Patent Description:
In breathing circuits, various components transport warm and/or humidified gases to and from patients. Respiratory humidification helps reduce the likelihood of infection and/or tissue damage.

Humidifiers are used to provide humidification to the gases. Medical tubes are used to transport the humidified gases to and from a patient and to connect together any devices as part of a breathing circuit.

A breathing circuit may provide for a complete circuit of breathing gases to and from the patient. In some cases no tube is provided to remove gases from the patient and gas can be exhaled directly to atmosphere. In other cases a full breathing circuit is provided to deliver gases to a patient as well as to remove them. <CIT> discloses an inspiratory limb for a breathing circuit.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a medical tube assembly, and/or medical tube, and/or medical connector, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In an aspect there may be provided a medical tube assembly, the medical tube assembly comprising:
a tube, the tube comprising:.

The second elongate member may form at least a portion of the lumen.

The first elongate member of the tube may form in longitudinal cross-section a plurality of hollow portions each with a flattened surface forming at least part of the wall surrounding the lumen.

The medical tube may comprise at least one wire.

The wire may be located between the plurality of hollow portions and the lumen of the tube.

The wire may be located within the second elongate member.

The lumen may be formed by the first elongate member and the second elongate member comprises a substantially smooth bore.

In another aspect there may be provided medical tube assembly, the medical tube assembly comprising:.

An outer surface of the tube may be corrugated, and optionally the corrugations are annular or helical.

The at least one wire may extend along a portion of the length of the medical tube.

The at least one wire may comprise at least one heater wire.

The at least one wire may comprise a pair of heater wires.

The at least one wire may comprise at least one sensor wire.

The at least one wire may comprise a pair of sensor wires.

A or the heating wire may be located within the lumen of the medical tube.

A or the heating wire may be attached to an inner wall of the medical tube.

The heating wire may be embedded within a wall of said medical tube.

A wire may be embedded within a second elongate member.

An internal diameter of the lumen of the medical tube may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

A length of the medical tube may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The medical tube may be a respiratory tube.

The medical tube may be an inspiratory tube.

In another aspect there may be provided a medical tube assembly, the medical tube assembly comprising:.

The at least one wire may be spirally wound along at least a portion of the length of the medical tube.

In another there may be provided a connector for a medical tube, wherein the connector comprises:.

In another aspect there may be provided a connector for a medical tube, wherein the connector comprises:.

The medical tube may be defined by either or any combination of any of the other aspects.

A lumen may be formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gases flow path between the first opening and the second opening.

The first portion may be angled with respect to the second portion to form an elbow.

The angle between the first portion and the second portion may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees.

The first portion may provide for a taper fit connection.

The first portion of the connector may comprise a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor.

The sensor port may provide an aperture for the sensor to be inserted so as to be in contact with a flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

The sensor may be configured to measure flow rate of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

The sensor may be configured to measure temperature of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

The sensor may be configured to measure humidity of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

Said sensor may be comprised as part of a probe, the probe for being received by the sensor port.

The second portion of the connector may comprise at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

The sensor port may be located on a side of the first portion of the connector and the electrical port is located on the top of the second portion of the connector.

The sensor port may be offset about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, about a longitudinal axis of the lumen of the first portion relative to electrical port.

The sensor port may be offset about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, about a longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to electrical port.

Opposite sides of the elbow may define internal and external elbow surfaces, and wherein the electrical port is located on the external elbow surface.

The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to the first portion.

The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

The electrical port may be oriented along an axis substantially parallel to an axis substantially perpendicular to the second portion.

The electrical port may be oriented along an axis substantially parallel to an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

The electrical port may be offset from a longitudinal central axis of the second portion of the connector.

The sensor port may have a longitudinal axis, the sensor port allowing communication with an interior of the connector.

The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the flow of gases through the first portion of the connector.

The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may substantially intersect a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion of the connector from which the sensor port depends.

The sensor port may comprise a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

A terminal surface of the sensor port distal of an outer surface of the first portion may comprise one or more locating features.

The one or more locating features may comprise one or more notches of the terminal surface of the sensor port.

The one or more notches may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The connector may comprise a grommet, the grommet configured to be located with the sensor port.

The grommet may be integrally formed with the sensor port, and/or a jacket.

The locating features may comprise a plurality of notches, the notches spaced apart about a perimeter of the terminal surface and at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of projections of the grommet.

The grommet may comprise a sensor orienting notch for receiving a projection of a or the sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The sensor port may comprise a sensor orienting notch for receiving a projection of a or the sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The grommet may comprise a sensor locating feature for engaging with a surface of a sensor and locating said sensor at a desired location within the sensor port.

The sensor locating feature may comprise a radially extending lip spaced away from the terminal surface of the sensor port and projecting inwardly towards the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The connector may comprise a jacket for the sensor port, the jacket for fitment at least partially about the sensor port, and/or the grommet.

The jacket may comprise a sensor orienting notch for receiving a projection of a said sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port and/or grommet, and relative to the jacket.

The sensor orienting notch may be configured to engage with the sensor orienting notch of the grommet and sensor port to allow for the mating of the jacket with the sensor port and grommet in only one relative rotational position.

The jacket may comprise a sensor depth locating feature for engaging with a surface of said sensor and locating the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion of the connector, and/or a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The jacket may comprise two securing members for securing the jacket to either or both of the sensor port and the first portion.

The securing members may be for use in securing the jacket to the first portion.

The securing members may at least partially encircle an outer surface of the first portion from which the sensor port depends.

The securing members may at least partially encircle and are configured to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the first portion such as to secure the jacket to the first portion.

The securing members may comprise locking features to engage with corresponding locking features of the respective first portion.

The locking features of the first portion may be located on substantially opposite sides of said first portion.

The locking features of the respective first portion may be spaced apart from each other along the lumen.

The locking features of the first portion may be aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

The connector may comprise a cover for coupling with the sensor port and for sealing the sensor port, the cover comprising a projection for location within and a sealing of the sensor port.

The cover may be connected to the jacket by a tether.

When the cover is not coupled with the sensor port the tether may be configured to be located away from the sensor port.

When the cover is not coupled not coupled with the sensor port the tether may be configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The cover may comprise a gripping feature to aid in gripping of the cover by a user.

The gripping feature may be an outwardly extending collar.

When the sensor port is sealed by the projection the gripping feature may be presented set away from the jacket such that the gripping feature may be grasped by a user.

The gripping feature may not extend laterally past an extent of a portion of the jacket fitted about the sensor port.

The jacket may comprise an upstand to engage with the gripping feature and provide a limit to the passage of the projection within the sensor port.

The upstand may be comprised by a or the sensor depth locating feature of the jacket.

An external surface of the connector may comprise a plurality of gripping features for grasping by a user.

The gripping features may be configured to present resistance to the fingers of a user during the connection or disconnection of the connector from a gas supply outlet.

The gripping features may comprise at least one pair of ribs or nodes projecting from the external surface of the connector, wherein the ribs or nodes of the at least one pair are presented at substantially opposite external surface portions of the connector.

The gripping features may comprise three pairs of ribs or nodes, and the ribs or nodes of each pair are presented at substantially opposite external surface portions of the connector.

The gripping features may comprise at least one set of ribs, and each rib is oriented such that a longitudinal direction of each rib is substantially non-parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first portion proximate to the first opening.

Each rib may be oriented substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the second portion proximate to the second opening.

The connector may comprise a cuff configured to be located over at least part of said second portion.

The connector may comprise a terminal collar, the terminal collar being located away from an end of the second portion (i.e. the second opening) the cuff configured to engage said terminal collar when installed.

The terminal collar may be provided around a circumference of the second portion.

The connector and cuff may comprise corresponding at least one locking feature configured to lock and retain the cuff on the second portion.

The locking feature may comprise a locking collar and a protrusion.

The protrusion may be configured to engage with the locking collar to engage and connect the connector and the cuff.

The locking collar may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion, or the protrusion on an inner surface of the cuff.

The protrusion may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion, or the protrusion on an inner surface of the cuff.

The locking collar may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion, or an inner surface of the cuff.

The protrusion collar may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion, or an inner surface of the cuff.

The locking collar may act as a limit surface for an overmould located under the cuff to overmould the interface between the tube and the connector.

The cuff may have a cut out located at one end, the cut out being shaped to accommodate a profile of an electrical port.

The electrical port may be aligned with an outer surface of the connector.

The electrical port may be tangentially aligned with an outer surface of the connector.

The electrical port may extend outwardly from the connector.

The electrical port may extend outwardly from the second portion.

The electrical port may be offset from centre of the connector so as to be aligned with a termination point of the wire from the tube wall.

A termination point of the wire from the tube wall may be aligned with said electrical port.

A direct pathway may be provided from a termination point of the wire from the tube wall to the electrical port.

The electrical port may comprise at least one connection point, the connection point configured to provide for connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire.

Where the connection point may be aligned with an outer surface of the connector
The connection point of the electrical port may be aligned with a surface tangential to an outer surface of the connector.

A termination point of the wire from the tube wall may be aligned with the connection point.

A direct pathway may be provided from a termination point of the wire from the tube wall to the connection point.

The electrical port may comprise at least one pin configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire.

The electrical port and/or the connection point of the electrical port may be configured to receive at least one wire of the tube wall, or the pin (for example a crimp pin) connected to said at least one wire.

The electrical port may be formed integrally with the connector.

The electrical port may be in the shape of a cloverleaf.

The electrical port may comprise a first portion, a second portion and a third portion.

The first portion and second portion may comprise the at least one pin configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire.

The first portion and second portion may comprise two pins configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire.

The third portion may be configured to receive a locating portion of a corresponding electrical port.

The connector may comprise at least one guide feature configured to direct the at least one wire from the tube wall of the tube, and/or a pin connected to said at least one wire, to the electrical port and/or the connection point of the electrical port.

The guide feature may be tangentially arranged on a surface of the connector.

The guide feature may be provided along a plane aligned with the connection point of the electrical port.

Said guide feature may locate said wire and/or pin in a predetermined location.

Wherein at the predetermined location the wire and/or pin may be aligned with the electrical port and/or the connection point of the electrical port.

The at least one guide feature may be or may comprise an outer surface of the connector.

The at least one guide feature may be formed at least in part by one or more recesses or protrusions.

The at least one guide feature may be provided on the second portion of the connector.

The at least one guide feature may comprise at least one rib, wherein the rib is oriented parallel or along a longitudinal axis of the second portion, or a longitudinal axis of the medical tube.

The guide feature may comprise a rib having a recess configured to locate at least one wire and/or said at least one pin within the recess.

The second elongate member may comprise said at least one wire.

The connector may comprise at least one location feature the location feature configured to locate the second elongate member from the end of the tube into a predetermined location.

The predetermined location may align the second elongate member with the electrical port and/or the connection point of the electrical port.

The predetermined location may allow for the wires from the second elongate member to be provided to corresponding guide features.

The location features may comprise one or more ribs, and/or recesses, oriented parallel or along a longitudinal axis of the second portion, or a longitudinal axis of the medical tube.

The location features may comprise a rib having a recess, the recess configured to locate said second elongate member to locate said second elongate member at said predetermined location.

The second portion may comprise at least one connection feature
The connection feature may be configured to engage and retain the medical tube.

The guide surface may be located at the termination of the connection feature, so as to be provided at the end of the medical tube when the medical tube is attached to the connector.

The connector may comprise at least one protrusion located at or near the end of the thread, the protrusion configured to provide a stop to engage with the medical tube and prevent further engagement of the medical tube and the thread.

The connection between the medical tube and the connector may be overmoulded.

In another aspect there is provided a connector for a medical tube, wherein the connector comprises:.

The first portion may be angled with respect to the second portion to form an elbow
The angle between the first portion and the second portion may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees.

The sensor may be configured to measure flow rate of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector and/or measure temperature of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector. and/or measure humidity of the flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

The sensor may be comprised as part of a probe, the probe for being received by the sensor port.

The sensor port is offset may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, about a longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to electrical port.

Opposite sides of the elbow may define internal and external elbow surfaces, and wherein the electrical port may be located on the external elbow surface.

the sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

The electrical port may be oriented perpendicular to the second portion.

The electrical port may be located tangential to an outer surface of the connector.

The sensor port may have a longitudinal axis, the sensor port allowing communication with an interior of the connector
The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the flow of gases through the first portion of the connector.

The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may substantially intersects a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion of the connector from which the sensor port depends.

The grommet may comprises a sensor orienting notch for receiving a projection of a or the sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The or a grommet may comprise a sensor locating feature for engaging with a surface of a sensor and locating said sensor at a desired location within the sensor port.

The connector may comprises a jacket for the sensor port, the jacket for fitment at least partially about the sensor port, and/or the grommet.

The securing members may at least partially encircle and may be configured to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the first portion such as to secure the jacket to the first portion.

When the cover is not coupled with the sensor port the tether may be configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

The when the sensor port may be sealed by the projection the gripping feature is presented set away from the jacket such that the gripping feature may be grasped by a user.

The upstand maybe comprised by a or the sensor depth locating feature of the jacket.

The electrical port may be configured to extend in a direction upward and away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to a humidification chamber.

The electrical port may be configured extend in a direction away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to a humidification chamber.

In another aspect there is provided a medical tube assembly, the medical tube assembly comprising:.

The second portion of the connector may comprises at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

The first elongate member of the tube may form in longitudinal cross-section a plurality of hollow portions each with a flattened surface forming at least part of the wall surrounding the lumen
The medical tube may comprises at least one wire.

The lumen may beformed by the first elongate member and the second elongate member comprises a substantially smooth bore.

An outer surface of the tube is corrugated, and optionally the corrugations are annular or helical.

The at least one wire may comprises at least one heater wire.

The at least one wire comprises a pair of heater wires.

The at least one wire comprises at least one sensor wire.

The heating wire may be located within the lumen of the medical tube.

The heating wire may be attached to an inner wall of the medical tube.

The wire is embedded within a second elongate member.

The medical tube may be a respiratory tube or an inspiratory tube.

The connector may comprise the features of any one or combination of the other aspects.

In another aspect there is provided a medical tube assembly, comprising a connector, the connector being the connector of any one or combination of the other aspects, and a tube, wherein a lumen of the tube comprises a substantially smooth bore.

When the tube is provided to the second portion of the connector and engaged with said connection features, the wires of the tube extending from the tube wall may be aligned with said electrical port.

The first end of the connector may be configured for engagement with a patient interface, and/or a patient interface extension tube.

The connector may comprise at least one sensor port.

The sensor port may extend outwardly from the connector.

The sensor port may comprise at least one cover.

The cover may be attached to the connector about the sensor port.

The cover may be retained around the sensor port by one or more retention features.

The retention features may comprise one or more projections.

The cover may comprise a cap connected to the cover by a tether.

The connector may comprise at least one connection feature configured to allow for connection with the medical tube.

The connector may comprise a terminal collar, the first collar being located away from the second end the cuff configured to engage said terminal collar when installed.

The cuff and the connector may comprise corresponding alignment features.

The alignment features may comprise at least one protrusion and a corresponding at least one recess.

The alignment features may be configured to prevent relative rotation between the cuff and the connector.

The at least one protrusion may comprise one or more teeth.

The cuff may comprise said at least one recess, and the connector comprises said at least one protrusion.

The connector may comprise said at least one recess, and the cuff comprises said at least one protrusion.

The at least one recess may be located on an internal surface of the cuff.

The at least one recess may comprise a plurality of recesses, such that the cuff may engage with the protrusions in a plurality of orientations.

The at least one recess may be located around the entire circumference of the internal surface of the cuff.

The at least one protrusion may be located on the connector.

The at least one protrusion may be located on a or the terminal collar or a or the locking collar of connector.

The connector may comprise a wire termination feature, the wire termination feature configured to provide for termination of a or the wire of the tube at the connector.

The wire termination feature may comprise one or more projections extending in a direction away from the connector.

In another aspect there is provided a medical tube as described with respect to any of the above aspects, wherein the medical tube comprises a further connector located at a second end of the medical tube, the further connector defined by the connector of above features.

In another aspect there is provided a breathing circuit kit comprising:.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>).

Embodiments described herein can also be said broadly to relate to 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 of 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.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present technology. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:.

Reference is made in detail to an embodiment of the present technology, examples of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Medical tubes can be used in breathing circuits or respiratory systems, for example, for delivering and/or removing humidified gases from a patient, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification, and surgical humidification systems including insufflation systems and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthetic.

This application relates to medical tube assemblies, medical tubes and connectors for use in breathing circuits or respiratory systems. The medical tubes and connectors may be used for delivering and/or removing humidified gases from a patient, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification, and surgical humidification systems including insufflation systems and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthetic.

The medical tube assemblies can be used to deliver gases between two components of a breathing circuit. Medical tube assemblies can be used to deliver gases between a component and a patient. For example between a humidifier and a patient.

In some embodiments, the medical tubes can be inspiratory tubes, expiratory tubes, patient interface tubes, supply tubes, dry lines, insufflation tubes, etc..

The medical tube assemblies may comprise one or more medical tubes, and one or more connectors.

Connectors may allow for properties of the gases to be sensed without compromising the integrity of the tube, or allowing leakage of gases from or to the external environment.

A sensor port may be provided to allow for the insertion of a sensor through the connector wall and into the gases flow path.

In some systems the connector can also provide an electrical interface (for example an electrical port) between a respiratory device and wires provided in the tubes. The wires may be for example heater wires and/or sensor wires.

In cases where the sensor and electrical ports are required cable management can be difficult as there may be separate wires going to each of the sensor and the electrical port. Removal and insertion of probes and/or electrical ports may become difficult given the small size of the connector and the various cabling required.

As described below in more detail the sensor port and heater wire may be provided at different portions of a connector, and extend in different directions so as to not interfere with each other.

Tubes for use in respiratory device may be designed to minimise condensation (for example by including insulation and/or heater wires) for example see: PCT Publication No. <CIT>.

Tubes for use in respiratory device may be designed to minimise resistance to flow for example see: <CIT>, <CIT>, and PCT Application No. <CIT>.

As described in more detail below, resistance to flow may be an important consideration in designing a tubing assembly. Resistance to flow may be minimised by increasing the diameter of the tubing to increase the cross-sectional area of the gases flow path. As a consequence of increasing the diameter of the tubing an increased heating of the gases by a heating element may be required to maintain the humidified gases above their dew point to prevent the formation of condensate. Given a tube of increased diameter it may not be possible to heat the gases to the required dewpoint.

Smooth bore tubes may be provided to decrease the resistance to flow of gases. Furthermore, a decrease in resistance to flow of gases provided by a smooth bore tube may allow for a decrease in the internal diameter of the tubing. However, challenges such as connection with an internal smooth bore, and with the wires (for example heater wires of the tube) may be associated with providing connectors to smooth bore tubing.

The medical tubes, connectors and medical tube assemblies described herein can be provided in one or more respiratory systems, breathing circuits, or kits.

The medical tubes may be used for delivering and/or removing humidified gases from a patient, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification, and surgical humidification systems including insufflation systems and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthetic. The medical tubes can be used to deliver respiratory gases to and/or from a patient as part of a respiratory therapy or treatment. The respiratory gases may be heated and/or humidified prior to delivery to the patient in order to, for example, reduce the likelihood of infection and/or tissue damage.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an embodiment of respiratory system (or breathing circuit) 100A that can include one or more of the medical tubes described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the respiratory system 100A includes a gases source <NUM> that is either integrated with, or a separate component from, a humidification apparatus <NUM> (e.g., a humidifier).

The gases source <NUM> and/or humidification apparatus <NUM> supply heated and humidified gases to a patient <NUM> via a breathing circuit that includes, for example, an inspiratory tube <NUM> and a patient interface <NUM>.

As used herein, patient interface has a broad meaning and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of skill in the art, and patient interface also includes, without any limitation, any one or more of a full face mask, a nasal mask, an oral mask, an oral-nasal mask, a nasal pillows mask, nasal cannulas, nasal prongs, a laryngeal mask, or any other suitable coupling between the medical circuit and the airways of the patient.

In some embodiments, the inspiratory tube <NUM> can be any of the medical tubes described herein (for example, the inspiratory tube <NUM> can be any of the medical tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described below).

In some embodiments, another medical tube, such as a supply tube <NUM>, can be used to transport gases from the gases source <NUM> to the humidification apparatus <NUM>. Supply tube <NUM> is sometimes called a "dry" line, as it is positioned in the breathing circuit prior to the "wet" humidifier. In some embodiments, the supply tube/dry line <NUM> can be any of the medical tubes described herein (for example, the tube/dry line <NUM> can be any of the medical tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described below).

In some embodiments, an additional tube, such as an interface tube <NUM>, can connect between the inspiratory tube <NUM> and the patient interface <NUM>. It is to be understood that other variations from the system 100A shown may exist. For example, the inspiratory tube <NUM> may comprise multiple sections to accommodate other equipment such as a water trap, an intermediate connector with one or more sensors, a PCB, and/or a controller.

<FIG> schematically illustrates another embodiment of respiratory system (or breathing circuit) 100B that can include one or more of the medical tubes described herein. In many respects, the respiratory system 100B can be similar to the respiratory system 100A of <FIG>. For example, as illustrated, the respiratory system 100B includes a gases source <NUM> and a humidification apparatus <NUM> (e.g., a humidifier). The gases source <NUM> and/or humidification apparatus <NUM> supplies heated and humidified gases to a patient <NUM> via a breathing circuit that includes, for example, an inspiratory tube <NUM> and a patient interface <NUM>. In <FIG>, however, the breathing circuit further includes an expiratory tube <NUM>, by which exhaled gases can be transported. In some embodiments, the expiratory tube <NUM> transports exhaled gases back to the gases source <NUM> and/or humidification apparatus <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> can comprise a y (wye) piece that connects both the inspiratory tube <NUM> and the expiratory tube <NUM> to a patient interface component, such as the interface tube <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), or directly to the patient interface <NUM> itself. Further, the respiratory system 100B can include one or more sensors <NUM>.

For example, a sensor <NUM> can connect to the inspiratory tube <NUM> near the patient interface <NUM> or a sensor <NUM> can connect to the patient interface <NUM>, among other possible sensor locations. The sensor <NUM> can be integrated into or connectable to the inspiratory tube <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100B includes two sensors <NUM>, with a first sensor <NUM> positioned at or nearby to the humidifier chamber outlet end of the inspiratory tube <NUM>, and a second sensor <NUM> positioned at the patient end of the inspiratory tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the inspiratory tube <NUM> can comprise the medical tube <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described below and the sensors <NUM> can be connected to the sensor port <NUM> of the connector <NUM> and/or the sensor port <NUM> of the connector <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, sensor(s) <NUM> may be provided at or nearby to the humidifier chamber inlet. A signal provided by the sensor(s) <NUM> can be provided, for example, to a control system. In some embodiments, the sensor(s) <NUM> comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor. Although the sensors <NUM> are illustrated connected to the patient end and chamber outlet end of the inspiratory tube <NUM>, one or more sensors can be included, alternatively or additionally, in other locations on the inspiratory tube <NUM> and/or on other medical tubes or components in the respiratory system.

It is to be understood that other variations from the system shown may exist. For example, the inspiratory <NUM> and/or expiratory tube <NUM> may comprise multiple sections to accommodate other equipment such as a water trap, an intermediate connector with one or more sensors, a PCB, and/or a controller. In another example embodiment, the system may include a nebulizer or a port therefore. In another example embodiment, the system may include a catheter mount or an exhalation valve.

The medical tube assemblies, medical tubes and/or connectors may also be provided as a breathing kit. The breathing kit may also comprise at least one of: a dry line <NUM>, a filter, an expiratory port, a humidification chamber, a pressure line, an interface extension tube.

A tube may have a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube.

The tube may form part of a tube assembly, the tube assembly may comprise at connector at a first end of the tube. In some embodiments, the tube may comprise a further or second connector at a second end of the tube.

As described in more detail below the tube may comprise one or more wires.

The wires may be a heater wire, and/or a sensor wire.

The wires may be located in the wall of the tube (For example as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>)
The wires may be located in the wall or the located within a lumen of the tube (For example as shown in <FIG>).

The wires may comprise may comprise at least one heater wire.

The wires may comprise a pair of heater wires.

The wires may comprise at least one sensor wire.

The wires may comprise a pair of sensor wires.

The wires may be located along a portion of the length of the tube, or along the entire length of the tube.

In some embodiments the tube may be spirally wound. Spirally wound tubes may for example comprise one or more member(s) which is wound spiral to form a lumen.

In some embodiments the tube may be annularly wound. Annular tubes may comprise a series of members wound annularly to form a lumen.

The tube may comprise an externally corrugated surface for example as shown in <FIG>.

Described below are examples of different types of tubes.

The tube may be part of a medical tube assembly along with at least a connector.

<FIG> shows a side plan view of a section of a medical tube <NUM>. The medical tube <NUM> may be a respiratory tube for example an inspiratory tube. In general, the tube <NUM> comprises a first elongate member <NUM> and a second elongate member <NUM>. Member is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (i.e., it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning) and includes, without limitation, integral portions, integral components, and distinct components. The first elongate member <NUM> may have a hollow portion <NUM>, while the second elongate member <NUM> may be a structural support or reinforcement which adds structural support to the hollow body.

<FIG> shows a longitudinal cross-section of a top portion of the tube <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> has the same orientation as <FIG>. The first elongate member <NUM> can have a hollow-body shape. The first elongate member <NUM> can form in longitudinal cross-section a plurality of hollow portions <NUM>. Portions <NUM> of the first elongate member <NUM> can overlap adjacent wraps of the second elongate member <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of the first elongate member <NUM> can form at least part of the wall of the lumen <NUM> (tube bore). Adjacent hollow portions can be separated by a gap <NUM>. A T-shaped second elongate member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, can help maintain a gap <NUM> between adjacent hollow portions <NUM>.

As described in more detail below, <FIG> shows wires <NUM> visible in second elongate member however it will be appreciated these wires <NUM> may not be visible is the second elongate member is opaque.

<FIG> shows a side view of a portion of the tube <NUM>, with the first elongate member <NUM> and the second elongate member <NUM> forming lumen <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lumen <NUM> may have a smooth bore (described in more detail below. ) <FIG> shows an example of such a tube <NUM> having an internal smooth bore.

The first elongate member <NUM> can comprise a hollow body spirally wound to form, at least in part, an elongate tube having a longitudinal axis LA- LA and a lumen <NUM> extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube, when the tube is in an extended configuration LA-LA. The first elongate member <NUM> can form in longitudinal cross-section a plurality of hollow portions. A portion <NUM> of the first elongate member <NUM> forms at least part of the inner wall of the lumen <NUM>. The first elongate member <NUM> can be a tube. In some embodiments, the first elongate member <NUM> is flexible. Flexible refers to the ability to bend to endure strain without being permanently modified or broken.

Furthermore, the first elongate member <NUM> may be transparent or, at least, semi-transparent or semi-opaque. A degree of optical transparency allows a caregiver or user to inspect the lumen <NUM> for blockage or contaminants or to confirm the presence of condensation. A variety of plastics, including medical grade plastics, are suitable for the body of the first elongate member <NUM>. Suitable materials include Polyolefin elastomers, Polyether block amides, Thermoplastic co-polyester elastomers, EPDM-Polypropylene mixtures, and Thermoplastic polyurethanes.

In some embodiments, the first elongate member <NUM> may be opaque.

The hollow body structure of the first elongate member <NUM> can contribute to the insulating properties of the inspiratory tube <NUM>. An insulating conduit can help prevent heat loss. This can allow the inspiratory tube <NUM> to deliver gases from the humidifier <NUM> to the patient <NUM> while maintaining the conditioned state of the gases with minimal energy consumption.

The second elongate member <NUM> can also be spirally wound. The second elongated member <NUM> can be joined to the first elongate member <NUM> between adjacent turns of the first elongate member <NUM>. The second elongate member <NUM> can form at least a portion of the lumen <NUM> of the elongate tube. The second elongate member <NUM> can act as structural support for the first elongate member <NUM>. The second elongate member <NUM> can be wider at the base (proximal the lumen <NUM>) and narrower at the top.

The second elongate member can be generally triangular in shape, generally T-shaped, or generally Y-shaped, or substantially triangular. However, any shape that meets the contours of the corresponding first elongate member <NUM> is suitable.

The second elongate member <NUM> can be flexible, to facilitate bending of the tube. In exemplary embodiments, the second elongate member <NUM> is less flexible than the first elongate member <NUM>. This can improve the ability of the second elongate member <NUM> to structurally support the first elongate member <NUM>. The second elongate member <NUM> can be solid or mostly solid.

A variety of polymers and plastics, including medical grade plastics, are suitable for the body of the second elongate member <NUM>. Suitable materials include Polyolefin elastomers, Polyether block amides, Thermoplastic co-polyester elastomers, EPDM-Polypropylene mixtures and Thermoplastic polyurethanes. The first elongate member <NUM> and the second elongate member <NUM> may be made from the same material.

The second elongate member <NUM> can encapsulate or house one or more wires <NUM>. For example the wires <NUM> may be located within the second elongate member <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the second elongated member <NUM> may house wires <NUM> used to transmit information from one or more sensors (not shown). Sensors can include any device configured to detect one or more conditions in the system. For example, sensors can include thermocouples or like thermal sensors, flow sensor, humidity sensor, barometer sensor, and the like.

In some embodiments, the wire <NUM> may be a heater wire to act as a heating element. A wire <NUM> can be a resistive heater. In exemplary embodiments, the second elongated member <NUM> can house the wire of one or more heating elements. The wire <NUM> can be used to generate heat through electrical resistance. Heating elements can reduce the cold surfaces onto which condensate from moisture-laden gases can form. Heating elements can also be used to alter the temperature profile of gases in the lumen <NUM> of the inspiratory tube <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, two heating wires (for example two wires <NUM>) can be encapsulated in the second elongate member <NUM>, one on either side of the vertical portion of the "T. " In some embodiments the second elongate member <NUM> is, or generally Y-shaped, or substantially triangular. The heating wire (for example wire <NUM>) can include conductive material, such as alloys of Aluminium (Al) and/or Copper (Cu), or conductive polymer. In some embodiments, the material forming the second elongate member <NUM> is selected to be non-reactive with the metal in the heating wire when the heating wires reach their operating temperature. The material forming the second elongated member <NUM> can also desirably include a material whose melting temperature is sufficiently high so that elongated member <NUM> can maintain it structural properties when heating wires reach their operating temperature.

The heater wire <NUM> may be spaced away from the lumen <NUM> so that the elements are not exposed to the lumen <NUM>. At one end of the composite tube, pairs of elements can be formed into a connecting loop. A plurality of wires can be disposed in the second elongate member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wire <NUM> may comprise at least one heater wire, and optionally pair of heater wires.

In some embodiments, the wire <NUM> may comprise at least one sensor wire, and optionally a pair of sensor wires.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the medical tube. As illustrated, the tube body <NUM> of the medical tube can be formed from a bead <NUM> and tape or film <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail, the bead <NUM> and the film <NUM> can define a bore (or inner lumen) <NUM> of the medical tube.

An inner surface <NUM> of the medical tube <NUM> may at least partially define the lumen (for example bore <NUM>). The inner surface <NUM> can be substantially smooth. Thus, the lumen bore <NUM> can be considered (and is often referred to herein as) a substantially smooth bore. As will be described in greater detail below, the inner surface <NUM> can comprise alternating portions of the bead <NUM> and the tape or film <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> can comprise portions 16A of the bead <NUM> and portions 18B of the film <NUM>. The portions 16A of the bead <NUM> and the portions 18B of the film <NUM> can be substantially flat as described below.

It should be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the bead, which may be much thicker and/or made of a harder or more rigid material than the film may impart structural support, reinforcement, and/or resistance to crushing to the more flexible film portions of the tube. Such structural support, reinforcement, and/or resistance to crushing may be important in medical tubes, and in particular for breathing tubes, which must meet international standards defining usage characteristics and parameters.

Forming the inner surface <NUM> and the bore <NUM> in this manner (with alternating portions of the bead <NUM> and the film <NUM>) can be achieved, in some embodiments, by helically winding bead <NUM> with space between each winding, and then providing the film <NUM> over the helically wound bead <NUM> such that at least a first portion of the film <NUM> (e.g., the portion 18A) is disposed over at least one winding of the bead <NUM> and a second portion of the film <NUM> (e.g., the portion 18B) is positioned between the wraps of the bead <NUM>. In this configuration, the smooth bore <NUM> (and inner surface <NUM>) can be formed by alternating portions of the bead <NUM> and the film <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the film <NUM> comprises an elongate strip that is helically wound over the bead <NUM>. The total thickness of the film <NUM> (i.e., the combined thickness of any and all layers of the film <NUM>, if multiple layers are present) may have a thickness T as shown. In some embodiments, the thickness T is between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness Tis between <NUM> and <NUM>. Other thicknesses T, both larger and smaller than the listed values may also be used.

In an embodiment where the film <NUM> comprises a plurality of layers of film, where the layers are overlapped, there may be a locally larger thickness than where they are not overlapped. The film <NUM> can be made from thermoplastic polymer (TPE) material. In some embodiments, the TPE material is polypropylene-based. In another example embodiment, the film can be made of the same material, or the same family of material as the bead <NUM>. In some embodiments, the film <NUM> may be at least partially optically translucent to enable a user to see condensate or other material within the lumen.

<FIG> shows an example of a tube <NUM> having a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> (or further connector) are described below in more detail.

The tube may have an internal diameter of the lumen of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

The tube may have a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM> or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a lumen of the medical tube may have a smooth bore. <FIG> shows an example of a tube with an internal smooth bore.

It will be appreciated that such a smooth bore tube may be formed by other manufacturing techniques compared to the first and second elongate member construction as described above of the tube as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments the tube may be a single extrusion.

As shown in <FIG> the tube <NUM> may have a smooth bore. The tube <NUM> may comprise heater wire <NUM> located within the lumen of the tube.

<FIG> shows a further example of a tube <NUM> having a smooth bore. The tube <NUM> may comprise heater wire <NUM> located in a tube wall <NUM> of tube <NUM>. This configuration is similar to that as <FIG> where the heater wire <NUM> is spirally wound around a lumen <NUM> of the tube.

<FIG> shows a further example of a tube <NUM> having a smooth bore. The tube <NUM> may comprise heater wire <NUM> attached to a tube wall <NUM> of tube <NUM>. The heater wire <NUM> may be attached to the inner wall of the tube wall <NUM> for example by adhesive.

The term "smooth bore" is used herein broadly to describe a substantially smooth inner surface of a lumen extending through the medical tube. In some instances, the term smooth bore may describe a tube that does not have substantial repeating inner surface features (e.g., tubes that have inner surfaces that are not corrugated, wavy, ridged, etc.).

In some instances, the term smooth bore can describe a tube wherein pockets (or cavities, recesses, indentions, etc.) within the tube are minimized, reduced, or eliminated entirely.

One of skill in the art would appreciate that tubes made of multiple elongate members may experience some variation on their inner surfaces. Such minor manufacturing variations, even if repeating, are intended to be encompassed by the term substantially smooth bore.

Medical tubes that include a smooth bore may not substantially disturb (or may decrease disturbances) of a generally laminar flow of gases through the passageway or lumen defined by the smooth bore. Increasing the smoothness of the bore can decrease turbulence and create a more parabolic wave front across the inner wall of the lumen. A smooth bore tube may also provide no pockets in which vapor or gases could be trapped or in which condensate or other liquids might pool, as a corrugated tube would have. The vapor carried by the gases is therefore encouraged to exit the tube and thus be delivered to the patient.

In some embodiments, medical tubes with a smooth bore may advantageously cause the conduit to have a lower resistance to flow (RTF) than a conduit with comparable dimensions having a non-substantially smooth (e.g., corrugated) bore. Thus, in some embodiments, the smooth bore medical tubes described herein may provide improved performance, efficiency, and/or flow as compared to other medical tubes.

It will be appreciated that a tube with an internal smooth bore may have any outer profile (i.e. the outer profile of the tube does not necessarily have to also be smooth).

<FIG> show a connector <NUM> as part of a medical tube assembly <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be located at, and connected to an end of the tube (for example tube <NUM>, or any tube described above).

The connector <NUM> may provide for a pneumatic connection between the tube and another component.

The connector <NUM> may provide for electrical connection with wires of the tube (for example wires <NUM>).

The connector <NUM> may comprise a first portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM> configured to receive a flow of gases (for example of flow of gases from a humidification chamber). The first portion <NUM> may be configured to engage with a humidification chamber and receive gases from the humidification chamber through the first opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may have a second opening <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may be configured to engage with a medical tube (for example tube <NUM>) and provide a flow of gases to the medical tube <NUM> through the second opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a lumen formed by the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The lumen may provide a gases flow path between the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>.

As shown for example in <FIG> the first portion <NUM> may be angled with respect to the second portion <NUM> to form an elbow.

The elbow configuration of connector <NUM> may allow for drain back (for example draining in the direction of the chamber) of any condensate in the tube <NUM> or in the second portion <NUM> when the connector <NUM> is connected to a humidification chamber.

The elbow configuration of connector <NUM> may locate the tube <NUM> at an angle so that gravity can act on any condensate to return it to the connector <NUM> and subsequently to an attached humidification chamber.

Drain back of condensate may prevent condensate from reaching a patient, and may increase overall efficiency of the system by redirecting any condensate to the humidification chamber.

The elbow configuration of connector <NUM> may also act to direct the tube <NUM> in a direction up and away from the humidifier, so as to keep the area around the humidifier unobstructed by the tube <NUM>. This may allow for easier access and user of a working area
The angle between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees.

The angle between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be the angle of the internal portion <NUM> of the elbow.

The angle may be measured between a longitudinal axis of the lumen of the first portion <NUM> and longitudinal axis of the lumen of the second portion <NUM> (for example the angle shown by axis <NUM>).

The first portion <NUM> may provide for a taper fit connection. Taper fit connector may engage with a complimentary taper fit connection of another component such as that of a humidification chamber.

An external surface of the connector may comprise a plurality of gripping features <NUM>. The gripping features <NUM> may be for grasping by a user.

The gripping features <NUM> may be configured to present resistance to the fingers of a user during the connection or disconnection of the connector from a gas supply outlet (for example a humidification chamber).

The gripping features <NUM> may also comprise an indentation. The indentation may be formed by a reduction of the cross-sectional area or profile of the outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the gripping features <NUM> may comprise at least one pair of ribs or nodes projecting from the external surface of the connector <NUM>. The ribs or nodes of the at least one pair are presented at substantially opposite external surface portions of the connector <NUM>.

The gripping features <NUM> may comprise three pairs of ribs or nodes, and the ribs or nodes of each pair are presented at substantially opposite external surface portions of the connector <NUM>.

The gripping features <NUM> may comprise at least one set of ribs <NUM>' (for example as shown in <FIG>), and each rib <NUM>' is oriented such that a longitudinal direction of each rib <NUM>' is substantially non-parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first portion proximate to the first opening <NUM>.

Each rib <NUM>' may be oriented substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the second portion proximate to the second opening.

As shown in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> may comprises at least one connection feature <NUM>, the connection feature <NUM> may be configured to engage and retain the medical tube <NUM>.

The connection feature <NUM> may be a helical rib (for example a thread or screw thread).

In some embodiments, the connection feature <NUM> may comprise a series of protrusions configured to engage the tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the connection feature <NUM> may comprise a barbed connection.

In some embodiments, the connection feature <NUM> may comprise any combination of the above described features.

A guide feature or location feature (described in more detail below) may be located at the termination of the connection feature <NUM>, so as to be provided at the end of the medical tube <NUM> when the medical tube <NUM> is attached to the connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise at least one protrusion <NUM> located at or near one end of the connection feature <NUM>. For example, protrusion <NUM> can be located at one end of a thread used as a connection feature <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may be configured to provide a stop to engage with the medical tube <NUM> and prevent further engagement of the medical tube <NUM> and the thread as a connection feature <NUM>.

The connection between the medical tube <NUM> and the connector <NUM> may be overmoulded.

The overmould may assist in retaining the connector <NUM> on the medical tube.

The overmould may protect the electrical connection from water ingress (for example the connection between the electrical port and the wires <NUM>)
As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> may comprise a cuff <NUM> configured to be located over at least part of said second portion <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a terminal collar <NUM> located away from an end of the second portion <NUM> (i.e. the second opening). The cuff <NUM> may be configured to engage a terminal collar <NUM> when installed.

The terminal collar <NUM> may be provided around a circumference of the second portion <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> and cuff <NUM> may comprise corresponding locking features configured to lock and retain the cuff <NUM> on the second portion <NUM>.

The locking feature may comprises a locking collar <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM> (for example as shown by <FIG>). The protrusion <NUM> may be configured to engage with the locking collar to engage and connect the connector <NUM> and the cuff <NUM>.

The locking collar <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion <NUM> (for example as shown by locking collar <NUM> in <FIG>), or the protrusion on an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The protrusion <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion <NUM>, or the protrusion <NUM> on an inner surface of the cuff <NUM> (as for example shown in <FIG>).

The locking collar <NUM> may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion <NUM>, or an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The protrusion <NUM> may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion <NUM>, or an inner surface of the cuff <NUM> (as shown for example in <FIG>).

The locking collar may act as a limit surface for an overmould located under the cuff <NUM> to overmould the interface between the tube <NUM> and the connector <NUM>.

The cuff may have a cut out <NUM> located at one end. The cut out <NUM> may be shaped to accommodate a profile of an electrical port <NUM>.

<FIG> show connector <NUM> with a sensor port <NUM>. The sensor port may have a grommet <NUM>, and a jacket <NUM> with a cover. In use the sensor port <NUM> houses the grommet <NUM>, and the jacket <NUM> is provided over the grommet <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may comprises a sensor port <NUM>. The sensor port <NUM> may be configured to receive a sensor.

The sensor port <NUM> may provide an aperture for the sensor to be inserted so as to be in contact with a flow of gases in the first portion of the connector.

The sensor may be configured to measure flow rate of the flow of gases in the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The sensor may be configured to measure temperature of the flow of gases in the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The sensor may be configured to measure humidity of the flow of gases in the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The sensor may be comprised as part of a probe, the probe for being received by the sensor port <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a sensor probe <NUM>. The sensor probe may have a portion <NUM> which extends into the sensor port to position the sensor probe <NUM> in the flow of gases within either or both connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

The sensor probe <NUM> may comprise a sensing portion <NUM> located at the tip of the probe.

The sensing portion <NUM> may be positioned within the centre of the lumen of the either or both connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

The sensing portion <NUM> may comprise a portion of the sensor which senses a characteristic of the flow of gases.

One or more wires may be connected to the sensor to provide an electrical signal indicative of a characteristic of the flow of gases to one or more controllers.

The sensor port <NUM> having a longitudinal axis <NUM>, the sensor port <NUM> allowing communication with an interior of the connector.

The longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sensor port <NUM> may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the flow of gases through the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sensor port <NUM> may substantially intersect a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion <NUM> of the connector.

The sensor port <NUM> may comprise a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

A terminal surface of the sensor port distal of an outer surface of the first portion <NUM> may comprise one or more locating features <NUM>. The one or more locating features <NUM> may comprise one or more notches of the terminal surface of the sensor port <NUM>.

The one or more notches may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sensor port <NUM>.

The one or more notches may extend towards the centre of the connector.

The locating features <NUM> may comprise a plurality of notches, the notches spaced apart about a perimeter of the terminal surface and at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of projections of a grommet <NUM>.

The notches as locating features <NUM> may be substantially V-shaped, or U-Shaped.

The sensor port <NUM> and/or grommet <NUM> may comprises a sensor orienting notch <NUM> for receiving a projection of a or the sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port <NUM>.

The sensor orienting notch may be configured to engage with a corresponding projection <NUM> located on the sensor (for example as part of sensor probe <NUM>).

The grommet <NUM> may comprise a sensor locating feature <NUM> for engaging with a surface of a sensor and locating said sensor at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port <NUM>.

The sensor locating feature <NUM> may comprise a radially extending lip spaced away from the terminal surface of the grommet and projecting inwardly towards the longitudinal axis of the sensor port <NUM>.

The sensor locating feature <NUM> may be formed by a decrease in the internal diameter of the grommet <NUM>.

In some embodiments the grommet seals with a surface of the sensor.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> may comprise a jacket <NUM> for the sensor port <NUM>, the jacket <NUM> is for fitment at least partially about the sensor port <NUM> and/or the grommet <NUM>.

The jacket <NUM> may comprise a sensor orienting notch <NUM>" for receiving a projection of a said sensor and rotationally orienting said sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port <NUM> and/or grommet <NUM>, and relative to the jacket <NUM>.

The sensor orienting notch <NUM>" of the jacket <NUM> may be configured to engage with the sensor orienting notch <NUM>' of the grommet <NUM> and the sensor orienting notch <NUM> of sensor port <NUM> to allow for the mating of the jacket <NUM>, sensor port <NUM> and grommet <NUM> in only one relative rotational position.

The jacket may comprise a sensor depth locating feature <NUM> for engaging with a surface of the sensor. The sensor depth locating feature <NUM> may locate the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The sensor depth locating feature <NUM> may comprise a projection as an upstand.

The sensor depth locating feature <NUM> may locate the sensor at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port <NUM>.

The sensor depth locating feature <NUM> may provide a limit to the passage of the sensor within the sensor port <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the jacket <NUM> may comprise two securing members <NUM> for securing the jacket to either or both of the sensor port <NUM> and the first portion.

The securing members may <NUM> secure the jacket <NUM> to the first portion <NUM>.

The securing members <NUM> may at least partially encircle or cover an outer surface of the first portion <NUM> from which the sensor port depends <NUM>.

The securing members <NUM> may at least partially encircle and are configured to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the first portion <NUM> such as to secure the jacket <NUM> to the first portion <NUM>.

The securing members <NUM> comprise locking features <NUM> to engage with corresponding locking features <NUM>' of the respective first portion <NUM>.

The locking features <NUM>' of the first portion may be located on substantially opposite sides of said first portion <NUM>.

The locking features <NUM>' of the first portion are spaced apart from each other along the lumen and/or a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

The locking features of the first portion are aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

The connector <NUM> may comprises a cover <NUM> for coupling with the sensor port <NUM> and for sealing the sensor port <NUM>, and/or grommet <NUM>, the cover comprising a projection <NUM> for location within and a sealing of the sensor port <NUM> and/or grommet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the jacket <NUM> may comprise said cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be connected to the jacket <NUM> by a tether <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> is not coupled with the sensor port <NUM> the tether <NUM> may be configured to be located away from the sensor port <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> is not coupled with the sensor port <NUM> the tether <NUM> may be configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sensor port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may comprises a gripping feature <NUM> to aid in gripping of the cover by a user. The gripping feature may be an outwardly extending collar. In some embodiments, when the sensor port <NUM> is sealed by the projection <NUM>.

When the sensor port <NUM> is sealed by the projection <NUM> the gripping feature may be presented away from the jacket <NUM> such that the gripping feature <NUM> may be grasped by a user.

The gripping feature <NUM> may not extend laterally past an extent of a portion of the jacket fitted within the sensor port <NUM>.

The sensor depth locating feature <NUM> may be configured to act as an upstand and engage with the gripping feature <NUM> and provide a limit to the passage of the projection within the sensor port <NUM>.

As illustrated with respect to <FIG> the connector <NUM> may comprise at least one electrical port <NUM>. The electrical port may be configured to provide an electrical connection with one or more wires <NUM> of the tube.

The electrical port may receive another electrical port. The electrical port may comprise one or more conductors (for example a pin) for engaging with a corresponding conductor of another electrical port.

In some embodiments the electrical port comprises two pins.

The wire <NUM> (for example heater wire) may be spirally wound along at least a portion of the length of the medical tube <NUM> (for example as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The electrical port <NUM> may comprise at one least connection point <NUM>. The connection point <NUM> may be configured to provide for connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the electrical port <NUM> may be offset from a longitudinal central axis of the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>. This positioning allows for alignment of the electrical port <NUM> with an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the electrical port <NUM> may be aligned tangential aligned with an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

This positioning allows for alignment of the electrical port <NUM> with an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

The outer surface of the connector <NUM> may be the surface located between the end of the tube, or where the wire exits the tube wall, and an electrical connector.

Aligning the outer surface of the connector <NUM> and the electrical port <NUM> allows for alignment between the wire <NUM> and the connector <NUM> when the tube <NUM> is engaged with the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a termination point <NUM> of the wire <NUM> from the tube (for example where the wire exits the tube wall) may be aligned with said electrical port.

The electrical port <NUM> may comprise at least one connection point <NUM>. The connection point <NUM> acts as an interface between the electrical port <NUM> and the wire <NUM> to provide for connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire.

The connection point <NUM> may be a aperture into the electrical port <NUM>.

The connection point <NUM> may be aligned with an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

The connection point <NUM> of the electrical port may be aligned with a surface tangential to an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a termination point <NUM> of the wire from the tube (for example where the wire exits the tube wall) may be aligned with the connection point <NUM>. This aligns the wire <NUM> as it exits the tube wall with the connection point <NUM>.

The alignment of the wire and the connector <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> allows for a direct pathway to be provided from a termination point of the wire from the tube wall to the connection point.

Alignment of the wire and the connector <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> leads to ease of manufacture as when the tube <NUM> is attached to the connector <NUM> the wires <NUM> directly align with the connector. No repositioning or realigning of wires are required as when the tube <NUM> is installed the termination point of the wire from the tube wall and the electrical port and/or connection point <NUM> are already aligned.

The electrical port <NUM> may comprise at least one pin <NUM> configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be for example a crimp pin to connect to the end of the wire <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> may comprise two pins <NUM> configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> of the electrical port <NUM> may be configured to receive at least one wire <NUM> of the tube wall, or the pin (for example a crimp pin) connected to said at least one wire <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may engage with the connection point (for example by extending through the connection point to form electrical connection pin <NUM>).

The pin <NUM> may provide for electrical connection to another electrical port (for example a plug) when engaged with the electrical port <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> may be formed integrally with the connector.

The electrical port <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may be in the shape of a cloverleaf.

The electrical port <NUM> may comprise a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion and second portion comprise the at least one pin configured to be in electrical communication with said at least one wire. The third portion is configured to receive a locating portion of a corresponding electrical port.

The tube <NUM> may be provided to the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> and engaged with said connection features <NUM>, such that the wires <NUM> of the tube <NUM> extending from the tube wall are aligned with said electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise at least one guide feature <NUM> configured to direct the at least one wire <NUM> from the tube wall of the tube <NUM>, and/or a pin connected to said at least one wire <NUM>, to the electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> of the electrical port <NUM>.

The at least one guide feature <NUM> may locate said wire <NUM> and/or pin <NUM> in a predetermined location.

The predetermined location of the wire <NUM> and/or pin <NUM> may be aligned with the electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> of the electrical port <NUM>.

The at least one guide feature <NUM> may be provided by an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

The at least one guide feature <NUM> may be formed at least in part by one or more recesses or protrusions.

The at least one guide feature <NUM> may be provided on the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The at least one guide feature <NUM> may comprise at least one rib, wherein the rib is oriented parallel or along a longitudinal axis of the second portion, or a longitudinal axis of the medical tube <NUM>.

The at least one guide feature may comprise a rib having one or more recesses configured to locate at least one wire <NUM> and/or said at least one pin <NUM> within the recess.

Where the tube <NUM> is the tube of the type as shown in <FIG>, having an elongate member <NUM> with an embedded wire, the connector may comprise at least one location feature <NUM>. The location feature <NUM> may be configured to locate the elongate member (for example the second elongate member <NUM>) from the end of the tube into a predetermined location.

The predetermined location may align the second elongate member <NUM> with the electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> of the electrical port <NUM>.

Alignment of the second elongate member <NUM> with the electrical port <NUM> and/or the connection point <NUM> allows for corresponding alignment of the termination point <NUM> (where the wires <NUM> exit the tube).

The predetermined location allows for the wires <NUM> from the second elongate member <NUM> to be provided to corresponding guide features365.

The location features <NUM> may comprise one or more ribs, and/or recesses, oriented parallel or along a longitudinal axis of the second portion <NUM>, or a longitudinal axis of the medical tube <NUM>.

The location features <NUM> may comprise a rib having a recess, the recess configured to locate said second elongate member at said predetermined location.

In some embodiments, the location feature may comprise a hook, loop or a clip.

As discussed above easy access to both the sensor port <NUM> and the electrical port <NUM> is required so as to allow for easy connection and disconnection of the relevant probes and connectors to the connector <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> being on as described above (for example on the top of the connector <NUM>) may also reduce the likelihood of any cabling connected to the electrical port <NUM> interfering with other cabling of the system (for example cabling associated with the sensor port <NUM> and /or sensor probe <NUM>).

The direction of the electrical port <NUM> (for example up and away from the humidifier) may also direct any cabling away from the humidifier and/or a working area of the humidifier.

If for example the sensor port <NUM> were to be located on the same portion of the connector then it may be difficult for a clinician to easily independently connect and disconnect relevant probes and connectors to the sensor port <NUM> and the electrical port <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the sensor port <NUM> may be located on a side <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> and the electrical port <NUM> is located on the top of the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The top of the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may be the external portion <NUM> of the elbow (i.e. the outer portion of the elbow).

The side(s) <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may be either side of the elbow.

The sensor port may offset about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, about a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lumen of the connector <NUM> relative to electrical port <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may define internal and external elbow surfaces, and wherein the electrical port is located on the external elbow surface <NUM>.

The sensor port <NUM> may be oriented perpendicular to the first portion <NUM>.

The sensor port <NUM> may be oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion <NUM> (for example the portion of axis <NUM> in the first portion).

The electrical port <NUM> may be oriented along an axis parallel to an axis substantially perpendicular to the second portion.

The electrical port <NUM> may be oriented along an axis parallel substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.

The electrical port <NUM> may be offset from the centre of the second portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> may be oriented tangentially to an outer surface of the connector <NUM>.

The electrical port <NUM> may be located perpendicular to the sensor port <NUM>.

An axis passing through the electrical port <NUM> may be located perpendicular to an axis passing through the sensor port <NUM>
The electrical port <NUM> may extend in a direction upward and away from the humidifier when the connector <NUM> is connected to a humidification chamber.

The sensor port <NUM> may extend in a direction away from the humidifier when the connector <NUM> is connected to a humidification chamber.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show another connector <NUM> as part of a medical tube assembly.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a first end <NUM> having a first opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a second end <NUM> having a second opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be configured for connection with a medical tube at a second end <NUM>.

The first end <NUM> of the connector may be configured for engagement with a patient interface, and/or a patient interface extension tube.

The first opening <NUM> may be configured to provide a flow of gases.

The connector <NUM> may receive a flow of gases from the medical tube <NUM> through the second opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise lumen formed by the connector <NUM>, the lumen providing a gases flow path between the second opening <NUM> and the first opening <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise at least one sensor port <NUM>. The sensor port <NUM> may have any of the features of the sensor port <NUM> as described above (for example the grommet <NUM> and/or jacket <NUM>.

The sensor port <NUM> may extend outwardly from the connector <NUM>.

The sensor port <NUM> may comprise at least one cover <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be attached to the connector <NUM> about the sensor port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be retained around the sensor port <NUM> by one or more retention features <NUM>.

The retention feature <NUM> may comprise one or more projections.

The cover <NUM> may comprise a cap <NUM> connected to the cover by a tether <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may comprise at least one connection feature <NUM> configured to allow for connection with the medical tube.

In some embodiments, the connection feature <NUM> may comprise a series of protrusions configured to engage the tube.

The connector <NUM> may comprise at least one protrusion <NUM> located at or near the end of the thread, the protrusion <NUM> configured to provide a stop to engage with the medical tube and prevent further engagement of the medical tube and the thread.

The connector may comprise a cuff <NUM> configured to be located over at least part of said second end.

The connector <NUM> may comprise a terminal collar <NUM>, the terminal collar <NUM> being located away from an end of the second end (i.e. the second opening) the cuff <NUM> configured to engage said terminal collar <NUM> when installed.

The terminal collar <NUM> may be provided around a circumference of the second end.

The connector <NUM> and cuff <NUM> may comprise corresponding locking feature(s) configured to lock and retain the cuff on the second portion.

The protrusion may be configured to engage with the locking collar to engage and connect the connector <NUM> and the cuff <NUM>.

The locking collar may be provided on an outer surface of the second end, or the protrusion on an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The protrusion may be provided on an outer surface of the second end, or the protrusion on an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The locking collar may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second end, or an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The protrusion may be located around a circumference of an outer surface of the second end, or an inner surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The locking collar may act as a limit surface for an overmould located under the cuff <NUM> to overmould the interface between the tube and the connector.

The cuff <NUM> and the connector <NUM> comprise corresponding alignment features.

The alignment features <NUM>, <NUM> comprise at least one protrusion <NUM> and a corresponding at least one recess <NUM>.

The alignment features <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to prevent relative rotation between the cuff and the connector.

The at least one protrusion <NUM> comprises one or more teeth.

The cuff may comprise said at least one recess <NUM>, and the connector comprises said at least one protrusion <NUM>.

In some embodiments the connector may comprise said at least one recess <NUM>, and the connector may comprise said at least one protrusion.

The at least one recess <NUM> may located on an internal surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The at least one recess <NUM> may comprise a plurality of recesses, such that the cuff <NUM> may engage with the protrusions <NUM> in a plurality of orientations.

As shown in <FIG>, the at least one recess <NUM> may located around the entire circumference of the internal surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The at least one recess <NUM> may be patterned about the circumference of the internal surface of the cuff <NUM>.

The at least one protrusion <NUM> may be located on the connector.

The at least one protrusion <NUM> may be located on a or the terminal collar <NUM> or a or the locking collar of connector <NUM>.

The connector may comprise a wire termination feature <NUM>. The wire termination feature <NUM> may be configured to provide for termination of a or the wire of the tube at the connector.

The wire termination feature <NUM> may comprise one or more projections extending in a direction away from the connector.

The first end <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may provide for a taper fit connection.

Claim 1:
A connector (<NUM>) for a medical tube (<NUM>), wherein the connector (<NUM>) comprises:
a first portion (<NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>) configured to receive a flow of gases,
a second portion (<NUM>) having a second opening (<NUM>), the second portion (<NUM>) configured to engage with a medical tube and provide a flow of gases to the medical tube through the second opening (<NUM>),
a lumen (<NUM>) formed by the first portion (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>), the lumen providing a gases flow path between the first opening (<NUM>) and the second opening (<NUM>),
wherein the first portion of the connector comprises a sensor port (<NUM>), the sensor port configured to receive a sensor (<NUM>), and wherein the sensor port provides an aperture for the sensor to be inserted so as to be in contact with a flow of gases in the first portion of the connector,
wherein the second portion of the connector comprises at least one electrical port (<NUM>), the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire (<NUM>) in the medical tube (<NUM>),
and wherein the sensor port (<NUM>) is offset about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, about a longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the electrical port (<NUM>).