Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
  • F16M11/42—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters with arrangement for propelling the support stands on wheels
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
  • F16M11/02—Heads
  • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
  • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
  • F16M11/08—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a vertical axis, e.g. panoramic heads
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
  • F16M11/02—Heads
  • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
  • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
  • F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
  • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
  • F16M11/22—Undercarriages with or without wheels with approximately constant height, e.g. with constant length of column or of legs
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
  • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
  • F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
  • F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
  • F16M11/28—Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0057—Pumps therefor
  • A61M16/0066—Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
  • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
  • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
  • A61M16/024—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/1075—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by influencing the temperature
  • A61M16/109—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by influencing the temperature the humidifying liquid or the beneficial agent
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/1075—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by influencing the temperature
  • A61M16/1095—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by influencing the temperature in the connecting tubes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
  • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
  • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
  • A61M2209/08—Supports for equipment
  • A61M2209/084—Supporting bases, stands for equipment
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
  • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
  • F16B7/0433—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in parallel relationship
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
  • F16M2200/02—Locking means
  • F16M2200/021—Locking means for rotational movement
  • F16M2200/022—Locking means for rotational movement by friction
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
  • F16M2200/02—Locking means
  • F16M2200/021—Locking means for rotational movement
  • F16M2200/024—Locking means for rotational movement by positive interaction, e.g. male-female connections
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
  • F16M2200/02—Locking means
  • F16M2200/025—Locking means for translational movement
  • F16M2200/027—Locking means for translational movement by friction
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
  • F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
  • F16M2200/02—Locking means
  • F16M2200/025—Locking means for translational movement
  • F16M2200/028—Locking means for translational movement by positive interaction, e.g. male-female connections

Definitions

• Present disclosure relates to a stand system and components thereof for a medical apparatus to enable mobility of the medical apparatus.
• Hospital patients are often delivered respiratory therapy using a respiratory apparatus, such as a "high flow" therapy apparatus. It is common that patients receiving respiratory therapy need to be transported to other rooms around the hospital for recovery once an initial procedure/treatment is completed. If the respiratory apparatus does not have a battery, movement means that a patient receiving respiratory therapy who needs to be transported will need some arrangement made for the power supply to the respiratory apparatus.
• a respiratory apparatus such as a "high flow" therapy apparatus. It is common that patients receiving respiratory therapy need to be transported to other rooms around the hospital for recovery once an initial procedure/treatment is completed. If the respiratory apparatus does not have a battery, movement means that a patient receiving respiratory therapy who needs to be transported will need some arrangement made for the power supply to the respiratory apparatus.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile respiratory apparatus stand for supporting a respiratory apparatus, a second mobile auxiliary stand for supporting a power supply, a stand coupling that: couples the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand to allow movement as a unit, electrically couples: the respiratory apparatus stand and/or a respiratory apparatus when supported on the stand, and/or the auxiliary apparatus stand and/or a power supply when supported on the stand, wherein the stand system enables the respiratory apparatus to be moved while continuing to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient.
• the auxiliary stand comprises a power supply
• the power supply is a UPS.
• the stand system further comprises a respiratory apparatus supported on the respiratory apparatus stand.
• the respiratory apparatus is a high flow therapy respiratory apparatus optionally with a humidifier.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile respiratory apparatus stand with a respiratory apparatus, a second mobile auxiliary stand with a power supply, a stand coupling that: couples the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand to allow movement as a unit, electrically couples: the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the respiratory apparatus, and/or the auxiliary apparatus stand and/or the power supply, wherein the stand system enables the respiratory apparatus to be moved while continuing to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient.
• the respiratory apparatus is a high flow therapy respiratory apparatus optionally with a humidifier.
• the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the auxiliary stand comprise an upright member, a base and wheels.
• the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the auxiliary stand comprise a handle.
• the stand coupling comprises an elongated member that mechanically couples the respiratory apparatus stand and auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling comprises an upright coupling at each end.
• the stand coupling comprises a telescopic coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises an articulated coupling arm.
• the coupling arm comprises at least one hinge.
• the coupling arm can articulate between an extended and a folded position.
• the coupling arm articulates in a plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the coupling arm and/or hinge can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to change the angle of the plane in which the coupling arm articulates.
• the free end of the coupling arm can fold into a storage state when not in use.
• the coupling arm can articulate in more than one position and/or in more than one plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• one or more of the hinges comprise a ball joint.
• the ball joint enables the coupling arm to articulate in more than one plane, the plane being orientated: through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, and/or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling couples the upright member of the respective respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand, and/or couples the base and/or wheels of the respective respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling comprises a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel for a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises one or more fasteners to retain a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the cable has power couplings for coupling to the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the power supply has a power cable for coupling to a power cable on the coupling arm.
• the auxiliary stand is configured to support an auxiliary gas supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel and/or fasteners for retaining a gasses conduit inside or outside the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises a coupling arm that is conducting or comprises an integrated conductor to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile respiratory apparatus stand for supporting a respiratory apparatus, a second mobile auxiliary stand for supporting a power supply, a stand coupling configured to: removably couple the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand to allow movement as a unit, wherein the respiratory stand and the auxiliary stand form part of a modular system.
• the stand coupling is configured to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and/or the respiratory apparatus stand to the power supply and/or auxiliary stand.
• the respiratory apparatus can be moved while continuing to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient.
• the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the auxiliary stand comprise an upright member, a base and wheels.
• the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the auxiliary stand comprise a handle.
• the auxiliary stand comprises a power supply, and optionally the power supply is a UPS.
• the power supply has a power cable for coupling to a power cable on the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises an elongated member that couples the respiratory apparatus stand and auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling is removably coupleable to the respiratory apparatus stand and/or the auxiliary stand.
• the stand system is modular.
• the stand coupling is permanently coupled to one of the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand and is removably coupleable to the other of the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling comprises an upright coupling at each end, and optionally the upright coupling comprises first and second half clamp members.
• the stand coupling comprises a telescopic coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises an articulated coupling arm.
• the coupling arm comprises at least one hinge.
• the coupling arm can articulate between an extended and a folded position.
• the free end of the coupling arm can fold into a storage state when not in use.
• the coupling arm can articulate in more than one position and/or in more than one plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• one or more of the hinges comprise a ball joint.
• the ball joint enables the coupling arm to articulate in more than one plane, the plane being orientated: through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, and/or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling couples the upright member of the respective respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand, and/or couples the base and/or wheels of the respective respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling comprises a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel for a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises one or more fasteners to retain a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the cable has power couplings for coupling to the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the power supply has a power cable for coupling to a power cable on the coupling arm.
• each upright coupling comprises a clamp.
• the clamp is formed as a first clamp member and a second clamp member that can hinge between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
• the stand system further comprises a closure to retain the first clamp member and the second clamp member in a closed configuration.
• the clamp further comprises a locator for engaging with a receiver on an upright of a stand.
• each upright coupling comprises a U-shaped coupling.
• the U-shaped coupling comprises a latch to clamp the coupling to an upright of a stand.
• the upright coupling functions as a press/friction fit, for example by way of a resilient material.
• the upright coupling is configured to clip over and/or slide over a portion of a stand base.
• the auxiliary stand is configured to support an auxiliary gas supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel and/or fasteners for retaining a gasses conduit inside or outside the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises a coupling arm that is conducting or comprises an integrated conductor to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand system further comprises a respiratory apparatus supported on the respiratory apparatus stand.
• the respiratory device is a high flow therapy respiratory apparatus optionally with a humidifier.
• the respiratory apparatus comprises a humidifier that provides: absolute humidity of greater than 12 mg/L of water vapour for patients with a non-bypassed airway, for the flow range of about 2 to about 60 litres per minute, and/or absolute humidity of greater than 33 mg/L of water vapour for patients with a bypassed airway, for the flow range of about 10 to about 60 litres per minute.
• the respiratory apparatus has a heater plate that is rated to about 150 W and/or has a heated breathing tube with a rating of about 65W.
• the power supply provides:
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand coupling for coupling a respiratory apparatus stand with a power supply stand comprising: a coupling arm, and a first and second upright coupling at each end of the arm, the first and second upright couplings comprising a clamp wherein the first upright coupling is for coupling to a respiratory apparatus stand and the second upright coupling is for coupling to a power supply stand.
• the coupling arm is telescopic to enable the length of the coupling arm to vary.
• the stand coupling comprises an articulated coupling arm.
• the coupling arm comprises at least one hinge.
• the coupling arm can articulate between an extended and a folded position.
• the coupling arm articulates in a plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the coupling arm and/or hinge can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to change the angle of the plane in which the coupling arm articulates.
• the free end of the coupling arm can fold into a storage state when not in use.
• the coupling arm can articulate in more than one position and/or in more than one plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• one or more of the hinges comprise a ball joint.
• the ball joint enables the coupling arm to articulate in more than one plane, the plane being orientated: through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, and/or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the clamp of the first and second upright coupling comprises a pivotable jaw.
• the stand coupling comprises a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel for a cable to electrically couple a respiratory apparatus and the power supply and the stands.
• the stand coupling comprises one or more fasteners to retain a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply on the stands.
• the cable has power couplings for coupling to the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the power supply has a power cable for coupling to a power cable on the coupling arm.
• each upright coupling comprises a clamp.
• the clamp is formed as a first clamp member and a second clamp member that can hinge between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
• the stand coupling further comprises a closure to retain the first clamp member and the second clamp member in a closed configuration.
• the clamp further comprises a locator for engaging with a receiver on an upright of a stand.
• each upright coupling comprises a U-shaped coupling.
• the U-shaped coupling comprises a latch to clamp the coupling to an upright of a stand.
• the upright coupling functions as a press/friction fit, for example by way of a resilient material.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel and/or fasteners for retaining a gases conduit inside or outside the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises a coupling arm that is conducting or comprises an integrated conductor to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the present invention may be said to comprise stand coupling for coupling a respiratory apparatus stand with a respiratory apparatus and a power supply stand with a power supply so that the respiratory apparatus can be coupled to the power supply and transported without discontinuity of operation to allow movement of a patient.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile stand for supporting a power supply or a respiratory apparatus, and comprising a base, wheels and an upright member, a stand coupling attached at one end to the upright member and configured to: couple at a second end to a second stand for supporting the other of a power supply or a respiratory apparatus to allow the first and second stand to move as a unit, electrically couple: the second stand and/or a respiratory apparatus when supported on the second stand, and/or the first stand and/or a power supply when supported on the first stand, to enable a respiratory apparatus when on the second stand to continue to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient while being moved.
• the first stand comprises: a power supply, and optionally the power supply is a UPS, or a respiratory apparatus.
• the power supply is a UPS, or a respiratory apparatus.
• the second stand comprises: a power supply, and optionally the power supply is a UPS, or a respiratory apparatus.
• the power supply is a UPS, or a respiratory apparatus.
• the respiratory apparatus is a high flow therapy respiratory apparatus optionally with a humidifier.
• the stand coupling comprises a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel for a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the stand coupling comprises one or more fasteners to retain a cable to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply.
• the cable has power couplings for coupling to the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the power supply has a power cable for coupling to a power cable on the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises an upright coupling at the second end.
• the upright coupling comprises a clamp.
• the clamp is formed as a first clamp member and a second clamp member that can hinge between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
• the stand system further comprises a closure to retain the first clamp member and the second clamp member in a closed configuration.
• the clamp further comprises a locator for engaging with a receiver on an upright of a stand.
• the upright coupling comprises a U-shaped coupling.
• the U-shaped coupling comprises a latch to clamp the coupling to an upright of a stand.
• the upright coupling functions as a press/friction fit, for example by way of a resilient material.
• the upright coupling is configured to clip over and/or slide over a portion of a stand base.
• the second and/or the first stand is configured to support an auxiliary gas supply.
• the stand coupling comprises a channel and/or fasteners for retaining a gasses conduit inside or outside the coupling arm.
• the stand coupling comprises a coupling arm that is conducting or comprises an integrated conductor to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and/or the power supply.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile stand for supporting a power supply and comprising a base, wheels and an upright member, a stand coupling attached at one end to the upright member and configured to: couple at a second end to a second stand for supporting a respiratory apparatus to allow the first and second stand to move as a unit, electrically couple: the second stand and/or a respiratory apparatus when supported on the second stand, and/or the first stand and/or a power supply when supported on the first stand, to enable a respiratory apparatus when on the second stand to continue to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient while being moved.
• the present invention may be said to comprise a stand system comprising: a first mobile stand for supporting a respiratory apparatus, and comprising a base, wheels and an upright member, a stand coupling attached at one end to the upright member and configured to: couple at a second end to a second stand for supporting a power supply to allow the first and second stand to move as a unit, electrically couple: the second stand and/or a power supply when supported on the second stand, and/or the first stand and/or a respiratory when supported on the first stand, to enable a respiratory apparatus when on the first stand to continue to operate and provide respiratory support to a patient while being moved.
• This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
• Figure 1 shows a stand system according to present embodiments.
• Figure 2 shows a stand coupling for the stand system.
• Figure 2A shows an alternative power coupling for the stand coupling.
• Figures 2B, 2C show a power supply and stand coupling power coupling.
• Figures 3A to 3H show the upright coupling that forms part of the stand coupling.
• Figure 4 shows a method of use of the stand system.
• Figure 5 shows an alternative stand coupling.
• Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a connection between an upright coupling and coupling arm.
• Figures 7A to 7D shows an alternative embodiment of a telescopic stand coupling.
• Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an upright coupling.
• Figures 9A to 9E show an alternative embodiment of an upright coupling.
• Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a stand coupling.
• Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a stand coupling.
• Figures 12A to 12E show an alternative embodiment of an articulated stand coupling.
• Figure 13 shows the alternative embodiment of an articulated stand coupling in the folded position on a stand.
• Figure 14 shows a respiratory apparatus that can be used as part of the stand system
• a mobile stand system (“stand system”) 10 for carrying a respiratory apparatus 11 and a power supply 12 according to embodiments described herein.
• the term “carrying” covers both the supporting and/or movement of the respiratory apparatus 11 and power supply 12.
• Embodiments can relate to the stand system 10 in its entirety, comprising stands 13A, 13B, and a stand coupling 20; and can also relate to the stand coupling 20 on its own. This facilitates mobility of a patient while using a respiratory apparatus.
• the stand system here is described in relation to a respiratory apparatus.
• the respiratory apparatus may provide respiratory therapy, and without limitation, could be one or more of:
• a high flow therapy apparatus that can deliver high flow therapy; such as non- invasive a nasal high flow therapy apparatus that can provide nasal high flow therapy (NHF), or tracheal high flow therapy, or other non-invasive ventilation (NIV).
• NAF nasal high flow therapy
• NMV non-invasive ventilation
• PAP Positive airway pressure
• CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
• Bi-level PAP apparatus Bi-level PAP apparatus or other PAP apparatus.
• any such respiratory apparatus can also provide humidification to the gases provided to the patient.
• Humidity helps to improve therapy and is preferred for high flow therapy. Humidity improves comfort of therapy thereby improving compliance. Humidity also helps to maintain airway functionality.
• the respiratory apparatus may provide humidification, with a minimum of 44 mg/L of humidity and/or a 37° C dew point.
• the stand system allows mobility of a respiratory apparatus that requires a high power demand especially when provided with humidification.
• the embodiments described here make patient mobility easier when the patient is using a respiratory apparatus and maintains continuity of therapy to the patient.
• the stand system 10 comprises a first (mobile respiratory apparatus) stand 13A for supporting a respiratory apparatus 11, a second (mobile auxiliary) stand 13B for supporting a power supply 12 (e.g. uninterruptible power supply "UPS" ) and/or auxiliary gas supply 14, and a stand coupling 20 to couple the first 13A and second 13B stands together, so they can move as a single system/unit 10. Together, this forms a mobile modular stand system.
• a power supply 12 e.g. uninterruptible power supply "UPS”
• UPS uninterruptible power supply
• this allows one or more of: a) supporting and movement of the respiratory apparatus 11 when a patient relocates, so that b) the respiratory apparatus can be carried as necessary when the patient moves while still remaining connected to a power supply 12 and remaining in an operational manner and/or maintaining provision of therapy during relocation, while c) reducing disruption for the patient and/or reducing difficulties for medical staff in relocating the patient and respiratory apparatus 11.
• the modularity enables the power auxiliary stand with a power supply to be interchanged with and connected to any respiratory apparatus/ respiratory apparatus stand. In such cases, the respiratory apparatus does not need its own power supply, e.g. a battery. This leads to a simpler design of the breath apparatus.
• the embodiments described here make patient mobility easier when the patient is using a respiratory apparatus and maintains continuity of therapy to the patient.
• the stand system 10 is a modular system, where the components of a respiratory apparatus stand 13A, auxiliary stand 13B and stand coupling 20 can be selected and assembled together as required, and the individual components manufactured and sold separately and/or together.
• a respiratory apparatus stand 13A, auxiliary stand 13B and stand coupling 20 can be selected and assembled together as required, and the individual components manufactured and sold separately and/or together.
• stands 13A, 13B and stand couplings 20 which can all be interconnected with each other in a modular "mix and match" fashion, as required.
• the respiratory apparatus stand 13A and auxiliary stands 13B could be any suitable apparatus that can mount and hold a respiratory apparatus, such as any of those known to those skilled in the art.
• Each stand (generally referred to as 13 to mean either 13A, or 13B unless a particular stand is being referred to, and hereinafter the same reference numerals will be used for both stands 13) comprises a base 15, with wheels (e.g. castors) 16 or other devices for mobility.
• the base 15 comprises a four point crossed style lower chassis, with two cross beams 17, at the end of each being attached a castor wheel 16 in a suitable manner, that can rotate around a pivot connection 18 with the respective crossbeam.
• the cross beams may be formed with a central depression 19 to reduce the height of the overall stand, for access by medical staff and stability reasons, while still providing sufficient height at the ends above the ground for castor wheels of the required size/height.
• the stand 13 also comprises a support, optional in the form of an upright member (also termed "pole") 9, in the form of a pole made from any suitable metals, plastics or the like.
• the stand comprises hooks or other attachments 8 for the mounting of IV bags, or other medical supplies, and a handle 7, such as in the form of a grip, for movement of the stand.
• the respiratory apparatus stand 13A comprises an attachment for a basket 6 or other receptacle for holding medical supplies, documents or other items, and another attachment for the respiratory apparatus 11.
• the auxiliary stand 13B comprises an attachment for a basket 6 or other receptacle for holding medical supplies, documents or other items. It also comprises attachment for auxiliary gases 14, such as an oxygen gas tank. It also comprises a mount for the power supply 12, which can also sit within the depression 19 formed by the cross beams of the base.
• Each upright could have other brackets, shelves or other accessories.
• Each upright member 9 could optionally have a receiver for a coupling locator, as will be described later.
• the respiratory apparatus stand 13A and the auxiliary stand 13B could be the same, or have different configurations.
• the two stands described above with reference to Figure 1 are by way of example only, and should not be considered limiting. More generally, stands with a pole with a lower chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to lower chassis to provide mobility could be used, where the stand may include brackets, shelves or the like that can be removably coupled to the pole and/or other part of the stand. Any apparatus that has a base for transportation and provides mounting for a respiratory apparatus and/or power supply could be used.
• the stand in PCT/IB2020/056933 (WO2021/014392) is another example of what could be used, which is also incorporated herein by way of reference in its entirety.
• FIG 2 shows an overview a stand coupling 20 that comprises a coupling arm 21, with upright member couplings 22A, 22B (which may be the same or different as to be described later, and generally can be referred to as 22) on either end of the coupling arm 21.
• the stand coupling 20 can be (mechanically) coupled at each end to the upright member 9 of a respective respiratory apparatus stand 13A and auxiliary stand 13B (see Figure 1), to connect the two stands in a unitary fashion so they can be moved in unison.
• the stand coupling 20 once coupled to the upright members of the respective stands forms the stand system.
• the coupling arm 21 comprises an elongated/longitudinal member e.g. a rod made from metals or plastics, preferably of an elongated cylindrical nature, although other cross-section profiles (e.g. square, hexagonal, octagonal or other polygon profiles) are possible.
• the coupling arm is of a suitable length to provide the required distance between two stands 13 when they are connected together by the stand coupling 20.
• the length of the arm could be in the range of about 30cm to about 2m, to provide suitable spacing between two stands so that the wheels do not interfere which each other while still providing a small profile to pass through hospital corridors without being cumbersome.
• one or more of the extended, partially extended or even un-extended configurations could be in/vary in the range of about 30cm to about 2m.
• the stand coupling provides electrical coupling between the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary apparatus stand to provide electrical coupling between the power supply and the respiratory apparatus.
• the coupling arm has a longitudinal channel 23 (e.g. by virtue of being hollow, or having some other longitudinal space - see dotted line) and two openings 24A,
• the power cable extends through the longitudinal channel 23 and extends out of each opening 24A, 24B, and has a power coupling 26A, 26B (preferably, but not necessarily female) at each end.
• the power coupling 26A at one end is for connection of a power cable of the respiratory apparatus li on the respiratory apparatus stand 13A, and the power coupling 26B at the other end is configured for plugging into the outlet of the power supply 12 which is on the auxiliary stand 13B. This enables the coupling of the respiratory apparatus 11 on the first stand 13A to the power supply 12 on the second stand 13B to provide power to operate the respiratory apparatus 11.
• the power cable 25 is either retrofittable, whereby the power cable 25 can be threaded through the longitudinal channel 23 via the openings (which in that case would be big enough to allow at least one of the power couplings 26A, 26B to pass through) or manufactured into the coupling arm 21 (in which case the openings 24A, 24B may be smaller than the power couplings 26A, 26B, to prevent them passing through and therefore preventing removal of the power cable 25 from the coupling arm 21.
• Other types of power connector are possible also, and any suitable alternative could be selected by those skilled in the art. For example, another option of power coupling 27 as shown in Figure 2A.
• the power coupling is configured to couple to the corresponding power output coupling of the power supply.
• a power output coupling 28A for the power supply 12 is provided, which may be used in conjunction with the power coupling on the coupling arm 21.
• the power supply power output coupling 28A comprises a power cable 29A with a standard mains or similar style power socket 29B (e.g. a three pin socket) for coupling to the power coupling on the coupling arm 21.
• the power output coupling 28A could be hardwired to the power supply 12 via the power cable 29A.
• a power supply compatible power coupling 29C such as a three pin connector as shown in Figure 2B, on the other end of the power cable, that connects to a corresponding coupling on the power supply 12.
• This type of connector may remain connected to a power supply 12 to allow a medical apparatus 11 to easily plug into the power supply 12 much like a standard wall socket.
• the power coupling 28B on the coupling arm 21 will have a complementary e.g. three pin plug 29B' that couples to the three pin socket 29B on the power supply output coupling 28A on the power supply 12.
• Figure 2C shows such a possible three pin plug 29B' which could be used instead of the socket 26B shown in Figure 2 or 2A.
• the power cable 25 running through the shaft of the coupling arm 21 may connect at one end to medical apparatus 11 and (using the power coupling 28B/29B' in Figure 2C) at the other end to the three-pin socket 29B of the plug connector 28A shown in Figure 2B.
• the stand coupling 20 can be coupled to the upright member 9 of each stand 13 by way of the upright couplings 22A, 22B provided to each end of the coupling arm 21.
• the upright coupling can take any suitable form, and may be identical similar or different depending on the embodiment as will become apparent. As an example and referring to e.g.
• each upright coupling 22A, 22B could take the form of an articulated clamp.
• Each comprises first and second half clamp members 30A, 30B.
• the first clamp member 30A generally takes the form of a half cylinder (annular ring) with protruding hinge portion 31A on one edge 33A.
• the second clamp member 30B also generally takes the form of half cylinder (annular ring), with a complementary rebate hinge portion 32B on one edge 34B that is engaged with and pivotably attached to the complementary protruding hinge portion 31A on the first clamp member 30A.
• the rebate 32B is defined by two rebate protrusions on the edge 34B.
• first and second clamp members are articulated at a hinge/pivot 37 formed by a pin 37A that goes through a hole that extends through the rebate protrusions on the second clamp 32B and protruding hinge portion 31A on the first half clamp 30A .
• the first and second half clamp portions can articulate/hinge from an open configuration so that the clamp can be placed around the upright member of a stand, to a closed configuration so that the coupling can clamp around and couple to the upright member. This forms a pivotal jaw.
• Each of the first and second half clamp members 30A, 30B has a complementary closure, in order to close and retain (e.g. lock) the two half clamp members together in the closed configuration when placed and clamped around an upright member 9 of a stand 13.
• a closure will be described in further detail later, but a closure could take the form of a screw, clamp, latch, pin or other suitable closure 38.
• each upright coupling 22 is opened by manipulating the closure 38 and articulating it on the hinge portion 37, placed around the upright member and then clamped over the upright member 9 by articulating the half clamp members 22 at the hinge portion 37.
• the closure 38 is then manipulated to lock the upright coupling 22 to the upright member 9.
• the closure 38 takes the form of a screw member that screws through a threaded hole 38C that extends through the first half clamp member 30B to the second half clamp member 30A. By screwing the screw member together, the two half clamp members 30A, 30B come together and can clamp around and be retained on the stand upright member 9.
• the screw could take any form suitable.
• the screw could take the form of a screw 38A that can be manipulated (loosened and tightened ) by a human without tools, by way of a screw handle on the head.
• a tool adjustable screw 38B such as one with a Hex socket head could be used, which requires an Allen key (or other suitable device) for loosening and tightening (See Figure 3B, 3C, 3E, 3F, 3G).
• the stand coupling 20 is permanently or semi-permanently attached to one of the stands 13. This way, the stand coupling 20 is always available, and does not get lost and have to be searched for.
• the stand coupling 20 might have a human adjustable screw 38A on one end, and a tool adjustable screw 38B on the other end.
• the stand 13 that the coupling arm 21 is permanently or semi-permanently attached to is attached by way of the upright coupling 22 that has the tool adjustable screw 38B. This means the coupling 22 is not readily or casually removed - rather it takes a concerted effort with a tool to do so. This means that the stand coupling 20 will much less likely be unnecessarily removed from the stand 9.
• the upright coupling 22 uses the human adjustable screw 38A so that it can be easily attached and detached from the upright member 9 of the stand.
• the semi permanent/permanent attachment is made to the stand 13B with the power supply 12, because there are fewer of these around. But that is not a necessary requirement.
• other closures 38 including permanent, semi-permanent tool operated and/or human operated could be envisaged.
• Each half clamp member 30A, 30B can be configured to be permanently, semi permanently or detachably attached to the coupling arm 21.
• each half clamp member can be manufactured integrally with one end of the coupling arm 21 in a suitable manner.
• the coupling arm 21 (which takes a cylindrical form) can be attached by way of a screw 35 that goes through an aperture 36 in the second clamp member 30A that threads into a respective bore in the rod.
• the stand coupling 20 could also comprise a gasses conduit that extends along the coupling arm either on the outside or in the channel.
• a patient is using a respiratory apparatus 11 which is carried on a respiratory apparatus stand 13A.
• the respiratory apparatus may be, for example, plugged into a wall socket for power. Therefore, if they want to take the respiratory apparatus with them, another solution has to be found, because they cannot move the respiratory apparatus while it is plugged into a wall socket.
• the patient or medical staff collect together the modular components, namely the respiratory apparatus stand 13A, the auxiliary stand 13B and the stand coupling 20. These may be in different locations. For example, there might be a number of auxiliary stands 13A with power supplies 12 and/or 02 supplies 14 scattered around the hospital, perhaps connected to wall power sockets in order to recharge the power supply 12 on the stand 13B.
• the components can be assembled into the stand system 10.
• the patient or a medical staff attaches (removably couples) the stand coupling 20 to the upright member 9 of the respiratory apparatus stand 13A and the auxiliary power stand 13B, in any suitable order. They do this by operating each respective upright coupling 22 in the required manner to attach it to the corresponding stand upright member 9. This will differ depending on the type of upright coupling 22 embodiment.
• each upright coupling 22 is opened by manipulating the closure 38 and articulating the coupling 22 on the hinge portion 37, and placed around the respective upright member 9 and then clamped over the upright member by articulating the half clamp members 22 at the hinge portion 37.
• the closure 38 is then manipulated to lock the upright coupling 22/half clamp members 30A, 30B to the upright member 9.
• the respiratory apparatus 11 is powered down and - if the respiratory apparatus requires connection to an 02 supply, and insofar as the respiratory apparatus connects to a fixed 02 supply in the hospital wall or similar - the 02 supply is switched from the wall supply to the 02 supply 14 carried on the auxiliary stand 13B.
• the respiratory apparatus 11 is connected to the stand coupling power cable 25, which is also coupled to the power supply 12 on the auxiliary stand 13B.
• the respiratory apparatus 11 is then switched on again. This results in the stand system arrangement 10 in Figure 1.
• the patient (who is receiving therapy from the respiratory apparatus) can move to wherever they are going, bringing the stand system 10 with them, comprising the respiratory apparatus 11, power supply 12, and 02 supply 14 on the two stands all coupled with the stand coupling.
• the stand system 10 can optionally be disassembled. While this is not essential, it might be preferable so that the auxiliary stand 13B can freed up and used for other patients in a similar fashion.
• the respiratory apparatus 11 is turned off and decoupled from the stand coupling power cable 25.
• the 02 supply is switched from the 02 supply 14 on the auxiliary stand to a e.g. fixed 02 supply, such as in the wall.
• the respiratory apparatus 11 can then be turned on.
• the power supply 12 on the auxiliary stand 13B might also be plugged in to a wall socket, in order to recharge their power supply 12.
• the stand coupling 20 can then be disassembled from the upright members 9 of the respiratory stand 13A and the auxiliary stand 13B. This can happen in any suitable manner according to the nature of the upright coupling, but for example with reference to the coupling described above 22, the closure 38 can be opened and the half clamp members 30A, 30B articulated and opened up and removed from the upright member 9 of each stand 13A, 13B as required.
• the stand coupling 20 might be permanently, semi-permanently or integrally attached to one of the stand upright members 9 (most likely, although not limited to, the power supply auxiliary stand 13B upright member). This is so that the user does not have to search for a stand coupling 20 - rather it is already coupled to the e.g. auxiliary stand. 3.
• Alternative embodiments
• the stand coupling additionally or alternatively could comprise a coupling arm that is conducting with integrated or removably attachable electrical connectors to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply instead of or in addition to an electrical cable.
• the respiratory apparatus and power supply and/or the respective stands could be coupled to the respective electrical connectors on the stand coupling. This helps to make connection of the respiratory apparatus to the power supply simpler due to the electrical connectors.
• the stand coupling could comprise an integrated conductor (e.g. hardwired) to electrically couple the respiratory apparatus and the power supply instead of or in addition to an electrical cable.
• the stand coupling could have an integrated wire that is formed into the coupling arm with integrated or removably attachable electrical connectors at either end of the coupling arm.
• the respiratory apparatus and power supply and/or the respective stands can be coupled to the respective electrical connectors. This helps to make connection of the respiratory apparatus to the power supply simpler due to the electrical connectors and the integrated conductor in the coupling arm.
• the closure 38 can also act to tighten the clamp members 30A, 30B, allowing the clamp members to attach around upright members 9 of varying diameters.
• Either or both clamp members of the coupling arm may have a closure 38 or a plurality of closures.
• the power cable 25 is disposed on the exterior of the coupling arm 21, and is attached thereto by a suitable fastener 50 - e.g. by cable ties, clips, or straps. It could be spiral wound around also. This provides a retrofittable option. Again, any suitable power cable can be used. Any suitable number of cable attachments may be used. Instead or in addition, the power cable could be spiral wound around the coupling arm.
• the coupling arm can be attached to the upright coupling in a different manner.
• One of the clamp members e.g.
• the coupling arm 21 has an opening 60 with a dimension and shape/profile commensurate with a corresponding end shape/profile 61 of the coupling arm 21 cross-section.
• the corresponding end of the coupling arm 21 is tapered to allow a friction fit into the opening 60.
• the shape/profile of the opening 60 and coupling arm end shape 61 could be something else, such as circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or any other polygon or other shape.
• it is not necessary for the shape of the end to be the same shape as the cross-section of the main part of the coupling arm 21 - the cross-section shape 61 at the end of the coupling arm could be fashioned into a different shape.
• it is not necessary for the opening 60 on the half clamp member to go entirely through the clamp member - it might go partially through or all the way through. Further, there could be other means of attachment rather than friction fit, and Figure 4 is just one example.
• the coupling arm could be telescopic 21' to enable the length of the coupling arm to vary. It comprises a first portion 21A and a second portion 21B, wherein this second portion slides within the first portion.
• a screw coupling 71 can be used to release and adjust the extension of the telescopic coupling arm.
• the screw coupling might take the form of an attachment portion 72A and a screw portion 72B which can connect together to secure the first and second portions 21A, 21B of the coupling arm 21. This enables adjustment of the distance between the respiratory apparatus stand 13A and the auxiliary stand 13B either before or after coupling.
• the telescoping feature can further allow for more efficient storage by having the coupling arm take up less space when in a retracted state.
• the telescoping coupling arm assists a user to change the spacing between the respiratory apparatus stand and the auxiliary stand. This assist with maneuvering the stand system around hospitals e.g. around corners and in tight corridors or in elevators. This also facilitates the stands to be spaced so that the two chassis or wheels of the stands don't interfere with each other. Further changing the spacing allows a user to walk in between the two stands making controlling the coupled system easier to move around. Also add the handle 70 of Figure 7D helps to maneuver the system.
• the upright coupling 22 can take any suitable form. Another example is shown in Figure 8.
• Each upright coupling could take the form of an articulated clamp 30A, 30B like previously described, with variations. They comprise first and second half clamp members 30A, 30B.
• the first clamp member 30A generally takes the form of a half cylinder with protruding hinge portion 31A on one edge 33A, and a rebate hinge portion 32A on the other edge 34A.
• the rebate is formed by two rebate protrusions on the edge 34A.
• the second clamp member 30B also generally takes the form of half cylinder, with a complementary protruding hinge portion 31B on one edge 33B configured to engage with the complimentary rebate hinge portion 32A on the first clamp member 30A, and a rebate hinge portion 32B on the other edge 34B that is engaged with and pivotably attached to the complementary protruding hinge portion 31A on the first clamp member 30A.
• the rebate is formed by two rebate protrusions on the edge 34B.
• the second clamp member 30B also has a sub-coupling 39 for locating the coupling on the upright member 9, retaining it vertically and/or preventing rotation around the upright member 9.
• the sub-coupling 39 might have a corresponding coupling 39' on the upright member 9. Together, the sub-coupling 39 and the coupling 39' on the upright member can be termed a "locator coupling" 39.
• the sub-coupling 39 takes the form of a locator 39, which is configured with a shape to key with a corresponding receiver 39' on the upright member of the stand.
• the locator 39 and corresponding receiver 39' as shown in Figure 8 take the form of a dumbbell shape profile with the locator 39 comprising an extruded section which can be attached to, or formed integrally with one of the clamp members (the second clamp member 30B in this case) which takes the form of two extruded beads spanned/bridged by a web section.
• the receiving section takes the form of an aperture with a corresponding shape, comprising two circular holes spanned/bridged by a straight section.
• the locator 39 and receiving section 39' profile could take a different profile shape.
• sub-coupling 39 and corresponding upright coupling 39' could take a different form entirely also, and are not restricted to just what is described herein. Any sub-coupling 39 and corresponding upright coupling 39' that enables location of the coupling 22 on the upright member 9, retaining it vertically and/or preventing rotation around the upright member 9 would be suitable.
• Each of the first and second clamp members 30A, 30B have a complementary closure 38, in order to close and lock the two half clamp members 30A, 30B together when placed and clamped around a stand upright member 9. Examples of these will be described in further detail later, but they could take the form of a screw, clamp, latch, pin or other suitable closure mechanism.
• each upright coupling is clamped to a corresponding stand.
• the upright coupling clamp is opened then placed around the stand and then articulated and clamped/clasped around the stand such that the locator inserts within the receiver.
• the coupling is then locked using the closure.
• a handle could be coupled to one of the upright members 13A, 13B to enable movement of the stand system.
• the handle has a horizontal arm, which can take any suitable form, extending away from an upright member 9. At one end there is an upright coupling 22. It could use an upright coupling as previously described, or any other suitable coupling and could be permanent (including integrated), semi-permanent or removable.
• the arm is angled with a bent out and return portion for form a handle that assists with controlling a stand. This allows the user to grab on to the stand system 10 from a distance away.
• Figures 9A to 9E show yet a further alternative form of the upright coupling.
• it is not a full two-piece clamp, but rather a single piece U-shaped coupling 90, which can still function as a clamp by virtue of a camming lock.
• the inside part of the coupling is commensurate in diameter to that of the upright member diameter, and has extended portions 91A, 91B that extend past the upright member in use.
• the upright coupling 90 comprises a closure mechanism 93 in the form of a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the extended portions 91A.
• the upright coupling 90 can be released by flicking the lever 93 into the open position.
• a shaped rebate 95 (in this case octagonal again, although that is not essential) that corresponds to a shaped end of the coupling arm 21 so that the end of the coupling arm 21 can be seated nicely in position in the upright coupling 90, with a shape that (if it is a polygon) will reduce the risk of twisting.
• FIG 10 an alternative embodiment of a stand coupling 100 is shown.
• the coupling arm 101 is integrated with the upright couplings 102, which take the form of a U-shaped coupling which can be press/friction fit onto the swivels 103 of the castors 16, the swivels being the portion of the castor 16 that connects to a base of a stand, and allows swivelling of the castor.
• the stand coupling 100 can be made from any suitable material/materials, with the upright couplings 102 preferably having a suitable resilient material to enable the press fit.
• the couplings 102 will be shaped commensurately with the shape of the swivel cross-section.
• FIG 11 shows yet a further alternative of a stand coupling 110.
• This coupling attaches to the base, and in particular the cross beams of the base.
• the coupling arm 110 is integrated with the upright couplings 112, which take a rectangular profile shape that is commensurate with the cross-section profile of each base crossbeam.
• Each upright coupling can be clipped over and/or slid over a portion of a crossbeam of each of the stands. This joins the two stands at the base.
• the arms/shafts of the wheelbase may also have interlocking features of their own - such as protrusions or recesses that engage directly with each other to provide coupling.
• Multiple arms/shafts on the wheelbase may be coupled to arms/shafts on a separate pole stand's wheelbase using multiple connection members/interlocking features.
• These wheelbase coupling embodiments can also be used in combination with the above coupling device variations - e.g. alongside a coupling arm embodiment.
• FIGS 12A to 12E and 13 show yet another embodiment of the stand coupling 20".
• This embodiment of the stand coupling has a coupling arm 21", and upright couplings 22A, 22B as previously described, but it is also articulated, e.g. by way of a hinge 141.
• the articulated stand coupling 20" will now be described in more detail. If the coupling arm 21" of the stand coupling 20" is to remain attached to a stand 13 during storage or transport, the hinge 141 allows for one end to de-couple from an upright member 7 of a corresponding stand 13 and drop down and hang vertically (see Figure 13). This reduces how much the coupling arm 21" protrudes from the stand 13 that it remains attached to.
• This has various advantages, comprising providing for more efficient storage of the coupling arm 21" and at least partially mitigating health and safety risks where a person might accidentally walking into an otherwise extended coupling arm 21" attached to a stand 13.
• the articulated stand coupling 20" will now be described in more detail. This embodiment is similar to that previously described, for example in relation to Figure 3E, and can have any of the clamping methods 22, cabling 25 and any of the other features as previously described. It should also be noted that the articulation could be combined with any of the other coupling arms also described herein, such as the telescoping coupling arm, shown in figures 7A to 7D. The articulation could be used with any of the other variations described above. Therefore, other details of the stand coupling 20" that are similar to the other embodiments will not be described here, and the description that follows will focus on the articulation.
• the articulation is provided by a hinge 141, which can take any suitable form, of which one non-limiting option is shown in Figures 12A to 12E and 13.
• the hinge 141 can be located at any suitable distance X along the length L of the coupling arm 21", but preferably closer to the upright coupling 22B that attaches to an upright member 7 of a stand 13 permanently/semi-permanently (as described with respect to other embodiments). This is so that when the coupling arm 21" is not being used to couple two stands 13 together, it can just remain on one stand 13 and drop down close to the vertical shaft of the upright member 7 (as shown in Figure 13).
• the hinge 141 could even be at (that is next to/adjacent) one of the upright couplings 22A, 22B.
• the hinge 141 can be formed from any suitable materials, such as plastics and/or metals. Referring to e.g. Figure 12A, the hinge 141 comprises a receiving (female) hinge portion 141A defined by two arms and a rebate between the arms, and an engaging (male) hinge portion 141B with a protrusion. The protrusion is engaged in the rebate of the receiving hinge portion 141A and is secured in place by and articulates/pivots around a pin 143.
• the hinge 141 is configured to pivot (articulate) between about 90° (see Figures 12D, 12E, 13) in its folded/storage state and about 180°in its extended state where it can couple to another stand 13 (see Figures 12B, 12C). These angles are nonlimiting, and any suitable angle range could be provided.
• the folded state could go beyond 90°, and also it could go to or beyond 90° in either direction.
• interim states also, one of which is shown in Figure 12A, as the coupling arm 21" pivots between folded and extended.
• the hinge 141 might also have a retainer (in the form of a retention member or configuration, lock, stop, latch or other physical structure) that removably retains the hinge 141 in one of the extended and folded states, as required.
• the retainer is a combination of an abutment 150 and edges 151.
• the retainer takes the form of an abutment 150 (stopping edge) on the male hinge portion 141B between the base of the protrusion of the male hinge portion and the base of the male hinge portion 141B.
• the edge of the arms 151 of the female hinge portion 141A abut against the stopping edge 150 on the male hinge portion to limit the pivot range of the hinge 141 between approximately 90 degrees (when edge 151 of portion 141A abuts against the stopping edge 150 - see e.g.
• the hinge 141/coupling arm 21" in this embodiment pivots A in a vertical plane (through the length/longitudinal axis of the coupling arm 21" - see Figure 12C).
• another embodiment might have the hinge 141/coupling arm 21" might pivot in a horizontal plane (though the length/longitudinal axis of the coupling arm 21").
• a horizontal hinge 141 could be used to fold the arm and bring the two coupled stands 13 closer to each other. Horizontal and vertical are with respect to the stand coupling in normal use attached horizontally between two stands.
• the coupling arm 21" is also rotatable B on/about its longitudinal axis Xc relative to one or both of the upright couplings 22, via a bearing, swivel, pivot, ball joint or other rotating connection.
• the entire coupling arm 21" could rotate B about its longitudinal axis Xc with respect to the upright couplings 22 at one and/or both ends to switch from the hinge 141/coupling arm pivoting in a vertical plane (that articulates as per A) to a hinge 141/coupling arm pivoting in a horizontal plane, for example.
• the coupling arm 21" could rotate to any relative angle about its axis Xc; so the plane through which the hinge/ coupling arm articulates could be at any angle through the arm 21" (that is, the plane is not restricted to just vertical or horizontal).
• the hinge 141 can pivot the coupling arm 21" in a plane (through the length of the coupling arm) at any angle. That is, the coupling arm and/or hinge can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to change the angle of the plane in which the coupling arm articulates.
• the hinge 141 is rotatable about the coupling arm's longitudinal axis Xc, via a bearing, swivel, pivot, ball joint or other rotating connection forming part of the hinge 141.
• a combination of rotation of the coupling arm 21" and the hinge 141 about axis Xc is also possible. Any of these combinations enable the plane (through which the coupling arm articulates) to be altered.
• the hinge 141 allows the two portions 142A, 142B of the coupling arm 21" to pivot about the axis created by the pin Xp (see Figure 13) - for example the first portion 142A pivots in the direction of the arrow A when the other portion 142B is coupled to an upright member of a stand 13.
• Figures 12D, 12E and 13 show the hinged coupling arm 21" in its fully folded state (approximately 90 degrees).
• Figure 13 shows the hinged coupling arm 21" folded and attached to the upright member 7 for a stand 13 of a power supply 12.
• the free end of the coupling arm that is not attached to a stand can hang downwards in a compact/folded/storage state when not in use. This is one non-limiting example of how the hinged coupling arm 21" would function during storage for example (when the coupling arm is not being used to couple a respiratory apparatus stand to a power supply stand).
• the pivot 143 of the hinge is created by a pin joint but this is only one example. Any suitable pivot may be used for example, a nut and bolt, ball joint, pressed pin joint or the like. These connections can be accessible and adjustable or can be molded over (hidden) and non-accessible.
• a ball joint hinge can provide a greater pivoting range and range of motion in more than one plane. Ball joints may also be used to connect the shaft to the attachment members to provide greater range of motion at the ends of the coupling arm 21" shaft.
• a ball joint or similar could be used and the hinge 141 has movement through a hemisphere or (even greater tending towards a full sphere of movement), such that the coupling arm can be articulated to be placed in any plane at any angle, and any angle within their plane.
• a ball joint hinge could be used in combination with the ability to rotate the hinge and/or coupling arm around an axis Xc.
• the hinge 141 may also include any suitable form of dampening material to fit between the areas of the joint. This would provide resistance to wear and sound dampening of the hinge motion when the surfaces 151 and 152 abut against the stopping edge 150.
• the articulated coupling arm 21" embodiment could be combined with the telescoping coupling arm 21' embodiment to provide an articulated telescoping coupling arm.
• the coupling arm might comprise more than one hinge 141 which enables articulation of the coupling arm in more than one location each on a plane as previously described.
• each hinge and/or coupling arm portion can rotate about an axis Xc, and/or each hinge can have a ball joint to enable articulation in a hemisphere or an even greater region tending towards a full sphere. Therefore, the coupling arm can articulate in more than one position and/or in more than one plane through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the plane can be e.g. orientated: through the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, and/or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.
• the stand system described herein is utilised with a respiratory apparatus 11.
• respiratory apparatus as used in this specification and indicative claims is intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, any type or form of apparatus, machine, system or device, that is configured to provide and/or generate a flow of gases to a user for the purpose of respiratory support, respiratory therapy, and including apparatus which provide one or more different operational modes and types of support or therapy, whether flow-controlled, pressure-controlled, or otherwise, and including apparatus configured or operable to provide flow therapy, high-flow therapy, oxygen therapy, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies such as, but not limited to, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or bi-level CPAP (BiPAP) therapy, and the phrases "flow therapy apparatus", “respiratory therapy apparatus”, “respiratory support apparatus”, “breathing assistance apparatus”, “high flow apparatus”, “non-invasive ventilation (NIV)” may be used to refer to a type of "respiratory apparatus", depending on the context. This list is not exhaustive.
• a flow therapy apparatus 11 (being an example of a respiratory apparatus) is shown in Figure 12.
• the apparatus 11 can comprise a main housing 120 that contains a flow generator 121 in the form of a motor/impeller arrangement (for example, a blower), a humidifier 122, a controller 123, and a user interface 124 (comprising, for example, a display and input device(s) such as button(s), a touch screen, or the like).
• the controller 123 can be configured or programmed to control the operation of the apparatus.
• the controller can control components of the apparatus, including but not limited to: operating the flow generator 121 to create a flow of gas (gases flow) for delivery to a patient, operating the humidifier 122 (if present) to humidify and/or heat the generated gases flow, control a flow of oxygen into the flow generator blower, receiving user input from the user interface 124 for reconfiguration and/or user-defined operation of the apparatus 11, and outputting information (for example on the display) to the user.
• a humidifier can be particularly advantageous as high flow without humidity can dry the airways and reduce function of the lungs e.g. reducing mucociliary transport action.
• Humidity helps to improve comfort by keeping lungs warm and moist and improves/maintains healthy mucociliary transport action. Humidity may also help to maintain physiological stability in compromised airways and may help with compliance to the therapy.
• a patient breathing conduit 125 is coupled at one end to a gases flow outlet 126 in the housing 120 of the flow therapy apparatus 11.
• the patient breathing conduit may be provided with a conduit connector at one end that couples to an electrical/pneumatic connector on the housing 120 of the flow therapy apparatus.
• the conduit connector of the patient breathing tube has a pneumatic coupling to facilitate gases flow from the apparatus to the conduit, and an electrical connector.
• the patient breathing conduit 125 is coupled at another end to a patient interface 127 such as a non-sealed nasal cannula with a manifold 128 and nasal prongs 129.
• the patient breathing conduit 125 can be coupled to a face mask, a nasal mask, a nasal pillows mask, an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy interface, and/or the like.
• the gases flow that is generated by the flow therapy apparatus 11 may be humidified, and delivered to the patient via the patient conduit 125 through the cannula 127.
• the patient conduit 125 can have a heater wire 125A to heat a gases flow passing through to the patient.
• the heater wire 125A can be under the control of the controller 123.
• the patient conduit 125 and/or patient interface 127 can be considered part of the flow therapy apparatus 11, or alternatively peripheral to it.
• the flow therapy apparatus 11 with or without the breathing conduit 125, and patient interface 127 together can form a flow therapy system (respiratory apparatus).
• the controller 123 can control the flow generator 121 to generate a gases flow at the desired flow rate and humidity.
• the controller 123 can also control a supplemental oxygen inlet to allow for delivery of supplemental oxygen, the humidifier 122 (if present) can humidify the gases flow and/or heat the gases flow to an appropriate level, and/or the like.
• the humidifier 122 comprises a water or humidification chamber component through which the gases flows, and a heater plate or heater component that is configured to heat the water in the chamber.
• the gases flow is directed out through the patient conduit 125 and cannula 127 to the patient.
• the controller 123 can also control a heating element (for example a heater plate of a water or humidification chamber through which the gases flow) in the humidifier 122 and/or the heating element 125A in the patient conduit 125 to heat the gas to a desired temperature for a desired level of therapy and/or level of comfort for the patient.
• a heating element for example a heater plate of a water or humidification chamber through which the gases flow
• the oxygen inlet port can include a valve through which a pressurized gas may enter the flow generator or blower.
• the valve can control a flow of oxygen into the flow generator (e.g. blower).
• Operation sensors 129A, 129B, 129C such as flow, temperature, humidity, and/or pressure sensors can be placed in various locations in the flow therapy apparatus 11. Additional sensors (for example, sensors 130, 131) may be placed in various locations on the patient conduit 125 and/or cannula 127 (for example, there may be a temperature sensor at or near the end of the inspiratory tube). Output from the sensors can be received by the controller 123, to assist the controller in operating the flow therapy apparatus 11 in a manner that provides suitable therapy.
• the flow therapy apparatus 11 may comprise a high flow therapy apparatus.
• High flow therapy as discussed herein, unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to be given its typical ordinary meaning as understood by a person of skill in the art, which generally refers to a respiratory assistance system delivering a targeted flow of humidified respiratory gases via an intentionally unsealed patient interface with flow rates generally intended to meet or exceed inspiratory flow of a patient.
• Typical patient interfaces are unsealed interfaces and include, but are not limited to, nasal interfaces (e.g. cannulas), tracheal interfaces, or oral interfaces.
• Typical flow rates for adults often range from, but are not limited to, about fifteen liters per minute (LPM) to about seventy liters per minute or greater.
• LPM fifteen liters per minute
• Typical flow rates for pediatric patients often range from, but are not limited to, about one liter per minute per kilogram of patient weight to about three liters per minute per kilogram of patient weight or greater.
• High flow therapy can also optionally include gas mixture compositions including supplemental oxygen and/or administration of therapeutic medicaments.
• high flow therapy is often referred to as nasal high flow (NHF), humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high flow therapy (HFT), or tracheal high flow (THF), among other common names.
• HHFNC humidified high flow nasal cannula
• HFNO high flow nasal oxygen
• HFT high flow therapy
• THF tracheal high flow
• the flow rates used to achieve "high flow” may be any of the flow rates listed below.
• for an adult patient 'high flow therapy' may refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rate of greater than or equal to about 10 litres per minute (10 LPM), such as between about 10 LPM and about 100 LPM, or between about 15 LPM and about 95 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 90 LPM, or between about 25 LPM and about 75 LPM, or between about 25 LPM and about 85 LPM, or between about 30 LPM and about 80 LPM, or between about 35 LPM and about 75 LPM, or between about 40 LPM and about 70 LPM, or between about 45 LPM and about 65 LPM, or between about 50 LPM and about 60 LPM.
• 10 LPM 10 litres per minute
• a neonatal, infant, or child patient 'high flow therapy' may refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rate of greater than 1 LPM, such as between about 1 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 25 LPM.
• 1 LPM such as between about 1 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 15 LPM, or between about
• a high flow therapy apparatus with an adult patient, a neonatal, infant, or child patient may deliver gases to the patient at a flow rate of between about 1 LPM and about 100 LPM, or at a flow rate in any of the sub-ranges outlined above.
• the flow therapy apparatus 11 can deliver any concentration of oxygen (e.g., Fd02), up to 100%, at any flowrate between about 1 LPM and about 100 LPM.
• any of the flowrates can be in combination with oxygen concentrations (Fd02s) of about 20%-30%, 21%-30%, 21%-40%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, and 90%-100%.
• the flow rate can be between about 25 LPM and 75 LPM in combination with an oxygen concentration (Fd02) of about 20%-30%, 21%-30%, 21%-40%, 30%-40%, 40%- 50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, and 90%-100%.
• the flow therapy apparatus 11 may include safety thresholds when operating in manual mode that prevent a user from delivering too much oxygen to the patient.
• High flow therapy may be administered to the nares of a user and/or orally, or via a tracheostomy interface.
• High flow therapy may deliver gases to a user at a flow rate at or exceeding the intended user's peak inspiratory flow requirements.
• the high flow therapy may generate a flushing effect in the nasopharynx such that the anatomical dead space of the upper airways is flushed by the high incoming gases flow. This can create a reservoir of fresh gas available for each and every breath, while minimizing re-breathing of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
• Meeting inspiratory demand and flushing the airways is additionally important when trying to control the patient's Fd02.
• High flow therapy can be delivered with a non-sealing patient interface such as, for example, a nasal cannula.
• the nasal cannula may be configured to deliver breathing gases to the nares of a user at a flow rate exceeding the intended user's peak inspiratory flow requirements.
• Nasal high flow also provides dynamic pressure and an increased pressure during expiration. This helps to reduce respiratory rate of the patient.
• the high humidity of nasal high flow helps to maintain lung and airway function.
• non-sealing patient interface or “unsealed interface” as used herein, unless the context suggests otherwise, can refer to an interface providing a pneumatic link between an airway of a patient and a gases flow source (such as from flow generator 121) that does not completely occlude the airway of the patient.
• the non-sealed pneumatic link can comprise an occlusion of less than about 95% of the airway of the patient.
• the non-sealed pneumatic link can comprise an occlusion of less than about 90% of the airway of the patient.
• the non-sealed pneumatic link can comprise an occlusion of between about 40% and about 80% of the airway of the patient.
• the airway can include one or more of a nare or mouth of the patient. For a nasal cannula the airway is through the nares.
• the flow generator or blower 121 can include an ambient air inlet port to entrain ambient room air into the blower.
• the flow therapy apparatus 11 may also include an oxygen inlet port leading to a valve through which a pressurized gas may enter the flow generator 121.
• the valve can control a flow of oxygen into the flow generator blower 121.
• the valve can be any type of valve, including a proportional valve or a binary valve.
• the target output parameter may alternatively be pressure.
• the target pressure may be a constant value, for example Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
• CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• the target pressure may a value that fluctuates, potentially in time with the breath, for example Bi-Level pressure therapy. In both of these scenarios, the total flow rate is unlikely to be constant.
• the high flow therapy apparatus 11 provides humidity. Some humidity examples and power requirements are set out below.
• a minimum humidity could be:
• Example power requirements of the heater plate (HP) and heated breathing tube (HBT) for high flow therapy such as NHF can be for example as follows.
• the respiratory apparatus comprises a heater is rated to about 150 W and a heated breath tube can nominally provide a maximum of about 65 W but practically only about 60 W because of the 90% duty limit. Actual power draw in use is heavily dependent on conditions:
• the heater plate it can draw over about 100 W at high flows for a set dew point of 37 °C for example.
• For the heated breath tube it can draw 60 W at low flows, but typically less. E.g. decreasing from 60 W at low temperature/flow to ⁇ 30 W at high temperature/flow.
• a high flow therapy apparatus 11 utilises power supply that meets the following specifications:
• Average power consumption (operating parameters): 165 W (37 deg & 60 L/min), 110 W (34 deg 8i 30 L/min). Power consumption may be higher during the warm-up phase and depends on ambient temperature, altitude, and flow resistance (as flow resistance can vary with interface selection).
• An example portable power supply which can satisfy the above power requirements necessary to support the above humidity requirements is a 700VA 450W lithium uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
• UPS lithium uninterruptible power supply
• a power supply such as that above, or that meets the requirement above can be used to power the respiratory apparatus 11 and/or be the power supply 12 of the auxiliary stand.
• the respiratory apparatus is plugged into mains power - but this restricts mobility as there is a power cable between the device and the mains power plug. If on the other hand a battery is provided, the apparatus may struggle to receive sufficient power for the demand and/or the respiratory apparatus may be big and cumbersome and reduce mobility.
• a further challenge is retrofittability and simpler design of respiratory apparatus.
• the present embodiments provide a solution that can solve or at least ameliorate some or all of these challenges.
• one or more embodiments allow one or more of: a) supporting and movement of the respiratory apparatus 11 when a patient relocates, so that b) the respiratory apparatus can be carried as necessary when the patient moves while still remaining connected to a power supply 12 and remaining in an operational manner and/or maintaining provision of therapy during relocation, while c) reducing disruption for the patient and/or reducing difficulties for medical staff in relocating the patient and respiratory apparatus 11.
• the stand system 10 is a modular system, where the components of a respiratory apparatus stand 13A, auxiliary stand 13B and stand coupling 20 can be selected and assembled together as required, and the individual components manufactured and sold separately and/or together.
• a respiratory apparatus stand 13A, auxiliary stand 13B and stand coupling 20 can be selected and assembled together as required, and the individual components manufactured and sold separately and/or together.
• stands 13A, 13B and stand couplings 20 can all be interconnected with each other in a modular "mix and match" fashion, as required.
• the present embodiments provide an apparatus that enables continual operation of a respiratory apparatus so that it can maintain respiratory support, including provision of a flow rate and/or humidity. It enables the provision of humidity to e.g. 37 °C dew point or 44 mg/L of humidity. This requires power to the HP to create adequate water vapor and HW needs to be heated to reduce condensate in the tube. This can be provided by the power supply 12 on the auxiliary stand.
• the stand coupling is retrofittable and allows powering of respiratory apparatus on existing stands that do not have their own in-built battery. Respiratory apparatus with in-built batteries can be expensive and difficult to make as they require additional regulatory and safety requirements.
• the present embodiments provide for use of a power supply on a mobile stand that is safe and generally approved by regulators for use, and allows for mobility while providing power and thereby allowing humidified high flow to be delivered at adequate therapeutic levels of humidity and flow during transport of a patient.
• the modularity enables the power auxiliary stand with a power supply to be interchanged with and connected to any respiratory apparatus. In such cases, the respiratory apparatus does not need its own power supply, e.g. an internal battery. This leads to a simpler design of the breath apparatus.

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