Humidification of respiratory gases

US8631789B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ResMed Corp. · AU

Inventors

• Alexander Virr · Sydney, AU
• Andrew Roderick Bath · Sydney, AU
• Nathan John Row · Sydney, AU
• Dan Kao · Perth, AU
• Phoebe Katherine Hill · Sydney, AU
• Nicholas Andrew Earl · Royston, GB
• Hargopal Verma · Parramatta, AU
• Junning Chen · Sydney, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 17, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 27, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/587
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A humidifier (14) for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber (16) configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub (20) configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid (18) provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal (19) provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator (12) configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube. A method of humidifying a flow of breathable gas comprises sealing a chamber containing a supplying a water and pressurizing the chamber by directing the flow of breathable gas into the chamber.