Humidification chamber and system comprising humidification chamber

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to a humidifying chamber. The humidification chamber includes a fluid compartment for containing a fluid. The humidification chamber also includes an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment to allow an incoming flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment, an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment to allow an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment, and a deflector configured to direct the incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to humidification chambers for humidification systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to humidification chambers for medical use, such as but not limited to respiratory and / or surgical humidification systems. A system including a humidification chamber, such as described herein, is also provided. Background Art

[0002] Patients with reduced respiratory support or at risk of reduced respiratory support may benefit from humidified high flows. Medical procedures involving the administration of anesthetics are one such situation in which patients may experience or be at risk of reduced respiratory function. During medical procedures, patients may require respiratory support, especially when they become apneic prior to intubation. Other situations may include respiratory impairment in the intensive care unit (ICU) or at home.

[0003] A humidification system can deliver humidified gas to a patient or other person who needs such gas, and operate under controlled operating parameters. For example, in a respiratory system, it may be desirable to deliver gas to a patient at a specific temperature, pressure, humidity, and flow rate.

[0004] Some existing humidification chambers use floats to mechanically detect / control the water level in the humidification chamber. An external water source (e.g., a water bag) is usually used in conjunction with such a humidification chamber to continuously refill water in the humidification chamber to ensure that the water level is not lower than the desired level. However, such a humidification chamber is expensive to manufacture and may require additional components / time to set up. For example, such a humidification chamber may require the use of an external water source (e.g., a water bag) in order to perform optimal operation. In this way, additional components may be required to fully support the water bag above the humidification chamber. These settings and cost considerations may become important in the case of use where the duration of use of such a humidification chamber may be shorter. For example, when used for a patient undergoing an anesthesia procedure, the procedure may be several hours, less than one hour, or 30 minutes or less in some cases.

[0005] Some existing systems, such as anesthesia delivery systems (also referred to as anesthesia workstations), typically include an anesthesia machine having various components and / or medical instruments that are connected and mountable to the anesthesia machine, such as via specific mounting structures, tracks, etc. These components and / or medical instruments may include monitors, infusion pumps, suction devices, some of which may also include associated connecting fluid conduits and wires. In some cases, during medical procedures, the installation of many components and instruments may be challenging. For example, too many installed components may create clutter and crowding at the anesthesia workstation and operating room, potentially hindering clinicians from accessing instrument controls on or around the anesthesia workstation, which may hinder the flow of medical procedures.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a cost-effective humidification chamber that is easily configured to provide humidified gases to a patient, and / or to provide a system for providing respiratory support that overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings or problems, or at least provides a useful choice for consumers.

[0007] The reference herein to a patent document or any other matter considered to be prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known or that the information it contained was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of any claim. Utility Model Content

[0008] According to one aspect of the utility model, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0009] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid;

[0010] an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment to allow an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment;

[0011] an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment to allow an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment; and

[0012] A deflector is configured to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion.

[0013] Advantageously, the deflector reduces the residence time of the incoming flow of gas in the fluid compartment, thereby reducing the usage rate of liquid (e.g., water) in the fluid compartment, while maintaining a desired humidity level in the outgoing flow of gas for delivery to the patient. In this way, in use, the time interval between refills of the fluid compartment can be maximized.

[0014] The deflector may be located adjacent the inlet portion.The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the outlet and away from a sidewall portion of the fluid compartment adjacent the inlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fluid compartment may include a base and a peripheral sidewall extending around the periphery of the base. The peripheral sidewall may include an inlet adjacent wall portion. The inlet adjacent wall portion may be a portion of the peripheral sidewall that has a minimum spatial separation from the inlet. The deflector may be configured to direct the overall flow of gas from the inlet away from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

[0016] The peripheral side wall may further comprise a front wall portion. The front wall portion may be a forwardly facing portion of the peripheral side wall when the humidification chamber is in use. The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion.

[0017] The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion in a direction substantially parallel to a tangential plane of the inlet adjacent wall portion.The inlet may be spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

[0018] The humidification chamber may further define a passageway for providing a low resistance gas flow path between the inlet and the outlet.The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet across at least a portion of the passageway.

[0019] In some embodiments, the channel may be spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.The channel may be generally C-shaped or U-shaped.

[0020] Optionally, the humidification chamber may further comprise a fluid guiding member adjacent to the outlet, the fluid guiding member being used to guide the gas towards the outlet.

[0021] In some embodiments, the deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet portion along a substantially direct path between the inlet and the outlet.

[0022] Typically, wherein the deflector extends from an inner surface of the humidification chamber into the fluid compartment.

[0023] For a given flow rate of the incoming flow of gas and / or the outgoing flow of gas, the angle between the deflector and the wall of the fluid compartment may be based at least on the humidity of the outgoing flow of gas.

[0024] In particular, the angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment can be between about 20° and 70°. In addition, the deflector can extend at an angle of about 30° relative to the top wall of the fluid compartment. The top wall of the fluid compartment can refer to a substantially flat portion of the upper wall of the fluid compartment located between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment can be between about 0° and 90°. In some embodiments, the angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment can be between about 20° and 50°, or between about 20° and 40°. In one embodiment, the angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment can be 0°. In this embodiment, the deflector can be partially enclosed and generally shaped like a spoon, for example as shown in Figures 34 and 35.

[0025] The deflector may be sized to correspond substantially to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet so that the bulk flow of gas is directed by the deflector toward the outlet portion. More specifically, the area of ​​the deflector may be between about 50% and 150% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet.

[0026] In various embodiments, the overall flow of gas can be directed by the deflector toward the outlet portion at an angle consistent with or equal to the angle of the deflector. For example, the overall flow of gas can be directed by the deflector toward the outlet portion at an angle between about 0° and 90°, between about 20° and 70°, between about 20° and 50°, or between about 20° and 40°.

[0027] The deflector may have a thickness of approximately 1.4 mm.

[0028] The inlet portion may comprise a substantially straight connector for connection with an inlet gas flow conduit delivering an inlet flow of gas into the fluid compartment.

[0029] The substantially straight connector may direct the incoming flow of gas downwardly into the fluid compartment.

[0030] The outlet portion may include a curved connector for connecting to an output gas flow conduit for conveying the output flow of gas away from the fluid compartment. The curved connector may be configured to direct the output flow of gas through a bend in the curved connector. The bend in the curved connector may be a substantially 90° bend. The curved connector may direct the output flow of gas upward out of the fluid compartment and redirect the output flow of gas through the bend.

[0031] The inlet portion and the outlet portion may be positioned above the fluid compartment. The inlet portion may be spaced apart from the outlet portion. The inlet portion and the outlet portion may be positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the humidification chamber above the fluid compartment. The inlet portion may be spaced apart from the outlet portion by a distance of about 30 to 100 mm.

[0032] The output flow of gas may have an absolute humidity of about 10 mg / L to 45 mg / L. The output flow of gas may have a relative humidity of about 10% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 100%. The inlet flow of gas and the outlet flow of gas may have a flow rate of about 5 L / min to 90 L / min, or 10 L / min to 70 L / min. The inlet flow of gas may have a flow rate of about 70 L / min. The outlet flow of gas may have a humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L. The inlet flow of gas may have a flow rate of about 70 L / min. The outlet flow of gas may have a humidity of about 30 mg / L.

[0033] In some embodiments, the predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source can be 70 L / min, and the output flow of the gas can have an absolute humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L and a relative humidity of about 80% to 100%.

[0034] The fluid compartment may have a fluid capacity of about 350 mL. The fluid compartment may have a fluid capacity of about 320 mL.

[0035] The fluid compartment may have a substantially circular base.

[0036] The humidification chamber may further comprise at least one light guide for detecting the fluid level in the fluid compartment. The at least one light guide may extend downwardly from the top wall of the fluid compartment into the fluid compartment. The at least one light guide may comprise a proximal end adjacent to the top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

[0037] The at least one light guide may comprise:

[0038] an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source, and the input light beam propagates through the input side of the light guide; and

[0039] An output side for propagating an output light beam through the output side of the light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

[0040] The at least one light guide may include at least one angled portion disposed at a distal end of the at least one light guide. The at least one angled portion may be configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present an output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact with gas only.

[0041] The output side of the at least one light guide may be parallel to and adjacent to the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one light guide may include a pair of opposing angled portions. The pair of angled portions may be disposed opposite each other at a distal end of the at least one light guide. Each angled portion may be disposed at approximately 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

[0043] The pair of angled portions may be configured to reflect the input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present the output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

[0044] When the at least one light guide is in contact with the gas only, the light intensity of the output light beam may be above a threshold value.

[0045] The distal end of the at least one light guide may include a serrated portion. The serrated portion may include a plurality of angled surfaces for scattering light. The serrated portion may be disposed between the pair of angled portions.

[0046] The pair of angled portions can be configured such that the input light beam is refracted when the at least one light guide is in contact with a liquid such that there is an output light beam having a light intensity below the threshold or there is no output light beam propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide. The threshold can be approximately 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam.

[0047] The input light beam and the output light beam may be any suitable light. In one embodiment, the input light beam and the output light beam are infrared light.

[0048] The at least one light guide may have any suitable length to detect a desired level in the fluid compartment. In one embodiment, the at least one light guide may have a length between about 10 mm and 50 mm. The distance between the distal end of the at least one light guide and the base of the fluid compartment may be about 7 mm. The thickness of the at least one light guide may be about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the at least one light guide may be about 1 to 6 mm, 2 to 5 mm, 2 to 4 mm.

[0049] The at least one light guide may be positioned between an entrance portion and an exit portion of the humidification chamber.

[0050] The humidification chamber may further include a first curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an input side of the light guide. The first curved protrusion may be configured to collimate the input light beam to propagate through the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0051] The humidification chamber may further include a second curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an output side of the light guide. The second curved protrusion may be configured to collimate the output light beam for detection by the optical sensor.

[0052] The at least one light guide may include one or more curved surfaces for redirecting one or more light rays from an input light beam into the at least one light guide. Each of the one or more curved surfaces may define an elongated protrusion having a length direction extending along the length direction of the at least one light guide. The elongated protrusion may taper along the length direction of the at least one light guide.

[0053] The at least one light guide may comprise a pair of curved surfaces. Each curved surface may be disposed on opposing faces of the at least one light guide.

[0054] In some embodiments, the at least one light guide may include two pairs of curved surfaces. One pair of curved surfaces may be disposed along an input side of the at least one light guide, and another pair of curved surfaces may be disposed along an output side of the at least one light guide. For each pair of curved surfaces, each curved surface may be disposed on an opposing face of the at least one light guide. The curved surfaces for each pair of curved surfaces may be aligned with each other.

[0055] The at least one light guide may be located substantially at or near a central axis of the fluid compartment.

[0056] The body of the humidification chamber may be made of a material having a light transmittance of at least 85%. The base of the humidification chamber may be made of metal.

[0057] The base of the humidification chamber may include a lip disposed around the periphery of the base to facilitate lateral insertion of the humidification chamber into the humidification unit.The humidification unit may include a heater base for heating fluid in the fluid compartment, and a sensor assembly for emitting an input light beam and detecting an output light beam.

[0058] The deflector may be configured to direct the incoming flow of gas towards the at least one light guide.

[0059] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may include

[0060] a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of fluid in the fluid compartment; and

[0061] a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment,

[0062] The first light guide is longer than the second light guide.

[0063] The first light guide and the second light guide may be centered about a central axis of the fluid compartment.

[0064] Optionally, at least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may define a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein. The sensor unit may be adapted to detect any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of the respective incoming flow of gas or outgoing flow of gas.

[0065] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may further include a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port to receive the sensor unit therein. The seal may be adapted to provide a pneumatic seal for the corresponding inlet portion or outlet portion so that the airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion may be isolated from ambient air.

[0066] The seal may be made of a resilient material.The seal may be stretchable to engagingly receive a corresponding sensor unit therein.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0068] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid, and

[0069] at least one light guide for detecting a level of a fluid in the fluid compartment, the at least one light guide extending from a wall of the fluid compartment into the fluid compartment,

[0070] wherein the at least one light guide comprises a proximal end adjacent to a wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and

[0071] Wherein the distal end comprises a serrated portion providing a plurality of angled surfaces and / or edges for scattering light so as to reduce light propagation along the at least one light guide.

[0072] Advantageously, in a scenario where light from the light guide is refracted into the liquid when the light guide contacts the liquid, the indented portion promotes scattering of any light reflected back from the base of the fluid compartment towards the at least one light guide to avoid erroneous water level detection associated with the light guide.

[0073] The at least one light guide may include a pair of opposing angled portions disposed opposite each other at a distal end of the at least one light guide. Each angled portion may include a downwardly facing edge. The serrated portion may include one or more downwardly facing edges. Each of the one or more downwardly facing edges of the serrated portion may be disposed in a different orientation than each downwardly facing edge of the corresponding angled portion.

[0074] The serrated portion may be disposed between the pair of angled portions.Each angled portion may be disposed at approximately 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

[0075] The at least one light guide may extend from the top wall of the fluid compartment downwardly into the fluid compartment. The at least one light guide may include

[0076] an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source, and the input light beam propagates through the input side of the at least one light guide, and

[0077] An output side is provided for propagating an output light beam through the output side of the light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

[0078] The output side of the light guide may be parallel to and adjacent to the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0079] The pair of angled portions may be configured to reflect the input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present the output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

[0080] When the light guide is in contact with gas only, the light intensity of the output light beam may be above a threshold. The pair of angled portions may be configured such that the input light beam is refracted when the at least one light guide is in contact with liquid such that there is an output light beam having a light intensity below a threshold or there is no output light beam propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide. The threshold may be about 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam.

[0081] The input light beam and the output light beam may be infrared light.

[0082] The at least one light guide may have a length between about 10 mm and 50 mm. The distance between the distal end of the at least one light guide and the base of the fluid compartment may be about 7 mm. The thickness of the at least one light guide may be about 2.5 mm.

[0083] The at least one light guide may be positioned between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the humidification chamber, the inlet portion for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment and the outlet portion for allowing an outlet flow of gas to leave the fluid compartment.

[0084] The humidification chamber may further include a first curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an input side of the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be configured to collimate an input light beam for propagation through the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0085] The humidification chamber may further include a second curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an output side of the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be configured to collimate the output light beam for detection by the optical sensor.

[0086] The at least one light guide may include one or more curved surfaces for redirecting light from an input light beam into the at least one light guide. Each curved surface may define an elongated protrusion having a length direction extending along the length direction of the at least one light guide. The elongated protrusion may taper along the length direction of the at least one light guide.

[0087] The at least one light guide may comprise a pair of curved surfaces. Each curved surface may be disposed on opposing faces of the at least one light guide.

[0088] In some embodiments, the at least one light guide may include two pairs of curved surfaces. One pair of curved surfaces may be disposed along an input side of the at least one light guide, and another pair of curved surfaces may be disposed along an output side of the at least one light guide. For each pair of curved surfaces, each curved surface may be disposed on an opposing face of the at least one light guide. The curved surfaces for each pair of curved surfaces may be aligned with each other.

[0089] The humidification chamber may comprise a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment and a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, wherein the first light guide is longer than the second light guide.

[0090] The first light guide and the second light guide may be centered about a central axis of the fluid compartment.

[0091] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0092] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid, and

[0093] at least one light guide for detecting the level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, the at least one light guide extending from a wall of the fluid compartment into the fluid compartment,

[0094] wherein the at least one light guide comprises a proximal end adjacent to a wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and

[0095] The distal end includes a light scattering portion having an uneven surface for scattering stray light.

[0096] The scattering portion may include a serrated portion providing a plurality of angled surfaces and / or edges for scattering stray light so as to reduce stray light rays propagating along the at least one light guide.

[0097] In one embodiment, the light scattering portion may include an uneven surface for scattering stray light.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0099] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid, and

[0100] at least one light guide for detecting the level of the fluid in the fluid compartment,

[0101] Wherein the at least one light guide is located substantially at or adjacent to a central axis of the fluid compartment.

[0102] Advantageously, the substantially central position of the at least one light guide allows the humidification chamber to detect the liquid level within the fluid compartment with significant accuracy when the humidification device is tilted.

[0103] The fluid compartment may have any suitable shape and configuration.In one embodiment, the fluid compartment may have a substantially circular base.

[0104] In some embodiments, the central axis may intersect the axis of rotation of the fluid compartment. The light guide may be located within a radius of about 10 mm from the approximate center of the fluid compartment through which the central axis passes. The inner diameter of the fluid compartment may be about 100 mm to 115 mm. The inner diameter of the fluid compartment may be about 108 mm.

[0105] The at least one light guide may extend from the top wall of the fluid compartment downwardly into the fluid compartment.The at least one light guide may comprise a proximal end abutting the top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

[0106] The at least one light guide may further comprise:

[0107] an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source and propagating the input light beam through the input side of the light guide, and

[0108] An output side for propagating an output light beam through the output side of the light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

[0109] The at least one light guide may include at least one angled portion disposed at a distal end of the at least one light guide. The at least one angled portion may be configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present an output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact with gas only.

[0110] The output side of the light guide may be parallel to and adjacent to the input side of the light guide.

[0111] The at least one light guide may comprise a pair of opposing angled portions. The pair of angled portions may be arranged opposite each other at a distal end of the at least one light guide. Each angled portion may be arranged at approximately 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

[0112] The pair of angled portions may be configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present the output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

[0113] When the light guide is in contact with the gas only, the light intensity of the output light beam may be above a threshold.

[0114] The input light beam can be refracted when the at least one light guide is in contact with the liquid so that there is an output light beam having a light intensity below a threshold or there is no output light beam propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide. In one embodiment, the threshold can be approximately 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam.

[0115] In one embodiment, the input light beam and the output light beam are infrared light.

[0116] The at least one light guide may have a length between about 10 mm and 50 mm. The distance between the distal end of the at least one light guide and the base of the fluid compartment may be about 7 mm. The thickness of the at least one light guide may be about 2.5 mm.

[0117] The at least one light guide may be positioned between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the humidification chamber, the inlet portion for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment and the outlet portion for allowing an outlet flow of gas to leave the fluid compartment.

[0118] The humidification chamber may further include a first curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an input side of the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be configured to collimate an input light beam for propagation through the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0119] The humidification chamber may further include a second curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an output side of the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be configured to collimate the output light beam for detection by the optical sensor.

[0120] The at least one light guide may include one or more curved surfaces for redirecting light from an input light beam into the at least one light guide.

[0121] Each curved surface may define an elongated protrusion having a length direction extending along the length direction of the at least one light guide. The elongated protrusion may taper along the length direction of the at least one light guide.

[0122] The at least one light guide may comprise a pair of curved surfaces. Each curved surface may be disposed on opposing faces of the at least one light guide.

[0123] The at least one light guide may include two pairs of curved surfaces, one pair of curved surfaces being disposed along an input side of the at least one light guide and the other pair of curved surfaces being disposed along an output side of the at least one light guide. For each pair of curved surfaces, each curved surface may be disposed on an opposing face of the at least one light guide. The curved surfaces for each pair of curved surfaces may be aligned with each other.

[0124] The humidification chamber may comprise a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment and a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, wherein the first light guide is longer than the second light guide.

[0125] The first light guide and the second light guide may be centered about a central axis of the fluid compartment.

[0126] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may further include a fluid guiding member proximate to the outlet, the fluid guiding member being used to guide the gas toward the outlet.

[0127] In some embodiments, at least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may define a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein. The sensor unit may be adapted to detect any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of the respective incoming flow of gas or the outgoing flow of gas.

[0128] The humidification chamber may further comprise a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port to receive the sensor unit therein. The seal may be adapted to provide a pneumatic seal for the respective inlet portion or outlet portion such that an airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion may be isolated from ambient air.

[0129] The seal may be made of an elastic material. In addition, the seal may be stretchable so as to receive the corresponding sensor unit therein in engagement.

[0130] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0131] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid;

[0132] an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment to allow an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment;

[0133] at least one light guide for detecting a level of fluid in the fluid compartment; and

[0134] A deflector is configured to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the at least one light guide.

[0135] Directing the incoming flow of gas towards the at least one light guide advantageously reduces the accumulation of any condensation on the light guide during operation, thereby improving the signal to noise ratio and therefore the accuracy of the level sensing function of the humidification chamber.

[0136] The deflector may be located adjacent the inlet.The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the at least one light guide.The deflector may extend from an inner surface of the humidification chamber into the fluid compartment.

[0137] For a given flow rate of the incoming flow of gas, the angle between the deflector and the wall of the fluid compartment may be based at least on the humidity of the outgoing flow of gas leaving the fluid compartment via the outlet of the fluid compartment.

[0138] The angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment may be between about 20° and 70°. More specifically, the deflector may extend at an angle of about 30° relative to the top wall of the fluid compartment.

[0139] The deflector may be sized to correspond substantially to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet so that the overall flow of gas is directed by the deflector towards the at least one light guide. In particular, the area of ​​the deflector may be between about 50% and 150% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet. The deflector may have a thickness of about 1.4 mm.

[0140] The at least one light guide may extend from a top wall of the fluid compartment downwardly into the fluid compartment, wherein the at least one light guide comprises a proximal end abutting the top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

[0141] The at least one light guide may include: an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source and allowing the input light beam to propagate through the input side of the at least one light guide; and an output side for allowing an output light beam to propagate through the output side of the at least one light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

[0142] The at least one light guide may include at least one angled portion disposed at a distal end of the at least one light guide. The at least one angled portion may be configured to reflect an output light beam from an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present an output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact with gas only.

[0143] The output side of the at least one light guide may be parallel to and adjacent to the input side of the at least one light guide.

[0144] The at least one light guide may comprise a pair of opposing angled portions. The pair of opposing angled portions may be arranged opposite each other at a distal end of the at least one light guide. Each angled portion may be arranged at approximately 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

[0145] The pair of angled portions may be configured to reflect the input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present the output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

[0146] When the light guide is in contact with the gas only, the light intensity of the output light beam may be above a threshold.

[0147] The input light beam may be refracted when the at least one light guide is in contact with the liquid such that there is an output light beam having a light intensity below a threshold or there is no output light beam propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide.

[0148] The threshold may be approximately 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam.

[0149] The input light beam and the output light beam may be infrared light.

[0150] The at least one light guide has a length between about 10 mm and 50 mm.

[0151] The distance between the distal end of the at least one light guide and the base of the fluid compartment may be approximately 7 mm.The thickness of the at least one light guide may be approximately 2.5 mm.

[0152] The humidification chamber may further comprise an outlet portion for allowing an outgoing flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment.The at least one light guide may be positioned between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the humidification chamber.

[0153] The humidification chamber may further include a first curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The first curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an input side of the light guide. The first curved protrusion may be configured to collimate an input light beam for propagation through the input side of the light guide.

[0154] The humidification chamber may further include a second curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide. The second curved protrusion may be substantially aligned with an output side of the light guide. The second curved protrusion may be configured to collimate the output light beam for detection by the optical sensor.

[0155] The at least one light guide may include one or more curved surfaces for redirecting light from an input light beam into the at least one light guide. Each curved surface may define an elongated protrusion having a length direction extending along the length direction of the at least one light guide. The elongated protrusion may taper along the length direction.

[0156] The at least one light guide may include a pair of curved surfaces. Each curved surface may be disposed on an opposing face of the at least one light guide. The at least one light guide may include two pairs of curved surfaces, one pair of curved surfaces disposed along an input side of the at least one light guide and another pair of curved surfaces disposed along an output side of the at least one light guide. For each pair of curved surfaces, each curved surface may be disposed on an opposing face of the at least one light guide. The curved surfaces for each pair of curved surfaces may be aligned with each other.

[0157] The humidification chamber may include a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment and a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, wherein the first light guide is longer than the second light guide. The deflector may be configured to direct the overall flow of the gas from the inlet portion toward the first light guide and / or the second light guide.

[0158] According to another aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided, comprising

[0159] A humidification chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, and

[0160] Any one or more of the following

[0161] A nasal cannula,

[0162] an inlet airflow conduit for connection to an inlet portion of the humidification chamber, and

[0163] An output airflow conduit for connection to an outlet portion of the humidification chamber.

[0164] The kit may also include a filter.

[0165] In one embodiment, the nasal cannula may include a filter. In one embodiment, the filter may be integral with the nasal cannula.

[0166] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier comprising a humidification chamber according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

[0167] The humidifier may further include a humidification unit configured for coupling with the humidification chamber, the humidification unit including a heater base for transferring heat to the fluid compartment of the humidification unit.

[0168] According to another aspect of the present invention, a breathing system is provided, the breathing system comprising a humidification chamber according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

[0169] The breathing system may also include a flow source for providing an inlet flow of gas to the humidification chamber.

[0170] The flow source may provide an inlet flow of gas at a predetermined flow rate. The predetermined flow rate may be between about 10 L / min and 70 L / min. The predetermined flow rate may be about 70 L / min. The predetermined flow rate may be a high flow rate.

[0171] The breathing system may also include a patient interface. The patient interface may be non-sealed. The patient interface may be a nasal cannula.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0173] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid;

[0174] an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment;

[0175] an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment; and

[0176] A channel extends between the inlet and the outlet, the channel being configured to provide a passage for the flow of gas from the inlet toward the outlet.

[0177] In particular, the passage can connect the inlet and the outlet. Like this, the passage can provide a direct path for the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet.

[0178] In some embodiments, the channel is located above the fluid compartment.

[0179] The channel can increase the total internal volume of the humidification chamber and reduce the residence time of the gas flow through the humidification chamber so as to promote the movement of the gas flow from the inlet toward the outlet. In other words, when compared with a humidification chamber without such a channel, a humidification chamber with a channel as disclosed herein can have a larger total internal volume.

[0180] In some embodiments, the channel may be curved. In some embodiments, the channel may follow the peripheral wall of the fluid compartment.

[0181] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may include

[0182] base,

[0183] The top section, and

[0184] a peripheral wall extending between the base and the top portion,

[0185] Wherein the channel extends outwardly from the top portion.

[0186] In some embodiments, the channel may follow the contour of the peripheral wall.

[0187] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the side wall of the channel is flush with and forms part of the peripheral wall of the humidification chamber.

[0188] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may further include a deflector configured to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the channel.

[0189] The deflector may be located proximate the inlet portion.In some embodiments, the deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet toward the channel.

[0190] In some embodiments, the deflector is partially enclosed.For example, the deflector may be generally in the form of a scoop.

[0191] In some embodiments, the fluid compartment may include a base and a peripheral sidewall extending around the periphery of the base. The peripheral sidewall may include an inlet adjacent wall portion. The inlet adjacent wall portion may be a portion of the peripheral sidewall that has a minimum spatial separation from the inlet. The deflector may be configured to direct the overall flow of gas from the inlet away from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

[0192] The peripheral side wall may further comprise a front wall portion. The front wall portion may be a forwardly facing portion of the peripheral side wall when the humidification chamber is in use. The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion.

[0193] In some embodiments, the deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion in a direction substantially parallel to a tangent plane to the inlet adjacent wall portion.The inlet may be spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

[0194] The channel may provide a low resistance gas flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The deflector may be configured to direct the overall flow of gas from the inlet across at least a portion of the channel to the outlet. The channel may be spaced apart from an adjacent wall portion of the inlet. The channel may be generally C-shaped or U-shaped.

[0195] The humidification chamber may further comprise a fluid guiding member proximate the outlet for guiding the gas towards the outlet.

[0196] In some embodiments, either or both of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may extend substantially horizontally from the fluid compartment.

[0197] In some embodiments, either or both of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may extend substantially vertically from the fluid compartment.

[0198] In some embodiments, either or both of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may extend from an upper portion of the fluid compartment.Generally, the upper portion of a fluid compartment may be considered to refer to the portion of the fluid compartment that is located on the upper half of the fluid compartment.

[0199] The inlet and outlet may be provided near opposite ends of the top portion of the fluid compartment.

[0200] In some embodiments, the inlet portion can be configured to extend at an angle relative to the fluid compartment so as to direct the overall flow of gas into the channel. In particular, the angle between the inlet portion and the top wall of the fluid compartment can be between about 20° and 70°. More specifically, the inlet portion can extend at an angle of about 30° relative to the top wall of the fluid compartment.

[0201] In some embodiments, the interior volume of the channel may be smaller than the interior volume of the fluid compartment.

[0202] In some embodiments, at least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may define a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein. The sensor unit may be adapted to detect any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of the respective incoming flow of gas or the outgoing flow of gas.

[0203] The humidification chamber may further comprise a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port to receive the sensor unit therein. The seal may be adapted to provide a pneumatic seal for the respective inlet portion or outlet portion such that the airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion is isolated from ambient air.

[0204] The seal may be made of an elastic material. In some embodiments, the seal may be stretchable to engageably receive the corresponding sensor unit therein.

[0205] In some embodiments, the fluid compartment may include

[0206] base,

[0207] The top wall portion, and

[0208] a peripheral wall portion extending between the base portion and the top wall portion,

[0209] Wherein an internal volume of the channel is smaller than an internal volume of the fluid compartment defined by the base, the top wall portion and the peripheral wall portion of the fluid compartment.

[0210] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber can have a functional fluid capacity of about 400 mL. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber can have a functional fluid capacity of about 250 ml to 350 ml.

[0211] It should be understood that "functional liquid capacity" as used herein refers to the actual or available amount of liquid that a humidification chamber is able to hold. This means that this is the amount of liquid that can be effectively stored within the internal volume of the humidification chamber, taking into account the various constraints or limitations of the humidification chamber in its application. In other words, it refers to the available, realistic capacity of the humidification chamber, as opposed to its theoretical or maximum liquid capacity, which may not be actually obtained in use, as described in further detail below.

[0212] The channel and the fluid compartment may form a single continuous internal volume to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel and the fluid compartment. In addition, the channel may be continuous and provide a substantially uninterrupted passage for the flow of gas from the inlet toward the outlet.

[0213] In some embodiments, the fluid compartment may have a substantially circular base.

[0214] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber may further include one or more guides to provide alignment between the humidification chamber and the sensor module.

[0215] In some embodiments, the one or more guides may include a pair of parallel ribs extending from a top portion of the fluid compartment.

[0216] Typically, in some embodiments, the humidification chamber may not include a float mechanism for enabling measurement of the fluid level within the fluid compartment.

[0217] Additionally, in some embodiments, the humidification chamber can be configured to operate without a connected external water source.

[0218] According to another aspect of the utility model, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0219] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid;

[0220] an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment to allow an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment;

[0221] an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment to allow an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment;

[0222] a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet, the channel being configured to provide a passage for the gas flow from the inlet toward the outlet, and

[0223] A deflector is configured to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the passageway.

[0224] The deflector may be located adjacent the inlet portion. The deflector may be configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet toward the channel. In some embodiments, the deflector may be substantially in the form of a scoop.

[0225] In some embodiments, the deflector may include a base portion and a sidewall portion extending partially around a perimeter of the base portion.The base portion of the deflector may be substantially flat.

[0226] The deflector may define an open side opposite the sidewall portion.The open side of the deflector may face the channel so as to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion into the channel.

[0227] In some embodiments, the channel and the fluid compartment can form a single continuous internal volume to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel and the fluid compartment. The channel can be continuous. In this way, the channel can provide a substantially uninterrupted passage for the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet.

[0228] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a breathing system, comprising:

[0229] a flow source for providing a gas flow at a predetermined flow rate, and

[0230] a humidifier for providing a humidified gas flow by adding humidity to the gas flow from the flow source, the humidifier comprising

[0231] a heater base, and

[0232] A humidification chamber as described herein.

[0233] The breathing system may also include a patient interface for providing the flow of humidified gas to the patient. The patient interface may include a nasal cannula.

[0234] Any suitable patient interface can be provided. In one embodiment, the patient interface can be a sealed patient interface. In another embodiment, the patient interface can be a non-sealed patient interface.

[0235] The breathing system may also include a non-humidified gas conduit for coupling the flow source to the humidifier and providing a passage for gas to flow from the flow source to the humidifier.

[0236] In some embodiments, the respiratory system may further include a humidified gas conduit for coupling the humidifier to the patient interface and providing a passage for humidified gas to flow from the humidifier to the patient interface.

[0237] In some embodiments, the humidified gas stream can have an absolute humidity of about 10 mg / L to 45 mg / L. The output stream of gas can have a relative humidity of about 10% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 100%.

[0238] In some embodiments, the predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source may be approximately 5 L / min to 90 L / min, or 10 L / min to 70 L / min.

[0239] In some embodiments, the predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source can be 70 L / min, and the output flow 210 of the gas can have an absolute humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L and a relative humidity of about 80% to 100%.

[0240] In some embodiments, when the gas flow provided by the flow source has a flow rate of about 70 L / min, the humidified gas flow can have a humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L.

[0241] In some embodiments, when the gas flow provided by the flow source has a flow rate of about 70 L / min, the humidified gas flow can have a humidity of about 30 mg / L.

[0242] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidification chamber is provided, comprising:

[0243] a fluid compartment for containing a fluid;

[0244] an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment to allow an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment;

[0245] an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment to allow an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment; and

[0246] A passage extends between the inlet and the outlet, the passage being continuous so as to provide a substantially uninterrupted path for the flow of a gas stream from the inlet to the outlet.

[0247] In some embodiments, the channel may connect the inlet and the outlet.The channel and the fluid compartment may form a single continuous interior volume so as to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel and the fluid compartment.

[0248] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising:

[0249] Anesthesia machines, and

[0250] A humidifier installed on an anesthesia machine, the humidifier includes:

[0251] a humidification chamber configured to be manually refillable, and

[0252] a display module for visually displaying one or both of alarms and operating parameters related to therapy provided via the humidifier,

[0253] Wherein, the humidifier is mounted to the anesthesia machine so that the display module is greater than about 0.5 meters to 1 meter from the base of the anesthesia machine.

[0254] In some embodiments, the humidifier may be mounted to the anesthesia machine such that the display module is greater than about 0.7 meters to 1 meter from a base of the anesthesia machine.

[0255] In some embodiments, the humidifier may be mounted to the anesthesia machine such that the display module is greater than about 0.7 meters from a base of the anesthesia machine.

[0256] In some embodiments, the anesthesia machine may include a monitor.The humidifier may be mounted to the anesthesia machine such that a display module of the humidifier is substantially below the monitor of the anesthesia machine.

[0257] In some embodiments, the humidifier may be mounted to the anesthesia machine such that the display module of the humidifier is substantially flush with or above a top portion of the anesthesia machine.

[0258] In some embodiments, the anesthesia machine includes a bellows, and the humidifier is mounted to the anesthesia machine such that the display module of the humidifier may be substantially flush with or above a top portion of the bellows.

[0259] In some embodiments, the system can further include a mounting pole to enable selective mounting of the humidifier at a variable height relative to the anesthesia machine, wherein the mounting pole has a length of less than about 1 meter.

[0260] In some embodiments, the mounting post may have a length of less than about 0.5 meters. In some embodiments, the mounting post may have a length of about 0.5 to 1 meter.

[0261] In some embodiments, a humidifier may be mounted at or adjacent to a top portion of a mounting post.

[0262] In some embodiments, the humidifier may include a graphical user interface that provides a display module for displaying operating parameters, the operating parameters including high flow respiratory support parameters, the high flow respiratory support parameters including any one or more of the following:

[0263] the temperature of the gas flow delivered to the patient,

[0264] The flow rate of gas delivered to the patient,

[0265] the humidity of the gas flow delivered to the patient,

[0266] the pressure of the gas flow delivered to the patient, and

[0267] The selected breathing support operating mode.

[0268] The operating parameters may further include any one or more of the following:

[0269] temperature sensor readings received from one or more sensors mounted at or near the patient, at or near the humidification chamber, and / or at or near the heater base of the humidifier,

[0270] the voltage supplied to the humidifier, and

[0271] The power consumption of the heater base of the humidifier.

[0272] The graphical user interface can enable a user to select a respiratory support mode from a plurality of available high-flow respiratory support modes, wherein the plurality of available high-flow respiratory support modes include any one or more of an anesthesia mode and a specific medical procedure-related mode. In some embodiments, the plurality of high-flow respiratory support modes may also include an infant / pediatric mode and an adult mode.

[0273] The humidifier may be configured to generate one or more alarms to alert the clinician. The one or more alarms may include any one or more of the following:

[0274] Fault alarms indicating that one or more components in the system are not functioning properly, and

[0275] A liquid level alarm is provided, wherein the liquid level alarm is used to indicate that the liquid level in the humidification chamber is below a minimum threshold.

[0276] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber can be configured to operate without a connected external water source.

[0277] In some embodiments, the humidifier can be configured for high flow respiratory support. In particular, the system can further include a flow source for providing a gas flow to the humidifier. The predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source can be about 10L / min to 70L / min.

[0278] In one embodiment, the flow source may be separate from and independent of the anesthesia machine. In another embodiment, the flow source may be integrated with and provided by the anesthesia machine.

[0279] A flow controller for controlling the flow of gas provided by the flow source may be integrated with and provided by the anesthesia machine.

[0280] It should be noted that any feature described herein may be combined with one or more other described features in any suitable combination unless otherwise indicated or clearly indicated to the contrary by the context of the specification. The described features may be combined in any suitable manner to produce the desired results.

[0281] In order to make the present invention easier to understand and implement, one or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0282] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0283] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0284] Figure 1 A breathing system for providing humidified gas to a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the breathing system comprising a humidifier having a humidification chamber.

[0285] Figure 2A A perspective view of a humidification chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0286] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a humidification chamber.

[0287] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shows Figure 2A 0026] An internal view of a humidification chamber, showing the approximate flow direction of the overall flow of gas within the humidification chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0288] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Shows Figure 2A An internal view of a humidification chamber is shown, showing the approximate flow direction of the overall flow of gas in the humidification chamber according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0289] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Shows Figure 2A 0026] An internal view of a humidification chamber, showing the approximate flow direction of the overall flow of gas within the humidification chamber according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] Figure 6An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A Deflector of the humidification chamber shown in .

[0291] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2A A cutaway perspective view of a humidification chamber showing the humidification chamber Figure 6 deflector.

[0292] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Shows Figure 2A Another perspective view of a humidification chamber shows an inlet portion of the humidification chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0293] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Shows Figure 2A Another perspective view of a humidification chamber shows an outlet portion of the humidification chamber according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0294] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Shows Figure 2A A perspective view and a side (rear) view of a humidification chamber.

[0295] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H Shows that there is Figure 2A A humidifier having a humidifying chamber which can be laterally inserted into the humidifying unit.

[0296] Fig.12 A light guide for fluid level detection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A Side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber.

[0297] Fig.13A A method for detecting a Figure 2A Front view of the light guide of the fluid level in the humidification chamber.

[0298] Fig. 13B Shows Fig.13A Close-up of the distal end of the light guide.

[0299] Fig. 13C shows that when the light guide is in contact with the gas only Fig.13A Total internal reflection of incident light within the light guide.

[0300] Fig.14 shows the light guide coming from the liquid when it is in contact with the liquid. Fig.13A Refraction of incident light by a light guide.

[0301] Fig.15A A serrated portion at the distal end of a light guide is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0302] Fig. 15B A partial perspective view of a light guide according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, the light guide having a serrated portion disposed between two opposing angled portions at a distal end of the light guide.

[0303] Fig. 15C Shows Fig. 15B Another partial perspective view of the light guide shown in .

[0304] Fig.15D Shows Fig. 15B Side view of the light guide.

[0305] Fig.15E Shows Fig. 15B A front view, a bottom view, and a flipped back view of the light guide to further illustrate the jagged portion.

[0306] Fig.16 According to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.13A The light guide uses a first curved protrusion and a second curved protrusion.

[0307] Fig.17A Pictured Figure 2A A top view of the humidification chamber, showing Fig.16 A first curved protrusion and a second curved protrusion.

[0308] Fig. 17B Another top view of the humidification chamber of FIG. 2 is shown, illustrating the location of a receiver and an external light source for a humidification unit that is compatible with the humidification chamber.

[0309] Fig.18 Shows Fig.16 An exemplary arrangement of the first curved protrusion.

[0310] Fig.19A A device including one or more curved surfaces according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.13A Partial top view of the light guide.

[0311] Fig.19B shows the light traveling along the light guide Fig.19A propagation between the curved surfaces.

[0312] Fig. 20 A top view of a pair of light guides is shown, each light guide comprising two pairs of curved surfaces.

[0313] Fig.21 The interaction between incident light and a curved surface is shown.

[0314] Fig. 22 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2APosition the light guide adjacent to the central axis of the fluid compartment of the humidification chamber.

[0315] Fig.23A An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A Two light guides inside the humidification chamber.

[0316] Fig. 23B Shows Fig.23A A stereogram of two light guides.

[0317] Fig.24 Shows Fig.23A The center position of the two light guides.

[0318] Fig.25 Shows that when the humidification chamber is tilted at a certain angle Figure 2A A cut-away side view of a humidification chamber.

[0319] Fig.26A Shows Figure 2A of a humidifying chamber, the two light guides being positioned essentially centrally.

[0320] Fig.26B Shows that Fig.26A Effect of the tilt of the humidification chamber.

[0321] Fig.27A A top view of a humidification chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the humidification chamber has a first pair of curved protrusions and a second pair of curved protrusions.

[0322] Fig.27B A top view of a humidification chamber is shown, illustrating the position of two light sources and two receivers relative to the humidification chamber.

[0323] Fig.28 Shown is the inclusion Figure 2A A humidification chamber kit.

[0324] Fig.29 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a humidification chamber according to another embodiment of the utility model.

[0325] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 An interior view of the humidification chamber with the base on the chamber removed.

[0326] Fig.31 yes Fig.29 Another internal view of the humidification chamber, with the base on the humidification chamber removed, showing the internal structure of the humidification chamber from a different angle.

[0327] Figure 32 is a view from the front side of the humidification chamber Fig.30 A cross-sectional view of section AA is shown.

[0328] Figure 33 is a view from the rear side of the humidification chamber Fig.30 A cross-sectional view of section BB is shown.

[0329] FIG. 34 is a stereoscopic view of FIG. 32 .

[0330] Figure 35 is Fig.30 The cross-sectional view of the CC section shown is observed from a certain angle to the CC section.

[0331] Figure 36 to Figure 37 yes Fig.29 Another stereoscopic view of the humidification chamber.

[0332] Figure 38 is Fig.30 The cross-sectional view of the DD section shown in is observed from a certain angle to the DD section.

[0333] Fig.39 yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a humidification chamber, showing hidden lines.

[0334] Fig.40 is a perspective view of a humidification chamber according to another embodiment.

[0335] Fig.41 is a perspective view of a humidification chamber according to another embodiment.

[0336] Fig.42 is a perspective view of a humidification chamber according to another embodiment.

[0337] Fig.43 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for anesthesia delivery according to one embodiment.

[0338] Fig.44 A humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0339] Fig.45 A humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is further shown.

[0340] Fig.46 An exemplary mounting assembly for a humidifier is shown.

[0341] Fig.47 yes Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An exploded perspective view of the inlet and outlet seals and their corresponding sensor units are shown.

[0342] Fig.48 is a partial cross-sectional view of an inlet portion or an outlet portion of a humidification chamber having a sensor port, a seal, and a biased sensor unit.

[0343] Fig.49is a cross-sectional view through one of the seals mounted to the sensor port of the humidification chamber.

[0344] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 The top view of the seal is basically the same as the bottom view of the seal.

[0345] Fig.51 yes Fig.49 A side view of a seal is substantially the same as an opposite side view of the seal.

[0346] Fig.52 yes Fig.49 Front view of the seal.

[0347] Fig.53 yes Fig.49 Rear view of the seal.

[0348] Fig.54 yes Fig.49 A three-dimensional view of the seal.

[0349] Figure 55 to Figure 58 A seal according to another embodiment is shown.

[0350] Figure 59 to Figure 61 Shows Figure 55 to Figure 58 Installation of the seal to the sensor port of the humidification chamber.

[0351] Figure 62 to Figure 72 A seal according to a further embodiment is shown.

[0352] Figure 73 to Figure 75 A humidification chamber according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0353] Figure 76 to Figure 77 A humidifier including a humidifying chamber installed on a humidifying unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0354] Figure 1 A system / apparatus 10 is shown for providing humidified gas to a patient 16. In respective embodiments, the system / apparatus 10 may be an integrated or separate component-based arrangement. Figure 1 11 in the dashed box. In some configurations, the system 10 may be a modular arrangement of the components shown. Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a system, but this should not be considered limiting.

[0355] The system 10 includes a flow source 12 for providing a flow of gas, such as oxygen, or a mixture of oxygen and one or more other gases. Alternatively, the system may have a connection for coupling to the flow source. Thus, depending on the context, the flow source 12 may be considered to form part of the system 10 or to be separate from the system, or even a portion of the flow source 12 may form part of the system 10 and a portion of the flow source 12 may fall outside the system 10.

[0356] The flow source 12 may be an in-wall oxygen supply source, an oxygen tank, other gas tanks and / or a high-flow respiratory support system with a blower / flow generator 3. In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A flow generator 3 (eg, Airvo TM A flow source 12 is provided with a flow generator (flow generator) having an optional air inlet 6 and an optional connection to an oxygen (O2) source 5 (e.g., a tank or O2 generator) via a shutoff valve and / or a regulator and / or other air flow controller (all represented as 7). In an alternative embodiment, there is no flow generator, but the flow source 12 is an in-wall O2 or mixed O2 / air supply source, optionally with a flow meter. The description from here on can refer to any embodiment. The flow source 12 can be one or a combination of a flow generator, an O2 source, an air source as described above. Depending on the context, any valve associated with the flow source 12 can be considered to be part of the flow source, or external to the flow source. The flow source 12 is shown as part of the system 10; but in the case of an external oxygen tank or in-wall source, it can be considered a separate component, in which case the system has a connection port to connect to the flow source 12. A flow source 12 provides a (optionally high) gas flow 13 which may be delivered to a patient 16 via an output gas flow conduit 14 and a patient interface 15 such as a (non-sealing) nasal cannula or a sealing nasal mask.

[0357] A humidifier, such as humidifier 100 (see also FIG. 11C to FIG. 11H), can be arranged between the flow source 12 and the patient 16 to provide humidification of the delivered gas. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the humidifier 100 can be integrated with the flow source 12 or separated from the flow source 12. One or more sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d or other sensors for measuring / detecting parameters such as flow, oxygen fraction, pressure, humidity, temperature, etc. can be placed throughout the system and / or at, on or near the patient 16. Alternatively or additionally, sensors capable of deriving these parameters can be used. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors 18a-18d can be one or more physiological sensors for sensing patient physiological parameters, such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, respiratory rate, partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. Alternatively or additionally, sensors capable of deriving such parameters can be used. Other sensors on the patient can include EEG sensors, trunk cuffs for detecting breathing, and any other suitable sensors. The humidifier 100 provides humidified gas to help maintain the condition of the airway of the patient 16. One or more sensors may form part of the system 10, or be external to the system 10, with the system 10 having inputs for any external sensors.

[0358] Outputs from sensors 18a-18d may be sent to controller 19 to help control system 10, including varying the airflow to provide an oscillating airflow, and the like.

[0359] As an example, the sensor may include a pulse oximeter 18d on the patient for determining the oxygen saturation of the blood. The pulse oximeter provides an analog or digital electrical signal to the controller 19.

[0360] As another example, the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood can be sensed by using a transcutaneous oxygen monitor / sensor. The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen concentration, and the reading is corrected for temperature to produce an estimated partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. The instrument electronics provide an analog or digital signal that directly indicates the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood and is connected to the controller 19.

[0361] As another example, a respiratory induction plethysmograph (RIP) may be used to sense respiratory rate using an analog or digital signal connected to controller 19 .

[0362] As another example, a transcutaneous monitor may be used to sense the CO 2 partial pressure in the blood using an analog or digital signal connected to the controller 19 .

[0363] As another example, an exhaled CO2 sensor is used to sense exhaled CO2. The CO2 partial pressure reading is transmitted to the controller 19 in analog or digital form.

[0364] Another example is a cardiac activity sensor for sensing cardiac activity of the patient. Controller 19 is connected to receive input (e.g., sensor output signal) from the cardiac activity sensor related to cardiac activity of patient 16. This enables controller 19 to control airflow based on the input received from the cardiac activity sensor.

[0365] A controller 19 is provided that is coupled to the flow source 12 , the humidifier 100 , and the sensors 18A- 18d . The controller 19 controls these and other aspects of the system 10 .

[0366] The system 10 may also include one or more airflow modulators 59, which may be used to modulate (i.e., change, modify, adjust, or otherwise control) a parameter of the airflow. Each airflow modulator 59 may be disposed in the flow source 12 (and the flow source itself may be an airflow modulator), after the flow source 12 and before the humidifier 100, after the humidifier 100, and / or in any other suitable location in the system 10 to modulate the airflow.

[0367] The controller 19 can operate the flow source 12 to provide the delivered gas flow. It can also operate the gas flow modulator 59 to control the flow rate, pressure, volume and / or other parameters of the gas provided by the flow source 12 based on feedback from the sensors 18a to 18d or, optionally, in the absence of feedback (e.g., using default settings). The controller 19 can also control any other suitable parameters of the flow source 12 to meet the oxygenation requirements.

[0368] The controller 19 can also control the humidifier 100 based on feedback from the sensors 18a-18d. Using input from the sensors 18a-18d, the controller 19 can determine oxygenation requirements and control parameters of the flow source 12, the flow modulator 59, and / or the humidifier 100 as needed. An input / output interface 20 (such as a display and / or input device) is provided. The input device is used to receive information from a user (e.g., a clinician or patient 16) that can be used to determine oxygenation requirements.

[0369] The humidifier 100 may include a humidification chamber 200 and a humidification unit 102 as described herein.

[0370] Humidification chambers 200 according to embodiments described herein are particularly suitable for use in breathing systems such as CPAP or high-flow breathing gas systems, such as high-flow systems used in anesthesia procedures. Figure 1Schematically shown in . Respiratory systems for which the humidification chamber is particularly useful are CPAP, BiPAP, high flow respiratory support, variable high flow respiratory support, low flow air, low flow O2 delivery, bubble CPAP, high flow for apnea (i.e., high flow for anesthetized patients), invasive ventilation, and non-invasive ventilation. In addition, the humidification chamber 200 as described herein can be used in systems other than respiratory systems.

[0371] Unless the context indicates otherwise, a flow source provides a gas flow at a set flow rate. The set flow rate may be a constant flow rate, a variable flow rate, or may be an oscillating flow rate, such as a sinusoidal flow rate or a flow rate having a step or square wave profile.

[0372] As used in this disclosure, "high flow respiratory support" may refer to the delivery of gas to a patient at a flow rate greater than or equal to about 5 or 10 liters per minute (5 or 10 LPM or L / min).

[0373] In some configurations, "high flow respiratory support" can refer to delivering gas to a patient at a flow rate of about 5 or 10 LPM to about 150 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. For example, according to those various embodiments and configurations described herein, the flow rate of gas supplied or provided to the interface via the system or from a flow source may include, but is not limited to, at least about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 LPM or more, and the available range may be selected to be any of these values ​​(e.g., about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, about 40 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 50 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 60 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 70 LPM to about 100 LPM, about 70 LPM to about 80 LPM).

[0374] The delivered gas will be selected according to the intended use of the treatment. The delivered gas may include a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivered gas may be about 15% to about 100%, 20% to about 100%, or about 30% to about 100%, or about 40% to about 100%, or about 50% to about 100%, or about 60% to about 100%, or about 70% to about 100%, or about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100%, or 100%.

[0375] It has been found that high flow respiratory support is effective in meeting or exceeding the patient's normal true inspiratory demand to increase the patient's oxygenation and / or reduce the work of breathing. In addition, high flow respiratory support can produce a flushing effect in the nasopharynx, so that the anatomical dead space of the upper airway is flushed by the incoming flow of high gas. This creates a fresh gas reservoir available for each breath while minimizing the re-inhalation of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0376] As an example, Figure 1 The respiratory system 10 may be a high flow respiratory system. High flow respiratory support may be used as a means of promoting gas exchange and / or respiratory support by delivering oxygen and / or other gases and by removing CO2 from the patient's airway. High flow respiratory support may be particularly useful before, during, or after a medical procedure.

[0377] When used prior to a medical procedure, high gas flows can pre-load the patient with oxygen so that the patient's blood oxygen saturation levels and the amount of oxygen in the lungs are higher to provide an oxygen buffer while the patient is sedated or in the apneic phase during the procedure.

[0378] Continuous oxygen supply helps maintain healthy respiratory function during medical procedures where respiratory function may be impaired (e.g., reduced or stopped) (e.g., during anesthesia). When this supply is impaired, hypoxia and / or hypercapnia can occur. During medical procedures such as anesthesia and / or general anesthesia where the patient loses consciousness, the patient is monitored to detect when this occurs. If the oxygen supply and / or CO2 removal is impaired, the clinician can stop the medical procedure and facilitate the oxygen supply and / or CO2 removal. This can be achieved, for example, by manually ventilating the patient with an anesthesia bag and mask. Additionally or alternatively, a high-flow respiratory support system can be used to provide a high flow of gas to the patient's airway.

[0379] Further advantages of high gas flow may include that high gas flow increases the pressure in the patient's airway, thereby providing pressure support to open the airways, trachea, lungs / alveoli and bronchioles. The opening of these structures enhances oxygenation and, to some extent, aids in the removal of CO2.

[0380] The increased pressure can also prevent structures such as the larynx from blocking the view of the vocal cords during intubation. When humidified, high gas flow can also prevent airway drying, reduce mucociliary damage, and reduce the risk of laryngeal spasm and risks associated with airway drying, such as epistaxis, nasal aspiration (a result of epistaxis), and airway obstruction, swelling, and bleeding. Another advantage of high gas flow is that the airflow can clear smoke generated in the air passage during surgery. For example, smoke can be generated by a laser and / or a cautery device.

[0381] Humidification chamber and deflector

[0382] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a humidification chamber 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. The humidification chamber 200 includes a fluid compartment 202, an inlet portion 204, and an outlet portion 208. The fluid compartment 202 is configured to accommodate fluids (e.g., liquids and gases). More specifically, the fluid compartment 202 is configured to receive gas provided by the flow source 12 and delivered to the humidification chamber 200 via the inlet portion 204. The fluid compartment 202 is also configured to accommodate a liquid (e.g., water) to humidify the gas, thereby providing humidified gas to the patient 16. The humidified gas leaves the humidification chamber 200 via the outlet portion 208 to be provided to the patient 16.

[0383] The gas delivered from the flow source 12 through the inlet portion 204 to the humidification chamber 200 will be referred to hereinafter as the inlet flow of gas. Figure 2A As shown by arrow 206 in FIG. 20. The humidified gas leaving the humidification chamber 200 via the outlet portion will be referred to as the output flow of the gas hereinafter. Figure 2A As shown by arrow 210 in FIG.

[0384] The fluid compartment 202 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a substantially circular base 212. It should be understood that other configurations or shapes for the base of the fluid compartment 202 are possible without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the base 212 of the fluid compartment 202 may have a rectangular base, a square base, a semicircular base, or any other regular or irregular shaped base.

[0385] The humidification chamber 200 also includes a body 214 supported by the base 212. Figure 2AThe body 214 and base 212 of the humidification chamber 200 are generally circular, but it should be understood that the humidification chamber 200 may have other shapes and / or configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as but not limited to cylindrical, elliptical, quadrilateral, or any other regular or irregular shape. Having a generally circular body 214 can provide the advantage of being able to see the liquid (e.g., water) level from all angles. The base 212 of the humidification chamber has a lip 226 disposed around the periphery of the base 212 to facilitate the lateral insertion of the humidification chamber into the humidification unit 102, as described below with reference to FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 can be mounted to the humidification unit in different ways. In fact, any suitable mounting mechanism can be used. For example, the humidification chamber can be mounted to the humidification unit by placing the humidification chamber on the humidification unit or on a portion of the humidification unit.

[0386] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 can be a single integral component. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber can include multiple separate components that are permanently or removably mounted together in any suitable manner.

[0387] In one embodiment, the fluid compartment 202 has a liquid capacity of about 350 ml. In another embodiment, the fluid compartment 202 has a liquid capacity of about 320 ml. In some examples, the internal volume of the humidification chamber 200 can be about 400 ml to 500 ml. Typically, the internal volume of the humidification chamber 200 can be 450 ml. In these humidification chambers 200, the practical liquid capacity can be about 250 ml to 350 ml. Therefore, in some embodiments, the ratio of the practical liquid capacity of the humidification chamber 200 to the total internal volume of the humidification chamber can be approximately (250 to 350 ml): (400 to 500 ml). In one embodiment, the ratio of the practical liquid capacity of the humidification chamber 200 to the total internal volume of the humidification chamber can be about 250:450 ml.

[0388] like Figure 2B As more clearly shown in FIG. 2 , the inlet portion 204 defines an inlet 222 of the fluid compartment 202 for allowing an inlet flow 206 of gas to enter the fluid compartment 202. The outlet portion 208 defines an outlet 224 of the fluid compartment 202 for allowing an outlet flow 210 of gas to exit the fluid compartment 202.

[0389] The humidification chamber 200 further includes a deflector 218 configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224. The deflector 218 is located near the inlet 222, such as Figure 2BAs shown. The position, orientation and configuration of the deflector 218 (as discussed in more detail below) are designed to advantageously optimize the residence time of the incoming flow 206 of gas within the fluid compartment 202 to more effectively maximize the time between each liquid refill of the fluid compartment while maintaining the desired humidity level in the output flow 210 of the gas. For the humidification chamber 200, the deflector 218 reduces the residence time of the incoming flow 206 of gas when compared to a similar humidification chamber without a deflector or a similar humidification chamber with a deflector configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas away from the outlet 224. In some humidification chambers, a deflector may be provided to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas away from the outlet (e.g., toward the adjacent sidewall 304 of the humidification chamber) to increase the residence time of the gas within the humidification chamber, thereby providing a relatively high level of humidity in the output flow 210 of the gas. The optimal residence time, gas flow rate and humidity level for a particular humidification chamber are determined based on the specific use case scenario. The residence time of the gas in the humidification chamber 200 can be optimized for an anesthesia procedure.

[0390] like Figure 2B As shown, the deflector 218 extends from the inner surface 220 of the humidification chamber 200 into the fluid compartment 202. In other words, the deflector 218 extends from the inner surface 220 of the humidification chamber 200 and enters the fluid compartment 202. In order to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas from the inlet 222 of the humidification chamber 200 toward the outlet 224, the deflector 218 extends from the inner surface 220 of the humidification chamber 200 at a certain angle and enters the fluid compartment 202.

[0391] As described above, for some use cases, such as for medical procedures where the patient is under a certain level of anesthesia, this orientation of the deflector 218 (facing the outlet 224) optimizes the residence time of the gas within the humidification chamber 200. Optimizing the residence time helps achieve the target humidity of the output stream 210 of the gas to a desired level to meet the humidity requirements of the patient 16, while also achieving a water usage rate in the fluid compartment 202 that is appropriate for those use cases. In general, factors that affect the humidity achieved by the incoming stream 206 of gas involve the length of the path along which the incoming stream 206 of gas travels within the humidification chamber 200, the surface area between the gas and the liquid within the humidification chamber, and the residence time of the gas in the humidification chamber 200. The residence time may also be affected by the volume of liquid within the fluid compartment 202 and the power supplied to the heater base (from which heat is transferred to the humidification chamber 200).

[0392] In some embodiments, the deflector 218 may be partially enclosed and form an extension of the inlet portion 204, such as Fig.3035 and described in further detail below. In particular, the deflector 218 can be shaped like a spoon and can be offset relative to the inner surface 220 and / or extend at any suitable angle.

[0393] The arrangement and location of the deflector 218 combined with the construction and size of the humidification chamber 200 enables a consistent humidity output when the flow rate of the delivered gas is within the range of 10 L / min to 70 L / min. The absolute humidity output range of interest is generally 10 mg / L to 45 mg / L, more specifically 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L within the standard flow range. In an exemplary embodiment, at a flow rate of 70 L / min, the humidity value of interest is about 20 mg / L to 30 mg / L, more specifically 25 mg / L to 30 mg / L. The output flow of gas can have a relative humidity of about 10% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 100%.

[0394] For a given flow rate of the inlet flow 206 of gas and / or the outlet flow 210 of gas, the angle between the deflector 218 and the wall of the fluid compartment 202 can be determined based on the desired target humidity of the outlet flow 210 of gas. More specifically, the deflector 218 extends from the top wall of the fluid compartment 202, and for a given flow rate of the inlet flow 206 of gas and / or the outlet flow 210 of gas, the deflector 218 and the top wall of the fluid compartment 202 (at Figure 6 The angle between the output flow 210 and the output flow 210 of the gas (shown as 602 in FIG. 1 and explained in more detail below) can be based on the desired target humidity. Fig.30 A partially enclosed deflector may be provided as shown in Figure 35. As described in further detail below, the base portion of the deflector may be offset from the top wall, and the angle of the base portion of the deflector itself is less important in directing the incoming flow 206 of gas.

[0395] In one embodiment, the angle 604 between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 is between about 20° and 70° (see Figure 6 ). In this embodiment, the configuration of the deflector 218 can help provide an absolute humidity of the output flow of gas between approximately 10 mg / L and 45 mg / L. Figure 6 As more clearly shown in FIG. 6 , the angle 604 between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 is such that the deflector 218 serves to direct at least a portion of the incoming flow 206 of gas away from the inlet adjacent wall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202. As such, the angle 604 does not face the inlet adjacent wall portion 304.

[0396] Changing this angle for a given flow rate can change the residence time of the gas, thus changing the humidity output.Thus, the angle between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 is associated with a target humidity range (eg, between 10 mg / L and 45 mg / L).

[0397] In another embodiment, the angle 604 between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 can be about 30 °. In this embodiment, the configuration of the deflector 218 can help provide a target absolute humidity of the output flow of the gas between about 10 mg / L and 45 mg / L, more specifically 30 mg / L. For a fluid compartment 202 with a fluid capacity of 350 ml (usually 320 ml), the time it takes for the water in the fluid compartment 202 to become exhausted can be up to 4 hours, and in some cases can be about 2.5 hours, 1 hour, or 10 to 30 minutes. Typically, the humidification chamber 200 can be particularly suitable for medical procedures with an average duration of 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. In addition, the temperature, humidity, flow rate and temperature in the humidification chamber 200 of the gas and water can also affect the humidity of the output flow 210 of the gas.

[0398] Figure 3A An internal view of the fluid compartment 202 is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention to more clearly illustrate the target direction of the overall flow 302 of the gas within the humidification chamber 200. Figure 3A In the example shown, the humidification chamber 200 has at least one light guide 1102 for water level detection. The deflector 218 is configured to direct the bulk flow 302 of gas from the inlet 222 (at Figure 3A The fluid compartment 202 is directed toward the outlet 224 and away from a side wall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 that is proximate to the inlet 222 (partially blocked by the deflector 218). The side wall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 is a portion of a side wall of the fluid compartment 202 that is proximate to the inlet 222 and can be opposite to the outlet 224, such as Figure 3A In particular, the deflector 218 may be tilted and oriented to direct the bulk flow 302 of gas away from the sidewall 304 in any direction, such as Figure 3A In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 may not include any light guides.

[0399] Figure 3B An internal view of the fluid compartment 202 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown to more clearly show the target direction of the overall flow 302 of the gas in the humidification chamber 200. Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the humidification chamber 200 has a first light guide 2302 and a second light guide 2304 for water level detection (which will be discussed in further detail below). Figure 3B Similar features in refer to the previous Figure 3A The deflector 218 may be oriented and configured to direct the bulk flow 302 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 and away from a sidewall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 proximate the inlet 222. The sidewall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 is a portion of a sidewall of the fluid compartment 202 that is proximate the inlet 222 and opposite the outlet 224, such as Figure 3B shown.

[0400] Figure 4A An internal view of a fluid compartment 202 according to other embodiments of the present invention is shown to more clearly illustrate the target direction of the overall flow 404 of gas within the humidification chamber 200, wherein the humidification chamber 200 may have at least one light guide 1102 for water level detection. (In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 may not provide any light guide.) The humidification chamber 200 defines a channel 402 for providing a low resistance gas flow path between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. In one embodiment, the channel 402 is positioned toward the top side of the fluid compartment 202. In addition, the channel 402 generally occupies half of the top side of the fluid compartment 202. The deflector 218 can be configured to direct the overall flow 404 of gas (such as Figure 4A 224 through at least a portion of the channel 402. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the deflector 218 also directs the overall flow 404 of the gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 away from the sidewall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 near the inlet 222 and opposite the outlet 224. In addition, in this embodiment, the deflector 218 can direct the overall flow 404 of the gas from the inlet 222 toward the portion of the sidewall near the channel 402. The overall flow 404 of the gas can be deflected from the portion of the sidewall near the channel 402 and travel along the remaining portion of the sidewall toward the outlet 224 until it reaches the outlet 224. This flow path is substantially free of intervening structures, thereby providing a low resistance path for the gas flow. When the gas flows in this direction, the residence time of the gas in the fluid compartment 202 can be optimized, thereby achieving a desired humidity at a target flow rate for some applications.

[0401] In further detail, when the overall flow of gas is directed through channel 402 (towards channel 402 or toward a portion of the sidewall proximate to channel 402), the residence time of the gas can be reduced, thereby allowing a certain degree of adjustment of the humidification chamber when used in some use cases, when compared to an embodiment in which the overall flow of gas is directed away from channel 402 and / or toward sidewall portion 304 (while keeping all other operating conditions the same).

[0402] More specifically, the peripheral sidewall 305 extending around the circumference / perimeter of the humidification chamber 200 may include a sidewall portion 304 (more specifically referred to herein as an inlet adjacent wall portion 304), an outlet adjacent wall portion 307, a front wall portion 309, and a rear wall portion 311 generally opposite the front wall portion 309. As described above, the inlet adjacent sidewall portion 304 is a portion of the peripheral sidewall 305 that is adjacent to the inlet 222. In particular, the inlet adjacent sidewall portion 304 may include a portion of the peripheral sidewall 305 that has a minimum spatial separation from the inlet 222.

[0403] The outlet adjacent wall portion 307 is generally a portion of the peripheral side wall 305 that is adjacent to the outlet 224 and may also be opposite to the inlet 222, such as Figure 4A In some embodiments, outlet adjacent wall portion 307 may be generally opposite inlet adjacent wall portion 304, however, this may not always be the case.

[0404] When the humidification chamber 200 is mounted to the humidification unit 102 in use, the front wall portion 309 of the humidification chamber 200 can face outward (e.g., the portion of the peripheral wall 305 facing away from the humidification unit (e.g., FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H 102). Conversely, the rear wall portion 311 of the humidification chamber 200 can face inward (e.g., the portion of the peripheral wall 305 that faces the humidification unit during use). In some embodiments, the front wall portion 309 can be a forward-facing portion of the peripheral side wall 305 during use, and the rear wall portion 311 can be a rearward-facing portion 309 of the peripheral side wall 305 opposite the front wall portion 309.

[0405] In some embodiments, the deflector 218 may be configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas toward the front wall portion 309. In particular, the deflector 218 may be configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas in a direction that is substantially consistent with or parallel to a tangential plane of the inlet adjacent wall portion 304 and toward the front wall portion 309. In this embodiment, it should be understood that the angle 604 between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 is still considered to be away from the inlet adjacent wall portion 304, rather than facing the inlet adjacent wall portion 304. If a channel 402 is provided, the deflector 218 may also direct the incoming flow 206 of gas into the channel 402, and the channel 402 may direct the overall flow 404 of gas toward the outlet 224.

[0406] Figure 4B An internal view of the fluid compartment 202 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to more clearly show the target direction of the overall flow 404 of the gas within the humidification chamber 200, in which further embodiment the humidification chamber has a first light guide 2302 and a second light guide 2304. Figure 4B The same features in Figure 4A In particular, deflector 218 is configured to direct a bulk flow 404 of gas from inlet 222 toward outlet 224 through at least a portion of channel 402. In some cases, bulk flow 404 of gas may contact a portion of a sidewall of fluid compartment 202 proximate channel 402 before traveling along the remainder of the sidewall toward outlet 224.

[0407] Figure 5A An internal view of a fluid compartment 202 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to more clearly show the target direction of the overall flow 502 of gas within the humidification chamber 200. In this embodiment, the humidification chamber 200 may have a light guide 1102 for water level detection. However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the chamber 200 may not provide a light guide. The deflector 218 is configured to guide the overall flow 502 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 substantially along a direct path between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. In other words, the deflector 218 is configured to guide the overall flow 502 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 along a plane that intersects both the inlet 222 and the outlet. In one embodiment, the direct path between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 is a substantially straight path. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the deflector 218 also directs the bulk flow 502 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 away from the sidewall portion 304 of the fluid compartment 202 proximate the inlet 222 and opposite the outlet 224 .

[0408] Figure 5B An internal view of the fluid compartment 202 according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to more clearly show the target direction of the overall flow 502 of the gas within the humidification chamber 200. In this other embodiment, the humidification chamber has a first light guide 2302 and a second light guide 2304 for water level detection. Figure 5B The same features in Figure 5A The deflector 218 is configured to direct the bulk flow 502 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 substantially along a direct path between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 .

[0409] Figure 6 The dimensions of the deflector 218 of the humidification chamber 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The deflector 218 has a thickness (T d ) 606. The angle (A) between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 d) 604 is about 30° (when the target humidity of the output flow of gas is between about 10 mg / L and 45 mg / L). In some embodiments, the angle (A) between the deflector 218 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 is about 30°. d ) 604 may be between about 0° and 90° or between 20° and 70°. As previously described, the deflector 208 is configured such that the angle (A d ) 604 faces away from (or not facing) the inlet adjacent wall portion 304.

[0410] In some embodiments, the height T of the deflector 218 is h The deflector 218 is positioned above the upper liquid level of the humidification chamber or above the liquid level indicated by the user. d ) 604 is about 30°, the height T of the deflector 218 h is about 5 mm to 15 mm, 7 mm to 13 mm, or 9 mm to 11 mm. More specifically, the height T of the deflector 218 h It may be about 9 mm, 10 mm, or 11 mm. In one example, the height (T h ) is 11 mm. In this embodiment, the deflector 218 may have a surface area between about 50-150%, 75-125%, or 90-110% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222. More specifically, the deflector 218 may have a surface area between about 75%, 80%, or 100% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222.

[0411] Although the deflector 218 in the illustrated embodiment is illustrated as being generally in the form of a disc, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the deflector may have any suitable shape or configuration. For example, the deflector may be flat, bent, or curved. The deflector may have any suitable regular or irregular shape.

[0412] It will be appreciated that in order to achieve the target humidity, the angle (A d ) 604 may be different from the ranges described herein. Angle (A d ) 604 may vary due to different fluid compartment 202 configurations or the flow rate of the incoming flow 206 of gas.

[0413] Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the humidification chamber 200 is illustrated. The deflector 218 is sized to substantially correspond to the cross-sectional area 704 of the inlet 222. The deflector 218 and the inlet 222 opening may have any suitable shape. For example, the cross-section of the deflector 218 and / or the inlet 222 may be substantially circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or any regular or irregular shape. In one embodiment, the deflector 218 may substantially correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the inlet 222.

[0414] The incoming flow 206 of gas may be directed by the deflector 218 such that the overall flow (302, 404, or 502) of gas is directed toward the outlet 224. In one embodiment, the area 704 (i.e., surface area) of the deflector 218 is between about 50% and 150%, 75-125%, or 90-110%, or more specifically 75%, 80%, or 100% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222. The area of ​​the deflector 218 may be beneficial such that a majority of the incoming flow 206 of gas contacts the deflector 218. In an exemplary embodiment, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222 is about 340 mm 2 When the area 704 of the deflector 218 is about 260 mm 2 (ie, the area 704 of the deflector is about 75% of the cross-sectional area 704 of the inlet 222). In another embodiment, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222 is about 320 mm 2 When the area 704 of the deflector 218 is about 260 mm 2 (ie, the area 704 of the deflector is approximately 80% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 222.) It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional area 702 of the inlet portion 204 may not substantially vary along the straight connector 802 of the inlet portion 204 due to the internal features of the inlet portion 204 (as explained in more detail below).

[0415] Fig. 8A A perspective view of a humidification chamber 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The inlet portion 204 may include a duct 2604 ( Fig.28 ) for delivering the incoming flow 206 of gas (ie, from the flow generator 3 ) into the fluid compartment 202 .

[0416] Figure 8B More clearly shown is a generally straight connector 802 that directs the incoming flow 206 of gas downwardly (as indicated by arrow 804) into the fluid compartment 202. The incoming flow 206 of gas flows downwardly along the inlet portion 204 to the inlet 222 and into the fluid compartment 202. It will be appreciated that the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200 may have any suitable orientation to couple with the inlet and outlet conduits of the respiratory system 10. For example, a number of non-exhaustive alternative configurations of the inlet and outlet portions are described below with reference to Figures 40 to 42 Give a description.

[0417] Fig.9AA perspective view of a humidification chamber 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The outlet portion 208 may include a curved connector 902 for connecting to the output gas flow conduit 14 to deliver an output flow 210 of humidified gas out of the fluid compartment 202 (i.e., for delivery to the patient 16). The curved connector 902 is configured to direct the output flow 210 of gas through a bend in the curved connector 902.

[0418] Fig. 9B More clearly shown is the curved connector 902, which directs the output flow 210 of gas from the outlet 224 upward (as shown by arrow 904) out of the fluid compartment 202, and causes the output flow 210 of gas to change direction through the bend and flow out of the outlet portion 208 (as shown by arrow 906). In some examples, the gas flow may not follow the path shown by arrows 904, 906. In one embodiment, the bend in the curved connector 92 is a substantially 90° bend. The configuration of the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 is exemplary, and different configurations of the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 may be used in other embodiments. For example, the humidification chamber 200 may include an outlet portion 208 that does not include a bend.

[0419] As from Figure 2A , 2B , 7, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, it can be seen that the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 are positioned above the fluid compartment 202. In addition, the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 are positioned adjacent to the opposite ends of the humidification chamber 200 that are located above the fluid compartment 202. It will be understood that other positions / positionings of the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 may also be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. These figures also show the inlet portion 204 spaced apart from the outlet portion 208. In one embodiment, the inlet portion 204 is spaced apart from the outlet portion 208 by a distance of about 30mm to 100mm, 50mm to 80mm, or 60mm to 70mm.

[0420] In one or more embodiments, the output flow 210 of the gas delivered to the patient 16 has an absolute humidity between about 10 mg / L and 45 mg / L. The output flow of the gas can have a relative humidity of about 10% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 100%. The inlet flow 206 of the gas from the fluid source 12 and the output flow 210 of the gas delivered to the patient 16 have a flow rate between about 10L / min and 70L / min. It will be understood that the humidity of the output flow 210 of the gas and the flow rate of the inlet flow 206 / the output flow 210 of the gas can depend on the application of the humidification chamber 200 and / or the system 10. The application can include providing high flow respiratory support. In one embodiment, the inlet flow 206 of the gas has a flow rate of about 70L / min, and the output flow 210 of the gas has a humidity between about 20mg / L and 35mg / L and a relative humidity of about 80% to 100%. In one embodiment, the inlet flow 206 of gas has a flow rate of about 70 L / min, and the outlet flow 210 of gas has a humidity of about 30 mg / L.

[0421] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The humidification chamber 200 is further illustrated according to an embodiment in which an inlet portion 204 and an outlet portion 208 are positioned above the fluid compartment 202 , with the inlet portion 204 being spaced apart from the outlet portion 208 and positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the humidification chamber 200 .

[0422] In one embodiment, the humidification chamber 200 may be configured to allow a sensor unit to be mounted thereto in order to detect gas flow characteristics, such as flow rate, temperature, and / or pressure, in the chamber 200. The inlet portion 204 is provided with an inlet sensor port 205, and the outlet portion 208 is provided with an outlet sensor port 211. In some embodiments, more than one sensor port may be provided in each or either of the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208. In some embodiments, the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 may have different numbers of sensor ports; for example, the inlet portion 204 may have one inlet sensor port 205, and the outlet portion 208 may have two sensor ports 211.

[0423] An inlet seal 215 may be mounted to the inlet sensor port 205, and an outlet seal 217 may be mounted to the outlet sensor port 211. Typically, each of the inlet seal 215 and the outlet seal 217 provides a pneumatic seal for the respective inlet sensor port 205 and the outlet sensor port 211, such that the inlet flow 206 of gas and the outlet flow 210 of gas are isolated from the surrounding environment by the seals 215, 217, respectively. In other words, the seals 215, 217 substantially close the inlet sensor port 205 and the outlet sensor port 211. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the seals 215, 217 define a barrier that reduces the likelihood of fluid or gas passing through the inlet sensor port 205 and the outlet sensor port. In some applications, at least one of the seals 215, 217 and each of the optional seals 215, 217 may prevent water vapor from passing through.

[0424] exist Fig. 10A and 10B In the illustrated embodiment, the entry seal 215 may include a single terminal to enable insertion of a single sensor unit, and the exit seal 217 may include two terminals 207 , 209 to enable insertion of one or two sensor units. Fig.47 An exemplary sensor unit 219 is illustrated for insertion into an inlet seal 223, and an exemplary dual sensor unit 221 is illustrated for insertion into an outlet seal 225. It will be appreciated that although Fig.47 The inlet seal 223 and the outlet seal 225 are configured similarly to Fig. 10A and 10B The inlet seal 205 and outlet seal 217 are shown to be different, but the functions of the inlet seal 223 and the outlet seal 225 are substantially similar to the functions of the inlet seal 215 and the outlet seal 217. In addition, each of the inlet and outlet seals 215, 217 can provide any suitable number of terminals to be compatible with the desired sensor unit(s).

[0425] In some embodiments, the inlet portion 204 may provide one or more inlet sensor ports to allow installation of one or more sensor units, and the outlet portion may provide one or more outlet sensor ports 211 to allow installation of one or more sensor units. In some embodiments, either or both of the inlet and outlet sensor ports may include one or more corresponding inlet and outlet seals. For example, the outlet sensor port 211 may receive two separate outlet seals. In addition, each of the inlet seal and the outlet seal may provide one or more sensor terminals to receive one or more sensor units and / or a single sensor unit with multiple sensors.

[0426] In some embodiments, each sensor unit may include one or more sensors. Thus, a single inlet or outlet seal having a single sensor terminal may receive a single sensor unit having multiple sensors, such that the single sensor unit may be able to obtain multiple sensor measurements of flow, temperature, and / or pressure via a single inlet or outlet seal.

[0427] The inlet seal 215 and the outlet seal 217 can be made of any suitable material. In some applications, the inlet seal 215 and the outlet seal 217 can be formed of an elastic or flexible material. Optionally, at least one of the seals 215, 217 can be formed entirely of an elastic or flexible material. In some applications, at least a portion of at least one of the seals 215, 217 can be formed entirely of an elastic or flexible material. In some applications, one or more seals 215, 217 can be formed of a material having a Shore A hardness between about 20 and about 60 or between about 30 and about 40. In some applications, one or more seals 215, 217 can be formed of silicone, polyethylene, or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0428] In e.g. Fig.48 In some applications shown, at least a portion of at least one of the seals 215, 217 may be formed of a rigid material. For example, but not limited to, at least a portion of at least one of the seals 215, 217 may be formed of metal. When at least one of the seals 215, 217 is formed entirely of a rigid material, the seal is preferably configured to provide repeatable contact and thermal conduction between the barrier formed by the seals 215, 217 and the associated sensor. In some embodiments, the seals 215, 217 may be formed of the same material as the chamber 200, may be formed of a different material with a different (optionally higher) thermal conductivity, or a combination thereof. If a combination is used, at least a portion of the end 401, or at least a portion of the gas flow exposed to the inlet portion 204 or the outlet portion 208, and the terminal end of the end 401 of the seal in some configurations may be formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum, copper). In some configurations, the end 401 may be positioned so that the seals 215, 217 extend to the axial center of the respective inlet portion 204 and outlet portion 208. In some configurations, the tip 401 is positioned so that the seals 215, 217 traverse at least half of the transverse dimension of the respective inlet portion 204 and outlet portion 208. The seals 215, 217 may be integrally formed with the chamber 200, or may be overmolded, press-fitted and glued, co-molded, or welded thereto, for example but not limited to.

[0429] In some embodiments, at least one of the seals 215, 217 may be formed by a first portion having a greater thermal conductivity and a second portion having a less or no thermal conductivity, the first portion being arranged to receive the end or sensing portion of the associated sensor 219, 221. The second portion is preferably arranged to reduce or eliminate thermal conduction or other heat transfer from the sensing element or end of the sensor 219, 221 to the surrounding portion of the device. For example, in the case where the associated sensor 219, 221 includes a thermistor, the second portion is preferably substantially or substantially thermally isolated from the thermistor. In other words, the end of the thermistor can be arranged in the first portion having a greater thermal conductivity, which can be positioned within the gas flow measured by the thermistor. In some configurations, the portion having a less or no thermal conductivity can include a different material from the portion having a greater thermal conductivity. In some configurations, a porous material or a foam material can be used to provide improved isolation. In this arrangement, less heat is conducted from the first portion through the second portion to the surrounding environment. By maximizing or increasing the heat transfer between the first portion and the end of the thermistor, the reduced conduction allows the thermistor to provide a more accurate gas reading.

[0430] In some embodiments, measures may be provided to increase the reliability of contact between the associated sensor and the end portion of the seal. Fig.48 In an arrangement of, a spring or any other suitable biasing or buffering member may be interposed between the sensor 219, 221 and the sleeve 460 that carries or otherwise supports the sensor 219, 221. In this arrangement, the member 403 (e.g., a spring, a biasing member, or a buffering member) is compressed to provide a relatively repeatable force between the end of the sensor 219, 221 and the end 401, for example but not limited to this. In some applications, a flexible or elastic membrane may connect the end 401 to the chamber 200. In this configuration, the end 401 may be displaced relative to at least some portions of the chamber 200 (including the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208). In other words, due to the contact of the sensor 219, 221 with the end 401, the flexible or elastic membrane may stretch as the sensor 219, 221 is inserted to provide a substantially repeatable force between the end of the sensor 219, 221 and the end 401, while providing a substantially contacting thermal mass at the end 401.

[0431] In some arrangements, at least one of the seals 215, 217, and optionally both, include features that hold the seals 215, 217 in place within the respective inlet sensor port 205 and outlet sensor port 211. Fig.49 , the outlet seal 217 shown includes an outer flange 405 and an inner flange 407. Fig.50As shown, a channel 409 is defined between the outer flange 405 and the inner flange 407. The channel 409 is preferably sized to accommodate the wall 411 of the outlet portion 208. In addition, the channel 409 may be sized to form a fluid and / or gas tight seal with the wall 411 surrounding the outlet sensor port 211.

[0432] Figures 50 to 54 The configuration of the outlet seal 217 is further illustrated. Figures 49 to 54 In the illustrated configuration, the base surface of the channel 409 has an at least partially curved or sloped surface to improve the seal between the seal 217 and the wall 411 defining the outlet sensor port 211. In an embodiment, for example Figures 55 to 61 In some of the configurations shown, the base surface may be substantially planar rather than at least partially curved or sloped. Figure 59 to Figure 61 Different humidification chambers are illustrated, but it should be understood that the operation and configuration of the sensor port, seal, and sensor unit are consistent with the description herein and can be deployed and used in a humidification chamber of any suitable shape and configuration.

[0433] In some arrangements, at least one of the seals 215, 217 may be permanently or at least semi-permanently attached to the inlet sensor port 205 and the outlet sensor port 211. In some arrangements, at least one of the seals 215, 217 may be removable and replaceable. The seals 215, 217 may be configured to have a usable life similar to the usable life of one of the other components. For example, the seals 215, 217 preferably include a usable life similar to the chamber 200, so that the chamber 200 and the seals 215, 217 will be processed at the same time. In some configurations, especially in the case where the seals 215, 217 are permanently attached to the chamber 200, the seals 215, 217 may have a longer life than the chamber 200, so that the seals 215, 217 are not components that limit the life span of the chamber 200.

[0434] In the illustrated configuration, the inner flange 407 has a smaller outer circumference than the outer flange 405. The smaller outer circumference of the inner flange 407 facilitates insertion of the seal 217 into the outlet sensor port 211. The inner flange 407 of the outlet seal 217 may include an inclined surface 425 to further assist in installing the outlet seal 217 into the outlet sensor port 211. Although the surface of the outer flange 407 may be inclined or tapered to facilitate installation, because the illustrated outlet seal 217 is designed to be pressed into the outlet sensor port 211 from the outside of the outlet portion 208, the inclined or tapered surface 425 may be positioned on the inner flange 407.

[0435] Now back to Fig.47, the outlet sensor unit 221 can be inserted into the outlet seal 225, and the inlet sensor unit 219 can be inserted into the inlet seal 223. In some configurations, if the seals 223, 225 are not positioned in the ports 205, 211, the sensors 219, 221 will not seal the corresponding inlet sensor ports 205 and outlet sensor ports 211. In this way, the inlet seal 223 and the outlet seal 225 define a barrier between the gas flow path and the inlet sensor unit 219 and the outlet sensor unit 221, respectively. With the inlet seal 223 and the outlet seal 225 defining the barrier, the sensor units 219, 221 remain outside the flow path. Because the sensor units 219, 221 remain outside the flow path, the sensor units 219, 221 can be reused and do not need to be cleaned before subsequent reuse. However, even if the sensor units 219, 221 remain outside the flow path, the sensor units 219, 221 are able to provide a measurement of flow characteristics. For example, inlet sensor 219 may be used to detect flow rate, while outlet sensor 221 may be used to detect temperature.

[0436] Any suitable component may be used as a sensor for the sensor units 219, 221. For example, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, fixed resistors, etc. may be used. In the illustrated arrangement, the sensor units 219, 221 include thermistors. The inlet sensor 219 may include a single thermistor 427 mounted to a body 429. The sensor unit 219 may be used to sense the temperature of the incoming flow 206 of gas. As shown in the illustrated arrangement, the temperature sensor unit 219 may be positioned so that the thermistor 427 extends into the flow path in the inlet portion 204. In some configurations, the temperature sensor may be positioned in other areas of the humidification system (e.g., on one or more conduits coupled to the inlet portion 204 and / or the outlet portion 208).

[0437] The outlet sensor unit 221 shown may include a first thermistor 431 and a second thermistor 433 mounted on a single body 435. In some configurations, the first thermistor 431 and the second thermistor 433 may be mounted on separate bodies; however, mounting the first thermistor 431 and the second thermistor 433 on a single body 435 improves the positioning accuracy of the first thermistor 431 and the second thermistor 433 relative to each other. As shown in the illustrated arrangement, the outlet sensor unit 221 may be positioned on the outlet portion 408 to extend the two thermistors 431, 433 into the flow path on the outlet portion 408 in order to detect the flow characteristics of the output flow 210 of the gas. In some configurations, the outlet sensor unit 221 may be positioned in other areas of the humidification system (e.g., on one or more conduits coupled to the inlet portion 204 and / or the outlet portion 208, etc.).

[0438] Figures 62 to 72 Alternative configurations of inlet or outlet seals are also illustrated. Further details regarding various configurations of sensor ports and inlet / outlet seals are described in International Patent Publication WO / 2013 / 137753, entitled "Breathing Gas Humidification System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0439] Return to reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the body 214 and the fluid compartment 202 of the humidification chamber 200 can be made of a material having a light transmittance percentage of at least 85%. In one embodiment, the body 214 and the fluid compartment 202 of the humidification chamber 200 are made of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate. In other embodiments, thermoplastic polymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used. The material having a light transmittance percentage of at least 85% will be substantially transparent. Such a material will provide sufficient optical transparency so that the clinician can easily observe the water level within the humidification chamber 200 and visually confirm the output of the water level detection via the optical sensor 1702 (as discussed in further detail below). In some embodiments, the fluid compartment 202 can be opaque / opaque.

[0440] In some examples, the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal. In one embodiment, the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 is made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 is made of stainless steel. Having a thermally conductive base 216 (e.g., in the form of a thermally conductive flat surface) allows for better and more efficient heat transfer from the heater base to the humidification chamber 200 when the humidification chamber 200 is placed on a heater base, thereby improving the humidification of the gas within the chamber 200. In some alternative embodiments, the humidification chamber can have a base that is not made of a thermally conductive material, and the liquid in the fluid compartment 202 can be heated using alternative heating measures, such as infrared heating.

[0441] As previously mentioned, the lip 226 disposed around the perimeter of the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 facilitates lateral insertion of the humidification chamber 200 into the humidification unit 102, such as Figures 11A to 11H Humidification unit 102 (see Fig.11A and Fig. 11B ) includes a heater base 104 for heating the fluid (e.g., water) in the fluid compartment 202 by heating the chamber base 216. The humidification unit 102 may additionally include a sensor assembly 106 including an external light source 1302 for emitting light into the fluid compartment 202 and an optical sensor 1702 for detecting light reflected back via one or more light guides 2302, 2304. In one embodiment, the humidification unit may be an F&P 950 unit, an F&P MR 850 unit, an F&P 820 unit, an F&PMR 810 unit. Any other suitable humidification unit may be used with the embodiments of the humidification chamber described herein.

[0442] Now refer to Figures 11C to 11H When setting up the humidifier 100, the operator or clinician installs the humidification chamber 200 on the heater base 104 by sliding the chamber 200 under the rim 108 on the heater base 104, which promotes holding the chamber 200 in place. In some configurations, the barrier portion 110 adjacent to the heater base 104 and the heater base 104 can be spring loaded so that the base 216 of the chamber 200 presses downwardly on the barrier portion 110 and the heater base 104 during lateral insertion of the humidification chamber 200 into the humidification unit 102 (see FIG. 11C to FIG. 11E During lateral insertion, the lip 226 of the chamber 200 may be inserted under the edge 108 on the opposite side of the heater base 104. FIG. 11F to FIG. 11HWhen the humidification chamber 200 is fully inserted into the humidification unit 102 as shown in FIG, the barrier portion 110 and the heater base 104 can no longer be depressed, and the humidification chamber 200 can be held between the heater base 104 and the edge 108 and secured against the humidification unit 102 by the barrier portion 110 of the base. FIG. 11C to FIG. 11E As shown, the barrier portion 110 can be depressed to allow the base 212 of the humidification chamber 200 to approach the heater base 104. Once inserted, the barrier portion 110 returns to the non-depressed position to facilitate holding the humidification chamber 200 in place against the humidification unit 102. This advantageously provides positive feedback that the humidification chamber 200 is properly installed within the humidification unit 102. In some embodiments, the humidification unit 102 may not have the barrier portion 110 and the humidification chamber 200 may be held in place by compression between the heater base 114 and the rim 108.

[0443] According to another embodiment, a humidifier 101 Fig.76 and 77 In the humidifier 101, the humidification chamber 201 can be installed on the top of the humidification unit 103. The humidification chamber 201 can be installed in the same manner as the reference FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H The humidifying unit 102 described above is similarly mounted to the humidifying unit 103 via lateral insertion. In particular, the resiliently biased tabs 105 may be displaced to allow lateral insertion of the humidifying chamber 201 onto the humidifying unit 103. Fig.76 and Fig.77 In the specific embodiment shown in , the humidification chamber 201 may not include any light guide for water level detection, and therefore, the humidification unit 103 may not provide any sensor unit for water level detection via a light guide.

[0444] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 can be used without an external water source (e.g., a water bag). The configuration of the fluid compartment 202, the deflector 218, the gas flow rate of the humidification chamber 200 is such that the humidity of the output flow 210 of the gas and the water usage rate in the humidification chamber 200 are adapted for certain use case scenarios so that the chamber 200 will not need to be frequently refilled for those use case scenarios. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 200 does not include a float within the fluid compartment 202 for improved fluid level detection within the fluid compartment 202.

[0445] Light Guide

[0446] While various embodiments described herein include one or more light guides, it will be understood that in some embodiments, a humidification chamber may be provided without any light guides.

[0447] Fig.12A side cross-sectional view of a humidification chamber 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The humidification chamber 200 includes at least one light guide 1102 for detecting a fluid (i.e., liquid) level in a fluid compartment 202. The light guide 1102 may extend downward from a top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 into the fluid compartment 202. In one embodiment, the light guide 1102 extends substantially perpendicular to the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202. The light guide 1102 may have a length (L) of approximately 10 mm to 50 mm, 20 mm to 50 mm, 10 mm to 30 mm, or 30 mm to 50 mm, or more specifically 30 mm. l ) 1104. In one embodiment, the light guide 1102 may have a length of about 15 mm. In another embodiment, the light guide 1102 may have a length of about 40 mm. Typically, the light guide 1102 is symmetrical, such as Fig.13A In some embodiments, one or more light guides may extend from a portion of the peripheral sidewall 305.

[0448] Fig.13A A front view of a light guide 1102 for detecting a liquid level in a humidification chamber 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The light guide 1102 includes a proximal end 1308 adjacent to the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202 and a distal end 1310 opposite the proximal end 1308. The light guide 1102 includes an input side 1302 for receiving an external light source 1320 ( Fig. 13C ) receives the input light beam 1322 and propagates the input light beam 1322 through the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102. The light guide 1102 also includes an output side 1304 for propagating the output light beam 1324 through the output side 1304 ( Fig. 13C ) so as to be detected by the external light detector 1702.

[0449] like Fig.13A13. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the light guide 1102 in FIG. 13, the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 is parallel to and adjacent to the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102. Although the present invention will be explained with respect to this configuration of the input side 1302 and the output side 1304, it will be understood that other configurations and / or positions / locations of the input side 1302 and the output side 1304 are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment (not shown), the output side 1304 can be substantially perpendicular to the input side 1302. In such an embodiment, the light guide 1102 includes at least one angled portion disposed at the distal end 1310 of the light guide 1102 and at a 45° angle to the base of the fluid compartment 202. The angled portion is configured to reflect the input light beam 1322 from the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 to the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102, such that when the light guide 1102 is in contact with gas only (i.e., the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid within the fluid compartment 202), the output light beam 1324 is presented at the output side 1304. It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment, a receiver or optical detector / sensor for detecting the output light beam 1324 may be located on a side of the humidification chamber 200, rather than above the humidification chamber 200.

[0450] Back to Fig.13A 13. In the embodiment of the light guide 1102 shown, the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 is parallel to and adjacent to the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102, and the light guide 1102 includes a pair of opposing angled portions 1306 disposed opposite to each other at the distal end of the light guide 1102. The pair of opposing angled portions 1306 are aligned with the input side 1302 and the output side 1304 of the light guide, respectively. In one embodiment, the light guide 1102 has a thickness (T of about 2.5 mm). l ) 1318 (see Fig. 15B ).

[0451] Each angled portion 1306 is approximately 45° (eg, Fig. 13B 1316 in FIG. 1306). It will be appreciated that the length of the angled portion(s) may provide a tolerance to the position of the input light beam 1322 to allow the input light beam 1322 to be directed onto the 45° angled portion and reflected as the output light beam 1324 when the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid in the fluid compartment 202. Thus, having a longer surface for the angled portion(s) 1306 may provide a greater tolerance to the position of the input light beam 1322 that impinges upon the angled portion(s) 1306. A detector or optical detector / sensor, such as a phototransistor (e.g., Fig. 13C and 251702) can be located at a distance above the humidification chamber 200. According to the same principles described above, the length of the angled portion can also provide tolerance for the location of the detector 1702. In addition, the angled portion with a longer length will effectively increase the width of the input and output sides of the light guide 1102.

[0452] Fig. 13C 13. The pair of opposing angled portions 1306 are configured to reflect an input light beam 1322 (as shown by line 1326) from an input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 to an output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 so as to present an output light beam 1324 at the output side 1304 when the light guide 1102 is in contact with gas only (i.e., the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid within the fluid compartment 202).

[0453] like Fig. 13C The behavior of the input light beam 1322 and the output light beam 1324 shown follows the principle of total internal reflection (TIR). When the light guide 1102 is in contact with gas only (i.e., the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid within the fluid compartment 202), total internal reflection occurs when the input light beam 1322 is incident on the incident surface of one of the angled portions 1306 at an angle α greater than the critical angle of the air and the material of the humidification chamber 200. The angle α is relative to the normal of the incident surface of the angled portion 1306. In one embodiment, when the humidification chamber 200 is made of polycarbonate, the input light beam 1322 is incident on one of the angled portions 1306 at an angle (45° relative to the normal) greater than the critical angle of the polycarbonate-air boundary (i.e., 39°) (considering the refractive index of polycarbonate = 1.59 and the refractive index of air = 1.00). Therefore, the light intensity of the output light beam 1324 can be the same or similar to the light intensity of the input light beam 1322.

[0454] Typically, when the light guide 1102 is in contact with gas only (i.e., the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid within the fluid compartment 202), the light intensity of the output light beam 1324 is above a threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold is 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322. In one embodiment, the light generated from the external light source 1320 (and thus the input light beam 1322 and the output light beam 1324) is infrared (IR) light. Thus, the external light source 1320 may be an IR light source / IR LED.

[0455] Fig.142502. When the refraction of the input light beam 1322 occurs in this scenario, there is an output light beam 1324 with a light intensity below a threshold or no output light beam 1324 propagates through the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102. When there is water 2502 in the fluid compartment 202, such as Fig.14 As shown, the light guide 1102 can be partially immersed in water 2502. Therefore, when the input light beam 1322 contacts the boundary 1401 between the water 2502 and the light guide 1102, the input light beam is refracted. The refraction occurs because the input light beam 1322 is incident on one of the angled portions 1306 at an angle (45°) relative to the normal of the incident surface that is less than the critical angle of the liquid and light guide material boundary. In one embodiment, when the light guide 1102 is made of polycarbonate, the input light beam 1322 is incident on one of the angled portions 1306 at an angle (45° relative to the normal) that is less than the critical angle (57°) of the polycarbonate-water boundary (considering that the refractive index of polycarbonate = 1.59 and the refractive index of water = 1.33). Therefore, the light intensity of the output light beam 1324, if any, will be much lower than the light intensity of the input light beam 1322. In one embodiment, the distance between the external light source 1320 and the optical sensor 1702 is between approximately 2 mm to 11 mm, 4 mm to 9 mm, or 6 mm to 7 mm.

[0456] During use, when the liquid level in the fluid compartment 202 is below the detection level, the detector 1702 detects an output light beam 1324 having a light intensity higher than a predetermined light intensity (e.g., greater than 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322). When the liquid level in the fluid compartment 202 is above the detection level, the detector 1702 does not detect the output light beam 1324 or detects an output light beam 1324 having a light intensity lower than a predetermined light intensity (e.g., less than 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322).

[0457] In some embodiments, when the liquid level in the fluid compartment 202 is below the detection level (e.g., the light guide 1102 is not in contact with any liquid), the detector 1702 detects an output light beam 1324 that is above a first predetermined light intensity (e.g., an upper threshold value that is greater than 30% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322). When the liquid level in the fluid compartment 202 is above the detection level, the detector 1702 does not detect the output light beam 1324 or detects an output light beam 1324 that has a light intensity that is less than a second predetermined light intensity (e.g., a lower threshold value that is less than 20% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322). Advantageously, the difference between the upper detection threshold and the lower detection threshold provides tolerance to any noise that may affect the liquid level detection.

[0458] In some embodiments of the humidification chamber 200 in which a single light guide 1102 is provided, the single light guide 1102 can be used to detect an upper level and / or a maximum level or a lower level and / or a minimum level of liquid in the fluid compartment 202. In some embodiments, the single light guide 1102 can be used to detect a minimum level of liquid in the fluid compartment 202 to alert a clinician when the fluid compartment 202 needs to be refilled.

[0459] Any suitable liquid level can be set as the detection level. For example, the detection level can be an upper or lower liquid level of interest, a maximum or minimum liquid level, or any intermediate liquid level. The length of the light guide 1102 can be determined based on any desired detection level so as to provide an indication (e.g., a visual and / or audible indication) to the user when the detection level is reached.

[0460] When the output light beam 1324 appears at the output side of the light guide 1102 so as to be detected by the detector 1702, the detector 1702 senses the light intensity of the output light beam 1324. A controller associated with the detector 1702 then compares the detected light intensity with the delivered light intensity (e.g., the light intensity of the input light beam 1322) from the external light source 1302 to determine the difference between the detected light intensity (the light intensity of the output light beam 1324) and the delivered light intensity (the light intensity of the input light beam 1322). Based on the difference, the controller can determine whether the detected light intensity of the output light beam 1322 is above or below a threshold value (e.g., 20%, 30%, or 40%), as previously described, to determine whether the liquid level in the fluid compartment 202 is above or below a detection level.

[0461] One or more light guides may be provided to detect any suitable number of liquid levels. For example, as discussed herein, one light guide 1102 may be provided to detect a single liquid level of interest. Two light guides 2302, 2304 may be provided to detect an upper liquid level and a lower liquid level of interest. Similarly, three or more light guides may be provided to detect three or more different liquid levels of interest.

[0462] Once the liquid in the fluid compartment 202 moves above or below the detection level, a visual and / or audible indication may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the visual and / or audible indication may be provided in the form of one or more alarms, voice messages, text messages, images and / or graphics on a graphical interface, etc., or any combination thereof, to provide an indication when each detection level is reached. The visual and / or audible indication may be provided by the humidification unit 102 (see Fig.11A and Fig. 11B ). For example, a visual indicator can be generated by Fig.11A 107 of the humidification unit 102 shown in FIG. 104 , or generated by a graphical user interface 107 of the humidification unit 102 as shown in FIG. Fig.45A graphical user interface 7014 of the humidification unit 7004 shown in FIG. 7 is generated.

[0463] The jagged part of the light guide

[0464] Fig.15A A serrated portion 1312 disposed at the distal end 1310 of the light guide 1102 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The serrated portion 1312 includes a plurality of angled surfaces for scattering light that interacts with the inner surface of the fluid compartment 202. The serrated portion 1312 is intended to scatter any light that is not intended to propagate in the output side of the light guide, such as any light that may otherwise re-enter the light guide from the fluid compartment 202 (also referred to herein as stray light). The serrated portion 1312 is disposed between a pair of opposing angled portions 1306 of the light guide 1102. The serrated portion 1312 may have any suitable regular or irregular angled surfaces / edges for scattering stray light, such that the accuracy of the light intensity measurement of the output light beam 1324 at the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 by the light detector 1702 is improved. The serrated portion 1312 may scatter stray light within the light guide 1102 and / or away from the light guide. In one embodiment, the angle of the edge of the serrated portion 1312 is approximately 20° or 30° or a combination of these angles.

[0465] In the event that any refracted light from the input light beam 1322 (i.e., light that leaves the light guide 1102 and enters the liquid in the fluid compartment 202) is reflected back from the metal base 216 (e.g., an aluminum base) of the humidification chamber 200 toward the light guide 1102, the indented portion 1312 serves to scatter the reflected light. This reflected light from the base 216 is scattered to prevent the light from re-entering (or to reduce the amount of light that re-enters or change the direction of the light that re-enters) the light guide 1102 to form a portion of the output light beam 1324 for detection by an external light detector 1702 provided by the humidification unit 102. The angled surface of the indented portion 1312 is angled so that the light is scattered away and does not enter the light guide 1102, or if the light enters the light guide 1102, the light may be scattered within the light guide 1102 at an angle away from the light detector 1702. Scattering stray light in this manner advantageously reduces the likelihood that the detector 1702 will pick up light reflected from the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 as falsely indicating that the humidification chamber 200 is empty when it is not. This improves the accuracy of light intensity detection and water level sensing.

[0466] Fig. 15B A perspective view of the light guide 1102 is illustrated showing the front face 1502 of the light guide. Fig. 15C Another perspective view of the light guide 1102 is illustrated showing the rear face 1510 of the light guide. Fig.15DA side view of the light guide 1102 is illustrated showing one of the opposing angled portions 1306. In one embodiment, the thickness (T l ) and the thickness of the angled portion (T a ) are the same.

[0467] Fig.15E A front view of the light guide 1102 (which shows the front face 1502), a bottom view of the light guide 1102 (which shows the underside of the light guide 1102), and an inverted rear view of the light guide 1102 (which shows the rear face 1502) are illustrated. Fig.15E As more clearly shown in the bottom view of FIG. 1 , the serrated portion 1312 includes a plurality of downwardly facing edges 1506. Fig. 15B and 15E As more clearly shown, each angled portion 1306 also includes a corresponding downwardly facing edge 1504. Fig.15E , the downward facing edge 1506 of the serrated portion 1312 and the downward facing edge of the opposite angled portion 1306 are generally aligned between each of the three views. It can be seen that the downward facing edge 1506 of the serrated portion 1312 is arranged in a different orientation than each downward facing edge 1504 of the corresponding angled portion 1306. In other words, each downward facing edge 1504 of the corresponding angled portion 1306 is not parallel to any of the downward facing edges 1506 of the serrated portion 1312 (i.e., the downward facing edge 1506 of the serrated portion 1312 and the downward facing edge 1504 of the angled portion have different orientations). In one embodiment, the angle between the downward facing edge of the serrated portion 1312 and the downward facing edge of the corresponding angled portion 1306 is about 10° to 30°. Advantageously, the different orientations of the downward facing edges 1506, 1504 between the serrated portion 1312 and the opposite angled portion 1306 enable more effective scattering of light. In other embodiments, the downward facing edge 1506 of the serrated portion 1312 may be parallel to the downward facing edge 1504 of the angled portion 1306 .

[0468] Curved protrusions for collimating and / or focusing light

[0469] Fig.16 A first curved protrusion 1602 and a second curved protrusion 1604 for collimating light used with respect to the light guide 1102 of the humidification chamber 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The first curved protrusion 1602 and the second curved protrusion 1604 can be generally dome-shaped to provide a lens-like effect for collimating and focusing the input light beam 1322 and the output light beam 1324, respectively. In particular, the first curved protrusion 1602 can be provided to collimate the light from the external light source 1320 (see Fig.18 ) to propagate through the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102. Collimating the light from the light source 1320 increases the light intensity of the input light beam 1322 in the light guide 1102. Such collimation ensures that a substantial portion of the light emitted from the external light source / emitter 1320 enters the light guide 1102 as the input light beam 1322 and propagates through the entire length of the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 to contact a corresponding one of the angled portions 1306. This enables the collimated light rays in the input light 1322 to be reflected to the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 to propagate as the output light beam 1324 and be used to be detected by the optical sensor 1702 (see FIG. 17 ) when water is not present. Fig.25 ) for detection. The first curved protrusion 1602 can be located above the light guide 1102 and substantially aligned with the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102. In some embodiments, the first curved protrusion 1602 can be integral with the body 214 of the humidification chamber 200, located above the light guide 1102 and substantially aligned with the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102, such as Fig.16 shown.

[0470] In some embodiments, the second curved protrusion 1604 can be used in one or more embodiments to collimate the output light beam 1324 from the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 for detection by the detector 1702 (eg, Fig.25 In some embodiments, the second curved protrusion 1604 can be integral with the body 214 of the humidification chamber 200 , disposed above the light guide 1102 and substantially aligned with the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 .

[0471] In some embodiments, a first curved protrusion 1602 or a second curved protrusion 1604 may be provided. In these embodiments, the desired behavior of the input light beam 1322 and the output light beam 1324 as described above may still be achieved.

[0472] Fig.17A A top view of the humidification chamber 200 is shown. It can be seen that the first curved protrusion 1602 is positioned proximate to the entrance portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200. The input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 is positioned below / under the first curved protrusion 1602 (and therefore not visible from this top view). It can be seen that the second curved protrusion 1604 is positioned proximate to the exit portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200. The output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 is located below / under the second curved protrusion 1604 (and therefore not visible from this top view).

[0473] Light Source and Light Detector

[0474] Fig. 17BAnother top view of the humidification chamber 200 is shown. It can be seen that the external light source / emitter 1320 is positioned near the entrance portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200. The input side 1302 and the first curved protrusion 1602 of the light guide 1102 are located below / beneath the external light source / emitter 1320 (which is not visible from this top view). It can be seen that the receiver (optical sensor) 1702 is positioned near the exit portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200. The output side 1304 and the second curved protrusion 1604 of the light guide 1102 are located below / beneath the receiver 1702 (and therefore not visible from this top view). In an alternative embodiment, the external light source / emitter 1320 can be positioned near the exit portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 1702 can be positioned near the entrance portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200.

[0475] from Fig.17A , 17B The channel 402 between the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 of the fluid compartment 202, as well as the circular base 212 can be seen.

[0476] Fig.18 Example dimensions of the first curved protrusion 1602 are shown. The first curved protrusion 1602 can be spherical, parabolic, or any other suitable shape that helps to collimate light (e.g., IR light) emitted by the external light source 1320 (e.g., IR LED) through the light guide 1102. Parameters that affect the collimation of light may include: the distance (Lc) between the external light source 1320 and the first curved protrusion 1602, the angle (β) and light cone shape of the emitted light, the properties of the light guide 1102 (such as, but not limited to, the refractive index of the material made of the light guide 1102 (1.568 for polycarbonate)), the curvature of the first curved protrusion 1602, and the thickness (Tc) of the first curved protrusion 1602. In some embodiments, the external light source 1320 and the first curved protrusion 1602 can be concentrically aligned to promote uniform collimation of light. Alignment features can be provided (at Fig. 10A , Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig.27A , Fig.27B 1704 on the top surface of the humidification chamber 200 to help mechanically position a mating component (e.g., a protrusion for positioning within the recess 1704) on the sensor assembly 106 (see Fig.11A , 11B and Fig.25). The sensor assembly 106 can be provided by the humidification unit 102 for removably coupling to the humidification chamber 200. The sensor assembly can include any one or more of the external light source 1320 or the optical sensor 1702. In addition, when the sensor assembly is coupled to the humidification chamber 200, the vertical ribs 1002 (see Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B ) can guide the sensor assembly into position.

[0477] Curved surface of light guide

[0478] Fig.19A A partial top view illustrating the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 is shown. The light guide 1102 includes a pair of curved surfaces 1902 on opposite sides of the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 for redirecting light from the input beam 1322 into the light guide 1102. The curved surfaces 1902 can be viewed as curvatures (concave ridges) on either side of the light guide 1102. Although Fig.19A 1304 of the light guide 1102. On the output side 1304, the curved surface 1902 may help capture any stray light from the output beam 1324 and redirect it back into the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102 for propagation along the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102. If light is incident on the curved surface 1902 at an angle less than the critical angle of the light guide 1102 material, reflection may occur. Fig.16 As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , each curved surface 1902 defines an elongated protrusion having a longitudinal direction extending along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 1102. The elongated protrusion may taper along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 1102. The elongated protrusion is also referred to herein as a tapered protrusion.

[0479] Fig.19B An input light beam originating from an external light source 1320 is shown propagating downwardly as a circular boundary to the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102. Light rays represented by the fourth circle 1321 from the center may be incident on the curved surface 1902 and reflected back into the light guide 1102. Light rays represented by the inner three circles 1323 may pass through the first curved protrusion 1602 (not shown), or travel directly downwardly to the input side 1302 of the light guide 1102 in embodiments where the first curved protrusion is not provided.

[0480] Fig.21 The interaction between light and the curved surface 1902 is shown. Fig.21It can be seen that the curved surface 1902 allows any light incident on the curved surface at an incident angle to be reflected back into the light guide 1102 at a reflection angle. Therefore, the curved surface 1902 promotes the focusing of light to increase the light intensity of the corresponding input light beam 1322 or output light beam 1324. Therefore, the loss of light intensity can be minimized by such a curved surface 1902. It should be understood that maintaining a symmetrical / straight light guide 1102 can also improve the accuracy and reliability of liquid level sensing. In fact, any bend in the light guide 1102 may affect total internal reflection, preventing it from occurring within the light guide 1102. The tapered structure defined by each curved surface 1902 can also provide structural rigidity to the light guide 1102. For example, the tapered protrusion 1902 can promote the prevention of warping of the light guide 1102 after molding. For the same reason, the tapered protrusion 1902 can also be provided along the output side 1304 of the light guide 1102. In one or more embodiments, other ribs may also be present to provide structural integrity in combination with or in place of the tapered protrusion.

[0481] In embodiments where the humidification chamber 200 includes two light guides 2302, 2304, each light guide 2302, 2304 may have a pair of curved surfaces 1902. Each curved surface 1902 may be disposed on opposing faces of the respective light guide 2302, 2304. Fig. 20 A top view of a pair of light guides 2302, 2304 is shown, wherein each light guide 2302, 2304 includes two pairs of curved surfaces 1902. One pair of curved surfaces 1902 is provided along the input side 1302 of the respective light guide 2302, 2304, and another pair of curved surfaces 1902 is provided along the output side 1304 of the respective light guide 2302, 2304. For each pair of curved surfaces 1902, each curved surface 1902 is disposed on opposing faces of the light guide 2302, 2304. In one or more embodiments, the curved surfaces 1902 of each pair of curved surfaces are aligned with each other. Each of the one or more curved surfaces 1902 defines an elongated protrusion having a longitudinal direction extending along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 1102. The elongated protrusion may taper along the longitudinal direction (see Figures 23A to 23B ).

[0482] Although Fig. 20 The curved surface 1902 on the right side of the figure is shown as being smaller than the other curved surfaces 1902, but it will be understood that all curved surfaces 1902 may be the same size in some embodiments, or may be different sizes in some embodiments.

[0483] Positioning of light guides

[0484] Fig. 22The position of the light guide 1102 relative to the fluid compartment 202 is shown. In one embodiment, the light guide 1102 is substantially located at or near the central axis 2202 of the fluid compartment 202. The central axis 2202 of the fluid compartment 202 refers to an axis passing through the centroid or geometric center of the fluid compartment 202. In embodiments where the fluid compartment 202 has a generally circular base, the central axis 2202 may intersect the axis of rotation. Such central positioning of the light guide 1102 allows for effective level sensing even if the fluid compartment 202 is tilted within an expected range (e.g., up to 20 degrees) during use. In one embodiment, the light guide 1102 is located within a radius (shown as 2204) of about 10 mm from the approximate center of the fluid compartment 202 through which the central axis 2202 passes. In one embodiment, the inner diameter (shown as 2206) of the fluid compartment 202 is approximately 100 mm to 115 mm, and optionally 108 mm.

[0485] Two light guides in the humidification chamber

[0486] exist Fig.23A In the illustrated embodiment, the humidification chamber 200 shows two light guides 2302, 2304. The first light guide 2302 is longer than the second light guide 2304. Each of the light guides 2302, 2304 may include any one or more of the features of the light guide 1102 as previously described herein.

[0487] The first light guide 2302 is configured to detect a minimum level of a fluid (i.e., a liquid such as water) in the fluid compartment 202. The second light guide 2304 is configured to detect a maximum level of a fluid (i.e., a liquid such as water) in the fluid compartment 202. An overfilled fluid compartment 202 poses a safety hazard because there is a risk that water escapes through the outlet portion 208 and subsequently reaches the patient 16. Low level sensing is also important to avoid delivering insufficiently humidified gas (e.g., air) to the patient 16. When a low water level is detected within the fluid compartment 202, the clinician may be notified to manually refill the fluid compartment 202 with water (or any other suitable liquid). Such refilling may be performed by delivering water (or any other suitable liquid) from a source (e.g., a water bottle / liquid bottle) through the optionally inlet portion 204 (which has a straight connector 802) or the outlet portion 208. Low level sensing may be useful in systems where there is no external water source (e.g., a water bag) to supply water into the chamber to replenish the water level. In such a system without an external water source, the water supply in fluid compartment 202 is the only source of water available for humidification of the gas until refilling is required.

[0488] In one embodiment, the first light guide 2302 may have a length of about 40 mm and the second light guide 2304 may have a length of about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the distance between the first light guide 2302 and the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 is about 2 mm to 10 mm, 4 mm to 8 mm, or 5 mm to 7 mm, or more specifically 5 mm, 6 mm, or 7 mm.

[0489] Fig. 23B A perspective view of two light guides 2302, 2304 is shown. Fig. 23B As shown more clearly in FIG. 7 , ribs 706 extending between the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304 may be provided to increase the stiffness of the two light guides 2302 , 2304 .

[0490] like Fig.23A and 23B As shown, the serrated portion 1312 is provided at the distal end 1310 of the first light guide 2302 for scattering light as previously described. In alternative embodiments, the serrated portion 1312 may also be provided at the distal end 1310 of the second light guide 2304. In some embodiments, it may not be necessary to provide the serrated portion 1312 on the second light guide 2304 because the distal end 1310 of the second light guide 2304 is further away from the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200, and any light reflected from the base 216 of the humidification chamber 200 is unlikely to be incident on the distal end 1310 of the second light guide 2304.

[0491] It should be understood that any suitable portion that provides an uneven surface between the opposing angled portions 1306 may be used to achieve the same effect of scattering stray light as the serrated portion 1312. In an alternative embodiment, the serrated portion 1312 may be replaced by an intermediate portion having an uneven / concave / convex surface disposed between the opposing angled portions 1306 at the distal end of the at least one light guide 1102. The uneven surface has an irregular surface finish that serves to scatter light, similar to the function of the serrated portion 1312 as described above. The uneven surface may be achieved by shot peening the manufacturing tool or by directly etching or denting the surface.

[0492] like Fig.24As shown in , the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304 can be centered on the central axis 2402 of the fluid compartment 202. The central axis 2402 of the fluid compartment 202 refers to the rotation axis passing through the center of mass of the fluid compartment 202. In one embodiment, the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304 are located within a radius (shown as 2204) of about 10 mm from the approximate center of the fluid compartment 202, through which the central axis 2402 passes. This configuration advantageously allows effective water level sensing even when the humidification chamber 200 is tilted. The circular humidification chamber 200 advantageously provides uniform tilt performance when the chamber is tilted. Generally, the central positioning of the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304 is optimal for reducing the effect of tilt on effective liquid level sensing. In an exemplary embodiment, tilt angles exceeding 20° will have little or no effect on the effective liquid level sensing of the humidification chamber 200.

[0493] Fig.25 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the humidification chamber 200, which shows the behavior of the liquid in the fluid compartment 202 if the humidification chamber 200 is to be tilted at 20°. Fig.25 In the situation shown, the second light guide 2304 is not in contact with the liquid 2502 in the fluid compartment 202. Therefore, the light from the external light source 1320 will undergo total internal reflection 1326 in the second light guide 2304. Thus, an output light beam 1324 will be detected by the light detector 1702 for the second light guide 2304, indicating that the liquid level is below the maximum value. The first light guide 2302 is in contact with the liquid 2502 in the fluid compartment 202. Therefore, a refraction of the input light beam 1322 occurs in the first light guide 2302 and no output light beam 1324 or an output light beam with a light intensity below a predetermined threshold value (less than 40% of the light intensity of the input light beam 1322) will be detected at the detector 1702 for the first light guide 2302, indicating that the liquid level is above the minimum value.

[0494] In some embodiments, the second light guide 2304 can be located near the inlet 222 or outlet 224 of the humidification chamber 200. In these embodiments, the maximum level indicator can be triggered when the humidification chamber 200 is tilted. In some embodiments, the first light guide 2302 can also be located near the inlet 222 or outlet 224.

[0495] The tilt performance of the humidification chamber 200 is Fig.26A and 26B Further shown in . Fig.26A A humidification chamber 200 is shown having two light guides 2302, 2304 located substantially in the center of the fluid compartment 202. The liquid 2702 is in contact with the first light guide 2302 but not with the second light guide 2304. Fig.26B Shows that Fig.26ADue to the substantially central positioning of the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304, the tilt has very little or no effect on the liquid level sensing of the humidification chamber 200. Fig.26B As shown, despite the tilt, the liquid 2702 remains in contact with the first light guide 2302 but not in contact with the second light guide 2304. Fig.26A and 26B The illustrated humidification chamber 200 will detect liquid levels between a maximum level and a minimum level regardless of tilt.

[0496] Fig.27A A top view of a humidification chamber 200 is shown having a first pair of curved protrusions 1602 positioned proximate to an entrance portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200, with each curved protrusion 1602 positioned above a respective one of a first light guide 2302 and a second light guide 2304. The input side 1302 of the first light guide 2302 and the input side 1302 of the second light guide 2304 are positioned below / under the respective curved protrusion 1602 (and therefore not visible from this top view).

[0497] It can be seen that the second pair of curved protrusions 1604 are positioned proximate to the exit portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200, with each curved protrusion 1604 of the second pair of curved protrusions being positioned at the top of a respective one of the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304. The output side 1304 of the first light guide 2302 and the output side 1304 of the second light guide 2304 are positioned below / under the second pair of curved protrusions 1604 (and therefore not visible from this top view). The first pair of curved protrusions 1602 and the second pair of curved protrusions 1604 are positioned in the same manner as previously described with reference to FIG. Figures 16 to 18 The same approach facilitates light collimation of input light beam 1322 and output light beam 1324, respectively.

[0498] Fig.27B Another top view of the humidification chamber 200 is shown, in which two light guides 2302, 2304 are provided. Two external light sources / emitters 1320 may be provided by the sensor assembly for positioning near the entrance portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200 and above the respective input side of each of the two light guides 2302, 2304. Two detectors (optical sensors) 1702 may be provided by the sensor assembly for positioning near the exit portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200 and above the respective output side of each of the two light guides 2302, 2304.

[0499] In various embodiments, the light source 1320, the optical sensor 1720, the first curved protrusion 1602, and the second curved protrusion 1604 may be provided by the humidification chamber 200, either individually or in various integrated combinations. In some embodiments, the first curved protrusion 1602 and the second curved protrusion 1604 may not be provided. In addition, in one or more embodiments, there may be one or more external light sources 1320 and optical sensors 1702 for each light guide 1102, or there may be a single external light source 1320 and a single optical sensor 1702 for multiple light guides (e.g., there may be a single external light source 1320 and a single optical sensor 1702 for both the first light guide 2302 and the second light guide 2304). In one embodiment, the external light source 1320 and the optical sensor 1702 may be provided as a single removably coupled component that is configured to interact with the light guides 1102 or 2302, 2304 of the humidification chamber 200.

[0500] Deflectors for light guides

[0501] like Figures 2B to 5B As shown in , in various embodiments including at least one light guide, the deflector 218 can be configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas from the inlet 222 toward the light guide 1102, or the light guides 2302, 2304. In use, condensation may accumulate on the light guides 1102, 2302, 2304. The accumulation of condensation may affect the propagation of the input and / or output light beams 1322, 1324 along the light guides 1102, 2302, 2304, thereby undesirably affecting the accuracy and reliability of liquid level sensing within the humidification chamber 200. Directing the incoming flow 206 of gas to flow on the light guides 1102, 2302, 2304 can disperse and reduce the accumulation of condensation on the light guides 1102, 2302, 2304, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of liquid level detection. It will be appreciated that configuring the deflector 218 to deflect any portion of the incoming flow 206 of gas to the light guide 1102 (without any intervening structure) will facilitate minimizing condensation on the light guide 1102 .

[0502] Possible advantages of the humidification chamber 200 include using the humidification chamber 200 for a reasonable period of time (up to 4 hours) without refilling while delivering sufficient humidity at a high flow rate (e.g., 30 mg / L for a flow rate of 70 L / min), thereby avoiding the need to refill the chamber too frequently. This is useful because it can allow the clinician to focus on their patient 16 without the distraction of frequently having to refill the humidification chamber 200. Another possible advantage of such a humidification chamber 200 is that the light-transmissive nature of the humidification chamber 200 material allows the clinician to visually confirm the liquid level in the liquid compartment 202.

[0503] Furthermore, since the humidification chamber 200 as described in one or more aspects / embodiments above has a simple configuration and can be manufactured as a single piece without moving parts, a cost-effective humidification chamber 200 having an effective liquid level sensing capability may be provided.

[0504] Kits

[0505] Fig.28 A kit 2600 is shown that includes a humidification chamber 200 according to any of the embodiments described herein. The kit 2600 may include an inlet gas flow conduit 2604 for connecting to the inlet portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200. The inlet gas flow conduit 2604 for gas is configured to deliver gas from a flow source 12 to the inlet portion 204 of the humidification chamber 200. The kit 2600 may also include an output gas flow conduit 14 for connecting to the outlet portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200. The output gas flow conduit 14 is configured to deliver humidified gas from the outlet portion 208 of the humidification chamber 200 to a patient interface on a patient 16. The kit 2600 may further include a patient interface, such as a nasal cannula 15. The nasal cannula 15 may be unsealed. In an alternative embodiment, the patient interface may be a sealed patient interface, such as a nasal pillow or a mask.

[0506] In one embodiment, the kit 2600 may further include a filter 2608. In some embodiments, the filter 2608 may be integral with the nasal cannula 15. In other embodiments, the filter 2608 may be removably coupled to the nasal cannula 15. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula 15 may include the filter 2608.

[0507] Elevated channel

[0508] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the humidification chamber 3000 is Figures 29 to 39 Shown in. Figures 29 to 39 Similar features in the humidification chamber 3000 refer to those previously described. Similar to the previous embodiments described above, the humidification chamber 3000 includes a fluid compartment 202 for containing a fluid such as a liquid (e.g., water) and / or a gas (e.g., oxygen), an inlet portion 204 defining an inlet 222 of the fluid compartment 204 to allow an inlet flow 206 of gas to enter the fluid compartment 202, and an outlet portion 208 defining an outlet 224 of the fluid compartment 202 to allow an outflow 210 of gas to leave the fluid compartment 202.

[0509] As in Figure 29 to Figure 30 As more clearly seen in FIG. 3 , the humidification chamber 3000 also includes a passage 402 extending between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. Fig.30402, the channel 402 can directly connect the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. Thus, in the particular embodiment shown, the channel 402 is configured to provide a direct path for airflow traveling from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224. In some alternative embodiments, the channel can extend generally between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 without directly connecting the inlet 222 and the outlet 224, while still achieving a reduction in the residence time of the airflow traveling between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. It should be understood that the reduction in residence time is relative to a similar humidification chamber without the channel 402.

[0510] Typically, the configuration of the humidification chamber 3000 with the passage 402 optimizes (or in other words adjusts) the residence time of the airflow passing between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 to achieve the desired humidity range. Further adjustment of the residence time can be achieved via a deflector as described in various embodiments of the humidification chamber herein.

[0511] Advantageously, the structure and construction of the passage 402 directly connecting the inlet and outlet provides a substantially unobstructed path (passage) for direct communication of airflow from the inlet 222 to the outlet 224. Fig.31 As further shown, the opening of the inlet 222 can be located within a recess in the body of the channel 402 at one end of the channel 402. Similarly, the opening of the outlet 224 can be located within a recess in the body of the channel 402 at the opposite end of the channel 402. In this embodiment, the channel 402 enhances the movement of the gas flow by providing a direct connection between the inlet 222 opening and the outlet 224 opening to provide a direct path between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224. The configuration of the channel 402 and the connection formed between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 can provide seamless and unimpeded transfer of gas from the inlet to the outlet to provide optimal humidity for the output flow 210 of gas at a desired flow rate.

[0512] In some embodiments, the inlet 222 can be partially located within the recess of the channel 402, completely located within the recess, or completely located outside the recess. Similarly, the outlet 224 can be partially located within the recess of the channel 402, completely located within the recess, or completely located outside the recess.

[0513] like Fig.29As shown, the channel 402 can be positioned above the fluid compartment 202 at the top portion (e.g., top wall 602) of the humidification chamber 3000. More specifically, the fluid compartment 202 can include a substantially circular base 212, a top wall 602, and a peripheral wall (also referred to herein as a side wall or peripheral sidewall) 305 extending between the base 212 and the top wall 602. In this way, the internal volume of the fluid compartment 202 can be defined by the base 212, the peripheral sidewall 305, and the top wall 602. More specifically, the internal volume of the fluid compartment 202 can be defined by the base 212, the peripheral sidewall 305, and the generally horizontal plane occupied by the top wall 602. As previously described, the fluid compartment 202 can contain any suitable liquid and / or gas. Figure 29 to Figure 42 In the particular embodiment described, the fluid compartment 202 is generally considered to be distinct from the channel 402, and the recess of the channel 402 is considered to increase the overall internal volume of the humidification chamber 3000 by increasing the overall internal volume of the fluid compartment 202. Generally, the internal volume of the channel 402 is smaller than the internal volume of the fluid compartment 202.

[0514] like Fig.29 As shown, the channel 402 extends outward from the top portion of the humidification chamber 3000. Advantageously, the channel 402 extending outward from the top portion of the humidification chamber 3000 can provide the humidification chamber 3000 with at least a certain volume of space that enables air flow to pass between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 even when the fluid compartment 202 is completely filled with liquid (e.g., water).

[0515] Because the channel 402 is located above the fluid compartment 202 and extends outwardly from the top wall 602, water can be prevented from filling the entire recess of the channel 402 during use (e.g. Fig.30 35). Thus, the channel 402 forms a passageway whereby airflow from the inlet 222 can efficiently move to the outlet 224 even when the fluid compartment 202 is filled with water to a theoretical maximum.

[0516] In practice, it will be understood that the humidification chamber 3000 is not filled to the theoretical maximum value in use. In particular, the humidification chamber 3000 may have a functional liquid capacity of about 400ml, or more specifically about 250ml to 350ml. The functional liquid capacity of the humidification chamber 3000 is less than the theoretical maximum liquid capacity. It should be understood that "functional liquid capacity" as used herein refers to the actual or available or safe amount of liquid that the humidification chamber can accommodate. This means that considering the various constraints or limitations of the humidification chamber in its application, the functional liquid capacity is the amount of liquid that can be effectively stored in the internal volume of the humidification chamber. In other words, it refers to the available actual capacity of the humidification chamber, contrary to its theoretical or maximum liquid capacity, which may not be practically or safely achieved in use.

[0517] In particular, the humidification chamber 3000 may provide indicia (e.g., lines) across the fluid compartment 202 to indicate the functional fluid capacity of the humidification chamber 3000. The indicia may indicate a recommended functional fluid capacity to provide effective or optimal humidification performance for a particular use case involving a particular process and / or having a particular duration during which humidification is required.

[0518] In some examples, the internal volume of the humidification chamber 3000 can be about 400mL to 500mL. Typically, the internal volume of the humidification chamber 3000 can be 450mL. In these humidification chambers 3000, the functional liquid capacity can be about 250ml to 350ml. Therefore, in some embodiments, the ratio of the functional liquid capacity of the humidification chamber 300 to the total internal volume of the humidification chamber can be about (250 to 350ml): (400 to 500ml), or more specifically about 250:450ml.

[0519] The functional liquid capacity can be determined based on the limitations or constraints of various actual use cases. For example, the humidification chamber 3000 can be subjected to a "tilt test" to determine the maximum fluid capacity when the humidification chamber 3000 is tilted to a predetermined degree (e.g., the displacement angle of the humidification chamber 3000 relative to the horizontal can be a predetermined value or a predetermined value range) and the liquid does not flow into or pass through the opening of the inlet 222 and / or the outlet 224. In some embodiments, the maximum fluid capacity determined by the "tilt test" can guide the determination of the functional liquid capacity of the humidification chamber 3000. The tilt test can also indicate the safe amount of liquid in the humidification chamber 3000 to provide a patient safety liquid level, thereby ensuring that when the humidification chamber 3000 is subjected to an angular displacement of a predetermined angle, the liquid does not flow out of the humidification chamber 3000 and flow into the gas inlet gas flow conduit or the gas outlet gas flow conduit.

[0520] Due to the specific configuration of the inlet 222 and outlet 224 openings combined with the elevated channel 402 as described above, the functional fluid capacity of the humidification chamber 3000 can be increased when compared to a humidification chamber without a channel 402 or a humidification chamber with a blocked channel 402. Figures 29 to 39 The humidification chamber 3000 of the embodiment shown in can enable a larger amount of liquid to be contained in the humidification chamber 3000 while preventing the liquid from entering or flowing into the inlet 222 and / or the outlet 224, thereby satisfying the "tilt test". This increased capacity can allow the liquid in the humidification chamber 3000 to last longer in use. In some examples, the humidification chamber 3000 can be used to provide humidification for medical procedures having a duration of about 10 minutes to 4 hours without the need to refill or top up the humidification chamber 3000 with water. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 3000 can be used for multiple medical procedures before the humidification chamber 3000 must be refilled with water.

[0521] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 402 is curved and generally follows the curvature of the peripheral sidewall 305 of the fluid compartment 202. In particular, a portion of the channel 402 follows the contour of the peripheral sidewall 305 of the fluid compartment 202, such that a portion of the sidewall 302 of the channel 402 is flush with and forms a portion of the peripheral sidewall 305 ( Fig.29 ). In other words, the channel 402 extends outwardly from the boundary of the fluid chamber 202 defined by the top wall 602 and the peripheral side wall 305.

[0522] like Fig.30 35, the channel 402 and the fluid compartment 202 form a single continuous internal volume to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel 402 and the fluid compartment 202. In addition, the channel 402 is continuous and provides a substantially uninterrupted path for the flow of gas from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224 ( Fig.30 ). In other words, the channel has no barriers (or other structures) that prevent the gas from flowing freely from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224.

[0523] 33, the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 are in direct fluid communication with the channel 402. Furthermore, the direct fluid communication between the inlet 222, the outlet 224, and the channel 402 is formed above a generally horizontal plane defined by the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202.

[0524] Advantageously, the channel 402 effectively increases the total internal volume of the humidification chamber 3000 and provides direct fluid communication between the inlet 222 and the outlet 224 to facilitate the movement of the airflow from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224. The channel 402 also reduces the residence time of the airflow from the inlet 222 to the outlet 224 (when compared to a humidification chamber without the channel 402). In this embodiment, the water usage rate can be reduced (when compared to a humidification chamber without the channel 402), thereby making the humidification chamber 3000 particularly suitable for medical procedures with specific humidity requirements and a specific range of average durations. For example, for medical procedures with an average duration of approximately 10 to 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 3000 is particularly suitable for medical procedures with an average duration of up to 4 hours. Typically, the humidification chamber 3000 is particularly suitable for medical procedures with an average duration of 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

[0525] In some embodiments, the output flow 210 of gas can have an absolute humidity of about 10 mg / L to 45 mg / L. The output flow 210 of gas can have a relative humidity of about 10% to 100%, or about 80% to 100%, or about 100%. The predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source can be about 5 L / min to about 90 L / min, or about 10 L / min to about 70 L / min, or about 40 L / min to about 70 L / min.

[0526] In some embodiments, the predetermined flow rate of the gas flow provided by the flow source can be 70 L / min, and the output flow 210 of gas can have an absolute humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L and a relative humidity of about 80% to 100%.

[0527] In some embodiments, when the airflow provided by the flow source has a flow rate of about 70 L / min, the humidified airflow can have a humidity of about 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L. In some embodiments, when the airflow provided by the flow source has a flow rate of about 70 L / min, the humidified airflow can have a humidity of about 30 mg / L.

[0528] Although in Figure 29 to Figure 42 In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 402 occupies approximately half of the top 213 of the humidification chamber 3000 , but it should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the channel 402 may occupy less than half or more than half of the top 213 of the humidification chamber 3000 .

[0529] In some alternative embodiments, the channel 402 may extend outwardly from the peripheral sidewall 305 of the humidification chamber 3000 .

[0530] In addition, channel 402 may be Fig.29 and 30 The channel 402 may be substantially C-shaped or U-shaped as shown. Alternatively, the channel 402 may have one or more angled corners. The cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 402 may be uniform over the entire length of the channel, or may be variable along the length of the channel.

[0531] Partially enclosed deflector

[0532] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 3000 may further include a deflector 3004 configured to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas from the inlet portion 204 through the channel 402 toward the outlet portion 208. It should be understood that in some applications, it may be desirable to provide the humidification chamber 3000 without a deflector. For example, the humidification chamber 3000 may include a fluid compartment and a channel 402 without a deflector 3004 at the inlet 222. In other applications, it may be desirable to provide a deflector 3004 at the inlet 222 without a channel 402. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide the humidification chamber 3000 with both a channel 402 and a deflector 3004.

[0533] The specific combination of features including either or both of the channel 402 and the deflector 3004 will generally depend on the requirements of the specific medical procedure. For example, each of the channel 402 and the deflector 3004 can be used to direct the gas flow from the inlet 222 to the outlet 224, thereby reducing the humidity level in the output flow 210 of the gas, and thus reducing the water usage of the humidifier (when compared to a chamber without a channel or deflector). As will be appreciated, different medical procedures will have different durations and different requirements for the humidity and flow rate of the gas flow delivered to the patient. As such, the humidification chamber 3000 can be flexibly designed with either or both of the channel 402 and the deflector 3004 for different medical procedure applications.

[0534] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-35 , the deflector 3004 is located directly below the inlet 222 and is partially enclosed (as best shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ). In other words, the deflector 3004 is generally shaped like a spoon. Generally, the partially enclosed deflector 3004 can act as an extension of the inlet 222 to direct / guide the incoming flow 206 of gas to the passage 402, such that a large amount of gas flow is directed from the inlet 222 to the outlet 224 via the passage 402.

[0535] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-35 , the deflector 3004 includes a lower portion 3006 and a rear portion 3008 extending partially around the perimeter of the lower portion 3006. Although the lower portion 3006 is shown as being substantially flat, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the lower portion can be curved or irregularly shaped. In addition, the lower portion 3006 (e.g., if flat) can extend at any suitable angle relative to the inner top surface 3005 of the humidification chamber 3000. For example, the lower portion 3006 can be offset from the inner top surface 3005 of the humidification chamber 3000 and generally parallel thereto.

[0536] 35, the deflector 3006 defines an open side 3010 opposite the rear portion 3008, which defines a closed side 3012 of the deflector 3006. The open side 3010 of the deflector 3004 faces the passage 402 to direct the incoming flow 206 of gas from the inlet portion 204 into or near the passage 402. It will be appreciated that similar features of the deflector 3006 refer to those previously described.

[0537] It should be understood that a partially enclosed deflector 3006 can also be used in a humidification chamber without a channel 402. The direction of the incoming flow 206 of gas can be directed by the orientation of the deflector 3004 and its open side 3010. In addition, any suitable shape, location, and configuration of the channel can be provided. In some embodiments, the channel can extend from different areas of the top portion of the humidification chamber, from a portion of the peripheral side wall of the humidification chamber, or a combination thereof.

[0538] like Fig.36 and 37 3000, the inlet 222 and the inlet portion 204 are spaced / offset from the inlet adjacent wall portion 304. In this embodiment, the inlet flow 206 of gas entering the fluid compartment of the chamber 3000 is generally offset from the inlet adjacent wall portion 304. In some humidification chambers where the inlet 222 is not offset from the inlet adjacent wall portion 304, the inlet flow 206 of gas can travel in a direction along or tangential to the inner surface of the inlet adjacent wall portion 304.

[0539] like Fig.30 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 36 and 37 , the channel 402 may be integrally formed with the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 208 , so that the fluid may flow through the inlet 222 , the channel 402 and the outlet 224 seamlessly.

[0540] Fluid guiding member at the outlet

[0541] According to another embodiment, the humidification chamber 8000 can be as follows Figure 73 to Figure 75 In the humidification chamber 8000, similar features refer to those previously described, for example, with respect to Figures 29 to 39 Humidification chamber 3000 is shown.

[0542] Furthermore, the humidification chamber 8000 can include a flow directing member 8002 adjacent to the outlet 224 to direct the general flow of gas (eg, from the channel 402 ) into the outlet portion 208 via the outlet 224 .

[0543] The fluid guiding member 8002 may take any suitable form. Fig.73 and Fig.74In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid directing member 8002 is shaped like a spoon, similar to the partially enclosed deflector 3004. In particular, the fluid directing member 8002 includes a lower portion 8004 and a rear portion 8006 extending partially around the perimeter of the lower portion 8004. The lower portion 8004 can be flat or curved, disposed at any angle relative to the top wall 602 of the humidification chamber 8000, can be a regular or irregular shape, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the lower portion 8004 can be substantially parallel to the top wall 602 and offset therefrom. The fluid directing member 8002 is partially enclosed by the lower portion 8004 and the rear portion 8006. The open side of the fluid directing member 8002 opposite the rear portion 8006 receives the gas flow from the fluid compartment and in particular the channel 402, and directs the gas into the outlet 224. Typically, the open side of the fluid directing member 8002 faces the channel 402.

[0544] Typically, the fluid directing member 8002 is used to direct the overall flow of gas from the fluid compartment 202 and the channel 402 to the outlet portion 208 via the outlet 224. This arrangement can also be used to reduce the residence time of the airflow through the humidification chamber 8000 to facilitate the movement of the airflow from the inlet 222 toward the outlet 224. When used in combination with any one or more of the deflectors (e.g., deflectors 3004, 218) at the inlet 222, the channel 402, the fluid directing member 8002 can be provided to allow further variation and adjustment of the residence time of the airflow through the humidification chamber 8000 and the humidity of the output flow 210 of the gas, thereby adapting the humidification chamber 8000 to specific usage scenarios with specific program and / or time period requirements.

[0545] Alignment Features

[0546] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 3000 may further include a pair of guide members, such as parallel ribs 3016, 3018 (FIG. 32 to FIG. 34, Fig.36 , Fig.37 ) in the form of a humidifying chamber 3000 extending from the top wall 602 of the fluid chamber 202 to provide alignment between the humidification chamber 3000 and the sensor module (also referred to herein as a sensor assembly) 106.

[0547] In some embodiments, humidification chamber 3000 may be molded from plastic.

[0548] Alternative configurations for inlets and outlets

[0549] In some alternative embodiments of the humidification chamber, either or both of the inlet portion and the outlet portion may extend substantially vertically or horizontally from the fluid compartment. Fig.40 As shown, the humidification chamber 4000 includes the same Figures 29 to 39The humidification chamber 3000 is depicted in a similar manner as the inlet portion 4002 extending generally vertically. The humidification chamber 4000 also includes an outlet portion 4004 extending generally vertically on an opposite side of the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202.

[0550] In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 4000 may include a channel 402 extending between an inlet portion 4002 and an outlet portion 4004. In some embodiments, the channel 402 may be configured differently, or the humidification chamber 4000 may not include the channel 402. In addition, the humidification chamber may include a deflector according to any of the embodiments as described herein. Alternatively, the humidification chamber 4000 may not be provided with a deflector.

[0551] Another alternative embodiment of the humidification chamber 5000 is Fig.41 402. The inlet portion 5002 and the outlet portion 5004 of the humidification chamber 5000 extend generally horizontally relative to the upright position of the humidification chamber 5000. In this embodiment, the respective inlet and outlet (hidden) of the humidification chamber 5000 can be aligned with the channel 402 so that the incoming flow 206 of gas can be directed by the orientation of the inlet portion 5002 and the respective inlet to direct the gas flow into the channel 402 and to the outlet and outlet portion 5004, thereby generating the outgoing flow 210 of gas.

[0552] Another alternative embodiment of the humidification chamber 6000 is Fig.42 402. The inlet portion 6002 and the outlet portion 6004 of the humidification chamber 6000 both extend at an angle relative to the top wall 602 of the humidification chamber 5000. In this embodiment, the respective inlet and outlet (hidden) of the humidification chamber 6000 can be angled to direct at least a portion of the airflow into the channel 402 to achieve a target residence time of the airflow based on the requirements of a particular medical procedure.

[0553] In particular, the angle between the inlet portion 6002 and the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment may be between about 20° and 70°. More specifically, the inlet portion 6002 may extend at an angle of about 30° relative to the top wall 602 of the fluid compartment 202.

[0554] In alternative embodiments, the inlet portion 6002 can extend at an angle relative to the top 602 and the outlet portion 6004 can extend generally horizontally (or vertically), or vice versa. In addition, each of the inlet portion 6002 and the outlet portion 6004 can extend radially around a respective one of the inlet opening or the outlet opening in any suitable orientation, for example to provide a usability benefit.

[0555] When used in a humidification system, the horizontal or angled orientation of the respective inlet portions 5002, 6002 and outlet portions 5004, 6004 can facilitate connection to the respective inlet gas flow conduits and outlet gas flow conduits for the gases. As described in further detail below, embodiments of the humidification chamber as described herein can advantageously allow for elevated mounting of the humidifier in an overall system for providing respiratory support therapy. When such an elevated mounting position is achieved, the horizontal or angled orientation of the respective inlet portions 5002, 6002 and outlet portions 5004, 6004 can provide more ergonomic and convenient access when making conduit connections.

[0556] In some embodiments, the corresponding inlet and / or outlet gas flow conduits of the gas may be pre-attached to the corresponding inlet portion 5002, 6002 and / or outlet portion 5004, 6004 in the kit. In practice, the humidification chamber 4000, 5000, 6000 with the pre-attached conduit(s) may be slid into the humidification unit 102 in a single lateral movement, ready for use, thereby advantageously providing convenience and saving critical clinician time during the medical procedure setup.

[0557] As previously mentioned, the configuration of the humidification chamber described herein optimizes the humidity of the output flow of gases for a particular medical procedure.

[0558] System for providing respiratory support including a removably mounted humidifier

[0559] Fig.43 A system 7000 for providing respiratory support according to an embodiment of the utility model is shown, which includes an anesthesia machine (also known as an anesthesia workstation). The system 7000 includes an anesthesia machine 7002. Typically, the anesthesia machine 7002 can be configured to receive a gas supply (not shown) to deliver respiratory support to a patient through a pipeline connection known in the art. The gas supply may include one or more of an anesthetic gas (e.g., nitric oxide (NO)), oxygen (O2), and an air supply. The anesthesia machine 7002 includes a breathing circuit that delivers gas to the patient and returns exhaled gas to a rebreathing component of the anesthesia machine 7002.

[0560] One or more vaporizers 7030 convert volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane from liquids to vapors and control the introduction of these agents into the breathing circuit at precisely controlled concentrations and doses required by the user, typically an anesthesiologist clinician.

[0561] A ventilation system is integrated into the anesthesia machine 7002, which ventilates the patient during induction and after the administration of anesthetics to achieve continuous anesthesia. During induction when delivering volatiles and before the patient is intubated, a manual ventilation bag is typically used. The compliance of the ventilation bag enables the patient to inhale and exhale a fixed volume of gas through a sealed patient interface such as a mask. Once intubated, the ventilation mode is changed from manual to mechanical, effectively isolating the manual ventilation bag and the associated pressure relief valve from the rebreathing components so that ventilation occurs via a mechanical system. This can involve a crimpable bellows 7032 and / or an electronically actuated valve (under the control of a controller of the anesthesia machine), which controls the tidal volume and timing of the breath delivered to the patient through a sealed patient interface (e.g., in the form of an endotracheal tube or mask).

[0562] During certain medical procedures, high flow respiratory support (e.g., to provide oxygenation and / or CO2 clearance) may be provided to the patient to extend the safe apnea time. High flow respiratory support may be provided to the patient before, during, or after the delivery of a volatile anesthetic. High flow respiratory support may be provided to the patient before or during the procedure. Typically, the gas provided during high flow respiratory support is humidified, for example, to provide regulation of the patient's airway. Thus, when providing high flow respiratory support, it is typically desirable to mount a humidifier 7004 to the anesthesia machine 7002.

[0563] exist Fig.43 In the illustrated embodiment, the system 7000 further includes a humidifier 7004, which is mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 via a mounting assembly 7006. The construction of the mounting assembly 7006 will be described in further detail below. The humidifier 7004 includes a humidification unit 7010 and a humidification chamber 7008. The humidification unit 7010 can be used as previously described with reference to FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H The humidification units 102 described are the same or similar.

[0564] The humidification chamber 7008 can be a humidification chamber according to any of the embodiments described herein. In particular, the humidification chamber 7008 is a chamber that can be manually replenished. For example, Fig.44As shown, the humidification chamber 7008 can be manually filled with liquid (e.g., water) by pouring the liquid from the bottle 7012 into the fluid compartment 202 via the inlet portion 204. Alternatively, the humidification chamber 7008 can be manually filled by placing the humidification chamber 7008 under the faucet, so that the water from the faucet directly enters the fluid compartment 202 via the inlet portion 204. Typically, the humidification chamber 7008 is configured to operate without a connected external water source (such as a connected water bag). As previously described, the humidification chamber 7008 is optimized for use in certain medical procedures, such as having an average procedure duration of about 10 to 30 minutes or up to several hours. For these medical procedures, the construction of the humidification chamber 7008 can be optimized to deliver the airflow to the patient at the desired humidity range and flow range throughout the duration of the treatment without refilling. In some embodiments, the humidification chamber 7008 can be used to provide humidification without refilling for the duration of multiple procedures.

[0565] As discussed in further detail below, not having a connected external water source provides additional advantages associated with mounting the humidifier 7004 to the anesthesia machine 7002. In one example, a humidifier 7004 having a humidification chamber 7008 configured to operate without a connected external water source provides the humidifier 7004 with greater autonomy and freedom of movement and adjustment relative to the anesthesia machine 7002 without being hindered by an external water source connection.

[0566] In addition, the operator can have a greater degree of control over the amount of water added directly to the humidification chamber 7008. For example, the operator can optionally add less water to the humidification chamber 7008 to reduce the required warm-up time. Smaller, more controllable amounts of water may be more suitable for anesthesia procedures with an average duration of about 30 minutes to several hours. In a humidifier 7004 that is automatically filled to a predetermined level by an external water source, it may be difficult to achieve such a level that the operator can adjust. The absence of an externally connected water source (e.g., a water bag) also reduces plastic waste.

[0567] The inlet gas flow conduit 7034 (also referred to herein as the non-humidified gas conduit) can be connected to the inlet part of the humidification chamber 7008 for delivering the inlet flow 206 of gas to the humidification chamber 7008, and the outlet gas flow conduit 7036 (also referred to herein as the humidified gas conduit) can be connected to the outlet part of the humidification chamber 7008 for delivering the output flow 210 of humidified gas to the patient via the patient interface.

[0568] In some forms, the gas output flow conduit 7036 can be corrugated.

[0569] In some instances, the ridges and grooves of the corrugated gas output gas flow conduit 7036 include a series of annular ridges and grooves. In some forms, the ridges and grooves are spiral. Alternatively, the gas output gas flow conduit 7036 is formed by one or more spirally wound components. In some forms, the gas output gas flow conduit 7036 includes two or more spirally wound components. Optionally, the two or more spirally wound components include one or more of the following: an elongated hollow body, and an elongated structural component. In some forms, the elongated structural component includes a heating element, a sensing element, or both a heating element and a sensing element.

[0570] In some embodiments, the corrugation of the output gas flow conduit 7036 of gas can have an outer diameter between about 23mm and about 25mm, an inner diameter between about 20mm and about 21mm, and a pitch of about 4.5mm. However, in other embodiments (with or without corrugation), it is envisioned that these dimensions will change. For example, the inner diameter can be between about 10mm and 30mm, or between about 15mm and 25mm, or between 19mm to 25mm, or between 10mm to 15mm, or about 12mm. For embodiments with corrugation, the secondary inner diameter can be between 19-22mm, and the main inner diameter can be between 23-25mm. The pitch P can be between 3mm to 5mm, 3.5mm or 4.5mm. In some embodiments, the pitch can be between about 5 to 10mm, or about 7.5mm.

[0571] The length of the gas output gas flow conduit 7036 may also vary, for example, the length may be between 1 m and 3 m, between 1.5 m and 2.5 m, or 2.4 m.

[0572] In the system 7000, the breathing circuit from the inlet gas flow conduit 7034 of gas to the patient interface has a resistance to gas flow of 15-50 cmH2O at a selected gas flow rate, for example 70 L / min. In some forms, the breathing circuit from the inlet gas flow conduit 7034 of gas to the patient interface may have a resistance to gas flow of 30-45 cmH2O at a gas flow rate of 70 L / min. Optionally, the breathing circuit from the inlet gas flow conduit 7034 of gas to the patient interface may have a resistance to gas flow of about 25 cmH2O, or about 30 cmH2O, or about 40 cmH2O at a gas flow rate of 70 L / min.

[0573] In some embodiments, the gas inlet gas flow conduit assembly may include a predetermined length of the gas inlet gas flow conduit 7034 and one or more connectors located at each end of the gas inlet gas flow conduit 7034. Similarly, the gas output gas flow conduit assembly may include a predetermined length of the gas output gas flow conduit 7036 and one or more connectors located at each end of the gas output gas flow conduit 7036.

[0574] like Fig.45 As more clearly shown in FIG. 7 , humidification unit 7010 also includes a graphical user interface 7014 that provides a display module for visually displaying alarms and / or operating parameters related to the respiratory support provided via humidifier 7004. In some embodiments, the operating parameters may include high flow respiratory support parameters including any one or more of the following:

[0575] the temperature of the gas flow delivered to the patient,

[0576] The amount of air delivered to the patient,

[0577] the humidity of the airflow delivered to the patient,

[0578] the pressure of the gas flow delivered to the patient, and

[0579] The selected breathing support operating mode.

[0580] In some embodiments, the operating parameters may further include any one or more of the following:

[0581] temperature sensor readings received from one or more sensors mounted at or near the patient, at or near the humidification chamber 7008, and / or at or near the heater base 104 of the humidifier 7004,

[0582] voltage supply to the humidifier 7004, and

[0583] The power consumption of the heater base 104 of the humidifier 7004.

[0584] In some embodiments, graphical user interface 7014 may enable a user to select a respiratory support mode from a plurality of available high flow respiratory support modes, including any one or more of an anesthesia mode and a specific medical procedure related mode. In some embodiments, the respiratory support mode may also include an infant / pediatric mode and an adult mode. The anesthesia mode and the specific medical procedure related mode may be a subset of the adult mode.

[0585] In some embodiments, the humidifier can be configured to generate one or more alarms to warn the clinician. The alarm can be an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm in the form of a display message, and / or a graph, or a chart via a graphical user interface 7014. One or more alarms may include a fault alarm to indicate that one or more components in the system 7000 are not operating properly. For example, when various components of the system are not properly connected (e.g., a conduit is not properly connected to the inlet portion 204 or the outlet portion 208 of the humidification chamber 7004), or if one or more components of the system are faulty (e.g., a faulty sensor), a fault alarm may provide an indication. In addition, one or more alarms may include a liquid level alarm to indicate that the liquid level of the humidification chamber 7008 is below a minimum threshold.

[0586] The humidifier 7004 may be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 in any suitable manner. Fig.46 An exemplary mounting assembly 7006 is shown. The mounting assembly 7006 includes a mounting base 7016 for connecting to the anesthesia machine 7002 (e.g., via a rail of the anesthesia machine 7002). The mounting assembly 7006 also includes a pivotable arm 7018 having a first arm portion 7020 and a second arm portion 7022 pivotally mounted to the first arm portion 7020. At one end of the pivotable arm 7018, the arm 7018 is pivotally mounted to the mounting base 7016. At the opposite end of the pivotable arm 7018, the arm 7018 includes a sleeve 7026 for adjustably receiving a mounting post 7024 therein. The humidifier 7004 is mounted to the mounting post 7024. In order to adjust the height of the humidifier 7004 relative to the anesthesia machine 7002, the mounting position of the humidifier 7004 on the mounting post 7024 can be adjusted. Alternatively, the mounting post 7024 can slide within the sleeve 7026 to adjust the height of the humidifier 7004. In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted at or near the top portion of the mounting post 7024.

[0587] The mounting post 7024 can have any suitable length. In some embodiments, the mounting post can have a length of less than about 1 meter. In some embodiments, the mounting post can have a length of less than about 0.5 meters. In some embodiments, the mounting post can have a length of about 0.5 meters to 1 meter or about 0.3 meters to 0.8 meters.

[0588] In other embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted directly to a rail or other mounting portion of the anesthesia machine 7002 without a separate mounting assembly 7006. In these embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted closer to the anesthesia machine 7002, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the system 7000 and reducing the risk of tipping.

[0589] Advantageously, not having a connected water source (e.g., a water bag) allows the humidifier 7004 to be installed and lifted and positioned at a higher position in the system 7000, for example, compared to a humidifier that requires a connected water source to be positioned at a certain height above the humidifier in order to operate properly. The elevated position of the humidifier 7004 relative to the anesthesia machine 7002 provides many significant benefits, including enhanced visibility, accessibility, and operability of the humidification chamber 7008, and the humidifier unit 7010 includes a display module 7014. This can significantly improve the ability of clinicians to monitor and manage key operating parameters associated with the humidifier 7004 and the respiratory support provided in real time, particularly in time-critical medical procedures. In this way, the elevated arrangement of the humidifier 7004 not only optimizes the ergonomics of the humidifier, but also reduces the time required for clinicians to divert their attention from the patient to monitor key parameters and operate necessary instrument controls, thereby reducing surgical interruptions. These advantages can help to enhance clinical outcomes, reduce surgical time, and improve patient safety.

[0590] In addition, the elevated mounting position of the humidifier 7004 in the system 7000 brings the humidifier 7004 more in line with the controller and display monitor 7026 of the anesthesia machine 7002, which improves the clinician's workflow by consolidating all necessary equipment and controllers (e.g., flow meters for regulating flow associated with high-flow respiratory support) into a single accessible area that is conveniently located near or around waist height and at eye level. This elevation eliminates the need for the clinician to reach or search for instruments, controllers, or monitors scattered throughout the system 7000. Instead, with all key displays and controllers conveniently located near or around waist height and at eye level, the clinician gains seamless access to visualize and adjust key operating parameters of the system 7000 and the associated treatment provided to the patient, so as to facilitate operation in a more cohesive and coordinated manner.

[0591] In time-critical emergency procedures, the elevated mounting position of the humidifier 7004 can prove invaluable by significantly speeding up the installation process. As will be appreciated, it can be easier and faster to install the humidifier 7004 at an ergonomic and convenient height, and without an external water bag attached. In situations where properly installing a humidifier may take too long, the clinician may decide to proceed with the emergency procedure without the humidifier. In this way, providing a humidifier 7004 that is easy to use and easy to set up can significantly improve patient outcomes, especially in emergency situations.

[0592] Additionally, the elevated mounting position of the humidifier 7004 also reduces the required length of the mounting column 7024, further providing a more streamlined design, reducing the overall footprint and potential disruption within a workspace (e.g., an operating room or sedation suite).

[0593] The elevated mounting position of the humidifier 7004 also makes it easier and more ergonomic for an operator to manually fill the humidification chamber 7008, such as described herein with reference to Fig.44 In addition, the humidifier 7004 can be raised to a position closer to the patient. In addition, the raising of the humidifier 7004 can be closer to the center of mass of the anesthesia machine 7002, and removing the raised water bag filled with water further reduces the tipping risk of the system 7000.

[0594] In one embodiment, the humidifier 7004 is mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 via the mounting assembly 7006 such that the display module 7014 is greater than about 0.5 to 1 meter from the base of the anesthesia machine 7002 or from the floor. Fig.43 The reference numeral “h” in FIG. 7 represents the height of the display module 7014 relative to the base of the anesthesia machine 7002 .

[0595] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 is greater than approximately 0.7 to 1 meter (eg, "h" is greater than 0.7 to 1 meter) from the base or floor of the anesthesia machine.

[0596] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 is greater than about 0.7 meters from the base of the anesthesia machine or from the floor (eg, "h" is greater than 0.7 meters).

[0597] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 is less than about 1 meter from the base of the anesthesia machine or from the floor (eg, "h" is less than 1 meter).

[0598] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 so that the display module 7014 is greater than about 1 meter, or greater than about 1.1 meters, or greater than about 1.2 meters, or between about 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters from the base of the anesthesia machine or from the floor.

[0599] exist Fig.43 In the illustrated embodiment, the anesthesia machine 7002 includes a monitor 7026. The humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 of the humidifier 7004 is located generally below the monitor 7028 of the anesthesia machine 7002.

[0600] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 of the humidifier 7004 is generally flush with or above a top portion of the anesthesia machine 7002 .

[0601] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 is mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 such that the display module 7014 of the humidifier 7004 may be substantially flush with or above a top portion of the bellows 7032 .

[0602] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be mounted to the anesthesia machine 7002 so that the display module 7014 of the humidifier 7004 can be approximately flush with or below the patient's head (when the patient is lying in a hospital bed) or the head portion of the patient's hospital bed.

[0603] like Fig.43 As shown, the humidifier 7004 can be installed near the left side of the anesthesia machine 7002. In an alternative embodiment, the humidifier 7004 can be installed near the right side of the anesthesia machine 7002.

[0604] In some embodiments, the humidifier 7004 can be configured for high flow respiratory support. In particular, the system can also include a flow source for providing an airflow to the humidifier 7004, for example at a high flow rate. The predetermined flow rate of the airflow provided by the flow source can be about 10L / min to 70L / min. In one embodiment, the flow source can be separated from the anesthesia machine and independent of the anesthesia machine. A flow controller for controlling the flow rate of the airflow can be integrated with the anesthesia machine.

[0605] In another embodiment, the flow source may be integrated with and provided by an anesthesia machine.

[0606] In embodiments where a high flow module is incorporated into the anesthesia machine 7002, elevated mounting of the humidifier 7004 may position the humidifier 7004 closer to the high flow module, further improving user setup.

[0607] explain

[0608] This specification, including the claims, is intended to be interpreted as follows:

[0609] The embodiments or examples described in the specification are intended to illustrate the utility model, but not to limit its scope. The utility model can be implemented with various modifications and additions that are easy to think of by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the utility model is not limited to the precise construction and operation described or shown, but is only limited by the appended claims.

[0610] Furthermore, any features or elements described in one embodiment may be combined with any features or elements as described with respect to any other embodiment detailed within this specification as deemed appropriate and suitable by those skilled in the art.

[0611] Merely a method step or product element disclosed in the specification should not be construed as essential to the utility model claimed herein, unless it is explicitly stated as such in the claims or is explicitly recited.

[0612] Terms in the claims are given the broadest meanings they would be given by persons of ordinary skill in the art as of the relevant date.

[0613] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more".

[0614] Neither the title nor the abstract of this application should be considered to limit the scope of the claimed invention in any way.

[0615] Where the preamble of a claim lists an object, benefit or possible use of the claimed invention, the claimed invention is not limited to having only that object, benefit or possible use.

[0616] It should be noted that the degree terms used herein, such as "substantially", "approximately", and "approximately" refer to a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term so that the end result will not be significantly changed. If such deviation does not negate the meaning of the modified term, then these degree terms should be construed as including the deviation of the modified term.

[0617] Throughout the specification, including the claims, the term "comprise" and variations of the term such as "include" or "comprising" are used to mean "including but not limited to" unless expressly stated otherwise or unless context or usage requires an exclusive interpretation of the term.

[0618] Furthermore, the recitation of any numerical ranges recited herein by endpoints includes all values ​​and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It should also be understood that all values ​​and fractions thereof are considered to be modified by the term "about," meaning that a certain amount of variation up to the recited value may be present without significantly changing the end result.

[0619] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to mean an inclusive or. That is, "X and / or Y" means, for example, X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and / or Z" means X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0620] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same features described herein. Therefore, any instance of a feature or component being represented by the same reference numeral is meant to be directly related to a similar or identical feature or component previously described in the specification.

[0621] The disclosure of any document cited herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of the present disclosure, but only for the purpose of written description and enablement, and is in no way used to limit, define or otherwise interpret any term of the present application, where the present application would not be unable to provide a definable meaning without such incorporation by reference. Any incorporation by reference does not itself constitute any endorsement or approval of any statement, opinion or argument contained in any incorporated document.

Claims

1. A humidification chamber, characterized in that: The humidification chamber comprises: a fluid compartment for containing a fluid; an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment; an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment; and A deflector is configured to direct an incoming flow of the gas from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion.

2. The humidification chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The deflector is located adjacent the inlet portion.

3. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the outlet and away from a sidewall portion of the fluid compartment adjacent the inlet.

4. The humidification chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid compartment comprises: base, and a peripheral sidewall extending around the periphery of the base, the peripheral sidewall including an inlet adjacent wall portion, the inlet adjacent wall portion being the portion of the peripheral sidewall having a minimum spatial separation from the inlet, Wherein the deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet away from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

5. The humidification chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that The peripheral side wall further comprises a front wall portion which is a forwardly facing portion of the peripheral side wall when the humidification chamber is in use, wherein the deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion.

6. The humidification chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that The deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet towards the front wall portion in a direction parallel to a tangential plane of the inlet adjacent wall portion.

7. The humidification chamber according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The inlet is spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

8. The humidification chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The humidification chamber further defines a passageway for providing a low resistance gas flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and the deflector is configured to direct a bulk flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet across at least a portion of the passageway.

9. The humidification chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that The channel is C-shaped or U-shaped.

10. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet portion along a direct path between the inlet and the outlet.

11. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The deflector extends from an inner surface of the humidification chamber into the fluid compartment.

12. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that For a given flow rate of the incoming flow of gas and / or the outgoing flow of gas, the angle between the deflector and the wall of the fluid compartment is based at least on the humidity of the outgoing flow of gas.

13. The humidification chamber according to claim 12, characterized in that The angle between the deflector and the top wall of the fluid compartment is between 20° and 70°.

14. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The area of ​​the deflector is between 50% and 150% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet.

15. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inlet portion comprises a straight connector for connection with an inlet gas flow conduit delivering an inlet flow of gas into the fluid compartment.

16. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outlet portion comprises a curved connector for connecting with an output gas flow conduit for conveying an output flow of gas away from the fluid compartment, the curved connector being configured to direct the output flow of gas through a bend in the curved connector.

17. The humidification chamber according to claim 16, characterized in that The bend in a curved connector is a 90° bend.

18. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The inlet portion and the outlet portion are positioned adjacent opposite ends of the humidification chamber above the fluid compartment.

19. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The inlet flow of gas and the outlet flow of gas have a flow rate of 10 L / min to 70 L / min.

20. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The inlet flow of gas had a flow rate of 70 L / min, and the outlet flow of gas had a humidity of 20 mg / L to 35 mg / L.

21. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The inlet flow of gas had a flow rate of 70 L / min, and the outlet flow of gas had a humidity of 30 mg / L.

22. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The fluid compartment has an internal volume of 400ml to 500ml.

23. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The fluid compartment has a functional liquid capacity of 250 ml to 350 ml.

24. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The fluid compartment has a circular base.

25. The humidification chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The humidification chamber further comprises at least one light guide for detecting a fluid level in the fluid compartment.

26. The humidification chamber according to claim 25, characterized in that The at least one light guide extends from a top wall of the fluid compartment downwardly into the fluid compartment.

27. A humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The at least one light guide comprises: an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source and propagating the input light beam through the input side of the light guide; and An output side for propagating an output light beam through the output side of the light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

28. The humidification chamber according to claim 27, characterized in that The at least one light guide comprises a proximal end adjacent to a top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, and wherein the at least one light guide comprises at least one angled portion disposed at the distal end of the at least one light guide, the at least one angled portion being configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present an output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

29. The humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The at least one light guide comprises a proximal end adjacent to a top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and wherein the at least one light guide comprises a pair of opposing angled portions disposed opposite each other at the distal end of the at least one light guide.

30. The humidification chamber according to claim 29, characterized in that Each angled portion is at 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

31. The humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that At least one light guide has a length between 10 mm and 50 mm.

32. The humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The at least one light guide is located at or near a central axis of the fluid compartment.

33. The humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The base of the humidification chamber has a lip disposed around the periphery of the base to facilitate lateral insertion of the humidification chamber into a humidification unit including a heater base for heating fluid in the fluid compartment.

34. The humidification chamber according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The humidification chamber includes: a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of fluid in the fluid compartment; and a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, The first light guide is longer than the second light guide.

35. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion defines a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein, wherein the sensor unit is adapted to detect any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of a corresponding incoming flow of gas or an outgoing flow of gas.

36. The humidification chamber according to claim 35, characterized in that The humidification chamber also includes a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein, the seal being adapted to provide a pneumatic seal for a corresponding inlet portion or outlet portion such that an airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion is isolated from ambient air.

37. The humidification chamber according to claim 36, characterized in that The seal is extendable to engagingly receive a corresponding sensor unit therein.

38. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The humidification chamber does not include a float mechanism for enabling measurement of the fluid level within the fluid compartment.

39. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The humidification chamber is configured to operate without a connected external water source.

40. The humidification chamber according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The channel is located above the fluid compartment.

41. The humidification chamber according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The humidification chamber includes: base, The top section, and a peripheral wall extending between the base and the top portion, Wherein the channel extends outwardly from the top portion.

42. The humidification chamber according to claim 41, characterized in that At least a portion of the side wall of the channel is flush with and forms a portion of the peripheral wall of the humidification chamber.

43. The humidification chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The deflector is in the form of a scoop.

44. The humidification chamber according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The channel and the fluid compartment form a single continuous interior volume so as to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel and the fluid compartment.

45. The humidification chamber according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The channel is continuous and provides an uninterrupted path for the flow of gas from the inlet toward the outlet.

46. ​​The humidification chamber of claim 1, wherein: The deflector includes a base portion and a sidewall portion extending partially around a perimeter of the base portion.

47. The humidification chamber according to claim 46, characterized in that The base portion of the deflector is flat.

48. A humidification chamber according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that The deflector defines an open side opposite the sidewall portion, and wherein the open side of the deflector faces a passage of the humidification chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet so as to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion into the passage.

49. A humidification chamber, characterized in that The humidification chamber comprises: a fluid compartment for containing a fluid; and at least one light guide for detecting a level of a fluid in the fluid compartment, Therein, the at least one light guide is located at or near the central axis of the fluid compartment.

50. The humidification chamber of claim 49, wherein: The fluid compartment has a circular base.

51. A humidification chamber according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that The central axis intersects the axis of rotation of the fluid compartment.

52. A humidification chamber according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that The light guide is located within a radius of 10 mm from the center of the fluid compartment through which the central axis passes.

53. A humidification chamber according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that The inner diameter of the fluid compartment is 100 mm to 115 mm.

54. A humidification chamber according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that The at least one light guide extends downwardly from the top wall of the fluid compartment into the fluid compartment, wherein the at least one light guide comprises a proximal end abutting the top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

55. A humidification chamber according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that The at least one light guide further comprises: an input side for receiving an input light beam from an external light source and propagating the input light beam through the input side of the light guide, and An output side for propagating an output light beam through the output side of the light guide, the output light beam being reflected from the input light beam.

56. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: The at least one light guide comprises a proximal end adjacent to a top wall of the fluid compartment and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, and wherein the at least one light guide comprises at least one angled portion disposed at the distal end of the at least one light guide, the at least one angled portion being configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present an output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact only with gas.

57. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: The output side of the light guide is parallel to and adjacent to the input side of the light guide.

58. The humidification chamber of claim 56, wherein: The at least one light guide includes a pair of opposing angled portions disposed opposite each other at a distal end of the at least one light guide.

59. The humidification chamber according to claim 58, characterized in that Each angled portion is at 45° to the base of the fluid compartment.

60. The humidification chamber of claim 58, wherein: The pair of angled portions is configured to reflect an input light beam from an input side of the at least one light guide to an output side of the at least one light guide so as to present the output light beam at the output side of the at least one light guide when the at least one light guide is in contact with gas only.

61. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: When the light guide is in contact with the gas only, the light intensity of the output light beam is above the threshold.

62. The humidification chamber according to claim 61, characterized in that The input light beam is refracted when the at least one light guide contacts the liquid so that there is an output light beam with a light intensity below a threshold propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide or there is no output light beam propagating through the output side of the at least one light guide.

63. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: The input and output beams are infrared light.

64. The humidification chamber of claim 49, wherein: The at least one light guide has a length between 10 mm and 50 mm.

65. The humidification chamber of claim 49, wherein: The at least one light guide is positioned between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the humidification chamber, the inlet portion for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment via the inlet and the outlet portion for allowing an outgoing flow of gas to leave the fluid compartment via the outlet.

66. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: The humidification chamber further comprises a first curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide, the first curved protrusion being aligned with an input side of the at least one light guide, wherein the first curved protrusion is configured to collimate an input light beam so that the input light beam propagates through the input side of the at least one light guide.

67. The humidification chamber of claim 66, wherein: The humidification chamber further includes a second curved protrusion positioned above the at least one light guide, the second curved protrusion being aligned with an output side of the at least one light guide, wherein the second curved protrusion is configured to collimate the output light beam for detection thereof by the optical sensor.

68. The humidification chamber of claim 55, wherein: The at least one light guide comprises one or more curved surfaces for redirecting light from an input light beam into the at least one light guide.

69. The humidification chamber according to claim 68, characterized in that Each curved surface defines an elongated protrusion having a length direction extending along the length direction of the at least one light guide.

70. The humidification chamber of claim 49, wherein: The humidification chamber includes: a first light guide for detecting a minimum level of a fluid in the fluid compartment, and a second light guide for detecting a maximum level of the fluid in the fluid compartment, The first light guide is longer than the second light guide.

71. The humidification chamber according to claim 70, characterized in that The first light guide and the second light guide are centered about the central axis of the fluid compartment.

72. The humidification chamber of claim 49, wherein: The humidification chamber comprises: an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment, and an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an output flow of gas to leave the fluid compartment, Wherein at least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion defines a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein, the sensor unit being adapted for detecting any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of a corresponding incoming flow of gas or an outgoing flow of gas.

73. The humidification chamber of claim 72, wherein: The humidification chamber also includes a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port for receiving the sensor unit therein, the seal being suitable for providing a pneumatic seal for the corresponding inlet portion or outlet portion so that the airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion is isolated from ambient air.

74. The humidification chamber of claim 73, wherein: The seal is made of elastic material.

75. A humidification chamber according to claim 73 or 74, characterized in that The seal is expandable to engagingly receive a corresponding sensor unit therein.

76. A humidification chamber, characterized in that The humidification chamber comprises: a fluid compartment for containing a fluid; an inlet portion defining an inlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an inlet flow of gas to enter the fluid compartment; an outlet portion defining an outlet of the fluid compartment for allowing an output flow of gas to exit the fluid compartment; and A channel extends between the inlet and the outlet, the channel being configured to provide a passage for the flow of gas from the inlet toward the outlet.

77. The humidification chamber of claim 76, wherein: The channel connects the inlet and the outlet.

78. A humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The channel is located above the fluid compartment.

79. A humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The channel increases the total internal volume of the humidification chamber and reduces the residence time of the gas flow through the humidification chamber so as to facilitate movement of the gas flow from the inlet toward the outlet.

80. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: The passage is curved.

81. A humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The channel follows the peripheral wall of the fluid compartment.

82. A humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The humidification chamber includes: base, The top section, and a peripheral wall extending between the base and the top portion, Wherein the channel extends outwardly from the top portion.

83. The humidification chamber according to claim 82, characterized in that The channel follows the contour of the surrounding wall.

84. The humidification chamber of claim 82, wherein: At least a portion of the side wall of the channel is flush with and forms a portion of the peripheral wall of the humidification chamber.

85. A humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The humidification chamber also includes a deflector configured to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion toward the channel.

86. The humidification chamber of claim 85, wherein: The deflector is located adjacent to the inlet section.

87. The humidification chamber of claim 85, wherein: The deflector is in the form of a scoop.

88. The humidification chamber of claim 85, wherein: The fluid compartments include: base, and a peripheral sidewall extending around the periphery of the base, the peripheral sidewall including an inlet adjacent wall portion, the inlet adjacent wall portion being a portion of the peripheral sidewall having a minimum spatial separation from the inlet, Therein, the deflector is configured to direct a bulk flow of gas from the inlet away from an inlet adjacent wall portion.

89. The humidification chamber of claim 88, wherein: The inlet is spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

90. The humidification chamber of claim 85, wherein: The channel provides a low resistance gas flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and the deflector is configured to direct the bulk flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet across at least a portion of the channel.

91. The humidification chamber of claim 88, wherein: The passage is spaced apart from the inlet adjacent wall portion.

92. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: The channel is C-shaped or U-shaped.

93. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: Either or both of the inlet portion and the outlet portion extend vertically from the fluid compartment.

94. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: The inlet and outlet are disposed near opposite ends of the top portion of the fluid compartment.

95. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: At least one of the inlet portion and the outlet portion defines a sensor port for receiving a sensor unit therein, the sensor unit being adapted for detecting any one or more of flow rate, temperature and pressure of a respective incoming flow of gas or an outgoing flow of gas.

96. The humidification chamber of claim 95, wherein: The humidification chamber also includes a seal adapted to fit into at least one sensor port for receiving the sensor unit therein, the seal being suitable for providing a pneumatic seal for the corresponding inlet portion or outlet portion so that the airflow within the inlet portion or outlet portion is isolated from ambient air.

97. The humidification chamber of claim 96, wherein: The seal is stretchable to engagingly receive a corresponding sensor unit therein.

98. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: The fluid compartments include: base, The top wall portion, and a peripheral wall portion extending between the base portion and the top wall portion, Wherein an internal volume of the channel is smaller than an internal volume of the fluid compartment defined by the base, the top wall portion and the peripheral wall portion of the fluid compartment.

99. The humidification chamber of claim 76 or 77, wherein: The fluid compartment has an internal volume of 400ml to 500ml.

100. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The channel and the fluid compartment form a single continuous interior volume so as to allow gas to flow seamlessly between the channel and the fluid compartment.

101. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The channel is continuous and provides an uninterrupted path for the flow of gas from the inlet toward the outlet.

102. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The fluid compartment has a circular base.

103. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The humidification chamber also includes one or more guides to provide alignment between the humidification chamber and the sensor module.

104. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The humidification chamber does not include a float mechanism for enabling measurement of the fluid level within the fluid compartment.

105. The humidification chamber according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The humidification chamber is configured to operate without a connected external water source.

106. The humidification chamber of claim 85, wherein: The deflector defines an open side opposite the rear portion, wherein the open side of the deflector faces the passageway to direct an incoming flow of gas from the inlet portion into the passageway.

Images