Source: http://www.google.fr/patents/US9358359
Timestamp: 2017-10-19 23:54:32
Document Index: 122684171

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2003903139', 'Application No. 2003905136', 'Application No. 2004901008', 'Application No. 607671', 'Application No. 200480017315', 'Application No. 14200112', 'Application No. 710686', 'Application No. 710686', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 503495', 'Application No. 2015', 'Application No. 2014', 'Application No. 2014', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 201210297972', 'Application No. 2014100174944', 'Application No. 201410559916', 'Application No. 201410017494', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2014', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 2010257238', 'Application No. 2010', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 596207', 'Application No. 607671', 'Application No. 2013201490', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 2010', 'Application No. 2014246586', 'Application No. 2014246587', 'Application No. 2014246587', 'Application No. 11175449', 'Application No. 607671', 'Application No. 04737434']

Brevet US9358359 - Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier - Google Brevets
A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from...http://www.google.fr/patents/US9358359?utm_source=gb-gplus-shareBrevet US9358359 - Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
Numéro de publication US9358359 B2
Numéro de demande US 14/790,693
Date de dépôt 2 juil. 2015
Autre référence de publication CA2753378A1, CA2753378C, CA2912125A1, CN101947343A, CN101947343B, CN102784432A, CN102784432B, CN103816592A, CN103816592B, CN104353165A, CN104353165B, CN105194774A, DE202004021774U1, DE202004021777U1, DE202004021794U1, DE202004021795U1, DE202004021796U1, DE202004021798U1, EP2392375A2, EP2392375A3, EP2392375B1, EP2910271A1, US8020551, US8028693, US8042535, US9038631, US9038632, US9072860, US9227035, US9539409, US9610420, US20110017212, US20110023877, US20110180068, US20140332001, US20140332002, US20140332003, US20150020805, US20150306336, US20160114122, US20160175554, US20170087327, US20170182270
Numéro de publication 14790693, 790693, US 9358359 B2, US 9358359B2, US-B2-9358359, US9358359 B2, US9358359B2
Inventeurs Perry David Lithgow, Alexander Virr, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Andrew Roderick Bath, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Stephen Anthony Lea
Citations de brevets (337), Citations hors brevets (87), Référencé par (1), Classifications (43), Événements juridiques (2)
US 9358359 B2
1. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:
a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas, the flow generator comprising an air outlet;
a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator, the water container comprising an air inlet and an air outlet;
a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator;
a second elastomeric face seal located on the lid, a portion of the second elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat external surface portion of the water container surrounding the water container air outlet.
2. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elastomeric face seals are configured to seal without any portion of the water container entering apertures defined by the first and second elastomeric face seals such that removing the water container results in decoupling of the water container from the first elastomeric face seal.
3. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water container air inlet is located on a side wall of the water container and the substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet is a) an external surface of the water container that is perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet and b) coplanar with an aperture in the external surface of the water container.
4. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second elastomeric face seal comprises a base connected to the lid and comprises a curved flange extending from the base toward an axis of an aperture defined by the base of the second elastomeric face seal, the curved flange being configured to seal against the water container.
5. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use.
6. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sealed air path through the first elastomeric face seal and through the water container air inlet to an interior of the water container, when the water container is pneumatically connected with the flow generator by sliding the water container generally laterally into position, and
wherein the sealed air path extends from the flow generator to the second elastomeric face seal.
7. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base of he second elastomeric face seal comprises a groove to receive a portion of the lid and secure the second elastomeric face seal to the lid.
8. The breathable as supply apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:
a fascia and a user interface on the external case; and
a fan comprising a motor and provided with a coaxial impeller to provide pressurized gas to the flow generator air outlet.
9. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:
a fascia and a user interface on the external case;
a fan comprising a motor and provided with a coaxial impeller to provide pressurized gas to the flow generator air outlet; and
a sealed air path through the first elastomeric face seal and through the water container air inlet to an interior of the water container, when the water container is pneumatically connected with the flow generator by sliding the water container generally laterally into position,
wherein the second elastomeric face seal comprises a base connected to the lid and comprises a curved flange, the curved flange being configured to seal against the water container,
wherein the first and second elastomeric face seals are configured to seal without any portion of the water container entering apertures defined by the first and second elastomeric face seals such that removing the water container results in decoupling of the water container from the first elastomeric face seal,
wherein the substantially flat portion of the water container is an external surface of the water container and is perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet,
wherein the water container air inlet is located on a side wall of the water container and the substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet is coplanar with an aperture in the external surface of water container,
wherein the water container air outlet is configured to be in pneumatic communication with an air delivery hose in use, and
10. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid is pivotable between an open position in which the water container is removable, and a closed position in which the water container is secured against removal.
11. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises an angled conduit that is connectable to an air delivery hose, and the lid is configured to secure the water container in position when the lid is in a closed position.
12. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:
a humidifier base unit with an engagement face configured to directly attach to and detach from a flow generator, the humidifier base unit comprising an air inlet at the engagement face; and
a water container with an air inlet and an air outlet, the water container being removably positionable at least partly within the humidifier base unit;
a first elastomeric face seal with an aperture, the first elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly abut against an external sealing surface of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet; and
a lid attached to the humidifier base unit, the lid comprising a lid seal configured to sealingly engage the water container air outlet, the lid seal comprising a second elastomeric face seal,
wherein the humidifier base unit and the water container are configured to create a sealed air path upon positioning the water container at least partly within the humidifier base unit and upon the water container sealingly engaging the first elastomeric face seal, and
wherein the sealed air path extends at least through the humidifier base unit air inlet, through the first elastomeric face seal, through the water container and to an outlet of the humidifier base unit.
13. The breathable gas s apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the humidifier base unit and the water container are configured so that positioning the water container at least partly within the humidifier base unit automatically aligns the water container air inlet with the first elastomeric face seal.
14. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lid is pivotably attached to the humidifier base unit, and
wherein the lid is configured so that when the lid is pivoted to a closed position and the breathable gas supply apparatus is in use, the second elastomeric face seal forms an air pressure assisted seal against the water container such that air pressure forces a flange of the second elastomeric face seal downwards against the water container.
15. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the external sealing surface of the water container is perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet.
16. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the aperture of the first elastomeric face seal extends completely through the first elastomeric face seal.
17. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the lid is pivotably attached to the humidifier base unit,
wherein the lid is configured so that when the lid is pivoted to a closed position and the breathable gas supply apparatus is in use, the second elastomeric face seal forms an air pressure assisted seal against the water container such that air pressure forces a flange of the second elastomeric face seal downwards against the water container,
wherein the humidifier base unit and the water container are configured so that positioning the water container at least partly within the humidifier base unit automatically aligns the water container air inlet with the first elastomeric face seal,
wherein the first elastomeric face seal is configured to sealingly engage the water container only at a sealing surface, the sealing surface of the first elastomeric face seal being perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet, and
wherein the aperture of the first elastomeric face seal extends completely through the first elastomeric face seal.
18. The breathable gas supply apparatus of claim 12 further comprising the flow generator to which the humidifier base unit is removably attachable, the flow generator comprising:
a gas connector extending from a vertical face of the external case, the gas connector being configured to connect to the humidifier base unit air inlet;
a fascia and a user interface on a top side of the external case; and
a fan comprising a motor and provided with a coaxial impeller to provide pressurized gas to the gas connector.
19. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sealed air path extends from the flow generator to the humidifier base unit outlet, and the flow generator is configured to generate pressurized gas suitable for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
20. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a catch assembly configured to secure the vertical face of the flow generator to the engagement face of the humidifier base unit, and
wherein the catch assembly comprises a resiliently biased latch on the engagement face of the humidifier base unit and a latch receiving recess on the vertical face of the flow generator external case, the latch receiving recess being configured to receive the resiliently biased latch.
21. A breathable gas supply apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient, the breathable gas supply apparatus comprising:
a first elastomeric face seal with a first aperture, the first elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat, external portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet without any portion of the water container entering the first aperture;
a lid attached to the humidifier base unit, the lid being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; and
a second elastomeric face seal with a second aperture, the second elastomeric face seal being provided to a bottom side of the lid and a portion of the second elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly abut against a portion of the water container surrounding the water container air outlet without any portion of the water container entering the second aperture,
22. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein sealed engagement between the water container and the second elastomeric face seal further creates the sealed air path.
23. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the water container is removable from the humidifier base unit when the lid is in the open position, and the lid prevents the water container from being removed when the lid is in the closed position.
24. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the second elastomeric face seal terminates at a sealing flange that curves inwardly toward an axis of the second aperture, the sealing flange being configured to sealingly engage the water container and deform when the lid is in the closed position.
25. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the humidifier base unit and the water container are configured so that positioning the water container at least partly within the humidifier base unit automatically aligns the water container air inlet with the first elastomeric face seal.
26. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the first elastomeric face seal comprises a base portion mounted to the humidifier base unit and comprises a sealing surface extending from the base portion toward an axis of the first aperture, the first elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly engage the water container only at the sealing surface, the sealing surface of the first elastomeric face seal being perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet.
27. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21, wherein a sealed engagement between the water container and the second elastomeric face seal further creates the sealed air path,
wherein the water container is removable from the humidifier base unit when the lid is in the open position, and the lid prevents the water container from being removed when the lid is in the closed position,
wherein the second elastomeric face seal terminates at a sealing flange that curves inwardly toward an aperture defined by the second elastomeric face seal, the sealing flange being configured to sealingly engage the water container and deform when the lid is in the closed position,
wherein the humidifier base unit and the water container are configured so that positioning the water container at least partly within the humidifier base unit automatically aligns the water container air inlet with the first elastomeric face seal, and
wherein the first elastomeric face seal comprises a base portion mounted to the humidifier base unit and comprises a sealing surface extending from the base portion, the first elastomeric face seal being configured to sealingly engage the water container only at a sealing surface, the sealing surface of the first elastomeric face seal being perpendicular to a direction of airflow entering the water container air inlet.
28. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 21 further comprising the flow enerator to which the humidifier base unit is removably attachable, the flow generator comprising:
29. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a catch assembly configured to secure the vertical face of the flow generator to the engagement face of the humidifier base unit.
30. The breathable gas supply apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the catch assembly comprises a resiliently biased latch on the engagement face of the humidifier base unit and a latch receiving recess on the vertical face of the flow generator external case, the latch receiving recess being configured to receive the resiliently biased latch.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/501,253, filed Sep. 30, 2014, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/659,963, filed Mar. 26, 2010, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/533,940, filed Dec. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,691, which is a national phase application of PCT/AU2004/000810, filed Jun. 21, 2004 in English, which claims the benefit of Australian Application No. 2003903139, filed Jun. 20, 2003, Australian Application No. 2003905136, filed Sep. 22, 2003, and Australian Application No. 2004901008, filed Feb. 27, 2004, each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 29A, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 show various modular data connector arrangements;
As best seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the water container lid 700 has an air passage 718 formed as a U-shaped channel, leading to the humidified air entry aperture 720 into the headspace of the water container. The channel floor slopes down in the direction of air flow from the air inlet end to the end at which the air enters the water container. The water container lid also has an elliptical humidified air exit aperture or outlet 801.1. These air passages and apertures co-operate with the humidifier lid 648 when closed to define the air flow paths within the humidifier, as will be described below.
Water may be added to the water container via the air exit aperture or outlet 801.1 while the tub lid is in place, or by removing the tub lid.
The tank is intended to be filled via the air exit aperture or outlet 801.1, and the apparatus may be provided with a filling bottle with a spout dimensioned for a convenient fit with that outlet. Such a bottle may be provided with a spout of the kind incorporating an air bleed passage which will allow the tank to fill to the correct predetermined height.
Attached to the lid 648 is an elastomer lid seal 676, which is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20. The edge seal portion 676 a of the lid seal includes a channel 676 c which fits over the wall 664 and rim 666 on the bottom of the lid 648, and a curved sealing flange 676 d which seals against the top surface of the tub lid, so that the space between the U-channel 718 on the tub lid and the seal membrane forms an inlet air passage of the tub, and the air exit aperture or outlet 801.1 of the tub lid communicates via the elliptical opening 676 e in the lid seal to the air outlet pipe 662 of the humidifier lid 648. This is achieved without the need to connect and disconnect air tubes to remove the water container.
US4051205 10 sept. 1975 27 sept. 1977 Graham Cameron Grant Apparatus for saturated gas delivery
US4098853 30 mars 1976 4 juil. 1978 Chemetron Corporation Humidifier and automatic control system therefor
US4870961 * 22 sept. 1986 3 oct. 1989 Barnard Gordon D Medical ventilator tube and manifold assembly
US5086766 6 avr. 1989 11 févr. 1992 Virotherm Laboratories Ltd. Medical breathing apparatus
US5231981 20 mars 1991 3 août 1993 N.A.D., Inc. Display panel with pistol grip for use with anesthesia apparatus
US5329939 11 déc. 1992 19 juil. 1994 Cimco, Inc. Humidifier with liquid level control
US5564415 7 juin 1995 15 oct. 1996 Lifecare International, Inc. Humidifier for a ventilator
US5573713 6 juin 1995 12 nov. 1996 Emerson Electric Co. Humidifier having multi-stage fans
US6435180 26 avr. 2000 20 août 2002 J&M Distributors Limited Method and apparatus for delivering humidified air to a face mask
CN1210020C 17 mai 2000 13 juil. 2005 埃迪克埃迪法姆药品实验室 Use of biodegradable microspheres for delivery of anticancer for treatment of glioblastoma
CN2239819Y 12 oct. 1995 13 nov. 1996 杨守诠 Oxygen inhalator for hyperbaric oxygen chamber
DE10016005B4 31 mars 2000 22 nov. 2007 Map Medizin-Technologie Gmbh Vorrichtung zur Atemgasbefeuchtung
DE199936499A1 Titre non disponible
EP0274996A2 21 déc. 1987 20 juil. 1988 ELMED GINEVRI s.r.l. Constant flow pressure-responsive pulmotor
EP0903160B1 6 juil. 1998 5 mars 2003 Siemens-Elema AB Inspiratory tube
JP2001251802A Titre non disponible
JPH05285220A Titre non disponible
JPH07275362A Titre non disponible
JPS5836560Y2 Titre non disponible
WO2004112873A1 21 juin 2004 29 déc. 2004 Resmed Limited Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier
WO2005011556A2 27 juil. 2004 10 févr. 2005 Salter Labs Respiratory therapy system including a nasal cannula assembly
1 Amended Notice of Opposition to Grant of Patent (Section 21) filed Dec. 14, 2014 in New Zealand Application No. 607671 (2 pages).
2 Australian Application No. PR 3117, filed Feb. 16, 2001 (17 pages).
3 Australian Application No. PR 7288, filed Aug. 27, 2001 (23 pages).
4 Australian Office Action for corresponding AU Appln. No. 2004248855, Mailed Nov. 6, 2009, 5 pages.
5 Australian Office Action for corresponding AU Appln. No. 2010201899, Mailed Jun. 10, 2010, 5 pages.
6 Australian Office Action for corresponding Australian Appln. No. 2010257238, mailed Mar. 10, 2011 (2 pages).
7 Breas Medical AB "iSleep® 20" Brochure, Dec. 2007, 2 pages.
8 Chinese Office Action for co-pending Chinese Application No. 200480017315.1 and English Translation, issued Oct. 9, 2009, 14 pages.
9 De Vilbiss® Healthcare, "DeVilbiss IntelliPAP® Standard CPAP System," Nov. 2007, 2 pages.
10 Examination Report for copending European Appln No. 04737434.3, mailed Apr. 14, 2010, 8 pages.
11 Examination Report for copending European Appln No. 04737434.3, mailed Apr. 26, 2010, 8 pages.
12 Examiner Summary from Meeting corresponding AU Appln. No. 2010201899, Aug. 12, 2010, 3 pages.
13 Extended Search Report dated Jun. 9, 2015 issued in European Application No. 14200112.2 (8 pages).
14 First Examination Report dated Aug. 28, 2015 issued in corresponding New Zealand Application No. 710686 (2 pages).
15 Fischer & Paykel, "Two Easy Steps to Comfort", 4 pages, Aug. 1995.
16 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle(TM) 200 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 1998, 4 pages.
17 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle(TM) 200 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 2005, 4 pages.
18 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle(TM) 600 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 2005, 4 pages.
19 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle™ 200 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 1998, 4 pages.
20 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle™ 200 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 2005, 4 pages.
21 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare "SleepStyle™ 600 CPAP Series" Specification Sheet, 2005, 4 pages.
22 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Two Easy Steps to Comfort, Humidification and Nasal CPAP Therapy, Aug. 1995, 4 pages.
23 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, "HC200 Series Nasal CPAP Blower & Heated Humidifier User's Manual", 1998, 17 pages.
24 Further Examination Report dated Dec. 16, 2015 issued in New Zealand Application No. 710686 (4 pages).
25 German Patient Manual for Hoffrichter/Sandmann CPAP Respirator-Perfect CPAP Therapy, 30 pages plus Translation Verification Certificate, no date, but admitted as prior art prior to critical date.
26 Hoffrichter "Vector CPAP-Therapy With Technical Mastery", 4 pages, Oct. 1998.
27 Hoffrichter GmbH "VECTOR therapy in perfection" Brochure, 2002, 2 pages.
28 Hoffrichter Medizintechnik GmbH, "Sandmann CPAP-Therapie in Perfektion" brochure, 32 pages, Mar. 1998.
29 International Search Report of PCT/AU2004/000810 mailed Oct. 1, 2004.
30 Japanese Office Action (Decision of Rejection) for Application No. 2011-201622 dated Aug. 13, 2013 w/ English Translation (7 pages).
31 Japanese Office Action and its English Translation for corresponding Japanese Appln. No. 2010-224861, mailed Jan. 18, 2011 (7 pages).
32 Japanese Office Action and its English Translation for Corresponding Japanese Appln. No. 2010-224862, mailed Jan. 4, 2011 (9 pages).
33 Japanese Office Action and its English Translation for Corresponding Japanese Appln. No. 2011-007671, mailed Mar. 1, 2011 (6 pages).
34 Kenyon et al., U.S. Appl. No. 12/900,008, filed Oct. 7, 2010.
35 Kenyon et al., U.S. Appl. No. 12/900,781, filed Oct. 8, 2010.
36 Madaus Schwarzer Medizintechnik, "New Approaches in Diagnosis and Therapy-Max nCPAP User Manual", Mar. 1994, 38 pages.
37 Madaus Schwarzer Medizintechnik, "New Approaches in Diagnosis and Therapy-Moritz biLevel User Manual", May 1994, 38 pages.
38 MAP Medizintechnik fuer Arzt und Patient "max II nCPAP moritz II biLevel-The gentle therapy for sleep-related breathing disorders" Brochure, 2000, 4 pages.
39 MAP Medizintechnik, "minni Max nCPAP®" brochure, 12 pages, Mar. 2005.
40 MAP Medizintechnik, "Moritz II biLEVEL®-The gentle therapy for sleep-related breathing disorders" brochure, 6 pages, Jan. 2001.
41 MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH "minni Max nCPAP®, The respiratory therapy device with out an integrated humidifier", Dec. 2003, 17 pages.
42 MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH, Moritz®S/Moritz®ST-Sailing toward therapeutic success . . . , 4 pages, undated.
43 New Zealand Patent Application No. 503495, filed Jan. 22, 2004 (29 pages).
44 Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 13, 2015 issued in U.S. Appl. No. 14/445,152 (35 pages).
45 Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 7, 2015 issued in U.S. Appl. No. 14/445,143 (32 pages).
46 Notice of Reasons for Rejection dated Apr. 4, 2016 issued in Japanese Application No. 2015-059122 with English translation (6 pages).
47 Notice of Reasons for Rejection dated Dec. 22, 2014 issued in Japanese Application No. 2014-0006622 with English translation (6 pages).
48 Notice of Reasons for Rejection dated Sep. 7, 2015 issued in Japanese Application No. 2014-006622 with English translation (7 pages).
49 Notice of Reasons for Rejection issued on Aug. 11, 2014 in corresponding Japanese Application No. 2011-201622 with English translation (2 pages).
50 Notification of Second Office Action dated Dec. 24, 2014 issued in Chinese Application No. 201210297972.2 with English-language translation (14 pages).
51 Notification of the First Office Action dated Jul. 28, 2015 issued in Chinese Application No. 2014100174944 with English translation (11 pages).
52 Notification of the First Office Action dated Mar. 25, 2016 issued in Chinese Application No. 201410559916.0 with English translation (17 pages).
53 Notification of the Second Office Action dated Mar. 17, 2016 issued in Chinese Application No. 201410017494.4 with English translation (12 pages).
54 Office Action and English Translation for corresponding Japanese Application No. 2006-515549, mailed Mar. 15, 2011, 4 pages.
55 Office Action and English Translation from copending JP Appln. No. 2006-515549, mailed Jan. 5, 2010, 11 pages.
56 Office Action and English Translation from copending JP Appln. No. 2006-515549, mailed Nov. 2, 2010, 7 pages.
57 Office Action dated Feb. 25, 2015 issued in U.S. Appl. No. 12/659,963 citing U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,396 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,531 (99 pages).
58 Office Action dated Feb. 5, 2015 issued in related U.S. Appl. No. 14/445,190 with Form PTO-892 citing U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,590 to Igich (32 pages).
59 Office Action dated Mar. 11, 2016 issued in U.S. Appl. No. 14/965,976, citing U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,787 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,576 (25 pages).
60 Office Action dated Nov. 30, 2015 issued in U.S. Appl. No. 12/659,963 (54 pages).
61 Office Action dated Nov. 9, 2015 issued in Japanese Application No. 2014-253908 with English language translation (9 pages).
62 Office Action dated Sep. 8, 2014 issued in corresponding Canadian Application No. 2,753,378 (2 pages).
63 Office Action for Parent U.S. Appl. No. 10/533,940, filed Dec. 29, 2006, mailed Oct. 12, 2010, 10 pages.
64 Office Action from corresponding European Appln. No. 04737434.3, mailed Apr. 14, 2010, 8 pages.
65 Office Action from corresponding European Appln. No. 04737434.3, mailed Apr. 26, 2010, 8 pages.
66 Office Action issued on Aug. 24, 2012 in corresponding Australian Application No. 2010257238.
67 Office Action issued on Aug. 7, 2012 in corresponding Japanese Application No. 2010-153008 (with translation).
68 Office Action issued on Jan. 22, 2013 in corresponding Japanese Application No. 2011-201622.
69 Office Action issued on Mar. 7, 2013 in corresponding New Zealand Application No. 596207.
70 Office Action issued on Mar. 7, 2013 in corresponding New Zealand Application No. 607671.
71 Office Action issued on Oct. 4, 2013 in corresponding Australian Application No. 2013201490.
72 Office Action issued on Oct. 4, 2013 in corresponding Canadian Application No. 2,753,378.
73 Office Action issued on Sep. 17, 2013 in corresponding Japanese Application No. 2010-153008 (with Translation).
74 Patent Examination Report No. 1 dated Jul. 27, 2015 issued in Australian Application No. 2014246586 (4 pages).
75 Patent Examination Report No. 1 dated Jul. 27, 2015 issued in Australian Application No. 2014246587 (4 pages).
76 Patent Examination Report No. 2 dated Feb. 12, 2016 issued in Australian Application No. 2014246587 (3 pages).
77 Photos of MAP Humidifier and Tub, 2 pages and cover sheet, undated.
78 Photos of tray system available before the critical date, with sample flow generator and humidifier (5 pages).
79 Proceedings Correspondence issued on Mar. 1, 2012 in corresponding New Zealand Patent No. 567371.
80 REMStar® Heated Humidifier Manual, Mar. 15, 2001 (8 pages).
81 ResMed "Sullivan® HumidAire® User's Instructions", 8 pages, undated.
82 ResMed, "The Sullivan® HumidAire(TM)", 1997, 1 page.
83 ResMed, "The Sullivan® HumidAire™", 1997, 1 page.
84 Respironics "System One Heated Humidifier User Manual", May 2009, 20 pages.
85 Search Report issued on Jun. 6, 2013 in corresponding European Application No. 11175449.5.
86 Statement of Case dated Dec. 1, 2014 in New Zealand Application No. 607671 (6 pages).
87 Supplementary European Search Report for Co-pending European Application No. 04737434.3, mailed Oct. 15, 2009, 4 pages.
Classification internationale A61M16/10, B29L31/00, A61M16/00, A61M16/08, B01F3/04, A61M16/16, A62B9/00
Classification coopérative F04D29/664, F04D25/0693, F04D17/16, A61M2205/0216, A61M16/162, A61M16/0066, A61M2205/3368, F04D29/4206, A61M16/16, A61M16/107, A61M16/105, A61M2205/14, A61M2230/46, A61M2205/3306, A61M2205/52, A61M2205/42, A61M16/0051, B01F3/0446, B01F2003/04872, A61M16/00, A62B9/003, A61M2206/16, B01F2215/0091, A61M16/0875, A61M2205/6063, A61M2205/50, A61M2205/123, A61M16/0003, A61M2205/502, A61M2230/005, A61M16/0057, A61M2205/36, B29L2031/753, A61M16/0816, A61M2205/3303, A61M16/109
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:E-PRO SERVICES PTY LTD;REEL/FRAME:035980/0100
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SNOW, JOHN MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:035980/0134
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MURRAY, ANDREW CHARLES;REEL/FRAME:035980/0292
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SAADA, JIM;REEL/FRAME:035980/0042
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JOHN SNOW & COMPANY PTY LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:035980/0194
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BATH, ANDREW RODERICK;REEL/FRAME:035980/0601
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JANIAK, MICHAEL THOMAS;REEL/FRAME:035980/0672
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TREVOR-WILSON, DUNCAN LOVEL;REEL/FRAME:035980/0769
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KAO, DAN;REEL/FRAME:035980/0618
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KENYON, BARTON JOHN;YEE, ARTHUR KIN-WAI;PRIMROSE, ROHAN NEIL;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060822 TO 20060918;REEL/FRAME:035980/0508
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SAPULA, MAREK TOMASZ;REEL/FRAME:035980/0724
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEA, STEPHEN ANTHONY;REEL/FRAME:035980/0741
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JEHA, SIMONE MARIE;REEL/FRAME:035980/0689
Free format text: CHANGE OF ADDRESS;ASSIGNOR:RESMED LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:036060/0543