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    Us 2018 0280644 A1

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    {MON co») United States cz) Patent Application Publication Hermez et al. US 201802806441 (00) Pub, No.: US 2018/0280644 AI (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 4, 2018 (54) HUMIDIFICATION OF RESPIRATORY GASE: ony (71) Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healtheare Limited Auekland (NZ) (72) Inventors: Laith Adeeb Hermez, Auckland (NZ): 52) ‘Stephen David Evans, Auckland (NZ) Hamish Osborne, Auckland (NZ): Michael Joh Andresen, Auckland (NZ); Anthony James Newland. Auekland (NZ); Dexter Chl Lun ‘Cheung, Auckland (NZ) (21) Appl No: 181825287 on (22) PCT Filed: Nov. 17, 2018 PCT No. 5.371 @XD. @) Date: POTINZ2015/050193 May 8, 2017 rats and a sensor. The sensor is configured to determine characteristic of the gases low and communicate this 10 a controler which controls the power supplied tothe heating ‘apparatus with respect to information regarding the charac Publication Classification Int. Cl. AGM 1600 (2006.01) AGIM 16416 (2006.01) AGIM 16/10 (2006.01) us.a. CPC ne AGLM 1624 (2017.08); AIM 16/16 (2014.02), 461M 16/109 (2014.02); 401M 2205/3606 (2013.01); AGIM 2205/3368 (2013.01); 4a1M 22057362 (2013.01); 461M 2016/0033 (2013.01), A6IM 16/0008 (201402) ABSTRACT A system for humidifving respiratory pases has humid paras, «humidification chamber, a eating apy teristic of the grses Now, A structure partially encloses the hhumiditics Wall of the Inmidifieaioa chamber. The bunsidifcation ‘chamber may have features to promote eat loss through the ‘wall ofthe chamber Related USS. Application Data Provisional application No, 62/080,814, fled on Now. 17,2014 (60) 100 ~. 170 ion chamber and allows energy loss through « \ 160: 144 150 y 140 Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 1 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI 110 [_ 132 FIG. 1 Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 2 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 4 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI FIG. 4 Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 5 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI 220~, Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 6 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 8 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI FIG. 8 Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 9 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 10 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI Patent Application Publication Oct. 4,2018 Sheet 11 of 17 US 2018/0280644 A1 Zone 4 Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1 US 2018/0280644 A1 Oct. 4,2018 Sheet 12 of 17 Patent Application Publication Hime ( ct Old ot ou. so |g, 99 99 ree ra) % ee sy ok & & 4 (wna, u 6 wz 98 (una oh Leh zol (wn)H ost ost co ost Lou yeuoz | esuoz | zeuoz | | euoz muses sr) = "080 US 2018/0280644 A1 Oct. 4,2018 Sheet 13 of 17 Patent Application Publication 0$2=0 :(%0=HY®) BOLELA I &L Old sjusweunseaui {Bue eU0 0895 9 cojeuoqeoklog US 2018/0280644 A1 Oct. 4,2018 Sheet 14 of 17 Patent Application Publication a Old (see182p) aj6ue yoeWuoo wnyqynbg 06 08 OL 09 os Oh of Of OF O L n L sauhod son Quisyid 9 s00 = 00) | yeuoz —-——-— geuez ——— Zauoz -- BLOEIA IaH ‘ssaujs 1eays se6 pue uogeiodens ajqi6y6au Suunsse jybiey Areqideo wnwipceyy 0 @ = or 5 09 2 a oe F 00, E 2 oe on 091 US 2018/0280644 A1 Oct. 4,2018 Sheet 15 of 17 Patent Application Publication or SL ‘Old (90) ML se of (jonuog) ‘jog Janno g youl - yor! roquog Dob E= ds, _, MUMOg=Mold ‘O.m'ez=™", 1 “sanyevaduey BujWoouy “SA Ay se ny 2 ee oz OL 0@ o¢ ov os 09 OL og 06 (%) Aupruny eaneloy Patent Application Publication Oct. 4, 2018 Sheet 17 of 17 US 2018/0280644 AI FIG. 17 US 2018/0280644 AL HUMIDIFICATION OF RESPI GASES TORY INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is national stage appl ‘cation based on Intemational Application No. PCT/NZ2015/ ‘950193, fled Nov. 17, 2015, which claims the priority benefit ofS. Provisional Application No. 62/080,814, ied Nov: 17, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference Herein. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domesti priority claim is identified inthe Appli- cation Data Sheet 2 filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] The present disclosure peneraly relates to humid fying respinory gases. More particulary, the present dis- closure relates fo & humidification apparatus that promotes hat loss fromthe humidification chtumber. BACKGROUND, [0003] humidification apparatus is used to provide heated and humidified respiratory gases to a patent via Patient interface, Respiratory gases delivered toa patient at 100% relative humidity and 37 C. mimic the traslomation ‘of sr that occurs the respiratory gases passthrough the Upper ainvay to the lungs. This may promote efficient yas ‘exchange and ventilation inthe hungs, aid defense mecha- nisms in the airway’ and inerease patient comfort during 10004) Respiratory gases catering & humidification appa ratus ae heated and humidified by passing over the sure ‘of the liquid within the humidification chamber. Ths, they fre substantially saturated with vapour when they flow out ‘of the humidification chamber through the outlet port ‘controller determines the amount of power to supply to the heater so that the respiratory gases comprise a predeter- mined characteristic suc as temperature, humidity or How at the outlet port. The characteristic can be measured by one ‘or more sensors atthe outlet por. Therefore, the humiii= ‘ation apparatus heats and humidities the respiratory gases fo that they are substantially saturated and comprise predetermined characteristic as they ext the humidification apparatus. [BRIEF SUMMARY. [0005] respiratory assistance system is disclosed that ‘comprises mechanisms to increase heat loss from a huii= fication chamber t a surrounding ambient environment. 10006] An embodiment discloses a structure that couples to 8 humidification apparatus and at last partially encloses the humidification chamber. The structure comprises inte- tmted sensors that protrude from the structure and extend at least partially into the humidification chamber. The structure ‘comprises alignment and orientation features to bette feili- tate coupling with the humidification chamber 10007] "In some embodiments, he structure includes align- rent Features, such as a shroud and a hood, The shroud facilitates coupling with an inspiratory tube connector. The hood aligns with a corresponding nose of the humidification ‘chamber. The hood further comprises rails that aid in align tment ofthe humidification chamber. The hood comprises an Oct. 4, 2018 ‘opening that allows heat loss ftom the humidification cham. bert the surrounding ambient envitonment. The sensors are positioned both within the shroud, and om a post, which provides a platform to allow sensing within the homidiica- ‘ion chamber [0008] Tn some embodiments optional to any embodiment disclosed herein, the structure includes an active cooling ‘mechanism that ets to blow air on or around the humid fication chamber. A example of an etive cooling mech- nism is fan {0009}, ‘The humidification chamber includes apertures that fain receive the sensor. In some embodiments optional 9 any embodiment herein, the humidification “chamber includes a passive cooling mechanism. The passive cool ‘mechanism i inthe form of a heat sink, for example, fins ‘The fins protrude from the humidification chamber and extend in an upward direction, The fas encourage additional heat loss from the humidification chamber {0010} In some embodiments optional ro any embodiment disclosed herein, the humidification chamber inches a wall that bulges outwardly from between the base and an upper surface of the humidification chamber, This increases the surface aea ofthe liguid within the humidification chamber, ‘whieh inereses the smount of humidity thats ansfered to the respiratory gases. In some embodiments optional to any embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber may be used that includes altered geometries sue tht the surface area ofthe liquid is optimised, [0011] Ia some embodiments optional to any embodiment sisclosed herein, regions of the humidification chamber Jncludea thermally conductive material. This fciitates heat los from the humidification chamber withoot altering the overall geometry or size of the humidifieation chamber. BRIEP DESCRIPTION OP THE DRAWINGS [0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages bf the present disclosure will be described with respect tothe following figures, which are intended to illastate and not to limit the disclosed embodimeats, [0013] FIG. 1 is @ schematic of a respiratory assistance system [0014] FIGS. 2-3 are perspective views of humiditia tion appamter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure [0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of humidification ‘chamber according fan embodiment ofthe present disclo- [0016] FIG. SA iso front perspective view of a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0017] FG. 5B isan isometric view ofa structure second fing to the embodiment of FIG. SA. [0018] FIG. 6is a perspective view ofa structure accord an embodiment of the present disclosure [0019] FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of different ‘embodiments of a humidification chamber. [0020] FG. 10 ilustrates an embodiment of a humiii- ‘ation chamber with a eooling structure [oo2t] FIG. 11 illusirates embodiments of cooling sie tures having different design parameters [0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the design parameters of the cooling stractures shown in FIG. 10 [0023] FIG. 13 shows contact angle measurements foe wo diferent materials that can be used to make the cooling US 2018/0280644 AL [0024] FIG. 14 iustrates capillary hei fo the cooling struetres of FIG. 10, [0025] FIG. 18 shows example results comesponding to the ange in relative humidity from adding cooling struc- tures 0 the humidification chamber. [0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a base struc- ture that can be used withthe humidification chamber. [0027] FIG. 17 illustrates atop view of the hase structure of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028]. FIG. 1 discloses a resirtory assistance sytem 10 tat nce a gies sour 0, The ene source 110 slice gases supply ibe 120 80 sappy epiatoy gass to « humidiieaton appara 130, Insome embodiments thease source 110 an the humidification gpparats 130 fe within the same hooting. In ome embodiments, the sce source 110 and the humifstion apart 130 ar in filerent housings The hiniifeton apamiun 130 inclines a base ant 133 and a hnmitifiction chamber 14, “The humiiticaion chamber 140 canbe mounted onthe base Unit 135. The bumidieton chamber 140-can bold 8 olom of lig, fr example, water The humiifstion ‘hmber 140 futher inlods aint port 142 an an ott, port 144. Respintory gasss are humiiled a thy pss thr the humifcation chamber 140 via theo port 148 an into an inspiratory tube 180 where they ae t= ported io patient ntrace 160 In some embodiments, sn ‘Rpm tube 170 transports exhaled gases awa rom patent [0029] Respiratory gases entering the humidification ‘hamiber 140 ae eited and bums by posing over the sorfce ofthe gud Ths thy are subsoil strated svt vapour when they ext the hmsicton chamber 140 thro the out port 144, The ase anit 198 ince a ister pste 240, \ contller 132 ofthe hunsidistion ‘appara 190 determines the amount of power to spp the heer plte 240 oo the miestion chamber 140 ‘von the humiiaton chamber 140 is moaned on the tose unit 13 so that the respiaory gases inl a pce tormina chet at etl por a4 ss meted by { sersor (ot sown ia FIG 1) a orn he ot or 18 ‘Thee, the homifcaton opparats 130 gets to eat an Imi the espirstory gses so hat they ate substantially faturate an inclode a predterningd. charter Tn some embodiments contller 128 ofthe goes source 110 nay communicate withthe contol 132 as pat ofthe Spertions ofthe cotole 192 herein describ In some Sosimens, tn coll 128 may excete part oral ot the operations ofthe conte 132 heen dseibd [0030] In some embodiments, the predetermined charac Uist is gases temperane, In sone enboimeas, te predetermined eheracterstic may bes relative hain Stole humid, o ow rt of gases. The tenmperture ‘tthe respiratory gas a the in port 142i piel ese thanatmpertre ofthe respiratory piss a tb ote pot 148. Ths, tempore diferent exns Been the lt por 142 andthe ote por 144 Thi, in lets 8 femperatre diferent that exists between the incoming tsses an! the ougoing gases, respectively. The contllee 132 datemines how much power to supply to the ester slate 2401 bring the fempeetaeo he reise gases 0 $saluesiniarto the predtemnine! terpenes ot port 44 As the hei plate 240 eats he pata eases Oct. 4, 2018 to the predetermined temperature, the respiratory gases ean be humidified during the process of eating. [0031] In some cases the temperature of the respiratory gases ator near the outlet port 44 may already be at orclose to the predetermined temperature. This may be dve toa high ‘ambient temperature, gases supplied Irom the gases source 110 to the humidification apparaas 130 at a higher tem perature, heating effects from within the humidification ‘apparatus 130, or heating effects from within the pases source 110. As a result, the controller 132 determines that less heating is necessary to heat the respiratory gases to the predetermined temperaure and supplies less power to the heater plate 240. Thus, although the respiratory gases leav= ing the humidification chamber 140 are substantially similar to the predetermined temperature, less humidity is added to the respiratory gases. [0032] The humidification apparatus 130 includes mecha nisms to facilitate heat loss from the humidification chamber 140 to allow # greater temperature differential between the inet port 142 and the outlet port 144, A greater temperature diferentil eavses more power to be supplied to the heater plate 240 to heat the respiratory gases. This allows more humidity 10 be added to the respintory gases. In some embodiments a structure 220 includes mechanisms to pro- ‘mate heat Toss. In some embodiments, the humidification ‘camber 140 ineldes mechanisms to improve heat loss. The ‘mechanism may correspond toa shape, design, or an inser. [0033] FIGS. 2. ifostate an embodiment ofthe humidi- Ticaton apparatus 130 that includes the base unit 135, display 210, the stricture 220, the humidification chamer 140, and the heater plate 249, The structure 220 includes sensors 230, In some embodiments, the sensors 230 are permanently mounted onto the structure 220. In some embodiments, the sensors 230 may be removably coupled 1 the stricture 220. The sensors 230 may be positioned to protrude into the inlet port 142 andlor the onl port 144 ‘when the humidification chamber 140 is mounted on the base unit 138. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the sensors 230 are positioned to measure at least one chara teristic of the gases low atthe inlet port 142, and one ofthe sensors 230 is positioned to measure atleast one charactr= istic of the gases flow at the outlet port 144. In some cesbodineats, one ofthe sensors 230 is positioned to mea sre at least one characteristic ofthe gases flow at the inlet ort 142, and «wo of the sensors 230 are positioned to ricasure at least one characteristic ofthe gases No at the cutlet port 144, whea the humidification chamber 140 is, ‘mounted on the base nit 138, Tn some embodiments 180 oF the sensors 230 are positioned to measure al least one chameteristic of the gases Now atthe inlet port 142, while ‘one sensor is positioned atthe outlet port 144. The sensors 280 can also be arranged in other configumtions with ferent combinations atthe inlet por 142 and the outlet port I44, The stnicture 220 can also include more than 3 Sensors or less than 3 sensor, {0034} In some embodiments, the sensors 230 are ‘mounted in planes parallel or substantially parallel with respect to each other. Further, the sensors 230 can be ‘oriented in the same direction with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2, the sensors 230 are stated parallel tothe x-y plane and extend along the x-axis. In some embodiments, the placement of the sensors 230 ndvantageously enables for the humidification chamber 240 to slide into the humidification apparatus 130 with respect US 2018/0280644 AL the stracture 220 (as shown in FIG. 3). Moreover, as seen in FIG. 2, the Sensors 230 are all placed perpendicular to. vertical plane, Two of the sensors 230 are positioned in a ferent but substantially parallel horizontal anes. Accor ingly, one ofthese sensors may measure characteristic of a8 ata diferent point in time asthe gas lows through the hnmiditieation chamber 140 becamse of the difference in location, Tht is, a first sensors positioned such thatthe gas passes over it shortly before the gas passes over the second feasor. In some embodiments, Wo of the sensors 280 may’ Fhe mounted in the same horizontal plane or substantially the same horizontal plane so that the sensors 230 ean measure characteristic of the gas flow at the same time. In some ‘embodiments, if the sensors are measuring dilleent char- ‘acteristis, it may be advantageous to have them measure the ‘charactersties atthe same point in time of gas flow forthe Psposes of comparison 0035] Further, FIG 3 llasates the humidification cham ber 140 attached tothe base 135. As seen fom the figure, some of the portions ofthe humidification chamber 140 are ‘occluded oF covered by the base 135, particular the top portions of the humidification chamber 140, The covered portions may act as an insolator for the humidification ‘chamber 140 and tp heat inside the humidification cham- her 140, Accordingly, in some embodiments, it may be ‘advantageous w ave more surface area of the humidific= tion chamber 140 exposed tothe aie to avoid the insulation ‘effet. In an embodiment, the base 138 as illustrated herein is designed to increase exposure of the surface area of the humiditication chamber 140 to external environment. For ‘example, in the embodiments illustrated, about 45% to about 50% of the chamber is exposed as viewed from the top. In some embodiments, about 40% to about 45% of thechamber is exposed as viewed from the top, The base 138 and the hhumiditfation chamber 140 can also be designed to expose more than 508%, such as 60% or 70% of the chamber. In some embodiments, the percentage can be calculated. by measuring he entire surface area of the humidification chamber 140 and dividing the exposed surface area by the ‘entire surface area 10036] In some embodiments, the sensors 230 acs may Ieasuire one of tempera, Now rate, of humidity. In some ‘emboslimiens, the sensors 230 may measure a combination ‘of any one of temperate, How rae, snd fmiity. In some ‘embodiments, {Wo of the sensors 230 may be used in ‘combination to derive a characteristic of the gases flow: for ‘example, 0 of the sensors 230 may be positioned t0 measure gases temperature at the inlet port 142, and the ‘controller 132 may use the two measurements to derive 3 flow rate of the gases. In some embodiments one of the sensors 230 may be positioned downstream of the humid fication apparatus 130, for example, near the patient inter- face 160. In some embodiments, ne ofthe sensors 230 may be positioned atthe heater plate 240, 0037] Heating ofthe heater plate 240 is controled by the ‘controller 132, The conor 132 determines the amount of power required to provide sullicint beat to the liquid within the humidification chamber 140. The surface ofthe heater plate 240 isin Contact with a thermally conductive surfice ff the humidification chamber 140, This provides a ther- tually conductive pathway to enable the transfer of heat from the heater plate 240 tothe Figuid within the hundification chamber 140 Oct. 4, 2018 {0038} In some embodiments, the structure 220 is remov- ably coupled tothe base unit 138. In some embodiment, the sinucture 220 may be permanently coupled to the base unit 138. In some embodiments, the stricture 220 may be Jnegraly formed wih the base unit 138, The structure 220 can form a support structure for the sensors 280. The structure 220 includes features tht aid with alignment and of the humidification chamber 140 relative tothe 138 andor the sensors 230, which will be dis- cussed in further detail below, and 2s described in the ‘embodiments disclosed in U.S, Provisional Patett Applica- tion No, 62/059,339 and Intemational Application No. PCT! 'NZ2014000201, the contents of which are hereby incorpo- rated by reference in their entirety [0039] The structure 220 is coupled to or intepral with 2 Portion of the base anit 138 that is positioned above the hnealer plate 240. This postions electronic components Within the hase unit 138 and electronic components within the structure 220 above likely leak points ofthe humidif- cation chamber 140 when the humidification chamber 140 is ‘mounted oa the base unit 138 in contact with the heater plate 240, The display 210 is positioned on an upper surface ofthe base unit 138 above the siructe 220, This increases vis- ibility of the display 210 in use. AS a resul, the humid cation chamber 140 is mounted within a recess 250 formed by the base unit 135, The siruenie 220 at least partially cncloses the humidification chamber 140 within the recess 280, This enables the sensors 230 to protrde into the inlet Port 142 andior the outlet port 144 of the humidification ‘chamber 140 to determine a characteristic of the gases How. ‘As discussed above, the orientation and placement of the sensors 230 can enable the humidification chamber 140 ta be ‘mounted within the ress 250, [0040] FIG. 4 ilustates dhe humidification chamiber 140, in more detail. The humidification chamber 140 inches @ rose 310 and spertures 330. The nose M0 mates with & corresponding hood 420 (as shown in FIGS. 4-88). The ‘ose 310 aids alignment between the humidification cham ber 140 and the sirvetie 220. In some embodiments, the rose 310 includes rails 320, which mate with corresponding srooves 430 inthe stmcture 220 (as shown in FIGS. 54-5B). ‘The ails 320 also aid alignment between the humidification chamber 140 and the structure 220. In some embodiments, the nose 310 does not include the rails 320-and the structure 220 docs not include the grooves 430. In some embodi- ‘mens, the tongue 312 of these 310s tapered. The tapered tongue 312 can advantageously prevent the humidification chamber 140 ffom rocking with respect to the hood 420. Rocking. may result in disconnection of sensors 230 {0041} The apertures 330 can receive the sensors 230 that, re positioned on the siructare 220 (refer to FIGS. 54-5B). Thus, whea the humidification chamber 140 is mounted on the base unit 135, the sensors 280 protrude into the apertures 30 of the hnmidifieaion chamber 140, The seasors 230 fcasure a chamiterstic of the gases How in the humidifi- tation chamber 140 through the apertures 330. The apertures 330 are positioned ator near the inlet port 142 andor the ‘outlet port 144 ofthe humikiication chamber 140. In some embodiments, the apertures 330 each further include a seal or baie (at shown) to maintain a sealed pathway forthe gases flow. The seal can be an o-ring. In some embodiments, the apertures 330 can include « grommet or an elsstie glove tha ean protect the sensors 230 as they are inserted ito the apertures 330, US 2018/0280644 AL [0042] In the illustrated embodiment, nso ofthe apertures 430 ate positioned neae the inet port 142 and one of the ‘spertures 330 is positioned near the outlet port 144 ln some ‘cmodliments, one ofthe apertures 330 s positioned near the inlet port 142 and cwo of the apertures 330 are positioned near the outlet port 144 In some embodiments, variations or lifferent combinations of the apertures 380 may be posi- tioned at or near each port. For example, multiple of the apertures 330 may be positioned at both the inlet port 142 tnd the outlet port 14 10043] _As discussed above, In some embodiments, the sensors 230 ate oriented inthe same direction and positioned in same or panillel planes. Accordingly, the apertures 330 may also be positioned on the humidification chamber 140 such that they align with thei respective sensors 230, In ome cmbovliments, the apertures 330 face the same or Substantially the same direetion as illustated in FIG. 4 Ths, 28 the humidification chamber 140 s slid horizontally into the base 138, the sensors 230 align withthe apertures 330 and positioned wo measure the characterises of pas How ‘at partictlar locations near the inlet port 142 and the outlet port 14. Asa result, the sensors are al positioned within the ‘chamber in single coanection step by’ user suk thatthe user does not need to separately position the sensors in the ‘chamber as is required by prior art deviees. [0044] In some embodiments, the outlet port 144 (FIG. 4) inchides 2 vertical portion 1445 and a horizontal portion ‘M4da connected by a curved portion M4de. While the ilus- trated embodiment shows an L-shape or right angle, the angle between horizontal portion 1444 and. the vertical portion 1446 can be greater than 90 deprees. Higher angles may make the transition from the vertical porsion 1445 to the horizontal portion 44a, smoother and as a result: may decrease turbulence in the air moving from the vertical portion 144 to the horizontal portion 14a. In. some ‘embodiments, the horizontal portion M4a may advanta- fontsly enable a user to connect a conduit withthe hamidi- fication chamber 140 either before the humidification cham ber 140 is atached to the base 138 or afer the attachment ith the base 135. In some embodiments, the inlet port 142 ‘canals include vertical portion, a horizontal portion, and ‘curved portion as discussed above with respect to the cull, por. [0045] FIGS. $A-$B illustrate different views of an ‘embostimient of the tructre 220. The structure 220 inclndes ‘shoud 410, the heod 420, the sensors 230, and a post 440, ‘The shroud 410 can receive a connector, for example, 2 ‘connector configured to connect the inspiratory tube 180 %0 the humidification apparatus 130. In some embodiments, the ‘connector is configured to form an electrical connection herween the inspiratory tube 150 and the humidification ‘apparatus 130, In some embodiments, the connector is ‘configured to form an electrical connection with the strc Ture 220, and the strcture 220 is configured to foe an ‘lecrical connection with the hase unit 138. As a result, the Sinicture 220 includes electrical contacts 418 within the Shroud 410, a shown in more detail ia FIG. $A, The shroud 4410 lps to align the connector ofthe inspiratory tube 150, ‘withthe structure 220. The shroud 410 facilitates pneumatic ‘coupling between the inspiratory tube 150 al the outlet part 1d of the humidification chamber 140. In the illstated ‘embosliment, the stricture 220 ineludes one ofthe sensors 230 within the shroud 410. Thus, as connection is made berwaen the strcture 220, the connector ofthe inspiratory Oct. 4, 2018 tube 150, and the outlet port 144 of the humidification chamber 140, the one ofthe sensors 230 within the shroud 4410 protrudes into the outlet port M4 and an electrical tonnection is formed between the inspiratory tube 150 and ‘he humiditeation apparatus 130, la some embodiment, the shroud 410 protects the electrical contacts 415 from spills oF ‘other environmental conditions. [0046] With continued reference 10 FIGS. $A.SB, the hood 420 can accommodate the nose 310 of the humid cation chamber 140, In some embodiments, the hood 420 includes grooves 430 o mate with the optional rails 320 that protrude from the nose 310 of the humidification chamber 140. The hood 420 can include an optional opening 428. The opening 425 allows heat enengy from the humidification chamber 140 to dissipate to the surrounding ambient envie ronment, Thus, the opening 425 reduoes the mechanical ontaet between the humidification chamber 140 and the Sinvcture 220, This improves eooling ofthe huasidifcation ‘chamber 140 as it is further isolate rom the sireture 220 [0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the post 440, Includes io of the sensors 230, Thus, the post 440 provides 1 platform that ficilitates coupling of the two of the sensors 230 with ewo ofthe apertures 330 that are associated with the inlet por 142 of the humidification chamber 140. The post 440 enables the nwo of the sensors 230 to protrude int the two of the apertures 330 of the inlet port 142, This cables the two of the sensors 230 to more accurately ‘determine a characteristic of the gases flow. [0048] In some embodiments the controller 132 adjusts the power supplied to the heater plate 240 for adding enorgy ino the respiratory assistance system 100, The added energy from the heater plate 240 can evaporate liquid in the humidification chamber 140. The evaporated liquid ean ad humidity tothe respiratory pases. In some embodiments, the controller 132 ean continue to supply power to the heater plate 240 until a characteristic ofthe respiratory pases atthe butlet por 144 reaches a predetermined output condition, oF 8 setpoint, The characteristic ofthe respiratory gases atthe outlet port 144 can be messured By the sensors 230 (dis- cussed above) atthe outlet port 144, In some embodiments, the characteristic ofthe respiratory gases ean be measured a other locations in the respiratory assistance system 100, For texample, the characteristic of the respiratory gases can be ‘measured atthe patient interface 160. In some embodiments, characteristics of respiratory gases can include humidity, temperature, and flow rte {0049} In some embodiments, the respiratory assistance system 100 does not include a humidity sensor to dtectly measure humidity conditions of the respiratory gases. In such an embodiment, the contraller 132 can control the heater plate 240 to deliver a target humidity condition using temperature andr flowrate measurements provided by the sensors 230 10 estimate humidity conditions of the respi ‘ory gases delivered by the humidification apparatus 130 and to use such estimated humidity conditieas to contol the heater plate 240 to generate humidity. Some conditions of the gases supplied to the huasidifcation apparatus E30 by the {gases source 110 may compromise the ability of the humid fication apparatus 130 to add sufficient humidity. [0050] In some embodiments, the contoler 132 relying fm estimated humidity conditions based on temperature measurements f0 control the heater plate 240 may result in compromised humidity generation. For example, when the tgs source 10 is drawing in ambient gases to supply tothe US 2018/0280644 AL humidification apparatus 130, the characteristics ofthe gases

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