Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier

• US 8,028,693 B2
• Filed: 10/08/2010
• Issued: 10/04/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lithgow, Perry David, Trevor-Wilson, Duncan Lovel, Virr, Alexander, Kao, Dan, Bath, Andrew Roderick, Janiak, Michael Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu; Justine R
• Assistant Examiner(s): Young; Rachel T
• Application Number:
  US12/900,781
• Publication Number:
  US 20110023877A1
• Time in Patent Office: 361 Days
• Field of Search: 128/204.24, 12820312-20317, 12820326-20327, 128/204.14, 12820417-20418, 128/204.21, 261/DIG.65, 261/129, 261/154, 261/130, 261/142, 261/119.1, 261/72.1, 122/DIG.7, 122/13.01, 122/4.R, 122/4.A, 122/5.5, 122/7.B, 122 133- 192, 122/33, 122/4.87
• US Class Current: 128/200.24
• 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 method of sealably locating a humidifier water tub in a humidifier base comprising positioning a rear surface of the humidifier water tub to abut a humidifier seal to form an air path from a flow generator outlet into an interior of the water tub, and pressing a humidifier lid of the humidifier to engage a surface of a tub lid of the humidifier water tub to form a sealed air path between an interior of the humidifier water tub and an air delivery conduit connector positioned on the humidifier lid.

Claims

1. In a humidifier assembly for a flow generator used in delivery of a supply of breathable gas to a patient for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, the humidifier assembly comprising a water tub having an inlet, a base having a blower outlet and a water-tub-receiving-portion, and a hinged lid with an engagable locking mechanism, a method of forming a seal between the water tub inlet and the blower outlet of the base comprising the steps of:

(i) placing the water tub in the tub-receiving-portion of the base so as to position the inlet and the outlet adjacent one another;

(ii) closing the hinged lid; and

(iii) engaging the locking mechanism.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the blower outlet includes a front-facing seal forming surface.

3. The method of claim 2 whereby the step of placing the water tub in the water-tub-receiving portion of the base further includes the step of placing the water tub against the seal forming surface of the blower outlet.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the hinged lid further comprises a generally cylindrical portion adapted to mate with an air delivery conduit so that the supply of breathable gas can be provided to a patient interface.

5. A method of sealably locating a humidifier water tub in a humidifier base comprising:

positioning a rear surface of the humidifier water tub to abut a humidifier seal to form an air path from a flow generator outlet into an interior of the water tub; and

pressing a humidifier lid of the humidifier to engage a surface of a tub lid of the humidifier water tub to form a sealed air path between an interior of the humidifier water tub and an air delivery conduit connector positioned on the humidifier lid.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising pivoting the humidifier lid of the humidifier from an open position to a closed position.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising pivoting the humidifier lid of the humidifier about a hinged connection.

8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising closing the humidifier lid of the humidifier using a pivoting movement.

9. The method according to claim 5, further comprising engaging a humidifier lid locking mechanism to retain the tub.

10. The method according to claim 5, whereby positioning the rear surface of the humidifier water tub to abut a humidifier seal comprises positioning the humidifier water tub so that the humidifier seal abuts a substantially flat surface surrounding a rear inlet of the humidifier water tub.

11. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pressing of the humidifier lid results in rearward movement of the tub.

12. A humidifier adapted for interconnection between a continuous positive airway pressure device and an air delivery tube for delivery of a supply of humidified breathable gas to a patient for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and to define an air flow path between the continuous positive airway pressure device and the air delivery tube, the humidifier having a water tank and the humidifier being constructed and arranged to allow removal of the water tank for refilling with water without disconnection of the air delivery tube, wherein the water tank is configured to be in sealing relationship with the air flow path when an inlet to the water tank abuts a first seal of the humidifier and a lid of the humidifier is pressed against an outlet of the water tank.

13. The humidifier according to claim 12, wherein the lid of the humidifier further comprises a second seal located on an underside of the lid.

14. The humidifier according to claim 13, wherein the lid of the humidifier is structured to pivot about a hinge between an open position and a closed position.

15. The humidifier according to claim 14, wherein the water tank is configured to be in sealing relationship with the second seal when the lid of the humidifier is in the closed position.

16. A breathable gas supply apparatus for treatment of respiratory disorders comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure device; and

a humidifier adapted for releasable connection to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier comprising;

a humidifier base having an air inlet port adapted to receive a supply of breathable gas from the continuous positive airway pressure device, said humidifier base further having a tub receiving surface including a heater plate;

a water tub having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a flat inlet surface surrounding the air inlet and an outlet surface surrounding the air outlet, the water tub having a bottom portion provided with a heat conducting surface;

a pivotable humidifier lid movable between an open position in which the water tub may be placed on the tub receiving surface of the humidifier base, and a closed position in which the tub is secured to the humidifier base and the heat conducting surface of the water tub is placed in alignment with the heater plate of the humidifier base;

a first seal adjacent the air inlet of the water tub; and

a second seal adjacent the air outlet of the water tub,

wherein the first seal is adapted to be in sealing relationship with the flat inlet surface surrounding the air inlet of the water tub when the water tub abuts the first seal, and wherein the second seal is adapted to be in sealing relationship with the outlet surface surrounding the air outlet of the water tub when the water tub abuts the second seal.

17. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first seal includes a relatively flat surface that seals with the flat inlet surface surrounding the air inlet of the water tub, and the second seal includes a relatively flat surface that seals with the outlet surface surrounding the air outlet of the water tub, the outlet surface being flat.

18. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second seal includes an inwardly oriented sealing flange that seals with the outlet surface surrounding the air outlet of the water tub.

19. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sealing flange is provided to a distal end of the second seal, and the sealing flange includes an exterior end surface that abuts the outlet surface surrounding the air outlet.

20. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second seal includes an aperture through which pressurized gas flows in use, the aperture defining a longitudinal axis parallel to the flow of pressurized gas through the aperture in use, the second seal and the outlet surface of the water tank abutting one another to form a seal in a sealing plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

21. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the sealing plane is coincident with the outlet surface of the air outlet of the water tub.

22. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second seal is positioned on an underside of the humidifier lid.

23. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first seal includes a connector portion and a peripheral seal to abut and seal against the flat inlet surface surrounding the air inlet of the water tub.

24. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the humidifier lid includes an outlet pipe configured for connection to an air delivery tube.

25. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first seal includes an aperture through which pressurized gas flows in use, the aperture defining a longitudinal axis parallel to the flow of pressurized gas through the aperture in use, the first seal and the flat inlet surface of the water tank abutting one another to form a seal in a sealing plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

26. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the sealing plane is coincident with the flat inlet surface of the air inlet of the water tub.

27. In a humidifier assembly for a flow generator used in delivery of a supply of breathable gas to a patient for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, the humidifier assembly comprising a water tub having an inlet, a base having an aperture adapted to communicate with output from the flow generator and a water-tub-receiving-portion, and a hinged lid with an engagable locking mechanism, a method of forming a seal between the water tub inlet and the aperture of the base comprising the steps of:

(i) placing the water tub in the tub-receiving-portion of the base so as to position the inlet and the outlet adjacent one another;

(ii) closing the hinged lid to establish the seal with the water tub inlet; and

(iii) engaging the locking mechanism.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the aperture includes a front-facing seal forming surface.

29. The method of claim 28 whereby the step of placing the water tub in the water-tub-receiving portion of the base further includes the step of placing the water tub against the seal forming surface of the aperture.

30. The method of claim 27 wherein the hinged lid further comprises a generally cylindrical portion adapted to mate with an air delivery conduit so that the supply of breathable gas can be provided to a patient interface.

31. A breathable gas supply apparatus for treatment of respiratory disorders comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure device; and

a humidifier adapted for releasable connection to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier comprising;

a humidifier base having an air inlet port adapted to receive a supply of breathable gas from the continuous positive airway pressure device, said humidifier base further having a tub receiving surface including a heater plate;

a water tub having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a respective sealing surface surrounding each of the air inlet and the air outlet, each sealing surface being provided on an exterior surface of a wall of the water tub, each said sealing surface being positioned radially outward relative to an aperture defining the air inlet and air outlet, respectively, the water tub having a bottom portion provided with a heat conducting surface;

a pivotable humidifier lid movable between an open position in which the water tub may be placed on the tub receiving surface of the humidifier base, and a closed position in which the tub is secured to the humidifier base and the heat conducting surface of the water tub is placed in alignment with the heater plate of the humidifier base;

a first seal adjacent the air inlet of the water tub; and

a second seal adjacent the air outlet of the water tub,

wherein the first seal is adapted to be in sealing relationship with the sealing surface surrounding the air inlet aperture of the water tub when the water tub abuts the first seal, and wherein the second seal is adapted to be in sealing relationship with the sealing surface surrounding the air outlet aperture of the water tub when the water tub abuts the second seal.

32. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first seal includes a relatively flat surface that seals with the sealing surface surrounding the air inlet of the water tub, and the second seal includes a relatively flat surface that seals with the sealing surface surrounding the air outlet of the water tub.

33. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the second seal includes an inwardly oriented sealing flange that seals with the sealing surface surrounding the air outlet of the water tub.

34. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the sealing flange is provided to a distal end of the second seal, and the sealing flange includes an exterior end surface that abuts the sealing surface surrounding the air outlet.

35. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the second seal includes an aperture through which pressurized gas flows in use, the aperture defining a longitudinal axis parallel to the flow of pressurized gas through the aperture in use, the second seal and the sealing surface of the air outlet of the water tank abutting one another to form a seal in a sealing plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

36. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the sealing plane is coincident with the sealing surface of the air outlet of the water tub.

37. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the second seal is positioned on an underside of the humidifier lid.

38. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first seal includes a connector portion and a peripheral seal to abut and seal against the sealing surface surrounding the air inlet of the water tub.

39. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the humidifier lid includes an outlet pipe configured for connection to an air delivery tube.

40. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein each said sealing surface is flat.

41. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein each said aperture defines a rim, and the sealing surface surrounding each said aperture is positioned radially outwards from the rim.

42. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the wall of the water tub having the air inlet includes an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, and a connecting portion defining a rim and connecting the exterior and interior surfaces, said sealing surface associated with the air inlet being positioned radially outwards of the rim on the exterior surface of the wall, and

wherein the wall of the water tub having the air outlet includes an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, and a connecting portion defining a rim and connecting the exterior and interior surfaces, said sealing surface associated with the air outlet being positioned radially outwards of the rim on the exterior surface of the wall.