Humidifier with back-flow prevention valve

A pressure support system comprising:

• a pressure support device adapted to generate a flow of gas;
• a humidifier having a body having a horizontally disposed inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber, and the outlet of the body is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber;
• and
• a first valve positioned between an outlet of the pressure support device and the inlet of the humidifier, wherein the first valve is movable between an open position in which a gas flow path between the outlet of the pressure support device and the inlet of the humidifier is substantially unblocked and a closed position in which the gas flow path is substantially blocked based on a first physical orientation of the pressure support system,
• wherein the first valve comprises:
• a rotary valve plug having a biasing mechanism and an air channel therethrough, the air channel having a centerline which passes non-diametrically through the rotary valve plug;
• and
• a valve seat adapted to receive the rotary valve plug, wherein the rotary valve plug is movable within the valve seat between the open position the closed position.

A humidifier for use with a pressure support device, the humidifier comprising:

• a body having a horizontally disposed inlet adapted to be operatively coupled to an outlet of the pressure support device such that a flow of gas generated by such pressure support device is communicated to the inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet of the body, wherein the inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber, and the outlet of the body is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber;
• and
• a first valve positioned in the inlet and upstream of the fluid chamber, wherein the first valve is movable between an open position in which the inlet is substantially unblocked and a closed position in which the inlet is substantially blocked,
• wherein the first valve comprises:
• a rotary valve plug having a biasing mechanism and an air channel therethrough, the air channel having an inlet and an outlet, the center of the inlet of the channel being located above the center of the outlet regardless of orientation of the body;
• and
• a valve seat adapted to receive the rotary valve plug, wherein the rotary valve plug is movable within the valve seat between the open position and the closed position.

A humidifier for use with a pressure support device, the humidifier comprising:

• a body having a horizontally disposed inlet adapted to be operatively coupled to an outlet of the pressure support device such that a flow of gas generated by such pressure support device is communicated to the inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet of the body, wherein the inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber, and the outlet of the of the body is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber;
• and
• a first valve positioned in the inlet and upstream of the fluid chamber, wherein the first valve is movable between an open position in which the inlet is substantially unblocked and a closed position in which the inlet is substantially blocked,
• wherein the first valve comprises:
• a rotary valve plug having a biasing mechanism and an air channel therethrough, the air channel having a non-straight centerline;
• and
• a valve seat adapted to receive the rotary valve plug, wherein the rotary valve plug is movable within the valve seat between the open position and the closed position.