Humidification system connection

Abstract

To provide a circuit connector for a humidification system.SOLUTION: A circuit connector 2012 comprises: an inlet to fluidly connect to an outlet of a humidification chamber 2004 to receive humidified gases from the outlet; an outlet to sealably connect to or integral with a conduit for directing the humidified gases to a user; and an electrical terminal for electrically coupling the circuit connector to an electrical terminal associated with a base unit. The circuit connector may be releasably and lockably connectable to the outlet of the humidification chamber, and / or orientation features may control orientation of component parts of the system as they are assembled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Incorporation by reference of priority applications All applications filed herewith for which a claim of foreign or domestic priority is identified in an Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 919,485, filed December 20, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 059,339, filed October 3, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods or devices for providing heated and / or humidified gas, particularly respiratory gas, to a user. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and techniques that provide or enable connections between components of a humidification system. The disclosed apparatus and techniques may be used to provide and / or remove gas from a patient, such as in positive airway pressure (PAP), mechanical ventilation, anesthesia, ventilators, and inhalation systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Humidification systems have been devised to deliver heated and / or humidified gases for a variety of medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopy, etc. These systems can be configured to control temperature, humidity, and flow rate.

[0004] Humidification systems also include medical circuits, which include various components for transporting heated and / or humidified gas to and from a patient. For example, in some breathing circuits, such as PAP or assisted breathing circuits, gas inhaled by the patient is delivered from a heater-humidifier through an inspiratory tube. As another example, a tube may deliver humidified gas (typically CO2) to the abdominal cavity in an inspiratory circuit. This can help prevent a patient's internal organs from drying out or drying out completely, reducing the time required for recovery from surgery. Unheated tubing allows significant heat loss to the surrounding air conditioning. This cooling can result in undesirable condensation, or "rainout," along the length of the tubing carrying the warm, humidified air. To prevent or at least reduce condensation from forming on the tubing, a heater wire may extend along at least a portion of the tubing forming the circuit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] While conventional arrangements provide desirable therapy, a need remains for devices that make it easier to connect and / or disconnect components of a humidification system. Accordingly, it is an object of certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure to overcome or alleviate one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system including a base unit and a humidification chamber, the humidification chamber configured to be engageable with the base unit, the circuit connector including an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and / or humidified gas from the outlet of the humidification chamber, an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for conducting the heated and / or humidified gas to or from a patient or other person, and an electrical terminal configured to provide an electrical connection to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit, the circuit connector configured to effect a removable and lockable connection to the outlet of the humidification chamber, thereby providing a fluid connection from the inlet of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber, such that when the humidification chamber is engaged with the base unit and the circuit connector is connected to the outlet of the humidification chamber, the circuit connector also provides an electrical connection from the electrical terminal of the circuit connector to the electrical terminal associated with the base unit.

[0007] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a circuit connector for a humidification system is provided. The humidification system includes a base unit and a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber is configured to be engageable with the base unit. The circuit connector includes an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and / or humidified gas from the outlet of the humidification chamber. The outlet is configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for conducting heated and / or humidified gas to or from a patient or other person. The electrical terminal is configured to provide an electrical connection to the base unit electrical terminal. The electrical terminal includes an exposed contact pad sized, positioned, and configured to contact the base unit electrical terminal.

[0008] In some such configurations, the electrical terminal includes six evenly spaced contact pads. In some such configurations, the six evenly spaced contact pads include two contact pads for sensor wires, two contact pads for identification, and two contact pads for heater wires. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for heater wires are longer than the two contact pads for sensor wires and the two contact pads for identification. In some such configurations, the six evenly spaced contact pads all have the same length. In some such configurations, the electrical terminal includes six contact pads that are not all evenly spaced. In some such configurations, the six evenly spaced contact pads include two contact pads for sensor wires, two contact pads for identification, and two contact pads for heater wires. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for heater wires are longer than the two contact pads for sensor wires and the two contact pads for identification. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for heater wires are adjacent to each other. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for the sensor wires and the two contact pads for the identification are uniformly spaced apart, the two contact pads for the heater wires are spaced apart from each other by the same distance as the two contact pads for the sensor wires, but the two contact pads for the heater wires are spaced apart from the nearest of the two contact pads for the sensor wires by a distance greater than the distance separating the two contact pads for the heater wires from each other. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for the heater wires are longer than the two contact pads for the sensor wires and the two contact pads for the identification. In some such configurations, the contact pads are formed on a circuit board, and the printed circuit board is supported by an outer support surface. In some such configurations, the outer support surface is wider at the distal end than at the proximal end.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the circuit connector includes an orientator configured to orient the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the humidification chamber and / or to orient electrical terminals of the circuit connector relative to electrical terminals associated with the base unit.

[0010] The director may include a recess configured to slidably engage a protrusion on the outlet of the humidification chamber so that the circuit connector can only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation. Conversely, the director may include a protrusion configured to slidably engage a recess in the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0011] The provision of orientation features helps ensure that there is alignment between the electrical terminals of the circuit connector and the electrical terminals associated with the base unit, increasing ease of assembly. Additionally, the removable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber helps ensure that the correct orientation is maintained.

[0012] The outlet of the humidification chamber may include a first portion extending substantially vertically from the humidification chamber and a second portion extending substantially horizontally from the first portion, wherein in use the second portion is downstream from the first portion, and the inlet of the circuit connector is configured to provide a fluid connection to the second portion of the circuit connector. According to this embodiment, the circuit connector may include a cutout that receives the first portion, the cutout preventing or limiting engagement of the circuit connector with the outlet of the humidification chamber when the circuit connector is not correctly oriented to receive the first portion received within the cutout.

[0013] The cutout may be contoured to have a relatively wide opening and a relatively narrow end, thereby providing tolerance for the orientation of the circuit connector during initial engagement and correcting the orientation during subsequent engagement as the circuit connector is pushed towards the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0014] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may include one or more pins configured to contact, in use, one or more tracks of a printed circuit board, and the electrical terminals associated with said base unit include said printed circuit board. Alternatively, the electrical terminals of the circuit connector may include a printed circuit board including one or more tracks configured to contact, in use, one or more pins, and the electrical terminals associated with the base unit include said one or more pins.

[0015] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may alternatively comprise an edge card configured to be received in an edge card receptacle in use, and the electrical terminals associated with the base unit comprise said edge card receptacle.

[0016] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may alternatively include an edge card receptacle configured to receive an edge card in use, and the electrical terminals associated with the base unit include said edge card.

[0017] Other forms of electrical terminals will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may be electrically connected to one or more heater wires and / or one or more sensor wires, and the conduit contains or has the one or more heater wires and / or the one or more sensor wires associated therewith.

[0019] The circuit connector may include a recess or protrusion configured to be engaged by a latch of the humidification chamber (the latch being provided on the wall of the outlet of the humidification chamber), thereby providing said detachable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0020] The circuit connector may additionally or alternatively include a latch configured to engage a recess or protrusion in the wall of the humidification chamber outlet, thereby providing said detachable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the humidification chamber outlet.

[0021] The circuit connector may include an activator configured to disengage the latch from the recess or protrusion to allow removal of the circuit connector from the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0022] The activator may include at least one manually depressible button or switch.

[0023] At least a portion of the circuit connector may be receivable within the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0024] According to a second aspect, there is provided a circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system including a base unit and a humidification chamber, the circuit connector including: an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and / or humidified gas from the outlet of the humidification chamber; an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for conducting the heated and / or humidified gas to or from a patient or other person; an electrical terminal configured to provide an electrical connection to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit; and an orienter configured to orient the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0025] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may be substantially parallel to the direction of engagement used to electrically connect the inlet of the circuit connector and / or the electrical terminals of the circuit connector to electrical terminals associated with the base unit, thereby allowing both the electrical connection and the fluid connection to be made in a single movement.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided medical tubing including a circuit connector according to the first or second aspect, which may be integrated into or connected to a conduit and / or may be configured to form at least part of an inspiratory or expiratory limb of a breathing circuit.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a humidification chamber for a humidification system, the humidification chamber comprising: an outer wall; an upper wall connected to the outer wall, the outer wall and the upper wall at least partially defining a volume for containing a liquid; an inlet for receiving gas from a gas source into the humidification chamber; and an outlet configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated and / or humidified gas from the humidification chamber to a patient or other person, the outlet configured to provide a removable and lockable connection to the circuit connector and / or including an orienter for controlling the orientation of the circuit connector relative to the outlet.

[0028] The orientor may include a recess configured to slidably engage a protrusion on the circuit connector such that the circuit connector can only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation. Conversely, the orientor may include a protrusion configured to slidably engage a recess in the circuit connector such that the circuit connector can only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation.

[0029] The outlet of the humidification chamber may include a first portion extending substantially vertically from the humidification chamber and a second portion extending substantially horizontally from the first portion, the second portion being downstream of the first portion in use.

[0030] The humidification chamber may include a recess or protrusion configured to be engaged by a latch on the circuit connector, thereby providing said removable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the humidification chamber outlet. Alternatively, the humidification chamber may include a latch configured to engage with the recess or protrusion on the circuit connector.

[0031] The humidification chamber may include an activator for disengaging the latch from the recess or protrusion to allow removal of the circuit connector from the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0032] The activator may include at least one manually depressible button or switch.

[0033] The outlet of the humidification chamber may be configured to receive at least a portion of the circuit connector inside the outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0034] The humidification chamber may include an orientator that controls the orientation of the humidification chamber relative to the base unit.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a humidification chamber for a humidification system, the humidification chamber including an outer wall, an upper wall connected to the outer wall, the outer wall and the upper wall at least partially defining a volume for containing a liquid, an inlet for receiving gas from a gas source, an outlet configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated and / or humidified gas to a patient or other person, and an orienter for controlling the orientation of the humidification chamber relative to a base unit.

[0036] The director may include a recess configured to slidably engage a protrusion on or associated with the base unit such that the humidification chamber can only be engaged with the base unit in a predetermined orientation. Alternatively, the director may include a protrusion configured to slidably engage a recess in or associated with the base unit such that the humidification chamber can only be engaged with the base unit in a predetermined orientation.

[0037] The orientor may be configured, at least in part, to orient the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the humidification chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the orientor may be configured, at least in part, to orient electrical terminals of the circuit connector relative to electrical terminals associated with the base unit.

[0038] In one embodiment, the humidification chamber is configured to couple to the base unit, at least in part, via a coupler of or associated with the base unit. Additionally or alternatively, at least the electrical terminals of the circuit connector may be configured to mate with electrical terminals of the coupler. Further connections may be provided between the coupler and the base unit for exchanging information therebetween and / or for exchanging power, for example to power heater wires in the conduit via the circuit connector.

[0039] In one embodiment, at least a downstream end of the outlet of the humidification chamber is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of engagement of the humidification chamber with the base unit. Additionally or alternatively, a direction of engagement of an electrical terminal of a circuit connector with an electrical terminal associated with the base unit and / or a coupler for the base unit is substantially parallel to at least the downstream end of the outlet of the humidification chamber and / or the direction of engagement of the humidification chamber with the base unit.

[0040] The humidification chamber may include an outlet configured to connect to the circuit connector of the first or second aspect.

[0041] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a coupler for a humidification system, the coupler including: a first connection portion configured to structurally and electrically connect the coupler to a base unit of the humidification system, the first connection portion configured for the base unit to operatively engage the humidification chamber; and a second connection portion configured to electrically connect the coupler to a circuit connector configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the humidification chamber to a conduit for delivering heated and / or humidified gas to a patient or other person, the coupler including one or more guiding portions for orienting the humidification chamber and / or circuit connector relative to the base unit when the humidification chamber and / or circuit connector are engaged with the coupler.

[0042] The first and second connections may be configured to be effected by biasing the humidification chamber and / or the circuit connector in substantially the same direction, ie, parallel in orientation.

[0043] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a base unit for a humidification system, in which a humidification chamber is configured to be engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet of the humidification chamber, electrical terminals of the circuit connector are configured to electrically connect to electrical terminals associated with the base unit, and the base unit includes one or more guiding portions for orienting the humidification chamber and / or circuit connector relative to the base unit when the humidification chamber and / or circuit connector are engaged with the base unit.

[0044] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a base unit for a humidification system, in which a humidification chamber is configured to be engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet of the humidification chamber, electrical terminals of the circuit connector are configured to electrically connect to electrical terminals associated with the base unit, and the base unit is configured to receive the humidification chamber in a direction substantially the same as or parallel to a direction in which the electronic terminals of the base unit are configured to electrically connect to the electrical terminals of the circuit connector.

[0045] In some configurations, the base unit has an insert block positioned between the electrical terminals of the circuit connector and the electrical terminals associated with the base unit. In some such configurations, the insert block is attached to the base unit. In some such configurations, the base unit includes a removable coupler, and the insert block is attached to the removable coupler. In some such configurations, the insert block has a body, the removable coupler has a hood, and the body of the insert block is sized and configured to be received within the hood of the removable coupler. In some such configurations, the insert block has a downward-facing contact surface. In some such configurations, one or more contact terminals protrude downwardly beyond the downward-facing contact surface.

[0046] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a humidification system comprising the circuit connector of the first or second aspect, and / or the medical tubing of the third aspect, and / or the humidification chamber of the fourth or fifth aspect, and / or the coupler of the sixth aspect, and / or the base unit of the seventh or eighth aspect.

[0047] Electrical and / or fluid and / or structural connections may be made between the various components listed in the ninth embodiment, the details of which are specified with respect to the first to eighth embodiments.

[0048] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a humidification system comprising: a base unit; a humidification chamber configured to be operatively connected to the base unit, the humidification chamber including an outer body defining the chamber, an inlet port including walls defining a passage into the chamber, and an outlet port including walls defining a passage out of the chamber; and a circuit connector configured to connect the outlet port to a gas delivery conduit, wherein connection of the circuit connector to the outlet port is made in substantially the same direction as connection of the humidification chamber to the base unit.

[0049] The circuit connector may include electrical terminals configured to electrically connect the gas delivery conduit and / or the circuit connector to electrical terminals associated with the base unit.

[0050] The electrical terminals of the circuit connector may connect to electrical terminals associated with the base unit in substantially the same orientation as the connection of the circuit connector to the outlet port of the humidification chamber and / or the connection of the humidification chamber to the base unit, which orientation may be substantially horizontal.

[0051] Any one or more of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector, or the coupler provided between the humidification chamber and the base unit may include an orientor that controls the relative orientation of at least one of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector, or the coupler.

[0052] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a humidification system comprising: a base unit; a humidification chamber configured to operatively connect to the base unit, the humidification chamber including an outer body defining the chamber, an inlet port including walls defining a passage into the chamber, and an outlet port including walls defining a passage out of the chamber; and a circuit connector configured to connect the outlet port to a gas delivery conduit, the circuit connector including electrical terminals configured to electrically connect to electrical terminals associated with the base unit; and any one or more of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector or couplers provided between the humidification chamber and the base unit may include an orienter that controls the relative orientation of at least one of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector or the coupler.

[0053] The humidification system may include a pressurized gas source, the pressurized gas source including an outlet, the outlet of the pressurized gas source connected or connectable to an inlet port of the humidification chamber, the humidification chamber defining a flow path between the pressurized gas source and the outlet port.

[0054] The circuit connector may be configured to provide a removable and lockable connection to the outlet port of the humidification chamber.

[0055] The humidification chamber may be removably and lockably engageable with the base unit.

[0056] The circuit connector is preferably not fixedly or lockably attachable to the base unit, and / or the circuit connector is preferably not fixedly or lockably attachable to a coupler located between the circuit connector and the base unit.

[0057] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method of attaching components of a humidification system, the method comprising the steps of slidably engaging a humidification chamber to a base unit in a first direction and slidably engaging a circuit connector to an outlet of the humidification chamber in a second direction, the first and second directions being substantially the same.

[0058] Said step of slidably engaging the circuit connector with the outlet of the humidification chamber may result in or cause an electrical connection of the circuit connector to the base unit and / or a control module associated with the base unit.

[0059] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a method of attaching a component of a humidification system, the method comprising the steps of slidably engaging a circuit connector to an outlet of a humidification chamber in a first direction, and slidably engaging the humidification chamber and the circuit connector to a base unit in a second direction, the first and second directions being substantially the same.

[0060] The step of slidably engaging the humidification chamber and the circuit connector with the base unit may result in or cause an electrical connection of the circuit connector to the base unit and / or a control module associated with the base unit. The first and second directions may be substantially horizontal.

[0061] For purposes of summarizing the advantages achieved over the present disclosure and the prior art, certain objects and advantages have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such objects or advantages need be achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that one or more disclosed configurations may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings, which are illustrative but should not be construed as limiting the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a humidification system. [Figure 2A-2B] 2B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a humidification system, with some features removed in FIG. 2B to show additional detail. [Figure 3] FIG. 2C is a front view of a portion of the humidification system shown in FIG. 2B. [Figure 4] 1A-1C are diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a humidification chamber. [Figures 5A-5F] 10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of humidification chambers. [Figures 6A-6C] 10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of a humidification system including a coupler of or associated with a base unit. [Figure 6D] 6A-6C show the couplers. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a circuit connector connected to a humidification chamber. [Figures 8A-8E]10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of circuit connectors and / or humidification chambers configured to connect with circuit connectors. [Figure 9A-9B] 10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of circuit connectors and / or humidification chambers configured to connect with circuit connectors. [Figures 10A-10K] 10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of circuit connectors and / or humidification chambers configured to connect with circuit connectors. [Figures 11A-11B] 10A-10C are alternative views of exemplary embodiments of circuit connectors and / or humidification chambers configured to connect with circuit connectors. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a humidification system. [Figure 13] 13 is an alternative view of the chamber, cartridge, and connector of the humidification system of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of FIG. 13 showing the insert block. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the cartridge and insert block of FIG. 13. [Figure 17-18] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the insert block of FIG. 13. [Figure 19-22] FIG. 14 is a diagram of the connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 23] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 24] 14 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector similar to the connector of FIG. 13 showing the components of the connector. [Figure 25] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the chamber, cartridge, insert block, and connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an insert block. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the insert block of FIG. 26 showing the exit holes for the wires. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the insert block of FIG. 26. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is a side view of the insert block of FIG. 26. [Figure 30] 27 shows a cross-sectional side view of the insert block of FIG. 26. [Figure 31] 27 is a detailed image of a rotating leaf spring pin used in the insert block of FIG. 26. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an insert block. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the insert block of FIG. 32. [Figure 34] FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the insert block of FIG. 32. [Figure 35] FIG. 33 is a side view of the insert block of FIG. 32. [Figure 36] FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of the insert block of FIG. 32. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-piece insert block, one or more of the pieces may be overmolded. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the insert block of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the insert block of FIG. 38. [Figure 40] FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the insert block. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector. [Figure 42-44] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector showing spaced and sized PCB contact pads. [Figure 45-47] 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector. [Figure 48] 10 shows a portion of another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge. [Figure 49-50] 49 shows a view of the insert block of FIG. 48. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Specific embodiments and examples of humidification systems and / or devices and / or methods are described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited by any specific embodiments described herein.

[0065] Humidification system For a more detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference is first made to Figure 1, which illustrates an exemplary breathing circuit including one or more medical tubing. Such a breathing circuit may be a continuous, variable, or bilevel positive airway pressure (PAP) system, or another form of respiratory therapy.

[0066] Gases may be delivered into the breathing circuit of FIG. 1 as follows. Dry or relatively dry gas passes from a gas source 105 to a humidifier 107, which humidifies the dry gas. The gas source 105 may be, for example, a ventilator or blower. The humidifier 107 connects to an end 109 of the inspiratory tube 103 via a port 111, thereby providing humidified gas to the inspiratory tube 103, which may be configured to deliver respiratory gas to a patient. Gas flows through the inspiratory tube 103 to a Y-piece 113 and then to the patient 101 through a patient interface 115 connected to the Y-piece 113. An expiratory tube 117 also connects to the patient interface 115 via the Y-piece 113 and may be configured to move expiratory gas away from the patient 101. The expiratory tube 117 then returns expiratory gas from the patient 101 to the gas source 105.

[0067] In this example, dry or relatively dry gas enters gas source 105 through vent 119. Fan 121 may enhance the flow of gas into gas source 105 by drawing air or other gas through vent 119. Fan 121 may be, for example, a variable speed fan where electronic controller 123 controls the fan speed. In particular, the function of electronic controller 123 may be controlled by electronic main controller 125 via dial 127 in response to inputs to main controller 125 and predetermined desired values ​​(setpoints) of pressure or fan speed set by the user.

[0068] The humidifier 107 includes a humidification chamber 129 that contains a volume of water 130 or other suitable humidification liquid. The humidification chamber 129 is removable from the humidifier 107 after use to allow the humidification chamber 129 to be more easily sterilized or disposed of. The body of the humidification chamber 129 may be made from a non-conductive glass or plastic material, although the humidification chamber 129 may also include conductive components. For example, the humidification chamber 129 may include a highly thermally conductive substrate (e.g., an aluminum substrate) that contacts or is associated with a heater plate 131 on the humidifier 107.

[0069] The humidifier 107 may also include electronic controls. In this example, the humidifier 107 includes an electronic, analog, or digital main controller 125. The main controller 125 may be a microprocessor-based controller that executes commands from computer software stored in associated memory. Depending on humidity or temperature values ​​provided, for example, via a user interface 133 and other inputs, the main controller 125 determines when (or to what level) to energize the heater plate 131 to heat the water 130 in the humidification chamber 129.

[0070] Any suitable patient interface may be incorporated. Patient interface is a broad term that is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art (i.e., not limited to any special or proprietary meaning), and includes, without limitation, masks (e.g., tracheal masks, face masks, and nasal masks), cannulas, and nasal pillows. A temperature probe 135 may be connected to the inspiratory tubing 103 near the Y-piece 113, or may be connected directly to the Y-piece 113 or patient interface 115. The temperature probe 135 monitors the temperature of the gas stream near or at the patient interface 115. A heating filament (not shown) may be used to regulate the temperature of the patient interface 115, the Y-piece 113, and / or the inspiratory tubing 103 to raise the temperature of the gas stream above the saturation temperature, thereby reducing the likelihood of undesirable condensation.

[0071] 1 , exhaled gases are returned from the patient interface 115 to the gas source 105 via an exhalation tube 117. The exhalation tube 117 may have a temperature probe and / or a heating filament integrated into the exhalation tube 117 to reduce the possibility of condensation, as described above for the inhalation tube 103. Additionally, the exhalation tube 117 may not return the exhaled gases to the gas source 105. Alternatively, the exhaled gases may be passed directly to the surrounding environment or to other auxiliary devices, such as an air scrubber / filter (not shown). In certain embodiments, the exhalation tube 117 is omitted entirely.

[0072] 1 may be readily adapted for other applications involving the delivery of a heated and / or humidified gas flow to a user or patient, including, but not limited to, laparoscopy, ventilation, etc. Such applications may use alternative gases, operating parameters (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, or humidity) and patient interfaces.

[0073] The exemplary embodiments described herein below may be configured to be incorporated into the system of FIG. 1 or a similar system, and further description should be read in conjunction with the present disclosure relating to FIG. 1.

[0074] 2A and 2B show a humidification device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 2B, some parts have been removed to show additional detail. The device includes a circuit connector 2 that pneumatically connects a medical tubing or conduit 3 to an outlet 15 of a humidification chamber 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the outlet 15 may terminate in a substantially horizontal section angled away from the base unit 5 when the humidification chamber 4 is installed on the base unit 5. The conduit 3 may be the inspiratory limb of a patient circuit, i.e., a patient circuit configured to deliver humidified gas to a user, e.g., via a patient interface (not shown). The inlet 8 of the humidification chamber 4 is configured to be fluidly connected to a pressurized gas source. This may be removable from the humidification device 1, but may also be located remotely from or form an integral part of the humidification device 1. For example, the inlet 8 may be pneumatically coupled to a motorized fan in or associated with the base unit 5 that drives gas through the inlet 8.

[0075] The circuit connector 2 further facilitates electrical connection to the base unit 5 via the coupler 6. The coupler 6 may be integrally formed with the base unit 5 or may be a separate, replaceable module or cartridge. The ability to change modules may advantageously be used to allow for the use of different forms of humidification chambers and / or circuit connectors. Additionally or alternatively, modules may be varied to modify the operation of the humidification device 1 by including control circuitry. The conduit 3 may include one or more resistive heating wires that provide heating of gas flowing through the conduit and / or sensor wires that electrically or otherwise facilitate communication of signals related to one or more parameters of the system. Thus, the term “electrical connection” is used to distinguish it from “pneumatic connection” and should not be construed as limiting. For example, optical signals may be conveyed via optical fiber. As a result, the circuit connector 2 may more generally communicatively and / or electrically connect the conduit 3 (and any associated peripheral devices, such as sensors) to the base unit 5, e.g., via the coupler 6.

[0076] The circuit connector 2 may include at least one button or switch 10 that can be manually depressed to enable the circuit connector 2 (and therefore also the conduit 3) to be removed from the humidification chamber 4. As will become apparent herein, the circuit connector 2 and the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4 may become lockably engaged for connection therebetween, with the at least one button or switch 10 being used to enable the circuit connector 2 to later be disengaged from the humidification chamber 4. Any suitable connection may be used.

[0077] The base unit 5 further includes a panel 9 that may be used to mount a user display and / or controls. For example, various dials, switches, and other input means may be used to control the operation of the device. Additionally or alternatively, a touchscreen display may be used. The user display may display system parameters, such as alerting to any errors or malfunctions or prompting for input if user action is required. If a touchscreen display is used, the same display may be used, at least in part, to present information to and receive input from the user.

[0078] 3, the base unit 5 includes a heater plate 11 that is controllably powered to heat the contents of the humidification chamber 4. To achieve more rapid heating, the humidification chamber 4 may include a base plate 19 made from a highly thermally conductive material. Additionally, to ensure a good connection between the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4 and the heater plate 11, the two surfaces may be biased towards each other. For example, according to one embodiment, a lip 12 extends outward from or near the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4 and is received under a protruding rim 13 of the base unit 5 when the humidification chamber 4 is slid onto the base unit 5. The heater plate 11 may be spring-mounted such that the heater plate 11 is biased upward into the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4, with the lip 12 acting against the protruding rim 13.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 2A , the base unit 5 further includes a spring-loaded latch bar 14. To engage the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5, the latch bar 14 is first depressed so that the lip 12 can be received under the protruding rim 13. This may conveniently be accomplished by positioning the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4 on the latch bar 14 and pushing the humidification chamber 4 downward and then toward the rear of the base unit 5. Once the humidification chamber 4 is fully engaged with the base unit 5, the latch bar 14 may be lifted and act as a mechanical stop to prevent unintentional removal of the humidification chamber 4 from the base unit 5. To disengage the humidification chamber 4 from the base unit 5, the latch bar 14 must first be depressed, and then the humidification chamber 4 must be pulled away from the base unit 5 by sliding the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4 over the surface of the heater plate 11 and then over the latch bar 14. As shown, the humidification chamber 4 may include a gripping portion 16 that makes it easier for a user to grip the humidification chamber 4 when the humidification chamber 4 is pulled away from the base unit 5 .

[0080] 4 , the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4, at least at the end of the outlet 15 distal from the humidification chamber 4, may be oriented to be substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the humidification chamber 4 as it slides onto or off the base unit 5. Configuring the device in this manner allows the circuit connector 2, humidification chamber 4, and base unit 5 to be assembled either by engaging the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5 and then attaching the circuit connector 2 to the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4, or by attaching the circuit connector 2 to the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4 and then engaging the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5. The latter assembly option is even easier to follow because the circuit connector 2 and outlet 15 are configured to be lockably engaged, which prevents the circuit connector 2 from separating from the outlet 15 while the humidification chamber 4 is slid onto the base unit 5. Additionally, as with the latter assembly option, the conduit 3 and humidification chamber 4 may be pre-assembled for delivery, thereby removing one step from the assembly process. Regardless of the order of assembly, electrical or other connections between the conduits 3 and / or circuit connectors 2 and the coupler 6 and / or base unit 5 may be made when the circuit connectors 2 mate with the coupler 6 .

[0081] Similarly, disassembly may be performed in a different order. More particularly, the circuit connector 2 may be first removed from the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4, followed by removal of the humidification chamber 4 from the base unit 5. Alternatively, the humidification chamber 4 may be removed from the base unit 5 while the circuit connector 2 is still attached to the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4. The latter option may advantageously help to reduce the possibility of fluid leakage during disassembly and disposal of the consumable from the base unit 5.

[0082] Guidance Features To facilitate engagement of the circuit connector 2, humidification chamber 4, and base unit 5 onto the assembly, various guides may be provided to control their orientation and / or position relative to one another. More particularly, to enable the humidification chamber 4 to be slid into engagement with the base unit 5 and coupler 6, various orientation features may be provided on the humidification chamber 4 and / or coupler 6 so that the component parts are quickly and easily aligned, particularly when the circuit connector 2 is attached to the outlet 15. For example, the humidification chamber 4 may be fully engaged with the base unit 5 such that the circuit connector 2 is also engaged with the coupler 6. As disclosed herein below, the circuit connector 2 and / or coupler 6 may additionally or alternatively include orientation features to help ensure that the circuit connector 2 is connected to the humidification chamber 4 with the circuit connector 2 properly oriented to enable easy coupling of the circuit connector 2 and humidification chamber 4 to the base unit 5 and coupler 6.

[0083] Figures 5A-5F show various alternative views of exemplary embodiments of humidification chamber 4. Figures 6A-6C show alternative views of coupler 6. As shown in Figures 5A-5F, humidification chamber 4 can include nose portion 201 and guide vanes 202. These features are configured to engage with contoured recesses 301 and slots 302, respectively, in coupler 6 (see Figures 6A-6C).

[0084] Further disclosure refers to a coordinate system in which the Z axis extends perpendicularly from the heater plate 11, the Y axis is aligned with the direction of engagement of the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5, and the X axis is perpendicular to both the Z and Y axes. Additionally, the width of the nose portion 201 is defined along the X axis, the length of the nose portion 201 is defined along the Y axis, and the height of the nose portion 201 is defined along the Z axis.

[0085] In one embodiment, the width of the nose portion 201 is narrower at a first end than at a second end of the nose portion 201, and the first end of the nose portion 201 is configured to be received first within the recess 301. This provides some tolerance for the position of the nose portion 201 along the X-axis (and also rotated about the Z-axis) of the humidification chamber 4 to ensure that the nose portion 201 is initially received within the recess 301. Furthermore, the wider second end of the nose portion 201 may act to refine the position of the nose portion 201 (and therefore also the humidification chamber 4) along the X-axis (and rotated about the Z-axis) in that the spacing or tolerance between the nose portion 201 and the recess 301 is reduced, thereby reducing the degree of relative movement.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 301 is configured such that the sloped sidewalls of the nose portion 201 abut corresponding, similarly sloped sidewalls of the recess 301. By configuring the sidewalls of the nose portion 201 and the recess 301 in this manner, the position of the humidification chamber 4 is controlled not only along the X axis but also for rotation about the Y and / or Z axes, because movement of the nose portion 201 along the X axis is substantially constrained at least two locations along the length of the nose portion 201 and also along the height of the nose portion 201.

[0087] However, it is possible to achieve some of these benefits when the side walls of nose portion 201 do not abut the side walls of recess 301. For example, if nose portion 201 is configured as shown, but the side walls of recess 301 are substantially parallel along their length and spaced apart a distance greater than the maximum width of nose portion 201 at its second end, the configuration still aids initial insertion of nose portion 201 into recess 301 and may allow some rotational movement about the Z axis, but at least significantly limits movement of nose portion 201 along the X axis at its second end. Similar results are achieved when the side walls of nose portion 201 are substantially parallel and recess 301 narrows along its length along the Y axis from its opening to a width at least as large as the width of nose portion 201.

[0088] The nose piece 201 in combination with the recess 301 may additionally or alternatively provide tolerance along at least the Z axis for the initial placement of the humidification chamber 4. Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, the nose piece 201 and the recess 301 may cooperate to refine the position of the humidification chamber 4 along the Z axis and / or with respect to rotation about the X and / or Y axes.

[0089] This tolerance is provided in a similar manner to the tolerance in the X direction. As shown, for example in Figure 5C, the height of nose portion 201 is less at the first end than at the second end, the height being measured from base plate 19. As shown in Figure 6B, recess 301 is similarly contoured to provide for easy initial insertion, followed by refinement of position along the Z axis upon subsequent insertion of humidification chamber 4 into full engagement with base unit 5. Similar to the discussion regarding widthwise tolerances along the X-axis, the substantially downward-facing opposite wall of the lower side of recess 301 may not abut the upward-facing upper side of nose portion 201 along its length. For example, one side or the other may be oriented substantially parallel to heater plate 11, with drawbacks similar to those discussed above. More specifically, while initial insertion may be facilitated, the degree of precision of the position of humidification chamber 4 along the Z-axis may be reduced, and there may be less control to ensure that base plate 19 is parallel to heater plate 11.

[0090] In some embodiments, the engagement of the guide vanes 202 with the slots 302 provides sufficient travel constraint to reduce the need for alignment and engagement between the base plate 19 and heater plate 11 via the protruding rim 13. In some configurations, the base unit 5 may not include the protruding rim 13. In some embodiments, the nose piece 201 may be provided without the guide vanes 202. However, the use of guide vanes 202 is preferred, at least in embodiments in which the heater plate 11 is spring-mounted, to increase control over the positioning of the humidification chamber 4 along at least the Z axis and / or to ensure that the heater plate 11 is substantially parallel to the base plate 19. Conversely, while the guide vanes 202 may be provided without the nose piece 201, such a configuration is less preferred because the nose piece 201 can more easily assist in the initial positioning of the humidification chamber 4 and can also make initial coarse adjustments to refine the position, with the guide vanes 202 then being used to further refine the position of the humidification chamber 4 along the Z axis and potentially control its orientation about at least the X and Y axes. If the nose portion 201 is omitted, the guide vanes 202 may, for example, be attached to a substantially rigid fixture that extends vertically from the humidification chamber 4, with the guide vanes 202 extending laterally therefrom. The substantially rigid fixture may be substantially planar and have a generally T-shaped cross-section. However, to increase strength and rigidity, the fixture may include a larger element having a thickness, although this thickness generally does not allow the fixture to come into direct contact with the coupler 6.

[0091] For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the guide vanes 202 do not extend all the way to the first end of the nose portion 201. Instead, they are spaced from the first end of the nose portion 201, thereby allowing initial engagement between the nose portion 201 and the recess 301 without engagement of the guide vanes 202 with the slot 302, which occurs only upon subsequent engagement of the humidification chamber 4 and the base unit 5 after the relative positions between the two have been refined.

[0092] As will become apparent, alternative guide means may be substituted. For example, the nose portion 201 may be in the form of a contoured recess such that a contoured recess in the humidification chamber 4 receives a nose portion or protrusion on the coupler 6, or vice versa. Similarly, the guide vanes 202 may be replaced by grooves that receive vanes or other protrusions on the coupler 6. Other arrangements that perform the same function may also be used.

[0093] As is also apparent from FIG. 7 and more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10D, and 10E, circuit connector 2 may include a cutout 403 configured to accommodate a substantially vertical portion of outlet 15. Again, this helps ensure that circuit connector 2 is properly oriented when inserted into the end of outlet 15, since full insertion is only possible with proper alignment. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a stronger bond and enables the electrical connection described below. Again, at least an initial portion of cutout 403 may be angled or curved so that the first portion of cutout 403 that receives the vertical portion of outlet 15 is wider than outlet 15, providing some tolerance for the required initial alignment. However, if outlet 15 is generally circular in cross section, this may not be required, as some tolerance is inherently provided by the circular shape of outlet 15.

[0094] 8A and 8C, the circuit connector 2 may additionally or alternatively include an angled cutout 408 that receives a similarly angled protrusion 409 on the outlet 15. Again, this serves to establish and fix the orientation of the circuit connector 2 and the outlet 15 relative to one another.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, guiding means may be incorporated into the heater plate 11 and / or the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4. For example, ridges on the heater plate 11 may be configured to be received within grooves in the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4, or vice versa.

[0096] Circuit Connector A first embodiment of circuit connector 2 is shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 6C, and 7. A first end of circuit connector 2 (see Figure 2B) is configured to receive and pneumatically seal the end of a breathing tube or conduit 501 (see Figure 6C).

[0097] The circuit connector 2 may include a body 502 and an extension portion 504. When assembled, the interior of the body 502 defines a channel connecting the conduit 501 to the horizontal portion of the outlet 15 to provide a continuous flow path. A seal (e.g., an O-ring, double O-ring, or lip seal) may be provided between the contact surfaces between the interior of the body 502 and the exterior of the outlet 15 to prevent leakage of the gas being delivered.

[0098] Coupler 6 is shown including a shroud 505 that receives and covers extension 504 . This may help reduce or eliminate the possibility of liquid coming into contact with the electrical components of the circuit connector 2 in the event of a leak, and also serves to strengthen and stiffen the connection. Additionally, the shroud 505 may assist in engaging the circuit connector 2 with the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4 and / or with the base unit 5. More particularly, the shroud 505 provides a visual indication of where the circuit connector 2 should be positioned. Additionally, the shroud 505 may provide some physical control over the position of the circuit connector 2. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at least the extension portion 504 of the circuit connector 2 is received against a portion of the wall of the shroud 505 that faces the heater plate 11. This may be particularly likely if the heater plate 11 is spring-loaded to bias the heater plate 11 toward the shroud 505. Thus, at least the height (i.e., along the Z-axis) of the circuit connector 2 may be controlled. The shroud 505 has curved opposing walls that aid in positioning the circuit connector 2 along the X-axis as the circuit connector 2 is biased toward the center of the arc formed by the shroud 505. The physical positioning capabilities of the shroud 505 are even further enhanced by having the shroud 505 define walls that at least partially surround the circuit connector 2 to control the actual position of the circuit connector 2 as well as an upper limit to its position.

[0099] 8A-8C illustrate an embodiment of a lockable but releasable coupling between the circuit connector 2 and the outlet 15. The circuit connector 2 includes a button 10 that can be manually actuated, for example, by a thumb or finger, to enable removal of the circuit connector 2 from the outlet 15. The button 10 is made from a resiliently elastic material and has a portion configured to be received within a recess 601 formed in the outer wall of the outlet 15. Depression of the button 10 disengages the engagement portion of the button 10 from the recess 601. FIGS. 8D and 8E illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the button 10 is made from a substantially rigid material but may be spring-mounted. Depression of the button 10 acts against a spring to disengage the engagement portion 602 of the button 10 from the recess in the outer wall of the outlet 15.

[0100] 9A and 9B illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the button 10 or at least the engagement portion 602 thereof is elastically stretchable, whereby at least a portion of the button 10 deforms to disengage the engagement portion 602 from the recess 601 of the outlet 15.

[0101] 10A-10H illustrate an alternative embodiment of circuit connector 2. In FIGS. 10F-10H, portions of circuit connector 2 have been removed to show further detail. According to this embodiment, button 10 is positioned on the side of circuit connector 2 because this may be conveniently located at a natural contact point for a user when attempting to separate circuit connector 2 from outlet 15. Button 10 is integral with or operably coupled to elastically deformable ring 701. Depressing button 10 disengages ring 701 from a recess formed in at least one of the upper and lower outer surfaces of outlet 15, allowing circuit connector 2 to be removed. 10A-10H also show cavities 702 for accommodating electrical or other connections. As an alternative to recesses, protrusions 705 may be used in the outlet 15, as shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 10I. This is true for this and other embodiments disclosed herein. In some such embodiments, when the circuit connector 2 is coupled to the outlet 15, the top of the ring 701 is behind the protrusions 705 (or closer to the base unit 5 than the protrusions 705). To disengage the circuit connector 2 from the outlet 15, the button 10 is pressed to deform the ring 701 so that the top of the ring 701 rises above the level of the protrusions 705 and the circuit connector 2 can then be removed from the outlet 15. A further embodiment in which the electrical terminal is in the form of an edge card 901 is shown in FIGS. 10J and 10K. Also shown is a groove 902 configured to receive a seal, such as an O-ring.

[0102] Electrical Connections Exemplary electrical connections 801 are shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The electrical connections may be provided on the extension portion 504 of the circuit connector 2 such that they extend beyond the pneumatic connections and electrically and / or communicatively couple to a cooperating connector 802 on the coupler 6, as shown in Figure 6D. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the electrical and other connections may be made by blade connections that are received in respective recesses in the coupler 6 that house contacts for connection thereto. While other connectors, such as pins, may alternatively be used, blade connections are advantageous in providing some tolerance in the precise relative positioning of the blades in the recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, some perpendicular tolerance is provided.

[0103] According to an alternative embodiment, the electrical contacts include one or more pogo pin or spring pin contacts, including spring loaded pins housed in passages that allow the degree to which they protrude from the housing to be varied, thereby providing tolerance in the relative position along the axis of the pins of the circuit connector 2 and coupler 6. Additionally, the ability for the pins to be depressed may result in insertion of the pins into apertures that more easily accommodate a cooperating or mating connector.

[0104] According to another alternative embodiment, the electrical connection comprises an edge card connector, i.e., a card edge connector, a first part of the connector having one or more conductive tracks provided on the printed circuit board and configured to contact one or more pins of a second part of the connector.

[0105] Alternative Embodiments 11A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the circuit connector 2 engaged with the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4. In this embodiment, the circuit connector 2 has a male fitting such that at least a portion of the circuit connector 2 is received inside the outlet 15. An O-ring 1005 or other seal is used to seal between the male portion and the inner wall of the outlet 15.

[0106] Figure 11B shows a view similar to that of Figure 11A, but modified so that the outlet 15 is configured as a male portion that mates with the inner wall of the inlet of the circuit connector 2. Again, an O-ring 1005 or other seal may be used to reduce or eliminate the possibility of leakage.

[0107] 12, a humidification system 2000 is shown. The humidification system 2000 may be of any suitable configuration. The humidification system 2000 may be used with other components to provide heated and / or humidified gas for continuous, variable, or bilevel positive airway pressure (PAP) or any other type of respiratory therapy. It may also be used with devices for surgical applications, such as laparoscopic surgery.

[0108] The illustrated humidification system 2000 includes a base 2002 that receives a humidification chamber 2004. A supply conduit 2006 and a delivery conduit 2008 may be connected to the humidification chamber 2004. The supply conduit 2006 may deliver a gas stream to be humidified to the humidification chamber 2004. The delivery conduit 2008 may deliver the gas stream to a user or patient after the gas stream has been humidified in the chamber 2004.

[0109] In some configurations, the base 2002 includes an electrical connection to one or both of the supply conduit 2006 and the delivery conduit 2008 (e.g., the inspiratory limb). In the configuration shown, the base 2002 includes a cartridge or coupler 2010. The cartridge or coupler 2010 may be integrally formed with the base 2002 or may be a separate, replaceable module or cartridge. One or both of the conduits 2006, 2008 may include one or more wires. The wires may include one or more resistive heating wires that cause heating of the conduit walls and / or gas flow. The wires may include one or more sensor wires that facilitate transmitting signals regarding one or more parameters of the system 2000. Thus, the term "electrical connection" is used in its broadest sense and should include, but is not limited to, optical signals, for example, via fiber optics, etc.

[0110] The illustrated delivery conduit 2008 includes a connector 2012. The connector 2012 facilitates an electrical connection between the conduit 2008 and the cartridge 2010. The connector 2012 also facilitates a pneumatic connection between the conduit 2008 and the chamber 2004. Thus, the connector 2012 facilitates both an electrical connection between the base 2002 and the conduit 2008 (through the cartridge 2010) and a pneumatic connection between the chamber 2004 and the conduit 2008.

[0111] Connector 2012 in the illustrated configuration is constructed to connect in a horizontal direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of chamber 2004 into or onto base 2002). Connector 2012 is constructed to connect electrically to cartridge 2010 in a horizontal direction. Connector 2012 is constructed to connect pneumatically to chamber 2004 in a horizontal direction. Connector 2012 is constructed to connect in the same horizontal direction to both cartridge 2010 and chamber 2004.

[0112] Cartridge or Coupler The connections between the cartridge or coupler 2010, the chamber 2004, and the connector 2012 are better shown in Figures 13-16. As shown, the cartridge 2010 can include a hood portion 2020 that covers the electrical connectors of the cartridge 2010 (e.g., electrical joint 2034 shown in Figure 16). The hood portion 2020 can extend generally horizontally forward of the base 2002.

[0113] The hood portion 2020 may include a recess 2022 along a vertically extending portion thereof. The recess 2022 is sized, positioned, and configured to receive a portion of the connector 2012, including a release button 2024. In the configuration shown, at least a portion of the hood 2020 extends further from the base 2002 along the top of the connector 2012 (when connected to the cartridge 2010) relative to the location of the release button 2024 on the connector 2012. Other configurations are possible.

[0114] Insert Block 14 , in the illustrated configuration, the insert block 2030 can facilitate an electrical connection between the connector 2012 and the cartridge 2010. In some configurations, water droplets or other moisture may be present in the connector 2012. The insert block 2030 helps to insulate the cartridge 2010 from the water or other moisture while facilitating the desired electrical connection between the connector 2012 and the cartridge 2010.

[0115] The insert block 2030 may be attached to the connector 2012 or to the cartridge 2010. In some configurations, the insert block 2030 is not attached to either the connector 2012 or the cartridge 2010. In the configuration shown, the insert block 2030 is attached to the cartridge 2010. By attaching the insert block 2030 to the cartridge 2010, the likelihood of the insert block 2030 becoming misplaced during replacement of the conduit 2008, etc. Not attaching the insert block 2030 to the connector 2012 simplifies replacement of the conduit 2008 and creates less waste compared to an insert block 2030 that would be discarded along with the conduit 2008 after each use.

[0116] 17-18, insert block 2030 has a first electrical contact 2032 and a second electrical contact 2034. First electrical contact 2032 is sized, positioned, and configured to mate with an electrical connector of cartridge 2010. The second electrical joint 2034 is sized, positioned, and configured to engage with an electrical contact 2036 (see FIG. 14 ) of the connector 2012. The first electrical joint 2032 and the second electrical joint 2034 may be coupled in any suitable manner. Advantageously, the insert block 2030 converts the generally horizontal connection between the first electrical joint 2032 and the electrical connector of the cartridge 2010 to a generally vertical connection between the second electrical joint 2034 and the electrical contact 2036 of the connector 2012.

[0117] The insert block 2030 includes a body 2040. The body 2040 is sized and configured to be received within the hood 2020. In some configurations, the body 2040 is sized and configured to be retained within the hood 2020. In some configurations, the hood 2020 includes one or more alignment features 2042. In the configuration shown, the alignment features 2042 of the hood 2020 include rails 2042. The rails 2042 may have any suitable configuration. In the configuration shown, two rails 2042 are aligned with each other on diametrically opposite sides of the hood 2020. Further, as shown in FIG. 15 , the illustrated cartridge 2010 also includes a flange 2044. The flange 2044 may be integrally formed with the rails 2042 or may be a separate feature from the rails 2042. The flange 2044 extends generally horizontally and projects forward from the rear wall of the cavity that receives the connector 2012. The flange 2044 is obscured by the hood 2020. In some configurations, the flange 2044 has a stepped configuration with a thinner distal end than a proximal end, the proximal end being closer to the rear wall of the cavity than the distal end.

[0118] The body 2040 includes a mounting boss 2046. A recess 2048 may be defined between the mounting boss 2046 and another portion of the body 2040 that extends to the first electrical joint 2032. The recess 2048 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the flange 2044. Notably, the engagement portion 2050 of the body 2040 may be spaced from the mounting boss 2044 by the recess 2048. Other configurations are possible.

[0119] The mounting boss 2044 may include a channel 2052. The channel 2052 may be sized, positioned, and configured to receive the rail 2042. The channel 2052 may be shorter in length than the rail 2042 such that a substantial portion of the rail 2042 is exposed beyond the mounting boss 2044 when the insert block 2030 is secured within the hood 2020.

[0120] The engagement portion 2050 of the body 2040 may include one or more retention elements 2054. In the configuration shown, the one or more retention elements 2054 may each include a deflectable tab. At least one deflectable tab 2054 may be positioned on each opposite side of the body 2040. In the configuration shown, the body 2040 has a deflectable tab 2054 disposed on each side of the body 2040.

[0121] The tab 2054 may include a capture element 2056. The capture element 2056 may extend laterally away from the body 2040. In some configurations, the capture element 2056 may extend generally perpendicularly from a recess that separates at least a portion of the deflectable tab 2054 from the body 2040. In some configurations, the proximal end of the deflectable tab 2054, including the capture element 2056, may be shaped to facilitate deflection of the tab 2054 inward toward the body 2040 during insertion of the insert block 2030 into the hood 2020. For example, the proximal surface of the capture element 2056 may be tapered when viewed from above.

[0122] The body 2040 includes a tip 2060. Near the tip 2060, the top surface of the body 2040 may be shaped to match the inner surface of the hood 2020. In the configuration shown, both are curved.

[0123] Tip 2060 of body 2040 may be recessed within hood 2020. As shown in FIG. 15 , tip 2060 may be shaped and configured to complement the adjacent end of connector 2012. For example, in the configuration shown, tip 2060 of body 2040 may be slightly tapered.

[0124] A contact surface 2062 may be positioned between the tip 2060 and the mounting boss 2046 . In the illustrated configuration, the contact surface 2062 faces downward. In some configurations, the contact surface 2062 is substantially planar.

[0125] The contact surface includes one or more openings through which the contact terminals 2064 may extend. The contact terminals 2064 may define at least a portion of the second electrical junctions 2034. The contact terminals 2064 may have any suitable configuration.

[0126] In some configurations, contact terminals 2064 are spring loaded terminals configured to minimize or reduce the surface onto which water can adhere. In some configurations, contact terminals 2064 are spring loaded terminals configured to minimize or reduce the surface onto which a cloth can adhere during wiping or dusting. In a relaxed state, contact terminals 2064 advantageously protrude downwardly beyond contact surface 2062. When compressed, contact terminals 2064 can be at least partially biased into body 2040.

[0127] 17 , in some configurations, the body 2040 may include a surrounding groove 2066. The groove 2066 may be positioned rearward of a post 2068 connecting the mounting boss 2046 to the engagement portion 2050. In some configurations, the groove 2066 may receive a sealing component 2070. In some such configurations, the sealing component 2070 may be a seal, an O-ring, or the like. In some configurations, neither the groove 2066 nor the sealing component 2070 is present.

[0128] 15 , the insert block 2030 may be inserted into the hook 2020. During insertion, the rail 2042 is positioned within the channel 2052. The insert block 2030 is slid proximally until the flange 2044 is received within the recess 2048. If present, the sealing component 2070 may be compressed between the engagement portion 2050 and the surrounding portion of the cartridge 2010. During insertion, a feature on the inner surface of the hood 2020 may bias the tab 2054 inwardly toward the body 2040 until the capture element 2056 is near the proximal end of the feature on the inner surface, where the capture element 2056 is positioned near the feature on the inner surface and the tab 2054 may return to a relaxed state. Any suitable configuration for securing the insert block 2030 within the hood 202 may be used. When inserted into the appropriate position and secured therein, the first electrical contact 2032 (e.g., receptacle) may make electrical contact with a corresponding element (e.g., pin) of the electrical connector of the cartridge 2010. Once the insert block 2030 is installed, the second electrical contact 2034 (e.g., terminal 2064) may be easily accessed for drying, wiping, dusting, etc. Additionally, due to the configuration of the terminal 2064, coatings applied to the terminal 2064, water, and other liquids are unlikely to remain on or adhere to the terminal 2064.

[0129] connector 19-24, the connector 2012 will be described in further detail. The connector 2012 may be secured to the end of the conduit 2008 in any suitable manner.

[0130] 24, the connector 2012 generally includes an internal plug 2100. The conduit 2008 may be threaded onto the illustrated internal plug 2100 and secured thereto using an overmolding or any other suitable technique. In some configurations, a seal 2102 may be positioned on the outer surface of the internal plug 2100. The seal 2102 may be used to help form a pneumatic seal with the inner surface of the port of the chamber 2004.

[0131] The internal plug 2100 also carries a printed circuit board 2104. The printed circuit board 2104 may include contact pads 2106. The contact pads 2106 may have any suitable configuration. The contact pads 2106 are sized, positioned, and configured to contact the terminals 2064 of the second electrical joints 2034 of the insert block 2030. In the configuration shown, there are six contact pads 2106 that are equally spaced from one another. The contact pads 2106 may be spaced apart to reduce the possibility of shorts due to the presence of water droplets.

[0132] 42-44, exemplary embodiments of connector 2012 can have contact pads 2106 that are sized, positioned, and spaced apart according to various designs. FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector 2012, showing uniformly sized and spaced contact pads 2106, where the contact pads 2106 are positioned in the following order: heater pad, identification pad, sensor pad, sensor pad, identification pad, heater pad (which may be designated HISSIH), each adapted to connect to a corresponding wire. FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector 2012, showing contact pads 2106 that are also uniformly spaced apart in the HISSIH order, but with relatively longer heater pads that may help ensure that the heater wire connections are made before and broken after the identification and sensor wire connections. FIG. 44 shows an exemplary embodiment of a conduit connector 2012 in which the contact pads 2106 also have relatively long heater pads, but with the pads unevenly spaced from top to bottom in an SSIIHH order (which increases the space between the sensor pads and the heater pads). In one embodiment, the first sensor pad (shown at the top in FIG. 44) is adapted for connection to the positive sensor wire and the second sensor pad is adapted for connection to the negative sensor wire, which helps to maximize the space between the positive sensor pad and the heater pad. Also, referring to FIG. 45, an embodiment of the connector 2012 has contact pads 2106 in an SSIIHH order from top to bottom with relatively long heater pads and gaps between the heater pads and the other pads, again helping to maximize the space between the heater pads and the sensor pads.

[0133] Figure 48 shows a portion of an alternative embodiment of the cartridge 2010, showing an insert block 2030 with electrical junctions or contacts 2034 below the hood portion 2020. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts 2034 have spacing corresponding to the spacing of the contact pads 2106 of Figure 47, and in particular, a gap between the contacts corresponding to the heater pads and the contacts corresponding to the identification and sensor pads. Figures 49 and 50 provide additional views of the alternative embodiment of the insert block 2030 shown in Figure 48.

[0134] 19-24, the inner plug 2100 may be retained within a cavity defined within the front cover 2110 and the rear cover 2112. The front cover 2110 and the rear cover 2112 may be coupled to one another or to the inner plug 2100 to generally enclose the inner plug 2100 within the covers 2110, 2112. In the configuration shown, the rear cover 2112 clips onto a portion of the inner plug 2100 and onto the front cover 2110, and the front cover 2110 also clips onto a portion of the inner plug 2100.

[0135] In some configurations, the seam between the front cover 2110 and the rear cover 2112 is concealed by having at least a portion of one of the front cover 2110 and the rear cover 2112 cover a corresponding portion of the other of the two covers 2110, 2112. In the configuration shown, the front cover 2110 includes a recess 2114 over which a lip 2116 of the rear cover 2112 slides. Thus, the lip 2116 conceals the seam between the two covers 2110, 2112, and the abutting relationship between the two covers 2110, 2112 reduces the likelihood of water penetrating the connector 2012.

[0136] In the configuration shown, a locking ring 2118 may be secured between the front cover 2110 and the inner plug 2100. The locking ring 2118 includes a release button 2024. The release button 2024 protrudes through an opening 2120 in the front cover 2110 and / or the back cover 2112. The locking ring 2118 is configured to latch to the port of the chamber 2004, and the locking ring 2118 can be biased by squeezing the release buttons 2024 toward each other, thereby allowing the locking ring 2118 (and thus the connector 2012) to be removed from the port of the chamber 2004.

[0137] Referring again to Figures 19-22, the illustrated front cover 2110 has a slightly different configuration than that shown in Figure 24. As shown in Figures 19-22, the distal end 2120 of the front cover 2110 may have a sloped surface 2122. The sloped surface 2122 may originate from the top of the front cover 2110, extending distally from the bottom of the front cover 2110. In some configurations, the sloped surface 2122 is generally planar. In some configurations, the sloped surface 2122 may be curved. Other configurations are possible.

[0138] 19, 21, and 23, the printed circuit board 2104 may be supported by the front cover 2110. In the illustrated configuration, the front cover 2110 includes a support area 2125 that may be generally surrounded by an outer surface 2124. The support area 2125 may form the base of the printed circuit board 2104. The support area 2125 may provide support to the printed circuit board 2104 to reduce the possibility of bending or deflection of the printed circuit board 2104 during connection and use of the connector 2012. In the illustrated configuration (see FIG. 23), the support area may include one or more ribs or the like. In the illustrated configuration, the support area includes a ledge formed around a rim that generally surrounds the printed circuit board 2104. The illustrated ledge is recessed such that the printed circuit board 2104 is recessed or flush with the surrounding portion of the front cover 2110. One or more ribs may extend under a more central portion of the printed circuit board 2104 and may define support for at least the central portion of the printed circuit board 2104. Any number of ribs may be used. In some configurations, other forms of support (bosses, flats, etc.) may be used. In some configurations, no central support is used.

[0139] 22 , the front cover 2110 also includes at least one channel 2126. In the illustrated configuration, the front cover 2110 includes two channels 2126. The illustrated channels 2126 are generally diametrically opposed. The channels 2126 align with and receive rails 2042 of the hood 2020. Thus, the channels 2126 can help align the connector 2012 during mating with the cartridge 2010. The channels 2126 and rails 2042 also help resist vertical movement (e.g., up and down), twisting (e.g., rotation about the axis of the lumen), and yaw (e.g., rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the lumen) of the connector 2012 relative to the cartridge 2010 when the two are mated together.

[0140] Referring again to FIG. 21 , the front cover 2110 includes an elongated recess 2128. The elongated recess 2128 extends over at least the upper portion of the front cover 2110. In the configuration shown, the elongated recess 2128 has a lateral extent at least as great as the width of the printed circuit board 2104 (see FIG. 20 ). The elongated recess 2128 serves to divert liquid that may leak onto the connector 2012 away from the printed circuit board 2104. The elongated recess 2128 is thus proximal to the printed circuit board 2104 and may be recessed into the front cover 2110 such that at least an edge is defined between the elongated recess 2128 and the printed circuit board 2104. Other configurations are possible.

[0141] 21 , the internal plug 2100 defines a lumen 2130. The lumen 2130 is in fluid communication with the conduit 2008. The lumen 2130 has a tip 2132. The tip 2132 has a non-normal configuration. In other words, the tip 2132 is not simply squared off from the axis of the lumen 2130. In some configurations, the tip 2132 is configured to complement the interior shape of the port of the humidification chamber 2004 into which it is inserted. In some configurations, the tip 2132 of the lumen 2130 is angled and extends as far into the port as possible to enhance the ability of condensate to drain back into the humidification chamber 2004. This is most clearly shown in FIG. 15 .

[0142] The distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 has a sloped configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 slopes at a different angle relative to the sloped surface 2122 of the front cover 2110. The top of the lumen 2130 projects further distally relative to the bottom of the lumen 2130. Additionally, the top of the lumen 2130 projects forward of the forward-most portion of the sloped surface 2122 of the front cover 2110. The top of the lumen 2130 projects further distally than any portion of the front cover 2110. In some configurations, the front cover 2110 projects distally from the bottom of the lumen 2130, but the top of the lumen 2130 projects further distally than the top of the front cover 2110.

[0143] In some configurations, a recess angle R may be defined. The recess angle R may be the angle, as viewed from the side, between the top of the front cover 2110 and the top of the lumen 2130. The recess angle R may be 18 degrees in some configurations. It is believed that when the recess angle R is greater than 18 degrees, and the connector 2012 is upside down (i.e., the printed circuit board 2104 is horizontal and the contact pads 2106 are facing the floor), the likelihood of condensation dripping onto the printed circuit board 2104 when draining from the conduit 2008 is significantly reduced or eliminated.

[0144] 45 and 46, in an alternative embodiment of the connector 2012, the outer support surface 2124 may be flared outward, i.e., wider at the tip 2120 than at the elongated recess 2128. This flaring helps ensure proper vertical alignment of the channel 2126 with the rail 2042 during insertion of the connector 2012 under the hood 2020.

[0145] 25 , the chamber 2004 includes a port 2138. The port 2138 terminates in an opening 2140. As shown, the distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 is sufficiently within the port 2138 when the printed circuit board 2104 approaches contact with the terminals 2064 of the insert block 2030. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, during separation of the connector 2012 from the cartridge 2010 and port 2138, the electrical connection between the printed circuit board 2104 and the insert block 2030 is broken before the pneumatic connection between the lumen 2130 and the port 2138 is broken. In other words, the electrical connection is broken before the pneumatic connection. Similarly, upon mating of the connector 2012 with the cartridge 2010 and port 2138, the pneumatic connection is established before the electrical connection. More specifically, the bore 2130 and the port 2138 mate before the terminal 2064 contacts the pad 2106 of the printed circuit board 2104 .

[0146] Although specific embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses, as well as to modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the claims or embodiments appended hereto are not limited by any of the specific embodiments described herein. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable order and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed order. Various operations may be described as multiple separate operations, one after the other, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding a particular embodiment; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order-dependent. In addition, some structures described herein may be realized as both integrated and separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. It is not necessary that all such aspects or advantages be achieved by every particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be implemented in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages that may also be taught or suggested herein.

[0147] It must be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein, and that these elements are understood to be among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Moreover, nothing in the preceding disclosure is intended to imply that any particular component, feature, or process step is required or essential.

Claims

1. 1. A connector for respiratory gas tubing, comprising: a connector body having a lumen extending therethrough; an electrical connector disposed adjacent to the lumen and supported by the connector body; Equipped with When the side of the connector body to which the respiratory gas tube is attached is referred to as the "rear" and the opposite side is referred to as the "front", the connector body includes one or more channels disposed on a front side of the connector body; the one or more channels extend in a front-to-rear direction parallel to a central axis of the lumen and are arranged to receive one or more corresponding rails of a heater base of a respiratory humidification system so as to align the connector with the heater base when the connector and the heater base are removably coupled in use; Connector for breathing gas tubing.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein, upon mating of the connector and the heater base, a pneumatic connection is provided between the lumen and a humidification chamber of the respiratory humidification system.

3. 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein an electrical connection portion of the electrical connector extends beyond the pneumatic connection portion and electrically and communicatively couples to a corresponding terminal of the heater base when the connector and the heater base are mated.

4. A connector as described in claim 3, which is provided with a front cover provided on the front side of the connector body, and the electrical connection portion is provided on the front cover.

5. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein when the connector and the heater base are mated, the electrical connection portions of the electrical connector come into contact with corresponding terminals of the heater base.

6. A connector as described in claim 1, comprising a front cover provided on the front side of the connector body, and the one or more channels being provided in the front cover.

7. A connector as described in claim 6, wherein the front cover has an outer surface surrounding the inner cavity and having the one or more channels, and the outer surface includes a printed circuit board support area that supports a printed circuit board of the electrical connector.

8. A connector as described in Claim 7, wherein the printed circuit board support area has a portion whose width in the left-right direction becomes wider as it approaches the front end.

9. 9. The connector of claim 7 or 8, wherein the interengaging channels and rails resist vertical movement, twisting, and yaw of the connector relative to the heater base when the connector and heater base are removably coupled in use.

10. 10. The connector of claim 1, wherein there are at least two of the channels, two of the at least two channels being provided on opposite sides of the connector at the same vertical position.

11. 10. The connector of claim 1, wherein there are at least two of the channels, and two of the at least two channels are located on opposite sides of the connector body.

12. 12. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector comprises detachable and lockable means configured, in use, to detachably couple the connector to a humidification chamber operably coupled to the heater base.

13. 13. The connector of claim 12, wherein the releasable and lockable means comprises a ring that surrounds the lumen and is configured to lock the connector to the humidification chamber.

14. 14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the detachable and lockable means comprises a button integral with or operably coupled to the ring, the button being actuated to deform the ring and enable the connector to be separated from the humidification chamber.

15. 15. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is formed on a printed circuit board including one or more planar electrical contacts.

16. 16. The connector of claim 15, wherein the connector body further includes a support region that supports the printed circuit board to reduce flexing or deflection of the printed circuit board in use.

17. 17. The connector of claim 16, wherein the support region comprises one or more ribs configured to support the printed circuit board, the one or more ribs extending below a central portion of the printed circuit board.

18. 1. A respiratory humidification system comprising: a heater base having a first connector with a first electrical coupler; one or more rails extending along a portion of the first connector; a respiratory gas tube having a second connector, the second connector comprising a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17; Respiratory humidification system with

19. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 18, wherein the heater base has a cartridge and the one or more rails are on the cartridge.

Images