# US 11,992,610 B2 · External sensor arrangement for patient interface > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,992,610 B2 - Document ID: US11992610B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/459,333 - Filed: 2021-08-27 - Published: 2021-12-23 - Granted: 2024-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2012-09-14 - Assignees: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited - Applicants: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited - Inventors: Nimansha Budhiraja; Nordyn Alami - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11992610B2 ## CPC - A61M 16/0003: {Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure} - A61M 16/0605: {Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient} - A61M 16/0616: {with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure} - A61M 16/0633: {with forehead support} - A61M 16/16: Devices to humidify the respiration air {(A61M16/1045 takes precedence)} - A61M 16/161: {with means for measuring the humidity} - A61M 2016/0027: {pressure meter} - A61M 2016/0033: {electrical} - A61M 2205/33: Controlling, regulating or measuring - A61M 2205/3327: Measuring - A61M 2205/3334: Measuring or controlling the flow rate - A61M 2205/3344: Measuring or controlling pressure at the body treatment site - A61M 2205/3368: Temperature - 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)} ## Abstract A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus includes a seal that, in use, circumscribes a nose, mouth, or nose and mouth of a patient and defines an interior space of the mask. The mask includes an inlet into the interior space and an outlet from the interior space. A sensor is positioned outside of the interior space and in the path of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet. The sensor detects a parameter of the exit gases, such as temperature, humidity or both. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus, the patient interface mask comprising: a seal that, in use, circumscribes at least one of a nose and a mouth of a patient, the seal at least partially defining an interior space of the mask; an inlet into the interior space that is configured to receive breathing gases from the breathing assistance apparatus; an outlet from the interior space; a sensor that, in use, detects a parameter of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet, wherein the exit gases are at least one of unused breathing gases supplied to the mask from the breathing assistance apparatus and expired gases from the patient; and a support arrangement that positions the sensor in a path of the exit gases exiting through the outlet and spaced from the outlet by a distance, the space between the sensor and the outlet being open to atmosphere, the support arrangement comprising two portions that are removably connected to one another, the two portions defining a cavity when connected together, the cavity receiving the sensor; the sensor providing sensor data correlated to gases conditions within the mask. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The patient interface mask of claim 1, wherein the two portions are split along a vertical plane. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The patient interface mask of claim 1, further comprising a frame that couples with the seal, wherein the support arrangement can engage the frame. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The patient interface mask of claim 3, wherein the support arrangement can releasably engage the frame. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The patient interface mask of claim 3, wherein the support arrangement comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the first end of the support arrangement can engage the frame. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The patient interface mask of claim 5, wherein the first end of the support arrangement can engage a vertical strut portion of the frame. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The patient interface mask of claim 6, wherein the first end of the support arrangement wraps around at least a portion of the frame. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The patient interface mask of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a circular shape. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The patient interface mask of claim 1, wherein the two portions are connected with one or more fasteners. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The patient interface mask of claim 1, further comprising at least one tab extending at least partially across the cavity, the at least one tab retaining the sensor within the cavity. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A system comprising the patient interface mask of claim 1 and the breathing assistance apparatus. ### Claim 12 A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus, the patient interface mask comprising: a mask body that is secured to a face of a patient when in use, the mask body at least partially defining an interior space; the mask also comprising an inlet that is in fluid communication with the interior space and configured to receive breathing gases from the breathing assistance apparatus; the mask also comprising an outlet that is in fluid communication with the interior space; a sensor that, in use, detects a parameter of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet; and a support arrangement positioning the sensor in a path of the exit gases exiting from the interior space, wherein the support arrangement comprises two portions that are removably connected to one another, the two portions defining a cavity when connected together, the cavity receiving the sensor. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The patient interface mask of claim 12, wherein the support arrangement spaces the sensor away from the outlet by a distance. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The patient interface mask of claim 13, wherein the distance between the sensor and the outlet is open to atmosphere. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The patient interface mask of claim 12, wherein the sensor provides sensor data correlated to gases conditions within the mask. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The patient interface mask of claim 12, wherein the two portions are connected together with one or more fasteners. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The patient interface mask of claim 12, further comprising at least one tab extending at least partially across the cavity, the at least one tab retaining the sensor within the cavity. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The patient interface mask of claim 12, wherein the mask body comprises a frame and a seal coupled to the frame, the seal circumscribing at least one of a nose and a mouth of the patient when in use. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The patient interface mask of claim 18, wherein the support arrangement comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the first end of the support arrangement engages the frame. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The patient interface mask of claim 19, wherein the first end of the support arrangement wraps around at least a portion of the frame.