United States Patent [19J
`Dobson et aJ.
`
`(11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,673,687
`Oct. 7, 19!17
`
`[54] HUMIDIFIER FORA VENTILATOR AND AN
`ASSOCIATED ATfACfIMDj"T
`
`[75J Inventors: DarwiD B. DobsoD, SUD Prairie. Wis. ;
`Gregg D. Kurt. Boulder. Colo.:
`Douglas R. Ogden. Arvada. Colo.:
`Eogt:oe P. Smith, m. WesttniDsler,
`Colo.
`
`[73J
`
`Assigllee: Respiromc:a, Ine., Munysville. Pa.
`
`[2IJ
`
`[221
`
`FlIed:
`
`AWl No.: 653,362
`May 24, 1m
`Rtllted us Apptication Data
`
`[62} Divisioo of Sa. No. 472,321, JUD. 7, 1995, Pat. No . .5..564,
`415.
`Int. CL6 ._ .. ....... __ .......... H ........ _ ........ _
`•• A'IM 16/16
`(51]
`[.'i2] u.s. a. __ ... _._ ............... _ 1281l0U4; 1281200.24
`[S5] fi~d or Search .............. _._._ .. 1281204.14. 200.24.
`1281203.16,203. 17, WU7. '203.27, 203.12,
`200.11
`
`[56]
`
`2,033.295
`],06;1,&5)
`3,IOO,4&S
`l,Un,sn
`3,225,751
`3,477,609
`3,667,463
`3,114,.278
`3,954,971)
`4,026,2&S
`..... ,305
`4,1S2,379
`4,430,994
`4,5&&,425
`4,621 ,632
`4,676;137
`4,753,75&
`
`R~u~DCn Clttd
`u.s. PATENT DOCUMFNrS
`311936 PaJtio • .
`1111962 Leats et Ill ..
`111963 B ...... .
`911963 Bu1len .
`12/1965 M6n:h ,
`1111969 Willklu , Jr.
`611972 Bames .
`611914 Beiede .
`SiI976 """~ .
`.511971 ''''''' .
`411973 Dobrilz .
`.511979 S .... .
`211914 QawtoA et Ill.
`Sil986 Uuy et Ii . .
`1111986 Bands do aI .
`6/1987 Wood et a1 . .
`6/19118 MiIl~ .
`
`.• _
`
`•••• H • • • H . 12&flO3.t7
`
`4.832,012
`4,941 ,469
`4,993,411
`5,117,819
`5,148.&01
`5,199,424
`5,322,0S7
`5,59U37
`
`Sil 989 R2abe et aI ..
`711990 Ad2haD .
`111991 Oillaway .
`&'1992 Servidio et -al ••
`911992 Douwen.s et Ii ..
`411993 S1:d1iv. et Ii ..
`()I1994 Raabe er 21 ••
`211997 SiriaJLlle, Jr. et Ii .
`
`...... M . . . . . . . 28/204.14
`
`FORFJ.GN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`"""" 1111936 F_
`
`155768 1111951 A~ia .
`.
`611952 Ff2noe .
`1010904
`124274
`911)100 Gamey.
`211953 Gomuy .
`867597
`611967 U.S.S.R. .
`195807
`lJDitcd Kin,dom _
`4"690 911936
`10992S2
`1119611 United Kingdom ,
`
`afHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Brochure of lifecare CPAP-lOO Humidifier (1991).
`Primary Eu:Jminer-Vi,o.ccnt Mil1io
`Assistant Emmitll!l'-Robcrt N. Wieland
`AtUJme)l A8~n/. or Firm-W. Scott Carson
`ABSTRAcr
`
`[57]
`
`A scaling and rellliniDg arrangement for a humidifier with
`separable lop and bottom mcmbtts and an attachiogarrango(cid:173)
`menl for rigidly connecting a ventilator or other respiratary
`devia: 10 the top of the humidifier in a prcdetcrmi.DCd., fix«:d
`positioo. The sealing and retaining arrangement is designed
`for use between separable top and bottom members of a
`humidifier. The top and bottom are made of relatively rigid
`matcriall.Dd have overlapping Or telescoping patinos with
`a flc.tible. resilient seal extending therebetween. The seal
`also serves 10 positively retain the top 3.IId bottom togClh-cr
`while in use. The attaching aaangemcni is desigDCd to
`rigidly COMect the ventilBIoc or other respiratOf)' device 10
`the top of the humidifier in a predctttmined. fixed positio,n.
`This is accomplished by rigidly coupling the air outlet oftlle:
`ventilallY diredly to the air inlet of the humidifier without
`any interVe ning. flexible hose.
`
`9 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`5,673,687
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sbeet 2 of 9
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`5,673,687
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

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`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`5,673,687
`
`Fig. 3
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`5
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`5,673,687
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
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`5,673,687
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
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`5,673,687
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
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`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`5,673,687
`
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`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`5,673,687
`
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 7, 1997
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`5,673,687
`
`fig. 14
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`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`5,673,687
`
`1
`HUMIDlFrEK FOR A VE!'Ir.'TILATOR A~"D AN
`ASSOCIATID ATTAC.HMENT
`
`Tbis is II divisional of application Set. No. 472.328, filed
`Jun.. 7, 1995 DOW U.S. Pat. No. 5.564,415.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`s
`
`roc 10
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention rdates 10 the fidd of humidifius
`ventilators and otbu respiratory devices.
`2. Discuuion of the Background
`Humidifiers Ill: commoaly used with veotilators and other
`respiratory device.s 10 add bumidity to the air being supplied
`to a patient Early humidifying arrangements were runply
`bottles filled with water with air inlets and outlets. later
`arnngements became more sophisticated but still presented
`many of the RfDC fundamelllal problems as the earlier bottle
`
`""". More specifically, prior humidifying units as typified by j()
`
`2
`bave overlapping or tclc:sooping portions. A flexible, resil(cid:173)
`ient seal is provided to extelld between the telescoping
`portions to create the seal. II also saves to positively retain
`the top and bottom together. In the preferred embodimeDI,
`the seal has a lip extending about and outwardly of the
`bottom reso:voir member 0{ the humidifier. The top co~'er
`member then bas an inwardly facing surface with a step or
`ledge in il. In use. the top cover member is manually plaoed
`over the bottom reservoir member and IllOVed downwardly.
`In doing so. the protruding lip of the seal tint contacts aM
`wipes along the ,wface section bdow the step. As the top
`continues 10 be lowered. the resilient lip snaps outwardly
`over the step or ledge to slrik.c and sealingly engage tile
`surface sea:ion above the step. This supping lClion aeates
`15 II signal that CID be boIh lodibly heard aDd tactually reJJ by
`the patient indicating that the top has been properly engag,ed
`on the bottom. Thetop can then be lowered farther if deni~:d.
`in any case. the tip seal perfcnu the additional function
`with the step or ledge of positively retaining the top on liIe
`bottom while in usc. Tbal is, once the resilient lip has
`snipped outwardly over the dcp or ledge. an y force of Ibe
`elevaled air JICSSUIe withiD the bumidlfter tending to sepa(cid:173)
`rite the lop and bottom will cause me lip 10 firmly engage
`oc abut the step or ledge. This will thU5 scrye to positively
`reLIiD tho top on the bottom against any such forces.
`Tbe attaching III1'I.DgemenL of the present invention is
`designed to rigidly connect the veotllalor or other respirlllory
`device to the top of the humidifier. This is accomplished by
`ri;i.dly coupling the air outlet of the ventilator directly to the
`air inlet of the humidifier without any intervenin&. ftCX1ble
`hose. The resultiDg combillation is a compact, stable attadt-
`ment of the ventilate." and the humidifier.
`
`the early bottie arrangements are somewhat clumsy to use
`and difficult to clean. Additionally, sum units are oorrunoaly
`CODnected to the ventilator or other respiralOl)' device by II
`flexible hose. The hose then presents a nI: more item that
`musl be purchased and cleaned. .It also takt5 up valuable 15
`space OD the ni&ht suDd or other support stnIcture wbere
`space is DCDllilly at I p-emi.um. This is particularly true in
`amen! applications where ventilators are bci.ttg widely used
`10 home environments to treat sleep apnea. In sucb
`environments. the dangling bose between the ventilatoc and 30
`humidifier aD eully be accidcDta11y snagged Of struck. by
`the patient as he <r she manipulates the various controls or
`moves the unit. 1be same is true even for hospital cnviron(cid:173)
`ments. The oo.lUlecting hose is al so an additional part that
`must be disconnected from both the ventilater and hwnidi- 3'
`tier to be periodically cleaned and. like bottles. it is often
`difficult to properly clean wilhoot special brushes or tech(cid:173)
`niques. Sucli hoses can also be cut oc lorn in use:.
`to contrast to the above. the humidifier of the prese.ot 40
`Invention is of the type thai bas a completely separable lOp
`and bottom. It is then nwch easier and more convenient to
`reach and clean au pans of the bwnlditier. Further. the
`separated lop aod bottom can even be simply placed in a
`conventional dUhwashc:r- if desired. lllis case: of cleaning . 5
`encourages the patient to do so and greatly adds to the safe
`ud sanitary use oJ the humidifier. Once clcued, the top and
`bollorD can be eully and quickly assemblc:d using the
`unique structure a nd sealing an;,:ogemenl of the present
`invention. 'I'hU sealing arrangeme.ot not only gives the
`patient an audible and tactile signal II Is properly engaged .10
`but also provides a positive retaining stnlctllfe to bold the
`lOp and bottom together uoder the deviled air pI'CSSUIe
`supplied by the veDtilalor. An attacb.ing arrangelDCDt is also
`
`BRIEF DESCRIP110N OF THE DRAWINGS
`PIG. 1 is I perspective view of the !>IACted ventilator and
`humidifier ubil of the presenl inveDtion shown in use sup(cid:173)
`plying humidified air under p'C:SSLttt: 10 a patienL
`FlG. 1 is an enlarged. perspeaive view of the ventilatoc
`and humidifier unit of the present invention.
`flG. 3 is a p.lfI.ially exploded view of the ventilator and
`humidifier.
`FlG. 4 is a aou·sectiooal view takc.n generally a10Dg liUe
`4-4 of FIG. 3 of the top cover member and botto.m.
`reservoir member of the humidifies-.
`FlGS. 5 and , in conjunctioo with f'IG . 4 sequentially
`illustrate'how the top cover membct is manually placed OVl~
`the bonom reservoir member of the humidifi~.
`FlG. , is a sectional view taken gencra.l.ly alODg line 7-·7
`of FIGS. 3 and 8 illustrating the humidifier in its assembkd
`position with the lop COVC'J member sealiI1&ly engaging aDd
`retained on the bottom reservoir IIlICIJlba.
`FlG. 8 is a sectional view ta.k:en along line 8-8 of FIG.
`
`7.
`
`Jl'"OVided wherein the ventilator can be easily and quickly "
`
`SUMMARY OF THE n-.'V'E'J\'110N
`
`anached to the top of the humidifier iII a predetcnniDed,
`fixed positioD without any Intervening. flerible hose.
`
`FlG. 9 is a view taken generally along line ~9 0( FIG.
`7 illustrating how Ihe lop and bottom members of tbe
`humidifier can be gripped 10 manually separate them.
`FlG. 10 is a view similar 10 FlG. 9 illustrating how the wop
`tiO and bottom memben can be initially pried apart.
`'I'lWi invention ilIvolvc:s a sea.l.iDg and rctaining arrange(cid:173)
`FlG. 11 is a view taken along line 11- 11 of AG. 10.
`ment for a humidifier with wparable top and bottom tnero·
`FlG. 12 is a sectional view similar to AG. , showing !be
`bees. It also iJlvolves an anaching aaaDgetnellt fer rigidly
`connecting I VC!ltilaw 0' other respintoly device to the top
`lop cover memba" in alowcrcd position contacting the seal
`of the humidifier in a pedetcnnined. fixed position.
`on the bottom reservoir member.
`The ~caling and retaining arrallgetnCllt ts desigDed for use ~
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the separated ventilator
`and humidifier.
`between separable top.ad bottom members of a humidifier.
`The lop and bottom lIe made of relalively rigid material and
`FIG. 14 is a view taken along line 14-L4 of FIG. 13.
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`5,673,687
`
`3
`FlG. 15 is a view of the ventilalor as it is atuched 10 and
`atop the humidifier.
`F1G. 16 ill an e nlarged view of the circled area of FlG. 15
`showing the eounectioo between the air outlet of the venti(cid:173)
`lator and the air inld of the humidifier.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`The sealing. retainilig. and attaching arrangements of the
`present invention as best sun in flGS. 1-3 have been
`pimarily designed for use in a stacbble oombination of il
`ventilator I and a hwnidifitt 2. The ventilator 1 (see FIG. 3)
`is a smaU. compact unit with a variable speed fap 3 or similar
`means for gcnaating air now at pressures above atmo(cid:173)
`spheric. In use. auoosphefic air enter! through vcnlS in the
`back 5 of the venlilltor I and exits under pressure through
`the outlet 1. Por clarity and Simplicity. lhe 'term vemilator is
`u~ herein to include any and all respiratCl')' devices
`(including respiraJors) for generating air Bow (or use by a
`patient
`
`4
`ln this regard u best seen in FIG. 4. the inner surface of
`30. 32. and 34 of the cover membc:T 4 includes the first and
`SC<Xlnd sections 30 and 34. These sections 30 and 34 are
`spaced from each other alo ng the axis 16. Additionally, these
`s sections 18 and 34 are parallel 10 one another and to the axis
`16 and are spaced different distances from the axis 16. The
`third section or C(lnnecting step or ledge 31: then extends
`outwardJy of the axis 16 and substantially perpendkulady
`between the surface sections 30 and 34. As discuued abolle,
`10 the upper IUJd lower portions 14 and II of the top and bottCIJIl
`4 and 6" are conocnuicalJy shaped and dimensioned 50 that
`tbe top 4 aDd bottom 6 can be telescoped over one anotba
`to the overlapping position of FIG. fi. In this position. the
`upper and lower portiollS 14 and 12 are concentrically
`l' spaced from each other a first distance to form a gap or
`space. The Hexed lip seal 28 then fills this gap.
`More specifically. the outer or Up section 28 of seal 24
`exte0d5 outwardly in its relaxed state ofFlG. 4 for a distaD.CC
`from portion 14 greater than the gap. The outward extent of
`
`:20 the relaxed lip 18 from the axis l' is also grealer than the
`
`Sealing Arrangement
`The humidifier 2 u illustrattd in the exploded view of
`FlG. 3 includes separable top and bottom members 4 and 6.
`Both membas 4 and 6 are made of relatively rigid or hard 2'
`plastic Of other material with the lop member 4 serving as a
`separable cover for the bottom member fi. The bottom
`member fi IS best seen in AGS. )....6 serves as a reservoir for
`holdUlg walQ'" I! and includes a bottom wall 10 (see AG. 4)
`and sUO'ounding side waU 12. The side wall 12 exteDds 10
`upwardly from and about the bottom wall 10 10 form
`thttcwith the reservoir fer holding the water 8 . The side wall
`12 as shown has an upper portion 14 spaced from the bottom
`wall 10 and extending aboul the centnJ axis lfi. As also
`illtntrated in FIG. 4 . the separable lop member 4 has a top 35
`wall 18 and 5UfTounding side walilt extending downwardly
`from aDd about the top wfll 18. The side wall 20 itldudes lhe
`lower portion 22 which is spaced from the tDp wall II! and
`ClI;lends about the axis 16.
`III the preferred embodiment, the bottom reservoir mem(cid:173)
`bel' 6 bas a resilient, flexible seal 14 which. is prderably
`annwar as shown in FIG. 3. AddilionaUy, like the upper and
`lower portions 14 and II of the top and bottom members 4
`and ,. the seal 14 also p!'derably extends substantially
`ellipticaJ.Iy or non-circularly about the axis 1'. The ~al 24
`(sec FIG. 4) includes a first or inner seruon U attached (e.g ..
`glued) to the upper portion 14 of the bottom reservoir
`member 6. The rem.a.i.ning or outer sectioll 18 of the seal 24
`atends outwardly of and about the axis 16 and the upper
`portion 14 to fann a protruding lip.
`As been seen in AGS. 4--4. the portions 14 and 22 of the
`top and bottom members 4 and 6 aTe concentrically shaped
`and dimensioned to telescope over each other. In this
`IWUlna, the patient can manually move the top member- 4
`&l.ong the axis 16 fro m the separated position ofFlG. 4 to the
`lint. telescoping or overlapping position of FIG. , . lD doing
`so as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the lip section 28 of the seal 24
`contacts and wipes along the lower surface 30 of the portion
`22. Thereafter and as the top cover member 4 is moved 10 the
`first. teJescoping position of FIG. 6, the oUlu, lip section 18 60
`of the resilient seal 24 snaps from contact with the 5Uifate
`.section 30 over the step or ledge 31: to strike the UpJlQ'
`surface section 34. lbis snapping action aeates a signal to
`the usa that the top cover member 4 W been moved
`downwardly far enough to reach the first. telescoping posi- 65
`tion of FIG. 6. 'T'hi5 snapping action can be both audibly
`heard and tactually felt by the patienL
`
`spacing of either of the surface sections 30 and 34 from the
`axis 16. Consequently. the outer lip section 18 of the sea12A
`is fl exed downwardly and wipes along the first surface 3t
`(see FlG. S) in the direction of axis 16 as the patil:nt
`manually moves the top 4 downwardly over the bottom fi.
`Thcteafter as the patient continues to move the top 4
`downwardly to the position of AG. 6. the lip Z8 resiliently
`snaps outwardly over the step or ledge 32 to strike and
`sealingly engage the outer surface. section 34. lD this finL
`telescoping position of FIG. 6, the substanti3.l..ly pttpendiUJ(cid:173)
`lar surfaces 4' and 42 of the lip 28 respectively abut and seal
`against the substantially perpendicUlar surfu:es 34 and 32 of
`the top 4 .
`1be humidifier 2 of the present invention has the very
`desirable feature that the lOp cover member 4 and boUom
`reservoir member 6 can be complelely sepnted.. It is Ihe.o
`much easier and more convenient to reach and thoroughly
`clean all parts of the humidifier 2. Further. the separated top
`4 and bottom 6" can even be simply placed in I conventional
`40 dishwasher if desired. This ease of cleaning encourages tbe
`patient 10 do 50 and greatly adds 10 the safe and saniLlI}'
`operatioll of the humidifier 2 . Once cleaned aDd refilled with
`wata. the hwnidifier 2 with the separated top 4 and bottom
`6 can beeasi1y and quickly assembled tothe posltiOD of FlG.
`., fi. Member 52 in FIGS. 1 and 8 is a depd1gauge wherein
`water is added (e.g., 11 ounces) until it just covers the top of
`member 52. This is intended to be enough water with rese;rve
`to last Ihroogh one night' s use. In this assembled position
`(see FIGS. 7 and 8), air A under pressure enters the hurru~di-
`~ fier 2 through air inlet 44 where it is directed downwardly
`inlothe body of the humidifier 2 (FIG. 7). As shown in PlG.
`8. the air A then flows around the divider 46 and exits
`through the outlet 48 and onto the patienl (see also FIGS.
`1- 3). The clear plastic cup SO in FIGS. 1-3 and 7 is a sight
`50S glass Ihroogll which the patient can visually view and
`mooitoc the depth of waler in the bottom reservoir ~ber
`' . lndentions 54 in the bottom walilO of the member 6 are
`mereJy recesses to receive the rubber. support feet 54'.
`
`Retaining Arrangement
`Rdening again to FlG. Ii and with the humidifier 2 UDder
`operating .Jir pressure. the top Ind bottom memben 4 and 6
`are biased apart by the vertical fOf'Ce components of the
`pressurized air. That is. the force of the air under ~sure
`passing through the humidifier 2 tends to separate or move
`Ihe top 4 and bottom 6 apart. To conlrOllhis as illustrated in
`FIG. , . the humidifier 2 is provided with a positive retaitHing
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`5,673,687
`
`6
`ptessun: may increase (e.g .. from 2 centimeters of wateT to
`20, 30. or mare). it may become sufficient to move the t.,p
`4 aDd bottom fi apart from the position of AG. 12 to that of
`PIG. 6. However, at the position of flG. 6. the surface 42 of
`lip seal 28 will abut Ihe retaining ledge 32 and serve to
`positively retain the top 4 on the bottom 6 in a safe and
`reliable manner.
`
`Attaching Arrangement
`
`s
`means to hold Ihe top 4 OD die bottom , agaiDst the
`separatiDg forces of the air pressure.
`In the JUfared embodiment. this retaining is accom(cid:173)
`plished by opaaiion of the segment 01 surface 42 of the lip
`seal 28 abutting the step or ledge 32 of the lop 4. Mace 5
`. specifically. as the pressure in the humidifier 1 increases to
`!he poiDl it tends to separate the lop 4 and bottom 6, the
`surface 41 of lip ~.a1 28 engages or abuts the step or ledge
`32 of the lop " 10 couDter aDd effectively nullify the
`separating force of the air ptssure. The top 4 and bottom 6 10
`arc thus safely and positivdy ~tained OD Onc another.
`To overcome this rct.ai.o.ing arrangement in order to sepa(cid:173)
`rate the top " and bottom 6 f« cleaning Of to add water, I
`IXYing arrangement is provided.. As best seen in FlGS. "-ll,
`the prying arrangement irlcludes • pusb plale 60 on the lj
`bottom member 6 and opposlog flanges 62 on the top
`mc:mber 4. The flanges 62 are separated by a DOtch 64
`whtteiD the push plate 6f is aligned with the notch 64 and
`substantially slJadd1ed by Ihe fb.nges 61 (see AGS. 9 and
`10). In operation. the pltieDI can grip the prying arrange- 20
`ment as SbOWD with his or her thumbs on the push piate 60
`in the cut-otIl space provided by the notch 64 and fingers of
`each hand respectively on the flanges 62. By applying
`oppo5iBg fortes, [be top 4 and bottom fi can be pried <r
`peeled apan. In doing so IS best soen ia FIG. 11, the patient U
`can positioo his or ber flngm 011 the outwardly ~ding
`Danges 62 so the descending lip seal 28 will pass by the
`fingers aod not intetfere with the separating operation.
`To facilitate: the prying oc Sc:paratini of the tap 4 and
`bottom 6. the retaining step or ledge 32 is designed to extend 30
`O!lly partially about the ceotnl.l. axis 16 (see ag.ain. flG. 8>(cid:173)
`Consequently, the remainder 66 (see the left sick: of FIG. S)
`0( the inoer surface of the tap 4 is mlooth aDd has 00 step
`e.-Iedge 32.. Theftaoges 6laM ootch ~ are then psderably
`cr-ieated It the end of the top 4 outwardly of this additioraaL 3!
`smooth surface 66 (soc AGS. 7 and I ). In this manner and
`to flcilitate the initial pying or ~tiog maneuver of
`HGS. 9 aDd IO. lIIe patient does oot have to work. ditectly
`against the retaining force of an abulIiAg lip 11 and ledge 32.
`Rather. the top 4 and bottom 6 can be initially separated« <to
`pee1ed apart In the manner of FIGS. 9-11 and the peeling
`JrOCCu eontiJlued to fully sc:parate the top 4 and bottom 6
`using levCU£e gained by the initial sepatatioo of FIGS.
`9-11. Por Che convenience of the usa, the ~om 6 IS shown
`is symmetrical.lDd bas an additional push plate 60' (soc AG. 45
`8) on its other end so the top 4 C8.D. be oriented In either
`direction 00 the bottom 6.
`FIG. II corresponds to 00. 6 and illustrates an altcmatc
`and prdmed operation of the humidifier 1 . In it, the top 4
`is mewed downwardly beyond the first. teJescoping positio n
`of FIG. 6 to a second. telescoping positioo in which the top
`walllS of top 4 acruaUy abuts the ianer section U of the seal
`14. To some extent. this is a manufaCluring expedient as it
`is diDicull to mold C&" maDufacture the lip 18 aDd ledge 32 to
`p-eciscly abut ODe anotbc:r around Che axis Ui iD the famion ))
`of flG . '- Consequently. the p-dOttd malUlet of manufac(cid:173)
`ture is to dimc:nsioo the top 4. bottom 6. aDd seal 14 so 1I1at
`the top 4 ~n be moved past the ficsr. telesoopiag position of
`RG. 610 1I1e second. telescoping position of FIG. 12. In. the
`second. telescoping position of FlG. 12, the first or outer 60
`swfaa: .at of lip seal 28 IS in AG. 6 is biased. or ftexed
`outwardly and sealingly ClIgages 1I1e surface section 34 but
`with the lip 18 spaced from the retainIng ledge 32. In
`qICfIotion IS air p-esSlIre is initi.al.ly awliod to the interioc of
`the humidifier 2. the force of the Hexed lip 28 against 1I1e 6S
`swfacc: 34 is preferably enough to hold the top 4 on the
`botto m 6" in 1I1e posltion o f flO. 12. Thereattec, IS the air
`
`10 the preferred embodiment. the ventilator I is remov(cid:173)
`ably attacbed atop the underlying humidifier 2 in a
`predetermined. fixed position. This is accomplished I S illu 5-
`tnted in FIGS. 13-16 by rigidly coupling the air outlet 7 of
`the ventilate:.- 1 directly to the air inlet 44 of the humidifier
`2. 'This 'is done without any inlervening. Dcxible hose as is
`common in the industry. No such additional. intervening
`hose need then be purchased or cleaned and cannot be strOck
`or otherwise snagged by the patient. Rather. the resulting
`combination is a compact. stable attachment of the ventilator
`I to the humidifier 2
`In this regard, the ventilator 1 and humidifier 1 are rigidly
`coupled together in the preferred embodiment by the slidiJ:lg
`male-female connoction 7 on the ventilator 1 and seal
`member 44' on the bumidifier 2. Seal member 44' is lin
`extension of and fonus part of the air inlet means 44 for the.
`humidifier 2. In opttatiOD, as shown in AGS. 14-16. the
`ventilate.- 1 and humidifier 2 are slid together until the ak
`outlet means 7 of the ventilator 1 is finnly received in the
`seal member 44' of the air inlet means 44 of the humidifi.er
`2. In this toaJlIlC:r, therespective maJe...female members 7 aud
`44' nol oaly serve to define air Bow passages 9 and 68 (st~
`FIG. 16) but also serve as removable attaching means t o
`maintain the ventilator 1 in a predetermined, fixed position
`on the humidifier 2. Thu s, the act of placing Ihe Dow
`passages 9 and 68 in fluid commuo.icat.ioas with each other
`sealing engages the air outlet 7 a nd air inlet 44 and at the
`same time. atlUes the ventilator 1 in a stacked position atop
`the hwnidifier 2.
`The bottom of the ventilator 1 as shown in FJGS. 14 and
`15 preferably has ODe 01' mea:c strips U of non-skid m.alerial
`(e.g., rubber) to frictiooally engage the top surface 71 of tbe
`humidifier 2. These strips 11 serve to inlubit rdative sliding
`between Ihe horizontaJ swfaces 13 and 70 of the ventilator
`1 and humidifier 2.. 'The strips 11 are very thin and 1I1eir
`thickness is greatly exaggerated in the drawings for clarity
`as the substJ.ntially hcrizontal. parallel surfaces 13 and 1'&
`nearly abut oDe another ia the position ofAG. 15. If desired.
`jC) the sudaeel 13 and 7. C.I.A rest directly 011 one an01l1er.
`Additionally. IS shown, the bottom 13 oftbc ventilator ll1ul
`sudace. section 7t of the humidifier 1 p-cferably are sub·
`StAntially similar in shape and size so as to fonn a compact.
`stable unit
`
`While 5Cveral embodiments of the present invention have
`bun shOWD and descnDed in detail. it is to be understood
`that various modificatioos and duloges could be rnad.e
`without departing from the scope of the Inveation .. For
`example, the term ventilator IIli explained above is used
`herein to include any and all respiratory devices (including
`respirators) for &eneraling air flow fO( use by a p.1tiCDt.
`Fwthe:r. the seal.ing anugement as weu as 1I1e retaining IDd
`attaching arnngemc.nts were described in the p-efc:m:d
`embodiments as being on specific members. However. the)'
`could be on the other or opposing member. Other equivil"
`lenlS and mirror roles would also be apparent to one sk.illed
`iu the art.
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004
`
`

`
`5,673.687
`
`7
`
`,
`
`WI:: daim:
`1. An attaching arrangement between a ventilator aDd a
`separable huroidifitt. &aid bumidifier including an air inle t.
`an ail: outlcL ud reservoir means for holdi ng watCT wbercitl
`air under presSUTc above atmospheric can ft ow between said
`air inlet and said air outlet over said water to add humiwty
`In said air flow, said ventilator iocluding an air outlet means
`and means for supplying air under pressure above atml>
`spherk through said air outlet means of said ventilator. said
`attaching means including means for removably anaching
`said ventilator in a predetermined. fixed position relative to
`said humidifier, said attaching means including means for
`substantially rigidly coupling said air outlet means of said
`ventilator to the air inlet means of said humidifier tn maiD(cid:173)
`tain said ventilate". in said predetermined, fixed position
`relative tn said hu midifier.
`2. The attaching means of claim 1 wherein said air outlet
`means uti said air inlet means have respective air fl ow
`passages and said attadling means further includes mans
`fOf" sealingly engaging said air flow passages in fluid com(cid:173)
`munication with each otber when said ventilator is in said
`p-edetcnnincd. fixed position relative to said humidifier.
`3. 1be attaclUng arrangement of claim I wherein said
`attaching means includes mullS for removably stacking said
`ventilator atop said humidifier in uId predelermined. fixed
`position with the air outlet of said ventilator rigidly coupled
`10 the air inlet means of said humidifier.
`4 . The attaching am.agemcnt of claim 3 wberein said
`ventilator has a bottom and said humidifier has a top. said
`bottom and top having at least portions thereor abutting oo.e 10
`anod!.CJ' in said predetermined, fixed position.
`
`8
`S. The attaching arrangement of claim 4 w herein the
`bottom of said vent:ilator has a first shape and size and s aid
`top of said h umidifier has a SCd:ion with a substantially
`similar shape and (ize.
`6. The ltttaching aaangcmenl of claim 3 whc:tcin sllid
`ventilator has a bottom wilh a substantiaUy horizontal sur(cid:173)
`face IUld said humidifier hIS a top with a substantiaUy
`horizontal surface. said attaching means anaclling said v(:o(cid:173)
`illator and humidifier together in said first. predetennin,ed
`10 posltioo with said ventilator atop said humidifier and s:lid
`horizontal surfaces substutially parallel and substantially
`abutting ODe anod!.er.
`7. The attaching arrangemt:nt of claim 6 wherein one of
`IS said htrizontal surfaces inclulks means for frictionally
`engaging the other horizontal surface to inh.ibit relati:vc
`sliding movement between rhe horizontaJ surfaces i n said
`predctennined. fixed position.
`8. The artaching arrangement of claim 1 wherein said
`10 rigid coupling means between the air outlet means of s:lid
`ventilatoc and the air inlet means of said humidifier iDcllldes
`a male·female con..nection with the male p«1ion then=of
`being slidably received in the female poction thereof to
`maintain said ventilator in said predetermined, fixed pm;itlon
`25 rdlltiv(: to said humidifier.
`9. The attaching arrangement of claim 1 wherein s aid
`humidifier has sepanble. relatively rigid, lop and bottom
`membcn; and said air inlet means for said hwnidifieris in the
`top member thCJ'eo(.
`
`.. '"
`
`,.
`
`,. .
`
`Apex Medical Corp.
`Exhibit 1004