiting through the inlet
32.
In FIG. 10, the humidifier 30 is rotated to an angle about
90.degree. from the working upright orientation, such that a side
80 thereof corresponding to the side of the humidifier 30 adjacent
the inlet 32, is oriented below a side 82 thereof corresponding to
the side of the humidifier 30 adjacent the outlet 34. Because the
raised portion 48 of the gasket 38 increases the volume of the
second chamber 76, the body of liquid 78 remains only in the second
chamber 76 and the level 81 of the liquid body 78 remains below the
first aperture 50. Thus, the liquid will not exit through the inlet
32.
In FIG. 11, the humidifier 30 is rotated to an angle about
90.degree. from the working upright orientation, such that the side
82 is below the side 80 (i.e., flipped 180.degree. from the
orientation illustrated in FIG. 11). As the level 81 of the body of
liquid 78 is above (at least initially) the apertures 52, liquid
will pass therethrough and exit the outlet 34. However, since the
level 81 of the liquid body 78 is below the inlet 32, liquid will
not exit through the inlet 32. Liquid exiting through the outlet 34
is generally acceptable as there is not generally a risk in
damaging the NIPPV or CPAP apparatus.
In FIG. 12, the humidifier 30 is rotated to an angle about
90.degree. from the working upright orientation, such that a rear
side thereof indicated at 84, corresponding to the side at which
the inlet 32 is located, is below a forward side thereof indicated
at 86, corresponding to the side at which the outlet 34 is located.
As shown, the body of liquid 78 remains substantially in the second
chamber 76 and the level 81 of the liquid body 78 remains below the
first aperture 50. Thus, water cannot exit through the inlet
32.
FIG. 13 illustrates when the humidifier 30 is tilted to an angle
about 90.degree. from the working upright orientation, such that
the forward side 86 is below the rear side 84. As shown, the body
of liquid 78 is disposed within forward portions of the first and
second chambers 74, 76. As the level 81 of the body of liquid 78 is
at least initially above the level of the aperture 50, liquid will
flow through the aperture 50 into the first chamber 74. However,
since the inlet 32 is disposed above the level of the body of
liquid 78 in this orientation, no liquid exits through the inlet
34.
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.degree. 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.degree. 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 FIGS. 14 and 15, the connecting structure 100 includes
a housing 102, which provides a generally horizontally extending
receptacle 104 within which the humidifier 30 may be disposed. The
housing 102 provides a base portion 106 that is configured to
support the humidifier 310 thereon and a retaining portion 108
configured to secure the humidifier 30 in position. As shown in
FIG. 16, the retaining portion 108 extends generally parallel to
the base portion 106 and is spaced above the base portion 106.
Referring back to FIG. 14, the humidifier 30 may be formed with a
recess 110 that is open and of a complimentary shape to receive the
retaining portion 108 therein.
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 FIG. 16, may include a securing
mechanism 122. As shown, the securing mechanism 122 includes a
resiliently biased pull member 124 that includes one or more
locking lugs 126 extending generally downwardly therefrom. The pull
member 124 is disposed at a forward end (assuming the rearward end
of the humidifier 120 is adjacent the connecting structure 100) of
the humidifier 120 and is resiliently biased by a pair of resilient
legs 128. Rearward portions of the legs 128 are relatively securely
retained within corresponding pocket structures 130 provided on a
bottom side of the humidifier 120. Ribs 132 extend is downwardly
from the bottom side of the humidifier 120 and engage an
intermediary portion of the legs 128 to define a space between the
resilient legs 128 and the bottom side of the humidifier 120. In
this manner, the pull member 124 is biased generally downwardly by
the resilient legs 128, but may be manually moved (e.g., pulled)
upward against a resilient bias of the legs 128.
As shown in FIG. 15, a forward portion of the base portion 106
includes generally upwardly open lug receiving recesses 134 within
which the lugs 126 may be disposed when the humidifier 120 is
disposed within the receptacle 104. As the humidifier 120 is
inserted within receptacle 104, the legs 128 resiliently bias the
legs 126 into recesses 134. The lugs 126 and recesses 134 thereby
secure the humidifier 120 within the receptacle 104. To remove the
humidifier 120 from the receptacle 104, the pull member 124 is
pulled upwardly to withdraw the lugs 126 from the recesses 134. The
humidifier 120 may then be pulled generally horizontally out of the
receptacle 104.
FIG. 17 shows a rearward side of the connecting structure 100. The
rearward side of the connecting structure 100 provides a retaining
mechanism 140 to secure the connecting structure 100 to the CPAP
apparatus. It is contemplated that the retaining mechanism 140 may
include a series of apertures 142 within the rearward portion of
the housing 102. The apertures 142 may receive therein, for
example, prongs or tabs (not shown) provided by the CPAP apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 18, within each aperture 142, a locking member 144
may be provided that is resiliently biased toward a position that
partially encloses the respective aperture 142. As also shown in
FIG. 18, a button structure 146 may be coupled to the locking
members 144, such that manual movement of the button structure 146
moves the locking members 144 out of their biased positions to
substantially fully open the apertures 142. It is contemplated that
the tabs or prongs on the CPAP apparatus are provided with a groove
therein such that when positioned within the apertures 142, the
locking members 144 engage within respective grooves to thereby
securely and detachably retain the connecting structure 100 to the
CPAP apparatus.
Referring back to FIG. 17, the housing 102 of the connecting
structure 100 may be provided with an opening 148 that allows the
inlet of the humidifier to extend therethrough so as to be
connected to the CPAP apparatus.
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 FIG. 19, may
include a heater 152. The connecting structure 150 may include a
housing 154, which provides a base portion 156 and retaining
portion 158, similar to the housing 102 described above. As shown
in FIG. 19, the retaining portion 158 may include a controller such
as a knob or other selecting device 160 thereon to control a heat
setting of the heater 152. It is also contemplated that the
controller 160 may include a display device, such as an LCD
screen.
As shown in FIG. 20, the base portion 156 may include a heating
element 162 thereon. The heating element 162 may be in the form of
a substantially flat plate-like resistance heater, which heat
generated thereby may be directly controlled by the controller 160.
As shown in FIG. 19, another embodiment of the humidifier is
indicated at 170. The humidifier 170 is disposed within a
receptacle 172 provided by the housing 154. It is contemplated that
the humidifier 170 has the same basic construction as the
humidifiers 10 and 120 described above. However, it is contemplated
that the humidifier 170 may include a heating plate 174 (also
referred to as a metallic cap) to facilitate heating of the liquid
contained therein. In particular, an opening 176 is provided within
a bottom wall 178 of the humidifier 170. The heating plate 174 is
shaped to fit within the opening 176, as shown in FIG. 21. As shown
in more detail in FIG. 22, the heating plate 174 includes an
upstanding peripheral wall 180 which includes an outwardly
extending peripheral lip 182. A resilient seal member 184 is
disposed about an outer periphery of the peripheral wall 180 in
contact with the peripheral lip 182. A ring-like retaining member
186 may be press-fit onto the peripheral wall 180 to retain the
seal 184 in position on the peripheral wall 180. The retaining
member 186 includes an outwardly extending flange structure 188.
The seal 184 is disposed between the peripheral lip 182 and flange
structure 188. It is contemplated that the retaining member 186 may
be press fit onto the heating plate 174, as described above, or may
be formed in one piece therewith. The bottom wall 178 of the
humidifier 170 is formed with an annular upstanding flange 190
which receives the heating plate 174. It is contemplated that the
flange 190 may be slightly tapered inwardly in the upward direction
to ease insertion of the heating plate 174. As shown, the flange
190 may include a generally horizontally extending lip structure
192 that vertically retains the heating plate 174.
Referring to FIG. 19, with the humidifier 170 in position within
the receptacle 172, a bottom surface of the heating plate 174 is in
contact with an upper surface of the heating element 162. In this
manner, a heat generated by the heating element 162 is conducively
transferred to the heating plate 174. The liquid within the
humidifier 170 is exposed to an upper surface of the heating plate
174 and conducts heat therefrom. It is contemplated that a
temperature of the liquid within the humidifier 170 may be
controlled by manipulation of the controller 160.
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 FIG. 23, a rearward portion of the connecting suture
150 may include a plurality of generally outwardly extending
contact elements 194. It is contemplated that the contact element
194 may communicate with a power supply within the CPAP apparatus
and/or a controller and/or sensors. In this manner, power may be
delivered to the heater 152 directly from the CPAP apparatus.
Additionally, a controller within the CPAP apparatus itself may
control the heater 152. Furthermore, it is contemplated that
sensors within the CPAP apparatus may monitor a heat output of the
heater 152. Moreover, it may be possible for a CPAP apparatus to
automatically adjust a heat output of the heater 152 based on a
measured temperature thereof or of the water within the humidifier
or of the breathable air exiting the humidifier.
* * * * *