HUMIDIFIER AND AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR

摘要

A humidifier system for delivering breathing gases such as air or oxygen from a respirator, anesthesia machine, oxygen source, or the like to a patient under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a support housing adapted to receive a removable water tank, the housing also containing a low water sensing system, a water heating means, and a system for sensing and for regulating the temperature of the water in the tank. The tank includes an air inlet leading to a diffuser chamber, from which air flows through a diffuser plate, through the water in the humidifier, and thence to an outlet for delivery to the patient. The breathing gases are forced through the water tank under positive pressure and thereby are heated and humidified prior to delivery.