Removable and/or replaceable humidifier
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A water distribution member for a humidifier apparatus, the water distribution member comprising:
- an envelope formed by a first, substantially planar compartment wall and a second, substantially planar compartment wall joined together along a peripheral edge of the envelopea water inlet opening into the envelope formed in a laterally-offset portion of said first substantially planar compartment wall, said laterally-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge; and
a heater element configured to be disposed below liquid water when in use, wherein the first substantially planar wall comprises at least in part a semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane being configured to prevent liquid water from passing through while being structured to allow water vapour to pass through, and wherein the heater element is integrated with the second substantially planar compartment wall and wherein the second substantially planar wall is configured to conduct heat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A water distribution member for a humidifier apparatus, the water distribution member comprising:
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an envelope formed by a first, substantially planar compartment wall and a second, substantially planar compartment wall joined together along a peripheral edge of the envelope a water inlet opening into the envelope formed in a laterally-offset portion of said first substantially planar compartment wall, said laterally-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge; and a heater element configured to be disposed below liquid water when in use, wherein the first substantially planar wall comprises at least in part a semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane being configured to prevent liquid water from passing through while being structured to allow water vapour to pass through, and wherein the heater element is integrated with the second substantially planar compartment wall and wherein the second substantially planar wall is configured to conduct heat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A water distribution member for a humidifier apparatus comprising an envelope formed by a first, substantially planar compartment wall and a second, substantially planar compartment wall joined together along a peripheral edge of the envelope, and a water inlet opening into the envelope formed in a laterally-offset portion of said first substantially planar compartment wall, said laterally-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge;
- wherein the first substantially planar wall comprises at least in part a semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane being configured to prevent liquid water while being structured to allow water vapour to pass through, and wherein a heater element is incorporated in the second substantially planar compartment wall.
- View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus, comprising:
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a housing; one or more water supply distribution members removably fitted to the housing, wherein said one or more water supply distribution members comprises an envelope formed by a first upper, substantially planar compartment wall and a second lower, substantially planar compartment wall joined together along a peripheral edge of the envelope, a water inlet opening into the envelope formed in a laterally and outwardly-offset portion of said first substantially planar compartment wall, said laterally and outwardly-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge, wherein the first substantially planar compartment wall comprises a semi-permeable membrane being configured and arranged to prevent liquid from passing through and being configured to deliver water vapour to one or more gas flow paths defined by the one or more water supply distribution members and the housing; and a heater apparatus in thermal communication with at least one of the water distribution members, the heater apparatus configured to be disposed below liquid water when in use, wherein the heater apparatus is integrated with the second substantially planar compartment wall. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A humidifier apparatus, comprising:
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a base plate removably and replaceably attachable to a humidifier housing, the housing having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a first water inlet; a heater apparatus provided to the base plate; and a water distribution member provided to the base plate, the water distribution member including first and second compartment walls joined together along a peripheral edge that define an envelope adapted to receive a supply of water via a second water inlet substantially aligned with said first water inlet, the first water inlet formed in a laterally-offset portion of the first compartment wall, said laterally-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge, the first compartment wall including a semi-permeable membrane adapted to prevent liquid from passing through and allow water vapour to pass therethrough and the second compartment wall including a thermally conductive wall in thermal communication with the heater apparatus, the heater apparatus configured to be disposed below liquid water when in use, the heater apparatus being integrated with the second compartment wall, and wherein said first water inlet in said housing increases in transverse cross section in an inward direction in order to distribute the water over a filter within the water distribution member. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A water distribution member for a humidifier apparatus, the water distribution member comprising:
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an envelope formed by a first, substantially planar compartment wall and a second, substantially planar compartment wall joined together along a peripheral edge of the envelope; a water inlet opening into the envelope formed in a laterally-offset portion of said first substantially planar compartment wall, said laterally-offset portion extending outwardly of remaining portions of said peripheral edge; wherein the second substantially planar compartment wall includes a thermally conductive wall; wherein said second substantially planar compartment wall is comprised of a metal, metal plastic composite or metalized plastic film and configured to prevent both liquid water and water vapour from passing therethrough; and wherein the first substantially planar wall comprises at least in part a semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane being configured to prevent liquid water from passing through while being structured to allow water vapour to pass through. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification