Bearing sleeves for blowers

Abstract

A blower includes a rotor, a motor adapted to drive the rotor, at least one bearing rotatably supporting the rotor, a stationary component, and a bearing sleeve disposed on the stationary component. The bearing sleeve is configured and arranged to support and retain the bearing on the stationary component. The bearing sleeve comprises an elastic material and includes one or more protrusions or ribs configured to engage along the outer race of the bearing.

Description

[0001] This patent document contains a portion of copyrighted material. The copyright holder does not object to the reproduction of this patent document or patent disclosure by any person in the form it appears in the patent office documents or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights.

[0002] 1. Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 984,515, filed March 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 2 Background Technology 2.1 Technical Field

[0006] This technology relates to one or more of the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, prevention, and improvement of respiratory-related disorders. This technology also relates to medical devices or equipment and their uses. This technology further relates to a blower for generating a pressure differential and / or to a pressure generating device or respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device, for example, for delivering respiratory therapy to a patient.

[0007] 2.2 Description of related technologies

[0008] 2.2.1 Human Respiratory System and Its Diseases

[0009] The human respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the airway entrance for the patient.

[0010] The airways consist of a series of branching tubes, which become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from inhaled air into the venous blood and allowing carbon dioxide to move in the opposite direction. The trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi, which eventually branch into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi form the conduction airways but do not participate in gas exchange. Further branching of the airways leads to the respiratory bronchioles and ultimately to the alveoli. The alveolar region of the lungs is where gas exchange occurs and is called the respiratory zone. See *Respiratory Physiology*, 9th edition, published in 2012 by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

[0011] There are a range of respiratory diseases. Some diseases can be characterized by specific events, such as sleep apnea, hypoventilation, and hyperventilation.

[0012] Examples of breathing disorders include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disorders.

[0013] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by events involving closure or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. It is caused by a combination of abnormally small loss of normal upper airway and muscle tone in the areas of the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal walls during sleep. The condition causes affected patients to stop breathing, typically for periods of 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. This often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and can cause cardiovascular disease and brain damage. The syndrome is common, especially in middle-aged overweight men, but those affected may not be aware of the problem. See U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0014] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is an impairment of the patient's respiratory control, characterized by rhythmic alternations of waxing and waning ventilation known as CSR cycles. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxidation of arterial blood. CSR can be harmful due to repetitive hypoxia. In some patients, CSR is associated with recurrent awakenings from sleep, leading to severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0015] Respiratory failure is a broad term encompassing respiratory disorders in which the lungs are unable to inhale enough oxygen or exhale enough CO2 to meet the patient's needs. Respiratory failure can cover some or all of the following conditions.

[0016] Patients with respiratory insufficiency (a form of respiratory failure) may experience unusual shortness of breath during exercise.

[0017] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia at wakefulness, without other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0018] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any of a group of lower airway diseases that share certain common characteristics. These include increased air resistance, prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity. Examples of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic smoking (a major risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0019] Neuromuscular disease (NMD) is a broad term encompassing many diseases and ailments that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through neuropathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle damage that leads to loss of mobility, wheelchair use, dysphagia, respiratory muscle weakness, and ultimately death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular diseases can be classified as rapidly progressive or slowly progressive: (i) rapidly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle damage that worsens over months and leads to death within years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adolescents); (ii) variable or slowly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle damage that worsens over years and only slightly shortens life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle type, facioscapulohumeral type, and ankylosing spondylitis). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include: progressive general weakness, dysphagia, shortness of breath during exercise and at rest, fatigue, somnolence, morning headache, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

[0020] Chest wall disorders are a group of chest wall deformities that result in inefficient connection between the respiratory muscles and the thoracic cavity. These disorders are typically characterized by restrictive defects and have the potential to cause chronic hypercapnia-related respiratory failure. Scoliosis and / or kyphosis can cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include: dyspnea during exercise, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent chest infections, morning headache, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and loss of appetite.

[0021] A range of treatments have been used to treat or improve these conditions. Furthermore, other healthy individuals can utilize these treatments to prevent respiratory distress. However, these methods have many drawbacks.

[0022] 2.2.2 Treatment

[0023] Various respiratory therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and high-flow therapy (HFT), have been used to treat one or more of the above-mentioned respiratory disorders.

[0024] 2.2.2.1 Respiratory pressure therapy

[0025] Respiratory pressure therapy is the application of supplying air to the airway inlet at a controlled target pressure that is nominally positive relative to the atmosphere throughout the patient’s respiratory cycle (as opposed to negative pressure therapy such as canister ventilators or thoracic brachial tubes).

[0026] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The mechanism of action is that CPAP acts as an air splint and can prevent upper airway obstruction by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment for OSA with CPAP can be voluntary; therefore, patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they find the device used to provide such treatment to be uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or unsightly, among other things.

[0027] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to patients through the upper airway to assist breathing and / or maintain adequate oxygen levels by performing some or all of the work of breathing. Ventilation support is delivered via a noninvasive patient interface. NIV has been used to treat chronic respiratory failure (CSR) and respiratory failure forms such as OHS, COPD, NMD, and chest wall diseases. In some forms, it can improve the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments.

[0028] Non-invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support for patients who are unable to breathe effectively on their own and can be delivered using a tracheostomy tube. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments can be improved.

[0029] 2.2.2.2 Flow Therapy

[0030] Not all respiratory therapies are designed to deliver a prescribed therapeutic pressure. Some respiratory therapies are designed to deliver a prescribed volume of air by delivering an inspiratory flow distribution (potentially superimposed on a positive baseline pressure) over a target duration. In others, the interface to the patient's airway is "open" (unsealed) and the respiratory therapy may supplement only the patient's own spontaneous breathing with a regulated or enriched flow of gas. In one example, high-flow therapy (HFT) delivers a continuous, heated, humidified flow of air to the airway inlet through an unsealed or open patient interface at a "therapeutic flow rate" that remains substantially constant throughout the respiratory cycle. The therapeutic flow rate is nominally set to exceed the patient's peak inspiratory flow rate. HFT has been used to treat OSA, CSR, respiratory failure, COPD, and other respiratory disorders. One mechanism of action is that the high flow rate of air at the airway inlet improves ventilation efficiency by flushing or removing exhaled CO2 from the patient's anatomical dead space. Therefore, HFT is sometimes referred to as dead space therapy (DST). Other benefits may include increased warmth and humidification (which may be beneficial for secretion management) and the possibility of a moderate increase in airway pressure. As an alternative to constant flow, therapeutic flow can follow a curve that varies with respiratory cycles.

[0031] Another form of flow therapy is long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), or supplemental oxygen therapy. Doctors can prescribe a continuous flow of oxygen-enriched air to be delivered to the patient's airway at a specific oxygen concentration (from 21% to 100% of the oxygen fraction in ambient air) and at a specific flow rate (e.g., 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2 LPM, 3 LPM, etc.).

[0032] 2.2.2.3 Supplementing oxygen

[0033] For some patients, oxygen therapy can be combined with respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) or high-pressure airflow (HFT) by adding supplemental oxygen to the pressurized airflow. When oxygen is added to respiratory pressure therapy, this is called RPT with supplemental oxygen. When oxygen is added to HFT, the resulting therapy is called HFT with supplemental oxygen.

[0034] 2.2.3 Respiratory Therapy System

[0035] These respiratory therapies can be provided by respiratory therapy systems or devices. Such systems and devices can also be used to screen, diagnose, or monitor conditions without treating them.

[0036] A respiratory therapy system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, an oxygen source, and data management.

[0037] Another type of treatment system is the mandibular repositioning device.

[0038] 2.2.3.1 Patient Interface

[0039] Patient interfaces can be used to attach breathing equipment to their wearer, for example, by providing an airflow into the airway inlet. The airflow can be provided to the patient's nose and / or mouth via a mask, to the mouth via a tube, or to the patient's trachea via a tracheostomy tube. Depending on the treatment to be applied, the patient interface can form a seal with an area such as the patient's face, thereby facilitating the delivery of gas at a pressure sufficiently different from ambient pressure (e.g., a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O relative to ambient pressure) to achieve the treatment. For other forms of treatment, such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate the delivery of a gas supply at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O to the airway. For flow-based treatments such as nasal HFT, the patient interface is configured to blow air into the nostrils, but specifically avoids a complete seal. An example of such a patient interface is a nasal cannula.

[0040] Some other mask systems may not be functionally suitable for this field. For example, a purely decorative mask may not be able to maintain adequate pressure. Mask systems for underwater swimming or diving can be configured to prevent the ingress of water from higher external pressures, but not to maintain internal air at a pressure higher than ambient pressure.

[0041] Certain masks may be clinically disadvantageous for this technique, for example, if they block airflow through the nose and only allow it through the mouth.

[0042] If patients need to insert part of the mask structure into their mouths to create and maintain a seal through their lips, some masks may be uncomfortable or impractical for this technique.

[0043] Some face masks may be impractical to use while sleeping, such as when lying on your side in bed with your head on a pillow.

[0044] The design of the patient interface presents numerous challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary considerably between individuals. Because the head comprises bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The jawbone or mandible can move relative to other bones of the skull. The entire head can move during respiratory therapy.

[0045] As a result of these challenges, some masks suffer from one or more protrusions, aesthetically undesirable features, high cost, poor fit, difficulty in use, and discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods or when the patient is unfamiliar with the system. An incorrectly sized mask can lead to reduced adherence, decreased comfort, and poorer patient outcomes. Masks designed solely for pilots, masks designed as part of personal protective equipment (e.g., filtering masks), SCUBA masks, or masks used for the administration of anesthetics may be tolerable for their original application; however, such masks can still be undesirably uncomfortable when worn for extended periods (e.g., several hours). This discomfort can lead to decreased patient adherence to treatment. This is especially true if the mask is worn during sleep.

[0046] CPAP therapy is highly effective for treating certain respiratory conditions, provided the patient adheres to the treatment. Patients may not adhere to treatment if the mask is uncomfortable or difficult to use. Because patients are generally advised to clean their masks regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), patients may not be able to clean it, and this can affect patient adherence.

[0047] While masks designed for other applications (such as navigators) may not be suitable for treating sleep-disordered breathing, masks designed for treating sleep-disordered breathing may be suitable for other applications.

[0048] For these reasons, different fields have emerged for patient interfaces used to deliver CPAP during sleep.

[0049] 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Device

[0050] Respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) devices can be used alone or as part of a system to deliver one or more of the aforementioned treatments, for example, by operating the device to generate an airflow for delivery to an airway interface. The airflow can be pressure-controlled (for respiratory pressure therapy) or flow-controlled (for flow therapy such as HFT). Therefore, RPT devices can also be used as flow therapy devices. Examples of RPT devices include CPAP devices and ventilators.

[0051] Pneumatic generators are known in a variety of applications, such as industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, pneumatic generators for medical applications have specific requirements that more general pneumatic generators cannot meet, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical treatment may have disadvantages related to one or more of the following: comfort, noise, ease of use, efficiency, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0052] One example of a specific requirement for certain RPT devices is noise.

[0053] A table showing the noise output levels of an existing RPT device (only one sample, measured in CPAP mode at 10 cmH2O using the test method specified in ISO 3744).

[0054] RPT device name A-weighted sound pressure level dB(A) Year (approximately) <![CDATA[C-Series Tango TM ]]> 31.9 2007 <![CDATA[C-Series Tango with Humidifier TM > 33.1 2007 <![CDATA[S8 Escape TM II]]> 30.5 2005 <![CDATA[With H4i TM S8 Escape humidifier TM II]]> 31.1 2005 <![CDATA[S9 AutoSet TM ]]> 26.5 2010 <![CDATA[S9 AutoSet with H5i Humidifier TM > 28.6 2010

[0055] One known RPT device for treating sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed Limited. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. Ventilators, such as the ResMed Stellar ventilator for adults and children, are also mentioned. TM The series can provide invasive and non-invasive non-dependent ventilation support for a range of patients to treat a variety of conditions, such as, but not limited to, NMD, OHS and COPD.

[0056] ResMed Elisée after treatment TM 150 ventilators and treated ResMed VS III TM Ventilators provide invasive and non-invasive dependent ventilation support for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of conditions. These ventilators offer volumetric and pressure ventilation modes with single-limb or dual-limb circuits. RPT devices typically include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to supply airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow can be supplied to the patient's airway at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface such as those described above.

[0057] The designer of the device is presented with an infinite number of options to make. Design standards often conflict, meaning that some design choices are unconventional or unavoidable. Furthermore, certain aspects of comfort and efficiency may be highly sensitive to minute, subtle changes in one or more parameters.

[0058] 2.2.3.3 Air Circuit

[0059] An air circuit is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow airflow between two components of a respiratory therapy system, such as an RPT device and a patient interface, during use. In some cases, there may be separate branches of the air circuit for inspiratory and expiratory breathing. In other cases, a single branch air circuit is used for both inspiratory and expiratory breathing.

[0060] 2.2.3.4 Humidifier

[0061] Delivering airflow without humidification can lead to airway dryness. The use of humidifiers with an RPT device and patient interface produces humidified gas that minimizes dryness of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. Furthermore, in colder climates, warm air applied to the patient interface and the facial area around the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cold air.

[0062] Many artificial humidification devices and systems are known, however, they do not meet the specific requirements of medical humidifiers.

[0063] Medical humidifiers are used to increase the humidity and / or temperature of an airflow relative to ambient air, typically in areas where patients sleep or rest (e.g., in hospitals). Medical humidifiers intended for bedside placement can be small. They can be configured to humidify and / or heat only the airflow delivered to the patient, without humidifying and / or heating the patient's surrounding environment. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers) may also humidify the air inhaled by the patient; however, these systems also humidify and / or heat the entire room, which can cause discomfort for the occupant. Furthermore, medical humidifiers may have more stringent safety constraints than industrial humidifiers.

[0064] While many medical humidifiers are known, they may have one or more drawbacks. Some medical humidifiers may provide insufficient humidification, and some may be difficult or inconvenient for patients to use.

[0065] 2.2.3.5 Oxygen Source

[0066] Experts in this field have recognized the long-term benefits of exercise for patients with respiratory failure, slowing disease progression, improving quality of life, and extending lifespan. However, most stationary forms of exercise, such as treadmills and stationary bikes, are too strenuous for these patients. Consequently, the need for mobility has long been recognized. Until recently, this mobility was facilitated by the use of small compressed oxygen cylinders or tanks mounted on vehicles with trolley wheels. The disadvantages of these cylinders are that they contain a limited amount of oxygen and are heavy, weighing approximately 50 pounds when mounted.

[0067] Oxygen concentrators have been used for approximately 50 years to provide oxygen for respiratory therapy. Traditional oxygen concentrators are large and bulky, making ordinary mobile operations difficult and impractical. Recently, companies that manufacture large, stationary oxygen concentrators have begun developing portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). The advantage of POCs is that they can produce a theoretically unlimited supply of oxygen. To make these devices highly mobile, various systems used to produce oxygen-enriched gas need to be condensed. POCs seek to utilize the oxygen they produce as efficiently as possible, minimizing weight, size, and power consumption. This can be achieved by delivering oxygen in a series of pulses or “clumps,” each timed to coincide with the start of inhalation. This treatment mode is called pulsed oxygen delivery (POD) or demand mode, in contrast to the traditional continuous flow delivery more suited to stationary oxygen concentrators.

[0068] 2.2.3.6 Data Management

[0069] There may be clinical reasons for obtaining data to determine whether a patient prescribed respiratory therapy has been "adherent," such as the patient having used their RPT device according to one or more "adherence rules." An example of an adherence rule for CPAP therapy is that, in order to be considered adherent, a patient is required to use the RPT device for at least 4 hours per night for at least 21 days out of a 30-day period. To determine patient adherence, the RPT device provider (e.g., a healthcare provider) may manually obtain data describing the patient's treatment using the RPT device, calculate usage over a predetermined time period, and compare it to the adherence rules. Once the healthcare provider has determined that the patient has used their RPT device according to the adherence rules, the healthcare provider can notify a third party that the patient is adherent.

[0070] There may be other aspects of patient treatment that would benefit from communication of treatment data to third-party or external systems.

[0071] Existing processes for communicating and managing such data can be expensive, time-consuming, and error-prone. 3. Summary of the Invention

[0073] This technology aims to provide medical devices for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory disorders, which have one or more of the following: improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0074] The first aspect of this technology relates to devices for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0075] Another aspect of this technology relates to methods for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating, or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0076] One aspect of certain forms of this technology is for providing methods and / or devices to improve patient adherence to respiratory therapy.

[0077] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower for generating a pressurized gas flow.

[0078] Another aspect of this technology relates to a motor blower including a motor and a centrifugal fan, the centrifugal fan including an impeller and a housing, the housing including a housing inlet and a housing outlet, the motor blower being configured to receive an airflow at the housing inlet at a pressure below ambient pressure and to direct an airflow to the housing outlet at a pressure above ambient pressure during use, the motor having a shaft constructed and arranged to rotate about an axis during use, the impeller being constructed and arranged to rotate about the axis during use, the impeller including a plurality of blades, the housing inlet having a housing inlet center located on the axis, and the housing outlet having a housing outlet center located on the axis.

[0079] Another aspect of this technology relates to a device for providing positive pressure respiratory therapy to a patient during a respiratory cycle, the device comprising an inspiratory portion and an expiratory portion. The device includes: a controllable motor blower configured to generate a supply of air at a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure by rotating one or more impellers at an impeller speed; a housing housing the motor blower, the housing including an inlet and a patient connection port configured to, in use, connect the supply of air at the positive pressure from the motor blower to a patient interface via an air circuit; a sensor that monitors at least one of the pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air supply and generates a sensor output; and a controller configured to adjust operating parameters of the motor blower based on the sensor output to maintain a minimum positive pressure in the patient interface during the treatment period by inducing an increase in impeller speed during the inspiratory portion of the respiratory cycle and a decrease in impeller speed during the expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle.

[0080] One aspect of this technology relates to a motor including a shaft and at least one bearing, the shaft being configured and arranged to rotate about an axis in use, the at least one bearing rotatably supporting the shaft.

[0081] One aspect of this technology relates to an RPT device including a blower, for example, for delivering respiratory therapy to a patient.

[0082] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower that includes a resilient bearing sleeve configured and arranged to support and retain a bearing.

[0083] One aspect of this technology relates to a resilient bearing sleeve that is constructed and arranged to support and retain a bearing.

[0084] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower including a stationary component and a resilient bearing sleeve, the resilient bearing sleeve including an overmolded connection with the stationary component.

[0085] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower including a rotor, a motor adapted to drive the rotor, at least one bearing rotatably supporting the rotor, a stationary component, and a bearing sleeve disposed on the stationary component. The bearing sleeve is configured and arranged to support and retain the bearing on the stationary component. The bearing sleeve comprises an elastic material and includes one or more protrusions or ribs configured to engage along the outer race of the bearing.

[0086] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower including a rotor, a motor adapted to drive the rotor, at least one bearing rotatably supporting the rotor, a stationary member, and a bearing sleeve disposed on the stationary member. The bearing sleeve is configured and arranged to support and retain the bearing on the stationary member. The bearing sleeve comprises an elastic material and includes an overmolded connection to the stationary member. The bearing sleeve includes a retaining structure configured and arranged to form a mechanical connection with the stationary member.

[0087] One aspect of this technology relates to a blower including a rotor, a motor adapted to drive the rotor, at least one bearing rotatably supporting the rotor, a biasing element providing a preload force to the at least one bearing, a retaining member, and a bearing sleeve disposed on the retaining member. The bearing sleeve is configured and arranged to support and retain the bearing on the retaining member. The bearing sleeve comprises an elastic material. The bearing sleeve is configured to protrude beyond the bearing and provide space for enclosing and positioning the biasing element.

[0088] One aspect of this technology is a method for manufacturing equipment.

[0089] One aspect of this technology is a portable RPT device that can be carried by a person (e.g., in a person's home).

[0090] The described methods, systems, apparatus, and devices can be implemented to improve the functionality of processors, such as dedicated computers, respiratory monitors, and / or respiratory therapy devices. Furthermore, the described methods, systems, apparatus, and devices can provide improvements in the technical field of automated management, monitoring, and / or treatment of respiratory conditions, including, for example, sleep-disordered breathing.

[0091] Of course, some of these aspects can form sub-aspects of this technology. Furthermore, sub-aspects and / or aspects of the aspects can be combined in various ways and also constitute other aspects or sub-aspects of this technology.

[0092] Other features of the present technology will become apparent from the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings and claims. 4. Attached Figure Descriptions

[0094] The technology is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example and not limitation, and the same reference numerals in the drawings denote similar elements, including:

[0095] 4.1 Respiratory Therapy System

[0096] Figure 1 A system is shown in which a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 via a nose pillow receives a positive-pressure air supply from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device 4000 is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 along an air circuit 4170. A bed partner 1100 is also shown. The patient sleeps in a supine position.

[0097] 4.2 Patient Interface

[0098] Figure 2A A patient interface in the form of a nasal mask according to the present technology is shown.

[0099] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a point is shown. The outward normal at that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a positive sign, and when... Figure 2C The curvature amplitude shown has a relatively large amplitude compared to that shown.

[0100] Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a point is shown. The outward normal at that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a positive sign, and when... Figure 2B The curvature amplitude shown has a relatively small amplitude compared to that shown.

[0101] Figure 2D A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a single point is shown. The outward normal at that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a zero value.

[0102] Figure 2E A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a point is shown. The outward normal at that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a negative sign, and when... Figure 2F The curvature amplitude shown has a relatively small amplitude compared to that shown.

[0103] Figure 2F A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a point is shown. The outward normal at that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a negative sign, and when... Figure 2E The curvature amplitude shown has a relatively large amplitude compared to that shown.

[0104] Figure 2G The diagram shows a surface with a structure having a one-dimensional hole. The planar curves shown form the boundary of the one-dimensional hole.

[0105] Figure 2H It shows crossing Figure 2G The cross-section of the structure. The surface shown is in Figure 2G The structure defines a two-dimensional hole.

[0106] Figure 2I It shows Figure 2G A perspective view of the structure, including two-dimensional and one-dimensional holes. Also shown is... Figure 2G The surface of the two-dimensional hole is defined in the structure.

[0107] 4.3RPT device

[0108] Figure 3A An RPT device of one form according to the present technology is shown.

[0109] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic path of one form of RPT device according to this technology. The upstream and downstream directions are indicated by reference to a blower and a patient interface. The blower is defined as upstream of the patient interface and the patient interface as downstream of the blower, regardless of the actual flow direction at any given moment. Articles within the pneumatic path between the blower and the patient interface are located downstream of the blower and upstream of the patient interface.

[0110] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of one form of RPT device according to the present technology.

[0111] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a blower for an RPT device, according to an example of this technology.

[0112] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the blower.

[0113] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of a portion of the blower shown.

[0114] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper portion of a stationary component for a blower and a bearing sleeve, according to an example of the present technology.

[0115] Figure 8 This is an exploded view showing the upper portion of the stationary component for a blower and the bearing sleeve, according to an example of the present technology.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the upper portion of a fixed component for a blower, according to an example of this technology.

[0117] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the middle portion of a stationary component for a blower and a bearing sleeve, according to an example of the present technology.

[0118] Figure 11 This is an exploded view showing the intermediate portion of the stationary component for a blower and the bearing sleeve, according to an example of the present technology.

[0119] Figure 12 This is a top perspective view of the middle portion of a fixed component for a blower, according to an example of this technology.

[0120] Figure 13 This is a bottom perspective view of the middle portion of a fixed component for a blower, according to an example of this technology. 5. Detailed Implementation

[0122] Before describing this technology in further detail, it should be understood that this technology is not limited to the specific examples described herein, and the specific examples described herein may be modified. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing the specific examples described herein only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0123] The following description is provided in relation to various examples that may share one or more common features and / or characteristics. It should be understood that one or more features of any example may be combined with one or more features of another example or other examples. In addition, in any example, any single feature or combination of features may constitute another example.

[0124] 5.1 Treatment

[0125] In one form, the technology includes a method for treating respiratory disorders, the method comprising applying positive pressure to the airway inlet of a patient 1000.

[0126] In some examples of this technique, a positive pressure air supply is provided to the patient's nasal passages through one or both nostrils.

[0127] In some examples of this technique, mouth breathing is limited, restricted, or prevented.

[0128] 5.2 Respiratory Therapy System

[0129] In one form, the technology includes a respiratory therapy system for treating respiratory disorders. The respiratory therapy system may include an RPT device 4000 for supplying an airflow to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 and a patient interface 3000, see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 .

[0130] 5.3 Patient Interface

[0131] Figure 2A A noninvasive patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present technology is shown, comprising the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, an inflation chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, an air vent 3400, a connection port 3600 for connection to an air circuit 4170, and a forehead support 3700. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, a single physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is arranged around the inlet of the patient's airway to maintain positive pressure at the inlet of the patient's airway. Therefore, the sealed patient interface 3000 is suitable for delivering positive pressure therapy.

[0132] If the patient interface cannot comfortably deliver a minimum level of positive pressure to the airway, the patient interface may not be suitable for respiratory pressure therapy.

[0133] According to one form of the present technology, a patient interface 3000 is constructed and arranged to supply air at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O relative to the environment.

[0134] According to one form of the present technology, a patient interface 3000 is constructed and arranged to supply air at a positive pressure of at least 10 cmH2O relative to the environment.

[0135] According to one form of the present technology, a patient interface 3000 is constructed and arranged to supply air at a positive pressure of at least 20 cmH2O relative to the environment.

[0136] 5.4RPT device

[0137] Figures 3A to 3CAn RPT device 4000 according to one aspect of the present technology is shown. The RPT device 4000 includes mechanical, pneumatic and / or electrical components and is configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device 4000 can be configured to generate an airflow for delivery to a patient's airway, for example for treating one or more respiratory conditions described elsewhere in this document.

[0138] In one embodiment, the RPT device 4000 is constructed and arranged to deliver an airflow in the range of -20 L / min to +150 L / min while maintaining a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O, or at least 10 cmH2O, or at least 20 cmH2O.

[0139] The RPT device may have an outer housing 4010, which is formed in two parts: an upper portion 4012 and a lower portion 4014. Furthermore, the outer housing 4010 may include one or more panels 4015. The RPT device 4000 includes a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. The RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.

[0140] The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 may include one or more air path items, such as one or more filters 4110 (e.g., inlet air filter 4112, air outlet filter 4114), inlet silencer 4122, pressure generator 4140 capable of supplying positive pressure air (e.g., blower 4142), outlet silencer 4124, and one or more converters 4270, such as pressure sensor 4272 and flow sensor 4274.

[0141] One or more air path items may be located within a removable integral structure, referred to as pneumatic block 4020. Pneumatic block 4020 may be located within an outer housing 4010. In one form, pneumatic block 4020 is supported by or formed as part of chassis 4016.

[0142] The RPT device 4000 may include a power supply 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a central controller 4230, a treatment device controller, a pressure generator 4140, one or more protection circuits, a memory, a converter 4270, a data communication interface, and one or more output devices 4290. Electrical components 4200 may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202. In an alternative embodiment, the RPT device 4000 may include more than one PCBA 4202.

[0143] pressure generator

[0144] In one form of this technology, the pressure generator 4140 for generating a positive pressure airflow or air supply is a controllable blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 having one or more impellers. The impellers may be located in a volute. The blower is capable of delivering an air supply, for example, at a rate up to about 120 liters / minute, at a positive pressure ranging from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O when delivering respiratory pressure therapy. The blower may be as described in any of the following patents or patent applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent No. 7,866,944; U.S. Patent No. 8,638,014; U.S. Patent No. 8,636,479; and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013 / 020167.

[0145] The pressure generator 4140 can be controlled by the central controller 4230 and / or the treatment device controller.

[0146] In other forms, the pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high-pressure source (e.g., a compressed air reservoir), or a bellows.

[0147] Figures 4 to 13 A blower 6000 for generating a positive pressure airflow or air supply according to an example of the present technology is shown. In the illustrated example, the blower 6000 provides an axially symmetrical three-stage blower design. In one example, the blower 6000 may be configured to provide pressurized air in the range of up to 45-50 cmH2O, for example, 2-50 cmH2O, for example, 3-45 cmH2O, 4-30 cmH2O.

[0148] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As best shown, the blower 6000 includes an inlet cover 6010 providing an axial air inlet 6015 (blower inlet), a motor 6020 adapted to drive a rotatable shaft or rotor 6030, first and second impellers 6041, 6042 provided to the rotor 6030 and positioned on one side of the motor 6020, and a third impeller 6043 provided to the rotor 6030 and positioned on the opposite side of the motor 6020. The blower 6000 includes a first fixed member 6050, a second fixed member 6060, and a third fixed member 6080. The first fixed member 6050 includes stage 1 stator blades 6055 and follows the first impeller 6041. The second fixed member 6060 includes stage 2 stator blades 6065, 6067 and follows the second impeller 6042 and surrounds the motor 6020. The third fixed member 6080 includes stage 3 stator blades 6085 and follows the third impeller 6043. The third fixed component 6080 also provides an axial air outlet 6088 (blower outlet). In use, the blower 6000 is operable to draw air supply into the blower inlet 6015 and provide pressurized air supply at the blower outlet 6088.

[0149] Motor 6020 includes a magnet 6022 provided to rotor 6030 and a stator assembly 6024. Stator assembly 6024 includes lamination group 6026 (e.g., multiple laminations (e.g., made of iron)) and stator coils or windings 6028 (e.g., made of copper) disposed to lamination group 6026.

[0150] The second stationary component 6060 includes a tubular portion 6068 surrounding a magnet 6022 on a rotor 6030, the rotor 6030 being closely aligned with a stator assembly 6024 disposed along the outer surface of the tubular portion 6068. The tubular portion 6068 is constructed of a material sufficiently "magnetically transparent" to allow magnetic fields to pass through it, which allows the stator assembly 6024 to act along its outer surface on the magnet 6022 located within the tubular portion 6068. Further details and examples of this arrangement are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2008-0304986, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0151] Further examples and details of such blower arrangements are described in PCT Publication WO 2013 / 020167, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0152] In the example shown, the rotor 6030 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings 6091, 6092 (e.g., ball bearings), which are held or supported by a second fixed member 6060.

[0153] In the example shown, for example, see Figure 5The second fixing member 6060 is configured as three parts, which are formed separately from each other (e.g., molded) and then assembled together (e.g., thermal pegs, mechanical interlocks (e.g., tongue / groove), friction fit, etc.). As shown, the second fixing member 6060 includes an upper portion 6062 (also called an end cap), a middle portion 6064, and a lower portion 6066. As described below, an upper bearing sleeve 6100 (e.g., comprising an elastic material, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)) is disposed on an upper portion 6062, which is constructed and arranged to support and retain the upper bearing of a pair of bearings (i.e., bearing 6091 on the side of the second fixing member 6060 closer to the blower inlet 6015) and a lower bearing sleeve 6200 (e.g., comprising an elastic material, such as TPE or TPU) is disposed on an intermediate portion 6064, which is constructed and arranged to support and retain the lower bearing of a pair of bearings (i.e., bearing 6092 on the side of the second fixing member 6060 closer to the blower outlet 6088).

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper portion 6062 and the middle portion 6064 cooperate to support and hold the motor 6020 in the operating position. Furthermore, the upper portion 6062 and the middle portion 6064 cooperate to form stage 2 stator blades 6065, which are configured to guide airflow downwards and around the motor 6020 in a generally axial direction. Specifically, the upper portion 6062 includes a first set of blades forming the upper portion of each stator blade 6065, while the middle portion 6064 includes a second set of blades forming the lower portion of each stator blade 6065. The lower portion 6066 is positioned below the motor 6020 and includes stage 2 stator blades 6067, which are configured to guide airflow to a third stage in a radial direction, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 Further examples and details of such stator arrangements are described in PCT Publication WO 2013 / 020167, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0155] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the upper portion 6062 includes: a cylindrical sidewall 6310 that surrounds the middle portion 6064 and forms the outer wall of the blower 6000; and an end wall 6320 disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical sidewall 6310. The end wall 6320 provides a radially outer opening 6330 and a radially inner support portion 6340, the radially outer opening 6330 supporting a first set of blades forming the upper portion of each stator blade 6065, and the radially inner support portion 6340 supporting and holding the upper bearing sleeve 6100.

[0156] End wall 6320 also includes an intermediate connecting portion 6350 (between the radially outer opening 6330 and the radially inner support portion 6340) connected to the intermediate portion 6064. For example, the intermediate connecting portion 6350 can be connected to the intermediate portion 6064 by thermal riveting, for instance, the intermediate portion 6064 including a post 6069 configured and arranged to extend through a corresponding opening 6352 in the intermediate connecting portion 6350 and subsequently thermally riveted to secure the upper end portion 6062 to the intermediate portion 6064. However, it should be understood that the upper end portion 6062 and the intermediate portion 6064 can be connected to each other in other suitable ways.

[0157] In the example shown, the support portion 6340 includes a bottom wall 6342 and a support wall 6344 extending axially inward from the inner side of the bottom wall 6342. Furthermore, the bottom wall 6342, together with spaced-apart side walls 6345 and 6346 extending axially outward from the outer side of the bottom wall 6342, forms a channel 6348.

[0158] As shown in the figure, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 is supported and held by a support portion 6340. The upper bearing sleeve 6100 includes a cylindrical or tubular sidewall 6110 that provides a cylindrical opening to support and hold the upper bearing, i.e., bearing 6091, in the pair of bearings. Furthermore, as shown, the cylindrical sidewall 6110 is arranged radially inward along the support wall 6344. Additionally, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 includes a retaining structure 6120 that wraps around the support wall 6344 and enters a channel 6348 to hold the upper bearing sleeve 6100 on the support portion 6340 of the upper end portion 6062.

[0159] In the illustrated example, the cylindrical sidewall 6110 includes one or more annular bumps or ribs 6115 (e.g., two, three, four, or more bumps or ribs) for holding the bearing 6091 in an operating position. As shown, the bumps or ribs 6115 are configured and arranged to engage along the outer race of the bearing 6091. The inner race of the bearing 6091 is configured and arranged to engage the rotor 6030.

[0160] In one example, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 is made of an elastic material such as TPE or TPU. This elastic bearing sleeve 6100 is disposed between the support portion 6340 and the bearing 6091, for example, to isolate vibration, reduce noise, and provide damping, for example, in the radial direction. Furthermore, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 replaces damping or bearing grease between the support portion 6340 and the bearing 6091, for example, which facilitates manufacturing.

[0161] The upper bearing sleeve 6100 may be permanently (e.g., overmolded) or removably (e.g., interference fit assembly) attached to the support portion 6340 of the upper portion 6062.

[0162] In the example shown, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 and the upper portion 6062 include overmolded structures to form a one-piece integrated component. For example, the upper portion 6062 may include a first portion or base mold, and the upper bearing sleeve 6100 may include a second component or overmolded part provided (e.g., by overmolding) to the first portion. In one example, the upper portion 6062 includes a material that is more rigid than the upper bearing sleeve 6100 (e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene), such as TPE, TPU.

[0163] In one example, the upper bearing sleeve 6100 may be overmolded onto the upper portion 6062, such that the retaining structure 6120 provides an interference fit or mechanical interlock with the upper portion 6062. For example, the bottom wall 6342 of the support portion 6340 includes a plurality of holes 6343, allowing the resilient material of the upper bearing sleeve 6100 to flow into and fill channels 6348 during the overmolding process, flow through these holes, and flow around the support wall 6344 to mechanically secure the upper bearing sleeve 6100 to the upper portion 6062. Furthermore, the outer side of the sidewall 6110 may include one or more threads or protrusions adapted to engage within corresponding grooves provided to the support wall 6344 to further secure the upper bearing sleeve 6100 in the operating position. Additionally, in one example, the resilient material of the upper bearing sleeve 6100 may provide mating surfaces that bond or adhere to the upper portion 6062 to enhance the connection with the upper portion 6062.

[0164] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the intermediate portion 6064 includes a tube portion 6068, a cylindrical sidewall 6410 providing a radially external opening 6430, and an end wall 6420 provided to the lower end of the tube portion 6068. The opening 6430 supports a second set of blades forming the lower portion of each stator blade 6065. The end wall 6420 provides a support portion 6440 for supporting and retaining the lower bearing sleeve 6200. In the example shown, the intermediate portion 6064 may be overmolded into the stator assembly 6024 and may be collectively referred to as the stator overmolded part.

[0165] In the example shown, the support portion 6440 includes a bottom wall 6442 and a support wall 6444 extending axially inward from the inside of the bottom wall 6442.

[0166] As shown in the figure, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 is supported and held by a support portion 6440. The lower bearing sleeve 6200 includes a cylindrical or tubular sidewall 6210 that provides a cylindrical opening to support and hold the lower bearing, i.e., bearing 6092, in the pair of bearings. Furthermore, as shown, the cylindrical sidewall 6210 is arranged radially inward along the support wall 6444. Additionally, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 includes a retaining structure 6220 that wraps around the support wall 6444 to hold the lower bearing sleeve 6200 to the support portion 6440 of the intermediate portion 6064.

[0167] In the illustrated example, the cylindrical sidewall 6210 includes an elongated configuration, and the upper side of the sidewall 6210 includes one or more annular protrusions or ribs 6215 (e.g., two, three, four, or more protrusions or ribs) for holding the bearing 6092 in an operating position. As shown, the protrusions or ribs 6215 are configured and arranged to engage along the outer race of the bearing 6092. The inner race of the bearing 6092 is configured and arranged to engage the rotor 6030.

[0168] In the example shown, the lower side of the sidewall 6210 (adjacent to the bottom wall 6442) has no protrusions or ribs that protrude beyond the bearing 6092 and provide space for enclosing and positioning the spring or biasing element 6095. As shown, the spring or biasing element 6095 is arranged between the bottom wall 6442 and the bearing 6092 to apply a preload force to the bearing 6092 (e.g., to the inner race of the ball bearing 6092) and / or maintain the alignment of the magnet 6022 with the stator assembly 6024.

[0169] In one example, similar to the upper bearing sleeve 6100, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 is made of an elastic material such as TPE or TPU. This elastic bearing sleeve 6200 is disposed between the support portion 6440 and the bearing 6092, for example, to isolate vibration, reduce noise, and provide damping, for example, in the radial direction. Furthermore, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 replaces damping or bearing grease between the support portion 6440 and the bearing 6092, for example, which facilitates manufacturing.

[0170] The lower bearing sleeve 6200 may be permanently (e.g., overmolded) or removably (e.g., interference fit assembly) connected to the support portion 6440 of the intermediate portion 6064.

[0171] In the illustrated example, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 and the intermediate portion 6064 include an overmolded configuration to form a single-piece integrated component. For example, the intermediate portion 6064 (e.g., together with the overmolded stator assembly 6024) may include a first portion or base mold, and the lower bearing sleeve 6200 may include a second portion or overmolded element provided (e.g., by overmolding) to the first portion. In one example, the intermediate portion 6064 comprises a material that is more rigid than the lower bearing sleeve 6200 (e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene), such as TPE, TPU.

[0172] In one example, the lower bearing sleeve 6200 may be overmolded onto the intermediate portion 6064, such that the retaining structure 6220 provides an interference fit or mechanical interlock with the intermediate portion 6064. For example, in the illustrated example, the retaining structure 6220 is configured to wrap around the free end of the support wall 6444 to mechanically secure the lower bearing sleeve 6200 to the intermediate portion 6064. Furthermore, the outer side of the sidewall 6210 includes one or more threads or protrusions 6217 adapted to engage in corresponding grooves provided to the support wall 6444 to secure the lower bearing sleeve 6200 in an operating position. Additionally, the bottom wall 6442 of the support portion 6440 includes a plurality of holes 6443, allowing the resilient material of the lower bearing sleeve 6200 to flow through these holes during the overmolding process and to form posts or rivets 6219 on the support wall 6444 to mechanically secure the lower bearing sleeve 6200 to the intermediate portion 6064. In addition, in one example, the elastic material of the lower bearing sleeve 6200 can provide a mating surface that is bonded or adhered to the intermediate portion 6064 to enhance the connection with the intermediate portion 6064.

[0173] In the example shown, the upper portion 6062, the middle portion 6064, and the corresponding resilient bearing sleeves 6100 and 6200 are constructed and arranged to support and align bearings 6091 and 6092, which align the rotor 6030 with the axis of the blower 6000. In the example shown, bearings 6091 and 6092 have the same dimensions. However, the upper portion 6062, the middle portion 6064, and the corresponding resilient bearing sleeves 6100 and 6200 could be constructed to support and align bearings of different dimensions relative to each other.

[0174] In one example, spacers may be provided between each bearing 6091, 6092 and the magnet 6022, for example, to maintain the alignment of the magnet 6022 with the stator assembly 6024.

[0175] Although the blower example is described as including a three-stage design, it should be understood that the example of this technology can be applied to other stage designs, such as one-stage, two-stage, four-stage or more stages.

[0176] Furthermore, while this article describes aspects of the technology in its application to noninvasive ventilation (NIV) therapy devices (e.g., RPT devices) (e.g., CPAP), it should be understood that aspects of the technology can be applied to other application areas using blowers, such as in positive and negative pressure applications.

[0177] 5.5 Air Circuit

[0178] According to one aspect of the art, the air circuit 4170 is a conduit or tube that is constructed and arranged in use to allow airflow to travel between two components, such as the RPT device 4000 and the patient interface 3000.

[0179] Specifically, the air circuit 4170 can be fluidly connected to the outlet and patient interface of the pneumatic block 4020. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, it may have separate branches for the inspiratory and expiratory circuits. In other cases, a single branch is used.

[0180] In some forms, the air circuit 4170 may include one or more heating elements configured to heat air in the air circuit, for example, to maintain or raise the temperature of the air. The heating element may be in the form of a heating wire circuit and may include one or more transducers, such as temperature sensors. In one form, the heating wire circuit may be helically wound around an axis of the air circuit 4170. The heating element may be communicated with a controller, such as a central controller 4230. An example of an air circuit 4170 including a heating wire circuit is described in U.S. Patent 8,733,349, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0181] 5.5.1 Supplemental Gas Delivery

[0182] In one form of this technology, supplemental gas (e.g., oxygen) 4180 is delivered to one or more points in the pneumatic path, such as upstream of pneumatic block 4020, to air circuit 4170 and / or patient interface 3000.

[0183] 5.6 Humidifier

[0184] 5.6.1 Overview of Humidifiers

[0185] In one form of this technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided (e.g., such as...). Figure 1(As shown), to change the absolute humidity of the air or gas used to deliver to the patient relative to ambient air. Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity of the airflow and increase the temperature of the airflow (relative to ambient air) before it is delivered to the patient's airway.

[0186] 5.7 Glossary

[0187] To achieve the purposes of this technical disclosure, one or more of the following definitions may be applied in certain forms of this technology. Alternative definitions may be applied in other forms of this technology.

[0188] 5.7.1 General

[0189] Air: In some forms of this technology, air may be considered to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of this technology, air may be considered to mean some other combination of breathable gases, such as oxygen-enriched air.

[0190] Environment: In some forms of this technology, the term environment may have the following meanings: (i) outside the treatment system or the patient, and (ii) directly surrounding the treatment system or the patient.

[0191] For example, the ambient humidity relative to a humidifier can be the humidity of the air directly surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity inside the patient's sleeping room. This ambient humidity can differ from the humidity outside the patient's sleeping room.

[0192] In another example, environmental stress can be stress that is directly around the body or outside the body.

[0193] In some forms, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise can be considered as the background noise level in the patient's room, excluding noise generated by, for example, the RPT device or transmitted from the mask or patient interface. Ambient noise can be generated by sound sources outside the room.

[0194] Automated positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy: CPAP therapy in which the treatment pressure is automatically adjusted between a minimum and a maximum, for example, varying with each breath, depending on the presence of an indication of an SBD event.

[0195] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: a respiratory pressure therapy in which the treatment pressure remains substantially constant throughout the patient's respiratory cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the airway inlet will be slightly higher during expiration and slightly lower during inspiration. In some forms, the pressure will vary between the patient's different respiratory cycles, for example, increasing in response to an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and decreasing in response to the absence of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0196] Flow rate: The volume (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. Flow rate can refer to an instantaneous quantity. In some cases, the reference to flow rate will be a scalar quantity, that is, a quantity that only has a magnitude. In other cases, the reference to flow rate will be a vector quantity, that is, a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Flow rate can be given by the symbol Q. 'Flow rate' is sometimes simply abbreviated as 'flow' or 'airflow'.

[0197] In the example of patient breathing, the flow rate can be nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle, and therefore negative for the expiratory portion. Device flow rate Qd is the flow rate of air leaving the RPT device. Total flow rate Qt is the flow rate of air and any supplemental gas reaching the patient interface via the air circuit. Ventilation flow rate Qv is the flow rate of air leaving the vent to allow flushing of exhaled gases. Leakage flow rate Ql is the leakage flow rate from the patient interface system or elsewhere. Respiratory flow rate Qr is the flow rate of air received into the patient's respiratory system.

[0198] Flow therapy: Breathing therapy involves delivering a controlled flow of air to the inlet of the airway at a rate known as the therapeutic flow, which is generally positive throughout the patient’s respiratory cycle.

[0199] Humidifier: The term humidifier will be considered to refer to a humidification device that is constructed and arranged or configured with a physical structure that provides a therapeutically beneficial amount of water (H2O) vapor to an airflow to improve the patient’s medical respiratory condition.

[0200] Leakage: The word "leakage" is considered to refer to undesirable airflow. In one example, a leak could occur due to an incomplete seal between the mask and the patient's face. In another example, a leak could occur in a rotating bend in the conduit leading to the surrounding environment.

[0201] Noise, Conducted (Acoustic): In this document, conducted noise refers to noise delivered to the patient through pneumatic pathways, such as air circuits and patient interfaces, and the air therein. In one form, conducted noise can be quantified by measuring the sound pressure level at the end of the air circuit.

[0202] Noise, Radiation (Acoustics): Radiated noise in this document refers to noise transmitted to the patient through the ambient air. In one form, radiated noise can be quantified by measuring the sound power / pressure level of the object under discussion according to ISO 3744.

[0203] Noise, ventilation (acoustics): Ventilation noise in this document refers to the noise generated by the flow of air through any ventilation opening, such as a ventilation opening for a patient interface.

[0204] Oxygen-enriched air: Air with an oxygen concentration greater than that of atmospheric air (21%), such as at least about 50% oxygen, at least about 60% oxygen, at least about 70% oxygen, at least about 80% oxygen, at least about 90% oxygen, at least about 95% oxygen, at least about 98% oxygen, or at least about 99% oxygen. “Oxygen-enriched air” is sometimes shortened to “oxygen”.

[0205] Medical oxygen: Medical oxygen is defined as oxygen-enriched air with an oxygen concentration of 80% or higher.

[0206] Patient: A person, regardless of whether they have a respiratory illness.

[0207] Pressure: Force per unit area. Pressure can be expressed in units of area, including cmH2O and gf / cm². 2 1000 Pascals. 1 cmH2O equals 1 g-f / cm³ 2 And it is approximately 0.98 hPa (1 hPa = 100 Pa = 100 N / m). 2 = 1 millibar to 0.001 atmospheres. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, pressure is given in cmH2O.

[0208] The pressure in the patient interface is given by the symbol Pm, while the treatment pressure is given by the symbol Pt, which represents the target value obtained through the interface pressure Pm at the current moment.

[0209] Respiratory pressure therapy: Applying an air supply to the airway inlet at a therapeutic pressure that is typically positive relative to the atmosphere.

[0210] Ventilator: A mechanical device that provides pressure support to a patient to perform some or all of the breathing work.

[0211] 5.7.1.1 Materials

[0212] Silicone or silicone elastomer: Synthetic rubber. In this specification, the reference to silicone refers to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or molding silicone rubber (CMSR). One commercially available form of LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark), manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker Chemie. Unless otherwise specified, exemplary forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about 35 to about 45 as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0213] Polycarbonate: is a thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0214] 5.7.1.2 Mechanical Properties

[0215] Resilience: The ability of a material to absorb energy during elastic deformation and release energy during unloading.

[0216] Elastic: Releases virtually all energy upon unloading. Includes, for example, certain siloxanes and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0217] Hardness: The ability of a material to resist deformation (e.g., described by Young's modulus or by an indentation hardness scale measured on a standardized sample size).

[0218] • "Soft" materials may include silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and can be easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0219] • "Hard" materials can include polycarbonate, polypropylene, steel or aluminum, and are not easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0220] Stiffness (or rigidity) of a structure or component: the ability of a structure or component to resist deformation in response to an applied load. The load can be a force or moment, such as compression, tension, bending, or torsion. The structure or component can provide different resistance in different directions. The reciprocal of stiffness is flexibility.

[0221] Flexible structures or components: structures or components that will change shape (e.g., bend) when subjected to a relatively short period of time, such as 1 second, to support their own weight.

[0222] Rigid structures or components: Structures or components that do not substantially change shape when subjected to the loads typically encountered in use. An example of such use could be, for instance, setting up and maintaining a sealed relationship between the patient interface and the inlet of the patient's airway under a pressure load of approximately 20 to 30 cmH2O.

[0223] As an example, an I-beam may include a different bending stiffness (resistance to bending loads) in the first direction compared to the second orthogonal direction. In another example, the structure or component may be flexible in the first direction and rigid in the second direction.

[0224] 5.7.2 Patient Interface

[0225] Anti-asphyxiation valve (AAV): A component or sub-component of a mask system that reduces the risk of excessive CO2 rebreathing by opening to the atmosphere in a fail-safe manner.

[0226] Bend: A bend is an example of a structure that directs the axis of an airflow traveling through it by an angle. In one form, the angle can be approximately 90 degrees. In another form, the angle can be greater than or less than 90 degrees. The bend can have an approximately circular cross-section. In another form, the bend can have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. In some forms, the bend can rotate relative to the mating component, for example, approximately 360 degrees. In some forms, the bend can be removable from the mating component, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connection. In some forms, the bend can be assembled to the mating component during manufacturing via a single snap-fit, but cannot be removed by the patient.

[0227] Frame: The frame is generally considered to refer to the mask structure that bears tensile loads between two or more connection points to the hood. The mask frame can be a non-airtight load-bearing structure within the mask. However, some forms of mask frames can also be airtight.

[0228] Headgear: A headgear is considered to refer to a form of positioning and stabilization structure designed for use on the head. For example, a headgear may include an assembly of one or more support bars, straps, and reinforcements configured to position and hold the patient interface on the patient's face for delivery of respiratory therapy. Some straps are formed from soft, flexible, resilient materials, such as laminated composites of foam and fabric.

[0229] Membrane: A membrane is to be understood as a typically thin element that is preferably not flexurally resistant but is tensilely resistant.

[0230] Inflation chamber: The mask inflation chamber is considered to refer to a portion of the patient interface having walls that at least partially enclose a volume of space, which, in use, contains air pressurized therein to above atmospheric pressure. A housing may form part of the wall of the mask inflation chamber.

[0231] Seal: can refer to the noun form of the structure ("seal") or the verb form of the effect ("seal"). Two elements can be constructed and / or arranged to 'seal' or to achieve 'seal' between them, without the need for a separate 'seal' element itself.

[0232] Shell: A shell is considered to mean a curved and relatively thin structure with bendable, stretchable, and compressible stiffness. For example, the curved structural walls of a face mask can be a shell. In some forms, the shell can be multifaceted. In some forms, the shell can be airtight. In some forms, the shell may not be airtight.

[0233] Reinforcing member: A reinforcing member is considered to be a structural component designed to increase the bending resistance of another component in at least one direction.

[0234] Support: A support rod is considered a structural component designed to increase the compressive strength of another component in at least one direction.

[0235] Rotary shaft (noun): A sub-assembly of a component configured to rotate about a common axis, preferably independently, preferably under low torque. In one form, the rotary shaft can be configured to rotate through an angle of at least 360 degrees. In another form, the rotary shaft can be configured to rotate through an angle of less than 360 degrees. When used in the case of air delivery ducts, the sub-assembly of the component preferably comprises a pair of mating cylindrical ducts. During use, there can be little or no airflow leakage from the rotary shaft.

[0236] Lacing (noun): A structure used to resist tension.

[0237] Ventilation port (noun): A structure that allows airflow from inside the mask or tubing to ambient air for clinically effective flushing of exhaled gases. For example, clinically effective flushing can involve a flow rate of approximately 10 liters per minute to approximately 100 liters per minute, depending on the mask design and treatment pressure.

[0238] 5.7.3 Shape of the structure

[0239] Products according to this technology may include one or more three-dimensional mechanical structures, such as mask pads or thrusters. Three-dimensional structures can be combined using two-dimensional surfaces. These surfaces can be distinguished using markings to describe the associated surface orientation, location, function, or some other characteristic. For example, a structure may include one or more of a front surface, a rear surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. In another example, a seal-forming structure may include a surface that contacts the face (e.g., the exterior) and separate surfaces that do not contact the face (e.g., the underside or interior). In another example, a structure may include a first surface and a second surface.

[0240] To aid in describing the shape of three-dimensional structures and surfaces, we first consider a cross-section through a point p on the surface of the structure. See also Figures 2B to 2F They show examples of cross-sections at point p on the surface and the resulting planar curves. Figures 2B to 2F The outward normal vector at point p is also shown. The outward normal vector at p points away from the surface. In some examples, we describe the surface from the viewpoint of an imaginary little person standing on the surface.

[0241] 5.7.3.1 One-dimensional curvature

[0242] The curvature of a plane curve at p can be described with a sign (e.g., positive, negative) and a quantity (e.g., the reciprocal of the radius of the circle that only touches the curve at p).

[0243] Positive curvature: If the curve at point p turns outward toward the normal, then the curvature at that point will be positive (if the figures in the image were to leave point p, they would have to walk uphill). See also Figure 2B (and Figure 2C Compared to relatively large positive curvature) and Figure 2C (and Figure 2C (Compared to relatively small positive curvature). Such curves are often referred to as concave surfaces.

[0244] Zero curvature: If the curve at point p is a straight line, then the curvature will be zero (if you imagine a little person leaving point p, they can walk horizontally without going up or down). See also Figure 2D .

[0245] Negative curvature: If the curve at point p deviates from the outward normal, then the curvature in that direction at that point will be negative (if you imagine little figures leaving point p, they must go downhill). See also Figure 2E (and Figure 2F Compared to relatively small negative curvature) and Figure 2F (and Figure 2E (Compared to relatively large negative curvature). Such curves are often referred to as convex surfaces.

[0246] 5.7.3.2 Curvature of Two-Dimensional Surfaces

[0247] A description of the shape at a given point on a two-dimensional surface according to the present technology may include multiple normal cross sections. These cross sections may cut through the surface in a plane including an outward normal (“normal plane”), and each cross section may be cut in a different direction. Each cross section produces a planar curve with a corresponding curvature. The different curvatures at that point may have the same sign or different signs. Each curvature at that point has, for example, a relatively small amplitude. Figures 2B to 2F A planar curve in a diagram can be an example of multiple cross-sections at a specific point.

[0248] Principal curvature and direction: The direction of the normal plane to which the curvature of a curve reaches its maximum and minimum values ​​is called the principal direction. Figures 2B to 2F In the example, the maximum curvature occurs Figure 2B In the middle, the minimum curvature appears Figure 2F Therefore Figure 2B and Figure 2F It is the cross-section along the principal direction. The principal curvature at point p is the curvature along the principal direction.

[0249] Surface region: A set of connected points on a surface. The points in this region can have similar properties, such as curvature or sign.

[0250] Saddle-shaped region: At each point, the region where the principal curvature has opposite signs, that is, one is positive and the other is negative (depending on the direction the imagined person is turning, they can be walking uphill or downhill).

[0251] Dome region: A region where the principal curvatures at each point have the same sign, such as both being positive ("concave dome") or both being negative ("convex dome").

[0252] Cylindrical region: A region with one principal curvature of 0 (or, for example, 0 within manufacturing tolerances) and another principal curvature of non-0.

[0253] Planar region: A surface region where both principal curvatures are 0 (or, for example, 0 within manufacturing tolerances).

[0254] Surface edge: The boundary or limit of a surface or region.

[0255] Path: In some forms of this technique, "path" will be considered a path in the mathematical topological sense, such as a continuous spatial curve from f(0) to f(1) on a surface. In some forms of this technique, "path" can be described as a route or road, including, for example, a set of points on a surface. (Imagine a person's path is where they walk on the surface, and similar to a garden path).

[0256] Path length: In some forms of this technique, "path length" refers to the distance along the surface from f(0) to f(1), that is, the distance along a path on the surface. There can be more than one path between two points on the surface, and such paths can have different path lengths. (The path length of an imagined person would be the distance they must walk along the path on the surface).

[0257] Straight-line distance: Straight-line distance is the distance between two points on a surface, but it is independent of the surface itself. On a planar region, there will exist paths on the surface with the same path length as the straight-line distance between the two points. On a non-planar surface, there may not be paths with the same path length as the straight-line distance between the two points. (For the imaginary person, straight-line distance will correspond to the distance "in a straight line".)

[0258] 5.7.3.3 Space Curves

[0259] Space curves: Unlike planar curves, space curves do not necessarily lie in any particular plane. Space curves can be closed, i.e., without endpoints. A space curve can be thought of as a one-dimensional segment of three-dimensional space. Imagine a person walking along a space curve on one strand of a DNA helix. The typical human left ear contains a helix, which is a left-handed helix. The typical human right ear contains a helix, which is a right-handed helix. The edges of structures, such as the edges of membranes or impellers, can follow space curves. Generally, a space curve can be described by the curvature and torsion at each point on the space curve. Torque is a measure of how the curve deviates from a plane. Torque has a sign and magnitude. The torsion at a point on a space curve can be characterized by reference to the tangent vector, normal vector, and binormal vector at that point.

[0260] Tangent unit vector (or unit tangent vector): For each point on a curve, the vector at that point specifies the direction and magnitude from that point. The tangent unit vector is a unit vector pointing in the same direction as the curve at that point. If you imagine a person flying along a curve and falling from their aircraft at a specific point, the direction of the tangent vector is the direction they would have traveled.

[0261] Unit normal vector: This is the vector that changes as an imagined person moves along the curve. The unit vector pointing in the direction of the tangent vector's change is called the principal normal vector. It is perpendicular to the tangent vector.

[0262] A double-normal unit vector is a vector that is perpendicular to both the tangent vector and the principal normal vector. Its direction can be determined by the right-hand rule or optionally by the left-hand rule.

[0263] Oscillating plane: The plane containing the unit tangent vector and the unit principal normal vector.

[0264] Space curve twist: The twist of a space curve at a point is the magnitude of the rate of change of the unit vector of the binormal at that point. It measures the degree to which the curve deviates from the osculating plane. A space curve lying in the osculating plane has zero twist. A space curve deviating relatively small from the osculating plane will have a relatively small amount of twist (e.g., a slightly inclined spiral path). A space curve deviating relatively large from the osculating plane will have a relatively large amount of twist (e.g., a sharply inclined spiral path).

[0265] 5.7.3.4 Hole

[0266] Surfaces can have one-dimensional pores, such as pores defined by planar curves or spatial curves. Thin structures with pores (e.g., films) can be described as having one-dimensional pores. See, for example, [example missing]. Figure 2G The structure shown has a one-dimensional hole in the surface bounded by a planar curve.

[0267] The structure can have two-dimensional pores, such as pores defined by a surface. For example, an inflatable tire has two-dimensional pores defined by the inner surface of the tire. In another example, a bladder having a cavity for air or gel can have two-dimensional pores. In yet another example, a conduit can include a one-dimensional pore (e.g., at its inlet or outlet) and a two-dimensional pore defined by the inner surface of the conduit. See also Figure 2I The two-dimensional hole in the structure shown is defined by the surface shown.

[0268] 5.8 Other Notes

[0269] Unless explicitly stated in the context and a numerical range is provided, it should be understood that every intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range, up to one-tenth of the lower limit unit, and any other value or intermediate value within the range are broadly included within this technique. The upper and lower limits of these intermediate ranges (which may be independently included in the intermediate range) are also covered within this technique, subject to any specific exclusions within the stated range. Where the range includes one or two limitations, the range excluding any one or both of those included limitations is also included within this technique.

[0270] Furthermore, where one or more values ​​are stated herein as part of the implementation of the technology, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, such values ​​may be approximate and may be used with any suitable significant figure to the extent that the actual implementation of the technology may allow or require.

[0271] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology pertains. While any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0272] When a particular material is set for use in constructing a component, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, any and all components described herein should be understood as capable of being manufactured, and therefore can be manufactured together or separately.

[0273] It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include their plural equivalents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0274] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. This document should not be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to any prior disclosure due to a prior invention. Furthermore, the publication dates provided may differ from the actual publication dates, which may require independent verification.

[0275] The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood as referring to each element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating the marked element, component, or step that may be present or utilized, or a combination with other unmarked elements, components, or steps.

[0276] The subject headings included in the detailed description are for the reader's convenience only and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or claims. Subject headings should not be used to interpret the claims or limit their scope.

[0277] Although the techniques described herein have been illustrated with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the techniques. In some cases, terms and symbols may imply specific details that are not required for practicing the techniques described. For example, although the terms “first” and “second” may be used, they are not intended to indicate any order unless otherwise stated, but rather to distinguish different elements. Furthermore, although process steps in a method may be described or shown in sequence, such order is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such order can be modified and / or aspects may be performed simultaneously or even concurrently.

[0278] Therefore, it should be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the exemplary examples, and that other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of this technology.

[0279] 5.9 List of reference numerals

[0280]

[0281]

[0282]

Claims

1. A blower, comprising: Rotor; A motor configured to drive the rotor; At least one bearing is configured to rotatably support the rotor; Fixed components; as well as A bearing sleeve is provided to the fixed member, the bearing sleeve being configured and arranged to support and retain the bearing to the fixed member. The fixing component comprises a material that is more rigid than the bearing sleeve. The bearing sleeve mentioned above comprises an elastic material. The bearing sleeve includes one or more protrusions or ribs configured to engage along the outer race of the bearing, and The bearing sleeve is arranged between the fixed component and the bearing to isolate vibration, reduce noise, and provide shock absorption. The bearing sleeve includes a molded overlay connection with the fixed component. The bearing sleeve includes a cylindrical sidewall and a retaining structure, the cylindrical sidewall and the retaining structure being configured and arranged to form a mechanical connection with the fixed component. The one or more protrusions or ribs are disposed on the inner side of the cylindrical sidewall. The retaining structure is configured to wrap around the support wall of the fixing member, and The outer side of the cylindrical sidewall includes one or more threads configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the support wall of the fixing member to secure the bearing sleeve in the operating position.

2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the elastic material comprises TPE, and wherein the material of the fixing component comprises polycarbonate or polypropylene.

3. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the stationary component comprises stator blades.

4. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the bearing sleeve includes at least two protrusions or ribs disposed between the fixed member and the bearing to isolate vibration, reduce noise and provide shock absorption.

5. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the bearing sleeve extends through one or more holes provided on the fixed member to form a stud or rivet on the fixed member.

6. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a biasing element configured to provide a preload force to the at least one bearing, wherein the bearing sleeve is configured to protrude beyond the bearing and provide space for closing and positioning the biasing element.

7. The blower of claim 6, wherein the biasing element comprises a spring.

8. The blower of claim 6, wherein the biasing element is configured to provide a preload force to the inner race of the bearing.

9. A CPAP system for providing a patient with positive pressure gas for respiratory therapy, the CPAP system comprising: An RPT device configured to supply a gas flow at therapeutic pressure, the RPT device comprising a blower according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Patient interface; as well as An air delivery conduit is configured to deliver a flow of gas at the treatment pressure from the RPT device to the patient interface.

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