111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US007096864Bl
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Mayer et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`(54) DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING RESPIRATORY
`GAS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Wolfgang Mayer, Ebringen (DE);
`Harald Genger, Starnberg (DE); Stefan
`Madaus, Krailling (DE); Andreas
`Klopp, Munich (DE); Stefan Schatzl,
`Weilheim (DE); Harald Vogele,
`Gauting (DE); Bernd Lang, Lochham
`(DE)
`
`(73) Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH,
`Martinsreid (DE)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.c. 154(b) by 291 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/048,786
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Aug. 4, 2000
`
`(86) PCTNo.:
`
`PCT/EPOO/07602
`
`§ 371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date: Aug. 6, 2002
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WOO1l10489
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Feb. 15, 2001
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Aug. 5, 1999
`Oct. 13, 1999
`Oct. 13, 1999
`Oct. 13, 1999
`
`(DE)
`(DE)
`(DE)
`(DE)
`
`......................... ....... 199 36 499
`......................... ....... 166 49 292
`................................ 199 49 283
`........................... 299 18 048 U
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A62B 9104
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ........... 128/204.18,
`128/204.22,203.17,203.26,203.28,204.21,
`128/202.27,203.16; 2611154, 130, 104,
`2611107
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,690,317 A * 9/1972 Millman ..... .. ... ... ... 128/200.16
`4,051,205 A
`9/1977 Grant
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`
`3623 162 Al
`
`7/1986
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Search Report mailed Jui. 29, 2004 from Corresponding
`EP Appln. No. 00953159.1, 6 pgs and 2 pages of English Transla(cid:173)
`tion.
`
`Primary Examiner---Glenn K. Dawson
`Assistant Examiner-Michael G. Mendoza
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Nixon & Vanderhye P.c.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas includes a
`blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing
`device having a bottom region, a top surface region and a
`side region extending upwardly between the top surface
`region and the cover region, as well as a connecting device
`for connecting a humidifYing apparatus. The connecting
`device is arranged in the side region of the apparatus in such
`a way that the humidifying apparatus can be laterally
`coupled thereto. The humidifYing apparatus may include a
`partial amount discharge device for passing a partial amount
`of the liquid pre-stored in a liquid storage space into a
`humidifYing region. A respiration tube includes a connecting
`plug structure which has both a respiratory gas connecting
`portion and a pressure measuring tube connecting portion.
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 1281202.27; 128/201.13;
`128/203.17; 128/203.26; 128/204.18
`
`20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,237,080 A * 1211980 Elliott ......................... 261180
`4,336,798 A
`611982 Beran
`4,621,632 A
`1111986 Bartels et al.
`611989 Dryden et al.
`4,838,258 A
`4,941,469 A
`711990 Adahan
`311992 Ginevri et al.
`5,097,424 A
`711994 Howe
`5,329,939 A
`811995 Champain et al.
`5,443,061 A
`5,558,084 A * 911996 Daniell et al. ......... 128/203.17
`5,564,415 A * 1011996 Dobson et aI.
`. ....... 128/204.14
`5,577,496 A
`1111996 Blackwood et al.
`5,848,592 A * 1211998 Sibley ................... 128/205.27
`12/2001 Krohn
`6,332,462 Bl
`6,397,841 Bl * 6/2002 Kenyon et aI ..... .... 128/202.27
`6,435,180 Bl * 8/2002 Hewson et al. ........ 128/204.18
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`GB
`WO
`WO
`
`90 14 848.7
`41 38 098 C2
`4244493 Al
`195 15 739 C2
`298 17 685
`69409024 T2
`0201 985
`0274996 Bl
`0274996
`0845277 A2
`o 903 160 Al
`1 023 912 A2
`2 177 006 A
`WO 95115778
`WO 97/32619
`
`3/1991
`1111991
`7/1993
`5/1995
`10/1998
`10/1998
`1111986
`7/1988
`7/1988
`6/1998
`3/1999
`8/2000
`111987
`6/1995
`9/1997
`
`DE
`
`3823242 Al
`
`2/1990
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
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`Aug. 29, 2006
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`Aug. 29, 2006
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`Apex Medical Corp.
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`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

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`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 7,096,864 BI
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

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`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
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`Aug. 29, 2006
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`Aug. 29, 2006
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`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
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`
`US 7,096,864 BI
`
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`
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
`1
`DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING RESPIRATORY
`GAS
`
`This application is the National Phase of International
`Application PCT/EPOOI07602 filed Aug. 4, 2000 which
`designated the u.s. and that International Application was
`not published under PCT Article 21(2) in English.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`way of which the CPAP-unit is set up advantageously act
`directly as a guide device which permits the humidifying
`apparatus to be easily pushed to the CPAP-unit. If for
`example there is temporarily no need for a humidifying
`apparatus or if the humidifying apparatus is to be tempo(cid:173)
`rarily separated from the CPAP-unit for cleaning purposes,
`the CPAP-unit can remain unchanged at the location at
`which it is set up and the humidifYing apparatus can simply
`be removed towards the side, in particular by being pulled
`10 off.
`In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment
`of the invention the connecting members are oriented sub(cid:173)
`stantially in the joining direction. In particular the main
`passage cross-section for the respiratory gas which is deliv-
`15 ered by the blowing device is advantageously formed by a
`tube connection, on to which can be fitted a connecting
`portion which is provided on a humidifYing apparatus of
`correspondingly complementary configuration.
`An embodiment of the invention which is particularly
`advantageous from esthetic points of view and in regard to
`a symmetrical structure for the CPAP-unit system is afforded
`if the corresponding connecting members are provided in an
`end (front side) of the unit. The surface portion of that end
`of the unit is of a substantially complementary configuration
`to a portion of the humidifYing apparatus, which is adjacent
`in the joined position.
`An embodiment of the invention which is advantageous in
`particular in regard to particularly reliable coupling of a
`pressure measuring conduit is afforded if the connecting
`30 device has said tube connection for conducting the respira(cid:173)
`tory gas therethrough and a conduit portion which is
`arranged adjacent thereto, for coupling a pressure-measuring
`conduit.
`The tube connection for passing the respiratory gas there-
`through and the conduit portion for the pressure measuring
`conduit, in accordance with a particularly preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention, are arranged in an opening in such a
`way that they do not project substantially beyond a main
`plane defined by the front end face of the unit. That affords
`particularly effective protection for these comparatively
`filigree CPAP-unit connecting members.
`In accordance with a particular aspect of the present
`invention the connecting device, for connection of the
`humidifYing apparatus as required, includes electrical con(cid:173)
`necting members for affording an electrical connection to
`the humidifYing apparatus. By way of those electrical con(cid:173)
`necting members it is advantageously possible to supply
`voltage to a heating device of the humidifying apparatus,
`50 without a corresponding voltage supply cable having to be
`manually connected for that purpose to the humidifying
`apparatus. The electrical connecting members can also be
`used for the transmission of electrical signals, for example
`for the transmission of a filling level signal or also for the
`55 transmission of electrical signals which are supplied for
`example in the region of the respiratory tube connecting
`device.
`A particularly effective coupling for the CPAP-unit to the
`humidifYing apparatus which is intended for connection
`thereto is achieved in accordance with the invention in that
`there is provided a latching device which can be manually
`put into a release position and which holds the humidifying
`apparatus in a joined position. By virtue of that arrangement
`it is advantageously possible for the humidifying apparatus
`65 to be designed in such a way as to save a great deal of
`weight, without in that respect involving the risk that it is by
`mistake pulled off the CPAP-unit by way of the connected
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a
`respiratory gas under an increased pressure comprising a
`blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing
`device for receiving the blowing device and a connecting
`device for connection of a humidifYing apparatus for
`humidifying the respiratory gas delivered by the delivery
`device. The invention further concerns a humidifYing appa(cid:173)
`ratus for humidifYing a respiratory gas as well as a respira(cid:173)
`tory gas tube or hose and a connecting apparatus therefor. 20
`2. Description of Related Art
`Apparatuses for supplying a respiratory gas under an
`increased pressure are used in particular in the field of sleep
`therapy for dealing with sleep-related respiratory distur(cid:173)
`bances. Supplying the respiratory gas under a predetermined 25
`increased pressure, usually in the range of between 5 and 20
`mbar, provides for pneumatic splinting of the upper respi(cid:173)
`ratory tracts of a patient, in a physiologically well compat(cid:173)
`ible fashion, whereby it is possible to effectively prevent
`obstruction in that respiratory tract region.
`Usually the respiratory gas is formed directly from the
`ambient air which is preferably sucked in by way of a filter
`device. In dependence on the climatic conditions which
`fluctuate in particular due to the time of year involved, it has
`proven to be advantageous for the respiratory gas which is 35
`supplied to the patient, for example by way of a blowing
`device, under a regulated, possibly alternating pressure, to
`be humidified from time to time. For that purpose it is
`possible to insert a humidifYing device into the respiratory
`gas path between the blowing device and the respiratory 40
`mask, for example by way of an intermediate hose portion.
`CPAP-units with an integrated humidifYing apparatus are
`also known.
`In the case of the humidifYing apparatuses which are only
`inserted into a hose line however, there is frequently the 45
`problem of inadequate strength and stability. In the case of
`CPAP-units with an integrated humidifYing apparatus the
`latter has to be constantly taken around, even if there is
`temporarily no need for humidification of the respiratory
`gas.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Under the impulsion of that problem, an object of the
`invention is to provide an apparatus for supplying a respi(cid:173)
`ratory gas and a humidifying apparatus which is provided
`for same, which is robust and simple to handle and which
`can be configured in an easy fashion according to respective
`requirements involved.
`In accordance with the invention that object is attained by 60
`an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas, having one or
`more features described below.
`By virtue thereof, it is advantageously possible for a
`humidifying apparatus to be coupled directly laterally to a
`CPAP-unit easily and without the need for expert assembly
`procedures, and without the CPAP-unit having to be lifted
`for that purpose. In that case the lower support portions by
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
`3
`respiratory gas tube or hose and caused to fall off the surface
`on which it is supported (for example an occasional table).
`In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment
`of the invention the CPAP-unit is designed in the bottom
`region in such a way that the connecting members and in
`particular
`the above-mentioned
`tube connection are
`arranged at a vertical heightwise level which exactly corre(cid:173)
`sponds to the heightwise level of the connecting members
`provided on the humidifYing apparatus.
`Advantageously, the connecting members provided on the 10
`CPAP-unit and also those on the humidifYing apparatus are
`positioned in a vertical direction in such a way that, when the
`CPAP-unit and the humidifying apparatus are set up on a
`substantially flat support, the humidifying apparatus can be
`pushed to the CPAP-unit, in which case the required orien- 15
`tation of those two modules in the vertical direction is
`already achieved by virtue of the surface on which they are
`standing. In order also to attain sufficient centering of the
`two modules in the lateral direction, centering aids are also
`provided in accordance with a particularly preferred 20
`embodiment of the invention. In that respect, a particularly
`robust centering aid is achieved if the inside wall of the
`opening which receives the tube connection is matched to
`the outside peripheral surface of the connecting projection
`provided on the humidifYing apparatus.
`In regard to the humidifying apparatus the object set forth
`hereinbefore is attained by a humidifYing apparatus having
`one or more of the features described below. Such a humidi(cid:173)
`fying apparatus can be coupled in a simple fashion to a
`suitable CPAP-unit, even by a lay person, without expert
`assembly procedures or a connecting tube or hose being
`required for that purpose. The CPAP-unit does not have to
`be lifted for that purpose.
`Advantageously there is provided a humidifier unit which
`can be coupled to a base unit and which includes a cartridge- 35
`like refilling module which can be removed and re-fitted.
`The refilling module can be fixed in the humidifier unit by
`way of fixing devices, for example a bayonet fixing device.
`The refilling module can be sealed off in a portion-wise
`manner or completely in the humidifier unit by sealing 40
`devices.
`In the context of a CPAP-therapy, spontaneous respiration
`of a patient is assisted by a respiratory gas under permanent
`increased pressure being supplied to the patient. That
`increased pressure affords pneumatic splinting of the upper 45
`respiratory tracts, whereby it is possible to obviate any
`respiratory tract obstructions which occur during a patient
`sleep phase. In the treatment of sleep-related respiratory
`disturbances in that marmer, that increased-pressure artificial
`respiration usually extends over the entire sleep phase of the 50
`patient. In regard to improved physiological compatibility of
`that increased-pressure artificial respiration it has proven to
`be advantageous to humidifY the respiratory gas which is fed
`to the patient. Usually, humidification of the respiratory gas
`is effected by the respiratory gas being passed over a water 55
`bath and in so doing absorbing moisture. An amount of
`water of about 750 ml is usually stored in that water bath.
`The water bath is preferably slightly heated by means of a
`heating device. When using those conventional humidifying
`apparatuses, it has been found that the absolute moisture 60
`content of the respiratory gas, as viewed over the entire sleep
`phase, is subject to in part considerable fluctuations.
`To resolve that problem, in accordance with a particular
`aspect of the present invention, there is described an appa(cid:173)
`ratus, which is simple to handle, for the humidification of a 65
`respiratory gas, and a CPAP-unit which is intended for use
`therewith, by means of which it is possible to achieve
`
`4
`uniform humidification of the respiratory gas. That is
`achieved by an apparatus for the humidification of a respi(cid:173)
`ratory gas comprising a liquid storage space for storage of a
`liquid, a humidifYing region for loading the respiratory gas
`with the liquid by the respiratory gas coming into contact in
`the humidifYing region with the liquid, a respiratory gas
`supply device for supplying the respiratory gas to the
`humidifYing region, and a respiratory gas withdrawal device
`for withdrawal of the humidified respiratory gas from the
`humidifYing region, wherein there is provided a partial(cid:173)
`amount discharge device for passing only a partial amount
`of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space into the
`humidifYing region.
`That arrangement makes it advantageously possible to
`provide a respiratory gas which is humidified according to
`the respective requirements involved, just a short time after
`the unit is brought into operation. With a desired heating
`effect for the humidifYing medium, that can be achieved
`quickly and with a comparatively low level of power draw.
`As a result of the low level of power draw of the heating
`device the humidifying apparatus according to the invention
`is particularly suitable for operation independently of a
`mains network, by means of a battery or an accumulator.
`In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment
`25 of the invention the humidifying region is spatially separated
`from the liquid storage space. In order for supplying the
`humidifYing medium from the liquid storage space, accord(cid:173)
`ing to the respective requirements involved, there is prefer(cid:173)
`ably provided a fluid conduit device by way of which the
`30 humidifYing region is in communication with the liquid
`storage space.
`Provided between the humidifying region and the liquid
`storage space, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
`the invention, is a separating wall which separates the
`humidifYing region from the liquid storage space. The fluid
`conduit device is preferably arranged in such a way that it
`passes through the separating wall.
`An embodiment of the invention which is advantageous in
`terms of particularly advantageous handleability and reliable
`filling of the humidifYing region is afforded if the liquid
`storage space is arranged above the humidifYing region in
`the position of use of the apparatus. By virtue of that
`arrangement, it is possible for the humidifying medium to be
`passed into the humidifying region as a result of the force of
`gravity acting thereon. The discharge of a partial amount of
`the liquid into the humidifying region is advantageously
`effected in dependence on a level of liquid in the humidi(cid:173)
`fYing region. In that way it is possible for a given minimum
`amount of humidifYing liquid to be kept permanently avail(cid:173)
`able in the humidifYing region.
`The filling level in the humidifYing region is advanta(cid:173)
`geously quantitatively controlled by the introduction of air
`into the liquid storage space, for the discharge of a partial
`amount of the liquid out of the liquid storage space. For that
`purpose, in accordance with a particularly preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ment' the air for introduction into the liquid storage space is
`drawn in by way of the humidifYing region.
`Control of the supply of air is preferably effected by the
`provision of a metering or quantitative control conduit
`device which extends between the liquid storage space and
`the humidifYing region, wherein the conduit device has a
`first mouth opening which is at the height of the level of
`liquid in the humidifying region and a second mouth open(cid:173)
`ing which opens into the liquid storage space into a region
`above the level of liquid in the storage space. In that
`situation the first mouth opening is covered by the liquid
`disposed in the humidifying region until the level of liquid
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
`5
`falls below the first mouth opening. As soon as the first
`mouth opening is cleared air can then flow into the liquid
`storage space by way of the quantitative control conduit
`device. As the result of that make-up flow of air, a small
`amount of fluid again passes into the humidifYing region and
`the level of the liquid in the humidifYing region rises until
`the first mouth opening is again below the level of the liquid.
`The quantitative control conduit device is advantageously
`formed by a tube conduit which passes through the sepa(cid:173)
`rating wall in a vertical direction.
`The liquid is transferred from the liquid storage space into
`the humidifying region through a tube projection portion
`which extends from the separating wall into a region below
`the first mouth opening of the quantitative control conduit
`device or the air-introduction conduit device.
`An embodiment of the humidifier which is robust and
`advantageous in tenns of manufacture from production(cid:173)
`engineering points of view is afforded by the separating wall
`and the two fluid conduit devices being of an integral nature.
`The liquid storage space is preferably fonned by a cup- 20
`shaped housing portion. That housing portion is preferably
`formed from a transparent or translucent material. Making
`the housing portion from a plastic material advantageously
`provides for protection from splintering and a still further
`reduction in the level of heat losses.
`In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment
`of the invention the humidifYing region is fonned in a trough
`or vat element. Particularly effective humidification of the
`respiration gas, with a structure which is still compact, can
`advantageously be achieved by the provision of air conduit 30
`devices which are arranged in such a way that air flows
`through the trough element substantially transversely or
`along a spiral path. That provides intensive contact of the
`respiratory gas with the partial amount of liquid accommo(cid:173)
`dated in the humidifying region.
`Particularly intensive humidification of the respiratory
`gas can be achieved by the provision of a heating device for
`heating the partial amount of liquid stored in the humidifY(cid:173)
`ing region. The heating device is preferably operated elec(cid:173)
`trically, for example by a resistance heating means. The 40
`resistance heating means is preferably formed by a thin
`foil-like element thermally coupled to a bottom region of the
`trough element. For that purpose preferably the trough
`element has a bottom portion which is fonned from a
`material of high thennal conductivity, in particular metal. As 45
`an alternative thereto or also in combination therewith, it is
`also possible for the heating device to be integrated directly
`into a wall portion, in particular a bottom portion, of the
`humidifying region.
`Advantageously the integral member forming the sepa- 50
`rating wall is fitted in sealing relationship into the trough
`element by way of a first peripheral sealing device. The
`integral member preferably also includes a second periph(cid:173)
`eral sealing device which closes the liquid storage space in
`sealing relationship, in conjunction with the separating wall. 55
`The humidifying unit which is fonned in that way can be
`opened for the refilling procedure by the trough element
`being removed from the housing portion which forms the
`liquid storage space.
`In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment 60
`of the invention, to receive the described humidifying unit
`there is provided a support or installation housing into which
`at least the trough element can be fitted. Advantageously the
`trough element or the support housing is provided with a
`respiration tube counecting device for the connection of a 65
`respiration tube. In accordance with a particularly preferred
`embodiment of the invention there is provided a secondary
`
`6
`or duplicate tube connecting device in the region of the
`respiration tube connecting device. By way of a secondary
`tube of preferably small diameter, which can be connected
`to the secondary tube connecting device, it is possible to
`implement pressure measurement in a region following the
`humidifYing apparatus, for example in the region of a CO2
`exchange valve. The secondary tube connecting device is
`preferably arranged immediately beside a respiratory tube
`connecting projection. Advantageously
`the connecting
`10 structure provided on the humidifying apparatus for the
`respiration tube and preferably also for the secondary tube
`and in particular the pressure-measuring tube corresponds in
`respect of its constitution to the connecting structure corre(cid:173)
`spondingly provided on a CPAP-unit. That advantageously
`15 provides for compatibility of the tube connections both with
`the CPAP-unit and also with the humidifying device which
`is possibly connected therebetween.
`In that respect, a robust embodiment which is advanta(cid:173)
`geous from the points of view of production engineering is
`afforded if the secondary tube connecting device and the
`respiration tube connecting device are fonned integrally
`with the trough element or with the support housing.
`In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention
`the humidifying apparatus has connecting members which
`25 permit direct docking of the humidifying apparatus to a
`corresponding CPAP-unit.
`For that purpose in accordance with a particularly pre(cid:173)
`ferred embodiment of the invention the CPAP-unit and the
`humidifYing apparatus are so designed that they can be
`reliably and securely coupled. That arrangement preferably
`also entails coupling of the duplicate or secondary tube
`connecting device provided on the humidifying apparatus, to
`a connecting device provided on the CPAP-unit.
`Independently of the measures described hereinbefore or
`also advantageously in combination therewith, the above(cid:173)
`identified object in accordance with the invention is also
`attained by an apparatus for humidifYing a respiratory gas
`comprising a liquid storage space for storing a liquid, a
`humidifYing region for loading the respiratory gas with the
`liquid by the respiratory gas coming into contact in the
`humidifYing region with the liquid, a respiratory gas supply
`device for supplying the respiratory gas to the humidifying
`region and a respiratory gas withdrawal device for with-
`drawal of the humidified respiratory gas from the humidi(cid:173)
`fYing region, wherein the liquid storage space is fonned by
`a housing portion which is coupled to a trough element to
`form the humidifYing region and there is provided a support
`or installation housing portion for receiving a unit fonned by
`the housing portion and the trough element.
`In tenns of a CPAP-unit the object as set forth in the
`opening part of this specification is attained by a CPAP-unit
`comprising an outer housing, a conveyor device accommo(cid:173)
`dated in the outer housing for conveying a respiratory gas to
`a respiratory gas outlet connection, a pressure-detection
`device, a control device for controlling the conveyor device
`in dependence on the detected pressure and a pressure(cid:173)
`measuring connection for the connection of a pressure(cid:173)
`detection conduit, wherein the respiratory gas outlet con(cid:173)
`nection and the pressure-measuring connection are of a
`complementary configuration to connecting members pro-
`vided on the humidifier side.
`That advantageously affords a CPAP-system of a modular
`structure, which can be easily and quickly configured
`according to the respective requirements involved, even by
`a lay person. The CPAP-unit system according to the inven-
`tion is also distinguished, in a completely dismantled con-
`
`35
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,096,864 Bl
`
`7
`dition, by a high level of complexity and in addition can be
`transported in the form of a stable unit.
`The invention further concerns a respiration tube connect(cid:173)
`ing device for coupling a respiration tube formed from a
`flexible material to a CPAP-unit and a respiration tube
`provided with a corresponding connecting device.
`Respiration tubes of that kind are used in particular in the
`therapy of sleep-related respiration disturbances. In that
`situation the respiratory gas is supplied to a patient under a
`predetermined increased pressure which possibly alternates
`during a respiration cycle, to provide for a pneumatic
`splinting effect for the upper respiratory tracts.
`To control the respiratory gas pressure, it is known to
`detect by way of a pressure-measuring tube the pressure in
`the region of a respiratory mask or in a region which is 15
`preferably spaced therefrom by between about 10 and 15
`times the inside diameter of the respiratory gas tube. That
`pressure-measuring tube is usually inserted into the respi(cid:173)
`ration tube.
`The respiration tube can be fitted directly or by way of an
`elastic connecting plug sleeve on to a connecting projection
`provided on a CPAP-unit. In that case the pressure-measur(cid:173)
`ing tube is either fitted by plugging engagement on to a tube
`portion provided in coaxial relationship in the interior of the
`connecting projection or it is passed out of same by way of 25
`a small hole provided in the respiration tube and fitted in
`plugging engagement separately on to a corresponding pres(cid:173)
`sure-detection connecting projection provided on the CPAP(cid:173)
`unit. The known respiration tube connecting structures with
`integrated connecting members for a pressure-measuring 30
`tube involve the problem of a comparatively high level of
`respiratory resistance and difficulties in cleaning. Systems
`with a pressure-measuring tube which is passed freely out of
`same suffer from the problem that the connection of the
`pressure-measuring tube is forgotten under some circum- 35
`stances so that this can result in an unacceptably high rise in
`pressure in terms of the respiratory gas feed.
`Having regard to those circumstances and in accordance
`with a further concept of a way of attaining the object of the
`invention, there is provided a robust respiration tube system
`which is easy to handle and which is distinguished by
`involving a comparatively low level of respiratory resistance
`and with which correct coupling of the respiration tube to a
`CPAP-unit is guaranteed even without particular attention 45
`being paid.
`In accordance with the invention that is attained by a
`respiration tube connecting apparatus having a base body, a
`respiratory gas passage duct formed in the base body, and a
`respiration tube connection portion for receiving an end
`portion of a respiration tube, which is distinguished in that
`provided in the base body in a region which is radially
`displaced with respect to the center of the respiratory gas
`passage duct is an additional coupling portion for coupling
`of an additional hose conduit to a complementary connect(cid:173)
`ing structure provided on a respiratory gas source.
`The base body is preferably formed from an elastomer
`material, whereby it is possible to provide for particularly
`reliable sealing integrity with the complementary connect(cid:173)
`ing structure and adequate fixing of the plug connection.
`The above-mentioned tube conduit connected to the addi(cid:173)
`tional coupling portion generally involves a pressure-mea(cid:173)
`suring conduit. That additional tube conduit however may
`also be in the form of an analysis conduit for taking a
`respirat