# US 11,298,499 B2 · Humidifier reservoir

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- Number: US 11,298,499 B2
- Document ID: US11298499B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/471,856
- Filed: 2021-09-10
- Published: 2021-12-30
- Granted: 2022-04-12
- Earliest claimed: 2013-03-15
- Assignees: ResMed Pty Ltd
- Applicants: ResMed Pty Ltd
- Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath; Mark Bertinetti; Justin John Formica; Matthew Rolf Harrington; Saad Nasr; Joseph Samuel Ormrod; José Ignacio Romagnoli; Nathan John Row; Luke Andrew Stanislas; Hargopal Verma
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11298499B2

## CPC

- A61M 16/16: Devices to humidify the respiration air {(A61M16/1045 takes precedence)}
- A61B 5/0816: {Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency (measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00)}
- A61B 5/0826: {Detecting or evaluating apnoea events (sleep apnoea A61B5/4818)}
- A61B 5/087: Measuring breath flow
- A61B 5/097: Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
- A61B 5/4836: {Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods (A61B5/0036 takes precedence)}
- A61M 16/024: {including calculation means, e.g. using a processor}
- A61M 16/0875: {Connecting tubes}
- A61M 16/1085: {after being humidified or mixed with a beneficial agent}
- A61M 16/109: {the humidifying liquid or the beneficial agent}
- A61M 16/1095: {in the connecting tubes}
- A61M 16/0066: {Blowers or centrifugal pumps}
- A61M 16/0072: {Tidal volume piston pumps}
- A61M 16/0075: {Bellows-type}
- A61M 16/1055: {bacterial}
- A61M 16/1065: {in the expiratory path}
- A61M 16/12: by mixing different gases
- A61M 16/161: {with means for measuring the humidity}
- A61M 16/20: Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
- A61M 2016/0024: {with an on-off output signal, e.g. from a switch}
- A61M 2016/0027: {pressure meter}
- A61M 2016/0033: {electrical}
- A61M 2202/0208: Oxygen
- A61M 2205/0216: Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
- A61M 2205/14: Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
- A61M 2205/15: Detection of leaks
- A61M 2205/21: insensitive to tilting or inclination, e.g. spill-over prevention
- A61M 2205/3317: Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means
- A61M 2205/3334: Measuring or controlling the flow rate
- A61M 2205/3365: Rotational speed
- A61M 2205/3368: Temperature
- A61M 2205/3382: Upper level detectors
- A61M 2205/3553: remote, e.g. between patient's home and doctor's office
- A61M 2205/3561: local, e.g. within room or hospital
- A61M 2205/3584: using modem, internet or Bluetooth®
- A61M 2205/3592: using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
- A61M 2205/3653: by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
- A61M 2205/42: Reducing noise
- A61M 2205/505: Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
- A61M 2205/586: Ergonomic details therefor, e.g. specific ergonomics for left or right-handed users
- A61M 2205/6054: Magnetic identification systems
- A61M 2205/8206: battery-operated
- A61M 2206/14: Static flow deviators in tubes disturbing laminar flow in tubes, e.g. archimedes screws
- A61M 2209/045: for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
- A61M 2209/086: Docking stations
- A61M 2230/40: Respiratory characteristics
- F24F 2006/008: {Air-humidifier with water reservoir}
- Y02A 20/00: Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A 90/10: Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- F24F: AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING (removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced B08B15/00; vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings E04F17/02; tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts, terminals for flues F23L17/02)
- Y02A: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

## Abstract

An integrated respiratory pressure therapy device and humidifier for pressurising and humidifying breathable air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient, includes a blower configured to pressurise the breathable air; a water reservoir configured to hold a volume of water to be used for humidification of the breathable air, the water reservoir comprising a water reservoir base, a water reservoir lid connected to the water reservoir base, and a compliant portion. The compliant portion is constructed from an elastomeric material and configured to seal between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid. A water reservoir dock forms a cavity configured to partially receive the water reservoir. The water reservoir lid includes a protrusion and the water reservoir dock includes a recess configured to releasably engage one another to secure the water reservoir to the water reservoir dock.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An integrated respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device and humidifier for pressurising and humidifying breathable air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient, the RPT device comprising:
a blower configured to pressurise the breathable air;
a water reservoir configured to hold a volume of water to be used for humidification of the breathable air, the water reservoir comprising a water reservoir base, a water reservoir lid pivotably connected to the water reservoir base by a hinged joint, and a compliant portion, the compliant portion being constructed from an elastomeric material and configured to seal between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid, when the water reservoir lid is in a closed position on the water reservoir base, and the water reservoir lid including a water reservoir inlet and a water reservoir outlet; and
a water reservoir dock that forms a cavity configured to partially receive the water reservoir, the water reservoir dock and the water reservoir being shaped and dimensioned such that a portion of the water reservoir is positioned outside of the cavity when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock,
wherein the water reservoir lid includes a protrusion and the water reservoir dock includes a recess, the protrusion and the recess being configured to releasably engage one another when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock to secure the water reservoir to the water reservoir dock; and
wherein, in the closed position, the water reservoir lid with the protrusion is movable relative to the water reservoir base under the bias of the compliant portion, to allow the water reservoir to be releasable engaged with the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir is configured so that, when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, the compliant portion urges the water reservoir lid towards a corresponding portion of the water reservoir dock to maintain engagement between the protrusion and the recess and secure the water reservoir in the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir is configured so that pressing the water reservoir lid towards the water reservoir base compresses the compliant portion, disengages the protrusion from the recess, and allows removal of the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein a portion of the water reservoir that is received in the cavity of the water reservoir dock has a complementary shape to a portion of the water reservoir dock that receives the water reservoir.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein a height of the portion of the water reservoir that is received in the cavity of the water reservoir dock is less than a height of the portion of the water reservoir dock that receives the water reservoir when the compliant portion is compressed to enable insertion of the water reservoir into the cavity and engagement of the protrusion and the recess or to disengage the protrusion and the recess to enable removal of the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the compliant portion is compressible to allow relative movement between the water reservoir and the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is tapered so as to increase in height in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a spring-biased heater plate forming an inner surface of the water reservoir dock,
wherein the water reservoir base includes a conductor plate constructed from a heat conducting material such that when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, the conductor plate thermally engages with the heater plate so as to allow transfer of heat from the heater plate to the conductor plate during operation of the heater plate.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir further includes a latch to secure the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid together.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 9, wherein when the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid are secured together by the latch, the compliant portion is compressed between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 9, wherein the hinged joint is positioned on an insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch is positioned on an opposite side of the water reservoir, on the portion of the water reservoir positioned outside of the cavity.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir base further comprises an inner lip positioned radially inward of the compliant portion when the water reservoir lid is in the closed position to discourage egress of liquid from the water reservoir.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir includes a rotation stop and a rotation guide to limit rotation of the water reservoir lid relative to the water reservoir base when the water reservoir lid is in a fully open position.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir lid includes ribs to form a grip surface.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the compliant portion is engaged with the water reservoir lid by friction fitting.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir dock is configured to receive the water reservoir by sliding the water reservoir horizontally into the cavity.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 1, wherein:
the water reservoir is configured so that, when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, the compliant portion urges the water reservoir lid towards a corresponding portion of the water reservoir dock to maintain engagement between the protrusion and the recess and secure the water reservoir in the water reservoir dock,
the water reservoir is configured so that pressing the water reservoir lid towards the water reservoir base compresses the compliant portion, disengages the protrusion from the recess, and allows removal of the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock,
a portion of the water reservoir that is received in the cavity of the water reservoir dock has a complementary shape to a portion of the water reservoir dock that receives the water reservoir,
a height of the portion of the water reservoir that is received in the cavity of the water reservoir dock is less than a height of the portion of the water reservoir dock that receives the water reservoir when the compliant portion is compressed to enable insertion of the water reservoir into the cavity and engagement of the protrusion and the recess or to disengage the protrusion and the recess to enable removal of the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock,
the protrusion is tapered so as to increase in height in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock,
wherein the water reservoir dock includes a heater plate forming an inner surface of the water reservoir dock, wherein the water reservoir base includes a conductor plate constructed from a heat conducting material such that when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, the conductor plate thermally engages with the heater plate so as to allow transfer of heat from the heater plate to the conductor plate during operation of the heater plate,
the water reservoir further includes a latch to secure the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid together, wherein when the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid are secured together by the latch, the compliant portion is compressed between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid,
the water reservoir base further comprises an inner lip positioned radially inward of the compliant portion when the water reservoir lid is in the closed position to discourage egress of liquid from the water reservoir,
the water reservoir includes a rotation stop and a rotation guide to limit rotation of the water reservoir lid relative to the water reservoir base when the water reservoir lid is in a fully open position,
the water reservoir lid includes ribs to form a grip surface, and
the water reservoir dock is configured to receive the water reservoir by sliding the water reservoir horizontally into the cavity.

### Claim 18

An integrated respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device and humidifier for pressurising and humidifying breathable air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient, the RPT device comprising:
a blower configured to pressurise the breathable air;
a water reservoir configured to hold a volume of water to be used for humidification of the breathable air, the water reservoir comprising a water reservoir base, a water reservoir lid connected to the water reservoir base, and a compressible compliant portion, the compressible compliant portion configured to seal between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid, the base and the lid being movable relative to one another when connected whilst maintaining sealing therebetween due to the compressible compliant portion;
a water reservoir dock that forms a cavity configured to at least partially receive the water reservoir, the base and the lid being moved towards one another during insertion of the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock, thereby compressing the compressible compliant portion; and
a retaining assembly to secure the water reservoir to the water reservoir dock, the retaining assembly including a protrusion and a recess configured to releasably engage one another when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, with a reaction force to compression of the compressible compliant portion urging the protrusion and the recess into engagement with one another.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the water reservoir is configured so that, when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, (a) the compliant portion urges the water reservoir lid towards a corresponding portion of the water reservoir dock to maintain engagement between the protrusion and the recess and secure the water reservoir in the water reservoir dock, and/or (b) the compliant portion urges the water reservoir base towards a heater plate of the water reservoir dock, to encourage thermal contact.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 19, wherein the water reservoir and compressible compliant portion are configured so that the received pressurized air assists in (a) and (b).

### Claim 21 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the compliant portion is connected to the water reservoir lid and has base portion and an inwardly oriented lip, and wherein the lip must be compressed towards the base portion to enable insertion of the reservoir into the dock and to enable removal of the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 22 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein to remove the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock, (a) the water reservoir lid is moved towards the water reservoir base to compress the compliant portion, thereby disengaging the protrusion from the recess, and (b) the water reservoir is slid in a horizontal direction to remove the water reservoir from the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 23 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein heights and/or shapes of the cavity and the water reservoir are dimensioned such that to engage the water reservoir with the water reservoir dock, the compressible compliant portion is compressed.

### Claim 24 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the protrusion is formed on the water reservoir lid and the recess is formed on the water reservoir dock, and during insertion of the water reservoir at least partly into the cavity of the dock, compression of the compressible compliant portion allows the protrusion to initially slide under an outer edge surface of the dock before reaching the recess, at which point the compressible compliant portion at least partially springs back to engage the protrusion with the recess, thus securing the water reservoir within the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 25 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the protrusion is tapered so as to increase in height in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock.

### Claim 26 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, further comprising a heater plate forming an inner surface of the water reservoir,
wherein the water reservoir base includes a conductor plate constructed from a heat conducting material such that when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, the conductor plate thermally engages with the heater plate so as to allow transfer of heat from the heater plate to the conductor plate during operation of the heater plate.

### Claim 27 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the water reservoir further includes a latch to secure the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid together, wherein when the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid are secured together by the latch, the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid are movable relative to one another to allow compression of the compressible compliant portion.

### Claim 28 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the water reservoir lid is pivotably connected to the water reservoir base, the water reservoir including a rotation stop and a rotation guide to limit rotation of the water reservoir lid relative to the water reservoir base when the water reservoir lid is in a fully open position.

### Claim 29 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the water reservoir lid includes a portion that extends outside the cavity and includes ribs to form a grip surface.

### Claim 30 (depends on 18)

The integrated RPT device and humidifier of claim 18, wherein the water reservoir includes an inlet and an outlet positioned at different heights on a side wall of the water reservoir lid, and the water reservoir dock includes an inner side wall having an inlet dock seal to engage with the inlet and an outlet dock seal to engage the outlet, and wherein the water reservoir dock is configured to receive the water reservoir by sliding the water reservoir horizontally into the cavity such that the inlet and outlet, respectively, engage the inlet dock seal and the outlet dock seal.