Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier

• US 9,539,409 B2
• Filed: 01/04/2016
• Issued: 01/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Crumblin, Geoffrey, Janiak, Michael Thomas, Kao, Dan, Kenyon, Barton John, Lithgow, Perry David, Primrose, Rohan Neil, Saada, Jim, Snow, John Michael, Trevor-Wilson, Duncan Lovel, Virr, Alexander, Yee, Arthur Kin-Wai
• Primary Examiner(s): YOUNG, RACHEL T
• Application Number:
  US14/987,275
• Publication Number:
  US 20160114122A1
• Time in Patent Office: 372 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0462 Apparatus with built-in sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0245 by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/00 Instruments for auscultation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/00 Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes stimulating the respiratory movement by mechanical, pneumatic or electrical means, iron lungs combined with gas breathing means A61H31/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0003 Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0066 Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0875 Connecting tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/105 Filters A61M16/047, A61M16/22 take precedence; water traps A61M16/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/107 in the inspiratory path
• 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 16/162 Water-reservoir filling system, e.g. automatic
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0216 Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/123 : with incorporated reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/14 : Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3303 : Using a biosensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 : Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3368 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/36 : related to heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/42 : Reducing noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 : with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 : User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 : with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6063 : Optical identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2206/16 : Rotating swirling helical flow, e.g. by tangential inflows
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/005 : Parameter used as control input for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/46 : Resistance or compliance of the lungs
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 9/003 : Means for influencing the temperature or humidity of the breathing gas
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/55 : Mixing liquid air humidifiers with air
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/232 : using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/237611 : Air
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/753 : Medical equipment; Accessories therefor bloodbags, medical bags B29L2031/7148; artificial eyes B29L2011/0008
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 17/16 : for displacing without appreciable compression
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/0693 : Details or arrangements of the wiring
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/4206 : especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/664 : by means of sound absorbing material

Abstract

A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base. The breathable gas supply apparatus also includes a connector defining an airflow passage between an outlet of the flow generator and the air inlet of the water container.

Claims

1. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:

a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas;

a humidifier base unit with a pivotable lid configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position;

an elastomeric seal mounted on an underside of the pivotable lid;

a water container removably coupled to the humidifier base unit, the water container being configured to be pneumatically connected to the flow generator and humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator when coupled to the humidifier base unit, the water container being further configured to be retained within the humidifier base unit by the pivotable lid when the pivotable lid is in the closed position, the water container comprising;

a water container lid with an outlet configured to sealingly abut the elastomeric seal when the water container is placed on a base of the humidifier base unit and the pivotable lid is moved to closed position;

a water container base sealingly connected to the water container lid;

an air inlet in a side wall of the water container lid;

an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet, the air inlet passage being configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to the water container base;

a barrier wall provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extending downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base; and

a curved wall opposing both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extending downward toward the water container base, the curved wall being configured to deflect the pressurized flow of breathable gas exiting the air inlet passage; and

a connector defining an airflow passage between an outlet of the flow generator and the air inlet of the water container.

2. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base.

3. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the connector is positioned within an interior of the humidifier base unit.

4. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base unit comprises a plurality of upright walls and at least a portion of the connector is positioned within a space defined by the plurality of upright walls.

5. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the airflow passage of the connector comprises:

a first elastomeric end configured to receive an outlet of the flow generator; and

a second elastomeric end configured to engage the water container air inlet.

6. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first elastomeric end of the airflow passage is vertically offset from the second elastomeric end of the airflow passage, the first elastomeric end of the airflow passage being below the second elastomeric end of the airflow passage when the humidifier base unit is in an upright operating orientation.

7. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second elastomeric end is configured to abut and form a face seal with a portion of the sidewall of the water container lid surrounding the water container air inlet.

8. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use.

9. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the airflow passage of the connector comprises:

a first elastomeric end configured to receive an outlet of the flow generator; and

a second elastomeric end configured to engage the water container air inlet,

wherein the first elastomeric end of the airflow passage is vertically offset from the second elastomeric end of the airflow passage, the first elastomeric end of the airflow passage being below the second elastomeric end of the airflow passage when the humidifier base unit is in an upright operating orientation,

wherein the second elastomeric end is configured to abut and form a face seal with a portion of the sidewall of the water container lid surrounding the water container air inlet,

wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base,

wherein at least a portion of the connector is positioned within an interior of the humidifier base unit,

wherein the humidifier base unit comprises a plurality of upright walls and at least a portion of the connector is positioned within a space defined by the plurality of upright walls, and

wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use.

10. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:

a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas;

a humidifier base unit configured to be directly coupled to the flow generator by sliding the humidifier base unit and the flow generator relative to one another, the humidifier base unit comprising a pivotable lid configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position and comprising a plurality of upright walls, the pivotable lid comprising a lid seal;

a water container removably coupled to the humidifier base unit, the water container being configured to be pneumatically connected to the flow generator and humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator when coupled to the humidifier base unit, the water container being further configured to be retained within the humidifier base unit by the pivotable lid when the pivotable lid is in the closed position, the water container comprising a lid with an air outlet in an upper surface of the water container lid, the lid seal being configured to engage and form a face seal with a portion of the upper surface of the water container lid surrounding the water container air outlet; and

a connector defining an airflow passage between an outlet of the flow generator and an air inlet of the water container, the air flow passage comprising a first end at a first vertical height and a second end at a second vertical height, the first and second vertical heights being different,

wherein the first and second ends are configured to receive or deliver the pressurized breathable gas in a horizontal direction.

11. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first end of the connector is elastomeric and is configured to receive the outlet of the flow generator, and wherein the second end of the connector is elastomeric and is configured to engage the air inlet of the water container.

12. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first end of the connector is below the second end of the connector when the humidifier base unit is in an upright operating orientation.

13. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second end of the connector is configured to abut and form a face seal with a sidewall of the water container.

14. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the connector is located within a space defined by the plurality of upright walls of the humidifier base unit.

15. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 10, wherein the water container comprises:

an air inlet in a side wall of the water container lid;

an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet, the air inlet passage being configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container;

a barrier wall provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extending downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base; and

a curved wall opposing both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extending downward toward the water container base, the curved wall being configured to deflect in a predetermined direction, the pressurized flow of breathable gas exiting the air inlet passage.

16. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base.

17. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 10, wherein the water container comprises:

an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet, the air inlet passage being configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container;

a barrier wall provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extending downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base; and

a curved wall opposing both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extending downward toward the water container base, the curved wall being configured to deflect in a predetermined direction, the pressurized flow of breathable gas exiting the air inlet passage,

wherein the air inlet is in a side wall of the water container lid,

wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base,

wherein the first end of the connector is elastomeric and is configured to receive the outlet of the flow generator,

wherein the second end of the connector is elastomeric and is configured to engage an air inlet of the water container,

wherein the first end of the connector is below the second end of the connector when the humidifier base unit is in an upright operating orientation, and

wherein the second end of the connector is configured to abut and form a face seal with a sidewall of the water container.

18. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:

a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and comprising an outlet at a first vertical height;

a humidifier base unit configured to be directly coupled to the flow generator by sliding the humidifier base unit toward the flow generator, the humidifier base unit comprising a pivotable lid with a lid seal;

a water container removably coupled to the humidifier base unit, the water container being configured to be pneumatically connected to the flow generator and humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator, the water container comprising;

a water container base;

a water container lid having an upper surface and an air outlet on the upper surface, the lid seal being configured to engage and form a face seal with a portion of the upper surface of the water container lid surrounding the air outlet of the water container when the pivotable lid is in a closed position;

an air inlet in a side wall of the water container lid at a second vertical height that is different from the first vertical height; and

an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet, the air inlet passage extending in a direction substantially parallel to the water container base; and

a connector with a first end configured to engage the outlet of the flow generator and a second end configured to engage the water container air inlet,

wherein the first and second ends of the connector are configured to receive or deliver the pressurized breathable gas in a horizontal direction.

19. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second ends of the connector are elastomeric.

20. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second end of the connector is configured to abut and form a face seal with a portion of the side wall of the water container surrounding the air inlet.

21. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the water container further comprises:

a barrier wall provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extending downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base; and

a curved wall opposing both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extending downward toward the water container base, the curved wall being configured to deflect in a predetermined direction, the pressurized flow of breathable gas exiting the air inlet passage.

22. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base.

23. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the pivotable lid is configured to secure the water container within the humidifier base unit when the pivotable lid is in the closed position.

24. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use.

25. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the humidifier base unit comprising a plurality of upright walls and a portion of the connector is secured within a space defined by the plurality of walls.

26. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the water container further comprises:

a barrier wall provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extending downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base; and

a curved wall opposing both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extending downward toward the water container base, the curved wall being configured to deflect in a predetermined direction, the pressurized flow of breathable gas exiting the air inlet passage,

wherein at least a portion of the barrier wall does not extend all the way to the water container base,

wherein the first and second ends of the connector are elastomeric,

wherein the second end of the connector is configured to abut and form a face seal with a portion of the side wall of the water container surrounding the air inlet,

wherein the pivotable lid is configured to secure the water container within the humidifier base unit when the pivotable lid is in the closed position,

wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use.