HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is
identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby
incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/919485, filed December 20, 2013, and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/059339, filed October 3, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to methods or devices for
providing heated and/or humidified gases to a user, particularly respiratory gases. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and techniques that provide for or
enable connections between components of a humidification system. The apparatus and
techniques disclosed may be used for providing gases to and/or removing gases from a
patient, such as in positive airway pressure (PAP), respirator, anaesthesia, ventilator, and
insufflation systems.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Humidification systems have been devised that deliver heated and/or
humidified gases for various medical procedures, including respiratory treatment,
laparoscopy, and the like. These systems may be configured to control temperature, humidity,
and flow rates.
[0004] Humidification systems also include medical circuits, including various
components to transport heated and/or humidified gases to and from patients. For example, in
some breathing circuits such as PAP or assisted breathing circuits, gases inhaled by a patient
are delivered from a heater-humidifier through an inspiratory tube. As another example, tubes
may deliver humidified gas (commonly C0 2) into the abdominal cavity in insufflation
circuits. This may help prevent dessication or drying out of the patient's internal organs, and
may decrease the amount of time needed for recovery from surgery. Unheated tubing allows
significant heat loss to ambient cooling. This cooling may result in unwanted condensation or
"rainout" along the length of the tubing transporting warm, humidified air. Heater wires may
extend along at least a portion of the tubing forming the circuit to prevent or at least reduce
condensation forming therein.
[0005] While prior arrangements have provided the desired therapies, a need
remains for apparatus that provides for greater ease of connection and/or disconnection of
components of humidification systems. Accordingly, it is an object of certain features,
aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure to overcome or ameliorate one or more of
the disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a
circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system comprising a base
unit and a humidification chamber, the humidification chamber being configured to be
engageable with the base unit, the circuit connector comprising: an inlet configured to
provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and/or
humidified gases therefrom; an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit
for directing the heated and/or humidified gases 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, wherein the circuit connector is configured to make a releasable
and lockable connection to the outlet of the humidification chamber, thereby providing the
fluid connection from the inlet of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification
chamber, such that the circuit connector also provides the electrical connection from the
electrical terminal of the circuit connector to the electrical terminal associated with the base
unit when the humidification chamber is engaged with the base unit and the circuit connector
is connected to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0007] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, this is provided a
circuit connector for a humidification system. The humidification system comprises a base
unit and a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber is configured to be
engageable with the base unit. The circuit connector comprises an inlet configured to provide
a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and/or
humidified gases therefrom. An outlet is configured to provide a fluid connection to a
conduit for directing the heated and/or humidified gases to or from a patient or other person.
An electrical terminal is configured to provide an electrical connection to a base unit
electrical terminal. The electrical terminal comprises exposed contact pads that are sized,
positioned and configured to be brought into contact with the base unit electrical terminal
[0008] In some such configurations, the electrical terminal comprises six equally
spaced contact pads. In some such configurations, the six equally spaced contact pads
comprise 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 the
heater wires are longer than the two contact pads for the sensor wires and the two contact
pads for identification. In some such configurations, the six equally spaced contact pads all
have the same length. In some such configurations, the electrical terminal comprises six
contact pads that are not all uniformly spaced apart. In some such configurations, the six
equally spaced contact pads comprise 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 the heater wires are longer than the two contact pads for the sensor wires and
the two contact pads for identification. In some such configurations, the two contact pads for
the heater wires are adjacent each other. In some such configurations, the two contact pads
for the sensor wires and the two contact pads for identification are uniformly spaced and the
two contact pads for the heater wires are spaced apart from each other by the same spacing as
between the two contact pads for the sensor wires but the two contact pads for the heater
wires are spaced apart from the closest of the two contact pads for the sensor wires and the
two contact pads for identification 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 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 a distal end than at
a proximal end.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the circuit connector comprises an
orientator configured to orientate the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the
humidification chamber and/or to orientate the electrical terminal of the circuit connector
relative to the electrical terminal associated with the base unit.
[0010] The orientator may comprise a recess configured to slidably engage a
projection on the outlet of the humidification chamber such that the circuit connector may
only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation.
Conversely, the orientator may comprise a projection configured to slidably engage a recess
in the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0011] The provision of orientation features helps to ensure there is alignment of
the electrical terminal of the circuit connector with the electrical terminal associated with the
base unit, providing increased ease of assembly. Further, the releasable and lockable
connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber helps to
ensure the correct orientation is maintained.
[0012] The outlet of the humidification chamber may comprise a first portion that
extends substantially vertically from the humidification chamber and a second portion that
extends substantially horizontally from the first portion, the second portion being
downstream of the first portion, in use, wherein 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 comprise a cutout to accommodate
the first portion, the cutout inhibiting or limiting engagement of the circuit connector to the
outlet of the humidification chamber when not correctly orientated to accommodate the first
portion received in the cutout.
[0013] The cutout may be contoured to have a wider opening and a narrower
termination, thereby providing tolerance as to the orientation of the circuit connector on
initial engagement and correcting the orientation on continued engagement as the circuit
connector is pushed towards the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0014] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may comprise one or more
pins configured to, in use, make contact with one or more tracks of a printed circuit board,
the electrical terminal associated with the base unit comprising said printed circuit board.
Alternatively, the electrical terminal of the circuit connector may comprise a printed circuit
board comprising one or more tracks configured to, in use, make contact with one or more
pins, the electrical terminal associated with the base unit comprising said one or more pins.
[0015] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may alternatively comprise
an edge card configured to, in use, be received in an edge card receptacle, the electrical
terminal associated with the base unit comprising said edge card receptacle.
[0016] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may alternatively comprise
an edge card receptacle configured to, in use, receive an edge card, the electrical terminal
associated with the base unit comprising said edge card.
[0017] Other forms of electrical terminals will be apparent to those skilled in the
art and are included within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may be electrically
connected to one or more heater wires and/or one or more sensor wires, the conduit
comprising said one or more heater wires and/or said one or more sensor wires, or having
said one or more heater wires and/or said one or more sensor wires associated therewith.
[0019] The circuit connector may comprise a recess or projection configured to be
engaged by a latch of the humidification chamber (the latch being provided on a wall of the
outlet of the humidification chamber), thereby providing said releasable and lockable
connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0020] The circuit connector may additionally or alternatively comprise a latch
configured to engage a recess or projection of a wall of the outlet of the humidification
chamber, thereby providing said releasable and lockable connection of the circuit connector
to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0021] The circuit connector may comprise an activator configured for
disengaging the latch from the recess or projection to allow removal of the circuit connector
from the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0022] The activator may comprise at least one manually depressible button or
switch.
[0023] At least a portion of the circuit connector may be receivable inside 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 comprising a base unit and a
humidification chamber, the circuit connector comprising: an inlet configured to provide a
fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive heated and/or
humidified gases therefrom; an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit
for directing heated and/or humidified gases 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 orientator configured to orientate the circuit connector relative to
the outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0025] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may be substantially
parallel to the inlet of the circuit connector and/or to a direction of engagement used to
electrically connect the electrical terminal of the circuit connector to the electrical terminal
associated with the base unit, thereby enabling both the electrical and fluid connections to be
effected in a single motion.
[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided a medical tube comprising
the circuit connector of the first or second aspects. The circuit connector may be integral to or
connected to a conduit and/or configured to form at least part of an inspiratory limb or an
expiratory limb of a respiratory 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 to receive gases into the humidification chamber from
a gases source; and an outlet configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated
and/or humidified gases from the humidification chamber to a patient or other person,
wherein the outlet is configured to provide a releasable and lockable connection to the circuit
connector and/or comprises an orientator to control the orientation of the circuit connector
relative to the outlet.
[0028] The orientator may comprise a recess configured to slidably engage a
projection on the circuit connector such that the circuit connector may only be slid onto the
outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation. Conversely, the
orientator may comprise a projection configured to slidably engage a recess in the circuit
connector such that the circuit connector may only be slid onto the outlet of the
humidification chamber in a predetermined orientation.
[0029] The outlet of the humidification chamber may comprise a first portion that
extends substantially vertically from the humidification chamber and a second portion that
extends substantially horizontally from the first portion, the second portion being
downstream of the first portion, in use.
[0030] The humidification chamber may comprise a recess or projection
configured to be engaged by a latch of the circuit connector, thereby providing said releasable
and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
Alternatively, the humidification chamber may comprise a latch configured to engage a
recess or projection of the circuit connector.
[0031] The humidification chamber may comprise an activator for disengaging
the latch from the recess or projection to allow removal of the circuit connector from the
outlet of the humidification chamber.
[0032] The activator may comprise 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 comprise an orientator to control
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 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 to receive gases from a gases source; an outlet
configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated and/or humidified gases to a
patient or other person; and an orientator to control orientation of the humidification chamber
relative to the base unit.
[0036] The orientator may comprise a recess configured to slidably engage a
projection on or associated with the base unit such that the humidification chamber may only
be engaged with the base unit in a predetermined orientation. Alternatively, the orientator
may comprise a projection configured to slidably engage a recess in or associated with the
base unit such that the humidification chamber may only be engaged with the base unit in a
predetermined orientation.
[0037] The orientator may be configured to orientate, at least in part, the circuit
connector relative to the outlet of the humidification chamber. Additionally or alternatively,
the orientator may be configured to orientate, at least in part, an electrical terminal of the
circuit connector relative to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit.
[0038] In an 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 terminal of the circuit connector may be configured to
connect with an electrical terminal of the coupler. Further connections may be provided
between the coupler and the base unit for exchanging information therebetween and/or
electrical power, such as for powering heater wires in the conduit, via the circuit connector.
[0039] In an embodiment, at least a downstream end of the outlet of the
humidification chamber is oriented in a substantially parallel direction 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 the circuit connector to the electrical
terminal associated with the base unit and/or a coupler for the base unit is substantially
parallel to at least a downstream end of the outlet of the humidification chamber, and/or a
direction of engagement of the humidification chamber with the base unit.
[0040] The humidification chamber may comprise an outlet configured to connect
to the circuit connector of the first or second aspects.
[0041] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a coupler for a
humidification system, the coupler comprising: first connections configured to structurally
and electrically connect the coupler to a base unit of the humidification system, the base unit
configured to operatively engage a humidification chamber; second connections configured
to electrically connect the coupler to a circuit connector that is configured to fluidly connect
an outlet of the humidification chamber to a conduit to deliver heated and/or humidified
gases to a patient or other person, wherein the coupler comprises one or more guide portions
for orientating the humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector relative to the base
unit as the humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector are brought into engagement
with the coupler.
[0042] The first and second connections may be configured to be made by urging
the humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector in substantially the same direction,
i.e., the directions may be parallel.
[0043] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a base unit for a
humidification system, in which system a humidification chamber is configured to be
engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured to fluidly connect to an outlet
of the humidification chamber, and an electrical terminal of the circuit connector is
configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit, the
base unit comprising: one or more guide portions for orientating the humidification chamber
and/or the circuit connector relative to the base unit as the humidification chamber and/or the
circuit connector are brought into engagement with the base unit.
[0044] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a base unit for a
humidification system, in which system a humidification chamber is configured to be
engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured to fluidly connect to an outlet
of the humidification chamber, and an electrical terminal of the circuit connector is
configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit,
wherein the base unit is configured to receive the humidification chamber in a direction
substantially the same or parallel to a direction in which the electrical terminal of the base
unit is configured to electrically connect to the electrical terminal of the circuit connector.
[0045] In some configurations, the base unit has an insert block that is positioned
between the electrical terminal of the circuit connector and the electrical terminal associated
with the base unit. In some such configurations, the insert block is mounted to the base unit.
In some such configurations, the base unit comprises a removable coupler and the insert
block is mounted to the removable coupler. In some such configurations, the insert block has
a body and the removable coupler has a hood with the body of the insert block being sized
and configured to be received within the hood of the removable coupler. In some such
configurations, the insert block has a downwardly facing contact surface. In some such
configurations, one or more contact terminals protrude downwardly beyond the downwardly
facing contact surface.
[0046] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a humidification system
comprising: a circuit connector of the first or second aspects; and/or a medical tube of the
third aspect; and/or a humidification chamber of the fourth or fifth aspects; and/or a coupler
of the sixth aspect; and/or a base unit of the seventh or eighth aspects.
[0047] Electrical and/or fluid and/or structural connections may be effected
between the various components listed in the ninth aspect, with the details thereof being
specified with regards the first through eighth aspects.
[0048] According to a tenth 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 comprising an outer body defining a chamber, an inlet
port comprising a wall defining a passage into the chamber, and an outlet port comprising a
wall defining a passage out of the chamber; and a circuit connector configured to connect the
outlet port to a gases delivery conduit, wherein connection of the circuit connector to the
outlet port is made in substantially the same direction as the connection of the humidification
chamber to the base unit.
[0049] The circuit connector may comprise an electrical terminal configured to
electrically connect the gases delivery conduit and/or the circuit connector to an electrical
terminal associated with the base unit.
[0050] The electrical terminal of the circuit connector may connect to the
electrical terminal associated with the base unit in substantially the same direction 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. Said direction may be
substantially horizontal.
[0051] Any one or more of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit
connector or a coupler provided between the humidification chamber and the base unit may
include an orientator to control relative orientation of at least one of the others 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 comprising an outer body defining a chamber, an inlet
port comprising a wall defining a passage into the chamber, and an outlet port comprising a
wall defining a passage out of the chamber; and a circuit connector configured to connect the
outlet port to a gases delivery conduit, the circuit connector comprising an electrical terminal
configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit,
wherein any one or more of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector
or a coupler provided between the humidification chamber and the base unit may include an
orientator to control relative orientation of at least one of the others of the base unit, the
humidification chamber, the circuit connector or the coupler.
[0053] The humidification system may comprise a pressurized gas source, the
pressurized gas source comprising an outlet, the outlet of the pressurized gas source being
connected or connectable to the inlet port of the humidification chamber, the humidification
chamber defining a flow passage between the pressurized gas source and outlet port.
[0054] The circuit connector may be configured to provide a releasable and
lockable connection to the outlet port of the humidification chamber.
[0055] The humidification chamber may be releasably 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: 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, wherein the first
and second directions are substantially the same.
[0058] Said slidably engaging the circuit connector to the outlet of the
humidification chamber may result in or effect 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
components of a humidification system, the method comprising: 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,
wherein the first and second directions are substantially the same.
[0060] Said slidably engaging the humidification chamber and the circuit
connector to a base unit may result in or effect 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 disclosure and the advantages achieved
over the prior art, certain objects and advantages have been described herein. It is to be
understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages need to be achieved in
accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosed configuration or configurations may be embodied or carried out
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[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 limiting of the present invention.
[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a
humidification system.
[0064] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of an example embodiment of a
humidification system, with some features removed in Figure 2B to show additional detail.
[0065] Figure 3 is a front view of a portion of the humidification system shown in
Figure 2B.
[0066] Figures 4 and 5A to 5F are alternative views of an example embodiment of
a humidification chamber.
[0067] Figures 6A to 6C are alternative views of an example embodiment of a a
humidification system including a coupler of or associated with a base unit.
[0068] Figure 6D illustrates the coupler of Figures 6A to 6C.
[0069] Figure 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a circuit connector
connected to a humidification chamber.
[0070] Figures 8A to 8E, 9A, 9B, 10A to 10K, 1 1A, and 11B are alternative
views of example embodiments of circuit connectors and/or humidification chamber outlets
configured to connect therewith.
[0071] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a
humidification system.
[0072] Figure 13 is an alternative view of a chamber, cartridge, and connector of
the humidification system of Figure 12.
[0073] Figure 14 is an exploded view of Figure 13 showing an insert block.
[0074] Figure 15 is a sectional view of the assembly of Figure 13.
[0075] Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the cartridge and insert block
of Figure 13.
[0076] Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of the insert block of Figure 13.
[0077] Figures 19 to 22 are views of the connector of Figure 13.
[0078] Figure 23 is a sectional view of the connector of Figure 13.
[0079] Figure 24 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of a connector
similar to that of Figure 13, showing the components of the connector.
[0080] Figure 25 is a sectional view of the chamber, cartridge, insert block, and a
portion of the connector of Figure 13.
[0081] Figure 26 is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of
an insert block.
[0082] Figure 27 is a rear perspective view of the insert block of Figure 26,
showing exit holes for wires.
[0083] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the insert block of Figure 26.
[0084] Figure 29 is a side view of the insert block of Figure 26.
[0085] Figure 30 is a sectional side view of the insert block of Figure 26.
[0086] Figure 31 is a detailed image of a rotating leaf pin used in the insert block
of Figure 26.
[0087] Figure 32 is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of
an insert block.
[0088] Figure 33 is a rear perspective view of the insert block of Figure 32.
[0089] Figure 34 is a bottom view of the insert block of Figure 32.
[0090] Figure 35 is a side view of the insert block of Figure 32.
[0091] Figure 36 is a sectional side view of the insert block of Figure 32.
[0092] Figure 37 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an insert
block formed of multiple pieces, in which one or more of the pieces may be overmoulded.
[0093] Figure 38 is another perspective view of the insert block of Figure 37.
[0094] Figure 39 is another perspective view of the insert block of Figure 38.
[0095] Figure 40 is another perspective view of the insert block of Figure 39.
[0096] Figure 4 1 is a side view of another example embodiment of a conduit
connector.
[0097] Figures 42 to 44 are a top views of example embodiments of a conduit
connector, showing differently spaced and sized PCB contact pads.
[0098] Figures 45 to 47 illustrate another example embodiment of a conduit
connector.
[0099] Figure 48 illustrates a portion of another example embodiment of a
cartridge.
[0100] Figures 49 to 50 illustrate views of the insert block of Figure 48.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0101] Certain embodiments and examples of humidification systems and/or
apparatus and/or methods are described herein. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that
the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention
herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular embodiments described herein.
Humidification System
[0102] For a more detailed understanding of the disclosure, reference is first made
to Figure 1, which shows an example breathing circuit which includes one or more medical
tubes. Such a breathing circuit may be a continuous, variable, or bi-level positive airway
pressure (PAP) system or other form of respiratory therapy.
[0103] Gases may be transported in the breathing circuit of Figure 1 as follows.
Dry or relatively dry gases pass from a gases source 105 to a humidifier 107, which
humidifies the dry gases. The gases source 105 may be, for example, a ventilator or a blower.
The humidifier 107 connects to an end 109 of an inspiratory tube 103 via a port 1 1 1, thereby
supplying humidified gases to the inspiratory tube 103, which may be configured to deliver
breathing gases to a patient. The gases flow through the inspiratory tube 103 to a Y-piece
113, and then to a patient 101 through a patient interface 115 connected to the Y-piece 113.
An expiratory tube 117 also connects to the patient interface 115 through the Y-piece 113 and
may be configured to move exhaled gases away from the patient 101. Here, the expiratory
tube 117 returns exhaled gases from the patient 101 to the gases source 105.
[0104] In this example, dry or relatively dry gases enter the gases source 105
through a vent 119. A fan 1 1 may improve gas flow into the gases source 105 by drawing air
or other gases through the vent 119. The fan 121 may be, for instance, a variable speed fan,
where an electronic controller 123 controls the fan speed. In particular, the function of the
electronic controller 123 may be controlled by an electronic master controller 125 in response
to inputs to the master controller 125 and a user-set predetermined required value (preset
value) of pressure or fan speed via a dial 127.
[0105] The humidifier 107 comprises a humidification chamber 129 containing a
volume of water 130 or other suitable humidifying liquid. The humidification chamber 129 is
removable from the humidifier 107 after use to allow the humidification chamber 1 9 to be
more readily sterilized or disposed. The body of the humidification chamber 129 may be
formed from a non-conductive glass or plastics material, but the humidification chamber 129
may also include conductive components. For instance, the humidification chamber 129 may
include a highly heat-conductive base (for example, an aluminum base) contacting or
associated with a heater plate 131 on the humidifier 107.
[0106] The humidifier 107 may also include electronic controls. In this example,
the humidifier 107 includes an electronic, analog, or digital master controller 125. The master
controller 125 may be a microprocessor-based controller executing computer software
commands stored in associated memory. In response to humidity or temperature values
provided via a user interface 133, for example, and other inputs, the master controller 125
determines when (or to what level) to energize the heater plate 131 to heat the water 130
within the humidification chamber 129.
[0107] Any suitable patient interface may be incorporated. Patient interface is a
broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill
in the art (that is, it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning) and includes,
without limitation, masks (such as tracheal mask, face masks, and nasal masks), cannulas,
and nasal pillows. A temperature probe 135 may connect to the inspiratory tube 103 near the
Y-piece 113, or directly to the Y-piece 113 or the patient interface 115. The temperature
probe 135 monitors the temperature of the flow of gases near or at the patient interface 115.
A heating filament (not shown) may be used to adjust the temperature of the patient interface
115, the Y-piece 113, and/or the inspiratory tube 103 to raise the temperature of the flow of
gases above the saturation temperature, thereby reducing the opportunity for unwanted
condensation.
[0108] In Figure 1, exhaled gases are returned from the patient interface 115 to
the gases source 105 via the expiratory tube 117. The expiratory tube 117 may have a
temperature probe and/or heating filament, as described above with respect to the inspiratory
tube 103, integrated with it to reduce the opportunity for condensation. Furthermore, the
expiratory tube 117 need not return exhaled gases to the gases source 105. Alternatively,
exhaled gases may be passed directly to ambient surroundings or to other ancillary
equipment, such as an air scrubber/filter (not shown). In certain embodiments, the expiratory
tube 117 is omitted altogether.
[0109] The system of Figure 1 may be readily adapted for other applications
involving the supply of a heated and/or humidified gas flow to a user or patient, including but
not limited to laparoscopy, ventilation, and the like. Such applications may use alternative
gases, operating parameters (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, or humidity) and patient
interfaces.
[0110] Example embodiments described herein below may be configured for
incorporation in the system of Figure 1, or a similar system, and the further description
should be read in combination with the disclosure relating to Figure 1.
[0111] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a humidification apparatus 1 according to an
example embodiment. In Figure 2B, some portions are removed to show additional detail.
The apparatus includes a circuit connector 2 that pneumatically connects a medical tube or
conduit 3 to an outlet 15 of a humidification chamber 4. As shown in Figure 4, the outlet 15
may terminate in a substantially horizontal portion that is angled away from a base unit 5
when the humidification chamber 4 is installed on the base unit 5. The conduit 3 may be an
inspiratory limb of a patient circuit, i.e., configured to deliver humidified gases to a user,
such as via a patient interface (not shown). An inlet 8 of the humidification chamber 4 is
configured to be fluidly connected to a source of pressurised gas. This may be positioned
remote from the humidification apparatus 1 or form an integral part thereof, although it may
be detachable therefrom. For example, the inlet 8 may be pneumatically coupled to a
motorised fan in or associated with the base unit 5 that drives gases through the inlet 8.
[0112] The circuit connector 2 further facilitates electrical connection to the base
unit 5 via a 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 enable use of different forms of humidification chamber and/or
circuit connector. Additionally or alternatively, by comprising control circuitry, the module
may be changed to alter the operation of the humidification apparatus 1. The conduit 3 may
comprise one or more resistive heating wires that provide for heating of gases flowing
through the conduit and/or sensor wires that electrically or otherwise facilitate
communication of signals relating to one or more parameters of the system. Thus, the term
"electrical connection" is used to distinguish from "pneumatic connection" and should not be
construed in a limiting way. For example, light signals via optical fibres may be
communicated. Consequently, the circuit connector 2 may more generally communicatively
and/or electrically connect the conduit 3 (and any associated peripheral equipment, such as
sensors, for example) to the base unit 5, such as via the coupler 6.
[0113] The circuit connector 2 may include at least one button or switch 10,
which may be manually depressed to enable the circuit connector 2 (and hence also the
conduit 3) to be disconnected 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 on connection therebetween with the at least one button or switch 10 being
used to subsequently allow for disengaging the circuit connector 2 from the humidification
chamber 4. Any suitable connection may be used.
[0114] The base unit 5 further includes a panel 9 which 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 operation of the device. Additionally or alternatively, a touch screen
display may be used. The user display may display parameters of the system, warnings in the
event of any errors or malfunctions, or prompts where user action is required, etc. Where a
touch screen display is used, the same display may be used to present information to a user
and receive inputs from a user, at least in part.
[0115] The base unit 5 includes a heater plate 1 1 as shown in Figure 3, which is
controllably powered to heat the contents of the humidification chamber 4. To achieve more
rapid heating, the humidification chamber 4 may comprise a base plate 19 formed from a
highly heat conductive material. Further, 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 outwards
from, or proximate to, the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4 and is received
under a projecting rim 13 of the base unit 5 as 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 urged
upwards into the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4, with the lip 1 acting against
the projecting rim 13.
[0116] Referring again to Figure 2A, the base unit 5 further includes a sprung
latch bar 14. To engage the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5, the latch bar 14 is
first depressed such that the lip 12 is able to be received under the projecting rim 13. This
may be conveniently performed by positioning the base plate 19 of the humidification
chamber 4 on the latch bar 14 and pressing the humidification chamber 4 downward and then
toward the rear of the base unit 5. When the humidification chamber 4 is fully engaged with
the base unit 5, the latch bar 14 can raise and act as a mechanical stop to prevent unintended
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 pulled away from the base unit 5 by sliding the base plate
19 of the humidification chamber 4 across the surface of the heater plate 11 and then onto the
latch bar 14. As shown, the humidification chamber 4 may include gripping portions 16 that
make it easier for a user to grip the humidification chamber 4 as it is pulled away from the
base unit 5.
[0117] Referring to Figure 4, the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4 may
be oriented so as to be substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the humidification
chamber 4 as it is slid on or off of the base unit 5, at least at the end of the outlet 15 distal
from the humidification chamber 4. By configuring the apparatus in this way, it is possible to
assemble the circuit connector 2, the humidification chamber 4, and the base unit 5 by either
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 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 made even
simpler to follow because the circuit connector 2 and the outlet 15 are configured to lockably
engage, which prevents separation of the circuit connector 2 from the outlet 15 while the
humidification chamber 4 is slid onto the base unit 5. Additionally, like the latter assembly
option, the conduit 3 and the humidification chamber 4 may be preassembled for shipping,
thereby eliminating one step from the setup process. Irrespective of the order of assembly,
electrical or other connections between the conduit 3 and/or the circuit connector 2 to the
coupler 6 and/or the base unit 5 may be made as the circuit connector 2 engages with the
coupler 6.
[0118] Similarly, disassembly may be performed in different sequences. More
particularly, the circuit connector 2 may firstly be 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 reduce the likelihood of a spill of fluids during
disassembly and disposal of the consumables from the base unit 5.
Guide Features
[0119] To facilitate engagement of the circuit connector 2, the humidification
chamber 4, and the base unit 5 on assembly thereof, various guides may be provided to
control the orientation and/or position thereof relative to one another. More particularly, to
enable the humidification chamber 4 to be slid into engagement with the base unit 5 and the
coupler 6, various orientation features may be provided on the humidification chamber 4
and/or the coupler 6 such that, particularly when the circuit connector 2 is attached to the
outlet 15, the component parts are brought readily and easily into alignment. For example, the
humidification chamber 4 is able to be brought into full engagement with the base unit 5 such
that the circuit connector 2 is also brought into engagement with the coupler 6. As is
disclosed herein below, the circuit connector 2 and/or the 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
allow for easy coupling of the circuit connector 2 and the humidification chamber 4 to the
base unit 5 and the coupler 6.
[0120] Figures 5A to 5F are various alternative views of an example embodiment
of the humidification chamber 4. Figures 6A to 6C are alternative views of the coupler 6. As
shown in Figures 5A to 5F, the humidification chamber 4 may include a nose portion 201 and
guide wings 202. These features are configured to engage with a contoured recess 301 and
slots 302, respectively, in the coupler 6 (see Figures 6A to 6C).
[0121] Further disclosure will make reference to a coordinate system in which the
Z-axis extends vertically from the heater plate 11, the Y-axis is aligned in 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. Further, a width of the nose portion 201 is defined
along the X-axis, a length of the nose portion 201 is defined along the Y-axis, and a height of
the nose portion 201 is defined along the Z-axis.
[0122] In one embodiment, the nose portion 201 has a smaller width at a first end
than at a second end of the nose portion 201, the first end of the nose portion 201 being
configured to be received first in the recess 301. This provides some tolerance as to the
position of the humidification chamber 4 along the X-axis (as well as rotationally about the
Z-axis), in order for the nose portion 201 to be initially received in the recess 301. Further,
the wider second end of the nose portion 201 may serve to refine the location of the nose
portion 20 1 (and hence also the humidification chamber 4) along the X-axis (and rotationally
about the Z-axis) in that the spacing or tolerance between the nose portion 20 1 and the recess
301 becomes reduced, thereby reducing the extent of relative movement.
[0123] In the embodiment shown, the recess 301 is configured such that the
inclined sidewalls of the nose portion 201 abut corresponding and similarly inclined
sidewalls of the recess 301. Having the sidewalls of the nose portion 201 and the sidewalls of
the recess 30 1 configured in this manner controls the position of the humidification chamber
4 not only along the X-axis but also rotationally about the Y- and/or Z-axes, since movement
of the nose portion 201 along the X-axis in at least two locations along the length of the nose
portion 201, and also along the height of the nose portion 201, is substantially inhibited.
[0124] It is, however, possible to achieve some of these benefits where the
sidewalls of the nose portion 201 do not abut the sidewalls of the recess 301. For example, if
the nose portion 201 is configured as shown, but the sidewalls of the recess 301 are
substantially parallel along their length and spaced apart by a distance greater than the
greatest width of the nose portion 201 at the second end thereof, the configuration will still
assist with initial insertion of the nose portion 201 into the recess 301 and at least
significantly restrict movement of the nose portion 201 along the X-axis at the second end of
the nose portion 201, although some rotational movement about the Z-axis may be possible.
A similar result is achieved if the sidewalls of the nose portion 201 are substantially parallel
and the recess 301 narrows along its length along the Y-axis from its opening to a width at
least as great as that of the nose portion 20 1.
[0125] The nose portion 201 in combination with the recess 301 may additionally
or alternatively provide tolerance along at least the Z-axis with regards to the initial
placement of the humidification chamber 4. Further, according to particular embodiments,
the nose portion 201 and the recess 301 may cooperate to refine the location of the
humidification chamber 4 along the Z-axis and/or rotationally about the X- and/or Y-axes.
[0126] This tolerance is provided in a similar manner to the tolerance in the Xdirection.
As shown for example in Figure 5C, the height of the nose portion 201 is lower at
the first end than at the second end, the height being measured from the base plate 19. As
shown in Figure 6B, the recess 301 is similarly contoured, thereby providing for easy initial
insertion followed by the refinement of position along the Z-axis on continued insertion of
the humidification chamber 4 into full engagement with the base unit 5. Similar to the
description regarding width-wise tolerance along the X-axis, the opposing walls of the
substantially downwardly facing underside of the recess 301 may not abut along the length
thereof with the upwardly facing topside of the nose portion 201. For example, one or the
other may be orientated to be substantially parallel to the heater plate 1 1 with similar
drawbacks to those mentioned previously. More particularly, while initial insertion may be
facilitated, the degree of refinement of the position of the humidification chamber 4 along the
Z-axis may be reduced and there may be less control to ensure that the base plate 19 is
parallel to the heater plate 11.
[0127] In some embodiments, the engagement of the guide wings 202 with the
slots 302 provides sufficient movement restriction to reduce the need for alignment and
engagement of the base plate 19 with the heater plate 11 via the projecting rim 13. In some
configurations, the base unit 5 may not include a projecting rim 13. In some embodiments,
the nose portion 201 may be provided in the absence of the guide wings 202. However, the
use of the guide wings 202 is preferred, at least in embodiments in which the heater plate 11
is spring mounted, so as to improve control of 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, the guide wings 202 may be provided in the absence of the
nose portion 201, but such a configuration is less preferable, since the nose portion 201 may
more readily assist in the initial locating of the humidification chamber 4 and also perform
the initial coarse adjustment thereof to refine the position, with the possibility of the guide
wings 202 then being used to further refine the position of the humidification chamber 4
along the Z-axis and controlling the orientation about at least the X- and Y-axes. Where the
nose portion 201 is omitted, the guide wings 202 may for example be mounted on a
substantially rigid mount that extends vertically from the humidification chamber 4, with the
guide wings 202 extending laterally therefrom. The substantially rigid mount may be
substantially planar, with a generally T-shaped cross-section. However, to increase strength
and rigidity, the mount may comprise more substantial element(s) having thickness, but a
thickness that does not generally bring the mount into direct contact with the coupler 6.
[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the guide wings 202 do not extend
right to the first end of the nose portion 201. Instead, they are spaced therefrom, thereby
enabling initial engagement between the nose portion 201 and the recess 301 without
engagement of the guide wings 202 with the slots 302, this only occurring on continued
engagement of the humidification chamber 4 with the base unit 5 after the relative positions
between the two have been refined.
[0129] As will be apparent, alternative guide means may be substituted. For
example, the nose portion 201 may be in the form of a contoured recess and vice versa such
that a contoured recess of the humidification chamber 4 receives a nose portion or projection
of the coupler 6. Similarly the guide wings 202 may be substituted with grooves that receive
wings or other projections on the coupler 6. Other arrangements that perform the same
function may also be used.
[0130] Also apparent from Figure 7 and as shown more clearly in Figures 10A,
10D, and 10E, the circuit connector 2 may include a cutout 403 configured to accommodate a
substantially vertical portion of the outlet 15. Again, this helps to ensure that the circuit
connector 2 is correctly oriented as it is inserted onto the end of the outlet 15 since full
insertion is only possible with correct alignment. Further, this arrangement provides for a
stronger coupling and allows for electrical connection as will be described below. Again, at
least an initial portion of the cutout 403 may be angled or curved such that the first part of the
cutout 403 that receives the vertical portion of the outlet 15 is wider than the outlet 15,
providing some tolerance as to the required initial alignment. However, where the outlet 15 is
generally of a circular cross-section, this may not be required as some tolerance is inherently
provided due to the circular shape of the outlet 15.
[0131] Referring to Figures 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 obtain and secure orientation of the circuit connector 2
and the outlet 15 relative to one another.
[0132] Additionally or alternatively, guide means may be incorporated in the
heater plate 11 and/or the base plate 19 of the humidification chamber 4. For example, a ridge
in the heater plate 1 1 may be configured to be received in a slot in the base plate 19 of the
humidification chamber 4, or vice versa.
Circuit Connector
[0133] A first embodiment of the circuit connector 2 is illustrated in Figures 2A,
2B, 6C, and 7. A first end of the circuit connector 2 (see Figure 2B) is configured to receive
and pneumatically seal an end of a respiratory tube or conduit 501 (see Figure 6C).
[0134] The circuit connector 2 may comprise a main body 502 and an extending
portion 504. The interior of the main body 502 defines a channel that connects the conduit
501 to the horizontal portion of the outlet 15 to provide a continuous flow passage when
assembled. A seal (e.g., an O-ring, double O-ring, or lip seals) may be provided between the
contact surfaces between the interior of the main body 502 and the exterior of the outlet 15 to
prevent leakage of gases being delivered.
[0135] The coupler 6 is shown including a shroud 505 which receives and covers
the extending portion 504. This may help to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of any spilled
liquid coming into contact with electrical components of the circuit connector 2 and also
serves to strengthen and rigidify the coupling. Further, the shroud 505 may assist in bringing
the circuit connector 2 into engagement with the outlet 15 of the humidification chamber 4
and/or into engagement with the base unit 5. More particularly, the shroud 505 provides a
visual indication as to where the circuit connector 2 should be positioned. Further, the shroud
505 may provide some physical control over the location of the circuit connector 2. For
example, in the embodiment shown, at least the extending portion 504 of the circuit
connector 2 is received against a portion of the wall of the shroud 505 opposing the heater
plate 11. This may occur particularly where the heater plate 11 is spring-mounted so as to
bias the heater plate 11 towards the shroud 505. Thus, at least the height (i.e., along the Zaxis)
of the circuit connector 2 may be controlled. Having the shroud 505 provide a curved
opposing wall may assist in locating the circuit connector 2 along the X-axis since the circuit
connector 2 will be urged towards the center of the arc formed by the shroud 505. The
physical locating function of the shroud 505 is yet further improved by having the shroud 505
define a wall that at least partially encloses the circuit connector 2 so as to control not only an
upper limit for the position of the circuit connector 2 but an actual location thereof.
[0136] Figures 8A to 8C illustrate an embodiment of a lockable but releasable
coupling between the circuit connector 2 and the outlet 15. The circuit connector 2 includes
the button 10 that may be manually actuated such as by a thumb or finger to enable the circuit
connector 2 to be removed from the outlet 15. The button 10 is formed from a resiliently
elastic material and has a portion configured to be received in a recess 601 formed in the
outer wall of the outlet 15. Depression of the button 10 disengages an engaging portion of the
button 10 from the recess 601. Figures 8D and 8E illustrate an alternative embodiment where
the button 10 is formed from a substantially rigid material but may be spring mounted.
Depression of the button 10 acts against the spring and disengages an engaging portion 602
of the button 10 from recesses in an outer wall of the outlet 15.
[0137] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate an alternative embodiment where the button
10, or at least the engaging portion 602 thereof, is resiliently elastic whereby at least a portion
of the button 10 deforms to disengage the engaging portion 602 from recesses 601 in the
outlet 15.
[0138] Figures 10A to 10H illustrate an alternative embodiment of the circuit
connector 2. In Figures 10F to 10H, part of the circuit connector 2 is removed to show
additional detail. According to this embodiment, the buttons 10 are positioned on sides of the
circuit connector 2, as this may be more convenient in being placed at natural contact points
for a user when attempting to disconnect the circuit connector 2 from the outlet 15. The
buttons 10 are integral with or operably coupled to an elastically deformable ring 701.
Depression of the buttons 10 disengages the ring 701 from recesses formed in at least one of
the upper and lower outer surfaces of the outlet 15, allowing the circuit connector 2 to be
removed. Figures 10A to 10H also show a cavity 702 for housing electrical or other
connections. As alternative to recesses, protrusions 705 may be used in the outlet 15 as
shown in cross-section in Figure 101. This applies to 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 rests behind (or closer to the base unit 5 than) the protrusion 705. To
disengage the circuit connector 2 from the outlet 15, the buttons 10 are depressed to deform
the ring 701 such that the top of the ring 701 rises above the level of the protrusion 705 and
then the circuit connector 2 can be removed from the outlet 15. A further embodiment is
shown in Figures 10J and 10K wherein the electrical terminal is in the form of an edge card
901. Further shown is a groove 902 configured to receive a seal such as an o-ring.
Electrical Connections
[0139] Example electrical connections 801 are shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The
electrical connections may be provided in the extending portion 504 of the circuit connector 2
such that they extend beyond the pneumatic connection and electrically and/or
communicatively couple to a cooperative 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 formed by
blade contacts that are received in respective recesses in the coupler 6 that house contacts for
connecting thereto. Other connectors such as pins may alternatively be used but blade
contacts are advantageous in providing some tolerance in the exact relative positioning of the
blades in the recesses. In the embodiment shown, some vertical tolerance is provided for.
[0140] According to an alternative embodiment, the electrical contacts comprise
one or more pogo or spring pin contacts that include spring-mounted pins housed in passages
that allow them to vary the extent to which they protrude from the housing, thereby providing
tolerance in the relative positions of the circuit connector 2 and the coupler 6 along the axes
of the pins. Further, the ability for the pins to become depressed may make insertion of the
pins into the apertures that house cooperating or mating connectors easier.
[0141] According to another alternative embodiment, the electrical connections
comprise edge card connectors or card edge connectors, wherein a first part of the connector
has one or more conductive tracks provided on a printed circuit board and configured to make
contact with one or more pins of a second part of the connector.
Alternative Embodiments
[0142] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of an alternate 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 connection 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 parts and the inside wall of the outlet 15.
[0143] Figure 11B shows a view similar to that of Figure 11A but modified such
that the outlet 15 is configured as the male part that mates with the inner wall of the inlet of
the circuit connector 2. Again, an o-ring 1005 or other seal may be be used to reduce or
eliminate the likelihood of leakage.
[0144] With reference now to Figure 12, a humidification system 2000 is
illustrated therein. The humidification system 2000 may have any suitable configuration. The
humidification system 2000 may be used in conjunction with other components for supplying
heated and/or humidified gases for continuous, variable, or bi-level positive airway pressure
(PAP) or any other type of respiratory therapy. It also may be used in conjunction with
devices for surgical applications, such as for laparoscopic surgery or the like.
[0145] The illustrated humidification system 2000 comprises 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
to the humidification chamber 2004 a flow of gases to be humidified. The delivery conduit
2008 may deliver to a user or patient the flow of gases after they have been humidified within
the chamber 2004.
[0146] 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., an inspiratory
limb). In the illustrated configuration, the base 2002 comprises 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 comprise one or more resistive heating wires that
provide for heating of the conduit wall and/or gases flow. The wires may comprise one or
more sensor wires that facilitate the communication of signals relating to one or more
parameters of the system 2000. Thus, the term "electrical connection" is used in its broadest
meaning and should include light signals via fibre optics or the like, for example but without
limitation.
[0147] The illustrated delivery conduit 2008 comprises a connector 2012. The
connector 2012 facilitates the 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 the electrical
connection between the base 2002 (through the cartridge 2010) and the conduit 2008 as well
as the pneumatic connection between the chamber 2004 and the conduit 2008.
[0148] The connector 2012 in the illustrated configuration is constructed to
connect in a horizontal direction (i.e., a direction parallel to a direction of insertion of the
chamber 2004 into or onto the base 2002). The connector 2012 is constructed to connect
electrically to the cartridge 2010 in the horizontal direction. The connector 2012 is
constructed to connect pneumatically to the chamber 2004 in the horizontal direction. The
connector 2012 is constructed to connect to both the cartridge 2010 and the chamber 2004 in
the same horizontal direction.
Cartridge or Coupler
[0149] The connections between the cartridge or coupler 2010, the chamber 2004,
and the connector 2012 are better shown in Figures 13 to 16. As illustrated, the cartridge
2010 may include a hood portion 2020 that overlies an electrical connector (e.g., an electrical
junction 2034 as shown in Figure 16) of the cartridge 2010. The hood portion 2020 may
extend forward of the base 2002 in a generally horizontal direction.
[0150] The hood portion 2020 may include a recess 2022 along a vertically
extending portion. The recess 2022 is sized, positioned and configured to receive a portion of
the connector 2012 that comprises a release button 2024. In the illustrated configuration, at
least a portion of the hood 2020 extends further along an upper portion of the connector 2012
(when connected to the cartridge 2010) from the base 2002 relative to the location of the
release button 2024 on the connector 2012. Other configurations are possible.
Insert Block
[0151] With reference to Figure 14, in the illustrated configuration, an insert
block 2030 may facilitate the electrical connection between the connector 2012 and the
cartridge 2010. In some configurations, droplets of water or other moisture may be present on
the connector 2012. The insert block 2030 helps to isolate the cartridge 2010 from the water
or other moisture while facilitating the desired electrical connection between the connector
2012 and the cartridge 2010.
[0152] The insert block 2030 may be mounted to the connector 2012 or to the
cartridge 2010. In some configurations, the insert block 2030 is not mounted to either of the
connector 2012 or the cartridge 2010. In the illustrated configuration, the insert block 2030 is
mounted to the cartridge 2010. By mounting the insert block 2030 to the cartridge 2010, the
likelihood of the insert block 2030 becoming misplaced during changing of the conduit 2008
or the like is significantly decreased. By not mounting the insert block 2030 to the connector
2012, changing of the conduit 2008 is simplified and there is less waste as compared to an
insert block 2030 that might be discarded with the conduit 2008 following each use.
[0153] With reference to Figures 17 to 18, the insert block 2030 has a first
electrical junction 2032 and a second electrical junction 2034. The first electrical junction
2032 is sized, positioned and configured to engage with an electrical connector of the
cartridge 2010. The second electrical junction 2034 is sized, positioned and configured to
engage with electrical contacts 2036 (see Figure 14) of the connector 2012. The first
electrical junction 2032 and the second electrical junction 2034 may be joined together in any
suitable manner. Advantageously, the insert block 2030 transforms a generally horizontal
connection between the first electrical junction 2032 and an electrical connector of the
cartridge 2010 into a generally vertical connection between the second electrical junction
2034 and the electrical contacts 2036 of the connector 2012.
[0154] The insert block 2030 comprises 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 comprises one or more alignment features 2042. In the illustrated configuration, the
alignment features 2042 of the hood 2020 comprise rails 2042. The rails 2042 may have any
suitable configuration. In the illustrated configuration, two rails 2042 are aligned to each
other on diametrically opposed sides of the hood 2020. Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 15,
the illustrated cartridge 2010 also comprises 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 a rear wall of the cavity
that receives the connector 2012. The flange 2044 is enshrouded by the hood 2020. In some
configurations, the flange 2044 has a stepped configuration with a distal end having a
reduced thickness relative to a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is closer to the rear
wall of the cavity than the distal end.
[0155] 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 junction 2032. The recess 2048 may be sized and configured to receive
at least a portion of the flange 2044. In particular, an engagementportion 2050 of the body
2040 may be spaced apart from the mounting boss 2044 by the recess 2048. Other
configurations are possible.
[0156] The mounting boss 2044 may include channels 2052. The channels 2052
may be sized, positioned and configured to receive the rails 2042. The channels 2052 may
have a shorter length than the length of the rails 2042 such that a significant portion of the
rails 2042 are exposed beyond the mounting boss 2044 when the insert block 2030 has been
secured within the hood 2020.
[0157] The engagement portion 2050 of the body 2040 may comprise one or more
retention elements 2054. In the illustrated configuration, the one or more retention elements
2054 may each comprise a deflectable tab. At least one deflectable tab 2054 may be
positioned on each opposing side of the body 2040. In the illustrated configuration, the body
2040 has a deflectable tab 2054 disposed on each lateral side of the body 2040.
[0158] The tabs 2054 may include a catch element 2056. The catch element 2056
may extend laterally away from the body 2040. In some configurations, the catch element
2056 may extend generally normal from a recess that spaces at least a portion of the
deflectable tab 2054 from the body 2040. In some configurations, a proximal portion of the
deflectable tab 2054, including the catch element 2056, may be shaped to encourage
deflection of the tab 2054 inwardly toward the body 2040 during insertion of the insert block
2030 into the hood 2020. For example, the proximal surface of the catch element 2056 may
taper when viewed from the top.
[0159] The body 2040 includes a distal end 2060. Proximally of the distal end
2060, an upper surface of the body 2040 may be shaped to match the inner surface of the
hood 2020. In the illustrated configuration, both are curved.
[0160] The distal end 2060 of the body 2040 may be recessed within the hood
2020. As shown in Figure 15, the distal end 2060 may be shaped and configured to
complement an adjoining end of the connector 2012. For example, in the illustrated
configuration, the distal end 2060 of the body 2040 may taper slightly.
[0161] A contact surface 2062 may be positioned between the distal end 2060 and
the mounting boss 2046. In the illustrated configuration, the contact surface 2062 faces
downward. In some configurations, the contact surface 2062 is generally planar.
[0162] The contact surface includes one or more openings through which contact
terminals 2064 may extend. The contact terminals 2064 may define at least a portion of the
second electrical junction 2034. The contact terminals 2064 may have any suitable
configuration.
[0163] In some configurations, the contact terminals 2064 are sprung terminals
that have been configured to minimize or reduce surfaces to which water may adhere. In
some configurations, the contact terminals 2064 are sprung terminals that have been
configured to minimize or reduce surfaces upon which a cloth may catch during wiping or
cleaning. In a relaxed state, the contact terminals 2064 advantageously protrude downward
beyond the contact surface 2062. When compressed, the contact terminals 2064 may be at
least partially deflected into the body 2040.
[0164] With reference to Figure 17, in some configurations, the body 2040 may
include an encircling groove 2066. The groove 2066 may be positioned rearward of a post
2068 that connects 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 are present.
[0165] With reference to Figure 15, the insert block 2030 may be inserted into the
hook 2020. During insertion, the rails 2042 are positioned within the channels 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 portions of the cartridge 2010. During insertion, features on an
inner surface of the hood 2020 may cause the tabs 2054 to deflect inwardly toward the body
2040 until the catch elements 2056 are proximal of the features on the inner surface, at which
point the tabs 2054 may return to a relaxed state with the catch elements 2056 positioned
proximally of the features on the inner surface. Any suitable configuration to secure the insert
block 2030 within the hood 202 may be used. Once inserted and secured in position, the first
electrical junction 2032 (e.g., receptacles) may be in electrical contact with corresponding
elements (e.g., pins) of an electrical connector of the cartridge 2010. Once the insert block
2030 is installed, the second electrical junction 2034 (e.g., the terminals 2064) is easily
accessed for drying, wiping, cleaning or the like. In addition, due to the configuration of the
terminals 2064, coatings applied to the terminals 2064, or the like, water and other liquids are
not likely to remain on or adhere to the terminals 2064.
Connector
[0166] With reference now to Figures 19 to 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.
[0167] With reference to Figure 24, the connector 2012 generally comprises an
inner plug 2100. The conduit 2008 may be threaded onto the illustrated inner plug 2100 and
secured thereto using overmoulding or any other suitable technique. In some configurations, a
seal 2102 may be positioned on an outer surface of the inner plug 2100. The seal 2102 may
be used to help form a pneumatic seal with an inner surface of a port of the chamber 2004.
[0168] The inner 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 be
brought into contact with the terminals 2064 of the second electrical junction 2034 of the
insert block 2030. In the illustrated configuration, there are six contact pads 2106 that are
spaced equally from each other. The contact pads 2106 may be spaced so as to decrease the
likelihood of shorting due to the presence of water droplets.
[0169] With reference now to Figures 42 to 44, example embodiments of the
connector 2012 may have the contact pads 2106 sized, positioned, and spaced according to
various designs. Figure 42 shows an example embodiment of the conduit connector 2012,
showing the contact pads 2106 uniformly sized and spaced, where the contact pads 2106 are
positioned in the order of heater pad, identification pad, sensor pad, sensor pad, identification
pad, heater pad (which can be designated HISSIH), each suited for connection to a
corresponding wire. Figure 43 shows an example embodiment of the conduit connector 2012,
showing the contact pads 2106 uniformly spaced, and also in HISSIH order, but with longer
heater pads that may help to ensure that the heater wire connections are made before, and
broken after, the identification and sensor wire connections. Figure 44 shows an example
embodiment of the conduit connector 2012, with the contact pads 2106 also having longer
heater pads, but with non-uniformly spaced pads in the order SSIIHH, from top to bottom,
which increases the space between the sensor pads and the heater pads. In an embodiment,
the first sensor pad (at the top, as illustrated in Figure 44) is suited for connection to a
positive sensor wire and the second sensor pad is suited for connection to a negative sensor
wire, which helps to maximize the space between the positive sensor pad and the heater pads.
Also, with reference to Figure 45, an embodiment of the connector 2012 has the contact pads
2106 in the order SSIIHH, from top to bottom, with longer heater pads and a gap between the
heater pads and the other pads, again helping to maximize the space between the heater pads
and the sensor pads.
[0170] Figure 48 illustrates a portion of an alternate embodiment of the cartridge
2010, showing the insert block 2030 with the electrical junction or contacts 2034 under 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, in particular with a gap
between the contacts that correspond to the heater pads and the contacts that correspond to
the identification and sensor pads. Figures 49 and 50 provide additional views of the alternate
embodiment of the insert block 2030 shown in Figure 48.
[0171] With reference again to Figures 19 to 24, the inner plug 2100 may be
retained within a cavity defined within a front cover 2 110 and a back cover 2112. The front
cover 2 110 and the back cover 2112 may be coupled together or coupled to the inner plug
2100 to generally enclose the inner plug 2100 within the covers 2110, 2112. In the illustrated
configuration, the back cover 2 112 clips onto a portion of the inner plug 2100 and the front
cover 2110, and the front cover 2110 also clips onto a portion of the inner plug 2100.
[0172] In some configurations, a seam between the front cover 2 110 and the back
cover 2 112 is obscured by having at least a portion of one of the front cover 2 110 and the
back cover 2 112 overlie a corresponding portion of the other of the two covers 2 110, 2 112. In
the illustrated configuration, the front cover 2110 includes a recess 2114 over which a lip
2116 of the back cover 2 112 slips. Thus, the lip 2 116 obscures the seam between the two
covers 2 110, 2 112 and an abutting relationship between the two covers 2 110, 2112 reduces
the likelihood of water infiltrating the connector 2012.
[0173] In the illustrated configuration, a locking ring 2118 may be secured
between the front cover 2110 and the inner plug 2100. The locking ring 2118 includes the
release buttons 2024. The release buttons 2024 protrude through openings 2120 provided in
the front cover 2110 and/or the rear cover 2112. The locking ring 2 118 is configured to latch
onto a port of the chamber 2004 and the locking ring 2 118 may be deflected by squeezing the
release buttons 2024 toward each other, which allows for removal of the locking ring 2118
(and, therefore, the connector 2012) from the port of the chamber 2004.
[0174] With reference again to Figures 19 to 22, the illustrated front cover 2110
has a slightly different configuration from the configuration illustrated in Figure 24. As
illustrated in Figures 19 to 22, a distal end 2120 of the front cover 2110 may have a sloping
face 2122. The sloping face 2122 may result from the top portion of the front cover 2110
extend further distally than the bottom portion of the front cover 2 110. In some
configurations, the sloping face 2122 is generally planar. In some configurations, the sloping
face 2122 may be curvilinear. Other configurations are possible.
[0175] With reference to Figures 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 incorporates a support region 2125 that may be generally surrounded by an outer
surface 2124. The support region 2125 may underlie the printed circuit board 2104. The
support region 2125 may provide support to the printed circuit board 2104 to reduce the
likelihood of flexure or deflection of the printed circuit board 2104 during connection and use
of the connector 2012. In the illustrated configuration (see Figure 23), the support region may
comprise one or more ribs or the like. In the illustrated configuration, the support region
comprises a ledge that is formed around a rim that generally encircles the printed circuit
board 2104. The illustrated ledge is recessed such that the printed circuit board 2104 is either
recessed or flush with the surrounding portion of the front cover 2 110. The one or more ribs
may extend under a more central portion of the printed circuit board 2104 and may define
supports for at least a central portion of the printed circuit board 2104. Any number of ribs
may be used. In some configurations, other forms of support (bosses, plateaus or the like)
may be used. In some configurations, no central supports are used.
[0176] With reference to Figure 22, the front cover 2110 also comprises at least
one channel 2126. In the illustrated configuration, the front cover 2 110 includes two channels
2126. The illustrated channels 2126 are generally diametrically opposed. The channels 2126
align with and receive the rails 2042 of the hood 2020. As such, the channels 2126 may help
to align the connector 2012 during coupling with the cartridge 2010. The channels 2126 and
the rails 2042 also help to resist vertical movement (e.g., up and down), twisting (e.g.,
rotation relative to the axis of the lumen) and yawing (e.g., rotation relative to an axis normal
to the axis of the lumen) of the connector 2012 relative to the cartridge 2010 when the two
are coupled together.
[0177] With reference again to Figure 21, the front cover 2110 comprises a
furrow 2128. The furrow 2128 extends over at least an upper portion of the front cover 2110.
In the illustrated configuration, the furrow 2128 has a lateral expanse that is at least as great
as the width of the printed circuit board 2104 (see Figure 20). The furrow 2128 helps to
divert away from the printed circuit board 2104 liquids that may be spilled onto the connector
2012. The furrow 2128 is thus proximal of the printed circuit board 2104 and may be
recessed into the front cover 2110 such that at least a lip is defined between the furrow 2128
and the printed circuit board 2104. Other configurations are possible.
[0178] With reference to Figure 21, the inner plug 2100 defines a lumen 2130.
The lumen 2130 is in fluid communication with the conduit 2008. The lumen 2130 has a
distal end 2132. The distal end 2132 has a non-normal configuration. In other words, the
distal end 2132 is not simply squared off relative to an axis of the lumen 2130. In some
configurations, the distal end 2132 is configured to complement the inner shape of a port of
the humidification chamber 2004 within which it will be inserted. In some configurations, the
distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 will slope and extend as far into the port as possible to
improve the ability of condensate to drain back into the humidification chamber 2004. This is
most clearly shown in Figure 15.
[0179] The distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 has a sloping configuration. In the
illustrated configuration, the distal end 2132 of the lumen 2130 slopes at a different slope
relative to the sloping face 2122 of the front cover 2110. The top of the lumen 2130 projects
further distally relative to the bottom of the lumen 2130. Moreover, the top of the lumen 2130
projects forward of a forwardmost portion of the sloping face 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 of the bottom portion of the
lumen 2130 but the top portion of the lumen 2130 projects further distally than the upper
portion of the front cover 2 110.
[0180] In some configurations, a recess angle R may be defined. The recess angle
R may be the angle when viewed from the side between the upper portion of the front cover
2 110 and the upper portion of the lumen 2130. The recess angle R may be 18 degrees in some
configurations. It is believed that, if the recess angle R is greater than 18 degrees and if
condensate is drained from the conduit 2008 with the connector 2012 upside down (i.e., with
the printed circuit board 2104 horizontal and the contact pads 2106 facing the floor), the
likelihood of condensate dripping back onto the printed circuit board 2104 is greatly reduced
or eliminated.
[0181] With reference to Figures 45 and 46, in an alternate embodiment of the
connector 2012, the outer support surface 2124 may be flared, i.e., wider at the distal end
2120 than by the furrow 2128. This flaring helps to ensure that the channels 2126 are
properly vertically aligned with the rails 2042 during insertion of the connector 2012 under
the hood 2020.
[0182] With reference to Figure 25, the chamber 2004 includes a port 2138. The
port 2138 terminates in an opening 2140. As illustrated, the distal end 2132 of the lumen
2130 is well within the port 2138 at the time the printed circuit board 2104 approaches
contact with the terminals 2064 of the insert block 2030. As such, in the illustrated
configurations, during decoupling of the connector 2012 from the cartridge 2010 and the port
2138, the electrical connection between the printed circuit board 2104 and the insert block
2030 will break before the pneumatic connection between the lumen 2130 and the port 2138
will break. In other words, the electrical connection breaks before the pneumatic connection.
Similarly, during coupling of the connector 2012 with the cartridge 2010 and the port 2138,
the pneumatic connection will be established before the electrical connection. More
particularly, the lumen 2130 and the port 2138 will mate before the terminals 2064 contact
the pads 2106 of the printed circuit board 2104.
[0183] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed herein,
inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the
scope of the claims or embodiments appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular
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 sequence and
are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be
described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in
understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be
construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, some structures
described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For
purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these
embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by
any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a
manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested
herein.
[0184] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be
made to the embodiments described herein, the elements of which are to be understood as
being 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. Further, nothing in the foregoing disclosure is intended to imply that any particular
component, characteristic or process step is necessary or essential.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system
comprising a base unit and a humidification chamber, the humidification chamber being
configured to be engageable with the base unit, the circuit connector comprising:
an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification
chamber to receive heated and/or humidified gases therefrom;
an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for directing the
heated and/or humidified gases 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,
wherein the circuit connector is configured to make a releasable and lockable
connection to the outlet of the humidification chamber, thereby providing the fluid
connection from the inlet of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification
chamber, such that the circuit connector also provides the electrical connection from
the electrical terminal of the circuit connector to the electrical terminal associated with
the base unit when the humidification chamber is engaged with the base unit and the
circuit connector is connected to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
2. A circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system
comprising a base unit and a humidification chamber, the humidification chamber being
configured to be engageable with the base unit, the circuit connector comprising:
an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the
humidification chamber to receive heated and/or humidified gases therefrom;
an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for directing the
heated and/or humidified gases to or from a patient or other person; and
an electrical terminal configured to provide an electrical connection to a base
unit electrical terminal, the electrical terminal comprising exposed contact pads that
are sized, positioned and configured to be brought into contact with the base unit
electrical terminal.
3. The circuit connector of Claim 2, wherein the electrical terminal comprises six
equally spaced contact pads.
4. The circuit connector of Claim 3, wherein the six equally spaced contact pads
comprise two contact pads for sensor wires, two contact pads for identification, and two
contact pads for heater wires.
5. The circuit connector of Claim 4, wherein 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
identification.
6. The circuit connector of Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the six equally spaced contact
pads all have the same length.
7. The circuit connector of Claim 2, wherein the electrical terminal comprises six
contact pads that are not all uniformly spaced apart.
8. The circuit connector of Claim 7, wherein the six equally spaced contact pads
comprise two contact pads for sensor wires, two contact pads for identification, and two
contact pads for heater wires.
9. The circuit connector of Claim 8, wherein 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
identification.
10. The circuit connector of Claim 9, wherein the two contact pads for the heater
wires are adjacent each other.
11. The circuit connector of Claim 8, wherein the two contact pads for the sensor
wires and the two contact pads for identification are uniformly spaced and the two contact
pads for the heater wires are spaced apart from each other by the same spacing as between the
two contact pads for the sensor wires but the two contact pads for the heater wires are spaced
apart from the closest of the two contact pads for the sensor wires and the two contact pads
for identification by a distance greater than the distance separating the two contact pads for
the heater wires from each other.
12. The circuit connector of Claim 11, wherein 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
identification.
13. The circuit connector of Claim 2, wherein the contact pads are formed on a
circuit board and the printed circuit board is supported by an outer support surface.
14. The circuit connector of Claim 13, wherein the outer support surface is wider at a
distal end than at a proximal end.
15. The circuit connector of claim 1, comprising an orientator configured to orientate
the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the humidification chamber and/or to orientate
the electrical terminal of the circuit connector relative to the electrical terminal associated
with the base unit.
16. The circuit connector of claim 15, wherein the orientator comprises a recess
configured to slidably engage a projection on the outlet of the humidification chamber such
that the circuit connector may only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a
predetermined orientation.
17. The circuit connector of claim 15 or 16, wherein the orientator comprises a
projection configured to slidably engage a recess in the outlet of the humidification chamber
such that the circuit connector may only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber
in a predetermined orientation.
18. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet of
the humidification chamber comprises a first portion that extends substantially vertically
from the humidification chamber and a second portion that extends substantially horizontally
from the first portion, the second portion being downstream of the first portion, in use,
wherein the inlet of the circuit connector is configured to provide a fluid connection to the
second portion of the circuit connector and the circuit connector comprises a cutout to
accommodate the first portion, the cutout inhibiting or limiting engagement of the circuit
connector to the outlet of the humidification chamber when not correctly orientated to
accommodate the first portion received in the cutout.
19. The circuit connector of claim 18, wherein the cutout is contoured to have a
wider opening and a narrower termination, thereby providing tolerance as to the orientation
of the circuit connector on initial engagement and correcting the orientation on continued
engagement as the circuit connector is pushed towards the outlet of the humidification
chamber.
20. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical
terminal of the circuit connector comprises:
one or more pins configured to, in use, make contact with one or more tracks of a
printed circuit board, the electrical terminal associated with the base unit comprising
said printed circuit board, or
a printed circuit board comprising one or more tracks configured to, in use, make
contact with one or more pins, the electrical terminal associated with the base unit
comprising said one or more pins.
21. The circuit connector of any one of claims 1 and 15 to 19, wherein the electrical
terminal of the circuit connector comprises:
an edge card configured to, in use, be received in an edge card receptacle, the
electrical terminal associated with the base unit comprising said edge card receptacle,
or
an edge card receptacle configured to, in use, receive an edge card, the electrical
terminal associated with the base unit comprising said edge card.
22. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical
terminal of the circuit connector is electrically connected to one or more heater wires and/or
one or more sensor wires, the conduit comprising said one or more heater wires and/or said
one or more sensor wires.
23. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a recess or
projection configured to be engaged by a latch on a wall of the outlet of the humidification
chamber, thereby providing said releasable and lockable connection of the circuit connector
to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
24. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a latch
configured to engage a recess or projection of a wall of the outlet of the humidification
chamber, thereby providing said releasable and lockable connection of the circuit connector
to the outlet of the humidification chamber.
25. The circuit connector of claim 23 or 24, comprising an activator configured for
disengaging the latch from the recess or projection to allow removal of the circuit connector
from the outlet of the humidification chamber.
26. The circuit connector of claim 25, wherein the activator comprises at least one
manually depressible button or switch.
27. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a
portion of the circuit connector is receivable inside the outlet of the humidification chamber.
28. A circuit connector for a humidification system, the humidification system
comprising a base unit and a humidification chamber, the circuit connector comprising:
an inlet configured to provide a fluid connection to an outlet of the humidification
chamber to receive heated and/or humidified gases therefrom;
an outlet configured to provide a fluid connection to a conduit for directing the
heated and/or humidified gases 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; and
an orientator configured to orientate the circuit connector relative to the outlet of
the humidification chamber.
29. The circuit connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical
terminal of the circuit connector is substantially parallel to the inlet of the circuit connector
thereby enabling both the electrical and fluid connections to be effected in a single motion.
30. A medical tube comprising the circuit connector of any one of the preceding
claims.
31. The medical tube of claim 30, wherein the circuit connector is integral to or
connected to a conduit.
32. The medical tube of claim 30 or 31, configured to form at least part of an
inspiratory limb of a respiratory circuit.
33. 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 to receive gases into the humidification chamber from a gases source; and
an outlet configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated and/or
humidified gases from the humidification chamber to a patient or other person;
wherein the outlet is configured to provide a releasable and lockable connection
to the circuit connector and/or comprises an orientator to control the orientation of the
circuit connector relative to the outlet.
34. The humidification chamber of claim 33, wherein the orientator comprises a
recess configured to slidably engage a projection on the circuit connector such that the circuit
connector may only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a predetermined
orientation.
35. The humidification chamber of claim 33 or 34, wherein the orientator comprises
a projection configured to slidably engage a recess in the circuit connector such that the
circuit connector may only be slid onto the outlet of the humidification chamber in a
predetermined orientation.
36. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the outlet of
the humidification chamber comprises a first portion that extends substantially vertically
from the humidification chamber and a second portion that extends substantially horizontally
from the first portion, the second portion being downstream of the first portion, in use.
37. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 36, comprising a recess or
projection configured to be engaged by a latch of the circuit connector, thereby providing said
releasable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification
chamber.
38. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 37, comprising a latch
configured to engage a recess or projection of the circuit connector, thereby providing said
releasable and lockable connection of the circuit connector to the outlet of the humidification
chamber.
39. The humidification chamber of claim 37 or 38, comprising an activator for
disengaging the latch from the recess or projection to allow removal of the circuit connector
from the outlet of the humidification chamber.
40. The humidification chamber of claim 39, wherein the activator comprises at least
one manually depressible button or switch.
41. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the outlet of
the humidification chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the circuit connector
inside the outlet of the humidification chamber.
42. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 41, comprising an
orientator to control orientation of the humidification chamber relative to the base unit.
43. 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 to receive gases from a gases source;
an outlet configured to connect to a circuit connector for directing heated and/or
humidified gases to a patient or other person; and
an orientator to control orientation of the humidification chamber relative to the
base unit.
44. The humidification chamber of claim 43, wherein the orientator comprises a
recess configured to slidably engage a projection on or associated with the base unit such that
the humidification chamber may only be engaged with the base unit in a predetermined
orientation.
45. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 43 to 44, wherein the orientator
comprises a projection configured to slidably engage a recess in or associated with the base
unit such that the humidification chamber may only be engaged with the base unit in a
predetermined orientation.
46. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the orientator
is configured to orientate, at least in part, the circuit connector relative to the outlet of the
humidification chamber.
47. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein the orientator
is configured to orientate, at least in part, an electrical terminal of the circuit connector
relative to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit.
48. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 47, configured to couple
to the base unit, at least in part, via a coupler of or associated with the base unit.
49. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 48, wherein the circuit
connector is the circuit connector of any one of claims 1 to 16.
50. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 49, wherein at least a
downstream end of the outlet is oriented in a substantially parallel direction to a direction of
engagement of the humidification chamber with the base unit.
51. The humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 50, wherein a direction of
engagement of an electrical connection of the circuit connector to the base unit and/or a
coupler of the base unit is substantially parallel to:
at least a downstream end of the outlet of the humidification chamber, and/or
a direction of engagement of the humidification chamber with the base unit.
52. A humidification chamber for a humidification system, the humidification
chamber comprising an outlet configured to connect to the circuit connector of any one of
claims 1 or 15 to 29.
53. A coupler for a humidification system, the coupler comprising:
first connections configured to structurally and electrically connect the coupler to
a base unit of the humidification system, the base unit configured to operatively engage
a humidification chamber;
second connections configured to electrically connect the coupler to a circuit
connector that is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the humidification chamber
to a conduit to deliver heated and/or humidified gases to a patient or other person,
wherein the coupler comprises one or more guide portions for orientating the
humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector relative to the base unit as the
humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector are brought into engagement with
the coupler.
54. The coupler of claim 53, wherein the first and second connections are configured
to be made by urging the humidification chamber and/or the circuit connector in substantially
the same direction.
55. A base unit for a humidification system, in which system a humidification
chamber is configured to be engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured
to fluidly connect to an outlet of the humidification chamber, and an electrical terminal of the
circuit connector is configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with
the base unit, the base unit comprising:
one or more guide portions for orientating the humidification chamber and/or the
circuit connector relative to the base unit as the humidification chamber and/or the
circuit connector are brought into engagement with the base unit.
56. A base unit for a humidification system, in which system a humidification
chamber is configured to be engageable with the base unit, a circuit connector is configured
to fluidly connect to an outlet of the humidification chamber, and an electrical terminal of the
circuit connector is configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with
the base unit, wherein the base unit is configured to receive the humidification chamber in a
direction substantially the same or parallel to a direction in which the electrical terminal of
the base unit is configured to electrically connect to the electrical terminal of the circuit
connector.
57. The base unit of Claim 56, wherein an insert block is positioned between the
electrical terminal of the circuit connector and the electrical terminal associated with the base
unit.
58. The base unit of Claim 57, wherein the insert block is mounted to the base unit.
59. The base unit of Claim 58, wherein the base unit comprises a removable coupler
and the insert block is mounted to the removable coupler.
60. The base unit of Claim 59, wherein the insert block has a body and the removable
coupler has a hood with the body of the insert block being sized and configured to be
received within the hood of the removable coupler.
61. The base unit of Claim 60, wherein the insert block has a downwardly facing
contact surface.
62. The base unit of Claim 61, wherein one or more contact terminals protrude
downwardly beyond the downwardly facing contact surface.
63. A humidification system comprising:
a circuit connector of any one of claims 1 to 29; and/or
a medical tube of any one of claims 30 to 32; and/or
a humidification chamber of any one of claims 33 to 52; and/or
a coupler of any one of claim 53 or 54; and/or
a base unit of claim 55-62.
64. A humidification system comprising:
a base unit;
a humidification chamber configured to operatively connect to the base unit, the
humidification chamber comprising an outer body defining a chamber, an inlet port
comprising a wall defining a passage into the chamber, an outlet port comprising a wall
defining a passage out of the chamber;
a circuit connector configured to connect the outlet port to a humidified gases
delivery conduit,
wherein connection of the circuit connector to the outlet port is made in
substantially the same direction as the connection of the humidification chamber to the
base unit.
65. The system of claim 64, wherein the circuit connector comprises an electrical
terminal configured to electrically connect the humidified gases delivery conduit and/or the
circuit connector to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit.
66. The system of claim 65, wherein the electrical terminal of the circuit connector
connects to the electrical terminal associated with the base unit in substantially the same
direction 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.
67. The system of any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein said direction is substantially
horizontal.
68. The system of any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein any one or more of the base
unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector or a coupler provided between the
humidification chamber and the base unit include an orientator to control relative orientation
of at least one of the others of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector
or the coupler.
69. A humidification system comprising:
a base unit;
a humidification chamber configured to operatively connect to the base unit, the
humidification chamber comprising an outer body defining a chamber, an inlet port
comprising a wall defining a passage into the chamber, an outlet port comprising a wall
defining a passage out of the chamber;
a circuit connector configured to connect the outlet port to a humidified gases
delivery conduit, the circuit connector comprising an electrical terminal configured to
electrically connect to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit,
wherein any one or more of the base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit
connector or a coupler provided between the humidification chamber and the base unit
include an orientator to control relative orientation of at least one of the others of the
base unit, the humidification chamber, the circuit connector or the coupler.
70. The system of any one of claims 64 to 69, comprising a pressurized gas source,
the pressurized gas source comprising an outlet, the outlet of the pressurized gas source being
connected or connectable to the inlet port of the humidification chamber, the humidification
chamber defining a flow passage between the pressurized gas source and outlet port.
71. The system of any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the circuit connector is
configured to provide a releasable and lockable connection to the outlet port of the
humidification chamber.
72. The system of any one of claims 64 to 71, wherein the humidification chamber is
releasably and lockably engageable with the base unit.
73. The system of any one of claims 64 to 72, wherein the circuit connector is not
fixedly or lockably attachable to the base unit and/or the circuit connector is not fixedly or
lockably attachable to a coupler located between the circuit connector and the base unit.
74. A method of assembling a humidification system, the method comprising:
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,
wherein the first and second directions are substantially the same.
75. The method of claim 74, wherein said slidably engaging the circuit connector to
the outlet of the humidification chamber results in or effects electrical connection of the
circuit connector to the base unit and/or a control module associated with the base unit.
76. A method of assembling a humidification system, the method comprising:
slidably engaging a circuit connector to an outlet of a humidification chamber in a
first direction; and
slidably engaging the combined sub-assembly of the humidification chamber and
the circuit connector to a base unit in a second direction,
wherein the first and second directions are substantially the same.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein said slidably engaging the combined sub
assembly of the humidification chamber and the circuit connector to a base unit results in or
effects electrical connection of the circuit connector to the base unit and/or a control module
associated with the base unit.
78. The method of any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein said first and second
directions are substantially horizontal.