Humidifier and automatic control system therefor
US4098853A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1976 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8342
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A humidifier system for delivering breathing gases such as air or oxygen from a respirator, anesthesia machine, oxygen source, or the like to a patient under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a support housing adapted to receive a removable water tank, the housing also containing a low water sensing system, a water heating means, and a system for sensing and for regulating the temperature of the water in the tank. The tank includes an air inlet leading to a diffuser chamber, from which air flows through a diffuser plate, through the water to the humidifier, and thence to an outlet for delivery to the patient. The diffuser plate incorporates a plurality of cone-shaped apertures which create air turbulence in the water so that as the breathing gases are forced through the water tank under positive pressure, the gases are uniformly heated and humidified prior to delivery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.