초록 ▼

An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer

An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer layer is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor is disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for treating gas prior to the use of the gas in a medical procedure involving a patient, the gas being received into the apparatus from an insufflator which receives gas from a gas source, and the gas exiting the apparatus being in flow communication with a m

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for treating gas prior to the use of the gas in a medical procedure involving a patient, the gas being received into the apparatus from an insufflator which receives gas from a gas source, and the gas exiting the apparatus being in flow communication with a means for delivering the gas to the interior of the patient, wherein the gas is pressure-and volumetric flow rate-controlled by the insufflator, the apparatus comprising:a) a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port, the exit port adapted to be in flow communication with the means for delivering and the entry port adapted to be in flow communication with the outlet of the insufflator;b) humidification means disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas through the chamber for humidifying the gas as it travels through the chamber; andc) a charging port on the housing to permit charging and recharging of the humidification means with liquid.