CPAP humidifier

• US 6,827,340 B2
• Filed: 08/13/2001
• Issued: 12/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AG Industries LLC
• Original Assignee: Taga Medical Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Austin, James T., Austin, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Bushey, Scott
• Application Number:
  US09/928,896
• Publication Number:
  US 20020020930A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,212 Days
• Field of Search: 261/119.1, 261/123, 261/125, 128/203.16, 128/203.17, 128/204.14
• US Class Current: 261/119.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0066 Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/109 the humidifying liquid or the beneficial agent
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/16 Devices to humidify the respiration air A61M16/1045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3653 by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3666 using heat loss of a motor

Abstract

Passive humidifier for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device having a plurality of chambers defined by arced baffles. Each opening between the arced baffles is provided with a deflector baffle to prevent direct passage of air.

Claims

1. A humidifier for a continuous positive airway pressure device, comprising:

a humidifier body;

an air inlet provided to the humidifier body;

an air outlet provided to the humidifier body;

a plurality of chambers defined within the humidifier body;

a plurality of elongated baffles arranged in a row extending in a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of baffles, and the row being positioned between one of the plurality of chambers and an adjacent one of the plurality of chambers;

an opening provided between two of the plurality of baffles of the row, the opening connecting the adjacent two of said plurality of chambers; and

a deflector baffle located proximate to the opening and defining a serpentine fluid flow path between the adjacent chambers.

2. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is spaced away from the humidifier body and defines an air outlet chamber.

3. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is provided with an inlet baffle.

4. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of baffles is curved.

5. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of baffles is connected to a top side of the humidifier body and is spaced apart from a bottom side of the humidifier body.

6. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of baffles is connected to top side of the humidifier body and is spaced apart from a bottom side of the humidifier body.

7. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the humidifier body comprises a base portion and a cover portion.

8. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein the base portion and the cover portion are permanently bonded together.

9. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein the cover portion is removable from the base portion.

10. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein the base portion and the cover portion are provided with a tongue and a corresponding groove.