EXTERNAL SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR PATIENT INTERFACE

• US 20150238716A1
• Filed: 09/09/2013
• Published: 08/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
• Original Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
• Inventors: Budhiraja, Nimansha, Nordyn, Alami
• Granted Patent: US 10,124,134 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0003 Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0605 Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0616 with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/16 Devices to humidify the respiration air A61M16/1045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/161 with means for measuring the humidity
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0027 pressure meter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0033 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/33 Controlling, regulating or measuring
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3327 Measuring
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3334 Measuring or controlling the flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3344 Measuring or controlling pressure at the body treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3368 Temperature

Abstract

A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus includes a seal that, in use, circumscribes a nose, mouth, or nose and mouth of a patient and defines an interior space of the mask. The mask includes an inlet into the interior space and an outlet from the interior space. A sensor is positioned outside of the interior space and in the path of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet. The sensor detects a parameter of the exit gases, such as temperature, humidity or both.

Claims

1. A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus, comprising:

a seal that, in use, circumscribes a nose, mouth, or nose and mouth of a patient and defines an interior space of the mask;

an inlet into the interior space;

an outlet from the interior space; and

a sensor that is positioned outside of the interior space and in the path of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet, wherein the sensor detects a parameter of the exit gases.

2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the sensor is positioned forward of the outlet.

3. The mask of claim 2, wherein the mask comprises a body that defines the outlet, wherein the sensor is spaced from the body forward of the outlet.

4. The mask of any one of claims 3, wherein the sensor is removable from the mask.

5. The mask of claim 4, wherein the sensor is supported relative to the mask by a support arrangement.

6. The mask of claim 5, wherein the support arrangement surrounds the inlet.

7. The mask of claim 6, wherein the support arrangement is removable from the mask.

8. The mask of claim 7, wherein the support arrangement comprises two halves.

9. The mask of claim 8, wherein the halves are split along a vertical plane.

10. The mask of claim 9, wherein the sensor detects temperature, humidity or both.

11. The mask of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises an integrated memory, power source or both.

12. The mask of claim 11, wherein the sensor is coupled for electronic communication with a component of the breathing assistance apparatus.

13. The mask of claim 12, wherein the component comprises a flow generator or a humidifier and the electronic communication between the sensor and the component enables feedback control of the component.