Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier

• US RE46,543 E1
• Filed: 03/24/2016
• Issued: 09/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Trevor-Wilson, Duncan Lovel, Lithgow, Perry David, Virr, Alexander, Bath, Andrew Roderick, Janiak, Michael Thomas, Kao, Dan, Saada, Jim
• Primary Examiner(s): Jastrzab, Jeffrey R
• Application Number:
  US15/079,098
• Time in Patent Office: 537 Days
• Field of Search: 261130, 261142, 261DIG 65, 261129, 261154, 2611191, 261 721, 12820024, 12820312-20526, 122 4 A, 122 4 R, 122 551, 122 7 B, 122 1301, 122 133- 192, 122 33, 122487
• 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 2003/04872 : Normal air
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2215/0091 : Introducing liquid in air for air humidification
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 3/0446 : using flow mixing means for introducing the gas, e.g. in conduits or in vessels B01F3/04106, B01F3/0876 take precedence; distillation in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media B01D3/00; jet regulation with aerating means for fresh water plumbing installations E03C1/084
• 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

Apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea includes a CPAP device and a detachable humidifier. The humidifier includes a tank that is removably insertable into a humidifier base. A sealed air flow path from the CPAP device and through the water tank is established when the water tank is placed in the humidifier base.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure device capable of providing a supply of air at a pressure in the a range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O; and

a humidifier connectable to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier including;

a humidifier base,

a humidifier lid hingedly connected to the humidifier base to allow the humidifier lid to close and open, the humidifier lid including an air delivery pipe constructed and arranged to mate with an air delivery tube, the humidifier lid further including a lid seal,

the humidifier base further including a humidifier heater plate and a humidifier base seal; and

a water tank having a water tank base to receive water and a water tank lid, the water tank base including a heat conductive portion to conduct heat from the humidifier heater plate to water in the water tank in use,

the apparatus further comprising a latch to releasably connect the continuous positive airway pressure device to the humidifier; and

a locking mechanism constructed and arranged to releasably hold the humidifier lid when closed,

wherein the humidifier base is constructed and arranged to receive the water tank when the humidifier lid is open;

wherein, when the humidifier base receives the water tank, the heat conductive portion of the water tank is positioned relative to the humidifier heater plate to allow heat transfer communication therebetween in use;

wherein, when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are latched together and the humidifier lid is closed with the water tank placed in the humidifier base, a sealed gas flow path is established, said sealed gas flow path extending from the continuous positive airway pressure device, through the humidifier base seal located between the humidifier base and a rear surface of the water tank, through an interior of the water tank, through the lid seal surrounding an outlet of the water tank lid and located on an underside of the humidifier lid, and to the air delivery pipe of the humidifier lid; and

wherein an engagement face of the continuous positive airway pressure device includes electrical connectors to deliver power to the humidifier heater plate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a backflow prevention structure located adjacent a mouth of the an inlet aperture of the water tank.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the backflow prevention structure, comprises a non-return valve.

4. The apparatus of any of the claim 1, wherein the humidifier includes a pair of flat male blade connectors for engagement with mating connectors on the continuous positive airway pressure device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous positive airway pressure device is constructed and arranged to detect automatically the presence of the humidifier and adjust an automatic control algorithm of the continuous positive airway pressure device when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are connected.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further wherein the water tank includes filling level graduations scribed or otherwise marked on the a wall of the water tank.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base and the water tank have complementary configurations to guide positioning of the water tank in the humidifier base.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water tank further comprises a water tank seal.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water tank is constructed and arranged to allow disengagement of the water tank base and the water tank lid.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an air delivery conduit and a patient interface, and wherein the air delivery conduit is connected to the air delivery pipe of the humidifier lid, and the air delivery conduit is connected to the patient interface for delivery of humidified air to a patient.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the humidifier lid is constructed and arranged so that it is rotatable from a closed position to a maximum extent of normal travel in an open position, and wherein, upon further rotation of the humidifier lid beyond the maximum extent, the humidifier lid becomes removed from the humidifier base.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to provide an audible “

click”

sound upon locking.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid seal is a pressure-assisted seal.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base seal is a pressure-assisted seal.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base seal includes a connector portion and a peripheral seal to abut and seal against a flat surface radially surrounding an aperture of an inlet of the water tank.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid seal includes a sealing flange to abut and sealingly engage a surface radially surrounding an aperture of the outlet of the water tank lid.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user operable control for selecting a desired air humidity setting.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, constructed and arranged so that when the water tank is received in the water tank base and the humidifier lid is closed, the water tank base and the water tank lid are pressed rearwards.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a user operable control for selecting a desired air humidity setting,

wherein the humidifier includes a pair of flat male blade connectors for engagement with mating connectors on the continuous positive airway pressure device,

wherein the continuous positive airway pressure device is constructed and arranged to detect automatically the presence of the humidifier and adjust an automatic control algorithm of the continuous positive airway pressure device when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are connected,

wherein the water tank includes filling level graduations marked on the wall of the water tank,

wherein the humidifier base and the water tank have complementary configurations to guide positioning of the water tank in the humidifier base,

wherein the water tank further comprises a water tank seal,

wherein the water tank is constructed and arranged to allow disengagement of the water tank base and the water tank lid,

wherein the humidifier lid is constructed and arranged so that it is rotatable from a closed position to a maximum extent of normal travel in an open position, and wherein, upon further rotation of the humidifier lid beyond the maximum extent, the humidifier lid becomes removed from the humidifier base,

wherein the locking mechanism is configured to provide an audible “

click”

sound upon locking,

wherein the lid seal is a pressure-assisted seal,

wherein the humidifier base seal is a pressure-assisted seal,

wherein the humidifier base seal includes a connector portion and a peripheral seal to abut and seal against a flat surface radially surrounding an aperture of an inlet of the water tank, and

wherein the lid seal includes a sealing flange to abut and sealingly engage a surface radially surrounding an aperture of the outlet of the water tank lid.

20. An apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure device capable of providing a supply of air at a pressure in the range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O; and

a humidifier connectable to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier including;

a humidifier base,

a humidifier lid hingedly connected to the humidifier base to allow the humidifier lid to close and open, the humidifier lid including an air delivery pipe constructed and arranged to mate with an air delivery tube, the humidifier lid further including a lid seal with a sealing flange,

the humidifier lid being constructed and arranged to be a) rotatable from a closed position to a maximum extent of normal travel in an open position and b) removable from the humidifier base by further rotation of the humidifier lid beyond the maximum extent,

the humidifier base further including a humidifier heater plate and a humidifier base seal, the humidifier base seal including a connector portion and a peripheral seal; and

a water tank having a water tank base to receive water and a water tank lid, the water tank base including a heat conductive portion to conduct heat from the humidifier heater plate to water in the water tank in use, the water tank lid including an outlet with an aperture, the sealing flange of the lid seal being configured to abut and sealingly engage a surface radially surrounding the aperture of the outlet of the water tank lid, the peripheral seal of the humidifier base seal being configured to abut and seal against a flat surface radially surrounding an aperture of an inlet of the water tank,

the apparatus further comprising a latch to releasably connect the continuous positive airway pressure device to the humidifier; and

a locking mechanism constructed and arranged to releasably hold the humidifier lid when closed, the locking mechanism being configured to provide an audible “

click”

sound upon locking,

wherein the humidifier base is constructed and arranged to receive the water tank when the humidifier lid is open;

wherein, when the humidifier base receives the water tank, the heat conductive portion of the water tank is positioned relative to the humidifier heater plate to allow heat transfer communication therebetween in use;

wherein, when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are latched together and the humidifier lid is closed with the water tank placed in the humidifier base, a sealed gas flow path is established, said sealed gas flow path extending from the continuous positive airway pressure device, through the humidifier base seal located between the humidifier base and a rear surface of the water tank, through an interior of the water tank, through the lid seal surrounding an outlet of the water tank lid and located on an underside of the humidifier lid, and to the air delivery pipe of the humidifier lid; and

wherein an engagement face of the continuous positive airway pressure device includes electrical connectors to deliver power to the humidifier heater plate.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lid seal and the humidifier base seal are pressure-assisted seals.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the water tank further comprises a water tank seal, the water tank is constructed and arranged to allow disengagement of the water tank base and the water tank lid and the water tank includes filling level graduations marked on a wall of the water tank.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the humidifier includes a pair of flat male blade connectors for engagement with mating connectors on the continuous positive airway pressure device.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the humidifier base and the water tank have complementary configurations to guide positioning of the water tank in the humidifier base.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the continuous positive airway pressure device is constructed and arranged to detect automatically the presence of the humidifier and adjust an automatic control algorithm of the continuous positive airway pressure device when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are connected.

26. An apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure device capable of providing a supply of air at a pressure in the range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O; and

a humidifier connectable to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier including;

a humidifier base,

a humidifier lid hingedly connected to the humidifier base to allow the humidifier lid to close and open, the humidifier lid including an air delivery pipe constructed and arranged to mate with an air delivery tube, the humidifier lid further including a lid seal,

the humidifier base further including a humidifier heater plate and a humidifier base seal; and

a water tank having a water tank base to receive water, a water tank seal, and a water tank lid, the water tank base including a heat conductive portion to conduct heat from the humidifier heater plate to water in the water tank in use, the water tank being constructed and arranged to allow disengagement of the water tank base and the water tank lid and including filling level graduations marked on a wall of the water tank,

the apparatus further comprising a latch to releasably connect the continuous positive airway pressure device to the humidifier; and

a locking mechanism constructed and arranged to releasably hold the humidifier lid when closed,

wherein the humidifier base is constructed and arranged to receive the water tank when the humidifier lid is open;

wherein, when the humidifier base receives the water tank, the heat conductive portion of the water tank is positioned relative to the humidifier heater plate to allow heat transfer communication therebetween in use;

wherein, when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are latched together and the humidifier lid is closed with the water tank placed in the humidifier base, a sealed gas flow path is established, said sealed gas flow path extending from the continuous positive airway pressure device, through the humidifier base seal located between the humidifier base and a rear surface of the water tank, through an interior of the water tank, through the lid seal surrounding an outlet of the water tank lid and located on an underside of the humidifier lid, and to the air delivery pipe of the humidifier lid; and

wherein an engagement face of the continuous positive airway pressure device includes electrical connectors to deliver power to the humidifier heater plate.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the humidifier lid is constructed and arranged so that it is rotatable from a closed position to a maximum extent of normal travel in an open position, and wherein, upon further rotation of the humidifier lid beyond the maximum extent, the humidifier lid becomes removed from the humidifier base,

wherein the locking mechanism is configured to provide an audible “

click”

sound upon locking,

wherein the lid seal is a pressure-assisted seal,

wherein the humidifier base seal is a pressure-assisted seal,

wherein the humidifier base seal includes a connector portion and a peripheral seal to abut and seal against a flat surface radially surrounding an aperture of an inlet of the water tank, and

wherein the lid seal includes a sealing flange to abut and sealingly engage a surface radially surrounding an aperture of the outlet of the water tank lid.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the humidifier includes a pair of flat male blade connectors for engagement with mating connectors on the continuous positive airway pressure device.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the humidifier base and the water tank have complementary configurations to guide positioning of the water tank in the humidifier base.

30. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a controller and a sensor configured to automatically detect the presence of the humidifier and adjust an automatic control algorithm of the continuous positive airway pressure device when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are connected.