Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160067441 | HEADGEAR FOR BREATHING MASK - An interface assembly includes an interface, such as a mask, that is secured to a head using a headgear assembly. The headgear assembly can include at least one halo portion and a plurality of straps. The headgear assembly can include both a front halo portion and a rear halo portion. In some arrangements, the headgear and mask define an adjustable closed loop. In some arrangements, the headgear can include one or more rigid portions that contact the user's face to at least partially isolate a seal of the mask from tightening forces applied to the headgear. In some arrangements, the mask is an oral-nasal mask and the headgear applies a force to the mask comprising an upward force component. In some arrangements, the headgear can be contoured to the user's head. | 03-10-2016 |
20160015926 | MEDICAL COMPONENTS WITH MICROSTRUCTURES FOR HUMIDIFICATION AND CONDENSATE MANAGEMENT - New medical circuit components and methods for forming such components are disclosed. These components include microstructures for humidification and/or condensate management. The disclosed microstructures can be incorporated into a variety of components, including tubes (e.g., inspiratory breathing tubes and expiratory breathing tubes and other tubing between various elements of a breathing circuit, such as ventilators, humidifiers, filters, water traps, sample lines, connectors, gas analyzers, and the like), Y-connectors, catheter mounts, humidifiers, and patient interfaces (e.g., masks for covering the nose and face, nasal masks, cannulas, nasal pillows, etc.), floats, probes, and sensors in a variety of medical circuits. | 01-21-2016 |
20160003393 | CONNECTOR FOR MULTIPLE SIZED CONNECTIONS - A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector. | 01-07-2016 |
20150367087 | INSUFFLATION APPARATUS AND METHODS AND A GAS GENERATING CARTRIDGE THEREFOR - The invention provides an insufflation apparatus having a housing and a gas generator arranged to be, at least partially, mounted to the housing. The housing includes a gas outlet for delivering gas to a patient and a gas storage chamber arranged to store gas and deliver it to the gas outlet. The gas generator includes a cartridge mount on the housing adapted to receive a gas generating cartridge, the gas generating cartridge containing gas generating material that generates gas that is delivered to the gas storage chamber. The invention also provides alternative insufflation apparatus, a gas cartridge and a method of generating insufflation gas. | 12-24-2015 |
20150202402 | HUMIDIFICATION CHAMBER FOR A RESPIRATORY ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a flow generator and a humidifier. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber comprises a water tub that is configured to receive a volume of water. A lid is hingedly coupled to the water tub for enclosing a volume contained within the water tub. | 07-23-2015 |
20150151074 | MEDICAL COMPONENTS WITH MICROSTRUCTURES FOR HUMIDIFICATION AND CONDENSATE MANAGEMENT - New medical circuit components and methods for forming such components are disclosed. These components include microstructures for humidification and/or condensate management. The disclosed microstructures can be incorporated into a variety of components, including tubes (e.g., inspiratory breathing tubes and expiratory breathing tubes and other tubing between various elements of a breathing circuit, such as ventilators, humidifiers, filters, water traps, sample lines, connectors, gas analyzers, and the like), Y-connectors, catheter mounts, humidifiers, and patient interfaces (e.g., masks for covering the nose and face, nasal masks, cannulas, nasal pillows, etc.), floats, probes, and sensors in a variety of medical circuits. | 06-04-2015 |
20150128942 | CONTROL OF FLOW AND/OR PRESSURE PROVIDED BY BREATHING APPARATUS - The invention comprises a method of operating a breathing apparatus comprising measuring a baseline breath flow parameter being respiratory rate and/or tidal volume or a parameter derived therefrom, varying the flow rate provided by the breathing apparatus, measuring a current breath flow parameter being respiratory rate and/or tidal volume or a parameter derived therefrom, comparing the baseline and current breath flow parameters, and altering operation of the breathing apparatus based on the comparison. The invention also comprises a breathing apparatus that implements the above method. | 05-14-2015 |
20150107588 | RESPIRATORY HUMIDIFIER COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A respiratory humidification system includes a humidifier that is capable of electronic communication with one or more other components of the system thereby permitting transfer of data or control signals between the humidifier and other components of the system. In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to supply a flow of breathing gas. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of electronic communication with one another. In some arrangements, an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier to be set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually through a user interface of the flow generator. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by the flow generator or other system component, such as an incubator, to set or confirm an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier. In some arrangements, a user interface of the humidifier can display data from another system component, such as a nebulizer or pulse oximeter. | 04-23-2015 |
20150059745 | RESPIRATORY ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurised gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurised gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream. | 03-05-2015 |
20150021909 | CONDUIT CONNECTOR FOR A PATIENT BREATHING DEVICE - In an embodiment, a connector or connector assembly for attaching a nasal cannula with a gas delivery hose includes a sensor port for a sensor probe positioned near an end of a nasal cannula, which can allow the sensor probe to be placed closer to the patient's nostrils than previous connector parts allowed. In an embodiment, the connector is configured to advantageously allow the nasal cannula to rotate relative to the gas delivery hose, thereby allowing a patient or healthcare provider to untangle or otherwise straighten the hose or the cannula. In an embodiment, the connector assembly is configured to automatically align locking protrusions on a first component with locking recesses on a second component, where insertion of the second component within the first component causes the second component to rotate relative to the first component, thereby aligning the locking protrusions with associated locking recesses. | 01-22-2015 |
20140373840 | MEDICAL TUBES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - This invention relates to a medical tube comprises an elongate conduit having a first opening, a second opening, a longitudinal axis, a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening along the longitudinal axis, and a corrugated wall, formed from an extruded material, extending between the first opening and the second opening and surrounding the lumen. The wall is stiffer in a first length of the conduit adjacent the first opening than in a second length of the conduit adjacent the second opening. The variable stiffness of the tube wall can improve the thermal profile of the tube as well as improve drain-back of condensation into a humidifier providing humidified gas to the tube. | 12-25-2014 |
20140345615 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS WITH A MANIFOLD TO ADD AUXILIARY GASES TO AMBIENT GASES - The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device. | 11-27-2014 |
20140318548 | MASK - A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use. | 10-30-2014 |
20140236083 | MEDICAL TUBING - A medical tube has a tube wall, a first end and a second end. At least one heater wire is wrapped around the wall. Near or at one of the first end or the second end, there is at least one recess in an outer surface of the wall. The heater wire passes over the at least one tube recess such that the wire does not contact the wall in the area of the tube recess. Also disclosed are methods of making the tube and components used in making the tube. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232024 | HUMIDIFIER - A device is provided that humidifies breathing gas. The device has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A chemical heater is positioned within the chamber and a trigger activates the heater. The chamber can be a conduit with an inner wall and an outer wall with a reservoir defined therebetween. The chemical heater can be positioned within the reservoir. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230813 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described. | 08-21-2014 |
20140216460 | IMPELLER AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY - A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurised gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight. | 08-07-2014 |
20140207476 | DATA CAPTURE AND ROUTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer system for routing breathing apparatus compliance data that includes a processor and network interface configured to receive input data including breathing apparatus compliance data via a network, format the compliance data into a destination format in accordance with formatting data and transmit the formatted compliance data via a network to a recipient system in accordance with routing information. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202462 | MEDICAL TUBES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - The disclosure relates to medical tubes and methods of manufacturing medical tubes. The tube may be a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. For example, one of the components may be a spirally wound elongate hollow body, and the other component may be an elongate structural component also spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body The tube need not be made from distinct components, however. For instance, an elongate hollow body formed (e.g., extruded) from a single material may be spirally wound to form an elongate tube. The elongate hollow body itself may in transverse cross-section have a thin wall portion and a relatively thicker or more rigid reinforcement portion. The tubes can be incorporated into a variety of medical circuits or may be employed for other medical uses. | 07-24-2014 |
20140174446 | NASAL MASK INTERFACE ASSEMBLY - An interface assembly comprises a nasal mask that includes a seal having a rolling portion. The rolling portion of the seal rolls over a portion of a clip that secures the seal to a frame. The frame has a ball and socket connection to a connector. The connector comprises an elbow having integrally formed exhaust holes and a swivel. | 06-26-2014 |
20140158130 | COMPONENT FOR MEDICAL CIRCUIT - A medical tube has a tube wall defining a passageway for transportation of gases and further has a first end and a second end. At least one end of the medical tube comprises one or more of a pre-formed pneumatic port component, a pre-formed electrical port component, and a pre-formed sensor port component. A cuff is over-moulded about and thereby connects the pneumatic port component, the electrical port component, and/or the sensor port component and at least a portion of the tube end. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158125 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface. | 06-12-2014 |
20140137866 | INTEGRATED HUMIDIFIER CHAMBER AND LID - A blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower/humidification system is described. The blower unit has an outer casing, which encloses and forms part of the blower unit, the casing including an air inlet vent. The blower unit further includes a humidifier compartment for receiving a humidifier unit with a separate gases inlet and outlet, the compartment having a heater base for heating the contents of the humidifier unit. The compartment also has a blower inlet port which aligns with the humidifier unit inlet in use, the blower providing a gases path through the casing between the inlet vent and the inlet port. The blower unit also includes a fan for providing a pressurised gases stream along the gases path, and a power supply unit for powering the fan. The gases path is routed over the power supply unit in order to provide a cooling air flow. | 05-22-2014 |
20140116440 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS CONTROL USING A BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A breathing gases supply apparatus | 05-01-2014 |
20140116433 | SURGICAL HUMIDIFIER CONTROL - Some embodiments provide for humidifier control systems and methods configured to adjust power to a heater plate in a surgical humidifier to account for changes in flow rate to provide a consistent output, to provide functionality for different modes of use, and to provide accurate control over temperature and/or humidity at relatively low flows. The humidifier control system can receive a flow rate reading and determine a power requirement corresponding to the received flow rate reading, wherein the power requirement is one of a plurality of set points which correspond to ranges of flow rates. The humidifier control system can determine a mode of use based at least in part on the flow rate reading. The humidifier control system can provide electrical power to the heater plate according to the power requirement and/or the mode of use. | 05-01-2014 |
20140096774 | INTERFACE COMPRISING A ROLLING NASAL BRIDGE PORTION - An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user. | 04-10-2014 |
20140060533 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR HUMIDIFIER CONTROL USING ENTHALPY-BASED CALCULATION - A respiratory humidification system that controls the humidity of the outlet gases using an enthalpy based calculation is disclosed herein. The respiratory humidification system includes a controller that can receive data from one or more of an enthalpy sensor, a flow sensor and a temperature sensor. The controller can also receive information relating to the outlet gas enthalpy, which can be calculated from the desired output temperature and humidity. A level of power to be provided to the heating system to achieve the desired output temperature and humidity can be calculated using data from the enthalpy sensor, flow sensor, and temperature sensor, as well as the calculated outlet gas enthalpy. | 03-06-2014 |
20140000626 | NASAL CANNULA, CONDUIT AND SECUREMENT SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140000610 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING GASES | 01-02-2014 |
20130239972 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body. | 09-19-2013 |
20130233318 | COMPONENT FOR CONVEYING GASES - This invention provides for a component forming a part of a breathing tube, or forming the breathing tube, for example as a part of a breathing circuit for respiratory therapy. The component comprising a tubular body having a foamed wall. The foamed wall can be formed from extrusion of a single extrudate. The foamed wall is of a sufficient minimum optical transparency such that, in use, there is enabled the visual detection of a liquid (or condensate that may have formed) within the tubular body. | 09-12-2013 |
20130220326 | BREATH INDICATOR - This invention relates to a breath indicator that is receivable by a part of a breathing assistance apparatus that supplies gas to a patient. The indicator comprises an elongate body having a gas sampling end and an attachment end. The attachment end is adapted to attach to a part of a breathing assistance apparatus and for locating the gas sampling end. The gas sampling end is to be located in a region where gas from the patient is to be exhaled. The gas sampling end being in communication with a sensor comprising a detector material changeable between a first visual indicator state relating to an inhalation phase of the patient, and a second visual indicator state relating to an exhalation phase of the patient. The detector material is capable of changing between the visual indicator states at a sufficient rate to substantially correspond with the inhalation and exhalation phases of the patient. | 08-29-2013 |
20130192605 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient. | 08-01-2013 |
20130174841 | HUMIDIFIED GASES DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAME - The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power. | 07-11-2013 |
20130152931 | COMPONENTS FOR MEDICAL CIRCUITS - Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in medical circuits and previous attempts to manage and/or prevent rain-out have resulted in relatively expensive and/or difficult to manufacture medical circuit components. The subject patent provides an improved medical circuit component for managing rain-out. In particular the component may be an improved breathing tube, or insufflation system limb comprising a helically corrugated tube preferably incorporating a heater wire. | 06-20-2013 |
20130133656 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GASES TO A USER - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling pressure delivery to a user such as a patient. A flow generator generates an outlet flow at an outlet port for delivery to a patient. At least one sensor measures properties of the flow of gas at the outlet port or being delivered to the patient. A controller is operatively connected to the flow generator and the at least one sensor, and is adapted to operate according to a pressure control mode in which the controller controls the flow generator to output a substantially steady pressure or a flow control mode in which the controller controls the flow generator to output a substantially steady flow. The controller operates in the flow control mode when a patient may be awake and in the pressure control mode when the patient may be asleep. | 05-30-2013 |
20130133651 | APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING GASES TO A PATIENT - An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s). | 05-30-2013 |
20130131580 | RELATING TO SYSTEMS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - This invention relates to a surgical smoke evacuation system for use in removing gases and smoke created in surgical procedures from within an insufflated surgical cavity. Such a system comprises a discharge assembly adapted to form a gases path, and having an end which in use is located within said surgical cavity so that gases and/or surgical smoke inside said cavity can pass out of said cavity and through said discharge assembly along said gases path, a flexible discharge limb having an operational site end and an outlet end, and a self-supporting wall defining a gases flow passage between said operational site end and said outlet end, in use said open operational site end sealingly connected to said discharge assembly so that said gases and/or surgical smoke can pass out of said discharge assembly and into said discharge limb, a filter connected in use to the outlet end of the discharge limb, at least part of said wall of the discharge limb formed from a breathable material, said breathable material allowing the passage of water vapour through the wall of the discharge limb without allowing the passage of liquid water or surgical smoke or other gases. | 05-23-2013 |
20130112201 | BREATHING TUBE - Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in breathing circuits and especially neonatal breathing circuits. The subject patent provides an improved breathing tube component for managing rain-out particularly in neonatal applications. In particular the breathing tube has a smooth inner bore, and an outer insulating layer containing stagnant gas and a heater wire. | 05-09-2013 |
20130104886 | WATER OUT ALARM | 05-02-2013 |
20130081619 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081616 | TRACHEAL COUPLINGS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A tracheal coupling for interfacing between a patient and a gases source, the connector comprising a patient port ( | 04-04-2013 |
20130074845 | PATIENT INTERFACE AND HEADGEAR - Patient interface components and/or associated head gear and adjustment systems improve sealing and/or patient comfort and/or ease of use. The interface comprising an inflating or ballooning seal. The headgear assembly can be connected to the interface with an elastic component and an inelastic component. The elastic component enabling a course fitting of the interface to the patient and the inelastic component enabling a final fitting of the interface to the patient. | 03-28-2013 |
20130072862 | APPARATUS USED FOR HUMIDIFICATION OF GASES IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES - This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidity of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator, humidifier and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing, while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire, a ribbon of PTC material, or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubing, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068228 | PATIENT INTERFACES - The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface, The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents. | 03-21-2013 |
20120318270 | NASAL INTERFACE - A nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318269 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient. | 12-20-2012 |
20120305001 | INTERFACE - A user interface comprising a non-sealing nasal cannula and a mask arranged about the nasal cannula, the mask including a seal configured with a user's face to allow the interface to be pressurised, the cannula configured to deliver breathing gases to the nares of a user at a flow rate exceeding the intended user's peak inspiratory flow requirements so that the mask and the user's pharynx are flushed continuously with fresh breathing gases to reduce dead space. | 12-06-2012 |
20120291783 | BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - Breathing assistance apparatus includes a gases supply unit adapted to, in use, deliver a stream of pressurised gases from an outlet. The gases supply unit is adapted to vary the pressure of the stream of pressurised gases. A supply path includes a flexible self-supporting gases transportation pathway having a first end connected to the outlet so that the gases transportation pathway receives the stream of gases and conveys the gases to a patient. A patient interface is connected to the second end of the gases transportation pathway receives a stream of gases. At least one sensor measures at least one information parameter of the supply path. A control system associated with the gases supply unit receives the information parameter. The control system contains reference data, and compares the received data to reference data, and determines a supply path based on the comparison. | 11-22-2012 |
20120174924 | CONDUIT WITH HEATED WICK - A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect. | 07-12-2012 |
20120118288 | HUMIDITY CONTROLLER - A breathing assistance apparatus adapted to deliver humidified gases at a desired level of humidity to a patient including a humidifier and a heated conduit is disclosed. The humidifier includes a controller which controls the humidifier, or the humidifier and the heated conduit to deliver the gases to the patient at the required humidity or temperature, without the requirement for sensors in the gases stream. The controller uses information already available to the controller, without the requirement for additional information to be provided by sensors in the gases stream. This means the need for sensors in the gases stream is dispensed with. A significant benefit is achieved as sensors are not required in the conduit and thus the apparatus is simple and less bulky. | 05-17-2012 |
20120097163 | HUMIDIFIER HEATER BASE - A humidifier heater base assembly is disclosed for use in a humidifier which is used for heating and humidifying a flow of respiratory gases supplied to a user. The assembly preferably includes a heater plate having a thermally conductive portion and a perimeter portion around the perimeter of the heater plate, and a resilient member having an inner part attached to the perimeter portion. An outer part of the resilient member is adapted to provide a resilient perimeter flange around at least part and preferably the whole of the perimeter portion. The resilient member is adapted to allow the heater base to be fixed to the humidifier by the resilient perimeter flange in such a manner that the heater plate and the inner part can move relative to the humidifier in a direction substantially transverse to the general plane of the heater plate. At least a portion of the resilient perimeter flange remains stationary relative to the humidifier. | 04-26-2012 |
20120073573 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING HUMIDIFIED GASES - An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber. | 03-29-2012 |
20120067347 | FAN UNIT WITH IMPROVED SURGE CHARACTERISTICS - A fan unit that forms part of a gases supply unit used as part of a breathing assistance system for providing heated gases to a user. The fan has an impeller surrounded by an upwardly sloped surface to facilitate improved airflow performance under surge conditions. | 03-22-2012 |
20110290253 | RESPIRATORY MASK SEALING INTERFACE - A sealing interface includes an inner cushion and an outer sheath. The outer sheath substantially seals against the facial contours of the user. The inner cushion and the outer sheath each have a nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either one of an upper lip region or a chin region. In use these regions are aligned with the corresponding nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either the upper lip region or the chin region of a user. The inner cushion includes a hinged region. The hinged region is adapted to flex substantially independently of the inner cushion cheek regions. | 12-01-2011 |