Patent ID: 6629528
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus structured to supply breathable gas, the sub-housing including:a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a gas flow rate sensor positioned adjacent the gas outlet; and an impeller in fluid communication with and positioned between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, wherein the impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller; and wherein the gas flow rate sensor includes a flexible flap in the gas flow path, the flap disposed between a light source and a linear image sensor respectively disposed either side of the flap and external to the gas flow path, whereby the amount of light incident on the image sensor is proportional to the deflection of the flap which is proportional to the gas flow rate.