Apparatus for delivering gas stream

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit.SOLUTION: The apparatus is operable in a humidifying mode and a non-humidifying mode, and includes a humidification chamber 18 for containing an amount of water that can be located in an operating position in the humidifying mode and, optionally separate from the apparatus in the non-humidifying mode. The apparatus may also have an auxiliary flow path that can be activated in the non-humidifying mode and a powered device that heats water in the humidification chamber when the apparatus is in the humidifying mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 861515, filed June 14, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 935867, filed November 15, 2019. The specifications of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 86151 and 62 / 935867 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for delivering a flow of gas to a user and a method of operation of the device. The flow of gas may be used to provide respiratory assistance and may be used, for example, in Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy for the treatment of disorders such as sleep apnea. [Background technology]

[0003] As used herein, the terms "respiratory assistance," "device for providing respiratory assistance," or variations thereof, include respiratory therapies such as, but not limited to, Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy, including, but not limited to, CPAP therapy and Bi-level therapy, Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), and Nasal High Flow therapy (NHF), which may be used for the treatment of diseases such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), snoring, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

[0004] There are currently several different respiratory therapy devices on the market. Many of these devices humidify the gas flow being delivered to the user to increase the user's comfort. Some of these can be switched between humidified and non-humidified modes, for example, by adding a separate standalone humidifier in-line between the respiratory therapy device and the respiratory conduit. A conduit is required in both modes to direct the gas flow from the device to the user. To adjust the switch, some respiratory therapy devices require the user to manually adjust the device. For example, the user may need to manually disconnect the conduit from one outlet and reconnect it to another outlet. Such manual adjustments can be problematic for users with poor manual dexterity or for whom these steps are not intuitive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an alternative device that is more intuitive and requires less physical strain to switch between different modes of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; an adjustable flow path for gas flow, to which a user conduit may be connected; a housing having at least a portion of an adjustable flow path extending from the blower to a housing exit port; A humidification chamber having a chamber inlet, the humidification chamber being movable, and: i) a chamber inlet communicating with the housing outlet port for directing gas flow through the humidification chamber; an operating position in which the humidification chamber forms part of the adjustable flow path, thereby operating the device in a humidification mode; and ii) a non-operating position in which the humidification chamber is separated from the housing and does not form part of the adjustable flow path, thereby causing the device to operate in a non-humidification mode; A humidification chamber may be installed in The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0007] The adjustable flow path may include conduit ports, including either chamber conduit ports and / or housing conduit ports, to which a user conduit may be connected.

[0008] For example, a chamber conduit port may be installed on the humidification chamber for the gas flow to flow directly out of the humidification chamber. A user conduit may be connected to the chamber conduit port when the device is in the humidification mode.

[0009] In another example, a housing conduit port may be located on the housing. A user conduit may be connected to the housing conduit port when the device is in a humidified or non-humidified mode. One advantage of this arrangement is that the gas flow conduit does not need to be disconnected and reconnected to a different port when changing between humidified and non-humidified modes.

[0010] The adjustable flow path may have a return configuration when the device is in a humidification mode, where the flow path extends from the housing to the humidification chamber and back to the housing.

[0011] The housing may have a housing inlet port, and the humidification chamber may have a chamber outlet, and when the humidification chamber is in an operating position, the adjustable flow path may have a return configuration extending from the housing outlet port via the chamber inlet to the humidification chamber and back to the housing inlet port via the chamber outlet.

[0012] The adjustable flow path may include a fixed section extending from the housing inlet port to the housing conduit port.

[0013] The adjustable flow path may include a removable (non-fixed) section that extends from the housing inlet port to the housing conduit port.

[0014] The removable section may be releasably connected to the housing. The removable section may be suitable for carrying a gas flow during humidification and may require disinfection or cleaning in accordance with hygiene regimes.

[0015] The removable section may include a housing inlet port, a conduit outlet port, and a passageway extending therebetween.

[0016] The adjustable flow path may have a non-return configuration when the device is in a humidification mode, where the flow path exits the humidification chamber without returning to the housing.

[0017] The housing outlet port may be connectable to the user conduit when the device is in a non-humidification mode and the humidification chamber is in a non-operational position, i.e. the housing outlet port communicates with the chamber inlet when the humidification chamber is in the operative position and the housing outlet is connectable to the user conduit when the humidification chamber is in the non-operational position.

[0018] The user conduit is connectable to the housing outlet port regardless of whether the adjustable flow path has a return configuration in the humidification mode or a non-return configuration in the humidification mode. It is possible.

[0019] The housing may have a housing inlet port, and the device may also include an auxiliary flow path section that may be placed in an active position when the device is in a non-humidification mode, and where the auxiliary flow path section communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to provide gas flow therebetween.

[0020] The auxiliary flow path may be pivotally connected to the housing and may pivot between an active position and an inactive position.

[0021] The auxiliary flow paths may be in an active position when the device is in a non-humidified mode such that the flow path inlet and flow path outlet are connected with the housing outlet and housing inlet ports, respectively. In other words, to switch to the non-humidified mode, the auxiliary flow paths are moved to connect the flow path inlet and flow path outlet to the housing outlet and inlet ports, respectively.

[0022] The auxiliary flow paths may be moved to an inactive position when the device is in a humidification mode such that the flow path inlet and flow path outlet are disconnected from the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively.

[0023] The user conduit may be connected to the housing conduit port when the auxiliary flow path section is in the active position.

[0024] The auxiliary flow path section may be movably connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing.

[0025] When the adjustable flow path does not have an auxiliary flow path section, the user conduit may be connected to the housing outlet port when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0026] In this situation, the adjustable flow path changes configuration with the humidification chamber being placed in an operative position, which requires the user conduit to be disconnected from the housing outlet port to allow the chamber inlet to be connected to the housing outlet port.

[0027] It is also possible that the user conduit may be connected to the housing conduit port when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0028] The auxiliary flow path section may also be movable to an inactive position, where the auxiliary section is spaced from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, so that the humidification chamber may be placed in an operative position when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0029] Although it is possible that the device may be operated with the humidification chamber and the auxiliary section of the flow path in flow communication with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port simultaneously, it is preferred that the humidification chamber and the auxiliary flow path section are in alternating flow communication with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device may be operable in only one of the humidification or non-humidification modes at a time. By positioning the auxiliary flow paths away from the housing inlet and outlet ports, the user may place the humidification chamber in an operational position. That is, the chamber inlet and chamber outlet may be connected to the housing outlet and housing inlet ports, respectively.

[0031] One benefit provided by the embodiments is that the user can operate the device in humidification mode while at home or wherever the user normally sleeps, and when the user is travelling, i.e. away from wherever the user normally sleeps, the device can be used in non-humidification mode, so that the user does not have to carry and transport a humidification chamber.

[0032] It is possible that the device can be operated in a non-humification mode without the humification chamber being separated from the housing, for example with the water in the humidification chamber emptied, but ideally the humidification chamber is separated from the housing so that it is in a non-operational position.

[0033] When the humidification chamber is in the non-operating position, the chamber inlet is displaced from the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet is displaced from the housing inlet port and the auxiliary section of the flow path can be moved to the active position, in other words the chamber is displaced from the housing to accommodate the auxiliary section flow path moving to the active position.

[0034] When the humidification chamber is in the non-operating position, the humidification chamber is free to move relative to the housing or is decoupled from the housing. The humidification chamber may be manually removed from the device by a user.

[0035] The humidification chamber may be separate from the housing when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0036] The humidification chamber may be attached to the housing when switching from a non-humidification mode to a humidification mode.

[0037] The humidification chamber may be stowed in the housing when the device is in the humidification mode, in which situation the auxiliary flow path is in an inactive position.

[0038] The chamber inlet and chamber outlet may communicate with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively, in a humidification mode.

[0039] The auxiliary flow path may be operable to communicate with the housing outlet and the housing inlet when the humidification chamber is separated from the housing. The humidification chamber may be separated from the housing and disconnected from the device when in a non-humidification mode.

[0040] The humidification chamber may have an operational position in a humidification mode in which the chamber inlet and chamber outlet communicate with the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively.

[0041] More specifically, the chamber inlet and chamber outlet define fixed positions within the body of the humidification chamber, and the humidification chamber can be manually placed (by a user) relative to the housing so that the chamber inlet and chamber outlet are aligned with the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively, thereby placing the humidification chamber in an operating position in the humidification mode.

[0042] The humidification chamber may also have a non-operating position in which the humidification chamber is free to move relative to the housing or is decoupled from the housing. The humidification chamber may be manually removed from the device by a user.

[0043] The housing may include a body and a platform that is movable relative to the body.

[0044] The blower may be housed in the body.

[0045] The housing inlet port and the housing outlet port may be located on the body.

[0046] The secondary flow path may have a flow path inlet that may communicate with the housing outlet port, and a flow path outlet that may communicate with the housing inlet port.

[0047] The flow path inlet and flow path outlet of the auxiliary flow path may be connected to the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively, when the humidification chamber is separated from the housing.

[0048] The auxiliary flow path section may be pivotally connected to the housing and may pivot between an active position and an inactive position.

[0049] The auxiliary flow path section may move with linear motion, for example inward and outward from the housing, with a sliding mechanism that moves between active and inactive positions. For example, the auxiliary flow path may be fitted with a draw mechanism.

[0050] The secondary flow path section may be pivotally connected to the sliding mechanism, in which case the movement of the secondary flow path may also be a combination of different dynamics.

[0051] The auxiliary flowpath section may be on a platform on which the flowpath inlet and the flowpath outlet are supported, and the platform is moveable relative to the housing.

[0052] At least a portion of the secondary flow path may be defined by the platform.

[0053] When the secondary flow path is in the active position, the platform is moved toward the housing so that the secondary flow path is in communication with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, the adjustable flow path may include a valve that may be switched to direct gas flow from the blower to one of: i) a housing outlet port; or ii) a conduit port in the housing.

[0055] Throughout this specification, the term "valve" includes valves as a single item and as multiple items, and therefore encompasses multiple valves. Valves may control the flow of a gas stream, e.g., by turning the flow ON / OFF and / or by directing the flow of a gas stream along two or more alternative flow paths, e.g., as described in the immediately preceding paragraph.

[0056] The valve may be operable to direct gas flow from the blower to the housing outlet port when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0057] The valve may be operable to direct gas flow from the blower to the housing outlet port when the device is in a humidified mode or a non-humidified mode.

[0058] The switchable valve may be operable to direct gas flow from the blower to the conduit port in the housing when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0059] The valve can be switched by the user.

[0060] The apparatus may include, for example, an actuator for switching a valve when the platform is moved from an open orientation to a closed orientation.

[0061] The actuators for switching the valves may be mechanical actuators or electrically powered actuators, including solenoids for operating the valves.

[0062] The humidification chamber may be separated from the housing when the device is in a non-humidification mode to allow the platform to be moved towards the housing to place the auxiliary flow path section in an active position.

[0063] In the inactive position, the platform is moved relative to the housing so that the auxiliary flow path is spaced from the housing outlet and inlet ports, in other words the inlet and outlet ports are vacated, thereby allowing the user to place the humidification chamber into an operating position.

[0064] When the auxiliary flow path section is in the inactive position, the humidification chamber may be stacked on the housing so that the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port, i.e. the adjustable flow path may be in the return configuration.

[0065] The platform and humidification chamber may be engaged when the secondary flow path is in an inactive position.

[0066] When the auxiliary flow path section is in the inactive position, the humidification chamber may be stacked on the housing so that the chamber inlet and chamber outlet communicate with the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively.

[0067] The humidification chamber may engage the housing when the humidification chamber is in the operating position.

[0068] One benefit of the engagement between the humidification chamber and either the platform and / or the housing is that the engagement can help secure and stabilize the humidification chamber in an operating position when the device is in humidification mode.

[0069] The platform can be pivotally connected to the housing. For example, a first section of the platform can have a pivot connector for pivotally connecting to the housing, and the channel inlet and channel outlet can be located on a second section of the platform.

[0070] In one example, the first section may be at or towards one end of the platform and the second section may be at or towards the opposing end of the platform.

[0071] In another example, the first and second sections may be adjacent to one another.

[0072] The platform may have a rigid body.

[0073] The platform can be pivoted between an open and a closed orientation.

[0074] The platform may be pivoted to a closed orientation where the act of closing the platform moves the auxiliary flowpath section to an active position, in other words, when the platform is pivoted to the closed orientation, the auxiliary flowpath section communicates with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port.

[0075] When the adjustable flow path does not include an auxiliary flow path section, the device may be operated in a non-humidified mode with the platform in either the open or closed position.

[0076] The platform may be pivoted to an open orientation where the act of opening the platform moves the auxiliary flowpath section to an inactive position, in other words opening the platform may disconnect communication of the flowpath inlet and flowpath outlet from the housing outlet and housing inlet ports, respectively.

[0077] Further, when the platform is in an open orientation, the humidification chamber may be stacked on the housing and the chamber inlet and chamber outlet may be connected to the housing outlet and inlet ports, respectively, thereby allowing the device to operate in a humidification mode.

[0078] The housing may have user controls that a user may use to operate the device, such as setting the mode in which the device is to be used, or selecting and / or adjusting any operating parameters or settings of the device.

[0079] The controls may include any one or combination of: buttons, switches, dials, and / or a display screen. The display screen may be touch sensitive, which may display a screen or buttons and switches depicted on the screen for operating the device.

[0080] The controls may be located on the platform, including the display screen.

[0081] The platform may have controls including a display screen that may be viewed by a user when the platform is placed in both the open and closed orientations.

[0082] The platform may be disposed in a juxtaposed arrangement relative to the housing when in the closed orientation, for example, the platform may be disposed above and juxtaposed relative to the body.

[0083] The platform may be disposed laterally relative to the body of the housing when in the open orientation. For example, the platform may form an acute angle with the body when in the open position.

[0084] The platform may have an inner surface that faces toward the main body of the housing when the platform is in a closed orientation and an outer surface that faces away from the main body when the platform is in either or both of the open and closed orientations.

[0085] The controls, including the display screen, may be located on the exterior surface of the platform, in other words, the display screen may be viewed by the user when the platform is positioned in both the open and closed orientations.

[0086] Some of the controls may also be located in the body of the housing, for example the body of the housing may include a control such as an ON / OFF switch.

[0087] The platform may be pivotally mounted to the body by a hinge. Examples of suitable hinge mechanisms include a concealed hinge, a continuous hinge, a knife hinge or a spring-loaded hinge.

[0088] The controls may be located on the body, including the display screen.

[0089] The platform may be held in the closed orientation by any suitable latching mechanism.

[0090] The body of the housing may have a base on which the device may rest when the device is in the humidification and non-humidification modes, i.e. the body of the housing may have the same orientation in both the humidification and non-humidification modes.

[0091] The device may be placed on the platform when the device is in a non-humidified mode.

[0092] The device may include powered equipment located within the housing, which may include a range of components such as a blower, a display screen, and other electronic items such as user controls.

[0093] The powered equipment may include a heater assembly for heating water in the humidification chamber to enhance humidification of the gas stream.

[0094] The powered device may engage the humidification chamber to heat the water. The engagement between the powered device and the humidification chamber may be any one or combination of thermal engagement, electrical power engagement, and / or inductive power engagement.

[0095] The powered device may include an electrical connector for providing power to the humidification chamber. The humidification chamber may include a heating element that receives power from the electrical connector.

[0096] A heater assembly may be disposed on an exterior surface of the body of the housing to facilitate thermal engagement between the heater assembly and the humidification chamber when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0097] The heater assembly may be mounted on moveable wings that enable the heating plate to be engaged by the humidifier chamber when the humidifier chamber is placed in an operating position.

[0098] The movable wing may be or may include a platform having a secondary flow path.

[0099] In one example, the heater assembly may be mounted to an inner surface of the platform and the humidification chamber may be mounted thereon to thermally engage the humidification chamber and the heater assembly.

[0100] The heater assembly may include a heater plate having a surface that heats in use.

[0101] In one example, the heater assembly may be positioned to face outwardly from the outer perimeter wall of the body of the housing. In this example, the heating plate may be positioned in a non-movable or fixed position on the body of the housing.

[0102] The heating plate may be thermally engaged to a thermally conductive heater base of the humidification chamber.

[0103] The powered device may include a heating element disposed within the humidification chamber and an electrical coupler for electrically connecting the heating element to a cooperating electrical coupler on the housing to power the heating element. The electrical coupler may be any suitable connector, including couplers, sockets, shielded and unshielded couplers, couplers on leads, etc.

[0104] The electrical coupler can be connected by placing the humidification chamber in the correct position on the platform.

[0105] In some embodiments, the powered equipment may include an induction generator within the body and a cooperating heater base of the humidification chamber that heats upon exposure to energy from the induction generator to heat water within the humidification chamber. It is recognized that the term "induction generator" includes equipment that generates high frequency alternating current by electromagnets that generate current in a target resistive material, such as the heater base of the humidification chamber, which in turn generates heat within the humidification chamber. An advantage of using induction to heat the water in the humidification chamber is that the efficiency of heating the water is not dependent on conductive thermal engagement with the humidification chamber.

[0106] The apparatus may include a coupling assembly.

[0107] The coupling assembly may couple the main body of the housing and the humidification chamber when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0108] The coupling assembly may couple the housing and the platform in an active position when the device is in a non-humidification mode, i.e., with the platform in a closed orientation.

[0109] The coupling assembly may couple the housing and the auxiliary flow path when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0110] The coupling assembly may couple the humidification chamber and the platform when the device is in the humidification mode, ie, with the platform in an open orientation.

[0111] The coupling assembly may include a first structure on the body of the humidification chamber and a second structure on the body of the housing, and the first and second structures inter-fit when the humidification chamber is installed in an operating position.

[0112] The first and second formations may be arranged to assist in aligning the chamber inlet and chamber outlet with the housing inlet and housing outlet ports, respectively.

[0113] The coupling assembly may include a third structure on the platform.

[0114] The coupling assembly may include: a first latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber and a cooperating second latching portion on the body of the housing that may be releasably engaged with the first latching portion.

[0115] The coupling assembly may include a third latching portion on the platform and / or the secondary flow channel that may be releasably engaged with the second latching portion.

[0116] The first latching portion may be releasably engageable with the second latching portion when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0117] The second latching portion may be releasably engageable with the third latching portion when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0118] The coupling assembly may include a fourth latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber that may be releasably engaged with a third latching portion on the platform.

[0119] The fourth latching portion may be located at the upper portion of the humidification chamber, and the third latching portion may be located at the upper portion of the humidification chamber. The gasket portion may be located toward the outer end of the platform.

[0120] The fourth latching portion may be located at a lower portion of the body of the humidification chamber, and the third latching portion may be located adjacent a hinge that mounts the platform to the body. The third latching portion and the fourth latching portion releasably engage when the device is in the humidification mode.

[0121] If the device includes an auxiliary flow path section, and when the device is in a non-humidification mode, the platform may be placed in a closed orientation, which may also place the auxiliary flow path section in an active position.

[0122] The coupling assembly may also include a locking mechanism for securing the platform to the body of the housing in an angled orientation, such as in a closed or open orientation, and the locking mechanism may be adjustable when in the open orientation such that the platform can be releasably secured to the body in multiple angular orientations.

[0123] If the device does not include an auxiliary flow path section, the platform may be placed in an open orientation when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0124] The first, second, third and fourth latching portions, and the locking mechanism may include any cooperating connectors, including: slide connectors, screw connectors, bayonet connectors, ball and socket connectors, magnetic connectors, push latch connectors, spring latch connectors, snap-on connectors, or connectors having a male-female interference fit, toggle connectors, gravity connectors.

[0125] The coupling assembly may have a sliding coupling that allows the humidification chamber to slide relative to the body into an operable position. The humidification chamber may also slide relative to the body during removal from the body into an inoperable position.

[0126] The sliding coupling may include a projection that may be received by the recess, and the projection may move along the recess when the humidification chamber is slid relative to the body.

[0127] The protrusions and recesses may, for example, be one or more of the following: i) a tongue and groove arrangement, ii) a T-shaped flange received by a cooperating T-shaped slot, iii) a pair of rails and a carriage that fits between the rails; or iv) an undercut that receives a rib. The protrusions may be located on the humidification chamber and the recesses on the body, and vice versa.

[0128] The adjustable flow path, in its various forms, is ideally sealed. The terms "seal," "sealed," "sealed connection," or variations thereof, refer to an airtight connection that prevents any significant changes in either the flow rate or pressure of the gas stream, since leakage from the sealed connection structure is minimized.

[0129] Where the device includes an auxiliary flow path section, the flow path inlet and flow path outlet of the auxiliary flow path section may form a sealed connection with the housing outlet and inlet ports, respectively, when the device is in a non-humidified mode.

[0130] For example, the sealed connection structure can include a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet received in a housing outlet port and a housing inlet port, respectively. In another example, the sealed connection structure can include a housing outlet port and a housing inlet port received in the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet, respectively.

[0131] It is also possible that the flow channel inlets may seal against the housing outlet ports without receiving each other. It is also possible that the flow channel outlets may seal against the housing inlet ports without receiving each other.

[0132] The chamber inlet and chamber outlet may also form a sealed connection with the housing outlet and housing inlet ports, respectively, when the device is in the humidification mode.

[0133] The conduit exit port may form a sealed connection with a user conduit, including either a chamber conduit port and / or a housing conduit port.

[0134] For example, the sealing connection structure may include a housing outlet port and a housing inlet port received within the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, respectively. In another example, the sealing connection structure may include a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet received within the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively. In further examples, there may be combinations of the above arrangements.

[0135] It is also possible that the chamber inlets may seal against the housing outlet ports without being receptive to one another.It is also possible that the chamber outlets may seal against the housing inlet ports without being receptive to one another.

[0136] The term "sealed connection" refers to an airtight connection that prevents any significant changes in either the flow rate or pressure of the gas stream, since leakage from the sealed connection structure is minimized.

[0137] For example, the sealing connection structure may include a housing outlet port and a housing inlet port received within the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, respectively. In another example, the sealing connection structure may include a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet received within the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively. In further examples, there may be combinations of the above arrangements.

[0138] It is also possible that the chamber inlets may seal against the housing outlet ports without being receptive to one another.It is also possible that the chamber outlets may seal against the housing inlet ports without being receptive to one another.

[0139] The device may include at least one locator arrangement that provides alignment of the chamber inlet with the housing outlet port, and alignment of the chamber outlet with the housing inlet port, when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0140] For example, the outer walls of the humidification chamber may be mounted to a channel formation in the platform.

[0141] In another example, the bottom wall of the humidification chamber can have a heater base and an apron extending downwardly from the heater base, the apron fitting around the side wall of the heater assembly. The apron of the humidification chamber can be sized such that the heater assembly is a friction fit within the apron.

[0142] In one example, the auxiliary flow path may be fluidly connected to the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, and the valve may be operable to allow gas flow to be selectively directed along the auxiliary flow path.

[0143] In one example, the auxiliary flow path may form part of the housing in a fixed position. The valve may be operable to open and close the auxiliary flow path independent of the status or position of the humidification chamber.

[0144] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode using a humidification chamber, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; an adjustable flow path for gas flow, to which a user conduit may be connected; a housing having at least a portion of an adjustable flow path extending from the blower to a housing exit port; and A platform operatively connected to the housing: i) an open orientation in which the humidification chamber can be placed in an operating position on the housing, then operating the device in a humidification mode; ii) a closed orientation in which the humidification chamber is separated from the housing and the device is then operated in a non-humidification mode; A platform that allows you to move between The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0145] The device described in the immediately preceding paragraph may also include any one or combination of the features described herein. For example, the platform may have user controls for operating the device. The user controls may also include controls mounted on the housing.

[0146] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; an adjustable flow path for gas flow, to which a user conduit may be connected; a housing having a section of an adjustable flow passage, a portion of which extends from the blower to a housing exit port; A removable humidification chamber having a chamber inlet: i) an operating position in which the chamber inlet is in communication with the housing outlet port to allow gas flow through the humidification chamber, such that the humidification chamber is contained within an adjustable flow path, thereby operating the device in a humidification mode; ii) a non-operating position, in which the humidification chamber is excluded from the adjustable flow path because communication between the chamber inlet and the housing outlet port is broken, thereby causing the device to operate in a non-humidification mode; Removable humidification chamber that can be moved between The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0147] The device described in the immediately preceding paragraph may also include any one or combination of the features described herein. For example, the device may include a locking mechanism for locking the platform in an open and closed orientation. The locking mechanism may also be operable to lock the platform in various positions between the open and closed orientations. That is, the locking mechanism may be operable to lock the platform, and therefore the user controls, at an angle relative to the housing when the humidification chamber is separated from the housing.

[0148] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower and a housing inlet port capable of communicating with a user conduit; a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being movable and capable of being placed in an operating position where, when the device is in a humidification mode, the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to direct a flow of gas through the humidification chamber; and an auxiliary flow path operably connected to the housing, the auxiliary flow path comprising: i) an active position, in which the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to provide gas flow therebetween when the device is in a non-humidification mode; ii) an auxiliary flow path that can be moved between an inactive position where the humidification chamber can be placed in an operative position when the device is in a humidification mode, because the auxiliary flow path is spaced from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port; The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0149] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower, a housing inlet port capable of communicating with a gas flow conduit, the housing capable of being connected to a power source to receive electrical power; a humidification chamber for receiving a quantity of water and having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being capable of being placed in an operating position in a humidification mode, where the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to cause a flow of gas through the humidification chamber; and an auxiliary flow path that can be placed in an operating position in a non-humidified mode, where the auxiliary flow path communicates with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port to provide a gas flow therebetween; and a powered device that heats water in the humidification chamber when the device is in a humidification mode, the powered device being capable of being powered by a power source connected to the housing; The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0150] The device described in the immediately preceding paragraph may also include any one or combination of features described herein. For example, the platform may have user controls for operating the device. The user controls may also include controls mounted on the housing.

[0151] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower and a housing inlet port; a user conduit in communication with the housing inlet port for delivering a gas flow to a user; a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being movable and positionable in an operating position, where when the device is in a humidification mode, the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to direct a gas flow through the humidification chamber; and an auxiliary flow path operably connected to the housing, the auxiliary flow path comprising: i) an active position in which the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to provide gas flow therebetween when the device is in a non-humidification mode; ii) when the device is in the operating position, the auxiliary flow passage is connected to the housing outlet port and the housing Being away from the inlet port, the humidification chamber can be placed in a humidification mode, in an inactive position and Auxiliary flow path that allows movement between The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0152] An embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user, the apparatus operable in a humidification mode, where a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet can be placed in an operative position on the apparatus, and in a non-humidification mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower and a housing inlet port capable of communicating with a gas flow conduit; an auxiliary flow path operably connected to the housing, the auxiliary flow path comprising: i) an active position in which, in a non-humidification mode, the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to provide gas flow therebetween; ii) an inactive position in which, in a humidification mode, the auxiliary flow path is spaced from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, thereby allowing the humidification chamber to be placed in an operative position; and Auxiliary flow path that allows movement between The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

[0153] An embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a gas flow conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidification mode, where a humidification chamber may be placed in an operative position on the apparatus and in a non-humidification mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower; and The present invention relates to a device that includes a heating assembly that is movable relative to a housing, and in a humidification mode (when the device is in a humidification mode), the heating assembly can be placed in an operating position in which the humidification chamber can be engaged by the heating assembly, and in a non-humidification mode, the heating assembly can be placed in a stowed position in which the humidification chamber cannot be stacked on the heating element.

[0154] The phrase "heating assembly installed in a stowed position" in the previous paragraph, or equivalent phrases elsewhere in this specification, includes a heating assembly that is connected to and disposed adjacent to the housing, so as to either reduce the size of the device and / or position the heating assembly in an inoperative location. For example, the heating element in the operative position is moved away from the housing to allow engagement with the humidification chamber, and moved toward the housing so that the humidification chamber cannot engage in the stowed position. In the stowed position, the device may have a smaller footprint or some other dimension than when the heating assembly is in the operative position.

[0155] The device of the immediately preceding paragraph may include any one or combination of the features of the other devices described herein. For example, the device may include a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being movable and located in an operating position when the device is in a humidification mode, where the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to direct the gas flow through the humidification chamber.

[0156] An embodiment of the present invention is a method for operating a device to provide respiratory assistance to a user, the device being capable of operating in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, and the method comprising: a housing outlet port in communication with the blower, and a housing in communication with a gas flow conduit; providing a housing having an inlet port; operating a blower to generate a gas flow; placing a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet in an operating position, where in a humidification mode, the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to flow a gas flow through the humidification chamber; and Auxiliary flow channels: i) an active position in which, in a non-humidification mode, the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port and provides gas flow therebetween; ii) in a humidification mode, the auxiliary flow path is spaced from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, thereby moving the humidification chamber between an inactive position that can be placed in an operative position; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0157] The method can include maintaining a gas flow conduit in communication with the gas flow outlet port in both a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode.

[0158] The methods described in the two paragraphs immediately above may also include any one or combination of the features of the apparatus described herein.

[0159] Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are summarized as follows. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0160] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment in a humidification mode, the apparatus including a removable humidification chamber installed in an operating position, an adjustable flow path with arrows indicating the direction of gas flow along the flow path, and a platform installed in an open orientation, the platform including a display screen and an auxiliary flow path section. [Figure 2A] 2 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a non-humidification mode, where the humidification chamber is separate from the device so as not to form part of the flow path, and the platform is in a closed orientation. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber shown in FIG. 1 separated from the device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device according to another embodiment in a humidification mode. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device includes a removable humidification chamber that is placed in an operating position, an adjustable flow path with arrows indicating the direction of gas flow along the flow path, a display screen, and a platform including an auxiliary flow path section disposed adjacent a hinged mounting portion of the platform. [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram of the device shown in Figure 3 in a non-humidification mode, where the humidification chamber is separated from the device so as not to form part of the flow path, and the platform is in a closed position with the auxiliary flow path section placed in an active position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber shown in FIG. 3 separated from the device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device according to another embodiment in a humidification mode, the device includes a removable humidification chamber placed in an operating position, an adjustable flow path with arrows indicating the direction of flow, and a platform including a display screen. [Figure 6A]6 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. 5 in a non-humidified mode, where the humidification chamber is separate from the device so as not to form part of the flow path, and the platform, including the display screen, is placed in a closed orientation. The platform can be placed in either a closed or an open position when operated in a non-humidified mode. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber shown in FIG. 5 separated from the device. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device in humidification mode. The device is shown as if partially transparent to show some of the internal components, including a blower for generating the gas flow. The arrows indicate the direction of gas flow along adjustable flow paths arranged in a return configuration, which extend from the blower to the removable humidification chamber and from the removable humidification chamber to a user conduit. The device also has a platform on which the removable humidification chamber is loaded in the operating position. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 7 in a non-humidification mode, where the removable humidification chamber has been removed and the platform has been pivoted to a closed orientation, thus placing the secondary flow path for gas flow in an active position. Arrows indicate the direction of gas flow from the blower to the secondary flow path and from the secondary flow path through the housing outlet port and conduit to the user. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the device shown in Figure 7, where the device is placed on a platform. Figures 8 and 9 show the device in two operational orientations in a non-humidification mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a removable humidification chamber of the device of FIG. 7 separated from the device. [Figure 11] 8 is a schematic perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 7 in a humidification mode, where the user conduit is connected to the chamber conduit port. The device has an adjustable flow path arranged in a non-return configuration. [Figure 12]12 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG 7 without the humidification chamber and showing the platform components and the housing components, including the inlet and outlet ports. The device shown in FIG 12 shows a device without the chamber, i.e. the chamber is isolated and the auxiliary flow path is in the inactive position. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 7, with the humidification chamber spaced apart from the housing of the device and the arrows indicating the alignment of the inlet and outlet ports of the housing with the inlet and outlet of the chamber for use of the device in humidification mode. [Figure 14] 1 is a table showing method steps for operating a device to provide respiratory assistance to a user, where the method includes operating the device in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0161] Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described below, which below include reference numerals corresponding to features illustrated in the accompanying drawings, although in order to maintain clarity of the drawings not every reference numeral is included in each drawing.

[0162] 1-6B, the device 10 includes a housing 11 having a body 47 and a platform 20 hinged to the body 47 by a hinge mechanism 21, and a blower 12 mounted within the body 47 of the housing 11 for generating a gas flow. The blower 12 draws ambient air into the blower through an air inlet filter 13. If necessary, supplemental oxygen is added to the ambient air to enzymatically enrich the gas flow; the supplemental oxygen may be added at any suitable portion of the gas flow, for example, before the blower, after the blower, after the humidifier, or at the patient interface. The housing 11 has a housing outlet port 14 within the body 47 in communication with an outlet of the blower 12, and a housing inlet port 15 within the body 47 in communication with a user conduit 16 that provides the gas flow to a user interface 17. The device 10 also includes a removable humidification chamber 18 that contains a quantity of water in a water reservoir 33 for humidifying the gas stream 19, and an adjustable flow path 55 that can change configuration depending on whether the device 10 is operating in a humidification mode or a non-humidification mode.

[0163] The platform 20 has user controls in the form of a display screen 22, for example an LCD, plasma or other display. Ideally, the display screen 22 is a touch screen with adjustment buttons.

[0164] The body 47 of the housing 11 also has a base 54 on which the device 10 rests in both the humidifying and non-humidifying modes.

[0165] 1-4B, the platform 20 includes an auxiliary flow path section 23 and can be pivoted to an open orientation, best shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, to accommodate the humidification chamber 18 on the main body 47 of the housing 11. The auxiliary flow path section 23 is also located in an inactive position when the platform 20 is positioned in the open orientation.

[0166] For the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the platform 20 need not include the secondary flowpath section 23, although the secondary flowpath section 23 may still be included as an option.

[0167] In the humidification mode, the platform 20 is pivoted to an open orientation and the humidification chamber 18 is stacked or resting on the body 47 of the housing 11 (see Figures 1, 3 and 5). Figures 2A, 4A and 6A show the device 10 in a non-humidification mode, where the humidification chamber 18 is separated from the platform 20 and the platform 20 is pivoted to a closed orientation. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4B, the auxiliary flow path section 23 is active to channel the gas flow 19 when the device is in the non-humidification mode.

[0168] An advantage of the device 10 shown in the full figures is that it can be quickly and easily switched between humidification and non-humidification modes by a user with limited manual dexterity. Switching between modes of the device can be accomplished by engaging or disengaging the chamber 18 and pivoting the platform 20 between an open and closed orientation. Such an action is believed to be relatively intuitive and simple for the user.

[0169] The adjustable flow path 55 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4B has a return configuration in both the humidified and non-humidified modes. As described above, when the device 10 is in the non-humidified mode, the auxiliary flow path section 23 is placed in the active position and features a return configuration with gas flow 19 passing through the auxiliary flow path section 23 and returning to the main body 47 of the housing 11. Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment having an adjustable flow path 55 with a non-return configuration in both the humidified and non-humidified modes and that does not include the auxiliary flow path section 23.

[0170] 1-4A, the adjustable flow path 55 includes a fixed section 50 of piping that extends from the outlet of the blower 12 to and includes the housing outlet port 14. The direction of flow of the gas stream 19 in the piping is indicated by the arrows. The humidification chamber 18 includes a chamber inlet 31 that connects to the housing outlet port 14, and the adjustable flow path 55 includes: a first passage for the gas stream that extends from the chamber inlet 31 to the water reservoir 33, and a second passage for the gas stream 19 that extends from the water reservoir 33 to the chamber outlet 32. When the device 10 is in the non-humidification mode, the humidification chamber 18 is removed from the body 47, and the first and second passages 51 and 52 do not form part of the adjustable flow path 55. When the device 10 is in the humidification mode, the humidification chamber 18 is loaded onto the body 47 of the device 10, and the first and second passages 51 and 52 form part of the adjustable flow path 55.

[0171] The adjustable flow path 55 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4A further includes a housing inlet port 15. The removable section 53 extends from and includes the housing conduit port 48, which connects to the user conduit 16 that channels the gas flow 19 to the user interface 17. The removable section 53 thus channels the gas flow during humidification, and the removable section 53 may be replaced and / or cleaned in accordance with a suitable hygiene regime.

[0172] 1-4A further includes an auxiliary flow path section 23 that forms part of, or is attached to, the platform 20 and has a passageway that includes a flow path inlet 28 and a flow path outlet 29. The auxiliary flow path 23 has an inactive position, which corresponds to when the auxiliary flow path section 23 does not form part of the adjustable flow path 55 and the platform 20 is not in a closed orientation, i.e., in an open orientation. For example, when the platform 20 is pivoted fully open, the humidification chamber 18 may be stacked in the housing 11, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0173] 1-4A, the auxiliary flow path section 23 also has an active position in which it forms part of the adjustable flow path 55 when the platform 20 is pivoted to a closed orientation such that the flow path inlet 28 connects to the housing outlet port 14 and the flow path outlet 29 connects to the housing inlet port 15. Thus, the auxiliary flow path section 23 is placed in the active position only when the device 10 is operated in a non-humidification mode.

[0174] 1, 2A and 2B are located on the body 47 of the housing 11 at a location disposed opposite the hinge mechanism 21. In comparison, the housing outlet port 14 and the housing inlet port 15 are located adjacent the hinge mechanism 21 in Figures 3 and 4A. Similarly, the auxiliary flow passage section 23 is located either adjacent the hinge mechanism 21 as shown in Figures 3 and 4A, or at the outer end of the platform as shown in Figures 1 and 2A to facilitate engagement with the housing outlet port 14 and the housing inlet port 15 when the platform 20 is in the closed orientation.

[0175] A further consideration in the embodiment of Figures 1-4A is that the auxiliary flow path 23 may be located on the platform 20 to connect the auxiliary flow path 23 to the housing inlet and outlet ports 14 and 15 and to complement the size of the humidification chamber 18. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4A, the auxiliary flow path 23 is adjacent to the hinge mechanism 21, so that the auxiliary flow path 23 may simply be placed on the platform 20 to connect to the housing outlet and inlet ports 14 and 15. However, in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2A and 2B, although not shown, the height dimension in the direction from the hinge mechanism 21 to the outer end of the platform 20 may be adjustable, for example, by a suitable sliding or folding adjustment mechanism. By incorporating an adjustment mechanism, the platform 20 may be extended or retracted to allow the outer end of the platform 20 to be aligned flush with the top wall of the chamber 18 as shown in Figure 1, and to allow the auxiliary flow path 23 to be connected to the housing inlet and outlet ports 14 and 15 in the non-humidification mode.

[0176] 1-4A embodiment may include a valve that may be switched to direct gas flow 19 from blower 12 to one of: i) housing outlet port 14; or ii) housing conduit port 48 of housing 11. The valve may be provided in place of auxiliary flow path 23. The valve may be switched by a user, and device 10 may include an actuator for switching the valve, for example, when platform 20 is moved between an open and closed orientation.

[0177] The user conduit 16 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4A allows the device 10 to operate in a humidified or non-humidified mode. The user conduit 16 remains connected to the same housing conduit port 48 when being switched between the humidification mode as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the non-humidification mode as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A. An advantage of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4A is that the device 10 can be quickly and easily switched between the humidification mode as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the non-humidification mode as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A by a user who may have limited manual dexterity. Switching the device 10 between modes can be accomplished by engaging or disengaging the humidification chamber 18 and pivoting the platform 20 between an open and a closed orientation. Such an action is believed to be relatively intuitive and simple for the user. Furthermore, the user does not need to disconnect and reconnect the user conduit 16 to the housing conduit port 48.

[0178] In comparison, the adjustable flow path 55 of the embodiment shown in Figures 5, 6A and 6B is of a non-return configuration and does not require the auxiliary flow path section 28. Rather, the fixed section 50 of the adjustable flow path 55 extends from the outlet of the blower 12, which is fluidly connected to the housing outlet port 14. The direction of flow of the gas stream 19 is indicated by the arrows. The adjustable flow path 55 includes a chamber inlet 31 of the humidification chamber 18 that connects to the housing outlet port 14, and a first passageway 51 that directs the gas stream from the chamber inlet 31 to the water reservoir 33. The adjustable flow path 55 also includes a second passageway 52 for the gas stream 19 positioned in the humidification chamber 18 from the humidification chamber 18 to the housing conduit port 48, without the humidified gas stream 19 returning to the body 47 of the housing 11.

[0179] When the device 10 of FIG. 5 is operated in a humidification mode, the user conduit 16 is connected directly to a housing conduit port 48 on the humidification chamber 18 .

[0180] When the device 10 of FIGS. 5 and 6A is operated in a non-humidification mode, the user conduit 16 is connected directly to the housing conduit port 48 which is the housing outlet port 14 .

[0181] An advantage of each of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6B is that the body 47 of the device 10 rests on the base 54 with the body 47 in the same orientation in both the humidification mode and the non-humidification mode.

[0182] The display screen 22 is disposed on an exterior surface of the platform 20 and can be viewed by a user in both an open and closed orientation. Although not shown, one advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6A is that the platform 20 does not need to be placed in a completely closed orientation when the device 10 is being used in a non-humidification mode. Furthermore, during a non-humidification mode, the platform of the device shown in Figures 5 and 6A can be placed in either an open orientation, a closed orientation, or any intermediate orientation therebetween. This can be beneficial as it can allow a user to adjust the angle of the platform to more easily view the display, even while the device is in operation.

[0183] The hinge mechanism 21 pivotally connecting the platform 20 to the body 47 of the housing 11 may be any suitable hinge mechanism. Examples of suitable hinge mechanisms include a hidden hinge, a continuous hinge, a knife hinge, or a spring-loaded hinge. Ideally, the hinge mechanism has a controller that controls the rate at which the platform 20 moves from a closed orientation to an open orientation. Although not shown, the controller may include one or more of the following: a torque spring, a gas strut, a coil spring, or a hydraulic mechanism.

[0184] Although not shown, a latch may releasably secure the platform 20 in an open orientation. The latch may be released to allow the platform to be moved from the open orientation to a closed orientation.

[0185] When the device 10 is in the humidification mode, the humidification chamber 18 may be coupled to the housing 11 by a first coupling assembly 41. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the first coupling assembly 41 releasably connects a bottom region of the humidification chamber 18 to a body 47 of the housing 11. The first coupling assembly 41 includes: a first latching portion 41a at the bottom region of the chamber 18, which engages with a second latching portion 41b on the body 47 of the housing 11.

[0186] Similarly, the humidification chamber 18 may also be coupled to the platform 20 by a second coupling assembly 42 when the device 10 is in the humidification mode. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the second coupling assembly 42 releasably connects the platform 20 to the humidification chamber 18. The second coupling assembly 42 includes a third latching portion 42a on the platform 20 that engages with a fourth latching portion 42b on the humidification chamber 18, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0187] When the device 10 is in a non-humidification mode, the platform 20 may be pivoted on the body 47 of the housing 11 in a closed orientation, and the third coupling assembly 43 may secure the platform 20 in the closed position with the auxiliary flow path section 23 in the active position. As can be seen in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the third coupling assembly 43 may include a third latching portion 42a of the platform 20 that engages with a second latching portion 41b on the body 47 of the housing 11.

[0188] Examples of different suitable mechanisms for connecting and positioning the humidification chamber to the housing, connecting and positioning the platform to the humidification chamber, and connecting the platform to the housing when the platform is in the closed orientation include: a slide connector, a screw connector, a bayonet connector, a magnetic connector, a push latch connector, or a male-female interference fit connector.

[0189] The housing 11 is connected to an electrical power source by an electrical coupler 24, which powers the blower 12 and other components. If required, the device 10 may include a rechargeable battery to power the device 10 when mains electricity is not available.

[0190] The device 10 includes a powered device having a heater assembly having a heater plate 27 that is fixed to or separable from the body 47 of the housing 11. The heater plate 27 has a flat surface that is heated using electrical power, which may have any suitable structure and may include a biasing device (not shown) that urges the heater plate 27 away from the base of the body 47 of the housing 11 so that when the humidification chamber 18 is loaded onto the body 47, the heater plate 27 compresses the humidification chamber 18 to enhance thermal engagement therebetween. The humidification chamber 18 also has a heater base 40 in the form of a metal or aluminum plate that transfers heat to the water in the aquarium 33.

[0191] In other embodiments, the powered equipment may include an inductive device that heats the heater base 40 or similar structure of the humidification chamber 18. In yet another embodiment, the powered equipment arrangement may include a heating element located within the water bath 33 of the humidification chamber 18, and the humidification chamber 18 and the body 47 of the housing 11 have cooperating electrical couplers to power the heating element. The heating element may be permanently fixed in place within the water bath 33 or may be removable from the water bath 33.

[0192] The platform 20 may have an inner surface that faces toward the body 47 of the housing 11 when the platform 20 is in a closed orientation, and an outer surface that faces away from the body 47 when the platform 20 is in one or both of the open and closed orientations. The inner surface of platform 20 includes a recess that at least partially receives heating plate 27 when platform 20 is in a closed orientation. The inner surface of platform 20 may include a heat shield (not shown) that has insulating properties that may maintain structural integrity and prevent other components of platform 20 from being exposed to high temperatures when platform 20 is pivoted to the closed position. By way of example, heat shield 46 may include one or a combination of the following materials; polycarbonate, ABS, PMMA (acrylic), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), noryl (PPO or PPE blended with polystyrene), glass filled nylon, and polysulfone.

[0193] Although not shown in detail, suitable seals are provided between the various ports and the disconnectable portions of the adjustable flow passages. For example, cooperating seals are provided between the housing outlet port 14 and the chamber inlet 31, between the housing inlet port 15 and the chamber outlet 32, between the conduit port 48 and the user conduit 16, between the housing outlet port 14 and the flow passage inlet, and between the housing inlet port and the flow passage outlet. The seals may include suitable sealing structures that facilitate a sealed connection and therefore minimize leakage of the gas flow. This reduces noise of the blower 12 being emitted from the device 10 and reduces loss of flow rate and pressure of the gas flow during delivery to the user. Examples of suitable sealing means include: flexible pressure seals, inflatable sealing rings, and O-rings in or around the openings of the housing outlet and inlet ports 15 and 14 and / or around the openings of the chamber inlet and outlets 31 and 32.

[0194] In one example, the sealing connection structure may include a chamber inlet 31 and a chamber outlet 32 ​​received within the housing outlet port 14 and the chamber inlet port 15, respectively. Alternatively, the sealing connection structure may include a housing outlet port 14 and a housing inlet port 15 received within the chamber inlet 31 and the chamber outlet 32, respectively. In another example, the sealing connection structure may be a combination of the two alternatives described in this paragraph.

[0195] The user conduit 16 may be non-rotatably or rotatably coupled to the housing conduit port 48. The housing 11 may further include an auxiliary electrical connector (not shown) located adjacent the conduit port, and the user conduit 16 may further include heating and / or sensing circuitry to regulate the temperature of the gas passing through the user conduit 16 and / or to sense a property of the gas within the user conduit 16. The user conduit 16 may have an electrical connector configured to connect to the electrical connector on the housing 11 so that the heating circuit may be powered.

[0196] Ideally, the humidifier chamber 18 has a double wall structure that defines a water reservoir 33 and an outer chamber 34. The outer chamber 34 overlaps the housing outlet port 14 and the housing inlet port 15. The double wall structure provides additional sound insulation, thereby further reducing noise from the blower 12 and insulating the humidifier chamber 18.

[0197] It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the outer chamber 34 is not occupied by a gas, and sound insulating material may be placed in the outer chamber 24. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the double wall construction of the humidifier chamber 18 may be replaced with a single wall construction.

[0198] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber 18 separated from the device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown, the humidification chamber 18 has a water basin 33 with a heater base 40 at the bottom of the water basin 33. To secure the chamber in an operative position, the humidification chamber 18 has: i) a first coupling assembly 41 including a first latching portion 41a for cooperating with a second latching portion 41b of the housing 11; and ii) a second coupling assembly 42 including a second latching portion 42b for cooperating with a third latching portion 42a of the platform 20.

[0199] The humidification chamber 18 of Figure 2B also includes a first passageway 51 extending from the chamber inlet 31 which opens into the gas chamber 34 for supplying an unhumidified gas flow, and a second passageway 52 extending from the gas chamber 34 to the chamber outlet 32 ​​for discharging the humidified gas flow. The humidification chamber 18 may be used to supply a humidified gas flow back to the housing 11 when the device is used in the return configuration.

[0200] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber 18 separated from the apparatus shown in Figure 3. As shown, the humidification chamber 18 has a water basin 33 with a heater base 40 at the bottom of the water basin 33. To secure the humidification chamber 18 in an operative position, the humidification chamber 18 has: i) a first coupling assembly 41 including a first latching portion 41a for cooperating with a second latching portion 41b of the housing 11; and ii) a second coupling assembly 42 including a second latching portion 42b for cooperating with a third latching portion 42a of the platform 20.

[0201] The humidification chamber 18 of Figure 4B also includes a first passageway 51 extending from the chamber inlet 31 which opens into the gas chamber 34 for supplying an unhumidified gas flow, and a second passageway 52 extending from the gas chamber 34 to the chamber outlet 32 ​​for discharging the humidified gas flow. The humidification chamber 18 may be used to supply a humidified gas flow back to the housing 11 when the device is used in the return configuration.

[0202] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the removable humidification chamber 18 separated from the apparatus shown in Figure 5. As shown, the humidification chamber 18 has a water basin 33 with a heater base 40 at the bottom of the water basin 33. To secure the humidification chamber 18 in an operative position, the humidification chamber 18 has: i) a first coupling assembly 41 including a first latching portion 41a for cooperating with a second latching portion 41b of the housing 11; and ii) a second coupling assembly 42 including a second latching portion 42b for cooperating with a third latching portion 42a of the platform 20.

[0203] The humidification chamber 18 of Figure 6B also includes a first passageway 51 extending from the chamber inlet 31 which opens into the gas chamber 34 to supply an unhumidified gas flow, and a second passageway 52 extending from the gas chamber 34 to a chamber conduit port 56 to which the user conduit 16 can be connected. In other words, the humidification chamber 18 is suitable for use in the apparatus 10 where the apparatus is used in a non-return configuration.

[0204] 7-12, the device 100 includes a housing 111 having a body 147, a platform 120 hinged at a lower end to the housing 111 by a hinge mechanism 121, and a blower 112 mounted within the body 147 of the housing 111 for generating a gas flow. The blower 112 draws ambient air into the blower through an air inlet filter 113. If necessary, supplemental oxygen is added to the ambient air to enzymatically enrich the gas flow; the supplemental oxygen may be added at any suitable portion of the gas flow, for example, before the blower, after the blower, after the humidifier, or at the patient interface. The housing 111 has a housing outlet port 114 in the body 147 in communication with an outlet of the blower 112, and a housing inlet port 115 in the body 147 in communication with a user conduit 116 that provides a gas flow, either a humidified or non-humidified gas flow, to a user interface 117. The device 110 also includes a removable humidification chamber 118 that contains a quantity of water to humidify the gas stream 119. The device 110 also includes a user display 122, such as an LCD, plasma or other display, and optionally, a touch screen having adjustment buttons.

[0205] The platform 120 having the auxiliary flow path 123 is configured such that the auxiliary flow path 123 is in an inactive position. 7 and 11 so that the secondary flow passage 123 is in the open orientation as shown in FIG.

[0206] In the humidification mode, the humidification chamber 118 is stacked or rested in an active position on the platform 120 and the auxiliary flow passage 123 in an inactive position. Figures 8 and 9 show the device 110 in a non-humidification mode, where the humidification chamber 118 is separated from the platform 120 and the platform 120 is pivoted to a closed orientation so that the auxiliary flow passage 123 is active to provide gas flow. A benefit of the preferred embodiment is that the device 110 can be quickly and easily switched between a humidification mode as shown in Figure 7 and a non-humidification mode as shown in Figures 8 and 9 by a user with limited manual dexterity. Switching the device 110 between modes can be accomplished by fitting or removing the humidification chamber 118 and folding the platform 120 between an open orientation and a closed orientation. Such actions are believed to be relatively intuitive and simple for the user.

[0207] The device 110 shown in Figures 7-12 also has an adjustable flow path 155 that can change configuration. Specifically, the adjustable flow path 155 of the device 110 of Figures 7-9 has a return configuration in both the humidification mode and the non-humidification mode. As described above, when the device 100 is in the non-humidification mode, the auxiliary flow path section 123 is placed in an active position and the return configuration is characterized by gas flow 119 passing through the auxiliary flow path section 123 and returning to the main body 147 of the housing 111.

[0208] Figure 11 shows the device 110 with the adjustable flow path 155 in a non-return configuration while the device 110 is in the humidification mode. In this configuration, the user conduit 116 is connected to the chamber conduit port 156. Although it is not necessary to use the device 110 in the non-return configuration, the housing may also include the inlet port 115, the housing conduit port 148, and the removable section 153, the latter of which are not shown in Figure 11. If it were necessary to operate the device 110 of Figure 11 in the return configuration in the humidification mode, the humidification chamber 118 of Figure 11 could be replaced with the chamber 118 shown in Figure 10, which has the chamber outlet 132 instead of the chamber conduit port 156.

[0209] 7-9, 12 and 13, the adjustable flow path 155 comprises a fixed section 150 of piping system extending from and including the outlet of the blower 112 to the housing outlet port 114. The direction of flow of gas stream 119 in the piping system is indicated by arrow E. The humidification chamber 118 has a chamber inlet 131 which connects to the housing outlet port 114, and the adjustable flow path 155 comprises: a first passageway 151 for the gas stream extending from the chamber inlet 131 to the water reservoir 133, and a second passageway 152 for the gas stream 119 extending from the water reservoir 133 to the chamber outlet 132. When the device 110 is in a non-humidification mode, the humidification chamber 118 is detached from the body 147 and the first and second passageways 151 and 152 do not form part of the adjustable flow path 155. When the device 110 is in a humidification mode, the humidification chamber 118 is loaded into the body 147 of the device 110 and the first and second passages 151 and 152 form part of an adjustable flow path 155 .

[0210] The adjustable flow path 155 of the embodiments in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 11 further includes a removable section 153 that extends from and includes the housing inlet port 115 to the housing conduit port 148 for connecting to the user conduit 116 that channels the gas flow 119 to the user interface 117. The removable section 153 thus channels the gas flow during humidification, and the removable section 153 may be replaced and / or cleaned in accordance with a suitable hygiene regime.

[0211] Additionally, the adjustable flow path 155 of the embodiment of Figures 7-9 includes an auxiliary flow path section 123 that forms part of or is attached to the platform 120 and has a passageway that includes a flow path inlet 128 and a flow path outlet 129. The auxiliary flow path 123 has an inactive position that corresponds to when the auxiliary flow path section 123 does not form part of the adjustable flow path 155 and the platform 120 is not in a closed orientation, i.e., in an open orientation. For example, when the platform 120 is pivoted fully open, the humidification chamber 18 may be stacked in the housing 11 as shown in Figure 7.

[0212] 8 and 9, the auxiliary flow path section 123 also has an active position in which it forms part of the adjustable flow path 155 when the platform 120 is pivoted to a closed orientation such that the flow path inlet 128 connects to the housing outlet port 114 and the flow path outlet connects to the housing inlet port 115. Thus, the auxiliary flow path section 123 is placed in the active position only when the device 110 is operating in a non-humidification mode.

[0213] 11, when the device 110 is in the non-return configuration, gas flow 119 is passed directly to the user conduit 116 via the chamber conduit port 156. In this example, the removable section 153 and the housing conduit port 148 may be removed or omitted from the device 110.

[0214] 7, the housing 111 is connected to an electrical power source via an electrical coupler 124, which powers the blower 112 and other components. If required, the device 110 may include a rechargeable battery for powering the device 110 when mains electricity is not available.

[0215] Blower 112 has an outlet that is flow connected via suitable piping to a housing outlet port 114 of housing 111. The direction of gas stream flow in the piping is indicated by arrow E in Figures 7-9.

[0216] The housing inlet port 115 is flow connected to the housing conduit port 148 by a gas return. The user conduit 116 is coupled to the housing conduit port 148 to receive gas therefrom and pass a gas flow to the user interface 117. The user conduit 116 may be non-rotatably or rotatably coupled to the housing outlet 114. The housing 111 may further include an auxiliary electrical connector (not shown) located adjacent the housing conduit port 148, and the user conduit 116 may further include a heating circuit to regulate the temperature of the gas passing through the user conduit 116. The user conduit 116 may have an electrical connector configured to connect to the electrical connector of the housing 111 so that the heating circuit can be powered.

[0217] In the humidification mode, the platform 120 is pivoted to an open orientation as shown in Figures 7, 11, and 12. Figures 11 and 12 show an inner surface 145 of the platform 120, which is positioned adjacent to the inner wall 130 of the housing 111 when the platform 120 is in the closed position. The inner surface 145 of the platform 120 has a heater assembly including a heating plate 127, and a flow path inlet 128 and a flow path outlet 129 of the auxiliary flow path 123. Figures 11 and 12 also show the inner wall 130 of the housing 111. The inner wall 130 includes a recess 144 that at least partially receives the heating plate 127 when the platform 120 is in the closed orientation. The inner wall 130 may also include a thermally insulating heat shield 146, which may maintain structural integrity and prevent other components of the housing from being exposed to high temperatures when the platform 120 is pivoted to the closed position. By way of example, the heat shield 146 may include one or a combination of the following materials; polycarbonate, ABS, PMMA (acrylic), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), Noryl (PPO or PPE blended with polystyrene), glass-filled nylon, and polysulfone.

[0218] The inner wall 130 also includes a housing outlet port 114 and a housing inlet port 115 .

[0219] The humidification chamber 118 also includes a chamber inlet 131 that connects to the housing outlet port 114, and a chamber outlet 132 that connects to the housing inlet port 115. The arrows in Figure 12 indicate the alignment of the chamber inlet 131 with the housing outlet port 114, and the alignment of the chamber outlet 132 with the housing inlet port 115. As can be best seen in Figure 7, the chamber inlet 131 and chamber outlet 132 are ideally located above the maximum water level in the humidification chamber 118.

[0220] Although not shown in detail, housing outlet port 114 cooperating with chamber inlet 131 and flow channel inlet 128, and housing inlet port 115 cooperating with chamber outlet 132 and flow channel outlet 129 may include suitable sealing means to facilitate a sealed connection therebetween, thereby minimizing leakage of the gas stream, thereby reducing noise of blower 112 being emitted from device 110, and reducing loss of flow rate and pressure of the gas stream during delivery to the user. Examples of suitable sealing means include: flexible pressure seals, inflatable sealing rings, and O-rings in or around the openings of housing outlet and inlet ports 115 and 114 and / or around the openings of chamber inlet and outlet 131 and 132.

[0221] In one example, the sealed connection structure may include a chamber inlet 131 and a chamber outlet 132 received within the housing outlet port 114 and the chamber inlet port 115, respectively. Alternatively, the sealed connection structure may include a housing outlet port 114 and a housing inlet port 115 received within the chamber inlet 131 and the chamber outlet 132, respectively. In other examples, the sealed connection structure may be a combination of the two alternatives described in this paragraph.

[0222] As best seen in Figure 10, the humidification chamber 118 has a double wall structure. The double wall structure defines an inner water basin 133 and an outer chamber 134. The outer chamber 134 may overlap the flow passage inlet 128 and flow passage outlet 129 of the auxiliary flow passage 123 and form a gas chamber. The outer chamber 134 extends around at least one panel of the water basin 133. However, it will be appreciated that the outer chamber 134 may extend around the entire side panel that defines the water basin 133. The double wall structure provides additional sound insulation (thereby further reducing noise from the blower 112) and additional thermal insulation for the humidification chamber 118. The humidification chamber 118 also has a heater base 140 in the bottom wall of the water tank 133, a chamber inlet 131 for supplying an unhumidified gas flow to the gas compartment of the water tank 133, and a chamber outlet 132 for supplying a humidified gas flow back to the housing 111 when the device is used in return mode.

[0223] It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, rather than the outer chamber 134 being occupied by a gas, a sound insulating material may be placed in the outer chamber 124. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the double wall construction of the humidification chamber 118 may be replaced with a single wall construction.

[0224] The platform 120 has an outer surface 135 that faces downwardly when in an open orientation in the humidification mode, and a peripheral sidewall 136 that extends upwardly from the base 135. The hinge mechanism 121 that pivotally connects the platform 120 to the housing 111 may be any suitable hinge mechanism.

[0225] Examples of suitable hinge mechanisms include hidden hinges, continuous hinges, knife hinges, or spring-loaded hinges. Ideally, the hinge mechanism has a controller that controls the rate at which the platform 120 moves from a closed orientation to an open orientation. Although not shown, the controller may include one or more of the following: a torque spring, a gas strut, a coil spring, or a hydraulic mechanism.

[0226] Although not shown, a latch may releasably secure the platform 120 in an open orientation. The latch may be released to allow the platform 120 to be moved from the open orientation to the closed orientation.

[0227] The inner surface of the platform 120 has a heating plate 127 located at the center of the platform 120 and an auxiliary flow path 123 located toward the outer end of the platform 120, which is the upper end when the apparatus 111 is viewed in the orientation shown in FIG.

[0228] The heating plate 127 includes a flat surface that is heated using electrical power. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the heating plate 127 has a sidewall structure that extends upwardly from the platform 120. The heating plate 127 may have any suitable structure and may include a biasing device (not shown) that urges the heater 137 away from the base 135 of the platform 120 such that when the humidification chamber 118 is loaded onto the platform 120, the heating plate 127 presses against the humidification chamber 118 to increase thermal engagement therebetween.

[0229] The device 110 may also include one or more locators that provide alignment between the inlet port 115 of the housing 111 and the chamber inlet 131 of the humidification chamber 118, and between the outlet port 115 and the chamber outlet 132, when the device is in a humidification mode. For example, the outer wall 138 of the humidification chamber 118 may rest on a peripheral sidewall 136 of the platform 120. The peripheral sidewall 136 of the platform 120 may include a channel formation within which the outer wall 138 of the humidification chamber 118 is received. Alternatively, the peripheral sidewall may be at least partially received in the channel formation in the outer wall 138 of the humidification chamber 118.

[0230] Another example of a locator may be an apron that extends downward from the bottom wall 139 of the humidification chamber 118, as shown in box A in Figure 7, and the apron fits onto the side wall of the heating plate 127. The apron may be sized such that the heating plate 127 friction-fits onto the apron and thermally engages the thermally conductive heater base 140 of the humidification chamber 118. The heater base 140 may be constructed of any suitable thermally conductive material. In a preferred construction, the heater base is constructed of aluminum. The heater base may be a pressed aluminum sheet.

[0231] In the humidification mode, the heater base 140 of the humidification chamber 118 covers and is thermally engaged with the heating plate 127 to heat and evaporate water within the chamber 118 .

[0232] The humidification chamber 118, in the humidification mode, may be coupled to the housing 111 by a first coupling assembly 141, shown in Figure 7 by box B. The first coupling assembly releasably connects an upper edge of the humidification chamber 118 to an upper section of the housing 111 when viewed in the orientation of Figure 7. The first coupling assembly 141 includes: a first latching portion on the upper edge of the humidification chamber 118, which engages with a second latching portion on the upper section of the housing 111.

[0233] Similarly, the humidification chamber 118 may also be coupled to the platform 120 in the humidification mode by a second coupling assembly 142, indicated by box C in FIG. 7. The second coupling assembly 142 releasably connects an outer section of the platform 120 to a lower outer section of the humidification chamber 118. The second coupling assembly 142 includes a third latching portion at the outer edge of the platform 120 and / or at the auxiliary flow path, which The latching portion engages with a fourth latching portion on the lower outer edge of the humidification chamber 118.

[0234] The third coupling assembly 143 may also couple an outer section of the platform 120 to the housing 111 when the platform 120 is in the closed orientation. The third coupling assembly 143 is indicated by a square D in Figures 8 and 9 and includes a third latching portion that engages with the second latching portion.

[0235] Examples of different mechanisms suitable for connecting and securing the humidification chamber to the housing, connecting and securing the platform to the humidification chamber, and connecting the platform to the housing when the platform is in the closed orientation include: a slide connector, a screw connector, a bayonet connector, a magnetic connector, a push latch connector, or a male-female interference fit connector.

[0236] The auxiliary flow path 123 is disposed at the outer end of the platform 120. As best seen in Figures 11 and 12, the flow path inlet 128 and flow path outlet 129 of the auxiliary flow path 123 are openably connected to the housing inlet port 115 and the housing outlet port 115. In the humidification mode, the auxiliary flow path 123 is placed in an inactive position and the humidification chamber 118 is placed in an operating position, as shown in Figure 7. Similarly, the platform 120 may be pivoted to an open orientation and the humidification chamber 118 may be in the process of either being removed from the device 110 or being fitted to the device 110. In any event, when the platform 120 is pivoted to an open orientation and the humidification chamber 118 is not fitted to the device 110, the device 110 does not operate in either the humidification mode or the non-humidification mode.

[0237] In the non-humidification mode, the auxiliary flow channels 123 must be placed in an active position, which in the preferred embodiment is effected by the platform 120 being pivoted to a closed position. Specifically, in the closed position, the flow channel inlet 128 communicates with the housing outlet port 114, and the flow channel outlet 129 communicates with the housing inlet port 115.

[0238] 9 shows the device 110 positioned with the platform 120 in a closed orientation, and the device 110 resting horizontally on the outer surface 135 of the platform 120. By placing the housing 111 of the device 110 horizontally, the device 110 is placed in a more stable orientation, even without the humidification chamber 118.

[0239] To enable device 110 to be used in both an upright orientation, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and a horizontal orientation, as shown in FIG. 9, user display 122 may have an orientation sensor that allows the output of display 122 to be reoriented to accommodate the orientation of device 110.

[0240] 14 is a table of method steps for operating a device to provide respiratory assistance to a user, where the method includes operating the device in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode. The method steps may be summarized as described below, although the order of the steps below may not necessarily reflect the order in which the steps are undertaken. i) Providing a housing having a gas outlet port and a gas inlet port. ii) operating a blower to generate a gas flow and cause the gas flow to flow through the gas inlet port. iii) moving the auxiliary flow path to an inactive position, where the auxiliary flow path is away from the inlet and outlet ports in the humidification mode. For example, moving the auxiliary flow path may include pivoting a platform to which the auxiliary flow path is mounted between a closed and an open orientation. The platform may be as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. It is in the open direction. iv) placing the humidification chamber in an operating position, wherein an inlet of the humidification chamber communicates with an inlet port of the housing and an inlet of the chamber communicates with an outlet port of the housing, such that in a humidification mode, the gas stream can flow through the chamber for humidification of the gas stream. For example, placing the humidification unit in an operating position may include placing a platform in an open orientation and stacking the humidification unit on the platform and operating a coupling assembly that holds the humidification chamber in the operating position. v) directing the humidified gas stream through an outlet port in the housing via a swivel coupling and a conduit to a user. vi) removing the humidification chamber from the operating position and moving the platform from an open orientation to a closed orientation that places the auxiliary flow path in an active position, for example as shown in Figures 8 and 9, where the auxiliary flow path is in communication with the outlet and inlet ports of the housing in a non-humidification mode. vii) flowing a flow of gas in a non-humidified mode from an inlet port of the housing to a user via a housing outlet and a conduit.

[0241] Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0242] For example, rather than the platform being pivotally attached to the housing as shown in the drawings, the platform may be detached from the housing when changing the platform's orientation. Once detached from the housing, the platform may be reattached to the housing in either an open orientation that facilitates use of the device in a humidification mode, or in a closed orientation that facilitates use of the device in a non-humidification mode, as desired. The platform may be attached to the housing in either a humidification mode or a non-humidification mode using any suitable connector or connectors, including latch connectors, magnetic connectors, screw connectors, bayonet connectors, male-female interference fit connectors, and the like. The housing and platform may also include suitable electrical couplings that may be uncoupled when the platform is detached from the housing, and similarly reconnected to power the heating plate of the platform when the platform is reattached to the housing in either the open or closed orientation. The electrical couplings may include pin and socket connectors.

[0243] Although not shown in detail, the humidification chamber may include a removable lid over the entire humidification chamber or over only a portion of it. When the humidification chamber is separated from the housing, the lid may be opened or separated from the humidification chamber to facilitate refilling and / or cleaning of the humidification chamber as desired.

[0244] Although not shown in detail, the user interface indicated by reference numerals 17 and 117 may include any suitable device for delivering a flow of gas to the patient's airways, including, for example: a nasal mask, an oral-nasal mask, an oral mask, a full face mask, nasal cannulas, and nasal pillows.

[0245] Throughout this specification the terms "humidification chamber" and "chamber" are used interchangeably, and the terms "humidification device" and "device" are also used interchangeably.

[0246] In the following claims, and in the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise by language or necessary implicit expression, the words "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are used inclusively, i.e., to specify the presence of stated features, but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features in the various embodiments of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein.

[0247] In the above description of the preferred embodiment, specific terminology has been relied upon for clarity. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific terminology so selected, and each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish the same technical purpose. For example, terms such as "front" and "back", "inside" and "outside", "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" are used as convenient terms to provide points of reference and are not to be considered limiting terms. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal", when used throughout this specification, including the claims, in referring to the humidification device, refer to an orientation relative to the normal operating orientation.

[0248] Moreover, the invention has been described in connection with what are presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described above may be practiced in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to achieve yet another embodiment. Moreover, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0249] For example, although not shown in the drawings, the humidification chamber may also have external and internal fitment such as noise reducing structures, spill-blocks to prevent water from spilling out of the humidification chamber either upstream or downstream in the direction of gas stream flow to avoid contact with powered equipment, and baffles to prevent short-circuiting of gas flow through the humidification chamber. The specification of International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005 / 018724, which is incorporated herein by reference, contains examples of some of these fitment that may be added to the humidification chambers described herein.

[0250] statement 1. An apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: A blower for generating a gas flow; an adjustable flow path for gas flow, to which a user conduit may be connected; a housing having at least a portion of an adjustable flow path extending from the blower to a housing exit port; A humidification chamber having a chamber inlet, the humidification chamber being movable and comprising: i) an operating position in which the chamber inlet is in communication with the housing outlet port to direct the gas flow through the humidification chamber, the humidification chamber forming part of an adjustable flow path, thereby operating the device in a humidification mode; and ii) a non-operating position in which the humidification chamber is separated from the housing and does not form part of the adjustable flow path, thereby causing the device to operate in a non-humidification mode; A humidification chamber may be installed in 13. An apparatus comprising:

[0251] 2. The apparatus of statement 1, wherein the adjustable flow path has conduit ports, including either chamber conduit ports or housing conduit ports, or a combination thereof, to which a user conduit may be connected.

[0252] 3. The apparatus of statement 1 or 2, wherein the chamber conduit port is located in the humidification chamber such that the gas flow flows directly from the humidification chamber, and the user conduit is connected to the chamber conduit port when the apparatus is in a humidification mode.

[0253] 4. The device of statement 2, wherein the housing conduit port is disposed in the housing and the user conduit is connected to the housing conduit port when the device is in a humidification mode or a non-humidification mode.

[0254] 5. The device of any of statements 1-4, wherein the adjustable flow path has a return configuration when the device is in a humidification mode, where the flow path extends from the housing to the humidification chamber and back to the housing.

[0255] 6. The device of any of statements 1-5, wherein the adjustable flow path has a non-return configuration when the device is in a humidification mode, in which the flow path exits the humidification chamber without returning to the housing.

[0256] 7. An apparatus described in any of statements 1-6, wherein the housing has a housing inlet port, and the humidification chamber has a chamber outlet, and when the humidification chamber is in an operating position, the adjustable flow path has a return configuration extending from the housing outlet port via the chamber inlet to the humidification chamber and back to the housing inlet port via the chamber outlet and the housing inlet port.

[0257] 8. The device of statement 7, wherein the adjustable flow path has a removable section extending from the housing inlet port to the housing conduit port, wherein the removable section is detachable from the housing for disinfection or cleaning purposes.

[0258] 9. The apparatus of statement 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus has an auxiliary flow path section that can be placed in an active position when the apparatus is in a non-humidification mode, wherein the auxiliary flow path section communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to provide a gas flow therebetween.

[0259] 10. The device described in statement 9, wherein the auxiliary flow path is pivotally connected to the housing and can pivot between an active position and an inactive position.

[0260] 11. The device of statement 9 or 10, wherein the auxiliary flow path has a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet and is in an active position when the device is in a non-humidification mode, and the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet are connected to the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port, respectively.

[0261] 12. A device described in any of statements 9-11, wherein the auxiliary flow path can be moved to an inactive position when the device is in a humidification mode, causing the flow path inlet and flow path outlet to be disconnected from the housing inlet port and housing outlet port, respectively.

[0262] 13. The device of any of statements 9-12, wherein the humidification chamber and the auxiliary flow path section are in alternating flow communication with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port.

[0263] 14. The apparatus of any of statements 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus has a powered device including a heater assembly for heating water in the humidification chamber.

[0264] 15. The apparatus of statement 14, wherein the powered equipment engages the humidification chamber to heat water, and wherein the engagement between the powered equipment and the humidification chamber includes any one or combination of thermal engagement, power engagement, and / or electromagnetic induction power engagement.

[0265] 16. The heater assembly is disposed on the exterior surface of the body of the housing to allow the device to operate in humidification mode. 16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the heater assembly facilitates thermal engagement between the heater assembly and the humidification chamber when the heater assembly is in the humidification chamber.

[0266] 17. The device described in statement 16, wherein the heater assembly may have a heating plate that heats and thermally engages a thermally conductive heater base of the humidification chamber, wherein the heating plate is disposed in a non-movable or fixed position on the body of the housing.

[0267] 18. An apparatus described in any of statements 14-17, wherein the powered equipment includes a heating element disposed within the humidification chamber and an electrical coupler for electrically connecting the heating element to a cooperating electrical coupler on the housing to power the heating element.

[0268] 19. An apparatus as described in any of statements 14-18, wherein the powered equipment includes an induction generator within the body and a cooperating heater base of the humidification chamber that heats upon exposure to energy from the induction generator to heat water in the humidification chamber.

[0269] 20. The device described in any of statements 1 to 19, wherein the housing has a body and a platform that is movable relative to the body, and the blower is housed within the body.

[0270] When subject to 21.17, the apparatus of statement 20, wherein the heater assembly is movable relative to the body, thereby enabling the heating plate to be engaged by the humidification chamber when the humidification chamber is placed in an operating position.

[0271] 22. The apparatus described in statement 21, wherein the heater assembly is mounted to an inner surface of the platform and upon which the humidification chamber may be mounted.

[0272] 23. The apparatus of statement 20, when subject to any of statements 9 to 12, wherein the auxiliary flow path section is on a platform, the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet are supported on or form part of the platform, and the platform is movable relative to the housing.

[0273] 24. An apparatus described in any of statements 20 to 23, wherein the humidification chamber is separated from the housing when the apparatus is in a non-humidification mode, thereby allowing the platform to be moved toward the housing to place the auxiliary flow path section in an active position.

[0274] 25. An apparatus described in any of statements 20 to 24, wherein when the auxiliary flow path section is in the inactive position, the humidification chamber can be stacked on the housing so that the chamber inlet and chamber outlet are in communication with the housing inlet port and housing outlet port, respectively.

[0275] 26. The device described in any of statements 20-25, wherein the platform is pivotally connected to the housing and moves between an open orientation and a closed orientation.

[0276] 27. The apparatus of statement 26, wherein the act of closing the platform moves the auxiliary flowpath section to the active position when the platform is pivoted to the closed orientation.

[0277] 28. The platform can be pivoted to an open orientation, where the act of opening the platform moves the auxiliary flow path section to an inactive position, and when in the open orientation, the humidification chamber can be stacked into the housing, allowing the device to operate in a humidification mode. 28. The device according to statement 26 or 27.

[0278] 29. A device described in any of statements 20-28, wherein the housing has user controls that a user can use to operate the device, the user controls including a display screen mounted on the platform.

[0279] 30. An apparatus described in any of statements 20-29, wherein the user controls can be observed by the user when the platform is installed in both the open and closed orientations.

[0280] 31. An apparatus according to any of statements 20 to 30, wherein the platform is oriented parallel to the housing in the closed orientation, and the platform is oriented transverse to the body of the housing in the open orientation.

[0281] 32. A device described in any of statements 20 to 31, wherein the body of the housing has a base on which the device can be placed when the device is in the humidification mode and the non-humidification mode, and the body of the housing has the same orientation in both the humidification mode and the non-humidification mode.

[0282] 33. The device described in any of statements 20 to 32, wherein the device has a coupling assembly that releasably couples the body of the housing and the humidification chamber when the device is in a humidification mode.

[0283] 34. The device of statement 33, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the housing and the platform to the active position when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0284] 35. The device of statement 33 or 34, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the housing and the auxiliary flow path when the device is in a non-humidification mode.

[0285] 36. An apparatus described in any of statements 33 to 35, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the humidification chamber and the platform when the apparatus is in a humidification mode, i.e., when oriented in an open position by the platform.

[0286] 37. A device described in any of statements 20-36, wherein the coupling assembly includes: a first latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber and a cooperating second latching portion on the body of the housing that can be releasably engaged with the first latching portion in the humidification mode.

[0287] 38. The device described in statement 37, wherein the coupling assembly includes a third latching portion on the platform and / or the auxiliary flow path that can be releasably engaged with the second latching portion in the non-humidification mode.

[0288] 39. The apparatus described in statement 37, wherein the coupling assembly includes a fourth latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber that can be releasably engaged with a third latching portion on the platform.

[0289] 40. The device described in any of statements 20 to 36, wherein the coupling assembly has a locking mechanism for securing the platform at multiple orientation angles relative to the body when in the open orientation.

[0290] 41. The coupling assembly includes a first structure and a housing body. and the first and second structures may mate when the humidification chamber is placed in an operating position to assist in aligning the chamber inlet and chamber outlet with the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 10,110 equipment 11,111 Housing 12,112 Air blower 13,113 Air inlet filter 14,114 Housing Exit Port 15,115 Housing Inlet Port 16,116 User conduits 17,117 User Interface 18,118 Humidification chamber 19,119 Gas flow 20,120 Platform 21,121 Hinge mechanism 22,122 User Displays 23,123 Auxiliary flow section 24,124 Electrical Couplers 27,127 heating plate 28,128 Channel inlet 29,129 Flow outlet 130 Inner Wall 31,131 Chamber entrance 32,132 Chamber exit 33,133 Aquarium 34,134 Gas chamber 135 (Platform) Outer Surface 136 Periphery side wall 138 (humidification chamber) outer wall 139 (humidification chamber) bottom wall 40,140 Heater base 41,141 First coupling assembly 41a First latch part 41b Second latch part 42,142 Second coupling assembly 42a Third latch part 42b Fourth latch part 43,143 Third Combined Assembly 144 Recess 145 (of the platform) inner surface 47,147 (Housing) Body 48,148 Housing Conduit Port 50,150 Fixed section 51,151 1st Aisle 52,152 Second Passage 53.153 Removable sections 54 Base 55,155 Adjustable flow path 56,156 Chamber conduit port

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: a blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with said blower, a housing inlet port in communication with said user conduit, said housing being connectable to a power source to receive electrical power; a humidification chamber for receiving a quantity of water and having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being capable of being placed in an operating position in the humidification mode, where the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to cause the gas flow to flow through the humidification chamber; and an auxiliary flow path that can be placed into an operating position in the non-humidification mode, where the auxiliary flow path communicates with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port to channel the gas flow therebetween; and a powered device that heats water in the humidification chamber when the device is in the humidification mode, the powered device being capable of being powered by the power source connected to the housing; 13. An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the powered equipment includes a heater assembly for heating the water in the humidification chamber to enhance humidification of the gas stream.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber to heat the water, and wherein the engagement between the powered equipment and the humidification chamber may include any one or combination of thermal engagement, electrical power engagement, and / or electromagnetic induction power engagement.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises a body and a platform that is movable relative to the body.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the platform is pivotally connected to the housing.

6. 6. The device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on an exterior surface of the body to facilitate thermal engagement between the heater assembly and the humidification chamber when the humidification chamber is in the operating position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the heater assembly is disposed so as to face outwardly from an outer perimeter wall of the body.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on the platform, and the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber when the humidification chamber is in the operating position.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on an inner portion of the platform, and the humidification chamber is mountable to the heater assembly, thereby engaging the heater assembly and the humidification chamber.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heating plate having a surface that heats in use.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the heating plate is thermally engaged to a thermally conductive heater base of the humidification chamber.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the powered equipment includes an electrical connector for providing power to the humidification chamber.

13. 13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the powered equipment comprises a heating element disposed within the humidification chamber and an electrical coupler for electrically connecting the heating element to a cooperating electrical coupler on the housing for powering the heating element.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary flow path is movably connected to the housing.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the secondary flow path is disposed on the platform.

16. 16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidification chamber has a non-operating position, in which the chamber inlet is displaced from the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet is displaced from the housing inlet port, and the auxiliary flow path can be moved to an active position.

17. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the device is operable in only one of the humidification mode or the non-humidification mode at a time.

18. 18. The device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the auxiliary flow path communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port in the active position when the device is in the non-humidification mode, and the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet communicate with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively, in the humidification mode.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the auxiliary flow path is operable to communicate with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port when the humidification chamber is separated from the housing.

20. 20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in the humidification mode, the operational position of the humidification chamber occurs when the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet communicate with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively.

21. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 20, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet define fixed positions within the body of the humidification chamber, and the humidification chamber can be manually installed in the housing so that the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet are aligned with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively, thereby installing the humidification chamber in the operating position in the humidification mode.

22. 22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary flow path has a flow path inlet which may communicate with the housing outlet port, and a flow path outlet which may communicate with the housing inlet port.

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet of the auxiliary flow path are connectable to the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively, when the humidification chamber is separated from the housing.

24. 24. The device of claim 22 or 23, wherein the auxiliary flow paths are in the active position when the device is in the non-humidification mode such that the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet are connected with the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port, respectively.

25. 25. A device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the auxiliary flow paths are moved to the inactive position when the device is in the humidification mode such that the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet are disconnected from the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port, respectively.

26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the auxiliary flow path is pivotally connected to the housing and is capable of pivoting between an active position and the inactive position.

27. When dependent on claim 4, the secondary flow passage is disposed on the platform, with the flow passage inlet and the flow passage outlet being supported by the platform. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26.

28. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the secondary flow path is defined by the platform.

29. 29. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, when dependent on claim 4, wherein a first section of the platform has a pivot connector for pivotally connecting to the housing, and the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet may be located on a second section of the platform, the first section and the second section being at or towards opposite ends of the platform.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the platform can be pivoted to a closed orientation, where the act of closing the platform moves the auxiliary flow path to an active position, and wherein the platform can be pivoted to an open orientation, where the act of opening the platform moves the auxiliary flow path to the inactive position.

31. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein when the platform is in the open orientation, the humidification chamber can be stacked on the platform and the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber to heat water within the humidification chamber.

32. A device as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein when the auxiliary flow path is in the active position, i.e. when the device is in the non-humidification mode, the flow path inlet and flow path outlet of the auxiliary flow path can form a sealed connection structure with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively.

33. 33. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein when the auxiliary flow path is in the active position and the device is in the humidification mode, the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet are also capable of forming a sealed connection with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port respectively.

34. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the body of the housing has a base on which the device can be placed when the device is in the humidifying mode and the non-humidifying mode.

35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 34 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the apparatus is capable of being placed on the platform when the apparatus is in the non-humidification mode.

36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 32 when dependent on claim 4, comprising a coupling assembly which releasably couples the housing and the humidification chamber when the apparatus is in the humidification mode.

37. 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the housing and the platform to the active position when the device is in the non-humidification mode.

38. 38. The device of claim 36 or 37, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the housing and the auxiliary flow path when the device is in the non-humidification mode.

39. 39. A device according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the coupling assembly releasably couples the humidification chamber and the platform when the device is in the humidification mode, i.e. with the platform in the open orientation.

40. 40. A device as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the coupling assembly includes: a first latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber; and a cooperating second latching portion on the body of the housing which is releasably engageable with the first latching portion in the humidification mode.

41. 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the coupling assembly includes a third latching portion on the platform and / or the auxiliary flow path that is releasably engageable with the second latching portion in the non-humidification mode.

42. 42. The device of claim 41, wherein the coupling assembly includes a fourth latching portion on the body of the humidification chamber releasably engageable with the third latching portion on the platform.

43. 43. The device of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the coupling assembly may include a first structure on the body of the humidification chamber and a second structure on the body of the housing, the first and second structures mating to assist in aligning the chamber inlet and chamber outlet with the housing outlet port and housing inlet port, respectively, when the humidification chamber is installed in the operating position.

44. 44. The device of any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the device includes at least one locator arrangement that provides alignment of the chamber inlet with a housing outlet port, and alignment of the chamber outlet with the housing inlet port, when the device is in the humidification mode.

45. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 44, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the humidification chamber has a bottom wall including a heater base and an apron extending downwardly from the heater base, the apron fitting around a side wall of the heater assembly.

46. 1. An apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus comprising: The device is operable in a humidification mode, where a humidification chamber may be placed in an operating position on the device, and in a non-humidification mode, the device: a blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with the blower; and a heating assembly movable relative to the housing, and in the humidification mode, the heating assembly may be placed in an operating position in which a humidification chamber may be engaged by the heating assembly, and in the non-humidification mode, the heating assembly may be placed in a stowed position in which the humidification chamber cannot be stowed to the heating element; 13. An apparatus comprising:

47. 47. The device of claim 46, wherein the housing has a housing inlet port capable of communicating with the user conduit.

48. 48. Apparatus as described in claim 46 or 47, wherein the apparatus includes a humidification chamber for containing a quantity of water, the humidification chamber having a chamber inlet in communication with the housing outlet port and a chamber outlet in communication with the housing inlet port, for causing the gas flow to flow through the humidification chamber.

49. 50. Apparatus according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the heater assembly receives electrical power to heat the water in the humidification chamber to enhance humidification of the gas flow.

50. 50. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber to heat the water, and wherein the engagement between the powered equipment and the humidification chamber may include any one or combination of thermal engagement, electrical power engagement, and / or electromagnetic induction power engagement.

51. An apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the housing comprises a body and a platform that is moveable relative to the body.

52. 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the platform is pivotally connected to the housing.

53. 53. The device of claim 51 or 52, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on an exterior surface of the body to facilitate thermal engagement between the heater assembly and the humidification chamber when the humidification chamber is in the operating position.

54. The apparatus of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the heater assembly is arranged to face outwardly from an outer peripheral wall of the body.

55. 54. An apparatus according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on the platform and the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber when the humidification chamber is in the operating position.

56. 56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the heater assembly is disposed on an inner portion of the platform and the humidification chamber is mountable to the heater assembly, thereby engaging the heater assembly and the humidification chamber.

57. The platform may be pivoted to a closed orientation, where the act of closing the platform moves the secondary flow path to an active position and closes the platform.

56. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein the platform can be pivoted to an open orientation, wherein the act of opening the platform moves the secondary flow path to the inactive position.

58. 58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein when the platform is in the open orientation, the humidification chamber can be stacked on the platform and the heater assembly engages the humidification chamber to heat water within the humidification chamber.

59. The apparatus includes an auxiliary flow path operably connected to the housing: iii) an active position in which the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to pass the gas flow therebetween when the device is in the non-humidification mode; iv) an inactive position in which the humidification chamber may be placed in the operating position when the device is in the humidification mode, since the auxiliary flow path is spaced apart from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port; 59. An apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 58, adapted to move between.

60. 60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the auxiliary flow path is disposed on the platform and is in the active position when the platform is closed relative to the body, and is in the inactive position when the platform is pivoted away from the body.

61. 1. An apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user via a user conduit, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode, the apparatus comprising: a blower for generating a gas flow; a housing having a housing outlet port in communication with said blower and a housing inlet port capable of communicating with said user conduit; a humidification chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the humidification chamber being movable and positionable in an operating position, where when the device is in the humidification mode, the chamber inlet communicates with the housing outlet port and the chamber outlet communicates with the housing inlet port to direct the gas flow through the humidification chamber; and an auxiliary flow path operably connected to the housing, comprising: i) an active position in which the auxiliary flow passage communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port to pass the gas flow therebetween when the device is in the non-humidification mode; ii) an inactive position in which the humidification chamber may be placed in the operating position when the device is in the humidification mode, since the auxiliary flow path is spaced apart from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port; Auxiliary flow path that allows movement between 13. An apparatus comprising:

62. 62. The device of claim 61, wherein the housing has: i) a body in which the blower is disposed, and ii) a platform that is movable relative to the body between an open orientation in which the auxiliary flow path is in the inactive position and a closed orientation in which the auxiliary flow path is in the active position.

63. 63. The device of claim 62, wherein the platform is pivotally connected to the body so that it can pivot between the open and closed orientations.

64. 64. The device of claim 63, wherein the platform remains connected to the housing when in the open orientation.

65. 65. Apparatus according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein in the active position, the auxiliary flow path section communicates with the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port for passing the gas flow therebetween.

66. 66. Apparatus according to any one of claims 61 to 65, wherein the secondary flow path is disposed on the platform.

67. 67. Apparatus according to any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein at least a portion of the secondary flow path is defined by the platform.

68. 68. A device as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 67, wherein the auxiliary flow path has a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet which are connectable to the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port respectively in the active position during the non-humidification mode.

69. 69. A device as described in any one of claims 61 to 68, wherein the auxiliary flow path is movable to the inactive position when the device is in the humidification mode, causing the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet to be disconnected from the housing outlet port and the housing inlet port, respectively.

70. 1. An apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a user, the apparatus being operable in a humidified mode and a non-humidified mode using a humidification chamber, the apparatus comprising: a blower for generating a gas flow; an adjustable flow path for said gas flow, to which a user conduit may be connected; a housing having at least a portion of the adjustable flow path extending from the blower to a housing outlet port; and A platform operatively connected to the housing, comprising: iii) an open orientation in which the humidification chamber can be placed in the operating position on the housing, then operating the device in the humidification mode; iv) a closed orientation, in which the humidification chamber is separated from the housing and the device is then operated in the non-humidification mode; and A platform that allows you to move between 13. An apparatus comprising:

71. 71. The device of claim 70, wherein the platform is pivotally connected to the housing so that it can pivot between the open and closed orientations.

72. 72. The device of claim 71, wherein the platform remains connected to the housing when in the open orientation.

73. Apparatus according to any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein the apparatus comprises the humidification chamber.

74. 74. Apparatus according to any one of claims 70 to 73, wherein the apparatus has conduit ports, including either chamber conduit ports or housing conduit ports or a combination thereof, to which the user conduits may be connected.

75. 75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the housing includes a housing inlet port in flow communication with the housing conduit port.

76. 76. A device as described in any one of claims 70 to 75, wherein the adjustable flow path has an auxiliary flow path section that can be placed in an active position when the device is in the non-humidification mode, and in an inactive position when the device is in the humidification mode.

77. 77. Apparatus according to claim 76 when dependent on claim 75, wherein in said active position said secondary flow path communicates with said housing outlet port and said housing inlet port for passing said gas flow therebetween.

78. 78. Apparatus according to claim 76 or 77, wherein the secondary flow path is disposed in the platform.

79. Apparatus according to any one of claims 76 to 78, wherein at least a portion of the secondary flow path is defined by the platform.

80. 80. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 76 to 79, wherein the auxiliary flow path has a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet which connect with the housing inlet port and housing outlet port respectively when the platform is in the closed orientation.

81. An apparatus according to any one of claims 76 to 80, wherein the secondary flow paths are disconnected from the housing inlet port and the housing outlet port, respectively, when the platform is in the open orientation.

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