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High-volume disposable and semi-disposable cartridge humidifier with self-contained cartridge sterilizing means, and related method

  • US 4,110,419 A
  • Filed: 08/19/1977
  • Issued: 08/29/1978
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1975
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Cartridge type humidifying apparatus for use with a heating means for humidifying and heating a breathable gas to be inhaled by a patient undergoing inhalation thereapy, said apparatus comprising in combination:

  • (a) humidifier cartridge module means embodying a tubular cartridge main body portion with an inner peripheral wall;

    (b) said humidifier cartridge module means also including an upper end portion with cap means attached to said main body;

    (c) said humidifier cartridge module means including a lower end portion terminating in a transverse wall and adapted and constructed to retain a humidifying liquid, said transverse wall having liquid inlet means adapted to be fluidly connected via conduit means with a liquid outlet means of an external liquid source;

    (d) said humidifier cartridge module means further comprising liquid absorption means including an open center generally tubular liquid-absorption column member with an inner peripheral face constituting an evaporating surface for humidifying liquid disposed generally contiguously and coextensive with a substantial part of said cartridge main body and said lower end portion adapted and constructed to be wetted directly by the humidifying liquid when liquid is in said lower end portion, and to convey by capillary action the liquid upwardly of said absorpting means and onto said evaporating surface;

    (e) said upper end portion cap means of said humidifier cartridge module means of paragraph (b) together with a portion of said main body providing an air space above the humidifying liquid level in said lower end portion of said paragraph (c) when liquid is in said lower end portion;

    (f) said cap means including a breathable gas inlet feed pipe for directing gas to be humidified into said module and terminating in said main body;

    (g) said cap means further including an outwardly projecting humidified breathable gas outlet delivery pipe in fluid communication with said air space, said delivery pipe adapted to be connected with an output delivery tube leading to a patient.

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