Integrated humidifier chamber and LID

Abstract

A blower unit is provided for use as part of an integrated blower / humidification system. [Solution] The blower unit has an outer casing that surrounds and forms a part of the blower unit, the outer casing having an air inlet vent. The blower unit also has a humidifier compartment that receives a humidifier unit with a separate gas inlet and gas outlet, the compartment having a heater base that heats the contents of the humidifier unit. The compartment also has a blower unit inlet port that aligns with the humidifier unit inlet during use, and the blower provides a gas passage through the casing between the inlet vent and the inlet port. The blower unit also has a fan that provides a flow of pressurized gas along a gas path and a power supply unit that powers the fan. The gas path is routed over the power supply unit to provide the cooling air flow.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas supply / gas humidification apparatus for providing respiratory assistance to a patient or user who requires a supply of gas at positive pressure for the treatment of disorders such as, inter alia (but not exclusively), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the present invention relates to a gas supply apparatus having an integral humidifier chamber to form a combined assisted breathing unit / humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices or systems for providing a humidified gas flow to a patient for therapeutic purposes are well known in the art. Systems for providing this type of therapy, for example CPAP therapy, are structured to deliver gas at a required pressure from an auxiliary breathing unit or blower unit to a humidifier chamber located downstream from the blower. The gas becomes saturated with water vapor as it is passed through the warmed and humidified air in the humidifier chamber. Such gas is then delivered to a user or patient downstream from the humidifier via a gas conduit. The humidified gas may be delivered from a modular system, assembled from separate units (i.e., systems in which the humidifier chamber / heater and the breathing unit / blower are separate items) connected in series via conduits. An example of such a system is shown in FIG. 1. However, the use of integrated blower / humidifier systems is becoming more and more common, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. A typical integrated system consists of a main "blower" or auxiliary breathing unit providing a pressurized gas flow, and a humidifier unit coupled to or rigidly connected to the blower unit. This connection may be, for example, by a slide-on or push-connection arrangement, so that the humidifier is held securely in place on the main blower unit. An example of this type of system is the Fisher and Paykel Healthcare "slide-on" water chamber system shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,624. A variation of this design is a slide-on or clip-on design in which the chamber is housed within a portion of the integral unit during use. An example of this type of design is shown in WO 2004 / 112873, which describes a blower or flow generator 50 and an associated humidifier 150. The blower unit 50 and the humidifier unit 150 are connected together and joined in use as described in paragraph

[0119] of this patent. A humidifier chamber or water tab (698,699,700) is described in paragraphs

[0132] to

[0141] .The water tub can be filled through a passage 722 (described in detail in paragraph

[0126] ) in the rear wall of the humidifier unit 150 or by removing the tub lid 700. The process for removing the lid is described in paragraph

[0136] . The humidifier unit lid (lid 648) is closed, which presses the water tub into place.

[0003] WO 2004 / 112873 also describes a power supply cavity, shown as item 65 in FIG. 6 and described in paragraphs

[0096] and

[0097] . The compartment is described as being open to the atmosphere (if necessary) for cooling. FIG. 7 shows the power supply board 124 and the cavity 65. As described in paragraph

[0100] , air enters the blower through an air inlet 84 that communicates with a passage 85 above the power supply cavity 65, which leads to a muffler cavity 134 in which the fan unit 90 is housed. As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply cavity 65 is insulated from the air supply passage 85 and the muffler cavity 134 by two walls, with an air gap between them. Using this airflow to cool the power supply board is not described in this specification.

[0004] Another example of this type of design is shown in US Patent No. 7,096,864. The humidifier chamber 17 is partially housed within a humidifier unit 16, which is push-fit onto a separate blower or CPAP unit 1.

[0005] In the devices shown in WO 2004 / 112873 and US Pat. No. 7,096,864, the blower and humidifier units are both separate "countertop" units which are pressed together and pneumatically and electrically coupled.

[0006] Another variation of the integrated blower / humidifier design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,180. A water container or humidifier chamber 66 has a lid 72. The lid 72 of the humidifier chamber 66 is placed under a cover 94 that covers the entire top of the unit during use. The user can remove the cover 94 and the lid 72 simultaneously by inserting their finger and thumb into holes 92. Two separate air streams (a humidified stream and a dry stream) are mixed within the housing of the device to create a single air stream that is provided to the user (column 6, lines 23-34). It is not intended that any of the elements, such as the lid or the chamber, be connected together by fasteners or the like to allow for easy disassembly of the unit (Figure 6, column 6, lines 46-55).

[0007] A humidifier chamber with a lid is described in US Patent No. 5,588,423. A lid 11 closes the top of the chamber 2.

[0008] The advantage of these types of integrated devices is that they are generally more compact and individual than modular breathing circuits assembled from separate units. A compact and individual unit is particularly advantageous as a home unit where bedside space is limited or where, for example, a user must transport and set up their own personal unit elsewhere when staying overnight away from home. With a compact and integrated unit, set-up is generally easier for the user. In general, home units are usually used for sleep apnea relief. The intermediate use point is during the night during the user's sleep cycle. During use, if refilling or similar operations are required, the user must wake up to perform this operation. Upon waking up, the user must remove the humidifier chamber from the integrated unit, refill it, then return it to its original position and reassemble the unit if necessary. The humidifier chamber is often a sealed unit and cannot be easily opened; that is, it is sealed except for the inlet and outlet ports. This type of chamber is filled either through the inlet or outlet port of the chamber. This refilling operation is time consuming and difficult to perform at the bedside and may require concentration that the user may find difficult to muster in the middle of the night. It is particularly important to minimize disruption to the user's sleep pattern if the user suffers from sleep apnea, since the intent of the therapy is to minimize disruption to the user's sleep pattern, and therefore any additional factors that may disrupt the sleep pattern are undesirable. As mentioned above, chambers with lids are known in the art, but these chambers are generally not designed with the intended purpose that the lid can be easily removed during use, for example to refill the chamber. Humidifier chambers with removable lids are generally not designed in a manner that simplifies this operation.Generally, the lid is intended to be removed only when the unit is not in use, for example to access the interior surfaces of the chamber for cleaning or similar operations.

[0009] Another problem can arise when filling or cleaning these units, since nearly all currently available respiratory humidification systems use water as the humidification medium, and cleaning is almost always performed with water-based cleaners. Blower / humidifier units are electrically operated and controlled, and problems can arise if the electronic components, such as the external user controls, are not protected. If the controls are not protected, accidental water leakage can occur, which can potentially short out the controls and disrupt operation of the system.

[0010] Control knobs are known in the art that are designed in such a way that leakage could cause damage.

[0011] US Patent No. 6,812,435 describes an oven control knob that is attached to and can move around a continuous horizontal plate. A magnetic actuator located below the plate and within the knob interacts with the plate and a Hall sensor detects the change in the magnetic field. A control unit receives a signal from the Hall sensor and changes the stove's output parameters accordingly.

[0012] US 2005 / 0205395 describes an operating knob configuration in which magnetic elements are embedded within the body of the knob 2, and these magnetic fields interact as the knob is rotated, for example together with a rotating magnetic field sensor 25 (a Hall sensor in the disclosed embodiment). The knob sits within a recess 16 in a panel 14 and is held in place on the panel by retaining peg 11 which passes through an open hole in the bottom of the recess 16.

[0013] As mentioned above, it can be difficult to stay focused and perform complex tasks in the middle of the night (or in between a user's sleep sequences) or when a user's sleep patterns are disrupted. It is therefore considered important, or at least preferred, that a blower / humidifier control be as simple and intuitive as possible. It is also considered important, or at least preferred, that the number of steps required to make an adjustment or perform a task be minimized.

[0014] One of the advantages of integrated units is that they are generally compact and discrete, and are particularly suitable for home use, as their "footprint" on, for example, a bedside lamp or the like, tends to be smaller than modular units. It would therefore be particularly advantageous if the power supply unit could be incorporated into or located within the housing or outer shell of the integrated blower / humidifier to keep the "footprint" of the integrated unit as small as possible. However, if the power pack is external, i.e., located outside the housing or shell of the ventilator / humidifier unit, heat may easily dissipate into the atmosphere. If the power supply unit is located inside the shell or housing, heat from the power supply unit cannot easily dissipate. The ventilator or "blower" units that are part of these integrated compact units consume a significant amount of power. The power pack or generator used to provide power to the motor or drive unit usually generates a significant amount of heat as a by-product of this generation. As a result, the power pack and associated circuitry (e.g., transformer or similar components) heat up as a result of providing power for the operation of the ventilator / humidifier. As the temperature of the power supply increases, the power supply operates less efficiently and more power is consumed to compensate for the loss in efficiency, which in turn increases heat output and correspondingly reduces efficiency even further, creating a negative feedback loop. It can be appreciated that it is important to prevent the power supply unit from overheating, or at least from heating up to a temperature above the upper limit of its optimal operating range. This can be difficult to achieve when the power supply is housed within the outer shell of a compact unit that is specifically designed to be as small as possible with minimal internal free space. This can be particularly important when the size of the power supply itself is minimized and the air gaps between components are minimized, potentially increasing the difficulty of heat dissipation.

[0015] US 2007 / 0048159 discloses a blower unit having electronic circuitry (commonly referred to as electronics packaging 120). An air inlet 140 is shown located directly underneath the electronic circuitry. It is not clear from the specification whether the electronic circuitry is a heat generating circuitry, such as a power supply circuitry, which typically generates a significant amount of heat, or whether the electronic circuitry is a control circuitry, which typically generates very little heat and does not require cooling. It is also unclear from the specification how the structure between the air path and the electronic circuitry is configured. The wall between the component and the air flow may potentially be thick enough to insulate the electronic circuitry from the cooling effect caused by the air flow.

[0016] A user of a home respiratory support machine (e.g., a CPAP machine) may wish to travel away from home and spend an overnight (or longer) period. It is customary to carry the respiratory support machine in some type of bag or carry case. Many users prefer to carry the respiratory support machine as carry-on luggage, for example when taking an airplane flight, to ensure that the user arrives with the respiratory support machine at their destination. This requires a compact carry case (as well as a compact machine). Rigid or hard carry cases are known that allow a user to travel with their respiratory support machine in a convenient and safe manner. One of the problems with any type of carry case is that the user forgets to drain the water from the humidification chamber when placing the machine inside. If the unit is packed and carried without the contents of the chamber being emptied, water leakage from the chamber may occur. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,111,624 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2004 / 112873 Brochure [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,096,864 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,435,180 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,423 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 6,812,435 [Patent Document 7] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0205395 [Patent Document 8] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0048159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a respiratory assistance device which overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings or at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: an outer casing surrounding and forming part of the blower unit, the casing having an inlet vent to allow air from the atmosphere to enter the casing during use; a humidifier compartment adapted to receive, in use, a humidifier unit of a type containing a quantity of water and having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, the compartment having a heater base adapted for use with the humidifier unit, the compartment further having a blower inlet port adapted to align with the humidifier unit inlet in use to provide a gas pathway between the interior of the casing and the humidifier unit; a gas path through the casing between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port; a fan unit housed within the casing and adapted, in use, to provide a flow of pressurized gas along a gas path; a power supply unit housed within the casing and adapted to provide electrical power to the fan unit and the heater base during use; The gas path is in a blower unit which is featured routed over the power unit to provide cooling airflow.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, the blower unit comprising: an outer casing surrounding and forming part of the blower unit, the casing having an inlet vent to allow air from the atmosphere to enter the casing during use; a humidifier compartment adapted to receive, in use, a humidifier unit of a type containing a quantity of water and having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, the compartment having a heater base adapted for use with the humidifier unit, the compartment further having a blower inlet port adapted to align with the humidifier unit inlet in use to provide a gas pathway between the interior of the casing and the humidifier unit; a gas path through the casing between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port; a fan unit housed within the casing and adapted, in use, to provide a flow of pressurized gas along a gas path; a power supply unit housed within the casing and adapted to provide electrical power to the fan unit and the heater base during use; It can be said that the power supply unit is housed within a power supply sub-housing and the gas path is in a blower unit characterized in that the gas path is routed in such a manner that it passes over and along at least two walls of the power supply sub-housing to provide cooling airflow during use.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention broadly relates to an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, the system comprising: a humidifier unit adapted to contain a volume of water and adapted to be used in association with a heater base to heat the volume of water, the humidifier unit having a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, and a top fill hole; an auxiliary breathing unit having an outer casing and having a humidifier compartment in which a humidifier unit is housed in use, the humidifier unit being substantially enclosed within the compartment in use, the compartment having a heater base, the auxiliary breathing unit further comprising an inlet vent mounted on the outer casing and open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a single gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and means for providing a pressurized gas flow along the gas pathway, wherein in use the blower inlet port and the humidifier gas inlet port are in gas communication with each other, and gas flow enters the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas inlet port and exits the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas outlet port; a connector for allowing gas flow from the humidifier unit to enter the patient interface; The integrated blower / humidification system is characterized by having a lid unit adapted to close and seal a top fill hole of the humidifier unit and to hold the humidifier unit firmly in place relative to the assisted breathing unit during use.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a humidifier unit adapted for use in conjunction with an assisted breathing unit having a heater base, the humidifier unit comprising: a humidifier chamber having a top fill hole and a heater plate adapted in use to contact the heater base, the wall of the chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; an elongated inlet passage extending from the gas inlet into the humidifier chamber, the inlet passage having a first opening at an end of the inlet passage spaced from a wall of the chamber; an elongated outlet passage extending from the gas outlet into the humidifier chamber, the outlet passage having a second opening at an end of the outlet passage spaced from a wall of the chamber; the first wall and the second opening are aligned with one another so as to face substantially upward; It can be said that the humidifier unit is characterized in that it has a baffle means disposed between the first opening and the second opening, adapted to prevent gas entering the chamber from the inlet passage from directly entering the outlet passage.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to an assisted breathing unit, comprising: a humidifier compartment having an outer casing and into which the humidifier unit can reside in use, the compartment being sized and shaped to substantially enclose the chamber, the compartment having a heater base; an auxiliary breathing unit mounted to the outer casing and having an inlet vent open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a single gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and means for providing a pressurized gas flow along the gas pathway, the blower inlet port being in gas communication with the humidifier gas inlet port in use; a connection means for providing a flow of gas from the humidifier unit to a patient interface; It is said that the assisted breathing unit is characterised by having means for receiving and releasably engaging a lid unit adapted to hold the humidifier chamber in place within the compartment.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to an assisted breathing unit, comprising: a humidifier compartment having an outer casing and into which the humidifier unit can be placed in use, the compartment being sized and shaped to substantially enclose the chamber, the compartment having a heater base; an auxiliary breathing unit mounted to the outer casing and having an inlet vent open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and means for providing a flow of pressurized gas along the gas pathway, the blower inlet port being in gas communication with the humidifier gas inlet port in use; a connection means for providing a flow of gas from the humidifier unit to a patient interface; It is said that the assisted breathing unit is characterised by having means for receiving and releasably engaging a lid unit adapted to hold the humidifier chamber in place within the compartment.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, the present invention broadly relates to an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: a humidifier unit adapted to contain a volume of water and adapted to be used in association with a heater base to heat the volume of water, the humidifier unit having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port; an auxiliary breathing unit having an outer casing and having a humidifier compartment in which a humidifier unit is housed in use, the humidifier unit being substantially enclosed within the compartment in use, the compartment having a heater base, the auxiliary breathing unit further comprising an inlet vent provided in the outer casing and open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and means for providing a pressurized gas flow along the gas pathway, wherein in use the blower inlet port and the humidifier gas inlet port are in gas communication with each other, and gas flow enters the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas inlet port and exits the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas outlet port; a connection means for allowing the gas flow from the humidifier unit to enter the patient interface; It can be seen that the breathing unit, compartment, and gas path are in an integrated blower / humidification system characterized by being shaped and aligned with one another to minimize the bulk of the breathing unit.

[0026] In an eighth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, the system comprising: a humidifier unit adapted to contain a volume of water and adapted to be used in association with a heater base to heat the volume of water, the humidifier unit having a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, and a top fill hole; an auxiliary breathing unit having an outer casing and having a humidifier compartment in which a humidifier unit is housed in use, the humidifier unit being substantially enclosed within the compartment in use, the compartment having a heater base, the auxiliary breathing unit further comprising an inlet vent provided in the outer casing and open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and means for providing a pressurized gas flow along the gas pathway, wherein in use the blower inlet port and the humidifier gas inlet port are in gas communication with each other, and gas flow enters the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas inlet port and exits the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas outlet port; a connection means for allowing the gas flow from the humidifier unit to enter the patient interface; The integrated blower / humidification system is characterized by having a lid unit adapted to close and seal a top fill hole of the humidifier unit and to hold the humidifier unit firmly in place relative to the assisted breathing unit during use.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a control knob assembly operable by a user to generate a control signal, the control knob assembly comprising: a mounting plate having a recess beneath which an associated detector magnetic component is disposed; a manipulable control knob securable within a hole in the mounting plate, the control knob having a button resiliently depressible by a user between a rest position and an active position, the button being biased toward the rest position, the button having an associated magnetic component configured to move with the button; a boss surrounding the button and rotatable by a user about the button in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the boss having an associated boss magnetic component configured to rotate with the boss; It can be said that the control knob assembly is characterized by having a control circuit configured to detect depression of the button and / or rotation of the boss by detecting magnetic field variations caused by interaction of a magnetic component of the button and / or boss with a detector magnetic component located under a mounting plate, and to generate a control signal indicative of actuation of the button and / or boss by a user.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a control system for an integrated assisted breathing / humidification unit, comprising: a controller having a controller memory, the controller controlling operation of the integrated assisted breathing / humidifier unit; A display panel controlled by a controller; The control system may be said to feature a user option selector, with the controller responding to changes in the option selector.

[0029] In an eleventh aspect, the present invention broadly relates to a method for altering a control setting of an integrated assisted ventilation / humidifier unit having a controller for controlling operation of the integrated assisted ventilation / humidifier unit, comprising: detecting a rotational position of a rotatable user option selector; displaying a currently selected option based on a rotational position of the rotatable selector; and detecting movement of the user option selector along an axis of rotation of the user option selector in response to movement to an option selection mode for a selected option.

[0030] The subject matter of the present invention can also be broadly stated as consisting of each and every part, element and feature referred to or described in the specification of this application, and any combination of two or more of these parts, elements or features. Where a particular integer having a known equivalent in the technical field related to the present invention is referred to in this specification, such known equivalent is deemed to be incorporated in this specification as if it were individually set forth.

[0031] The term "comprising" as used in the original specification (often translated as "having" in translations) means "consisting at least in part of", i.e., when interpreting expressions in the original specification that contain this term, the features listed after this term must all be present in each expression, but other features may also be present.

[0032] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a user receiving humidified air from a modular blower / humidifier system of a known prior art type. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a user receiving humidified air from an integrated blower / humidifier system of a known prior art type. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated blower / humidifier of the present invention having a separate humidifier chamber and auxiliary breathing unit shown in place within the blower unit with the humidifier chamber ready for use; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blower unit of FIG. 3 with the humidifier unit removed (not shown). [Figure 5a] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the blower unit of FIG. 3 taken along the section line DD shown. [Figure 5b] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the blower unit of FIG. 4 taken along the line DD. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the blower unit and the humidifier unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic detailed view of the internal structure of the blower unit taken along the cross section line DD. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the blower unit from bottom to back forward showing details of the air inlet duct, power supply and power supply subhousing, fan, and air path through the unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of the blower unit seen from the bottom to the back forward, with the rearmost portion of the blower unit cut away to show air path detail around the power sub-housing. [Figure 10a] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the blower unit looking from bottom to back forward, showing the blower unit with the base and a portion of the rear wall removed. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10B is a cutaway view of the blower unit looking from bottom to back forward, with the rear portion of the blower cut away further forward than in the view of FIG. 10a to show detail of the air passages on the power supply sub-housing. [Figure 11a] FIG. 13 is a cutaway bottom view of the blower unit of the previous figure with the base removed. [Figure 11b]FIG. 11b is a schematic diagram of the blower of FIG. 11a showing the air path and turbulence as the air first enters the air inlet duct, then flows over, along and around the power supply subhousing, then into the fan, and then out the fan. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the rear blower as viewed from below and forward, showing the air path and turbulence as the air first enters the air inlet duct, then flows over, along and around the power supply subhousing, then into the fan, and exits the fan. [Figure 13a] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the humidifier chamber of the present invention with the humidifier chamber lid and locking handle shown in an exploded view above the humidifier chamber and section line AA indicated. [Figure 13b] 13b is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier chamber, humidifier chamber lid and locking handle taken along line AA in FIG. 13a. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the front of the blower unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred form of a main menu displayed on the display panel of the integrated blower / humidifier of FIG. 3. [Figure 16] FIG. 5c is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a preferred form of fan and motor that can be used in the blower unit of FIG. 5b. [Figure 17] FIG. 7 is a partial view of the lid of FIG. 6 and a locking knob used to hold the lid in place, the lid and locking knob being shown separated from one another. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred form of carry case that can be used with the respiratory assistance apparatus of the present invention, shown with the carry case closed and positioned upright on its end base. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cutaway side view of the carry case of FIG. 18 resting on its side base so as to be ready for opening, showing an integrated respiratory support apparatus of the type shown in FIG. 3 housed within the carry case; [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a plan view of the carry case of FIGS. 18 and 19, with the lid or top half not shown, showing an integrated respiratory support apparatus of the type shown in FIG. 3 stored within the carry case, ready for transport; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] A schematic diagram of a user 3 receiving air from a known (conventional) modular assisted breathing unit and humidifier system is shown in Figure 1. Pressurized air is provided from the assisted breathing unit or blower 1a to the humidifier chamber 2a via conduit 41. Humidified warmed and pressurized gas exits the humidifier chamber 2a via conduit 21 and is provided to the patient or user 3 via a user interface 4. The user interface 4 shown in Figure 1 is a nasal mask that covers the nose of the user 3. However, in these types of systems, a full face mask, nasal cannula, tracheotomy fitting or any other suitable user interface could be used in place of the nasal mask shown.

[0035] A schematic diagram of a user 3 receiving air from a known conventional integrated blower / humidifier unit 5 is shown in Figure 2. This system operates in the same manner as the modular system shown in Figure 1, except that the humidifier chamber 2b is integrated with the blower unit 1b to form the integrated unit 5.

[0036] An integrated blower / humidifier unit 6 of the present invention may be used to replace unit 5 of Figure 2. A preferred form of integrated blower / humidifier unit 6 is shown assembled and ready for use in Figure 3. Unit 6 has two main parts, an integrated assisted breathing unit 7 (also referred to as a blower unit) and a humidifier unit 31 (described in more detail below), which forms part of the breathing unit 7 and has an outer shell which encloses the working parts of the assisted breathing unit, such as the fan, internal ductwork and internal control system.

[0037] Assisted Respiratory Unit Next, the assisted breathing unit or integrated unit 6 as a preferred embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0038] The integrated unit 6 comprises two main parts, an assisted breathing or blower unit 7 and a humidification unit 31. In use, the humidification unit 31 is enclosed within the outer casing of the integrated unit 6, except for the top. The construction of the humidification unit 31 is described in detail below. The blower unit 7 has an outer shell which is a generally rectangular block with substantially vertical side and rear walls and a front face angled slightly rearward. In the preferred embodiment, the walls, base and top are all manufactured to minimize the occurrence of seams and are joined as far as possible, and any necessary seams are sealed. The outer shell surrounds the working parts of the blower unit 7 and forms part of it. As shown in FIG. 4, an operating knob 8 is provided on the lower portion of the front of the integrated unit 6 and a control display 9 is located directly above the knob 8. A patient outlet 25 is shown emerging from the rear wall of the integrated unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, in use, the free end of the outlet 25 faces upwards for connection. However, the preferred form of the annular outlet 25 can be rotated to one side or the other to move or align the patient outlet to a convenient position for storage or a convenient position for use. The patient outlet 25 is adapted to allow both pneumatic and electrical coupling to one end of a conduit, e.g., conduit 21, extending between the unit 6 and a patient interface, e.g., interface 4. Examples of types of connectors that can be used and types of dual couplings that can be made are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,354. For the purposes of reading this specification, the patient interface can be considered as including both the interface 4 and the conduit 21, which is appropriate for reading the patient interface in this way.

[0039] In FIG. 3, the locking handle 22 is shown in place on the top surface of the integrated unit 6. The locking handle 22 is a separate part that can be unlocked and removed from the rest of the integrated unit 6. The locking handle 22 has a grip 30 that serves as a handle to allow a user to lift and carry the integrated unit 6 and that allows the handle 22 to be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking handle 22 can be releasably locked to the rest of the integrated unit 6. The function of the locking handle 22 is described in more detail below under the heading "Humidifier Unit."

[0040] Figure 4 shows the integrated unit 6 with the locking knob 22 removed and the humidifier unit 31 not shown, i.e. only the blower unit 7 is shown. The top surface of the blower unit 7 has a circular humidifier aperture 1000 which leads to the internal humidifier compartment 11. There is a rim 24 around the periphery of the opening. In use, the humidifier chamber 12 is housed within the compartment 11. The humidifier chamber 12 is described in more detail below. In use, the humidifier chamber 12 is fully housed within the compartment 11 except for its uppermost portion. When the chamber 12 is described as being housed within the blower unit 7, this is understood to mean fully housed except for its uppermost portion and fully housed including its uppermost portion.

[0041] Next, the internal structure of the blower unit 7 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The heater base 23 is located at the bottom of the compartment 11. The heater base 23 is attached to the floor of the compartment 11 in such a way that it has a small amount of elastic or compressive resilience. That is, the heater base can be pushed down a small distance in the compartment, but will be pushed back against an applied downward force. In the absence of a downward force, the heater base will return to its initial position. This can be achieved by spring loading the base 23 or by any other method known in the relevant art. The blower inlet port 13 and the blower outlet port 14 are provided in the wall of the compartment 11 towards the top of the compartment 11. In a preferred embodiment, these blower ports 13, 14 align (described in more detail below) to mate, in use, with humidifier ports 15, 16 provided in the humidifier chamber 12 to form a blower-to-humidifier gas pathway by which gas can exit the blower 7 and enter the humidifier chamber 12. Other types of blower inlets are possible. For example, a conduit extending between the blower unit 7 and, for example, the lid of the humidifier chamber 12 may be used.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the integrated unit 6 has an inlet vent 101 which draws in air from the atmosphere. The integrated unit 6 further has a mechanism for providing a pressurized airflow from the inlet vent 101 to the humidification chamber. This vent 101 can be located anywhere convenient on the exterior of the integrated unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the vent 101 is provided on the rear surface of the blower unit 7. In a preferred embodiment, air is drawn through the vent 101 by a fan unit 100 which serves as a preferred form of pressurized airflow mechanism (described in detail below). The air is pumped or otherwise directed through the casing to the inlet port 13. In use, air exits the body of the blower unit 7 via the inlet port 13 and enters the humidifier chamber 12 where it is humidified and warmed before flowing out of the chamber 12 through the outlet port 14 which is directly connected to the patient outlet 25. The warmed humidified gas is then delivered to the user 3, for example via conduit 21. The patient outlet 25 is adapted to allow for pneumatic attachment of the patient conduit 21 and in a preferred embodiment an electrical connection at the outlet 25 is also possible via the electrical connector 19. A combined electrical and pneumatic coupling may be useful, for example, if the conduit 21 is to be heated. Electrical heating of a conduit, for example the conduit 21, may prevent or minimize the formation of condensation in the conduit 21. Also, the outlet connection does not have to be made via the housing of the integrated unit 6. If necessary, the connection of the conduit 21 may be made directly to the outlet of the humidifier chamber 12. In general, the preferred forms and variations may be referred to as a connection mechanism.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inlet port 13 is offset; that is, the inlet port 13 is positioned facing into or out of a corner of the integrated unit 6 between the side wall and the front. In contrast, the outlet port 14 is directly aligned with the rear wall of the integrated unit 6. It can also be seen from Figure 6 that the circular compartment 11 is sized to fit snugly within the generally square profile of the integrated unit 6 in plan view. Offsetting the inlet port 13 toward the corner allows for efficient use of space within the integrated assisted breathing unit 6 and minimizes the size of the integrated blower / humidifier unit 6.

[0044] The locking handle 22 and the integrated unit 6 have a locking mechanism for locking the handle 22 to the integrated unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured as follows: the rim 24 has two mating grooves 26 located directly below the rim 24, spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the circumference of the rim 24. If desired, more than two of the mating grooves 26 can be used. The grooves 26 correspond to an equal number of mating projections 27 on the locking handle 22. One or more of the mating grooves 26 have an entry point 28 on the rim 24, with the major portion of the groove 26 located slightly below the rim 24. The projections 27 are pushed downward into the entry point 28 and the handle is rotated so that the projections enter the major portion of the groove 26 to hold the handle 22 in place. If desired, various locking mechanisms can be used.

[0045] Humidifier chamber with lid The humidifier unit 31 will now be described in detail with particular reference to Figures 13 and 17.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the humidifier unit 31 is comprised of three main parts: a humidifier chamber 12, a lid 32 and a locking handle 22 (which are considered part of the humidifier unit for the purposes of describing the operation of the integrated unit 6).

[0047] The humidifier chamber 12 in the preferred embodiment is an open-top vessel with a thermally conductive base. The chamber 12 is sized to fit snugly within the compartment 11 on the integrated unit 6. That is, the chamber 12 is enclosed within the blower unit except for the open top of the chamber 12. The fully open-top chamber 12 is the preferred form. However, variations of the chamber 12 may have a closed top and a suitably sized opening in the chamber (not necessarily at the top) to allow a user to easily fill the chamber 12. The preferred form of the chamber 12 with an open top and the variation with a fill opening at the top are referred to herein as "open top" or "top opening", respectively. The open top may also be referred to as a "top fill hole". Additionally, when the humidifier chamber 12 is referred to as "enclosed" or "substantially enclosed" with respect to the integrated respiratory assistance device, this has the meaning given above. The chamber 12 is generally circular, but the lower portion at the rear (relative to the integral unit 6) is flattened as shown in Figures 13a and 13b to correspond to a shelf 33 on the lower rear side of the compartment 11. This allows the chamber 12 to be correctly oriented at all times during use. Other methods of achieving the same result can also be used. For example, the chamber 12 and the integral unit 6 can have complementary grooves and slots. The chamber 12 can have further features, such as fill or level lines, if required. The humidifier inlet port 15 and the humidifier outlet port 16 are provided in the wall of the humidifier chamber 12 towards the top of the chamber wall. These ports are positioned to align with the blower inlet port 13 and the blower outlet port 14 when the humidifier chamber 12 is in place, thereby providing a gas path from the blower to the humidifier as described above. The corresponding ports of the blower 7 and the humidifier chamber 12 are preferably shaped to minimize air gaps. A good seal is preferred, but not required. In the preferred form, the rim or periphery of the chamber 12 represents a chamber seal 10 made of soft silicone or a similar material.When the chamber 12 is placed in a fixed position within the humidifier compartment 11, the chamber seal 10 is on one or more walls of the compartment 11. Forced, The body of the chamber 12 and the seal 10 seal the chamber 12, so that air emerging from the blower through the port 13 cannot escape into the atmosphere. This helps to ensure that pressurized air flow enters the humidifier chamber 12 during use. If necessary, a sealing material, such as a substantially complete ring made of soft silicone, may be added to the wall of the compartment 11 at or near the upper rim of the chamber 12 to form a compartment seal (not shown) instead of or together with the chamber seal 10. In an alternative embodiment, the ports 13, 14 are surrounded by an elastic sealing gasket, such as a silicone gasket, to help form a seal during use. Preferably, an elastic sealing gasket around the ports can be used together with the compartment and / or chamber seal.

[0048] Air enters the humidifier chamber 12 through the humidifier inlet port 15 and travels along a generally horizontal inlet passage 34 toward the center of the humidifier chamber 12. The passage 34 is offset toward one of the four corners of the unit to align with the inlet port 13 as described above. The air exits the inlet passage 34 through a first hole or opening 200 located in the center of the humidifier chamber 12 aligned upward (i.e., in the top of the passage). The air is then directed into the main portion of the chamber by a baffle 35. In cross section, the baffle 35 is T-shaped with a vertical central portion that deflects gases entering the chamber 12 and a substantially horizontal top "umbrella" portion 202 that is circular in plan view as shown in Figures 6 and 13. As the air exits the passage 34, it is deflected by the baffle 35 and then enters the main portion of the chamber 12 where it is heated and humidified. The heated and humidified gases then pass through a second hole or opening 201 into the outlet passage 36 on the other side of the baffle 35, through which the air passes to the chamber outlet port 16, then to the breathing unit outlet port 14, and to the user 4 as described above. As can be seen, the baffle 35 prevents air from the inlet passage 34 from directly entering the outlet passage 36 before it has been heated and humidified. The arrangement of passages and baffles also achieves the purpose of serving as both a splash baffle and an air baffle. Water is prevented from entering the passages 34, 36 even when the chamber 12 is tilted with water in it. The umbrella portion 202 of the baffle 35 acts as a shield for the passages 34, 36 vertically blocking the holes 200, 201, so that the user cannot pour directly into either of the holes 200, 201 when the user is filling or refilling the chamber 12. The top surfaces of the passages 34, 36 also act as shields to prevent a user from pouring water into the passages 34, 36. The exit holes 200 and the entrance holes 201 of the passages 34, 36 preferably face upwards as this helps to prevent water or liquids within the chamber from splashing into the passages 34, 36 or entering the passages 34, 36 when the chamber 12 is tilted.The passages 34, 36 and the baffle 35 may be generally referred to as a baffle or a baffle mechanism.

[0049] In use, the chamber 12 is placed in the compartment 11 (in the correct orientation). The lid 32 is then placed on top of the chamber 12. The lid 32 is sized to pass through the top opening of the integral unit 6 with the underside of the lid 32 near the edge sealingly over the upper edge of the chamber 12. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 32 has an aligned edge perimeter portion facing downwards. It has a central recess filled with a silicone seal 70 or the like that presses against the upwardly facing edge of the chamber 12 when the lid 32 is in place. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the handle 22 is also shown vertically above the lid 32 (away from the lid 32). The lid 32 is sized to fit into the recess shown in the handle 22 (when the handle shown in FIG. 13 is pressed vertically downwards against the lid 32). If necessary, the two contacting portions of the lid 32 and the chamber 12 may also be shaped to improve the seal between the two. The central portion of the lid 32 bulges upwards so that it can receive the baffle 35. Once the chamber 12 is filled, the lid 32 is placed in position on the chamber 12. The locking knob 22 is then positioned on the lid 32. As mentioned above, the projections 27 on the periphery of the locking knob mate with complementary grooves 26 in the rim 24. To ensure a proper fit, in the preferred embodiment, it is necessary to press or push the locking knob 22 downwards, thereby locking both the lid 32 and the chamber 12. Heater Base Press downwards. Heater Base The downward pressure causes the chamber 12, lid 32 and locking knob 22 to dent slightly, thereby allowing the locking knob 22 to rotate so that the projection 27 mates with the groove or slot 26. Once the downward force is removed, the chamber 12, lid 32 and locking knob 22 Heater Base2. The locking handle 22 is pushed upward by a reaction force from the handle 22 and the assembly is held in place by the projection 27 and slot 26. In a preferred embodiment, the slot 26 is shaped so that the locking handle 22 cannot be rotated to disengage the projection 27 without first pushing the locking handle 22 slightly downward. The locking handle 22 further includes a grip 30 which in a preferred embodiment is an arched member extending from one side of the handle 22 to the other and sized and shaped to allow a user to place at least some of their hands underneath to manipulate the locking handle 22 and, if necessary, to carry the integrated unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, the locking handle 22 and the lid 32 are separate components as described above. If the handle 22 is used without the lid 32, the chamber is not sealed and the heated and humidified air escapes or vents to the atmosphere before entering the outlet port 14. The air entering the port 14 is at a lower pressure than the desired level due to leakage. To ensure proper operation, the preferred embodiment requires the use of a lid to seal the chamber, which reduces the risk of incorrect use of the unit, for example if a user fills compartment 11 directly without using chamber 12, or if the user forgets to put lid 32 in place.

[0050] In a preferred form, the top of the lid 32 fits into a central recess in the handle 22, as best seen in Figure 6b. The lid 32 and handle 22 are sized so that the lid 32 is snap-fitted or held in place in the handle 22 to form an integral lid unit. The lid 22 can be removed from the handle 22 by pressing on the top surface of the lid 32 or similar. However, a snap fit preferably keeps them engaged with each other in normal use. Because the handle recess and the lid 22 are circular, they can easily rotate relative to each other when engaged. When the handle 22 is rotated to remove it from the integral unit 6, it will rotate easily relative to the lid 32 (which does not rotate easily due to the seal around the perimeter). Once the handle 22 has been disengaged from the integrated unit 6, the handle can be lifted away from the integrated unit 6, thereby allowing both the handle 22 and the lid 32 to be removed.

[0051] Although the round chamber 12, lid 32 and locking mechanism (projection 27 and slot 26) have been described, and the locking / unlocking of the lid 32 is achieved by rotating a separate locking knob 22, this is not the only way this effect can be achieved. If another locking mechanism is used instead of the projection 27 and groove 26, chambers with different profiles can be used instead of the round chamber 12 described above. For example, a spring loaded clip can be used, which is released by a button located in a convenient place, such as the handle or on the outer surface of the integrated unit 6. A hinged lid can also be used, with a clip and a complementary catch on the lid and blower unit to hold the lid closed during use. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber lid 32 and the locking knob 22 can be integrated as an integral unit. This single unit can be either separable from or an integral part of the integrated unit 6 or the humidifier unit 31, such as a hinged lid similar to the hinged lid described above. The intent of the lid 32 and handle 22 in the above-described configuration is that the user can easily remove the lid 32 for the purpose of accessing the chamber 12 for refilling, etc., and then the user can easily replace the lid 32 and handle 22 to hold the lid 32 and chamber 12 in place inside the integrated assisted breathing unit 6.

[0052] As mentioned above, the use of a round chamber 12 in conjunction with a generally square profile integral unit 6 allows for efficient use of space, thereby minimizing the overall size of the integral unit 6. This should be taken into consideration when using alternative layouts or locking mechanisms.

[0053] Operation knob 14, a preferred embodiment of the configuration of a control knob assembly including a manipulable control knob 8 and its attachment to the integrated unit 6 will now be described. The knob 8 is operable by a user to change the settings of the integrated unit. This is achieved by twisting and pushing the knob 8 to generate control signals.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the integrated unit 6 has a removable mounting plate or faceplate 37 that is removably attached to the front of the integrated unit 6, for example by friction fit press clips or the like sufficient to hold the faceplate 37 in place during use or transport, but the faceplate 37 can be removed, for example by wedging a knife blade under one side and twisting it. The faceplate 37 has a hole aligned with the control screen 9 so that the screen can be viewed through the hole during use. Figure 14 shows a schematic cross section of the front of the integrated unit 6 from above. For clarity, the various elements shown in Figure 8 are shown out of contact with one another. As shown in Figure 14, the faceplate 37 has a concave hollow recess or depression 38 into which the knob 8 rests during use. The recess 38 is sized and shaped to provide a snug fit for the knob 8. The bottom of the recess 38 houses a fastening mechanism 39. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism 39 is formed as an integral part of the faceplate 37. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism 39 is a ring or crown of spring fasteners or fastening clips 39 with their tips or upper portions 60 facing or orienting inwardly. The fastening clips 39 are vertically aligned with the bottom of the recess 38. The knob 8 is comprised of a central non-rotatable portion or button 61 and an outer rotatable portion or boss 92, the outer portion 62 of which can be rotated by the user either clockwise or counterclockwise. The outer portion 62 is in the form of a ring with a central hole. The inner portion 6 is T-shaped in cross section and includes a fastener 63 integral with the longitudinal bar of the T. In use, the fastener 63 is coupled to the spring fastener 39 to hold the inner portion in place. The knob assembly is assembled by placing the outer (rotatable) portion 62 of the knob 8 in place within the recess 38 and then forcing the inner (non-rotatable) portion 61 into place. The flat upper section of the inner portion acts as a flange to hold the outer portion 62 in place. In a preferred embodiment, the outer portion 62 also has a slight central hollow into which the cross bar of the T-section of the inner portion 62 fits snugly so that the inner portion 61 and the outer portion 62 together form a flush outer surface.

[0055] The above is a preferred form of fastening mechanism for holding the knob 8 in place on the face plate 37. However, any suitable fastening mechanism may be substituted for the fastening mechanism described above.

[0056] The knob 8, or more specifically the outer portion 62, carries a ring magnet 45. The outer portion 62 is generally in the form of a hollow cup with an open face that, in use, faces inwardly towards the centre of the recess 38. The ring magnet 45 is mounted just below the rim and extends around the inside of the outer portion. The centre of the ring magnet 45 is aligned with the axis of rotation of the knob 8. As the outer portion 62 rotates, the ring magnet 45 also rotates.

[0057] A front face or wall 50 of the assisted breathing or integrated unit 6 is located behind the face plate 37. The front face 50 has an aperture 43 through which the rearmost portion of the recess or depression 38 passes during use. A connector board 44 is located immediately behind, such connector board generally lying flush with both the face plate 37 and the front face 50 of the integrated unit 6. Magnetic or magnetized portions 46 are attached to the inner surface of the connector board 44. These are positioned to coincide with the ring magnet 45 to form a generally circular shape such that the magnetized portion 46 is aligned with the ring magnet 45. The magnetic fields of the ring magnet 45 and the magnetized portion 46 (detector magnetic component or boss detector magnetic component) interact when the knob is turned during use. A control circuit and sensor (not shown) provided within the blower unit 6 is connected to the ring magnet 45 such that when the boss portion 62 of the knob 8 is turned, the boss portion can detect variations in the interacting magnetic fields. In a preferred form, the ring magnet 45 is continuous (i.e., a continuous annular component) but is divided into a number of separate magnetic sections (i.e., there are no physical gaps between the magnetic sections). The number of magnetic sections can vary depending on the number of positions required. One advantage of using a ring magnet, such as the ring magnet 45, is that it has separate sections. This means that when the boss portion of the knob 8 is rotated, it has many separate positions with preferred "rest" positions, as the magnetic fields of the magnetized portion 46 and the magnetic portions of the ring magnet 45 interact to reach equilibrium points, an effect known as "cogging". The outer portion 62 of the knob 8 remains at these equilibrium points until acted upon by an external force, for example, a user exerts a rotational force on the rotatable outer portion 62 of the knob 8. Thus, when the knob 8 is rotated, it will naturally tend to "jump" from one rest position to the next.As the relative positions of the magnets 45, 46 change, the variation in the relative magnetic field change is detected by the sensor and the resultant variation is sent to a control circuit 300 (e.g. located on circuit board 44) ​​located inside the housing of the ventilator 7 which alters the output parameters of the integrated unit 6 (e.g. changing the power to the heater base 23, the fan speed, etc.) in accordance with the pre-programmed response required by the user.

[0058] Preferred forms for the ring magnet 45 and magnetized portions 46 have been described above. The positions of the ring magnet 45 and magnetized portions 46 can be reversed. The ring magnet 45 may also be constructed in separate portions with gaps between them, i.e. an annular arrangement of individual magnetic components is obtained. The magnetized portions 46 have been described. These may be actual magnets or, alternatively, they may be electromagnet elements acting as both magnets and sensors to exert a cogging force and provide position feedback.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment, the knob 8 is also adapted to allow limited movement along its axis of rotation 51, i.e., the knob is pressable inwards to act as a button. This can be achieved in many ways. However, in the preferred embodiment, a spring (not shown) is disposed within the preferred form circle or crown of the fastening mechanism 39. When disposed, the spring is placed under slight compression, such that it presses outwards against the knob 8 so that it assumes a rest position in the unsqueezed state and a working position in the depressed state. When the spring is pressed inwards towards the integral unit 6, it is further compressed slightly, and this spring acts to return the knob 8 to its initial position once the pressure is removed. The centre of the knob 8 also carries a magnet 48. A corresponding central magnet 49 (or button detector magnetic component) is disposed at the centre of the circle formed by the portion 46. In a similar manner as described above, as the relative positions of the magnets 48, 49 change, the variation in the relative magnetic field is detected and sent to the control unit which changes the output parameters of the integrated unit 6 accordingly. For example, using the arrangement described above, the knob 8 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to scroll between menu options and then the knob is pressed inwards to select the option to which the user has scrolled. The knob 8 can also be used as an on / off switch, for example, by either scrolling to the required on / off menu selection and pressing, or by pressing the knob and holding it for a longer period of time than would necessarily occur if the unit 6 were accidentally bumped, for example five seconds. Alternatively, the control can be set up so that the user is required to pull the knob 8 slightly out of the unit 6 to turn it off.

[0060] What has been described above is an assembly in which the medical instrument (blower unit 7) has a recess and a faceplate 37 that covers the front face 50 of the blower 7. The faceplate is unbroken or intact in the sense that there are no holes or gaps that would allow moisture or dirt to enter the medical instrument. Also, the components located outside the blower 7 are not sensitive to moisture or dirt, so that their operational effectiveness is not adversely affected if they get wet or dirty. What has been described above is a preferred embodiment, and the operating principle applies equally to machines that do not have a separate faceplate, but have a single flat face (i.e. no recesses), with the magnetic elements 46, 63 located behind this face, and the operating knobs, bosses, fastener mechanisms, etc. located outside this face. Also, other possible variations of the above layout can be used, such as where the front face 50 is intact and has a recess, and the faceplate is provided with holes that allow the control knobs to enter into the recesses in the faceplate. Also, the faceplate does not have to be present at all, and is present in the preferred form.

[0061] Control Menu A preferred form of display shown on the display panel 9 is shown in FIG. 15. In a preferred embodiment, the control menu displayed on the display 9 is a single layer menu to keep operation of the unit 6 simple. In a preferred embodiment, the display is an LCD display with the options arranged in a circular ring around the exterior of the display. As the knob 8 is rotated, each of the options lights up in sequence. Pressing down on the knob selects that option. Once an option is selected, for example "output power", the level of this parameter can be adjusted by rotating the knob 8 clockwise or counterclockwise. The user can then exit this working menu and return to the main menu, for example by nudging the knob inwards or pulling it outwards. The control circuitry can be programmed as required. Other options can be pre-programmed as required. For example, the unit can be turned off by pressing and holding the knob 8 (or by pulling it outwards and holding it out). Preferably, the different positions that the knob 8 reaches when rotated ("cogging" positions) correspond to different menu options.

[0062] Blower Unit The internal structure of the blower unit 7 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 7 to 11. In a preferred embodiment, the heater base 23 is located at the bottom of the compartment 11 as described above. The blower unit and humidification chamber may be configured to heat the volume of water in the humidification chamber, for example through the sidewalls. That is, contact with the heating element or heater unit is made through a heat conducting surface provided on the sidewalls of the chamber, rather than through the base of the chamber. This configuration achieves substantially the same effect. However, heating through the base is preferred as it simplifies the construction of the chamber and the overall operation of the heater / humidifier unit. When referring to "heater base" in this specification, this means heating through the base or alternatively the sidewalls of the humidifier chamber.

[0063] As mentioned above, the integrated unit 6 has an inlet vent 101 which draws in air from the atmosphere. The integrated unit 6 further has mechanisms and structures for providing a pressurized air flow from the inlet vent 101 to the humidifier chamber. The vent 101 can be located anywhere convenient on the exterior of the integrated unit 6, but in a preferred embodiment, the vent is provided on the rear face of the blower unit 7 on the right side of the rear face (the right side when looking forward), as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In a preferred embodiment, air is drawn through the vent 101 by a fan unit 100 which provides a pressurized gas flow through the blower unit 7. The pressurized gas flow is ducted or otherwise directed from the inlet vent 101 through the casing to the humidifier inlet port 13. The air paths and ducting are described in more detail below under the heading "Fan Units and Air Paths". In use, air exits the body of the blower unit 7 via inlet port 13 and enters the humidifier chamber 12 where it is humidified and warmed and then exits the chamber 12 through outlet port 14 which is directly connected to the patient outlet 25. The warmed humidified gases are then delivered to the user 3, for example via conduit 21. The patient outlet 25 is adapted to allow pneumatic attachment of the patient conduit 21 and in the preferred embodiment an electrical connection at the outlet 25 is also allowed via electrical connector 19.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the inlet port 13 is offset; that is, the inlet port is positioned facing into or out of a corner of the integrated unit 6 between the side wall and the front. In contrast, the outlet port 14 is directly aligned with the rear wall of the integrated unit 6. It can also be seen that the circular compartment 11 is sized to fit snugly within the generally square profile of the integrated unit 6 when viewed in plan. Offsetting the inlet port 13 toward the corner allows for efficient use of space within the integrated assisted breathing unit 6 and minimizes the size of the integrated blower / humidifier unit 6.

[0065] Fan unit The fan unit and piping of the preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 5, 7-12 and 16. The fan unit 100 is adapted to sit within the recess 400 shown in Figure 5b. Air is drawn into the fan unit 100 through the inlet vent 101. Once inside the housing, the air is then drawn upwards into the casing of the fan unit 100 through a hole 110 in the centre of the casing of the fan unit 100 and directed outwards through a duct 120 (shown diagrammatically as a hidden component in Figure 16) to the inlet 13. The duct 120 runs upwards from the recess 400 between the side and front walls of the integral unit 6. The air path through the fan unit is shown by arrows 130. In the preferred embodiment, the fan unit 100 is electromagnetically powered, with the magnetic segments 111 interacting with an electromagnetic coil 112 located above the fan unit 100 as shown in Figure 7. The fan 110 is held in place by a bearing unit 113 which has a spindle for the fan 110 .

[0066] Fan unit and air path The fan unit and piping of the preferred embodiment will now be described with particular reference to Figures 8-12. A power supply sub-housing 500 is housed within and integrated into the outer housing or outer shell of the breathing unit 7. The power supply sub-housing 500 is located at the rear of the blower unit 7 and is of rectangular parallelepiped construction integrated as part of the rear wall 80 of the blower unit 7. The parallelepiped sub-housing 100 shares one of its two widest faces with the rear wall 80 of the blower unit 7 (although the outer dimensions of the sub-housing 500 are substantially smaller than the dimensions of the rear wall 80). The other wide face 510 is common to the fan recess 400 and the humidifier hole 1000. The sub-housing 500 is generally centrally located on the inner rear wall of the blower unit 7. Once the unit is assembled, the sub-housing 500 is substantially closed off from the atmosphere and the remainder of the interior volume of the outer shell of the blower unit 7, apart from small holes (not shown) required for external electrical connections etc. The power supply component board 501 is comprised of electrical components connected to the motherboard and is inserted into the space within the sub-housing 500 during assembly. It is not necessary to describe in detail or individually reference all of the components used to comprise the power supply component board 501, since the contents and variations of the power supply board configuration are well known in the art. However, these components generate heat during use, which cannot be dissipated or escaped to the atmosphere because the power supply is enclosed. Thus, this heat accumulates, thereby potentially reducing the efficiency of operation. The sub-housing 500 is thus enclosed or housed within the sub-housing 500 to protect the components of the power supply component board 501, so that dirt, moisture, etc. cannot enter the sub-housing 500. However, the power supply component board may simply be located within the outer casing or shell of the blower unit 7. When a "power supply" or "power supply unit" is mentioned in this specification, it means the power supply sub-housing 500, the power supply component board 501, or both.

[0067] To help reduce the temperature of the sub-housing 500 and the components of the power supply component board 501 within the sub-housing 500, air from the atmosphere is drawn into the housing by the fan unit 100 and then ducted directly onto the power supply unit sub-housing 500, thereby cooling the power supply component board 501. The air is preferably ducted onto the sub-housing 500 immediately after it enters the outer housing of the integrated unit 6, since the air is at its coldest temperature at this point, i.e., when directed from the atmosphere. To most effectively cool the power supply component board 501 and the sub-housing 500, the air is ducted and directed over the largest possible surface area of ​​the sub-housing 500, while still maintaining the integrity and operation of the integrated unit 6 and still maintaining a substantially compact and integrated design.

[0068] Air from the atmosphere is drawn in through the air inlet vent 101, the side of which is of substantially the same height as one of the side walls of the sub-housing 500. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet 101 is located immediately adjacent to the sub-housing 500. Also, in a preferred form, the height of the air inlet 101 is substantially the same as the dimension of the adjacent wall 502. Thus, air entering the outer shell through the inlet 101 immediately contacts the side wall 502 of the sub-housing 500. This initial contact occurs over substantially the entire surface area of ​​the wall, since the height dimension of the adjacent vent 101 is substantially the same as the height or length of the wall 502. This has the advantage that all of the air contacting this wall is at the temperature of the atmosphere when it contacts the wall. The air is then drawn upwards by the fan 100 and flows across the top wall 503 of the sub-housing 500 and across or over the entire outer surface area of ​​the top wall 503. The air then flows down the other or inner side wall 504 of the sub-housing 500 by the duct and across the entire outer surface area of ​​the wall 504. The walls of the sub-housing 500 are as thin as practicable to minimize these insulating effects and maximize heat transfer between the airflow and the power supply board. The air is then drawn inward away from the power supply and flows along a curved path 505 through holes 506 into the recess 400 and then into the fan unit 100. The air is drawn into the fan unit 500 through holes 110 and then directed outward through a plenum chamber or duct 120 provided in the blower 7 to the inlet 13 (the duct 120 is shown in FIG. 16 only diagrammatically and for illustrative purposes as a hidden component. The description of the duct 120 as shown in FIG. 16 does not necessarily correspond to the actual path or size of the duct). The duct 120 extends upwardly from the recess 400 between the right side wall (from the rear when viewed from the front) and the front wall of the integrated unit 6 to the blower inlet port 13 .

[0069] With the sub-housing 500 and the outer casing with the air passages thus configured, air flows over and along the entire surface area of ​​the three walls (502, 503, 504) of the sub-housing 500, substantially enhancing the cooling of the power component board 501. This is the most preferred form of cooling passage since its manufacture allows repeatability at minimal cost and allows for a large number of units to be employed within the design tolerances. It has been found that this provides the most efficient use of both space and air cooling, allowing a good degree of cooling while still allowing the unit 6 to be constructed compactly to minimize its footprint. If the power component board 501 is not housed within the sub-housing, the cooling air can be ducted and directed over the board and the components attached thereto.

[0070] Other configurations are possible. For example, air may be ducted along the space between the broad wall 510 of the sub-housing 500 and the back wall of the humidifier cavity 1000. However, for this configuration to work effectively without the air in this space becoming stagnant, the gap between the fan recess 400 and the power supply sub-housing 500 would need to exceed a certain size, which may detract from the overall compact nature of the entire structure. Furthermore, this may increase manufacturing difficulties. The blower unit may also be redesigned so that the air path can pass on and along the bottom wall of the sub-housing in addition to or instead of the side and top walls.

[0071] As mentioned above, the sub-housing 500 is located at the rear of the blower unit 7. Of course, the sub-housing could be located anywhere suitable, for example at the side or base, with the air piping and inlet configured and positioned accordingly. The rear is preferred, as this allows the other elements of the blower unit to be configured to minimize the overall instrument "footprint".

[0072] In the most preferred form, the exterior surfaces of the walls 502, 503, 504 are ribbed to increase the surface area available for cooling and to aid in dissipating heat by acting in a manner similar to a heat sink, and in the most preferred form, air flows over and along at least two walls, and preferably three walls, of the subhousing 500 to maximize cooling.

[0073] Carrying case As mentioned above, one problem that may arise when a user packs their respiratory support apparatus into a case for travel is forgetting to empty the humidifier chamber, in which case the contents may spill during the trip, causing at least some inconvenience. A solution to this problem has been desired for many years by users of home respiratory support apparatus.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, a carry case 600 is used in conjunction with the integrated unit 6 described above to help solve this problem. When a user wishes to pack their respiratory support apparatus for transport, the carry case 600 can be used.

[0075] Carry case 600 is shown in Figures 18-20. Carry case 600 is made of hard plastic in a preferred embodiment. Case 600 is provided in two pieces or halves, an upper half 604 and a lower half 605 in a preferred form (the term "halves" is used herein as a term of convenience and does not necessarily imply that the upper and lower halves are required to be exactly the same size). In the closed position, carry case 600 has one end 601 which is generally flat and an opposite end 602 which, when viewed in profile, culminates in a rounded point. End 602 preferably has a handle 609 which aids a user in carrying case 600. In a preferred form, handle 609 is formed when the case is closed, with upper half 604 and lower half 605 having holes which align to form a hole when the case is closed, and a user grasps the handle portion thus formed. The parts forming the handles are preferably rounded and sized to facilitate their use as a handle. The case 600 can be left upright in use with the flat end or end base 601. Alternatively, the carry case can be placed with the side base 603 forming the lower side of the lower half 605. When the carry case 600 is placed with the side base 603, the terms "upper" and "lower" only indicate directions. The two halves are connected to each other by a hinge, i.e. the upper half 604 is attached to the lower half 605 such that when the case 600 is placed with the side base 603, the case can be opened by rotating or pivoting the upper half 605 relative to the stationary lower half 605, for example for packing or unpacking. In the fully closed position, the two edges come together to enclose a given amount of space or internal volume of the case, and the hinge allows the two halves to rotate through a full range of motion, for example substantially 180° relative to each other.This allows the top half 604 to be rotated far enough so that its exterior can rest on the same surface as the bottom half 605, for example on a table, to allow the user free access to the inside of the case. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge 610 is provided at the flat end 601, which in use forms part of the flat base. The interior of the carry case contains a packaging or padding 606, which in a preferred form includes a pocket or recess 608 formed by molding and shaping the padding 606, which generally conforms to the exterior shape and dimensions of the blower unit 7, and which can be placed in the recess 608 of the packaging 606 in an upright position with at least a lower portion of the blower unit 7 partially surrounded by the packaging or padding 606, thereby holding the blower unit 7 securely in place during transport. As mentioned above, the preferred form of the chamber 31 is a top-filled chamber with a removable lid 32. To prevent a user from inadvertently packing away integrated unit 6 while chamber 31 is still partially full and containing liquid, carry case 600 is constructed as follows such that case 600 cannot be completely closed if lid 32 is still in place over chamber 31. Various configurations of the carry case can be utilized to transport other types of systems that provide heated humidified gas to a user, for example systems that fill a push-fit chamber through an inlet or outlet rather than through a top fill hole.

[0076] When a user needs to transport his integrated blower / humidifier unit, he packs the integrated unit 6 into the carry case 600 by placing the integrated unit 6 into a recess 608 in the packaging 606, which is shaped to surround at least the base of the integrated unit 6. The case 600 is intended to be as compact as possible. This helps the user to transport his unit, for example on an airplane, as carry-on luggage, since the unit can fit in an overhead locker. Thus, in a preferred form, the humidifier chamber 31 is not in a separate recess, but is located in the same position as it is used in the blower 7. The upper half 604 of the case 600 has at least one protrusion 607 extending inwardly (i.e., downwardly towards the lower half 605) from an inner surface of the upper half 604. At least one projection 607 is sized and shaped such that the top half 604 and bottom half 605 cannot be fully joined together (i.e. the case 600 cannot be closed) when the humidifier chamber lid 32 is still in place on the chamber 31. When the humidifier chamber lid 31 is removed, the projection or projections 607 reside inside the chamber 31. The lid 32 must therefore be removed from the chamber 31 before the carrier case 600 can be closed. Preferably, the separate handle 22 rests on the blower unit 7 with the projection or projections 607 extending beyond the handle 22 and extending downwardly into the chamber 31. The carry case 600 preferably has an internal pocket or the like, for example provided on the packaging material 606, that the user can use to store the lid 32 for travel.

[0077] The carry case preferably further comprises one or more straps so that the carry case can be carried in the same manner as a daypack or small knapsack is carried or slung over one shoulder and supported by a single strap.

[0078] The blower unit 7 is used as an example for the carry case of the preferred form described above. In another variant, the carry case is adapted to transport a respiratory humidification system of the type in which the humidifier chamber and the blower unit are securely coupled. In this variant, the padding has a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket is adapted to house at least the base of the blower unit and the second pocket is adapted to at least partially enclose the humidifier chamber. The two pockets are separate and therefore the humidifier chamber must be removed from the blower before the chamber and the blower can be placed in their respective pockets. That is, the blower and the chamber cannot be coupled to each other in a way that they can be properly stored in their respective pockets in the case. The inner surface of the top half has an inwardly facing protrusion. When the case is closed, the protrusion enters a space located adjacent to the blower pocket, preventing the blower from being placed in the first pocket with the chamber securely coupled to the blower and the lid closed. The protrusion interferes with the chamber when the user attempts to close the lid while the chamber is in place on the blower. Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. 1. A blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: an outer casing surrounding and forming part of said blower unit, said casing having an inlet vent to allow air from the atmosphere to enter said casing during use; a humidifier compartment adapted in use to receive a humidifier unit of a type containing a quantity of water and having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, said compartment having a heater base adapted for use with said humidifier unit, said compartment further comprising a blower inlet port adapted in use to align with said humidifier unit inlet to provide a gas pathway between an interior of said casing and said humidifier unit; a gas path through the casing between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port; a fan unit housed within said casing and adapted, in use, to provide a flow of pressurized gas along said gas path; a power supply unit housed within said casing and adapted to provide electrical power to said fan unit and said heater base during use; A blower unit, the gas path being routed over the power supply unit to provide cooling airflow. 2. A blower unit as described in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is housed within a power supply sub-housing disposed within the casing, and the gas path is routed over and along at least two walls of the power supply sub-housing during use. 3. A blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: an outer casing surrounding and forming part of said blower unit, said casing having an inlet vent to allow air from the atmosphere to enter said casing during use; a humidifier compartment adapted in use to receive a humidifier unit of a type containing a quantity of water and having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, said compartment having a heater base adapted for use with said humidifier unit, said compartment further comprising a blower inlet port adapted in use to align with said humidifier unit inlet to provide a gas pathway between an interior of said casing and said humidifier unit; a gas path through the casing between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port; a fan unit housed within said casing and adapted, in use, to provide a flow of pressurized gas along said gas path; a power supply unit housed within said casing and adapted to provide electrical power to said fan unit and said heater base during use; A blower unit, wherein the power supply unit is housed within a power supply sub-housing and the gas path is routed in such a manner that the gas path passes over and along at least two walls of the power supply sub-housing to provide cooling airflow during use. 4. The blower unit of claim 3, wherein the gas path passes along and on at least one side wall of the power supply sub-housing. 5. The blower unit of claim 4, wherein the gas path further passes over and along a top wall of the power supply sub-housing. 6. The blower unit of claim 5, wherein the gas path further passes on and along a second side wall of the power supply sub-housing. 7. The blower unit of claim 6, wherein the inlet vent is located immediately adjacent to the one wall of the power supply sub-housing. 8. The blower unit of claim 7, wherein the inlet vent is sized so that a side of the vent and an adjacent wall of the power sub-housing are of substantially the same dimensions. 9. A blower unit as described in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the wall of the power supply sub-housing is ribbed to increase the surface area available for cooling. 10. A blower unit as described in claim 9, wherein the power supply sub-housing is disposed behind the casing. 11. A blower unit as described in claim 10, wherein the inlet vent is provided in the rear wall of the casing. 12. The blower unit of claim 11, wherein the power supply sub-housing is substantially centrally located on the rear wall. 13. A blower unit as described in claim 12, wherein the inner walls of the sub-housing are thin to minimize their insulating effect and maximize heat transfer between the airflow and the power supply board. 14. The blower unit described in claim 13, further comprising a plenum chamber disposed in the gas path between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port and downstream of the fan unit, the fan unit and the blower unit being configured such that gas exits the fan unit at an angle relative to the wall of the plenum chamber. 15. An integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: a humidifier unit adapted to contain a volume of water and adapted to be used in association with a heater base to heat said volume of water, said humidifier unit having a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, and a top fill hole; a blower unit having an outer casing and having a humidifier compartment in which the humidifier unit is housed in use, the humidifier unit being substantially housed within the compartment during use, the compartment having a heater base, the blower unit further comprising an inlet vent in the outer casing, the inlet vent being open to atmosphere, a blower inlet port, a gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port, and a fan unit providing a flow of pressurized gas along the gas pathway, wherein in use the blower inlet port and the humidifier gas inlet port are aligned with each other to provide a gas pathway for gas to exit the blower unit via the blower inlet port and enter the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas inlet port, the gas exiting the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas outlet port, a connector for allowing the gas flow from the humidifier unit to enter a patient interface; An integrated blower / humidifier system comprising a lid unit, said lid unit and said blower unit adapted to be connected to one another such that said lid unit closes and seals said chamber, said chamber being held in a fixed position within said humidifier compartment. 16. The humidifier unit comprises: a humidifier chamber having said top fill hole and a heater plate adapted to contact said heater base in use, said chamber having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet; an elongated inlet passage extending from the gas inlet into the humidifier chamber, the inlet passage having a first opening at an end of the inlet passage spaced from a wall of the chamber; an elongated outlet passage extending from the gas outlet into the humidifier chamber, the outlet passage having a second opening at an end of the outlet passage spaced from the wall of the chamber; the first wall and the second opening are aligned with one another and face upward during use of the chamber; 16. The integrated blower / humidifier system of claim 15, further comprising a baffle disposed between the first opening and the second opening, the baffle being adapted to prevent air entering the chamber from the inlet passageway from directly entering the outlet passageway. 17. The integrated blower / humidifier system of claim 16, wherein the baffle is sized and shaped to vertically block the first and second openings. 18. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the lid unit has a lid portion and a handle portion separate from each other, the handle portion being releasably connectable to the lid portion in a manner such that the handle portion can rotate freely when connected to the lid portion, the lid portion being adapted to close and seal the top fill hole, and the handle portion and the blower unit being adapted to be connected to each other such that the lid portion is maintained in a fixed position over the chamber, and the chamber is maintained in a fixed position within the humidifier compartment. 19. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 18, wherein the heater base is positioned at the bottom of the humidifier compartment, the heater base is spring loaded, and the heater base is under compressive tension when the humidifier chamber and lid portion are in position and the handle portion is in position and engaged with the blower unit. 20. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 19, wherein the blower unit has a plurality of grooves and the handle portion has a plurality of complementary protrusions corresponding to the grooves, the protrusions releasably engaging with the grooves when the handle portion is depressed and rotated. 21. The integrated blower / humidifier system of claim 20, wherein the lid portion has a circular top and the handle portion has a circular central recess, the central top is sized to fit into the central recess, and the handle and lid engage each other via a snap-fit ​​connection. 22. The integrated blower / humidifier system of claim 21, wherein the lid has a silicone seal sized and shaped to fit snugly around the periphery of the top fill opening during use. 23. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 22, wherein the blower unit has a blower outlet port which, in use, aligns with the humidifier outlet port to form a gas path for gas exiting the chamber, and the connector is attached to the outer casing and in gas communication with the blower outlet port. 24. The integrated / blower humidification system of claim 23, wherein the connector is adapted to enable pneumatic and electrical coupling between the connector and the patient interface. 25. The integrated / blower humidification system of claim 24, wherein the humidifier chamber is vented to atmosphere when both the lid portion and the handle portion are not in place, and the handle portion engages the blower unit. 26. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 25, wherein the chamber and compartment are shaped relative to each other such that the chamber fits within the compartment in only one orientation. 27. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 26, wherein the chamber and compartment are substantially circular in plan view except for complementary flat spots on the periphery of each of the chamber and compartment, said flat spots being shaped so that the chamber will fit within the compartment in only one orientation. 28. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 27, wherein the chamber has a chamber seal extending around the top edge of the chamber and adapted to seal against the compartment during use. 29. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 28, wherein the compartment has a compartment seal which, during use, aligns with the chamber seal when the chamber is housed within the compartment. 30. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in claim 27, wherein the blower inlet port and the blower outlet port have silicone seals adapted to substantially seal between the humidifier inlet port and the humidifier outlet port, respectively, during use. 31. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the outer casing is substantially rectangular in plan view, the compartment is shaped such that, in plan view, there is a gap between the periphery of the compartment and at least one corner of the outer casing, the blower inlet port is provided in the peripheral wall of the compartment aligned with the gap and toward the top of the compartment, and at least a portion of the gas path extends substantially vertically within the gap along the height of the compartment. 32. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in claim 31, wherein the compartment is substantially circular in plan view. 33. A humidifier unit adapted for use in conjunction with an assisted breathing unit having a heater base, comprising: a humidifier chamber having a top fill hole and a heater plate adapted in use to contact said heater base, said chamber having a gas inlet and a separate gas outlet; an elongated inlet passage extending from the gas inlet into the humidifier chamber, the inlet passage having a first opening at an end of the inlet passage spaced from a wall of the chamber; an elongated outlet passage extending from the gas outlet into the humidifier chamber, the outlet passage having a second opening at an end of the outlet passage spaced from the wall of the chamber; the first wall and the second opening are aligned with each other and face upward; a baffle disposed between the first opening and the second opening and adapted to prevent gas entering the chamber from the inlet passage from directly entering the outlet passage. 34. A humidifier unit as described in claim 33, wherein the baffle is sized and shaped to vertically block the first and second openings. 35. A humidifier unit as described in claim 34, further comprising a lid unit adapted to be connected to the assisted breathing unit so as to close and seal the open top of the humidifier chamber during use and to hold the humidifier chamber in a fixed position during use. 36. A humidifier unit as described in claim 35, wherein the lid unit has a lid portion and a handle portion that are separate from each other, the handle portion is releasably connected to the lid portion in a manner such that the handle can rotate freely while connected to the lid portion, the lid portion is adapted to fit closely to the open top of the humidifier chamber, and the handle portion is adapted to be connected to the blower unit. 37. A humidifier unit as described in claim 35, wherein the outlet passage and the inlet passage are at an angle to each other when viewed in a vertical plane. 38. A humidifier unit as described in claim 37, wherein the humidifier chamber has a chamber seal extending around the top edge of the humidifier chamber. 39. An integrated blower / humidification system for providing heated and humidified gas to a user, comprising: a blower unit having an outer casing and a humidifier compartment in which the humidifier unit is housed in use, the compartment being configured such that the humidifier unit is substantially housed therein during use, the compartment having a heater base, the blower unit further comprising: an inlet vent in the outer casing to allow gas from the atmosphere to flow into the casing; a blower inlet port opening into the compartment; a gas pathway extending between the inlet vent and the blower inlet port; and a fan unit for providing a flow of pressurized gas along the gas pathway; a humidifier unit adapted to contain a volume of water and adapted to be used in association with a heater base to heat said volume of water, said humidifier unit having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port; In use, the blower inlet port and the humidifier gas inlet port are aligned with one another to provide a gas passageway for gas exiting the blower unit and entering the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas inlet port, the gas flow exiting the humidifier unit via the humidifier gas outlet port; An integrated blower / humidification system, wherein the blower unit, the compartment, and the gas path are shaped and aligned with one another to minimize bulk of the breathing unit. 40. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in claim 39, wherein the blower unit further has a blower outlet port opening into the compartment, the blower outlet port and the humidifier gas outlet port being aligned with each other in use to provide a path for gas exiting the humidifier chamber, the blower unit further has a connector adapted to be connected to a patient interface in use, the blower unit having a gas outlet path between the blower outlet port and the connector, and the gas exiting the blower unit via the connector and entering the patient interface in use. 41. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in claim 39 or 40, wherein the breathing unit is substantially rectangular in plan view, the compartment is shaped such that, in plan view, there is a gap between the periphery of the compartment and at least one corner of the outer casing, the blower inlet port is provided in the peripheral wall of the compartment aligned with the gap and towards the top of the compartment, and the gas path extends substantially vertically within the gap along the height of the compartment. 42. An integrated blower / humidifier system as described in claim 41, wherein the compartment is substantially circular in plan view, the compartment has a diameter substantially the same as but slightly smaller than the external depth and width dimensions of the blower unit, the fan unit is located below the compartment, control circuitry for the blower unit is located immediately behind the front face of the blower unit, and a power supply for the blower unit is located immediately behind the rear wall of the blower unit and adjacent to the inlet vent. 43. An integrated blower / humidification system as described in claim 42, wherein the humidifier unit has a top fill hole and a lid unit adapted to be connected to the outer casing so as to close and seal the top fill hole of the humidifier unit and to hold the humidifier unit securely in a fixed position relative to the blower unit during use. 44. A medical instrument having a control knob assembly disposed on one side of the instrument, the medical instrument being actuatable by a user to generate a control signal, the medical instrument having a detector magnetic component disposed within the medical instrument and an instrument fastener disposed externally of the medical instrument, the control knob assembly comprising: a control knob having a knob fastener, the knob fastener and the instrument fastener cooperatively engaging with each other to secure the control knob assembly in place on the instrument, the control knob being resiliently depressible by a user between a rest position and an active position, the control knob being biased toward the rest position, the control knob having at least one associated knob magnetic component configured to move with the control knob; It has a boss that surrounds the operation knob and is rotatable by the user in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the operation knob. The boss has at least one associated boss magnetic component configured to rotate together with the boss. The medical instrument has a control circuit that detects magnetic field fluctuations caused by the interaction of the boss magnetic component, the knob magnetic component, and the detector magnetic component, and generates a control signal representing the actuation of the operation knob assembly by the user, so as to separately detect both the depression of the button and the rotation of the boss. The side portion of the medical instrument is intact. Medical instrument. 45. The boss magnetic component forms a ring magnet, and at least a part of the detector magnetic component located under the recess is aligned with the boss magnetic component to form a boss detector component. The medical instrument according to 44 above. 46. The ring magnet is divided into a plurality of separate magnet segments, and the magnet segments interact with a detector boss magnetic component located under the mounting plate so that the boss can rotate in a cogging state between the separate magnet segments. The medical instrument according to 45 above. 47. The ring magnet is a continuous annular component divided into a plurality of separate magnet segments. The medical instrument according to 46 above. 48. The ring magnet is formed by arranging individual magnet components in an annular shape, and each magnet component is an individual magnetic segment of the ring magnet. The medical instrument according to 46 above. 49. At least a part of the detector magnetic component is aligned with the knob magnetic component to form a knob detector magnetic component. The medical instrument according to any one of 44 to 48 above. 50. The knob can be pushed inward from the rest position toward the main body of the medical instrument, and the pushed-down position is the operating position. The medical instrument according to 49 above. 51. The knob is biased toward the rest position by a spring component, and the spring component is in a compressed form and is arranged between the outer surface of the recess and the inward-facing surface of the knob. The medical instrument according to 50 above. 52. The medical instrument described in claim 51, wherein the knob, knob fastener, and recess fastener are arranged and configured to hold the operating knob in a fixed position within the recess, and the operating knob is adapted to sandwich the boss between the recess and an outer portion of the operating knob to hold the boss in a fixed position. 53. The medical instrument described in claim 52, wherein the recess fastener comprises a cooperating spring-loaded fastening clip extending outwardly from the recess, the knob fastener comprises a spring-loaded fastening clip extending from an inner surface of the control knob, the fastening clips of the recess and the fastening clips of the control knob engage with each other to secure the knob in a fixed position, and the boss is sandwiched between the control knob and the recess. 54. A medical instrument as described in claim 53, wherein the side of the medical instrument is formed as a face plate that is attached to the medical instrument during use and substantially covers the front surface of the medical instrument, the face plate having a recess into which the operating knob fits during use. 55. The medical instrument of claim 54, wherein the front surface of the medical instrument has a hole into which the recess fits during use. 56. A control system for an integrated assisted breathing / humidification unit, comprising: a controller having a controller memory, the controller controlling operation of the integrated assisted breathing / humidifier unit; a display panel controlled by the controller; a user option selector, the controller being responsive to changes in the option selector; the option selector is rotatable about an axis to a number of discrete positions and movable from a neutral position in both directions along the axis of rotation; A control system wherein the options are one or more selected from a group including output power, off state, heater power level, and fan speed, the options being limited by factory programmed limits, and the user option selector is an operating knob described in any one of 42 to 52 above. 57. The control system of claim 56, wherein the display panel is an LCD display including a plurality of user option indicators, each option indicator representing an option selectable by the user, the plurality of indicators forming a ring. 58. A control system as described in claim 57, wherein each of the user-selectable option indicators is selectable by rotating the control knob until the appropriate option indicator is selected, the controller indicates the currently selected option indicator by lighting an indicator associated with the currently selected option, the indicated user option is selected by moving the control knob along the rotation axis, and the selected option parameter is changed by rotating the control knob. 59. A control system as described in claim 58, wherein the optional parameters are displayed on the display panel, and the controller changes the display in response to rotation of the control knob. 60. A control system as described in claim 59, wherein a selected option can be terminated by moving the operating knob along the rotation axis. 61. A control system as described in claim 60, wherein the controller controls operation of the integrated assisted breathing / humidifier unit in accordance with optional parameters set by a user, and the controller stores the optional parameters set by the user. 62. A control system as described in claim 61, wherein to select at least one of the options, the control knob must be held at a given position along the axis of rotation for a given period of time. 63. A control system as described in claim 62, wherein the option is a shutdown option and the operating knob must be held substantially in a fixed position for approximately 5 seconds. 64. A carry case for an integrated blower / humidification system of the type using a top-fill humidifier chamber with a separate lid, comprising: having upper and lower halves, the halves being formed from a rigid material and pivotally connected to one another by a hinge mechanism such that the halves can be rotated relative to one another between a fully closed position in which the upper and lower halves enclose an interior volume and an open position in which the user can access an interior of the carrying case to add or remove items; at least the bottom half of the carry case has padding with at least one pocket shaped and configured to partially enclose the integrated blower / humidification system and hold the system in place when the system is stored within the carry case; a lower half having a flat outer portion adapted to serve as a side base, and said upper half having a protrusion extending from an inner surface thereof sized and aligned such that when said integrated blower / humidification system is in position within said carry case, said upper and lower halves cannot be rotated to said fully closed position while said humidifier chamber lid is in position on said chamber. 65. A carry case as described in claim 64, wherein one end of the carry case is flattened to act as an end base to enable the carry case to stand upright in use, and an opposite end of the carrier case from the end base has a handle portion which, when the carrier case is closed, gives the appearance of a rounded dot and allows a user to carry the carrier case, and the padding further has a separate pocket adapted to hold the humidifier chamber lid. 66. A carry case as described in claim 65, wherein the carry case has at least one strap. 67. A carry case for a respiratory humidification system for providing heated and humidified air to a user requiring a supply of heated and humidified air for medical purposes in use, the humidification system being of a type having a blower and a humidifier chamber which, in use, are rigidly mated with one another, the carry case comprising: having upper and lower halves, the halves being formed from a rigid material and pivotally connected to one another by a hinge mechanism such that the halves can be rotated relative to one another between a fully closed position in which the upper and lower halves enclose an interior volume and an open position in which the user can access an interior of the carrying case to add or remove items; at least the bottom half of the carry case has padding with at least a first pocket and a second pocket, the first pocket shaped and configured to at least partially enclose and hold the blower in place when the blower is stored within the carry case; The second pocket is adapted to at least partially enclose the humidifier chamber and hold the blower in a fixed position when the humidifier chamber is stored within the carry case, and the upper half has a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the upper half that is sized and aligned so that the upper and lower halves cannot be rotated to the fully closed position when the humidifier chamber and the blower are engaged. 68. A carry case as described in claim 67, wherein the lower half has a flat outer portion adapted to act as a side base, one end of the carry case is flattened to act as an end base to enable the carry case to stand upright in use, and an opposite end of the carrier case from the end base has a handle portion which, when the carrier case is closed, presents the appearance of a rounded dot and enables a user to carry the carrier case. 69. The carry case of claim 68, wherein the carry case has at least one strap. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Prior Art Blower 2 Prior Art Chambers 3 User / Patient 4 User Interface 5. Prior Art Combined Blower / Humidifier 6. Integrated unit of the present invention 7 Blower of the present invention 8 Operation Knob 9. Display 10 Chamber seal 11 Humidifier Compartment 12 Humidifier chamber 13 Blower inlet port 14 Blower outlet port 15 Humidifier chamber port (inlet) 16 Humidifier chamber port (outlet) 19 Electrical Connectors 21 Prior Art Conduit from Chamber to Patient 22 Lock handle 23 Heater Base 24 Rim of humidifier compartment 25 Patient outlet (connector) 26 Locking groove 27 Fitting protrusion 28 Locking groove entrance 30 handfuls 31 Humidifier unit of the present invention 32 Humidifier chamber lid 33 Shelf 34 Entrance Passage 35 Baffle 36 Exit passage 37 Front side plate 38 Dent 39 Mechanical Fasteners - Clips 41 Prior art conduit between blower and chamber 44 Connector Board 45 Ring Magnet 46 Magnetized part 48 Magnet 49 Magnet 50 Front of Blower 51 Rotation axis 60 Fastener tip 61 Buttons 62 Boss 63 Fasteners 70 Silicone Seal 80 Back wall 100 Fan Units 101 Air inlet vent 110 Fan inlet hole 111 Magnetic Segment 112 Coil 113 Bearing Unit 120 Duct 121 Blower outlet 130 Air Path 200 Air inlet passage 202 Umbrella-shaped part 201 Exit hole 300 Control circuit 400 Recess 500 Power Sub-Housing 501 Power Board 502 Sub-housing side wall (outside) 503 Sub-housing top wall 504 Sub-housing side wall (inside) 505 Curved Path 506 hole 510 Subhousing Wide Wall 600 Carry Case 601 Flat edge of carrying case 602 Sharp edges of carry cases 604 Top half of carry case 605 Lower part of carry case 606 Carry Case Packaging Materials 607 Carry case lid protrusion 608 Carry case recess 609 Carry Case Handle 610 Carry Case Hinge 1000 holes

Claims

1. A respiratory support device, comprising: an outer casing having a blower for providing a gas flow; a humidifier compartment for a humidifier chamber having a heater plate, the humidifier compartment having a heater base disposed at a bottom of the humidifier compartment; a top opening leading to the humidifier compartment; A hinged lid and Equipped with the humidifier compartment is configured to receive the humidifier chamber through the top opening, the humidifier chamber is enclosed in the humidifier compartment, and the heater base of the humidifier compartment is configured to contact the heater plate of the humidifier chamber; the hinged lid is configured to, in use, exert a downward force on the humidifier chamber such that the humidifier chamber is pressed downwardly against the heater base such that the heater plate contacts the heater base such that a volume of water in the humidifier chamber may be heated to humidify the gas flow. Breathing assistance equipment.

2. 2. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinged lid is adapted to be placed on top of the humidifier chamber contained within the humidifier compartment.

3. 3. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater base has elastic or compressive resilience.

4. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidifier chamber has a top fill hole.

5. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidifier chamber is dimensioned to fit within the humidifier compartment.

6. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidifier chamber and the humidifier compartment are shaped relative to each other such that the humidifier chamber fits within the humidifier compartment in only one orientation.

7. A respiratory assistance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the humidifier chamber has a seal provided around an upper rim of the humidifier chamber, which seals between an outer surface of the humidifier chamber and a top opening of the humidifier compartment.

8. A respiratory assistance apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein when the humidifier chamber is within the humidifier compartment, the seal is pressed against one or more walls of the humidifier compartment to form a seal between an outer surface of the humidifier chamber and a top opening of the humidifier compartment.

9. A respiratory assistance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more inner walls of the humidifier compartment have a seal at or near the upper rim of the humidifier chamber, which seals between the inner surface of the humidifier compartment and the outer surface of the humidifier chamber.

10. A respiratory assistance apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more seals that prevent the gas flow provided by the blower from escaping to the atmosphere without passing through the humidifier chamber.

11. A respiratory assistance apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the humidifier compartment has a blower outlet port located on an inner surface of the humidifier compartment for receiving a flow of humidified gas from a humidifier outlet port located on an outer surface of the humidifier chamber, the blower outlet port being surrounded by a seal that provides a tight seal between the blower outlet port and the humidifier outlet port.

12. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidifier chamber and the humidifier compartment have a circular horizontal cross section.

13. A respiratory assistance apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the humidifier compartment has a rear wall.

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