MOISTURE DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT IN A GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to detecting moisture in a conduit. More particularly, the present disclosure describes a respiratory or surgical gases conveying system which is capable of detecting the presence, volume and / or location of one or more of condensation, humidity and / or bodily fluids.BACKGROUND

[0002] Respiratory assistance apparatuses and surgical insufflators provide a flow of gases or a flow of pressurized gases through a conduit system to a patient. For a range of applications using these and similar devices, it is beneficial to humidify the supplied gases. These applications include where the gases are inspired and / or where the gas is being supplied during surgery to a surgery site of a patient. A downside to providing humidified gases through a conduit is the potential for condensation to form within the conduit. In addition to condensation, other types of moisture may also be introduced into a conduit from the patient, an optional heat and moisture exchanger (HME), an optional nebulizer, and / or the environment (such as via a room-entraining ventilator, or through a liquid- or vapor-permeable conduit wall, for example). Moisture may include bodily fluids such as saliva, blood mucus, or the like. This application may refer to water as an example, but it will be appreciated that water may be replaced with moisture, more generally, or any other liquid as well.

[0003] WO 2020 / 204731 A1 shows systems and methods of detecting incorrect connections in a humidification system.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present invention provides a medical humidifier and a method of determining a condition of a medical humidifier according to the claims.

[0005] Humidified gases can cool as they pass through a conduit system between a gases source and the gases delivery destination. This can result in moisture (or liquid) such as condensate forming inside the conduit as the gases cool. In addition to condensate, moisture can refer, water, bodily fluids such as saliva, blood or mucus, or the presence of any liquid in the conduit. The formation of moisture is typically undesirable in respiratory assistance apparatuses and surgical insufflators. For example, condensation in a conduit can lead to a condition referred to as "rain out". Rain out occurs when moisture forms and potentially runs down the walls of the conduit system. The moisture can pool in a low part of the conduit system or it can run out of the conduit system into the patient's respiratory system, body, back into the gases source or into a ventilator return or other device connected to a conduit of a respiratory assistance apparatus or surgical insufflator. All of these rain out effects are undesirable and can cause numerous complications. Similarly, fluids from other sources (including the patient, other equipment and / or the environment) may be undesirable, and / or should be monitored for other reasons.

[0006] As used herein, the phrase "conduit system" encompasses any conduits (also referred to herein as tubes), connectors or patient interfaces that convey gases between a gases source and a patient and / or convey expired gases from the patient to another component of the respiratory assistance apparatus or surgical insufflator. For example, as discussed in further detail below, the conduit system can include one or more of inspiratory tube(s), dry lines, gases supply tubes, expiratory tube(s), insufflation tube(s), connector(s), Y-piece(s), patient tube(s), and / or patient interface(s) (including masks, nasal cannulas, nasal pillows, endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, surgical cannulas, etc.). Further, moisture, condensate, condensation and liquid are generally used synonymously in the present disclosure as would be understood by a person of skill in the art from the contextual usage of those terms herein. It should be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the term dryline (or dry line) may not always convey dry gases (for instance, when an air-entraining ventilator or air-entraining blow system is used, or in the case of reverse flow through the system, or the like).

[0007] Respiratory assistance apparatuses and surgical insufflators (collectively referred to herein as gases supply systems) can employ one or more heating wires within the conduit system, such as in the walls of any or all components of the conduit system to provide a heat source. The one or more heating wires allow the conduit to control the temperature and / or relative humidity of the gases to a desired value or range as the gases pass through the conduit system, reducing the potential for condensation. One or more sensor wires can also be included within the lumen or in the walls of the conduit system as well. The one or more sensor wires are typically used to convey temperature measurement information of the humidified gases flowing through a conduit and / or patient interface from one or more temperature sensors back to a controller of the gases supply system. The gases supply system can use the temperature measurement information in a feedback control system to adjust the amount of heat provided by the one or more heating wires or other components of the gases supply system.

[0008] Even with heating wires, condensation and rain out can still occur, and fluids from other sources may still be introduced into the circuit system. The present disclosure provides for detecting moisture in the circuit system. Moisture can be detected by measuring or inferring capacitance, reactance and / or impedance or a change in capacitance, reactance and / or impedance of two or more spaced electrical conductors within the conduit system or embedded in the conduit system walls. These electrical conductors can be, for example, one or more conductive wires, such as the one or more heating wires and / or the one or more sensor wires. Alternatively, or additionally, dedicated conductors may be provided within, or embedded in, the conduit system including the lumen of the conduit or the walls thereof. The capacitance can be an intrinsic / parasitic capacitance. The measure can use a time response and / or a frequency response of the wire(s). Moisture can also be detected by measuring a change in resistance as disclosed herein and / or a change to a wireless signal such as an RF signal.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a humidifier system useable in a gases supply system, the humidifier system comprising a humidifier; a conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element; and a controller configured to monitor a signal using one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to determine a value indicative of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on the signal.

[0010] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0011] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0012] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0013] In some configurations, the controller can comprise one or more hardware and / or software processors.

[0014] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be separated by a distance configured to allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0015] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0016] In some configurations, the dielectric material can be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0017] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material can allow evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0018] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to determine the value indicative of moisture on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0019] In some configurations, the value indicative of moisture can comprise a time constant of a circuit comprising the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element in series with the reference resistor.

[0020] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of a circuit comprising the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0021] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in a time constant or a change in a resonant frequency of a circuit comprising the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0022] In some configurations, the value inductive of moisture in the conduit can correspond to an inductance of the conduit.

[0023] In some configurations, the value inductive of moisture in the conduit can correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0024] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise a resonant circuit wherein an inductor is placed in parallel with a capacitor.

[0025] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be electrically connected in parallel with the first electrically conductive element, the second electrically conductive element, or both the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0026] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when sufficiently excited by the signal.

[0027] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when excited by the signal, wherein the signal has been selected to excite the resonant circuit.

[0028] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to apply additional power to the first electrically conductive element in conjunction with a normal control power.

[0029] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise an AC power supply.

[0030] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise a DC power supply.

[0031] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0032] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0033] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the signal can be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0034] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the signal can be indicative of a change in thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0035] In some configurations, a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can be substantially linear.

[0036] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature difference between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0037] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can measure the signal.

[0038] In some configurations, the signal can correspond to a resistance of the second electrically conductive element, the resistance of the second electrically conductive element varying with the temperature of the second electrically conductive element.

[0039] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can further comprise a thermistor.

[0040] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can further comprise a diode.

[0041] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel with the thermistor.

[0042] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel, and positioned substantially adjacent, with the thermistor.

[0043] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be adjacent to each other.

[0044] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be not adjacent to each other.

[0045] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be within a bead of the conduit.

[0046] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can measure the signal.

[0047] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0048] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a resistance of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0049] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can comprise at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0050] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be electrically insulated from other electrically conductive elements for a portion of a length of the first electrically conductive element and for a portion of a length of the second electrically conductive element.

[0051] In some configurations, the at least two portions can protrude into a lumen of the conduit. The at least two portions can be flush with an inner wall of the conduit.

[0052] In some configurations, the at least two portions can be arranged within the tube wall and are pneumatically coupled with the lumen of the conduit.

[0053] In some configurations, the at least two portions that can be electrically disconnected from one another can be in series with one another.

[0054] In some configurations, the at least two portions that can be electrically disconnected from one another can be in parallel with one another.

[0055] In some configurations, the controller can determine a value indicative of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the signal.

[0056] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise a signal generator.

[0057] In some configurations, the signal can have a frequency between 30 Hz and 300 GHz.

[0058] In some configurations, the signal can have a frequency between 1 MHz and 100 MHz.

[0059] In some configurations, the signal can have a frequency of about 10 MHz.

[0060] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element can be a quarter of the wavelength of the signal.

[0061] In some configurations, the wavelength of the signal can be four times larger than the length of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0062] In some configurations, the signal generator can inject the signal into the first electrically conductive element.

[0063] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be configured to be a transmitter.

[0064] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be configured to be a receiver to receive the signal transmitted by the first electrically conductive element.

[0065] In some configurations, the magnitude and / or phase of the signal can be measured by a radio-frequency transducer.

[0066] In some configurations, the radio-frequency transducer can be an AM receiver, RF sampling ADC, or RF rectifier.

[0067] In some configurations, the humidifier system can also comprise a filter to filter the signal.

[0068] In some configurations, the filter can comprise a high pass or bandpass filter.

[0069] In some configurations, the filter can be configured to filter out the mains frequency.

[0070] In some configurations, the filter can be configured to filter out frequencies between 50 - 60 Hz.

[0071] In some configurations, the transmitter can comprise a loop antenna.

[0072] In some configurations, the receiver can comprise a loop antenna.

[0073] In some configurations, the transmitter can comprise a monopole antenna.

[0074] In some configurations, the transmitter can comprise a monopole antenna.

[0075] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be electrically coupled to a first switch.

[0076] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be electrically coupled to a second switch.

[0077] In some configurations, the first switch can be configured to electrically disconnect one end of the first electrically conductive element.

[0078] In some configurations, the second switch can be configured to electrically disconnect one end of the second electrically conductive element.

[0079] In some configurations, the first switch and / or the second switch can be located in any one of the following: a heater base, a sensor cartridge, the conduit, an external component, or an intermediate connector.

[0080] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to output an alarm if the value indicative of moisture falls below a first threshold value.

[0081] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to output an alarm if the value indicative of condensation exceeds a second threshold value.

[0082] In some configurations, the alarm indicates an unacceptable level of moisture.

[0083] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to automatically reduce humidification of breathing or insufflation gases in response to the value indicative of moisture and / or humidity in the conduit.

[0084] In some configurations, the reduction of humidity delivered to the patient can be achieved by a reduction in heater plate power.

[0085] In some configurations, the conduit can be a composite conduit.

[0086] In some configurations, the conduit can comprise a vapor and / or liquid permeable bead.

[0087] In some configurations, the permeable bead can allow evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0088] In some configurations, the permeable bead can be one or more of an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0089] In some configurations, the first conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0090] In some configurations, the first conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be spirally wound within, through or around the conduit.

[0091] In some configurations, the first conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can form part of the conduit walls.

[0092] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be a sensing wire.

[0093] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be a heater wire.

[0094] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be a sensing wire.

[0095] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be a heater wire.

[0096] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting an indication of moisture in a conduit of a gases supply system used to transport respiratory or surgical gases, the method comprising determining a presence and / or level of moisture based at least in part on property of the conduit.

[0097] In some configurations, the determination of the presence or level of moisture can be inferred from a dielectric property of the conduit.

[0098] In some configurations, the determination of the property can comprise applying a signal to a first electrically conductive element in the conduit.

[0099] In some configurations, the determination of the property can comprise measuring a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element.

[0100] In some configurations, the determination of the property can comprise measuring a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element based on the applied signal.

[0101] In some configurations, the determination of the property comprises measuring an indication of a time constant or a resonant frequency of a circuit comprising the first electrically conductive element.

[0102] In some configurations, the determination of the property can comprise processing a value indicative of an inductance.

[0103] In some configurations, the determination of the property can further comprise measuring an indication of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element.

[0104] In some configurations, the determination of the property can further comprise measuring an indication of a temperature.

[0105] In some configurations, the determination of the property can further comprise measuring an indication of a thermal conductivity.

[0106] In some configurations, the determination of the property can further comprise measuring a magnitude and / or phase of a signal.

[0107] In some configurations, the conduit can be the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0108] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0109] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements separated by a dielectric and located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a capacitance or change in capacitance to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0110] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a resistance or a change in resistance to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0111] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0112] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0113] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in a time constant, or a change in a resonant frequency to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0114] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0115] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0116] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a resistance or a change in resistance to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0117] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0118] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0119] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a temperature or a change in temperature to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0120] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0121] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0122] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements and located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a thermal conductivity or a change in thermal conductivity to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0123] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0124] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0125] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing two electrically conductive elements and located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a magnitude and / or phase of a signal or a change in a magnitude and / or phase of a signal to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0126] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0127] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0128] The present disclosure provides external accessories. An example of an external accessory is a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system.

[0129] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0130] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0131] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0132] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of a circuit comprising the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0133] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0134] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0135] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0136] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0137] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0138] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0139] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least a first electrical terminal or pad and a second electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first electrically conductive element and the second electrical connectors.

[0140] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure magnitude and / or phase of a signal or a change in a magnitude and / or phase of a signal between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0141] The present disclosure provides a humidifier useable in a gases supply system, the humidifier comprising a humidification chamber configured to humidify a gases supply; an inspiratory conduit connector configured to connection with an inspiratory conduit including a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element; a controller configured to monitor a signal using one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to determine a value indicative of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on the signal.

[0142] In some configurations, the controller can be further configured to monitor the signal.

[0143] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0144] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0145] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0146] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0147] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0148] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element, or the signal or the signal is indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0149] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element, or the signal or the signal is indicative of a change in thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0150] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature difference between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0151] In some configurations, the value indicative of moisture can be a magnitude and / or phase of a signal or a change in a magnitude and / or phase of a signal.

[0152] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0153] In some configurations, the controller can comprise one or more hardware and / or software processors.

[0154] In some configurations, the humidifier can further comprise the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0155] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element; a second electrically conductive element spaced apart from the first electrically conductive element at a distance configured to allow a capacitive effect to exist between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element such that the capacitive effect changes in the presence of moisture; and a material separating the first conductive element from the second electrically conductive element.

[0156] In some configurations, at least one of the electrically conductive elements can be one or more of a heater wire or sensor wire.

[0157] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a capacitance or change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0158] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors.

[0159] In some configurations, the controller can use the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element to determine the presence or the indication of moisture within the conduit by measuring a capacitive reactance and / or inductance existing between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0160] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element can be placed close enough to allow for a measurable capacitance, but far enough apart to allow for a measurable change in capacitance due to a presence of moisture.

[0161] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element; a second electrically conductive element, wherein one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be configured to provide a measurement of a time constant or a resonant frequency indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0162] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a resonant circuit wherein an inductive element is electrically connected in parallel with a capacitive element.

[0163] In some configurations, one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be configured to be electrically connected in parallel with a resonant circuit wherein an inductive element is electrically connected in parallel with a capacitive element.

[0164] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be external to the conduit.

[0165] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when excited by a signal.

[0166] In some configurations, one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be configured to be electrically connected in parallel with a signal generator.

[0167] In some configurations, the conduit can comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in time constant, or a change in resonant frequency.

[0168] In some configurations, one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be configured to be electrically connected in parallel with the controller.

[0169] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0170] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors.

[0171] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element; a second electrically conductive element, wherein one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are configured to provide a measurement of a resistive property indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0172] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can comprise at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0173] In some configurations, the at least two portions can protrude into a lumen of the conduit.

[0174] In some configurations, the at least two portions can be flush with an inner wall of the conduit.

[0175] In some configurations, the at least two portions can be arranged within the tube wall and can be pneumatically coupled with the lumen of the conduit.

[0176] In some configurations, the at least two portions that can be electrically disconnected from one another can be in series with one another.

[0177] In some configurations, the at least two portions that can be electrically disconnected from one another can be in parallel with one another.

[0178] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a resistance or change in resistance.

[0179] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors.

[0180] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element; a second electrically conductive element, wherein one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are configured to provide a measurement of a temperature or thermal conductivity property indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0181] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can further comprise a thermistor.

[0182] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element can further comprise a diode.

[0183] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel with the thermistor.

[0184] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel, and positioned substantially adjacent, with the thermistor.

[0185] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be adjacent to each other.

[0186] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be not adjacent to each other.

[0187] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be within a bead of the conduit.

[0188] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a temperature, a thermal conductivity, a change in temperature, or a change in thermal conductivity of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0189] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to apply additional power to the first electrically conductive element in conjunction with a normal control power.

[0190] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors.

[0191] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising a first electrically conductive element; a second electrically conductive element, wherein one or more of the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are configured to measure a magnitude and / or phase of a signal or a change in a magnitude and / or phase of a signal indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0192] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be configured to be a transmitter.

[0193] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be configured to be a receiver to receive a signal transmitted by the first electrically conductive element.

[0194] In some configurations, the transmitter can comprise a loop antenna.

[0195] In some configurations, the receiver can comprise a loop antenna.

[0196] In some configurations, the transmitter can comprise a monopole antenna.

[0197] In some configurations, the receiver can comprise a monopole antenna.

[0198] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element can be electrically coupled to a first switch.

[0199] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element can be electrically coupled to a second switch.

[0200] In some configurations, the first switch can be configured to electrically disconnect one end of the first electrically conductive element and the second switch can be configured to electrically disconnect one end of the second electrically conductive element.

[0201] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a magnitude and / or phase of a signal or a change in a magnitude and / or phase of a signal in the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0202] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors.

[0203] In some configurations, the material can be a fluid permeable material.

[0204] Throughout the present disclosure, the "liquid" and "fluid" are used interchangeably.

[0205] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element can be elongate filaments.

[0206] In some configurations, the elongate filament can be surrounded by an electrically insulating jacket.

[0207] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element can be spirally wound about at least a portion of a length of the conduit.

[0208] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element extend from one end of the conduit to the other end of the conduit.

[0209] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element extend only a portion of a length from one end of the conduit to the other end of the conduit.

[0210] In some configurations, the conduit can include and / or communicate with a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a capacitance or change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0211] In some configurations, the conduit can be a composite conduit.

[0212] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element form part of a wall of the conduit.

[0213] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and second electrically conductive element can form part of a bead disposed in a composite conduit.

[0214] In some configurations, alternatively, the first conductive element and second electrically conductive element can be disposed in the conduit such that the first conductive element and second electrically conductive element can freely move within the conduit.

[0215] In some configurations, the material can be a vapor and / or liquid permeable material.

[0216] In some configurations, the material can allow evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0217] In some configurations, the material can be a one or more of an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0218] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise microstructures configured to use capillary action to move moisture.

[0219] In some configurations, the vapor and / or liquid permeable material can be a dielectric material.

[0220] In some configurations, the conduit further can comprise microstructures configured to wick moisture across a portion of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0221] In some configurations, the conduit further can comprise openings configured to convey moisture by capillary action between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0222] In some configurations, the conduit further can comprise a wicking material configured to convey moisture between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0223] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be ribbon wires.

[0224] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be comprised within a permeable, non-permeable or partially permeable and non-permeable bead.

[0225] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element and bead can be coextruded.

[0226] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise an electrically conductive mesh.

[0227] In some configurations, a spacing between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be variable depending a presence and / or amount of moisture present within the conduit.

[0228] In some configurations, the material can cause the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to touch or separate based on a presence of moisture.

[0229] In some configurations, the material can comprise an opening, keyhole, dip, channel and / or void configured to allow moisture between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element and affect a capacitive effect between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0230] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element can be sensitive to touching of the conduit.

[0231] In some configurations, the material can comprise an accordion shape that expands or contracts in the presence of moisture, thereby moving the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element further apart or closer together.

[0232] In some configurations, the material can cause the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to touch or separate based on a presence of moisture.

[0233] The present disclosure provides a humidifier system useable in a gases supply system, the humidifier system comprising: a humidifier; a conduit comprising a conductive element; and a controller configured to monitor a signal using the electrically conductive element to determine a value indicative of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on the signal.

[0234] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of the electrically conductive element.

[0235] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in a time constant or a change in a resonant frequency of the electrically conductive element.

[0236] In some configurations, the value can be indicative of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0237] In some configurations, the value indicative of moisture in the conduit can correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0238] In some configurations, the humidifier system can further comprise a resonant circuit wherein an inductive element is electrically connected in parallel with a capacitive element.

[0239] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be electrically connected in parallel with the electrically conductive element.

[0240] In some configurations, the humidifier system can further comprise a signal generator.

[0241] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0242] In some configurations, the controller can comprise one or more hardware and / or software processors.

[0243] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when sufficiently excited by the signal.

[0244] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when excited by the signal, wherein the signal has been selected to excite the resonant circuit.

[0245] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to apply additional power to the electrically conductive element in conjunction with a normal control power.

[0246] In some configurations, the humidifier system can further comprise an AC power supply.

[0247] In some configurations, the humidifier system can further comprise a DC power supply.

[0248] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive element.

[0249] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change temperature of the electrically conductive element.

[0250] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element.

[0251] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a change in thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element.

[0252] In some configurations, a change in temperature of the electrically conductive element can be substantially linear.

[0253] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can further comprise a thermistor.

[0254] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can further comprise a diode.

[0255] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel with the thermistor.

[0256] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel, and positioned substantially adjacent, with the thermistor.

[0257] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be within a bead of the conduit.

[0258] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can measure the signal.

[0259] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to output an alarm if the value indicative of moisture falls below a first threshold value.

[0260] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to output an alarm if the value indicative of moisture exceeds a second threshold value.

[0261] In some configurations, the alarm indicates an unacceptable level of moisture.

[0262] In some configurations, the alarm indicates an unacceptable level of moisture.

[0263] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to automatically reduce humidification of breathing or insufflation gases in response to the value indicative of moisture and / or humidity in the conduit.

[0264] In some configurations, the reduction of humidity delivered to the conduit can be achieved by a reduction in heater plate power.

[0265] In some configurations, the conduit can be a composite conduit.

[0266] In some configurations, the conduit can comprise a vapor and / or liquid permeable bead.

[0267] In some configurations, the permeable bead can allow evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0268] In some configurations, the permeable bead can be one or more of an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0269] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0270] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be spirally wound within, through or around the conduit.

[0271] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can form part of the conduit walls.

[0272] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be a sensing wire. The electrically conductive element can be a heater wire.

[0273] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing an electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in a time constant, or a change in a resonant frequency to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0274] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0275] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0276] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing an electrically conductive elements located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a temperature or a change in temperature to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0277] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0278] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0279] The present disclosure provides a method of detecting moisture in a conduit utilized to transport humidified gases, the method comprising providing an electrically conductive elements and located within, around or on the conduit and measuring a thermal conductivity or a change in thermal conductivity to indicate a measure of moisture or condensate within the conduit.

[0280] In some configurations, the method uses the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0281] In some configurations, the method uses the humidifier system of any humidifier system disclosed herein.

[0282] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least one electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with an electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first and the second electrical connectors.

[0283] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier, and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of a circuit comprising the electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0284] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least one electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with an electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first and the second electrical connectors.

[0285] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier, and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0286] The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use with a humidifier in a respiratory or surgical humidification system, the cartridge comprising one or more sensors for sensing a property of a gases flow in a removable humidification chamber of the humidifier; a first electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of the humidifier; a second electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connector of an inspiratory conduit removably engageable with the cartridge, wherein the second electrical connector can comprise at least one electrical terminal or pad configured to make an electrical coupling with an electrically conductive element extending along at least a portion of a length of the inspiratory conduit; and a controller communicatively coupled with the one or more sensors and the first and the second electrical connectors.

[0287] In some configurations, the cartridge can be removably attachable to the humidifier, and the controller can be configured to, in use, measure a signal indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element of the removable inspiratory conduit.

[0288] The present disclosure provides a humidifier useable in a gases supply system, the humidifier comprising a humidification chamber configured to humidify a gases supply; an inspiratory conduit connector configured to connection with an inspiratory conduit including an electrically conductive element; a controller configured to monitor a signal using the electrically conductive element to determine a value indicative of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on the signal.

[0289] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a time constant or a resonant frequency of the electrically conductive element.

[0290] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive element.

[0291] In some configurations, the signal can be indicative thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element.

[0292] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0293] In some configurations, the controller can comprise one or more hardware and / or software processors.

[0294] In some configurations, the humidifier can further comprise the conduit of any of conduit implementations disclosed herein.

[0295] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising an electrically conductive element, wherein the electrically conductive element is configured to provide a measurement of a time constant or a resonant frequency indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0296] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a resonant circuit wherein an inductive element is electrically connected in parallel with a capacitive element.

[0297] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be external to the conduit.

[0298] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when sufficiently excited by the signal.

[0299] In some configurations, the resonant circuit can be tuned to exhibit resonant behavior when excited by the signal, wherein the signal has been selected to excite the resonant circuit.

[0300] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be configured to be electrically connected in parallel with a signal generator.

[0301] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in time constant, or a change in resonant frequency.

[0302] In some configurations, the electrically conductive can be configured to be electrically connected in parallel with the controller.

[0303] In some configurations, the controller can comprise a signal generator.

[0304] In some configurations, the controller can comprise one or more microprocessors.

[0305] The present disclosure provides a conduit used with a respiratory or surgical gases supply system, the conduit comprising an electrically conductive element, wherein the electrically conductive element is configured to provide a measurement of a temperature or thermal conductivity property indicative of a presence or amount of moisture in a conduit.

[0306] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can further comprise a thermistor.

[0307] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can further comprise a diode.

[0308] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel with the thermistor.

[0309] In some configurations, the diode can be electrically connected in parallel, and positioned substantially adjacent, with the thermistor.

[0310] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be within a bead of the conduit.

[0311] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise a controller configured to determine a presence and / or indication of moisture within the conduit by determining a temperature and / or a change in temperature of the electrically conductive element, and / or by determining a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element and / or a change in thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the electrically conductive element.

[0312] In some configurations, the controller can be configured to apply additional power to the electrically conductive element in conjunction with a normal control power.

[0313] In some configurations, the controller can be one or more microprocessors

[0314] The present disclosure can be applied to any known conduit with two electrically conductive elements.

[0315] In some configurations, the material can be a fluid permeable material.

[0316] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be elongate filaments.

[0317] In some configurations, the elongate filament can be surrounded by an electrically insulating jacket.

[0318] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be spirally wound about at least a portion of a length of the conduit.

[0319] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element may extend from one end of the conduit to the other end of the conduit.

[0320] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element may extend only a portion of a length from one end of the conduit to the other end of the conduit.

[0321] In some configurations, the conduit can be a composite conduit.

[0322] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can form part of a wall of the conduit.

[0323] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can form part of a bead disposed in a composite conduit. Alternatively, the first conductive element and second electrically conductive element can be disposed in the conduit such that the first conductive element and second electrically conductive element can freely move within the conduit.

[0324] In some configurations, the material can be a vapor and / or liquid permeable material.

[0325] In some configurations, the material can allow evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0326] In some configurations, the material can be a one or more of an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0327] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise microstructures configured to use capillary action to move moisture.

[0328] In some configurations, the vapor and / or liquid permeable material can be a dielectric material.

[0329] In some configurations, the conduit further can comprise microstructures configured to wick moisture across a portion of the electrically conductive element.

[0330] In some configurations, the conduit further can comprise openings configured to convey moisture by capillary action. The conduit further can comprise a wicking material configured to convey moisture.

[0331] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be ribbon wires.

[0332] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be comprised within a permeable, non-permeable or partially permeable and non-permeable bead.

[0333] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element and bead can be coextruded.

[0334] In some configurations, the conduit can further comprise an electrically conductive mesh.

[0335] In some configurations, the electrically conductive element can be sensitive to touching of the conduit.

[0336] A humidifier system according to the present disclosure may deliver a flow of gases to a user. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal and execute one or more moisture management responses based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0337] In some configurations, the one or more moisture management may include one or more of the following: generating at least one notification and / or alarm, changing power supplied to a humidifier heater, changing power suppled to at least one conduit heater, changing a mode of the humidifier, and / or changing a parameter of a ventilator which may be part of the humidification system.

[0338] In some configurations, the component may include the conduit, a portion of the conduit, a connector, a portion of a chamber that may be exposed to the flow of gases, and / or a patient interface.

[0339] In some configurations, the moisture present in the component of the system may include condensate, and / or water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0340] In some configurations, the vapor permeable material may be a breathable material.

[0341] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component may include at least one of a value indicative of the amount of condensate in the component of the system, and / or a value indicative of the amount of water in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system. The value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component may be a sum of the value indicative of the amount of condensate in the component of the system and the value indicative of the amount of water in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0342] In some configurations, the controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on a humidity output of the humidifier.

[0343] In some configurations, the controller may determine that a predetermined level of moisture may be present in the component based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0344] In some configurations, the controller may determine that the predetermined level of moisture may be present in the component based on comparing the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component and at least one threshold.

[0345] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture may be determined to be present in response to the at least one the at least one value being above the at least one threshold.

[0346] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture may be determined to be present in response to the at least one value being below the at least one threshold.

[0347] In some configurations, the at least one threshold mat include an absolute value threshold, a value change threshold, a percentage threshold of a maximum sensor output, a percentage change threshold, a percentage change over time threshold, a gradient threshold, and / or a crossing threshold.

[0348] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may provide an output indicating that the vapor and / or liquid material of the conduit may be saturated with moisture.

[0349] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may provide an output indicating that the predetermined or acceptable amount of moisture may be present.

[0350] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 80%.

[0351] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 90%

[0352] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 100%.

[0353] In some configurations, the crossing threshold may occur when the output crosses a particular threshold a number of times. This may optionally be over a predetermined time period.

[0354] In some configurations, the system may generate at least one notification and / or alarm in response to the predetermined level of moisture determined to be present in the component.

[0355] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of condensate in the component based on a comparison between the at least one value indicative amount of moisture present in the component and at least one condensate threshold.

[0356] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of a predetermined amount of water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system based on a comparison between the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component and at least one water amount threshold. The predetermined amount of water may optionally be indicative of saturation of the vapor and / or liquid permeable material.

[0357] In some configurations, the controller may control the heater of the humidifier and / or the heater of the conduit to achieve a humidity target.

[0358] In some configurations, the humidity target may include a dew point target, an absolute target, and / or a relative humidity target.

[0359] In some configurations, the controller may decrease humidity target, and optionally the absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target, of the flow of gases in response to a predetermined amount of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0360] In some configurations, the humidifier may include a heater configured to heat the humidification liquid.

[0361] In some configurations, the heater may include a heater plate.

[0362] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least one heater wire to heat the flow of gases in the conduit.

[0363] In some configurations, the controller may decrease the absolute humidity of the flow of gases by changing at least one operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier.

[0364] In some configurations, the controller may decrease the relative humidity of the flow of gases by changing the at least one operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier.

[0365] In some configurations, the changing includes decreasing or limiting or disabling the relative humidity of the flow of gases.

[0366] In some configurations, the at least one operating parameter may include a heater temperature set point and / or a power to a heater.

[0367] In some configurations, the controller may decrease the relative humidity target of the flow of gases by changing at least one operating parameter of the heater of the conduit. In some configurations, the changing may include increasing the operating parameter.

[0368] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit may be a patient end temperature set point and / or a power to the at least one heater of the conduit.

[0369] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier and / or the heater of the conduit may be changed based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0370] In some configurations, the controller may further decrease an absolute humidity targe, and / or a relative humidity target in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be still present in the component a predetermined time period after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0371] In some configurations, the controller may return to a normal operation, and / or revert to an original absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target of the flow of gases, in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0372] In some configurations, the controller may return to normal operation, and / or revert to an original absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target of the flow of gases, in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0373] In some configurations, the controller may determine that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component in response to detecting an absence of moisture or a small amount of moisture present in the component.

[0374] In some configurations, the controller may determine that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component in response to detecting an absence of condensate or a small amount of condensate present in the component.

[0375] In some configurations, at least a portion of the conduit or another component of the system may include a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0376] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element, the at least one sensor signal comprising a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0377] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0378] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0379] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element for part of conduit walls.

[0380] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0381] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0382] In some configurations, the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material may be a dielectric material.

[0383] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0384] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0385] In some configurations, the other component may include a patient interface.

[0386] In some configurations, the other component may include connectors and / or adaptors.

[0387] In some configurations, the conduit may include a composite conduit.

[0388] In some configurations, the conduit may include a vapor and / or liquid permeable bead.

[0389] In some configurations, the vapor permeable bead allows evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0390] In some configurations, the vapor permeable bead may be an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, and / or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0391] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0392] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0393] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are separated by a distance configured to allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0394] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0395] In some configurations, the controller may determine the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0396] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0397] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0398] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0399] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0400] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element comprise at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0401] In some configurations, the two portions may be in series with one another.

[0402] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator wherein the controller may determine that at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0403] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to an inductance of the conduit.

[0404] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0405] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture present in the component may be indicative of a predetermined amount of water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0406] In some configurations, the controller may initially change an operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component. In some configurations, the changing may include decreasing, limiting, or disabling the operating parameter. In some configurations, the decreasing or limiting includes decreasing or limiting power to the at least one heater wire to a range of 3.0W / m to 7.0W / m.

[0407] In some configurations, the controller may maintain the initially changed operating parameter of the heater wire of the conduit.

[0408] In some configurations, maintaining the initially changed operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit may increase a moisture saturation of the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material. This change may optionally be an increase to a predetermined moisture saturation.

[0409] In some configurations, the controller may further change the operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit.

[0410] In some configurations, the controller may further change the operating parameter of the heater wire of the conduit a predetermined time after having maintained the initially changed operating parameter.

[0411] In some configurations, the further change may be an increase of the operating parameter.

[0412] In some configurations, the controller may change an operating parameter of the heater of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0413] In some configurations, the predetermined level may be a percentage threshold of a maximum sensor output. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 80%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 90%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 100%. A fully saturated permeable material may be at 100%.

[0414] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may be an output indicating that a bead of the conduit may be saturated with moisture.

[0415] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may be an output indicating that the predetermined or acceptable amount of moisture may be present.

[0416] In some configurations, the controller may maintain the changed operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit to allow for drying of the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material via evaporation to the atmosphere.

[0417] In some configurations, the humidifier system may maintain the changed operating parameter increase a rate at which the moisture may be transferred across the vapor permeable material to the atmosphere.

[0418] In some configurations, the changed operating parameter may include an increased power to between 10W / m and 14W / m to the at least one heater wire.

[0419] In some configurations, the controller may return to a normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit a predetermined time after having maintained the changed operating parameter.

[0420] In some configurations, the controller may repeat increasing and maintain the operating parameter and then decreasing and maintaining the operating parameter a number of times before returning to the normal or original operating parameter.

[0421] In some configurations, the controller may return to a normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture in the component being determined to fall below a threshold. In some configurations, the threshold may be a percentage threshold. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 20%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 15%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 0%.

[0422] In some configurations, the controller may return to the normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined quantity of water molecules in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material being determined to fall below a water molecule threshold.

[0423] In some configurations, the controller may return to the normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of condensate in the component being determined to fall below a condensate threshold.

[0424] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit may include a patient end temperature set point, and / or a power to the at least one heater wire.

[0425] In some configurations, the controller may increase a temperature of the vapor permeable material via a heater of the conduit to increases a rate at which water passes from one side of the material to an opposite side of the material.

[0426] In some configurations, the controller may increase a temperature of the liquid permeable material via a heater of the conduit to increases an evaporation rate of liquid water in the liquid permeable material to atmosphere.

[0427] In some configurations, the controller may control a relative humidity gradient between the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material and the atmosphere to be greater than a relative humidity gradient between the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material and a lumen of the conduit.

[0428] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a moisture draining assembly configured to collect condensate and / or transport the condensate back towards the humidification chamber.

[0429] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may include a water trap configured to collect the condensate.

[0430] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly comprises at least one valve electronically coupled to the controller. The controller may actuate the at least one valve based on the at least one sensor signal.

[0431] In some configurations, the controller may actuate the at least one valve into an open position in response to a predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0432] In some configurations, the controller may actuate the at least one valve into an open position in response to a predetermined level of condensate being determined to be present in the component.

[0433] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may include a moisture conveying assembly configured to convey moisture collected in the water trap or the conduit back to the humidification chamber.

[0434] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may further include a conveying conduit, and / or a pump. In some configurations, the pump may be a peristaltic pump.

[0435] In some configurations, the controller may determine a chamber overflow event based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0436] In some configurations, the component may be located near an outlet of a humidification chamber of the humidifier.

[0437] In some configurations, the sensor may include a temperature sensor located near a distal end of the conduit.

[0438] In some configurations, the controller may determine a dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof of the flow of gases based on a temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor in response to determining the presence of a predetermined amount of moisture.

[0439] In some configurations, the controller may determine the dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof based on the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor in response to determining the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate.

[0440] In some configurations, the dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof may be the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0441] In some configurations, the controller may control a heater of the humidifier or a heater of the conduit based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0442] In some configurations, the controller may decrease an operating parameter of the heater of the conduit to increase a relative humidity in the conduit and induce formation of condensate.

[0443] In some configurations, the controller may control the gases exiting the humidifier to reach a dew point temperature set point.

[0444] In some configurations, the controller may determine that a source of the gases for the humidifier may be the ambient air or from a room-entraining ventilator in response to determining that a patient end temperature may be greater than the dew point temperature set point and that a predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0445] In some configurations, when the controller determines that a source of the gases for the humidifier is the ambient air or from a room-entraining ventilator, the controller may control a temperature set point of the humidifier to a constant value.

[0446] In some configurations, the temperature set point can be a chamber outlet set point.

[0447] In some configurations, the chamber outlet set point may correspond to the dew point of the gases.

[0448] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of a predetermined level of moisture in the conduit based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit in response to the conduit being connected to a humidifier and / or prior to operation of the humidifier.

[0449] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit based on a comparison between a threshold and the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit.

[0450] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit when the conduit may be first connected to the humidifier.

[0451] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture present in the conduit may be a level for which a new unused conduit may be needed or the conduit needs to be checked for faults or dried further.

[0452] In some configurations, the controller may generate an alarm in response to determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit.

[0453] In some configurations, the alarm can include a visual and / or audio indication.

[0454] In some configurations, the controller may prevent use of the conduit with the humidifier in response to determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit by preventing powering of the heater of the conduit and / or preventing use of the humidifier while connected to the conduit.

[0455] In some configurations, the conduit may not include a patient end sensor.

[0456] In some configurations, the at least one sensor signal based on the amount of moisture present in the component may further include a signal relating to a humidity of the gases in the component.

[0457] In some configurations, the signal relating to the humidifier of the gases in the component may be filtered from the at least one signal or ignored by the controller.

[0458] In some configurations, the controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal and control a function of the gases source to reduce moisture in response to a predetermined amount of moisture determined to be present in the component based on the value.

[0459] In some configurations, the function may include reducing a tidal volume, increasing an inspiratory rise time, reducing inspiratory to expiratory ratio, increasing an inlet gases temperature, and / or reducing an amount of entrained air and / or switching to a wall or bottle gases source.

[0460] In some configurations, the gases source may include a ventilator.

[0461] In some configurations, the gases source may include a glow generator.

[0462] In some configurations, the controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determine a water-out condition of the humidification chamber based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0463] In some configurations, no water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting an increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0464] In some configurations, no water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being above a threshold.

[0465] In some configurations, a water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting no increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0466] In some configurations, a water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being below a threshold.

[0467] In some configurations, the water-out condition comprises no water present or a predetermined level of water present.

[0468] In some configurations, the controller may increase power to a heater plate of the humidifier and / or reduce power to at least one heater wire of a conduit configured to provide the gases from the humidifier to the user so as to increase humidity and / or increase moisture.

[0469] In some configurations, the increased moisture may be condensate or water in vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0470] In some configurations, the controller may determine the water-out condition subsequent to increasing the power to the heater plate and / or reducing the power to the at least one heater wire in response to the predetermined amount of moisture and / or humidity being determined to be below a threshold.

[0471] A humidifier system may deliver a flow of gases to a user. The humidifier system may include a humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, at least one sensor to output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture and / or humidity present in a component of the system, and a controller to controller operation of the humidifier, wherein the controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determine a humidity of the flow of gases based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component.

[0472] In some configurations, the controller may assume 100% relative humidity upon detection of presence of moisture based on the value.

[0473] In some configurations, the temperature sensor located near a distal end of a conduit may transport the gases from the humidifier to the user. The controller may determine the presence of a predetermined level of moisture based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component. The controller may determine a dew point of the flow of gases, as the humidity of the flow of gases.

[0474] In some configurations, the humidity may be a dew point temperature, a relative humidity value, or an absolute humidity value.

[0475] In some configurations, the controller may control a heater of the humidifier and / or conduit based on the humidity to control a target humidity.

[0476] In some configurations, the controller may determine the presence of a predetermined level of moisture based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component.

[0477] In some configurations, the controller may control at least one operating parameter of the humidifier system based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0478] In some configurations, the controller may control a heater of the humidifier and a heater of the conduit based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0479] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier may include at least one of a heater plate temperature set point, and a power to a heater plate.

[0480] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the conduit may include at least one of a patient end temperature set point, and a power to at least one heater wire.

[0481] In some configurations, the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof may be the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0482] In some configurations, the controller may decrease an operating parameter of a heater of the conduit to increase a relative humidity in the conduit and induce the formation of condensate.

[0483] In some configurations, the controller may control the heater of the conduit to reach a patient end temperature set point.

[0484] In some configurations, the target patient end temperature may be greater than the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0485] In some configurations, the determined humidity of the flow of gases may be a relative humidity or an absolute humidity.

[0486] In some configurations, an output of the at least one sensor may be filtered to obtain a portion of the at least one signal that may be related to the humidity in the component.

[0487] In some configurations, the humidifier may not include a patient end sensor.

[0488] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a flow generator.

[0489] In some configurations, the flow generator and the humidifier may be in a single housing.

[0490] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0491] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0492] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0493] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0494] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0495] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0496] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0497] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0498] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0499] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0500] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0501] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0502] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0503] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0504] In some configurations, the controller may determine the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0505] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0506] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0507] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0508] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0509] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0510] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0511] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0512] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The controller may determine the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0513] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0514] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0515] A humidifier system may deliver flow of gases to a user. The humidifier system may include a humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, a first sensor associated with a first location, a second sensor associated with a second location, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The first sensor may output at least one first sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the first location. The second sensor may output at least one second sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the second location. The controller may determine a first value indicative of an amount of humidity and / or moisture present at the first location based on a first sensor signal, and a second value indicative of the amount of humidity and / or moisture present at the second location based on a second sensor.

[0516] In some configurations, the first location may be associated with a first component of the system.

[0517] In some configurations, the second location may be associated with a second component of the system.

[0518] In some configurations, the first and / or second component may include a conduit, a portion of the conduit, a connector, a portion of a chamber that may be exposed to the flow of gases, and / or a patient interface.

[0519] In some configurations, the connector may include one or more adapters.

[0520] In some configurations, the first location may be upstream of the second location during normal operation of the system.

[0521] In some configurations, the controller may determine that no flow and / or a flow rate below a threshold may be occurring in the system by detecting a first predetermined amount of moisture at the first location, and a predetermined time period after detecting the predetermined amount of moisture at the first location, determining that a second predetermined amount of moisture may be not detected at a second location.

[0522] In some configurations, the controller may determine that a flow rate of the gases may be in a range based on readings from a first temperature sensor at the first location and a second temperature sensor at the second location in response to detecting the first predetermined amount of moisture at the first location and not detecting the second predetermined amount of moisture at the second location a predetermined time period after detecting the predetermined amount of moisture at the first location.

[0523] In some configurations, the first temperature sensor may be located at a chamber outlet of the humidifier.

[0524] In some configurations, the second temperatures sensor may be located at or near a patient end of an inspiratory conduit or a distal end of a patient supply conduit configured to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user.

[0525] In some configurations, the controller may determine that the flow direction may be correct in response to the moisture at an upstream location being greater than the moisture at a downstream location.

[0526] In some configurations, an inspiratory conduit may include the upstream location.

[0527] In some configurations, the conduit positioned between the gases source and the humidifier may include the downstream location.

[0528] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a third sensor associated with a third location of the system. The third sensor may output at least one third sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the third location.

[0529] In some configurations, the third location may be upstream of the first location and the second location.

[0530] In some configurations, the first location may be at an inspiratory conduit.

[0531] In some configurations, the third location may be at an expiratory conduit.

[0532] In some configurations, the second location may be at a chamber inlet of a humidification chamber.

[0533] In some configurations, the controller may be configured to determine a flow direction based on a direction of the moisture detected from the humidifier. The controller may be configured to detect a reverse flow condition in response to moisture being detected in a component upstream of the humidifier when correctly connected.

[0534] A humidifier system according to the present disclosure may deliver a flow of gases to a user. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The controller may determine a value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and control a function of the gases source to reduce moisture in response to a predetermined amount of moisture determined to be present in the component based on the value.

[0535] In some configurations, the function may include reducing a tidal volume, increasing an inspiratory rise time, reducing inspiratory to expiratory ratio, increasing an inlet gases temperature, and / or reducing an amount of entrained air and / or switching to a wall or bottle gases source.

[0536] In some configurations, the gases source may include a ventilator.

[0537] In some configurations, the gases source may include a glow generator.

[0538] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0539] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0540] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0541] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0542] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0543] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0544] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0545] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0546] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0547] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0548] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0549] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0550] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0551] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0552] In some configurations, the controller may determine the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0553] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0554] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0555] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0556] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0557] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0558] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0559] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0560] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The controller may determine the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0561] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0562] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0563] A humidifier system according to the present disclosure may deliver a flow of gases to a user. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The controller may determine at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determine a water-out condition of the humidification chamber based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0564] In some configurations, no water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting an increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0565] In some configurations, no water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being above a threshold.

[0566] In some configurations, a water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting no increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0567] In some configurations, a water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being below a threshold.

[0568] In some configurations, the water-out condition comprises no water present or a predetermined level of water present.

[0569] In some configurations, the controller may increase power to a heater plate of the humidifier and / or reduce power to at least one heater wire of a conduit configured to provide the gases from the humidifier to the user so as to increase humidity and / or increase moisture.

[0570] In some configurations, the increased moisture may be condensate or water in vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0571] In some configurations, the controller may determine the water-out condition subsequent to increasing the power to the heater plate and / or reducing the power to the at least one heater wire in response to the predetermined amount of moisture and / or humidity being determined to be below a threshold.

[0572] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0573] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0574] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0575] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0576] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0577] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0578] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0579] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0580] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0581] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0582] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0583] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0584] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0585] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0586] In some configurations, the controller may determine the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0587] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0588] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0589] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0590] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0591] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0592] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0593] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0594] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The controller may determine the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0595] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0596] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0597] A humidifier system may be used in a gases supply system. The humidifier system may include a humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user. The conduit may include a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, and a controller configured to monitor capacitance and / or capacitance change of a capacitor formed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to detect presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit.

[0598] In some configurations, the capacitance and / or capacitance change includes measuring a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in a time constant, or a change in a resonant frequency of the capacitor formed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0599] In some configurations, the controller may detect a change in permittivity of the capacitor based on the monitored capacitance and / or capacitance change.

[0600] In some configurations, the controller may compare the detected change in permittivity with one or more permittivity thresholds.

[0601] In some configurations, the controller may detect the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit in response to the detected change in permittivity exceeding the one or more permittivity thresholds.

[0602] In some configurations, the controller may output an alarm in response to detecting the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit.

[0603] In some configurations, the controller may output the alarm in response to detecting the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit continuously or intermittently for a predefined duration.

[0604] In some configurations, the predefined duration may be variable based on an expected conduit surface temperature.

[0605] In some configurations, the conduit may include a dielectric material between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0606] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0607] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0608] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0609] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0610] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a heater wire.

[0611] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0612] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a heater wire.

[0613] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance to allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0614] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0615] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be series with one another.

[0616] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0617] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The method include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal and executing one or more moisture management responses based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0618] In some configurations, the one or more moisture management may include one or more of the following: generating at least one notification and / or alarm, changing power supplied to a humidifier heater, changing power suppled to at least one conduit heater, changing a mode of the humidifier, and / or changing a parameter of a ventilator which may be part of the humidification system.

[0619] In some configurations, the component may include the conduit, a portion of the conduit, a connector, a portion of a chamber that may be exposed to the flow of gases, and / or a patient interface.

[0620] In some configurations, the moisture present in the component of the system may include condensate, and / or water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0621] In some configurations, the vapor permeable material may be a breathable material.

[0622] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component may include at least one of a value indicative of the amount of condensate in the component of the system, and / or a value indicative of the amount of water in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system. The value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component may be a sum of the value indicative of the amount of condensate in the component of the system and the value indicative of the amount of water in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0623] In some configurations, the method may further include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on a humidity output of the humidifier.

[0624] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that a predetermined level of moisture may be present in the component based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0625] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present in the component based on comparing the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component and at least one threshold.

[0626] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture may be determined to be present in response to the at least one the at least one value being above the at least one threshold.

[0627] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture may be determined to be present in response to the at least one value being below the at least one threshold.

[0628] In some configurations, the at least one threshold mat include an absolute value threshold, a value change threshold, a percentage threshold of a maximum sensor output, a percentage change threshold, a percentage change over time threshold, a gradient threshold, and / or a crossing threshold.

[0629] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may provide an output indicating that the vapor and / or liquid material of the conduit may be saturated with moisture.

[0630] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may provide an output indicating that the predetermined or acceptable amount of moisture may be present.

[0631] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 80%.

[0632] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 90%

[0633] In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 100%.

[0634] In some configurations, the crossing threshold may occur when the output crosses a particular threshold a number of times. This may optionally be over a predetermined time period.

[0635] In some configurations, the method may further include generating at least one notification and / or alarm in response to the predetermined level of moisture determined to be present in the component.

[0636] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of condensate in the component based on a comparison between the at least one value indicative amount of moisture present in the component and at least one condensate threshold.

[0637] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of a predetermined amount of water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system based on a comparison between the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component and at least one water amount threshold. The predetermined amount of water may optionally be indicative of saturation of the vapor and / or liquid permeable material.

[0638] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling the heater of the humidifier and / or the heater of the conduit to achieve a humidity target.

[0639] In some configurations, the humidity target may include a dew point target, an absolute target, and / or a relative humidity target.

[0640] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing humidity target, and optionally the absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target, of the flow of gases in response to a predetermined amount of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0641] In some configurations, the humidifier may include a heater configured to heat the humidification liquid.

[0642] In some configurations, the heater may include a heater plate.

[0643] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least one heater wire to heat the flow of gases in the conduit.

[0644] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing the absolute humidity of the flow of gases by changing at least one operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier.

[0645] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing the relative humidity of the flow of gases by changing the at least one operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier.

[0646] In some configurations, the changing includes decreasing or limiting or disabling the relative humidity of the flow of gases.

[0647] In some configurations, the at least one operating parameter may include a heater temperature set point and / or a power to a heater.

[0648] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing the relative humidity target of the flow of gases by changing at least one operating parameter of the heater of the conduit. In some configurations, the changing may include increasing the operating parameter.

[0649] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit may be a patient end temperature set point and / or a power to the at least one heater of the conduit.

[0650] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier and / or the heater of the conduit may be changed based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0651] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing an absolute humidity target, and / or a relative humidity target in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be still present in the component a predetermined time period after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0652] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to a normal operation, and / or revert to an original absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target of the flow of gases, in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0653] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to normal operation, and / or revert to an original absolute humidity and / or relative humidity target of the flow of gases, in response to determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component after initially determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0654] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component in response to detecting an absence of moisture or a small amount of moisture present in the component.

[0655] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that the predetermined level of moisture may be no longer present in the component in response to detecting an absence of condensate or a small amount of condensate present in the component.

[0656] In some configurations, at least a portion of the conduit or another component of the system may include a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0657] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element, the at least one sensor signal comprising a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0658] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0659] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0660] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element for part of conduit walls.

[0661] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire

[0662] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0663] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0664] In some configurations, the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material may be a dielectric material.

[0665] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0666] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0667] In some configurations, the other component may include a patient interface.

[0668] In some configurations, the other component may include connectors and / or adaptors.

[0669] In some configurations, the conduit may include a composite conduit.

[0670] In some configurations, the conduit may include a vapor and / or liquid permeable bead.

[0671] In some configurations, the vapor permeable bead allows evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0672] In some configurations, the vapor permeable bead may be an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties, hydrophilic thermoplastic, breathable thermoplastic copolyester, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, and / or a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer.

[0673] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0674] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0675] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are separated by a distance configured to allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0676] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0677] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0678] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0679] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0680] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0681] In some configurations, the signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0682] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element comprise at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0683] In some configurations, the two portions may be in series with one another.

[0684] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator wherein the controller may determine that at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0685] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to an inductance of the conduit.

[0686] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0687] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture present in the component may be indicative of a predetermined amount of water in a vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material of the component of the system.

[0688] In some configurations, the method may further include initially changing an operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component. In some configurations, the changing may include decreasing, limiting, or disabling the operating parameter. In some configurations, the decreasing or limiting includes decreasing or limiting power to the at least one heater wire to a range of 3.0W / m to 7.0W / m.

[0689] In some configurations, the method may further include maintaining the initially changed operating parameter of the heater wire of the conduit.

[0690] In some configurations, maintaining the initially changed operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit may increase a moisture saturation of the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material. This change may optionally be an increase to a predetermined moisture saturation.

[0691] In some configurations, the method may further include changing the operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit.

[0692] In some configurations, the method may further include changing the operating parameter of the heater wire of the conduit a predetermined time after having maintained the initially changed operating parameter.

[0693] In some configurations, the further change may be an increase of the operating parameter.

[0694] In some configurations, the method may further include changing an operating parameter of the heater of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0695] In some configurations, the predetermined level may be a percentage threshold of a maximum sensor output. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 80%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 90%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 100%. A fully saturated permeable material may be at 100%.

[0696] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may be an output indicating that a bead of the conduit may be saturated with moisture.

[0697] In some configurations, the maximum sensor output may be an output indicating that the predetermined or acceptable amount of moisture may be present.

[0698] In some configurations, the method may further include maintaining the changed operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit to allow for drying of the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material via evaporation to the atmosphere.

[0699] In some configurations, the method may further include maintaining the changed operating parameter increase a rate at which the moisture may be transferred across the vapor permeable material to the atmosphere.

[0700] In some configurations, the changed operating parameter may include an increased power to between 10W / m and 14W / m to the at least one heater wire.

[0701] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to a normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit a predetermined time after having maintained the changed operating parameter.

[0702] In some configurations, the method may further include repeating increasing and maintain the operating parameter and then decreasing and maintaining the operating parameter a number of times before returning to the normal or original operating parameter.

[0703] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to a normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of moisture in the component being determined to fall below a threshold. In some configurations, the threshold may be a percentage threshold. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 20%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 15%. In some configurations, the percentage threshold may be 0%.

[0704] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to the normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined quantity of water molecules in the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material being determined to fall below a water molecule threshold.

[0705] In some configurations, the method may further include returning to the normal or original operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit in response to the predetermined level of condensate in the component being determined to fall below a condensate threshold.

[0706] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the at least one heater wire of the conduit may include a patient end temperature set point, and / or a power to the at least one heater wire.

[0707] In some configurations, the method may further include increasing a temperature of the vapor permeable material via a heater of the conduit to increases a rate at which water passes from one side of the material to an opposite side of the material.

[0708] In some configurations, the method may further include increasing a temperature of the liquid permeable material via a heater of the conduit to increases an evaporation rate of liquid water in the liquid permeable material to atmosphere.

[0709] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling a relative humidity gradient between the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material and the atmosphere to be greater than a relative humidity gradient between the vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material and a lumen of the conduit.

[0710] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a moisture draining assembly configured to collect condensate and / or transport the condensate back towards the humidification chamber.

[0711] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may include a water trap configured to collect the condensate.

[0712] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may include at least one valve electronically coupled to the controller. The method may further include actuating the at least one valve based on the at least one sensor signal.

[0713] In some configurations, the method may further include actuating the at least one valve into an open position in response to a predetermined level of moisture being determined to be present in the component.

[0714] In some configurations the method may further include actuating the at least one valve into an open position in response to a predetermined level of condensate being determined to be present in the component.

[0715] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may include a moisture conveying assembly configured to convey moisture collected in the water trap or the conduit back to the humidification chamber.

[0716] In some configurations, the moisture draining assembly may further include a conveying conduit, and / or a pump. In some configurations, the pump may be a peristaltic pump.

[0717] In some configurations, the method may further include determining a chamber overflow event based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0718] In some configurations, the component may be located near an outlet of a humidification chamber of the humidifier.

[0719] In some configurations, the sensor may include a temperature sensor located near a distal end of the conduit.

[0720] In some configurations, the method may further include determining a dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof of the flow of gases based on a temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor in response to determining the presence of a predetermined amount of moisture.

[0721] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof based on the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor in response to determining the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate.

[0722] In some configurations, the dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof may be the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0723] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling a heater of the humidifier or a heater of the conduit based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0724] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing an operating parameter of the heater of the conduit to increase a relative humidity in the conduit and induce formation of condensate.

[0725] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling the gases exiting the humidifier to reach a dew point temperature set point.

[0726] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that a source of the gases for the humidifier may be the ambient air or from a room-entraining ventilator in response to determining that a patient end temperature may be greater than the dew point temperature set point and that a predetermined level of moisture may be present.

[0727] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling a temperature set point of the humidifier to a constant value after determining that a source of the gases for the humidifier is the ambient air or from a room-entraining ventilator.

[0728] In some configurations, the temperature set point can be a chamber outlet set point.

[0729] In some configurations, the chamber outlet set point may correspond to the dew point of the gases.

[0730] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of a predetermined level of moisture in the conduit based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit in response to the conduit being connected to a humidifier and / or prior to operation of the humidifier.

[0731] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit based on a comparison between a threshold and the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit.

[0732] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit when the conduit may be first connected to the humidifier.

[0733] In some configurations, the predetermined level of moisture present in the conduit may be a level for which a new unused conduit may be needed or the conduit needs to be checked for faults or dried further.

[0734] In some configurations, the method may further include generating an alarm in response to determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit.

[0735] In some configurations, the alarm can include a visual and / or audio indication.

[0736] In some configurations, the method may further include preventing use of the conduit with the humidifier in response to determining the presence of the predetermined level of moisture in the conduit by preventing powering of the heater of the conduit and / or preventing use of the humidifier while connected to the conduit.

[0737] In some configurations, the conduit may not include a patient end sensor.

[0738] In some configurations, the at least one sensor signal based on the amount of moisture present in the component may further include a signal relating to a humidity of the gases in the component.

[0739] In some configurations, the signal relating to the humidifier of the gases in the component may be filtered from the at least one signal or ignored by the controller.

[0740] In some configurations, the method may further include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal and control a function of the gases source to reduce moisture in response to a predetermined amount of moisture determined to be present in the component based on the value.

[0741] In some configurations, the function may include reducing a tidal volume, increasing an inspiratory rise time, reducing inspiratory to expiratory ratio, increasing an inlet gases temperature, and / or reducing an amount of entrained air and / or switching to a wall or bottle gases source.

[0742] In some configurations, the gases source may include a ventilator.

[0743] In some configurations, the gases source may include a glow generator.

[0744] In some configurations, the method may further include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determine a water-out condition of the humidification chamber based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0745] In some configurations, the water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting an increased amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0746] In some configurations, the water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being above a threshold.

[0747] In some configurations, the water-out condition may include no water present or a predetermined level of water present.

[0748] In some configurations, the method may further include increasing power to a heater plate of the humidifier and / or reduce power to at least one heater wire of a conduit configured to provide the gases from the humidifier to the user so as to increase humidity and / or increase moisture.

[0749] In some configurations, the increased moisture may be condensate or water in vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0750] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the water-out condition subsequent to increasing the power to the heater plate and / or reducing the power to the at least one heater wire in response to the predetermined amount of moisture and / or humidity being determined to be below a threshold.

[0751] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier system may include the humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, at least one sensor to output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture and / or humidity present in a component of the system, and a controller to controller operation of the humidifier. The method may include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determining a humidity of the flow of gases based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component.

[0752] In some configurations, the method may further include assuming 100% relative humidity upon detection of presence of moisture based on the value.

[0753] In some configurations, the temperature sensor located near a distal end of a conduit may transport the gases from the humidifier to the user. The method may further include determining the presence of a predetermined level of moisture based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component. The method may further include determining a dew point of the flow of gases, as the humidity of the flow of gases.

[0754] In some configurations, the humidity may be a dew point temperature, a relative humidity value, or an absolute humidity value.

[0755] In some configurations, the controller may control a heater of the humidifier and / or conduit based on the humidity to control a target humidity.

[0756] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the presence of a predetermined level of moisture based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture and / or humidity present in the component.

[0757] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling at least one operating parameter of the humidifier system based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0758] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling a heater of the humidifier and a heater of the conduit based on the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0759] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the humidifier may include at least one of a heater plate temperature set point, and a power to a heater plate.

[0760] In some configurations, the operating parameter of the heater of the conduit may include at least one of a patient end temperature set point, and a power to at least one heater wire.

[0761] In some configurations, the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof may be the temperature of the flow of gases sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0762] In some configurations, the method may further include decreasing an operating parameter of a heater of the conduit to increase a relative humidity in the conduit and induce the formation of condensate.

[0763] In some configurations, the method may further include controlling the heater of the conduit to reach a patient end temperature set point.

[0764] In some configurations, the target patient end temperature may be greater than the determined dew point temperature or a value indicative thereof.

[0765] In some configurations, the determined humidity of the flow of gases may be a relative humidity or an absolute humidity.

[0766] In some configurations, an output of the at least one sensor may be filtered to obtain a portion of the at least one signal that may be related to the humidity in the component.

[0767] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a flow generator.

[0768] In some configurations, the flow generator and the humidifier may be in a single housing.

[0769] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0770] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0771] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0772] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0773] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0774] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0775] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0776] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0777] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0778] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0779] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0780] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0781] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0782] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0783] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0784] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0785] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0786] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0787] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0788] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0789] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0790] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0791] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0792] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0793] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0794] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier system may include the humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, a first sensor associated with a first location, a second sensor associated with a second location, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The first sensor may output at least one first sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the first location. The second sensor may output at least one second sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the second location. The method may include determining a first value indicative of an amount of humidity and / or moisture present at the first location based on a first sensor signal, and a second value indicative of the amount of humidity and / or moisture present at the second location based on a second sensor.

[0795] In some configurations, the first location may be associated with a first component of the system.

[0796] In some configurations, the second location may be associated with a second component of the system.

[0797] In some configurations, the first and / or second component may include a conduit, a portion of the conduit, a connector, a portion of a chamber that may be exposed to the flow of gases, and / or a patient interface.

[0798] In some configurations, the connector may include one or more adapters.

[0799] In some configurations, the first location may be upstream of the second location during normal operation of the system.

[0800] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that no flow and / or a flow rate below a threshold may be occurring in the system by detecting a first predetermined amount of moisture at the first location, and a predetermined time period after detecting the predetermined amount of moisture at the first location, determining that a second predetermined amount of moisture may be not detected at a second location.

[0801] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that a flow rate of the gases may be in a range based on readings from a first temperature sensor at the first location and a second temperature sensor at the second location in response to detecting the first predetermined amount of moisture at the first location and not detecting the second predetermined amount of moisture at the second location a predetermined time period after detecting the predetermined amount of moisture at the first location.

[0802] In some configurations, the first temperature sensor may be located at a chamber outlet of the humidifier.

[0803] In some configurations, the second temperatures sensor may be located at or near a patient end of an inspiratory conduit or a distal end of a patient supply conduit configured to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user.

[0804] In some configurations, the method may further include determining that the flow direction may be correct in response to the moisture at an upstream location being greater than the moisture at a downstream location.

[0805] In some configurations, an inspiratory conduit may include the upstream location.

[0806] In some configurations, the conduit positioned between the gases source and the humidifier may include the downstream location.

[0807] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a third sensor associated with a third location of the system. The third sensor may output at least one third sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present at the third location.

[0808] In some configurations, the third location may be upstream of the first location and the second location.

[0809] In some configurations, the first location may be at an inspiratory conduit.

[0810] In some configurations, the third location may be at an expiratory conduit.

[0811] In some configurations, the second location may be at a chamber inlet of a humidification chamber.

[0812] In some configurations, the method may further include determining a flow direction based on a direction of the moisture detected from the humidifier. The method may further include detecting a reverse flow condition in response to moisture being detected in a component upstream of the humidifier when correctly connected.

[0813] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The method may include determining a value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and controlling a function of the gases source to reduce moisture in response to a predetermined amount of moisture determined to be present in the component based on the value.

[0814] In some configurations, the function may include reducing a tidal volume, increasing an inspiratory rise time, reducing inspiratory to expiratory ratio, increasing an inlet gases temperature, and / or reducing an amount of entrained air and / or switching to a wall or bottle gases source.

[0815] In some configurations, the gases source may include a ventilator.

[0816] In some configurations, the gases source may include a glow generator.

[0817] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0818] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0819] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0820] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0821] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0822] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0823] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0824] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0825] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0826] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0827] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0828] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0829] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0830] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0831] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0832] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0833] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0834] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0835] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0836] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0837] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0838] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0839] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0840] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0841] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0842] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier may provide a humidifier that may heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user, at least one sensor that may output at least one sensor signal based on an amount of moisture present in a component of the system, and a controller to control operation of the humidifier. The method may include determining at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component based on the at least one sensor signal, and determining a water-out condition of the humidification chamber based on the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture present in the component.

[0843] In some configurations, the water-out condition may be determined in response to detecting an increased amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component.

[0844] In some configurations, the water-out condition may be determined in response to the increase in the amount of moisture and / or humidity in the component being above a threshold.

[0845] In some configurations, the water-out condition comprises no water present or a predetermined level of water present.

[0846] In some configurations, the method may further include increasing power to a heater plate of the humidifier and / or reduce power to at least one heater wire of a conduit configured to provide the gases from the humidifier to the user so as to increase humidity and / or increase moisture.

[0847] In some configurations, the increased moisture may be condensate or water in vapor permeable and / or liquid permeable material.

[0848] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the water-out condition subsequent to increasing the power to the heater plate and / or reducing the power to the at least one heater wire in response to the predetermined amount of moisture and / or humidity being determined to be below a threshold.

[0849] In some configurations, the conduit may include at least a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. The at least one sensor signal may include a signal generated using one or more of the at least first and second electrically conductive elements.

[0850] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0851] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0852] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0853] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0854] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0855] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0856] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be at least one heater wire.

[0857] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0858] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in capacitance between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0859] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance that may allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0860] In some configurations, the humidifier system may include a dielectric material located between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0861] In some configurations, the dielectric material may be vapor or liquid permeable.

[0862] In some configurations, the vapor permeable dielectric material may allow for evaporation of water to ambient air while inhibiting passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air.

[0863] In some configurations, the method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of moisture based on a comparison of a measurement of the first electrically conductive element and / or the second electrically conductive element.

[0864] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0865] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a change in temperature of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0866] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, or the at least one signal may be indicative of a thermal conductivity of a medium proximal to the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0867] In some configurations, the at least one signal may be indicative of a resistance of the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element.

[0868] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0869] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in series with one another.

[0870] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0871] In some configurations, the humidifier system may further include a signal generator. The method may further include determining the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit based at least in part on a magnitude and / or phase of the at least one signal.

[0872] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit corresponds to an inductance of the conduit.

[0873] In some configurations, the at least one value indicative of the amount of moisture in the conduit may correspond to a change in inductance of the conduit.

[0874] A method of delivering a flow of gases to a user according to the present disclosure may use a controller of a humidifier that may be part of a humidifier system. The humidifier system may include a humidifier to heat and humidify the gases, a conduit to transport the gases from the humidifier to the user. The conduit may include a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element. The method may include monitoring capacitance and / or capacitance change of a capacitor formed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element to detect presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit.

[0875] In some configurations, the capacitance and / or capacitance change includes measuring a time constant, a resonant frequency, a change in a time constant, or a change in a resonant frequency of the capacitor formed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0876] In some configurations, the method may further include detecting a change in permittivity of the capacitor based on the monitored capacitance and / or capacitance change.

[0877] In some configurations, the method may further include comparing the detected change in permittivity with one or more permittivity thresholds.

[0878] In some configurations, the method may further include detecting the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit in response to the detected change in permittivity exceeding the one or more permittivity thresholds.

[0879] In some configurations, the method may further include outputting an alarm in response to detecting the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit.

[0880] In some configurations, the method may further include outputting the alarm in response to detecting the presence of skin in close vicinity or contact with the conduit continuously or intermittently for a predefined duration.

[0881] In some configurations, the predefined duration may be variable based on an expected conduit surface temperature.

[0882] In some configurations, the conduit may include a dielectric material between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0883] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound about at least a length of the conduit.

[0884] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element are spirally wound within, through, or around the conduit.

[0885] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element form part of conduit walls.

[0886] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0887] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element may be a heater wire.

[0888] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a sensing wire.

[0889] In some configurations, the second electrically conductive element may be a heater wire.

[0890] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element may be separated by a distance to allow for a capacitive charge to be sensed between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

[0891] In some configurations, the first electrically conductive element or the second electrically conductive element may include at least two portions that are electrically disconnected from one another.

[0892] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be series with one another.

[0893] In some configurations, the at least two portions may be in parallel with one another.

[0894] The present disclosure includes a method of determining a condition of a medical humidifier configured to provide gases to a patient. The method can comprise: reducing power to a heater wire of a breathing tube coupled to the medical humidifier, wherein the medical humidifier can comprise a heater plate and a temperature based flow sensor; measuring a condensate metric; determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and outputting the condition of the medical humidifier to a controller of the medical humidifier in response to the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric, wherein outputting the condition of the medical humidifier can comprise disregarding reading from the temperature based flow sensor for control of the medical humidifier.

[0895] In some configurations, the method can further include determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric comprises comparing a condensate level in the breathing tube to a predetermined threshold.

[0896] In some configurations, the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include the condensate level in the breathing tube being greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0897] In some configurations, wherein outputting the condition of the medical humidifier can include disabling the temperature based flow sensor.

[0898] In some configurations, wherein reducing power to the heater wire can include disabling power to the heater wire.

[0899] In some configurations, wherein outputting the condition of the medical humidifier can include implementing an alternative method to determine a value indicative of a flow rate of the gases.

[0900] In some configurations, wherein the alternative method can include an algorithmic method that does not require further input from sensors.

[0901] In some configurations, wherein outputting the condition of the medical humidifier can include adjusting a setting of the medical humidifier to be displayed on a user interface of the medical humidifier.

[0902] In some configurations, wherein adjusting the setting of the medical humidifier can include at least one of: adjusting PID coefficients; increasing a control loop timing; and / or applying a maximum increase in a setpoint of the heater plate.

[0903] In some configurations, wherein the condition can be a Heliox mode.

[0904] In some configurations, wherein outputting the condition of the medical humidifier can include determining a gases source type.

[0905] In some configurations, wherein the power to the heater wire of the breathing tube can be reduced or disabled for a predetermined period of time.

[0906] A method of determining a condition of a medical humidifier configured to provide gases to a patient, the method comprising: reducing power to a heater wire of a breathing tube coupled to the medical humidifier, wherein the medical humidifier comprises a heater plate; measuring a condensate metric; determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and outputting the condition of the medical humidifier to a controller of the medical humidifier in response to the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric.

[0907] In some configurations, wherein reducing the power to the heater wire of the breathing tube can include disabling the power to the heater wire.

[0908] In some configurations, wherein the power to the heater wire of the breathing tube can be reduced for a predetermined period of time.

[0909] In some configurations, wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric can include comparing a condensate level in the breathing tube to a predetermined threshold.

[0910] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include the condensate level in the breathing tube being greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0911] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include the condensate level in the breathing tube being less than the predetermined threshold.

[0912] In some configurations, wherein the condition can include a reverse flow condition.

[0913] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include a condensate level of a dryline connected to the medical humidifier and a gases source is greater than a condensate level of the breathing tube.

[0914] In some configurations, wherein outputting the condition can include outputting a reverse flow alarm.

[0915] In some configurations, wherein the condition can include the medical humidifier having just started up or is malfunctioning.

[0916] In some configurations, wherein the condition of the medical humidifier can include no presence of flow or water out.

[0917] In some configurations, the method can include confirming the determination by performing a flow test or a water out test.

[0918] In some configurations, the method can include indicating the condition to the patient in an audio or visual message.

[0919] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include a duration of time to dry condensation in the breathing tube being greater than a predetermined threshold duration of time.

[0920] In some configurations, wherein in response to the duration of time to dry condensation in the breathing tube being greater than a predetermined threshold duration of time, outputting the condition comprising the breathing tube being covered.

[0921] In some configurations, wherein measuring a condensate metric can include measuring a first condensate metric in a first section of an inspiratory limb and a second condensate metric in a second section of the inspiratory limb; wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric comprises comparing the first condensate metric of the first section of the inspiratory limb and the second condensate metric of the second section of the inspiratory limb, wherein the condition comprises an incubator being used with the medical humidifier.

[0922] In some configurations, wherein the incubator can be determined to be used in response to the first condensate metric of the first section being greater than the second condensate metric of the second section.

[0923] In some configurations, wherein the first condensate metric and the second condensate metric can each correspond to a presence of condensation.

[0924] In some configurations, wherein the presence of condensation in the first section of the inspiratory limb and no presence of condensation in the second section of the inspiratory limb can be indicative of the incubator being in use.

[0925] In some configurations, the method can include decreasing power delivered to the heater wire at the second section of the inspiratory limb when the incubator is used.

[0926] In some configurations, the method can include increasing power delivered to the heater wire at the first section of the inspiratory limb when the incubator is used.

[0927] In some configurations, wherein the condition can be an orientation of the breathing tube.

[0928] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include the measured condensate metric at a patient end of the breathing tube being greater than the measured condensate metric at an outlet of a humidification chamber of the medical humidifier.

[0929] In some configurations, wherein the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric can include the measured condensate metric at the patient end being greater than the measured condensate metric at a region between the patient end and the outlet.

[0930] A method to determine a condition of a humidifier configured to provide gases to a patient, the method comprising: determining a startup condition; reducing power to a heater plate of a medical humidifier coupled to a breathing tube and comprising a heater plate; determining whether a measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and outputting the condition of the humidifier to a controller of the humidifier based one whether the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric.

[0931] In some configurations, wherein the startup condition can include determining a duration of time for which the humidifier has been powered on and determining the duration of time indicating the humidifier has just turned on.

[0932] In some configurations, the method can include resuming a state or normal control in response to the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric.

[0933] In some configurations, wherein the condition can include an alarm that the breathing tube is contaminated.

[0934] In some configurations, wherein the humidifier may have been just powered on.

[0935] In some configurations, the method can include powering off the heater plate and ensuring the heater plate is at a substantially cool temperature.

[0936] In some configurations, the method can include raising a circuit moisture alarm when condensate is detected.

[0937] A method of controlling power to a heating element of an inspiratory tube coupled to a humidifier of a humidifier system, the method comprising: measuring a condensate metric of the humidifier system; determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and controlling power to the heating element based on at least whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric.

[0938] In some configurations, wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric can include detecting whether the measured condensate metric is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0939] In some configurations, the method further can include increasing power to the heating element in response to the measured condensate metric being greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0940] In some configurations, the method can include decreasing power to the heating element in response to the measured condensate metric being less than the predetermined threshold.

[0941] In some configurations, the method can include determining whether a power to the heating element is at a maximum.

[0942] In some configurations, the method can include reducing a setpoint of a heater plate of the humidifier of the humidifier system when the power to the heating element is at the maximum.

[0943] In some configurations, wherein reducing a setpoint of the heater plate can be based on determining that the measured condensate satisfies the expected condensate metric.

[0944] In some configurations, wherein the inspiratory tube can be sensorless at a patient end.

[0945] In some configurations, wherein whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric can be determined without an input from the sensor located at the patient end.

[0946] In some configurations, wherein the humidifier system can be sensorless at an outlet of a humidification chamber of the system.

[0947] A method of identifying a tube type of a humidifier system can include determining a capacitance value of a tube and mapping the capacitance value to the tube type.

[0948] In some configurations, the method can be performed at start-up of the humidifier system.

[0949] Although discussed mainly with respect to respiratory assistance apparatuses and surgical insufflators, it is to be understood that the moisture detection disclosure provided by the present application can also apply to other medical or non-medical uses of a conduit or humidified gases transport system where it is desirable to detect a presence or extent of moisture.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0950] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings of certain implementations, which are intended to schematically illustrate certain implementations and not to limit the disclosure. Fig. 1A illustrates schematically an example respiratory humidifier system. Fig. 1B illustrates an example humidifier. Fig. 1C illustrates an example heater base and cartridge. Fig. 1D illustrates an example humidifier with the electropneumatic connector disconnected from the humidifier of FIG. 1B. Fig, 1E illustrates an example heater base and humidification chamber. Fig. 1F illustrates an example cartridge. Fig. 1G illustrates the electropneumatic connector of the humidifier of Fig. 1B. Fig. 2 illustrates schematically an example surgical humidifier system. Fig. 3A shows a side-plan view of a section of an example composite conduit. Fig. 3B shows a longitudinal cross-section of a top portion of a tube similar to the example composite conduit of Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C shows another longitudinal cross-section illustrating a first elongate member in the composite conduit. Fig. 4A illustrates condensation interaction with a non-permeable bead of a composite conduit. Fig. 4B illustrates condensation interaction with a permeable bead of a composite conduit. Fig. 5A illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using capacitance to detect condensation. Fig. 5B illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using capacitance to detect condensation. Fig. 6 illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using a time constant or resonance frequency derived from inductance to detect condensation. Fig. 7A illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using resistance to detect condensation. Fig. 7B illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using resistance to detect condensation. Fig. 8A illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using resistance and short-circuiting to detect condensation. Fig. 8B illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using resistance and short-circuiting to detect condensation. Fig. 9A illustrates schematically an example condensation detection system using signal attenuation to detect condensation. Fig. 9B illustrates a conduit wall structures configured to detect moisture using signal attenuation. Fig. 10A illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using signal attenuation to detect condensation. Fig. 10B illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using signal attenuation to detect condensation with monopoles. Fig. 11A illustrates heat radiating from wires in a bead. Fig. 11B illustrates an example modeled circuit system of a condensation detection system using temperature or thermal conductivity to detect condensation. Fig. 12 illustrates a table of resistor voltage vs. time constant in a condensation detection system. Fig. 13A illustrates a flow chart of a condensation detection mode. Fig. 13B illustrates a flow chart of a condensation measurement mode. Fig. 13C illustrates a flow chart of a condensation measurement mode using resonant frequency. Fig. 13D illustrates a flow chart of a condensation measurement mode using signal attenuation. Fig. 13E illustrates a flow chart of a condensation measurement mode using thermal conductivity. Fig. 14 illustrates an example bead with various conduit wall structures configured to detect moisture. Fig. 15 illustrates an example configuration of a bead with an opening. Fig. 16 illustrates a second example configuration of a bead with an opening. Fig. 17A illustrates an example configuration cross section of a part of the tube wall. Fig. 17B illustrates a second example configuration cross section of a part of the tube wall. Fig. 18 illustrates a portion of the tube wall with parallel elements. Fig. 19 illustrates a portion of the tube wall where the elements can pivot. Fig. 20 illustrates an example of a permeable wall portion of a conduit wall. Fig. 21 illustrates a second example of a permeable wall portion of a conduit wall. Fig. 22 illustrates an example conduit configuration where elements are in the same plane, parallel to the surface of the exterior conduit wall. Fig. 23 illustrates a cross section of an example conduit wherein the elements are provided longitudinally, parallel to the lumen, and equidistantly spaced about the circumference of the tube Fig. 24 illustrates a cross section of an example conduit wherein an additional conductive element wound about the outside of the conduit wall. Fig. 25 illustrates a cross section of an example conduit wherein individual strands of two meshes can be insulated and multiplexed. Fig. 26 illustrates an example method of a humidifier controller enacting various moisture management measures. Fig. 27 illustrates an example method of absolute humidity reduction for moisture management. Fig. 28 illustrates an example method of relative humidity reduction for moisture management. Fig. 29 illustrates an example method of moisture management using drying strategies. Fig. 30 illustrates an example method of automatic condensate draining for moisture management. Fig. 31A illustrates an example passive method of humidity sensing. Fig. 31B illustrates an example active method of humidity sensing. Fig. 32A illustrates an example method of flow-related sensing using moisture detection disclosed herein. Fig. 32B illustrates an example method of flow-related sensing using moisture detection disclosed herein. Fig. 32C illustrates an example method of flow-related sensing using moisture detection disclosed herein. Fig. 32D illustrates an example method of flow-related sensing using moisture detection disclosed herein. Fig. 33 illustrates an example water-out detection method. Fig. 34A illustrates an example humidifier system with correct connections. Fig. 34B illustrates an example humidifier system with correct connections. Fig. 35A illustrates an example humidifier system with incorrect connections. Fig. 35B illustrates an example humidifier system with incorrect connections. Fig. 35C illustrates an example humidifier system with incorrect connections. Fig. 35D illustrates an example humidifier system with incorrect connections. Fig. 36 illustrates an example humidifier system that can provide high flow respiratory support. Fig. 37 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for gas type and room entraining vent detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 38A illustrates a flowchart of an example process for no flow / water-out detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 38B illustrates a flowchart of an example process for no flow / water out detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 38C illustrates a flowchart of an example process of using detection of no humidity for fault detection. Fig. 39 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for reverse flow detection based on capacitance measurements disclosed herein. Fig. 40 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for covered tube detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 41 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for contaminated tube detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 42 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for incubator use detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 43 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for tube type detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 44 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for tube orientation detection based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 45 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for calculating power to an inspiratory tube heating element power based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 46 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for calculating power to multiple zones of an inspiratory tube heating element based on the condensate detection / measurement methods disclosed herein. Fig. 47 illustrates an example longitudinal cross section of a bubble tube 4701 in a quadruple helix arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0951] Although certain implementations and examples are described below, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed implementations and / or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular implementations described below. For example, the dimensions provided in the present disclosure are examples and not limiting. Similarly, although described mainly with respect to respiratory or surgical humidification systems, the present disclosure is applicable to any tubing arrangement where it is desirable to measure moisture. The following examples describe detection of a presence and, optionally, volume and / or location of moisture for example, condensate, water, bodily fluids such as saliva, blood or mucus, or any liquid in the conduit, but the disclosed methods and apparatuses may alternatively or additionally be applied to detect humidity of the gases and / or the presence of other moisture or fluids within the conduit system.Example Gases Supply Systems

[0952] Fig, 1 schematically illustrates an example respiratory assistance apparatus including a conduit system comprising one or more conduits 103, 117, a patient interface 115 and a Y-piece 113. The respiratory assistance apparatus may be a ventilator, a continuous, variable, or bi-level positive airway pressure (PAP) system or provide another form of respiratory therapy, such as, for example, high flow therapy.

[0953] Gases may be transported in the breathing circuit of Fig. 1 as follows: dry or relatively dry gases pass from a gases source 105 through a dry line tube or supply tube 157 to a humidifier 107, which humidifies the dry gases. The gases source 105 may be, for example, a ventilator or a blower. The gases source 105 may be separated from the humidifier 107 or integrated with the humidifier 107 in a single housing.

[0954] The humidifier 107 connects to an end 109 of a conduit, such as inspiratory tube 103, via a port 111. The inspiratory tube 103 is connected to a patient 101 through a patient interface 115, optionally using a Y-piece 113. An optional expiratory conduit, such as expiratory tube 117, also connects to the patient interface 115 through the Y-piece 113. The expiratory tube 117 may be configured to move exhaled gases away from the patient 101. As illustrated in Fig. 1, expiratory tube 117 returns exhaled gases from the patient 101 to the gases source 105. Alternatively, the inspiratory tube 103 connects directly to the patient interface 115 without a Y-piece 113. In such an implementation, expired gases are allowed to flow directly to the ambient environment, without requiring an expiratory tube.

[0955] Inspiratory tube 103 can include electrically conductive elements such as heater, sensor and / or moisture detection elements 145. Similarly, expiratory tube 117 can include heater, sensor and / or moisture detection elements 147. Further, the Y-piece 113 and patient interface 115 can also include heater, sensor and / or moisture detection elements. As will be explained in further detail below, the heater, sensor and / or moisture detection elements 145, 147 can be wires or filaments.

[0956] As shown in the example respiratory assistance apparatus of Fig, 1, dry or relatively dry gases enter the gases source 105 through a vent 119. A fan 121 may improve gas flow into the gases source 105 by drawing air or other gases through the vent 119. The fan 121 may be, for instance, a variable speed fan, where an electronic controller 123 controls the fan speed. The electronic controller 123 may also be controlled by a second electronic controller 125, or vice versa, in some implementations.

[0957] The humidifier 107 can include a humidification chamber 129 containing a volume of water 130 or other suitable humidifying liquid. The humidification chamber 129 can be removable from the humidifier 107. The humidification chamber 129 may include a highly heat-conductive base (for example, an aluminum base) contacting or associated with a heater plate 131 on the humidifier 107. The examples in the present disclosure describe a heater plate as a heater of the humidifier and a heater wire as a heater of the tube. It will be appreciated that other heaters of the humidifier are possible (e.g. a heater wire, or other type of heating element) and other heaters of the conduit are possible (e.g. another type of heater element).

[0958] The humidifier 107 may also include electronic controls. In Fig. 1, for example, the humidifier 107 includes an electronic, analog, or digital controller 125. The controller 125 may be a microprocessor-based controller executing computer software commands stored in associated memory. In response to humidity, temperature or other feedback values provided via a user interface 133 and / or integrated sensors, the controller 125 determines heat, flow, pressure and / or other variables used to provide humidified gases to a patient (also referred to herein as a user). User interface 133 can be one or more hardware buttons and / or a display or touch screen display. The user interface 133 can provide audio and / or visual feedback to the user. When condensation is detected, any number of alarms, alerts, feedback, guidance or instructions can be provided to the user to indicate the presence, extent or remedies for a condensation condition. For example, the user interface 133 can provide an alarm when condensation is detected. The user interface 133 can provide a visual indication of condensation. The user interface 133 can also provide an animation to instruct a user how to properly drain condensation.

[0959] Any suitable patient interface may be used. Patient interface is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (that is, it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning) and includes, without limitation, masks (such as tracheal mask, face masks, and nasal masks), endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, cannulas, and nasal pillows. A temperature probe 135 may be incorporated in or connected to inspiratory tube 103 near the Y-piece 113, or directly to the Y-piece 113 or the patient interface 115. The temperature probe 135 monitors the temperature of the flow of gases near or at the patient interface 115. A heating wire (such as moisture detection element 145) may be used to adjust the temperature of the patient interface 115, the Y-piece 113, and / or the inspiratory tube 103 to maintain the temperature of the flow of gases above the saturation temperature (that is the dew point temperature of the flow of gases), thereby reducing the opportunity for unwanted condensation, and / or to deliver the gases at optimal temperature for patient therapy (for example, 40°C at the patient end of the inspiratory tube and / or 37°C at the patient for non-invasive therapy). As shown in Fig. 1, exhaled gases are optionally returned from the patient interface 115 to the gases source 105 via the expiratory tube 117.

[0960] The system of Fig. 1 may be readily adapted for other applications involving the supply of a heated and / or humidified gas flow to a user or patient, including but not limited to laparoscopy, and the like. Such applications may use alternative gases, operating parameters (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, or humidity) and patient interfaces. Further, although shown with respect to a separate ventilator and humidifier system, it is to be understood that the present disclosure can also be used with an integrated ventilator / blower and humidifier system.

[0961] The system of Fig. 1 can also provide oxygen (O 2 ) or an O 2 fraction to the user through port 149. The system of Fig. 1 can receive O 2 from a remote source and / or by blending atmospheric air with incoming O 2 from the remote source. The blending of atmospheric air and incoming O 2 can occur via a Venturi or a similar inlet located in gases source 105 or humidifier 107.

[0962] Fig, 1B illustrates in more detail an example respiratory humidifier. Aside from the differences described below, the humidifier is otherwise similar to the humidifier 107 of the system illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0963] The illustrated humidifier comprises a heater base 151 with a heater plate 152, a user interface 154 and a controller 125 (see Fig. 1); a removable and replaceable humidification chamber 153; and a removable and replaceable cartridge 155. Fig. 1C-1F illustrate in more detail the cartridge 155. As shown in Figs. 1B and 1D, the inspiratory tube 159 can connect to the cartridge 155. The humidification chamber 153 is received by the heater base 151, in thermal contact with the heater plate 152. In some embodiments, the cartridge 155 may also be integral with or permanently connected to the heater base, rather than removeable and replaceable.

[0964] The cartridge 155 houses electronics and one or more sensors which sense one or more properties of gases flowing through the humidification chamber 153 in use. The sensors may be provided on probes protruding from the cartridge 155 and through an aperture in the inlet or outlet of the humidification chamber 153, in use. The cartridge 155 also comprises an electrical connector 161 which makes an electrical connection with the heater base 151 for communication (for example, serial communication) with the controller. The cartridge 155 may further house, in part or in whole, electronics configured to determine or infer a capacitance or change in capacitance of the inspiratory tube 159, as described in further detail below, and communicate this to the controller via the electrical connector 161. The cartridge 155 therefore preferably comprises a microcontroller communicatively coupled with the sensor(s) and the controller. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller provided within the heater base 151, in part or in whole, may be configured to determine or infer the capacitance from data received from the sensor(s) via the electrical connection.

[0965] In use, the outlet of a dry line tube 157 receiving a flow of gases from a gases source is pneumatically coupled with the inlet of the humidification chamber 153, and an inspiratory tube 159 comprising an electropneumatic connector 161 is electrically coupled with the cartridge 155 and pneumatically coupled with the outlet of the humidification chamber 153 to transport the humidified flow of gases towards the patient. The electropneumatic connector 161 makes a releasable and lockable connection with the humidification chamber 153 and / or cartridge 155, and comprises release buttons 163.

[0966] The electropneumatic connector 161, shown in further detail in Fig. 1G comprises electrical terminals or pads 171 respectively coupled with a pair of sensor wires 173 and a pair of heater wires 175 embedded within the inspiratory tube 159, forming respective sensing and heating loops. The electrical terminals or pads 171 can be electrically coupled with an identification resistor or other identification element embedded within the electropneumatic connector 161, which may be used by the humidifier to identify the type of inspiratory tube coupled with the cartridge 155. Alternatively, the type of inspiratory tube coupled with the cartridge 155 may be identified using the method illustrated in Fig. 43 and described further below. As described in further detail, moisture within the inspiratory conduit 159 may be detected from a measure of capacitance between the electrically-isolated heating and sensing loops. The connector 161 may further comprise additional wires or conductors configured to detect moisture within the inspiratory tube 159, alone or in combination with one or more of the sensor or heater wires 173, 175. Corresponding moisture detection terminals or pads 171 can be connected to the additional wires or conductors.. Alternatively, the additional wires or conductors may be electrically coupled with the 'identification' terminals or pads in place of the identification resistor or other identification element, and may optionally have a predetermined resistance (or a resistance within a predetermined range), capacitance, or resonant frequency unique to each tube model. This arrangement provides the dual functionality of identification and moisture detection. For example, a moisture-detection wire having a particular resistance may be used by the humidifier to identify the tube as being configured for capacitive moisture detection, and / or enable calibration of the cartridge and / or heater base for moisture detection with that particular tube model.

[0967] The aforementioned electrical terminals or pads 171 of the electropneumatic connector 161 are configured to make an electrical connection with corresponding pads or terminals on the cartridge (155 of Fig. 1B and Fig. 1D). Thus, in an embodiment with a removable and replaceable cartridge 155, existing humidifier bases may be retrofitted with a replacement cartridge comprising any additional electronics and / or electrical pads or terminals required to detect moisture in the inspiratory tube. Similarly, the disclosed humidifier, such as shown in Figs. 1C-1E, may be retrofitted with a replacement cartridge for compatibility with alternative inspiratory conduits, if necessary. Alternatively, the electrical terminals or pads of the electropneumatic connector and cartridges may be arranged so that selected "core" terminals or pads make electrical connections with corresponding terminals or pads of two or more different cartridges, while "optional" terminals or pads make electrical connections only with specific terminals or pads of selected cartridges configured to make use of those connections. A tube may correspond to a particular cartridge based on the terminals or pads.

[0968] At a distal (patient) end of the inspiratory conduit 159, there is provided a temperature sensor electrically coupled to the pair of embedded sensing wires 173, forming the sensing loop, and the heating wires 175 are also electrically coupled with each other, forming the heating loop. The additional wire(s) or conductor(s) of the connector 161 described above may similarly be electrically coupled at the distal end of the tube, although this may not be required in at least some implementations.

[0969] The cartridge 155 may further comprise a connector and / or cable configured for connection to a corresponding connector of the expiratory conduit (147 of Fig. 1A) to supply power to expiratory heating wire(s). In some implementations, the cartridge 155 and expiratory conduit 147 may alternatively or additionally be configured to detect moisture in the expiratory tube 147, with the connector and / or cable providing the required electrical connections.

[0970] Fig, 2 illustrates an example surgical insufflation device that can be used, for example, in a laparoscopy procedure. The laparoscopic cannula 207 can be connected to a gases delivery conduit 206, for example, via a Luer lock connector 4. The cannula 207 can be used to deliver gases into a surgical site, such as within the cavity of the patient 2. The cannula 207 can include one or more passages to introduce gases and / or one or more surgical instruments into the surgical cavity. The surgical instrument can be a scope, electrocautery tool, or any other instrument. The surgical instrument can be coupled to an imaging device, which can have a screen. The imaging device can be part of a surgical stack, which can include a plurality of surgical tools and / or apparatuses.

[0971] The humidifier chamber 205 can optionally or preferably be in serial connection to a gases supply 9 via a further conduit 204. The gases supply 9 can provide one or more insufflation gases, such as carbon dioxide, to the humidifier chamber 205. The gases supply can provide a continuous gases flow or an intermittent gases flow. The gases can be humidified as they are passed through the humidifier chamber 205, which can contain a volume of water 220.

[0972] A humidifier that incorporates the humidifier chamber 205 can be any suitable type or kind of humidifier. The humidifier chamber 205 can include a plastic formed chamber having a metal or otherwise conductive base sealed thereto. The base can be in contact with the heater plate 212 during use. The volume of water 220 contained in the chamber 205 can be heated by a heater plate 212, which can be under the control of a controller or control means 208 of the humidifier. The volume of water 220 within the chamber 205 can be heated such that it evaporates, mixing water vapor with the gases flowing through the chamber 205 to heat and humidify the gases.

[0973] The controller or control means 208 can be housed in a humidifier base unit 221, which can also house the heater plate 212. The heater plate 212 can have an electric heating element therein or in thermal contact therewith. The humidifier base unit 221 and / or the heater plate 212 can be removably engageable with the humidifier chamber 205. The humidifier chamber 205 can also alternatively or additionally include an integral heater.

[0974] A temperature sensor can also be located at or near the outlet 209 to monitor a temperature of the humidified gases leaving the humidifier chamber 205 from the outlet 209. Additional sensors can also optionally be incorporated, for example, for sensing characteristics of the gases (such as temperature, humidity, flow, or others) at a patient end and / or anywhere along the gases delivery conduit 206. The temperature sensor can be connected to the controller 208 through a sensor wire within, throughout, or around gases delivery conduit 206

[0975] The gases can exit out through the humidifier's outlet 209 and into the gases delivery conduit 206. The gases can move through the gases delivery conduit 206 into the surgical cavity of the patient 2 via the cannula 207, thereby inflating and maintaining the pressure within the cavity. Preferably, the gases leaving the outlet 209 of the humidifier chamber 205 can have a relative humidity of around 100%. The gases travel along the gases delivery conduit 206. As with all of the various example humidifier systems discussed above, "rain out" can occur such that water vapor can condense on a wall of the gases delivery conduit 206. Condensate can have undesirable effects, such as detrimentally reducing the water content of the gases delivered to the patient. In order to reduce and / or minimize the occurrence of condensation within the gases delivery conduit 206, a heater wire 210 can be provided within, throughout, or around the gases delivery conduit 206. The heater wire 210 can be electronically connected to the humidifier base unit 221, for example by an electropneumatic connector of gases delivery conduit 206.Composite Tubes

[0976] Fig. 3A shows a side-plan view of a section of an example composite conduit or tube 301. In general, the composite tube 301 comprises a first elongate member 303 and a second elongate member 305. Member is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning, and includes, without limitation, integral portions, integral components, and distinct components. Thus, although Fig. 3A illustrates an implementation made of two distinct components, it will be appreciated that in other implementations, the first elongate member 303 and second elongate member 305 can also represent regions in a tube formed from a single material. In some configurations, the first elongate member 303 can represent a hollow portion of a tube as described below, while the second elongate member 305 can represent a structural supporting or reinforcement portion of the tube which adds structural support to the hollow portion. The hollow portion and the structural supporting portion can have a spiral configuration, as described herein. The composite tube 301 may be used to form the inspiratory tube and / or the expiratory tube of any type of system as described above, a coaxial tube as described below, or any other tubes as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0977] In this example, the first elongate member 303 comprises a hollow body spirally wound to form, at least in part, an elongate tube having a longitudinal axis LA-LA and a lumen 307 extending along the longitudinal axis LA-LA. In at least one implementation, the first elongate member 303 is helical tubular member. Preferably, the first elongate member 303 is flexible. Furthermore, the first elongate member 303 is preferably transparent or, at least, semi-transparent or semi-opaque. A degree of optical transparency allows a caregiver or user to inspect the lumen 307 for blockage or contaminants or to confirm the presence of condensate. A variety of plastics, including medical grade plastics, are suitable for the body of the first elongate member 303. Examples of suitable materials include Polyolefin elastomers, Polyether block amides, Thermoplastic co-polyester elastomers, EPDM-Polypropylene mixtures, and Thermoplastic polyurethanes.

[0978] The hollow body structure of the first elongate member 303 contributes to the insulating properties of the composite tube 301. An insulating tube 301 is desirable because it reduces heat loss. This can allow the tube 301 to deliver gas from a heater-humidifier to a patient while ameliorating heat loss and condensation formation with less energy consumption than an uninsulated tube (or, a tube lacking a hollow body component for insulation).

[0979] The hollow portion of the first elongate member 303 can optionally be filled with a gas. The gas can be air, which is desirable because of its low thermal conductivity (2.62x10 -2< W / mK at 300K) and very low cost. A gas that is more viscous than air may also advantageously be used, as higher viscosity reduces convective heat transfer. Thus, gases such as argon (17.72x10 -3< W / mK at 300K), krypton (9.43x10 -3< W / mK at 300K), and xenon (5.65x10 -3< W / mK at 300K) can increase insulating performance. Each of these gases is nontoxic, chemically inert, fire-inhibiting, and commercially available. The hollow portion of the first elongated member 303 can be sealed at both ends of the tube, causing the gas within to be substantially stagnant. Alternatively, the hollow portion can be a secondary pneumatic connection, such as a pressure sample line for conveying pressure feedback from the patient-end of the tube to a controller. The first elongate member 303 can be optionally perforated. For instance, the surface of the first elongate member 303 can be perforated on an outward-facing surface, opposite the lumen 307. The hollow portion of the first elongate member 303 can also optionally be filled with a liquid. Examples of liquids can include water or other biocompatible liquids with a high thermal capacity. For instance, nanofluids can be used. An example nanofluid with suitable thermal capacity comprises water and nanoparticles of substances such as aluminum.

[0980] The second elongate member 305 is also spirally wound and joined to the first elongate member 303 between adjacent turns of the first elongate member 303. The second elongate member 305 forms at least a portion of the lumen 307 of the elongate tube. The second elongate member 305 acts as structural support for the first elongate member 303.

[0981] The second elongate member 305 can optionally be wider at the base (proximal the lumen 307) and narrower at the top. For example, the second elongate member 305 can be generally triangular in shape, generally T-shaped, or generally Y-shaped. However, any shape that meets the contours of the corresponding first elongate member 303 is suitable.

[0982] The second elongate member 305 can be flexible, to facilitate bending of the tube. The second elongate member 305 can be less flexible than the first elongate member 303. This improves the ability of the second elongate member 305 to structurally support the first elongate member 303. For example, the modulus of the second elongate member 305 is preferably 30 - 50 MPa (or about 30 - 50 MPa). The modulus of the first elongate member 303 is less than the modulus of the second elongate member 305. The second elongate member 305 can be solid or mostly solid. In addition, the second elongate member 305 can encapsulate or house conductive material, such as heating elements, sensing wires or an antenna. In some embodiments, the second elongate member 305 can be extruded. Heating elements (also referred to herein as heating wires, heating filaments or filaments) can minimize the cold surfaces onto which condensate from moisture-laden air can form. Heating elements can also be used to alter the temperature profile of gases in the lumen 307 of composite tube 301. Sensing wires may be coupled with a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, integrated within or otherwise provided at a distal end of the tube, in use providing measurements which may be used by the gases supply system, such as humidifier 107, in a feedback control system to adjust the amount of heat provided by the one or more heating wires or other components of the gases supply system. A variety of polymers and plastics, including medical grade plastics, are suitable for the body of the second elongate member 305. Examples of suitable materials include Polyolefin elastomers, Polyether block amides, Thermoplastic co-polyester elastomers, EPDM-Polypropylene mixtures, Thermoplastic polyurethanes, Thermoset and Thermochromic materials. In some configurations, the first elongate member 303 and the second elongate member 305 can be made from the same material. The second elongate member 305 can also be made of a different color material from the first elongate member 303, and can be transparent, translucent or opaque. For example, the first elongate member 303 can be made from a clear plastic, and the second elongate member 305 may be made from an opaque blue (or other color) plastic. Further material options are described below, particularly with reference to permeable or breathable materials.

[0983] This spirally-wound structure comprising a flexible, hollow body and an integral support can provide crush resistance, while leaving the conduit wall flexible enough to permit short-radius bends without kinking, occluding or collapsing. Preferably, the tube can be bent around a 25 mm diameter metal cylinder without kinking, occluding, or collapsing, as defined in the test for increase in flow resistance with bending according to ISO 5367:2014(E), for example. This structure also can provide a substantially smooth lumen 307 surface (tube bore), which helps keep the tube free from deposits and improves gas flow. The hollow body of the first elongate member 303 has been found to improve the insulating properties of the tube, while allowing the tube to remain light weight. In other implementations, however, a non-smooth lumen surface or tube bore may be preferred, as described below.

[0984] The composite tube 301 can be used as an expiratory tube and / or an inspiratory tube in a conduit system, or a portion of a conduit system.

[0985] The first elongate members 303 and second elongate member 305 (with encapsulated heating elements and sensing wires) may each be extruded adjacent to each other onto a rotating mandrel in a double-helix arrangement to form a continuous length of tubing. The continuous length of tubing may be cut to any desired lengths appropriate for use in a conduit system (severing the heating elements and sensing wires in the process) and terminated with appropriate connectors at each end. For example, with reference to the system of Fig. 1, an inspiratory conduit may be terminated with a chamber end connector at one end, for pneumatic coupling with a humidification chamber 129 and electrical coupling with a humidifier 107 (or cartridge of a humidifier), and a patient end connector at the other end for pneumatic coupling with a Y-piece 135 or patient interface 115. The patient end connector may comprise an integrated temperature sensor which is electrically coupled with the severed sensing wires to form a sensing circuit. At, or near, the patient end connector, the severed heating elements may also be electrically coupled with each other to form a heating circuit. Alternatively, the heating elements and / or sensing wires may be terminated by respective heating and / or sensing terminals in the patient end connector, for electrical coupling with another component of the conduit system. At the chamber end connector, the severed heating elements and sensing wires may be electrically coupled with respective heating and sensing terminals integrated within the chamber end connector. The chamber end connector may be configured for simultaneous pneumatic coupling with the outlet of the humidification chamber 129 and electrical coupling with the humidifier 107. Alternatively, the chamber end connector may comprise an electrical socket, for example, for independent pneumatic and electrical coupling with the humidification chamber 129 and humidifier 107, respectively.

[0986] In some implementations, the tube may be further provided with one or more intermediate connectors, such as a midpoint connector comprising a diode enabling either a first half or section, or an entire length, of the tube to be selectively heated by supplying power to the heater wires in a first or second polarity. For example, the first half or section of the tube may be powered in the first polarity and the entire length of the tube may be powered in the second polarity. The midpoint connector may additionally or alternatively comprise a further sensor, such as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, two or more zones of the tube may be configured to be controlled fully independently of each other, so that any one or more of the zones may be selectively heated and / or sensed.

[0987] Fig. 3B shows a longitudinal cross-section of a top portion of the example composite tube 301 of Fig. 3A. Fig. 3B has the same orientation as Fig. 3A. This example further illustrates the hollow-body shape of the first elongate member 303. As seen in this example, the first elongate member 303 forms a longitudinal cross-section of enclosed portions 309. This cross-section of the first elongate member 303 appears as a "bubble" in Fig. 3B. Portions 309 of the first elongate member 303 overlap adjacent wraps of the second elongate member 305. A portion 311 of the first elongate member 303 forms the wall of the lumen (tube bore).

[0988] A gap 313 between adjacent turns of the first elongate member 303 can improve the overall insulating properties of the composite tube 301. Furthermore, the gap 313 between adjacent bubbles can increase the heat transfer resistivity (the R value) and, accordingly, decreases the heat transfer conductivity of the composite tube 301. This gap configuration also improves the flexibility of the composite tube 301 by permitting shorter-radius bends. A T-shaped second elongate member 305, as shown in Fig. 3B, can help maintain a gap 313 between adjacent bubbles. Nevertheless, adjacent portions of first elongate member 303 can be configured to be touching. For example, adjacent portions can be bonded together or need not be bonded together. In such a bonded configuration or when the adjacent portions are not bonded, an elongate member, such as T-shaped second elongate member 305 or other shaped member, can be included which is water permeable or made of wicking materials in order to improve capacitive measurements in the presence of condensate as described further below.

[0989] One or more conductive materials (referred to herein as "elements," "conductive elements" or "filaments") can be disposed in the second elongate member 305 for heating and / or sensing the gases flow. In this example, two elements 315 are encapsulated in the second elongate member 305, one on either side of the vertical portion of the "T." The elements 315 comprise conductive material, such as alloys of Aluminum (Al) and / or Copper (Cu), or conductive polymer. Preferably, the material forming the second elongate member 305 is selected to be non-reactive with the metal in the elements 315 when the elements 315 reach their operating temperature. The elements 315 may be spaced away from lumen 307 so that the elements are not exposed to the lumen 307. At one end of the composite tube, pairs of elements can be formed into a connecting loop.

[0990] A plurality of elements can be disposed in the second elongate member 305. The elements can be electrically connected together to share a common rail. For example, a first element, such as a heating element, can be disposed on a first side of the second elongate member 305. A second element, such as a sensing element or wire, can be disposed on a second side of the second elongate member 305. An optional third element, such as shown in Fig. 3C as a ground element, can be disposed between the first and second elements. The first, second, and / or third elements can be connected together at one end of the second elongate member 305. The third element may also be configured to dissipate power to heat the tube and / or gases, and the humidifier may comprise a bias generator circuit configured to enable a sensor coupled with the second elongate member 305 to be read regardless of whether or not the heater wire is powered. There can also be four wires, as shown in Figs. 4A-4B, (two heating elements forming a pair and two sensing wires forming a pair) with respective ends of each pair being electrically connected or continuous at a distal end of the tube so that the heating and sensing circuits are independent from each other. Arrangements can include one, two, three, four or more wires. These elements can be connected to the gases supply system using an electrical connector that is either separate from or integrated with a pneumatic connector of the composite tube. A pitch of the helically wound conduit (for example, the pitch of the first and second elongate members) can be varied (for example, decreased) in order to enhance a capacitive measurement in some areas of the conduit, as described in further detail below.

[0991] In other implementations, the tube may be provided with one or more additional wires or conductive elements, referred to generally as capacitive wires, provided specifically for the purpose of providing a capacitive coupling with another wire or circuit. The capacitive wire(s) need not necessarily form a closed loop or circuit like the heating and sensing wires generally will. The capacitive wire(s) also need not necessarily extend the full length of the tube. In some implementations, there may be a plurality of capacitive wire(s) of varying length, which may allow a general location of any moisture within the tube to be detected.

[0992] In some implementations, the composite tube may comprise respective pairs of first and second elongate members wound in a quadruple-helix arrangement. Fig. 47 shows a cross section of a bubble tube 4701 in a quadruple helix arrangement. The tube 4701 includes a first pair of first elongate member 4710 and second elongate member 4720, and a second pair of first elongate member 4730 and second elongate member 4740. In particular, sensing wires may be provided in one of the second elongate members (for example, in the second elongate member 4740), with heating wires and at least one capacitive wire provided in the other second elongate member (for example, in the second elongate member 4720), each separated by the pair of first elongate members 4710, 4730 respectively. The pair of first elongate members may be the same as each other or different. Such an arrangement may be preferred to provide a moisture-dependent capacitive coupling between the heating and capacitive wires, while minimizing any capacitive coupling with the sensing wires which may affect sensor readings.

[0993] The above description of a composite tube is not meant to be limiting, but is provided as an example only. It is to be understood that any other type of conduit can be used with the condensation detection of the present disclosure. This includes any sized, shaped or constructed tube that incorporates heating, sensor and / or condensate detection elements in the walls of the tube and / or the tube lumen, such as elements which float or dangle freely within the tube or outside of the tube, as shown in Fig. 3C, or are attached to one or more locations within the tube or outside of the tube. As shown in Fig. 3C, tube 391 includes walls 393 and floating or dangling elements 395. It should be appreciated by one of skill in the art that "floating" elements internal to the lumen (not encapsulated in the wall) may be provided as shown, or may be coiled or wound inside the lumen and be held in place in the lumen with a retainer, or could be provided in other configurations as known in the art. As described in further detail below, moisture may be detected from variations in the capacitance between adjacent elements. Different conduit structures have different properties which may be exploited to enhance this detection. For example, helically-wound elements, such as the heating elements and sensing wires described above with respect to Figs. 3A-3B, can have capacitive properties that are relatively high due to the length of the elements and may detect condensate anywhere on the conduit wall. On the other hand, a floating element within the tube may have the advantage that it will tend to settle at the bottom of the conduit where condensation may also accumulate, which may be preferable in some arrangements. A floating element also need not be extruded with the tube, permitting greater flexibility in the design of the floating element (for example, materials, manufacturing methods, and / or variations in dimensions along the length of the floating element). As would be understood by a person of skill in the art, there are many different types of tubes and elements in use and known within the art, any one of which can be used with the present disclosure.Condensation DetectionCapacitance and Inductance Based Condensation Detection

[0994] When two or more elements or wires are located within a conduit, a parasitic capacitance (reactance and / or inductance) may exist between them. Although this parasitic capacitance can negatively affect sensor measurements and therefore efforts have been employed to mitigate parasitic capacitance effects (for example, as discussed in WO2018116187A1), it has been discovered that the parasitic capacitance can be dependent on moisture within the conduit, and it can therefore be used as an indication and / or measure of humidity, moisture, fluid and / or condensation (collectively referred to herein as "condensation" for purposes of brevity). Applicants have surprisingly found that in this way, the elements may be treated as the "plates" of a capacitor, and changes to the capacitance due to the presence of moisture may be observed and measured. In some implementations, the measurement of the capacitance does not require any sensor(s) of any type or kind to be exposed to the flow path of the gases in the conduit while in other implementations any known sensor can be used to measure capacitance. By utilizing existing conductive elements within a conduit (for example, existing heating or sensor elements or wires), this discovery provides an inexpensive and accurate solution to detect the presence and / or quantity of condensation within a conduit without substantial change to the conduit or gases supply system. Alternatively, additional conductive elements specifically for this purpose may be included in a tube. This may allow the tube to be designed to minimize negative or undesirable effects from parasitic capacitance with the sensing wires, and / or otherwise enhance the sensitivity to condensate without compromising performance of the heating and / or sensing wires. For example, heating elements and moisture detection elements may be provided in close proximity to each other, with sensing wires spaced apart and / or embedded in a non-permeable material. In another arrangement a tube may comprise sensing wires embedded in the conduit wall, and heating elements and a dedicated condensate detection wire or moisture detection element floating freely within the lumen, as partially shown in Fig. 3C. In another arrangement, as disclosed above, sensing wires may be provided in a separate second elongate member 305 to the heating elements and moisture detection elements or wires in a quadruple helix tube.

[0995] The dielectric constant between two electrically isolated conductive elements (for example, for sensing elements, heating elements, or the like), and hence the capacitance, will differ depending on the distance between the elements as well as the existence or amount of condensate on the inner wall surface of the conduit (or, in the case of a vapor permeable wall material, the amount of individual water molecules that move into the wall). Generally, dielectric constant and capacitance are positively related. Moisture near the conductive elements, for example, on the inner wall surface of the conduit, can have a parasitic or peripheral effect on capacitance. In other words, the inherent capacitance of the conduit can change in accordance to the amount and proximity of condensation present in the tube if the elements are at a fixed distance. The distance that the elements are separated requires design considerations in order to properly balance element usage. For example, the elements should be close enough to create a detectable capacitance, yet spaced enough so that there is sufficient moisture change to create the detectable change in capacitance. Accordingly, the distance that the elements are separated may be designed such that the elements are close enough to create a detectable capacitance, yet spaced enough so that there is sufficient moisture change to create the detectable change in capacitance.

[0996] Although the conductive elements (referred to herein as "elements" for brevity) are described mainly with respect to wires or filaments, such as heater wires or sensor wires, it is to be understood that the elements can be something other than physical wires. For example, the elements can be conductive plates, polymers, tapes or ribbons, conductive ink, conductive thread or any other conductive materials.

[0997] Fig. 4A schematically illustrates a conduit wall 401, this time comprising respective pairs of conductive heating and sensing elements 415, and how condensate 407 which is present on the inner wall of the tube will affect the dielectric between any two wires which are electrically isolated. In some implementations, the elongate member 305 in Figs. 3A-3B is a bead 405. For example in Fig. 4A, bead 405 is not permeable to fluid. Condensate 407 in this arrangement is therefore adjacent to, rather than directly between, the heating and sensing elements 415, but has been found to result in a measurable change in the parasitic capacitance between the conductive elements. Alternatively, or additionally, as described in further detail below, the profile of the bead 405 may be modified to enhance sensitivity to condensate by, for example, providing a channel between adjacent conductive elements which is open to the lumen to receive the condensate 407 between two of the elements 415.

[0998] To increase the capacitance between the elements 415, the wires may be provided side-by-side in an alternating or interleaved arrangement, that is in the order heating-sensing-heating-sensing. Other arrangements, such as heating-sensing-sensing-heating or heating-heating-sensing-sensing, may alternatively be used.

[0999] Fig. 4B schematically illustrates a second example where the bead 405 is either vapor permeable and / or fluid permeable. It has been found that the vapor permeable material enhances the effect of condensation upon the parasitic capacitive coupling between the wires, so that it can be detected with greater precision. In one example, the material can be vapor permeable such that the material allows evaporation of water molecules to ambient air while effectively blocking passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient air. Although using a vapor or fluid permeable material in an inspiratory tube is generally undesirable as it will reduce the humidity of gases delivered to the patient, if it is only used in the bead 405, this drying of the gases will be minimized. Further, this material can be covered on the outside by another material that is not vapor or fluid permeable material to allow penetration of vapor or fluid for measurement purposes without allowing the vapor or fluid to leak to ambient. For example, in Fig. 3B, if the proximate portions of elongate members 303 are joined together, a vapor or liquid permeable elongate member 305 would not leak to ambient.

[1000] A bead 405 can be made from, for example, one or more of an activated perfluorinated polymer material having extreme hydrophilic properties (such as NAFION branded products), hydrophilic thermoplastic, woven treated fabric exhibiting breathable characteristics, a hydrophilic polyester block copolymer (such as SYMPATEX branded products), a breathable thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) (more specifically a breathable copolyester with a polyether soft segment) (including materials such as ARNITEL ®< VT 3108 or those with similar or greater breathable properties), or any other materials which allows evaporation of water vapor to ambient air while inhibiting or blocking passage of liquid water and breathing gases to ambient. Using such materials, individual molecules 409 can pass through the bead by diffusion, directly affecting the dielectric constant between any two electrically isolated wires or elements. The dielectric constant will also be affected due to the presence of condensate on the inner wall of the tube. It should be noted that one of skill in the art would appreciate that the wires can be insulated by a sheath to prevent short-circuiting and / or corrosion.

[1001] Hereinafter and throughout the description, a material that allows the passage of water molecules through a monolithic wall of the material via the solution-diffusion mechanism, without allowing the bulk passage of liquid water or bulk flow of respiratory gases all the way through the wall is described as a "breathable" material. It should be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the water molecules in the wall are molecularly dispersed in the media, and are therefore without a state (solid, liquid, or gas), although they are sometimes referred to in the art as vapor (e.g. the rate of transfer is often referred to as a water vapor transmission rate or the like). It should further be appreciated that a monolithic wall does not contain open channels or through holes from one major surface to another, such that viruses could be carried through such channels or holes alongside air or liquid water drops via the pore flow mechanism. It should yet further be appreciated that, like all polymers, some small molecule transport of respiratory gases (such as oxygen, carbon dioxide or nitrogen) may occur in trace or de minimis amounts (i.e. not "bulk" flow), which, for a breathable material as defined herein, would typically be at a rate at least an order of magnitude lower than that for water molecules. Furthermore, of particular relevance for breathing gases being delivered to or from a patient, such small molecule transport of respiratory gases would be of an amount less than that allowed for compliance with the relevant standards, for example, in the leakage test of ISO 2367:2014 at Section 5.4 tested via the method set out in Annex E.

[1002] Other element structures within a conduit can also be used. For example, the elements do not need to be comprised within the wall of the conduit, but could be allowed to float within the conduit. In such a configuration, the elements are likely to rest in condensate at the lowest part of the tube which can allow for improved condensate detection. Further, a vapor and / or liquid permeable material could be used to surround and join the elements in order to improve condensate measurements. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3C, a liquid water absorptive, wicking, and / or hydrophilic material 397 such as cotton, organic or inorganic fabrics or fibers, or an open-cell foam material could be used to surround and join the elements 399 in order to improve condensate measurements. Such a material also provides the advantage of inhibiting mobility of the condensate towards sensors, the patient or the ventilator or other gases source where condensate is most undesirable. Additionally, or alternatively, the conduit can include microstructures, such as channels, to transport liquid condensate towards and / or along an appropriate measurement element by capillary action. Further examples of these structures are described below with respect to Figs. 8-18.

[1003] The inner wall of the tube may also have openings (including, for example, dips, corrugations, valleys, square channels, and / or undulations of varying sizes and shapes) to encourage condensate to accumulate in the openings. For example, this can include parallel or helical corrugations or longitudinal channels with valleys adjacent the relevant elements so that condensate accumulates where it will influence capacitance between the elements. This may provide safety for the patient by reducing the likelihood of condensation flowing into the patient interface, and may also provide a specific measurement site.

[1004] In some implementations, a capacitance measurement can be performed by generating a signal which passes through the tube along one or more elements. This is used to detect and measure, by a detector 507, a time constant dependent on the inherent capacitance "C" between that element and one or more adjacent elements. This process is schematically represented in Fig. 5. A supplied power step change or pulse, or a series of pulses, can be used as the generated signal to measure the change in capacitance. These measurements can either coincide or be interleaved with either or both of temperature sensing measurements or heating wire usage. Capacitance can also be measured by any known method of measuring or determining capacitance.

[1005] Fig. 5A schematically illustrates a signal generator 501, a conduit system 503, a resistor R 505 and a detector 507. The signal generator 501, resistor 505 and detector 507 would generally be integrated within a humidifier in electrical communication with the conduit system 503, such as in the cartridge and / or the heater base as described above. The conduit system 503 is represented by the variable capacitor C. The conductive elements of the conduit system will also have their own electrical resistance, for example caused by the heater, sensor and / or capacitance measurement element, but this is omitted for clarity. The series resistance of the element and resistor R 505 in conjunction with the capacitance C of the conduit system 503 form a circuit with a characteristic time constant. The time constant can be mathematically represented as τ = RC, where τ represents the time required to charge the capacitance, through the resistor, from an initial charge voltage of zero to approximately 63.2% (1 - e -1< ) of the applied voltage, or to discharge the capacitor through the same resistor to approximately 36.8% (e -1< ) of its initial charge voltage. If the resistance R is made significantly large compared to the element resistance, then the element resistance can be ignored, and an approximate time constant τ will equal the resistance R multiplied by the capacitance C of conduit. If the resistance R is constant, then the time constant is proportional to the capacitance of the conduit.

[1006] Capacitance will vary in accordance with the amount of condensate in the conduit. The capacitance and amount of condensate in the conduit can be configured through conduit design to be positively related. Therefore, the presence of condensate in the conduit may be inferred from a comparison of a measured value indicative of the capacitance (such as the time constant τ) with a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, an approximate volume of condensate in the conduit can be inferred from an absolute measurement of the measured value indicative of the capacitance. Alternatively, or additionally, whether water is presently condensing or evaporating in the tube may be inferred by comparing two or more measurements of a value indicative of capacitance over time.

[1007] The voltage across the resistor R, V R , is: V R = V in e − t / RC

[1008] Where R is the value of the resistor, C is the capacitance of the tube, and V in is the signal generator output.

[1009] It can also be seen that: V in = V C + V R V R = V in − V C

[1010] The voltage across the resistor R may be measured by any appropriate means, for example by using a detector, whose output may be read by using a general purpose input / output (GPIO) pin of a micro-controller. Additionally or alternatively, frequency domain techniques such as a fast Fourier transform (FFT) can be used to infer capacitance. For example, signal generator 501 could be configured to generate a signal at a certain frequency. At any given frequency the capacitance will exhibit a reactance X C which impedes current flow, where X C = 1 / (2πfC) and f is the frequency. Conduit system 503 and resistor R 505 then form a voltage divider whereby detector 507 can be configured to detect a certain voltage level representative of a certain capacitance or condensation level.

[1011] Alternatively, the tube capacitance can be included in an RC oscillator circuit to determine the presence and / or amount of condensation. Fig. 5B is an example RC oscillator circuit, although any comparable RC oscillator circuit can be used. The example RC oscillator circuit in Fig. 5B may have a variable tube capacitance C 511, an oscillator resistor R 513, an operational amplifier 515, a first resistor 517, and a second resistor 519 which are all electrically connected. The oscillator circuit may be electrically connected to a frequency sensor. The frequency sensor can be located in the heater base, an external accessory, the sensor cartridge, an intermediate tube connector, or within the tube itself.

[1012] The frequency sensor will determine the frequency of the output of the oscillator circuit. For example, the frequency sensor could measure the frequency of the oscillator output by counting how many pulses occur over a fixed time-window, which in turn can be used to determine the frequency of the oscillator circuit. The frequency of the output of the oscillator circuit can be proportional to changes in the variable tube capacitance - specifically, if capacitance increases, the oscillation frequency will decrease as shown in the below equation, where k is a constant that represents a ratio between resistors R1 and R2. f ≅ k 1 2 πRC

[1013] Tube capacitance will vary in accordance with the amount of condensate in the tube. The presence of condensate in the tube may be inferred from a comparison of a measured value indicative of the capacitance (such as frequency f) with a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, an approximate volume of condensate in the conduit can be inferred from an absolute measurement of the measured value indicative of the capacitance. Alternatively, or additionally, whether water is presently condensing or evaporating in the tube may be inferred by comparing two or more measurements of a value indicative of capacitance over time.

[1014] Alternatively, a fixed inductor may be added to the circuit and the capacitance calculated or inferred from a resonant frequency of the resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) or inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit. In an inductance-based detection system, the inductance of a wire or wires in the breathing tube can be measured to detect the presence of condensation. For example, the embedded wires in the bead (for example, the bead 405 of Fig. 4A) of the breathing tube can be configured to function as an inductor. The inductance of the inductor is a function of the permeability of the media present within the core of the inductor. Air and water have different relative permeabilities, thus the inductance of a breathing tube, which can be measured at one end, may vary due to changes in moisture content within the breathing tube.

[1015] Fig. 6 is an example inductance-based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates an LC type circuit 600 which can have a first component 601 electrically connected to a second component 610. The first component 601 can be modeled as first inductor L tube 603 in parallel with a first capacitor C tube 602. The second component can be modeled as a second inductor L tank 611 in parallel with a second capacitor C tank 613, an exciter module 615 (for example, a sensor), and a controller 617. In some implementations, the first inductor L tube 603, the first capacitor C tube 602, the second inductor L tank 611, the second capacitor C tank 613, or any combination thereof are actual electrical components such as inductors and capacitors. In some implementations, the first inductor L tube 603, the first capacitor C tube 602, the second inductor L tank 611, the second capacitor C tank 613, or any combination thereof are the result of intrinsic capacitance or inductance. The combination of the second inductor L tank 611 and the second capacitor C tank 613 can be referred to as a resonant tank, resonant circuit, tank circuit, tuned circuit, LC network, or LC oscillator, or any other parallel combination of inductor and capacitor which will exhibit resonant behavior when excited. The resonant tank can be electrically connected to the exciter module 615, which is in turn electrically connected to the controller 617.

[1016] In some implementations, the second component 610 is on-board and can be located in the humidifier heater base (for example, the heater base 151 of Fig. 1B) while the first component 601 is off-board and may be in a tube (for example, the inspiratory tube 159 of Fig. 1B). As such, the resonant tank can be located in the humidifier heater base and is connected in parallel to one of the embedded wires and an exciter module 615. The resonant tank can be excited by an injection of energy. One example of an injection of energy is a step change in current, which can be injected by the exciter module 615 at the direction of the controller 617. Oscillations in current and voltage occurring at a frequency known as the 'resonant frequency' (ω) will thus be observed.

[1017] Alternatively, the resonant tank, the exciter module 615, the controller 617, or any combination of the resonant tank, the exciter module 615, and the controller 617 can be located in an external accessory, the sensor cartridge, an intermediate tube connector, or within the tube itself.

[1018] In some embodiments, the first component 601 and the second component 610 are not electrically connected. For example, the resonant tank may not be electrically connected to the first component 601 but may include a separate wire wound around the tube. This may create high inductance for the resonant tank. In some embodiments, the separate wire implementation of the resonant tank is within the walls of the tube, but external to the bead (in embodiments where the first component is embedded in the bead 405).

[1019] The resonant frequency is dependent on the inductance and capacitance in the circuit. L tank and C tank are known and fixed by design; therefore, changes in resonant frequency can be inferred from changes in the first inductor L tube or the first capacitor C tube .

[1020] The resonant frequency of the system (ω) can be determined by overall system inductance L and the overall system capacitance C determined by the following expressions: ω = 1 LC L = 1 1 L tube + 1 L tank and C = C tube + C tank

[1021] As seen in the above equations where L tank and C tank are known and fixed by design, resonant frequency is influenced by both L tube or C tube . If L tube is much larger than C tube (for example, one or more orders of magnitude), then L tube is therefore the dominant element in the tube model. A change in the measured resonant frequency can be associated with a change in the L tube and C tube can be ignored.

[1022] Because inductance has a relationship with permeability and water has a lower permeability than air, when the volume of condensate in the tube increases, L tube will decrease. This will be reflected in the measured resonant frequency, which will correspondingly increase. The correct expression for L tube (ignoring C tube ) is: L tube = L tank ω 2 L tank C tank − 1

[1023] Since all parameters except ω and L tube are fixed, if L tube decreases, ω must increase.

[1024] Alternatively, if C tube is much larger than L tube (for example, one or more orders of magnitude), then C tube is therefore the dominant element in the tube model. A change in the measured resonant frequency can be associated with a change in the C tube and L tube can be ignored.

[1025] Because capacitance has a relationship with permittivity and permittivity of water is much higher than air / bead material, C tube will increase with moisture presence. This will be reflected in the measured resonant frequency, which will correspondingly decrease. Ignoring L tube , C tube can be approximated as: C tube = 1 ω 2 L tank − C tank

[1026] In this case, only ω and C tube will change, so the resonant frequency will decrease with increased tube capacitance.

[1027] In some implementations, the tube can be configured such that C tube is much larger than the L tube . In some implementations, the tube can be configured such that L tube is much larger than the C tube .

[1028] Connecting the resonant tank in parallel with any of the embedded tube wires to measure the tube inductance to contribute to the overall inductance of the LC tank takes advantage of the intrinsic inductances of an elongated wire coil and water, and specifically how their presence will affect the resonant frequency of the resonant tank when it is actively excited by an exciter module 615.

[1029] By measuring the resonant frequency of the resonant tank, where the inductance comprises a known nominal value of L tank and an unknown L tube or C tube (whichever was configured to be much larger) and a known nominal value of C tank , the controller of a device performing humidification can determine an approximate value of L tube or C tube which varies due to the presence of condensation in the tube. Thus, the value of L tube or C tube and / or how L tube or C tube changes over time can provide an indicator of condensation presence and / or the quantity of condensate in the tube.

[1030] Either or both the first inductor L tube 603 and with a first capacitor C tube 602 can be a combination of elements to provide the necessary inductance and / or capacitance for the first component 601. In some implementations either or both the second inductor L tank 611 and the second capacitor C tank 613 could be a combination of elements to provide the necessary inductance and / or capacitance for the second component 610.

[1031] In some implementations, the exciter module 615 (for example, a sensor) is not a part of the second component 610, but instead the exciter module 615 is a part of the first component 601. In other implementations, the exciter module 615 is optional and may not be a part of either the second component 610 or the first component 601.

[1032] In some implementations, the LC circuit 600 is instead an RLC circuit.

[1033] In some implementations, an alternative device or circuit for measuring the resonant frequency may be employed instead of either the exciter module 615, the controller 617, or the combination thereof. Example alternatives include any of the following or similar devices and circuits, or combination thereof: digital signal processors and analog operational amplifier circuits.

[1034] Some features of the moisture (for example, condensate) detection / sensing technologies disclosed herein may be implemented using alternative ways for detecting and monitoring moisture and / or humidity.

[1035] Although the moisture detection / sensing technologies have been described mainly with respect to the capacitance-based sensor signal, other sensor signals can be used, for example, changes in inductance, resistance, RF signal attenuation, and thermal conductivity, as described above. There may be some differences in the implementation of moisture detection depending on the sensor signal used. For example, an inductance-based approach still detects whether the temperature of the flow of gases is equal to or less than a dew point temperature by measuring changes in the resonant frequency of an LC or RLC circuit, which is dependent on the inductance. In this case, the system hardware and the detection criteria (implemented in software / firmware) may be similar to the capacitance-based approach, albeit with appropriate differences. Such differences may include different threshold values that are suited for inductance changes. As another example, if an RF signal attenuation approach is used, the moisture detection method may be more different from the capacitance-based approach, in part because such an approach requires active transmission of RF signals to function, and the relationship(s) between RF signal propagation qualities and moisture presence are different from those of electrical reactance (for example, capacitance and inductance).Tube Type Detection

[1036] In addition to moisture detection, the capacitance measurements disclosed herein can also be utilized to detect the type of tubes or conduits in the humidifier system. For example, the type of inspiratory tube used may be detected based on the capacitance measurements. Each tube may include two parallel wires, which may be heater wires or heater wire coils, or sensing wires. An example formula for the approximate capacitance between the two parallel wires or wire coils within the tube is shown below: C = ε r ε 0 π ln 2 s d D

[1037] Where C is the capacitance between two parallel wires; D is the length of the individual wires within the tube; s is the distance between the centres of the two parallel wires; d is the diameter of the individual wires; ε r is the relative permittivity of the space surrounding the wire, and; ε 0 is the permittivity of free space. The above formula may approximate the capacitance between the two parallel wires when the diameter of both parallel wires is equal (d1=d2=d) and the distance between the two conductors is greater or far greater than their diameters (d<<s).

[1038] The capacitance values of the tube may be varied by varying any of the parameters in the formula shown above. In some examples, the distance between the two parallel heater wire coils may be varied. This would result in a change in the distance between the centres of the two parallel wires, s. In some examples, the length of two parallel heater wire coils may be varied. This may vary D, the length of the individual wires within the tube. In some examples, the dielectric material between two conductors may be adjusted. This may be done by using different materials for each tube type and / or by removing or adding dielectric materials in between the sensing wires in the tube. This may vary ε r , the relative permittivity of the space surrounding the wires. In some examples, the diameter of two parallel heater wires may be adjusted. This may vary d, the diameter of the individual wires.

[1039] FIG. 43 illustrates a schematic of a process to determine the tube type within the humidifier system. At block 4310, a controller of the system (for example, a controller of a humidifier) may measure the capacitance value of the tube. At block 4320, the controller may map the measured capacitance value to the tube type. The controller of the system may include a memory device that stores a look-up table or a database that allows the matching of the measured capacitance value to the tube type or the like. At block 4330, the controller may adjust control of the tube (for example, control of power to the heater wires or the set point of a sensor in the tube) and / or the heater base (or cartridge) (for example, adjust the power of the heater plate or the set points of sensors in the heater base or cartridge) based on the detected tube type. Optionally, the system may, before or after adjusting the control based on the tube type, query a user of the system as to the desired therapy or control mode (based on, e.g., patient type or therapy type or both) or system parameter settings (such as set points for temperature or flow sensors and the like) to confirm or approve the adjusted control. This may be accomplished via any suitable user interface, display, and / or input device as are known in the art and described herein.

[1040] Patient types may include, for example, infant or neonatal patients, pediatric patients, adult patients, or the like. Therapy types may include, for example, high flow gas therapy (generally greater than 15 liters / minute of gases or higher through an unsealed interface), non-invasive ventilation (generally through a sealed interface, such as a mask), invasive ventilation (where the patient's upper airway is bypassed), closed surgery (for laparoscopic or keyhole surgical procedures), open surgery (for surgeries with open surgical sites), anesthesia (generally for an apnoeic patient under general anesthesia via an unsealed interface at gas flows above 30 liters / minute), or the like.Resistance-Based Detection

[1041] Water and condensation may also be more conductive than the bead material. As such, resistance may be measured at certain segments or locations of the tube wire to determine if there is condensation present.

[1042] Fig. 7A is an example schematic of a resistance-based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates a first detection wire 701 and a second detection wire 703 located in the bead 710. In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 may be same wire, or may be different wires. Moisture can be absorbed into the bead 710 which can create a low-resistance path 707 between the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703, which would allow current 705 to flow between the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703. Current 705 may be considered leakage current. The first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are connected to one or more sensors which can measure the resistance or current on the first detection wire 701 and / or the second detection wire 703.

[1043] In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are running parallel to each other within the bead 710. In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are running parallel to each other within the bead 710 such that the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are equally distant from a center or centerline of the bead. In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are running parallel to each other within the bead 710 such that the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are not equally distant from a center or centerline of the bead.

[1044] In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are not electrically connected to any other wire or component at one end of the bead 710, thus both detection wires would be open-circuit at one end of the bead so as not to allow current to flow along the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703.

[1045] When more moisture is present, whether at one location or multiple locations, between the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 more current will be measured on the first detection wire 701 and / or the second detection wire 703 by the one or more sensors.

[1046] In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 can be a heater wire, thermistor wire, or any other wire in the bead 710.

[1047] Fig. 7B is an example schematic of a resistance-based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates a first set of detection wires 721, a second set of detection wires 723, and a third set of detection wires 725 located in the bead 710. Moisture can be absorbed into the bead 710 which can create a low-resistance path between a set of detection wires, which would allow current to flow between the set of detection wires. For example, moisture may be absorbed into the bead 710 which creates a low-resistance path between the first set of detection wires 721 such that current flows between the first set of detection wires.

[1048] In some implementations, moisture can be absorbed into the bead 710 which can create a low-resistance path between one or more detection wires of different sets of detection wires, which would allow current to flow. For example, moisture may be absorbed into the bead 710 which creates a low-resistance path between one wire of the first set of detection wires 721 and another one wire of the second set of detection wires 723 such that current flows.

[1049] In some implementations, the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703 are not electrically connected to any other wire or component at one end of the bead 710, thus both detection wires would be open-circuit at one end of the bead so as not to allow current to flow along the first detection wire 701 and the second detection wire 703.

[1050] In some implementations, the length of the first set of detection wires 721 is different from the length of the second set of detection wires 723. In some implementations, the length of the second set of detection wires 721 is different from the length of the third set of detection wires 723. For example, the first set of detection wires 721 may run one-third of the length of the bead 710, the second set of detection wires 723 may run two-thirds of the length of the bead 710, and the third set of detection wires 725 may run the full length of the bead 710. Any set of detection wires can be any length along the bead 710 or a portion of the bead 710.

[1051] In some implementations, the length of one wire of the first set of detection wires 721 is different from the length of another one wire of the first set of detection wires 721. For example, one wire of first set of detection wires 721 may run one-third of the length of the bead 710 while the another one wire of the first set of detection wires 721 may run two-thirds of the length of the bead 710. Any set of detection wires can be any length along the portion. Any wire of a set of detection wires can be any length along the bead 710 or a portion of the bead 710.

[1052] In some implementations, a longer set of detection wires may be insulated along their lengths for the length of a shorter set of detection wires which would prevent or mitigate current from flowing between wires of different sets along the length of the shorter set of detection wires. For example, the second set of detection wires 723 has insulation 731 along the length of the second set of detection wires 723 for the length of the first set of detection wires 721, and the third set of detection wires 725 has insulation 731 along the length of the third set of detection wires 725 for the length of the second of detection wires 723. This insulation can be any form of moisture insulation. Examples of moisture insulation can include a membrane or layer of material in the bead 710 impermeable by water, or a membrane or layer of material in the bead 710 that absorbs moisture less than other portions of the bead 710.

[1053] In some implementations, there are more than three sets of detection wires located in the bead 710. In some implementations, there are less than three sets of detection wires located in the bead 710.

[1054] In some implementations, any detection wire of any combination of the first set of detection wires 721, the second set of detection wires 723, and the third set of detection wires 725 can be a heater wire, thermistor wire, or any other wire in the bead 710.

[1055] It is to be understood that there can be more or less than three sets of detection wires. It is also to be understood that the above descriptions of the first set of detection wires 721, the second set of detection wires 723, and the third set of detection wires 725 are interchangeable with any other set of detection wires.Short-Circuit Based Detection

[1056] Additionally, the water or condensation can cause an electrical short-circuit between a wire or multiple wires at some threshold. This may happen because the water or condensation may be more conductive than the bead material. Fig. 8A is an example schematic of a short-circuit based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates one or more detection wires 801 which are exposed to the lumen 811 of the conduit through the tube inner wall 810, wherein the one or more detection wires 801 are electrically connected to a power source in the heater base or sensor cartridge and a measurement component. The one or more detection wires 801 may have one or more exposed portions 813 to the lumen 811 of the conduit. In some implementations, the exposed portions 813 protrude from the one or more detection wires 801 into the lumen 811 of the conduit. The one or more detection wires 801 could be spaced throughout the tube, either for the entire length of the tube or only a portion of the length of the tube. In some implementations, the one or more detection wires are spaced periodically. The one or more detection wires 801 could be electrically connected to a power source. In some implementations, the power source electrically connected to the one or more detection wires 801 is one or more discrete power sources.

[1057] The one or more exposed portions 813 of the one or more detection wires 801 can be used to detect condensation. For example, there may be one or more exposed portions 813 of the one or more detection wires 801 which normally provides a measured resistance of 100 MΩ. When one or more of the exposed portions 813 are shorted together by moisture (for example, at potential short locations 815), however, the measured resistance may drop to 90 MΩ or lower. Alternatively, the measured current could change to show a short-circuit could be formed by condensation. Potential short locations 815 could be between one or more exposed portions 813 of different detection wires 801 or between multiple exposed portions of the same detection wire 801. Such short locations 815 could be used to detect condensation along the length of the tube. In some implementations, the one or more exposed portions 813 of the one or more detection wires 801 can be configured to detect moisture in a cross section of the tube, for example by having the one or more exposed portions at an equal length or near equal length along the tube.

[1058] The one or more detection wires 801 may be used to precisely find where the condensation is located. For example, there may be drop in resistance along two detection wires 801. This could mean that there is condensation around and / or between one or more exposed portions 813 of both detection wires causing a short-circuit.

[1059] Alternatively, the one or more detection wire 801 can be one or a combination of a heater wire, thermistor wire, or any other wire in the tube.

[1060] Fig. 8B is an example schematic of a short-circuit based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates a detection wire 821 in the bead 830, wherein the detection wire 821 is electrically connected to a power source in the heater base or sensor cartridge and a measurement component. The detection wire 821 may have one or more exposed portions 833 to the bead channel 831. In some implementations, the exposed portions 833 protrude from the detection wire 821 into the bead channel 831. The detection wire 821 could be run through the bead 830, either for the entire length of the tube or only a portion of the length of the tube. For example, there may be one or more exposed portions 833 of the detection wire 821 which may provide a measured resistance of 100 MΩ. When one or more of the exposed portions 833 are shorted together by moisture (for example, at potential short locations 835), however, the measured resistance may drop to 90 MΩ or lower. Potential short locations 835 could short one or more of the exposed portions 833 that are in series with one another or in parallel with one another. Alternatively, the measured current could increase.

[1061] Water or condensation is more conductive than air. Similarly, water or condensation may be more conductive than the bead material. This would allow water or condensation to partially or completely short the circuit of the detection wire 821 at the exposed portions 833, thereby reducing a measured resistance or increasing a measured current at the measurement component to detect the water or condensation.

[1062] The bead 830 can have a condensation diversion channel (for example, the one or more openings 903 of Fig. 15 which will be described later. The segments of the detection wire 821 could be periodically exposed to the interior of the channel. In some implementations, the detection wire may not be a complete circuit (for example, open at the patient end). Thus, when moisture is diverted into the bead channel, the water may complete the circuit between exposed portions of the detection wire. This could be detected by measuring wire resistance, which could be very high in the absence of condensation in the bead channel, or current, which could be very low unless the circuit is complete.

[1063] In some implementations, the resistance-based condensation detection system may also be able to detect how much water or condensation is present by measuring the change in resistance or current at the measured point by the one or more detection wires 801, 821.

[1064] The resistance-based condensation detection system may be useful if the one or more detection points are located at known points in the tube where condensation tends to be quite high, for example at the tube mid-point which can be sagging leading to the pooling of condensate. The tube may be sagging due to arrangement of the humidifier and tube at the patients' bedside.

[1065] Alternatively, the detection wire 821 can be one or a combination of a heater wire, thermistor wire, or any other wire in the bead 830.Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Based Detection

[1066] Water and condensation are poor propagation mediums for high frequency signals. This attribute can be used to detect if condensation is present in the breathing tube.

[1067] Fig. 9A is an example schematic of an RF attenuation-based condensation detection system, which schematically illustrates a sensor cartridge 901, a transmitter 911 (Tx), and a receiver 913 (Rx). The sensor cartridge 901 may have a controller 903, a signal generator 905 and a signal measurement component 907.

[1068] In the example schematic of Fig. 9A, the controller 903 is electrically connected to the signal generator 905 and the signal measurement component 907. The signal generator 905 is electrically connected to the transmitter 911. The signal measurement component 907 is electrically connected to the receiver 913.

[1069] The controller 903 can instruct the signal generator 905 to create a signal 915 to be transmitted by the transmitter 911. The signal 915 is then received by the receiver 913 and then measured at the signal measurement component 907. Once the signal 915 is measured, the signal measurement component 907 can communicate the measurement information of the signal 915 to the controller 903 to determine how to respond. When condensation is introduced to the transmission path between the transmitter 911 and the receiver 913, the condensation can lead to significantly increased signal attenuation of the signal 915 when received by the receiver 913. Attenuation is the reduction in signal magnitude or intensity when a signal is propagated through a medium. Thus, the received signal at the receiver 913 will be an attenuated version of the signal 915. The presence of water between the transmitter 911 and the receiver 913 can be detected by measuring the magnitude of the received signal. The magnitude of the received signal can also be used to determine how much water or condensation is present between the transmitter 911 and the receiver 913.

[1070] The frequency of the signal may encompass a broad spectrum of frequencies, namely any frequency where transmission through water or condensation would attenuate the signal. This could include, for example, a frequency band of 30 Hz - 300 GHz. In some implementations, the signal has a frequency in the 1-100 MHz band. In some implementations, the signal has a frequency of approximately 10 MHz. At approximately 10 MHz, the length of the antennas of the transmitter 911 and the receiver 913 may be one-quarter the signal wavelength. One-quarter wavelength antennas can be useful for resonance which may maximize the power of the signal 915 transmitted, and therefore the signal received. In some implementations, the resonant frequency of water (~2.45 GHz) is the frequency of the signal 915. Using the resonant frequency of water may yield the lowest signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver antenna, which may also increase sensitivity to condensation changes.

[1071] The signal generator 905 can be any suitable high frequency signal generator. Similarly, the signal measurement component 907 any suitable high frequency transducer such as an AM receiver, RF rectifier circuit or RF sampling ADC.

[1072] In some implementations, any combination of the controller 903, the signal generator 905, and the signal measurement component 907 could be located in the base (for example, the base 151 in Fig. 1B) or in a part of the breathing tube (for example, the breathing tube 159 in Fig. 1B).

[1073] Fig. 9B provides an example cross-section of a tube bead 920 with embedded wires including a heater wire 922 and a thermistor wire 924 in an RF attenuation-based condensation detection system. In this example, a radio-frequency signal is injected into the heater wire 922 by a signal generator (for example, the signal generator 905 of Fig. 9A), causing the heater wire 922 to act as a transmitter of a signal 926. The thermistor wire 924 acts as a receiver of the signal 926 and carries the signal to the signal measurement component (for example, the signal measurement component 907 of Fig. 9A).

[1074] In the example implementation of Fig. 9B, the heater wire 922 is adjacent to the thermistor wire 924. In some implementations, the heater wire 922 and the thermistor wire 924 are not adjacent wires.

[1075] Fig. 10A is an example schematic of an RF attenuation-based condensation detection system which uses a heater wire 1011 as a transmitter (for example, the transmitter 911 of Fig. 9A) and a thermistor wire 1013 as a receiver (for example, the receiver 913 of Fig. 9A). Fig. 10A schematically illustrates a sensor cartridge 1001, a heater wire 1011, and a thermistor wire 1013. The sensor cartridge 1001 may have a signal generator 1003, a filter 1005 and a signal measurement component 1007.

[1076] In the example schematic of Fig. 10A, the signal generator 1003 is electrically connected to the heater wire 1011. The thermistor wire is electrically connected to the filter 1005 which is in turn electrically connected to the signal measurement component 1007. The signal generator 1003, the filter 1005, and the signal measurement component 1007 are electrically connected to other components in the sensor cartridge 1001 or other components of the humidifier.

[1077] The signal generator 1003 creates a signal 1015 to be transmitted by the heater wire 1011. The signal 1015 is then received by the thermistor wire 1013. The heater wire 1011 is used as a transmitter and the thermistor wire 1013 is used as a receiver as described with relation to Fig. 9A. The received signal may then be filtered by filter 1005 to eliminate extraneous frequencies other than the frequency or frequencies generated by the signal generator 1003 such that only an attenuated version of signal 1015 is measured at the signal measurement component 1007. Example filters can be high pass or bandpass filters. The filter can also be configured to filter out the mains frequency, wherein the mains frequency refers to the frequency of mains power. Mains power is power coming from a wall / plug socket or power grid.

[1078] As described with relation to Fig. 9A, the magnitude of the received signal can be used to detect the presence of water between the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 or determine the amount of water or condensation present therebetween.

[1079] The heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 can be separate wires from other wires used to carry signals in the bead. In some implementations, the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 are not separate wires used to carry signals in the bead.

[1080] In some implementations, there is no filter 1005. As such, the signal measurement component 1007 measures whatever signal is on the thermistor wire 1013. In some implementations, there may be additional filters or alternative filter configurations to separate heater wire signals from other RF signals and / or separate thermistor wire signals from other RF signals. This allows for differentiation between condensation-detection signals on the heater wire and / or the thermistor wire from other RF signals, such as signals used for purposes other than the detection of condensation.

[1081] In Fig. 10A, the heater wire 1011 and thermistor wire 1013 are both electrically connected to the sensor cartridge 1001 and / or the humidifier. As such, both the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 form loop antennas. This implementation may be suitable for transmission and reception of a signal 1015 with a lower frequency, as loop antennas can be effective at frequencies below 30 MHz.

[1082] The signal generator 1003 can be a discrete signal generator from signal generators for other signals over the heater wire 1011 or thermistor wire 1013.

[1083] Fig. 10B is an example schematic of an RF attenuation-based condensation detection system similar to Fig. 10A. Again, the heater wire 1011 is used as the transmitter and the thermistor wire 1013 is used as the receiver. However, in the example implementation of Fig. 10B switches 1004, 1008 are employed to disconnect one end of each of the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 from the humidifier or other parts of the sensor cartridge 1001. By disconnecting one end of each of the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013, monopole antennas are formed. In some implementations, the monopole antennas formed by the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 are quarter-wave monopole antennas. The switches 1004, 1008 are located in any one of the following: a heater base, a sensor cartridge, the conduit, an external component, or an intermediate connector. A neo-natal bubble tube with zone heating is an example intermediate connector.

[1084] With reference to Fig. 9B, the heater wire 1011 is adjacent to the thermistor wire 1013. In some implementations, the heater wire 1011 and the thermistor wire 1013 are not adjacent wires.

[1085] In some implementations, any combination of the switches 1004, 1008, the signal generator 1003, the filter 1005, and the signal measurement component 1007 are located in the base (for example, the heater base 151 in Fig. 1B) or another part of the humidifier (for example, the cartridge 155 in Fig. 1B). In some implementations, any combination of the switches 1004, 1008, the signal generator 1003, the filter 1005, and the signal measurement component 1007 are located in the breathing tube (for example, at an intermediate point of the inspiratory tube 159 in Fig. 1B). In some implementations, any combination of the switches 1004, 1008, the signal generator 1003, the filter 1005, and the signal measurement component 1007 are located in a cartridge (for example, the cartridge 155 in Fig. 1B) attachable to the base or tube. In some implementations, any combination of the switches 1004, 1008, the signal generator 1003, the filter 1005, and the signal measurement component 1007 ...

Claims

1. A medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) configured to provide a flow of gases to a patient through a breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) coupled to the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107), the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) comprising: a heater plate (131, 152, 212), and a controller (19, 125, 208, 903) configured to determine a condition of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) by the steps of: reducing power to a heater wire (210, 922, 1011, 1111, 1351) of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) coupled to the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107); subsequent to reducing the power to the heater wire, measuring a condensate metric; determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and outputting the condition of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) in response to the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric.

2. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 1, wherein reducing the power to the heater wire (210, 922, 1011, 1111, 1351) of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) comprises disabling the power to the heater wire (210, 922, 1011, 1111, 1351).

3. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the power to the heater wire (210, 922, 1011, 1111, 1351) of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) is reduced for a predetermined period of time.

4. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein: the condensate metric is a condensate level, and determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies the expected condensate metric comprises comparing a condensate level in the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) to a predetermined threshold.

5. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition comprises a reverse flow condition.

6. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 5, wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric does not satisfy the expected condensate metric comprises determining whether the condensate level of a dryline connected to the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) and a gases source is greater than a condensate level of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206).

7. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) includes no presence of flow or water out.

8. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 7, wherein the controller (19, 125, 208, 903) is configured to confirm the determination by performing a flow test or a water out test.

9. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 7 or 8 wherein the condensate metric comprises a moisture and / or a humidity.

10. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any one of Claim 7 to 9 wherein the controller (19, 125, 208, 903) is configured to: detect the condensate metric in normal use, and determine a decrease in the condensate metric over time.

11. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of claim 10 wherein the controller (19, 125, 208, 903) is configured, in response to determining the decrease: increase an operating parameter of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107), monitor for an increase in the condensate metric in a component of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107), and determine a water out condition if no increase is detected.

12. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition is an elevation of the medical humidifier above or below the location of the patient.

13. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 12, wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric does not satisfy the expected condensate metric comprises determining whether the measured condensate metric at a patient end of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) is greater than the measured condensate metric at an outlet of a humidification chamber of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107).

14. The medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) of Claim 12 or 13, wherein determining whether the measured condensate metric does not satisfy the expected condensate metric comprises determining whether the measured condensate metric at the patient end of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) is greater than the measured condensate metric at a region between the patient end and the outlet.

15. A method of determining a condition of a medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) configured to provide gases to a patient through a breathing tube coupled to the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107), the method comprising: reducing power to a heater wire of the breathing tube (40, 103, 159, 206) coupled to the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107), wherein the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) comprises a heater plate (131, 152, 212); subsequent to reducing the power to the heater wire, measuring a condensate metric; determining whether the measured condensate metric satisfies an expected condensate metric; and outputting the condition of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) to a controller (19, 125, 208, 903) of the medical humidifier (20, 52, 107) in response to the measured condensate metric not satisfying the expected condensate metric.