Breathing assistance apparatus
AssigneeFisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
InventorsPaul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
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.
Claims35
A breathing circuit which conveys a flow of respiratory gas to a patient, the breathing circuit comprising:
- at least one flexible tube;
- a first heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in a first portion of the breathing circuit;
- and
- a second heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in a second portion of the breathing circuit,
- wherein the first heater is configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas to a first temperature within the first portion of the breathing circuit, and
- wherein the second heater is configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas to a second temperature within the second portion of the breathing circuit, the second temperature different from the first temperature.
A sectioned breathing circuit for conveying a flow of respiratory gas to a patient, the sectioned breathing circuit comprising:
- a first section comprising flexible tubing;
- a second section comprising flexible tubing;
- a first heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the first section;
- and
- a second heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the second section.
A heated breathing tube for conveying a flow of respiratory gas to a patient, the heated breathing tube comprising:
- a first heating zone comprising a first heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the first heating zone;
- and
- a second heating zone comprising a second heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the second heating zone,
- wherein the first heater is configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas to a first temperature,
- wherein the second heater is configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas to a second temperature, the second temperature different from the first temperature.
A patient breathing circuit system which provides a flow of respiratory gas to a patient, the system comprising:
- an breathing circuit connectable to an outlet of a humidifier to convey a flow of respiratory gas to a patient, the breathing circuit having a first section and a second section;
- a first heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the first section of the breathing circuit;
- a second heater configured to heat the flow of respiratory gas in the second section of the breathing circuit,
- wherein the first heater and the second heater are independently energized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.