Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.

Medex Cardio-Pulmonary, Inc.

Keith J Bradley

David F Andel

Ryan E Johnson

Walter R Sanders

A temperature probe, such as for a respiratory system in which breathable gases are supplied to a patient, includes a housing having an external wall and an internal cavity defining an end and an internal cavity and further includes a temperature-responsive device in an area of the cavity near the end, such as in thermal communication with the external wall. A first potting compound that is deformable and/or has a relatively high thermal conductivity holds the temperature-responsive device in the cavity and a second potting compound having a relatively low thermal conductivity may be in the cavity behind the first potting compound. The housing may be made thin to enhance thermal conductivity, at least in the area containing the temperature-responsive device.

Dual potting temperature probe

A heater unit for a respiratory system is designed for natural convection cooling air to pass first through a transformer in the heater unit and then through a heat sink in the heater unit to which is mounted a power switch to conduct heat from the power switch to the cooling air passing through the heat sink. A thermal break may be provided between the heat sink and the transformer. The transformer may be a toroidal transformer with the air passing through an aperture thereof such as from a hollow projection of the heater unit extending into the aperture. One side of the transformer may be situated along a surface of the heater unit and the heat sink secured to the heater unit against the opposite side of the transformer to hold the transformer in place. A venting chamber may be associated with an air exhaust of the heater unit to provide a circuitous exit path for air exiting the heater unit. The venting chamber may extend in generally surrounding relationship with the heater of the heater unit.

Respiratory system heater unit

A temperature probe, such as for a respiratory system in which breathable gases are supplied to a patient, includes a housing having a cavity sized to snugly receive therein a generally cylindrical container within which is secured a thermistor, with the container adapted to provide a barrier to moisture. The probe provides a quick temperature response but minimizes migration of moisture to the thermistor notwithstanding the high temperature and heat levels encountered in normal operation of the respiratory system.

Environmentally protected thermistor for respiratory system

A heater unit for a respiratory system includes a hot plate heater including a heat conducting hot plate and a plastic hub mounted together. The hot plate may define a thin heat conducting disc and may further define a depending flange circumferentially surrounding the hub. The hub and flange may include snap-together apertures and fingers. The hub is mounted to a housing of the heater unit.

Hot plate heater for a respiratory system

A float for a humidification chamber has formed-in-place conformable seal, which may be accomplished by overmolding a thermoplastic elastomeric material to the float. The float may be comprised of sections sealingly joined together at an elevation above the water level defined by the buoyancy of the float and also above the water level within the humidifier chamber when filled.

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

Keith J Bradley