Respiratory pressure treatment system

Abstract

A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system for the treatment of respiratory related diseases is disclosed. The RPT device includes a pressure generator, a pneumatic block, a base, and a device outlet for delivering a gas flow supply to a patient interface. The RPT apparatus also includes an integrated humidifier having a water reservoir. Also disclosed is an RPT device comprising a wireless data communication interface integrated with a housing and configured to connect to another device or network.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of December 17, 2014, application number 202111353251.4, and invention name “Respiratory Pressure Therapy System”. The application with application number 202111353251.4 is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of December 17, 2014, application number 201810846297.1, and invention name “Respiratory Pressure Therapy System”. The application with application number 201810846297.1 is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of December 17, 2014, application number 201480075670.8 (international application number PCT / AU2014 / 050426), and invention name “Respiratory Pressure Therapy System”.

[0002] 1 Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2013904923 filed on December 17, 2013, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2014901998 filed on May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2014901999 filed on May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2014901997 filed on May 27, 2014, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2014902071 filed on May 30, 2014, and US Provisional Patent Application US61 / 987,245 filed on May 1, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 2 Technical Background 2.1 Technical Field

[0004] The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and improvement of respiratory-related diseases. In particular, the present technology relates to medical devices or apparatuses, and their use.

[0005] 2.2 Description of related technologies

[0006] 2.2.1 Human respiratory system and its diseases

[0007] The body's respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to the patient's airway.

[0008] The airway includes a series of branches, which become narrower, shorter and more numerous as they pass deeper into the lungs. The main function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from the air into the venous blood and allowing carbon dioxide to move out of the venous blood. The trachea is divided into the right main bronchus and the left main bronchus, which are further divided into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi constitute the airways that are connected and do not participate in gas exchange. The branches of the airways further lead to respiratory bronchioles and eventually reach the alveoli. The alveolar region of the lungs is where gas exchange occurs and is referred to as the respiratory region. Referring to the ninth edition of "Respiratory Physiology" published in 2011 by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

[0009] There is a spectrum of respiratory diseases. Some diseases can be characterized by specific events such as apnea, hypopnea, hyperpnea.

[0010] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep apnea (SDB), is characterized by events including blockage or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. OSA is caused by a combination of an abnormally small upper airway and the normal lack of muscle coordination in the area of ​​the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. The condition causes affected patients to stop breathing sometimes 200 to 300 times per night in periods that are usually 30 to 120 seconds. This often leads to excessive daydreaming, and this can lead to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. Although the affected person may not be aware of the problem, the syndrome is a common disorder, especially in middle-aged overweight men. See U.S. Patent 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0011] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep apnea. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller in which there are rhythmic alternating cycles of enhanced and weakened ventilation, called CSR cycles. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. Due to this repeated lack of oxygen, CSR can be harmful. In some patients, CSR is associated with repeated awakenings from sleep, which lead to multiple sleep interruptions, increased sympathetic nerve activity and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0012] Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia on awakenings in the absence of other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0013] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes any of a group of lower airway diseases that have certain common features. These diseases include increased resistance to air movement, a prolonged exhalation phase of breathing, and loss of normal elasticity of the lungs. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic smoking (a major risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include: dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough, and white frothy sputum.

[0014] Neuromuscular disease (NMD) is a broad term, which includes many diseases and disorders that damage muscle function directly or indirectly via neuropathology via intrinsic muscle pathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle damage, which causes loss of mobility, being bound to a wheelchair, dysphagia, weakening of respiratory muscles and eventually death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular disorders can be divided into fast progressive and slow progressive: (i) fast progressive disorder: it is characterized by muscle damage that deteriorates month by month and causes death within a few years (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adolescents); (ii) variable or slow progressive disorder: it is characterized by muscle damage that deteriorates year by year and only moderately reduces life span (such as limb girdle, facioscapulohumeral and myotonic dystrophy). The symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include: increased overall deterioration, dysphagia, dyspnea during exercise and rest, fatigue, drowsiness, morning headache and inattention and mood changes.

[0015] Chest wall disorders are a group of chest deformations that result in inadequate coupling between the respiratory muscles and the rib cage. The disorder is usually characterized by localized defects and has the potential for long-term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis may lead to severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include: dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent chest infections, morning headaches, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and loss of appetite.

[0016] A range of therapies have been used to treat or alleviate this condition. In addition, otherwise healthy individuals can take advantage of this therapy to prevent respiratory disease from developing. However, these therapies have a number of disadvantages.

[0017] 2.2.2 Therapy

[0018] Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The premise is that the continuous positive airway pressure acts as an inflatable splint and can prevent upper airway occlusion by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA by nasal CPAP therapy can be voluntary, and thus a patient may choose not to comply with treatment if the patient finds the equipment used to provide this treatment to be one or more uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or unsightly.

[0019] Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilation support to the patient through the upper airway to assist the patient in taking full breaths and to assist in maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body by performing some or all of the work of breathing. Ventilatory support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD, and chest wall disease.

[0020] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilation support to patients who are no longer able to breathe effectively on their own and may be provided using an endotracheal tube.

[0021] 2.2.3 Diagnosis and treatment system

[0022] These therapies can be provided through therapeutic systems and devices. Systems and devices can also be used to diagnose a condition without treating the condition.

[0023] The therapy system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), air circuit, humidifier, patient interface, and data management.

[0024] 2.2.3.1 Patient interface

[0025] The patient interface can be used to couple the respiratory device to its user, for example, by providing a flow of air. The flow of air can be provided via a mask provided to the nose, mouth, or nose and mouth, a tube to the mouth, or an endotracheal tube to the user's trachea. Depending on the treatment applied, the patient interface can, for example, form a seal with the patient's facial area to facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure that is sufficiently different from the ambient pressure to affect the treatment, such as a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O. For other forms of treatment, such as the delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate delivery to an airway supplied with gas at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O.

[0026] The design of a patient interface presents multiple challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose varies significantly between individuals. Because the head is comprised of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The jaw or jawbone can move relative to other bones of the skull. The entire head can move over the course of a respiratory therapy session.

[0027] Due to these challenges, some masks suffer from one or more of being conspicuous, unsightly, expensive, poorly fitting, difficult to use, and uncomfortable (especially when worn for long periods of time or when the patient is unfamiliar with the system). For example, masks designed only for pilots, masks designed as part of a personal protection device (e.g., a filtering mask), SCUBA masks, or masks used to administer anesthetics may be tolerable for their initial application, but undesirably uncomfortable for longer periods of wear, such as several hours. This discomfort may result in reduced patient compliance with treatment. This is even more severe if the mask is worn during sleep.

[0028] Nasal CPAP therapy is highly effective for treating some respiratory conditions, provided the patient complies with the therapy. If the mask is uncomfortable, or difficult to use, the patient may not comply with the therapy. Patients are therefore often advised to clean their masks regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), the patient may not clean their mask and this may affect patient compliance.

[0029] While a mask used for other applications (eg, pilots) may not be suitable for use in treating sleep disordered breathing, a mask designed for use in treating sleep disordered breathing may be suitable for other applications.

[0030] For these reasons, patient interfaces used to deliver nasal CPAP during sleep are formed in distinct zones.

[0031] 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices

[0032] Air pressure generators are well known in a certain range of applications, such as industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, pressure generators for medical applications have specific requirements that are not met by many generalized air pressure generators, such as reliability, size and weight requirements for medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical treatment may suffer from disadvantages, including one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, efficacy, size, weight, manufacturability, cost and reliability.

[0033] An example of a special requirement for some RPT devices is acoustic noise.

[0034] Table of noise output levels of existing RPT devices (one specimen only measured at 10 cmH2O using the test method specified in ISO3744 in CAPA mode).

[0035] RPT device name Weighted sound power level dB(A) Years (approximately) C Series Tango 31.9 2007 C Series Tango with Humidifier 33.1 2007 S8Escape II 30.5 2005 S8 Escape II with H4i Humidifier 31.1 2005 S9AutoSet 26.5 2010 S9AutoSet with H5i Humidifier 28.6 2010

[0036] One known RPT device for treating sleep apnea is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. The ResMed Stellar ventilator for adults and children is available at http: / / www.resmd.com / sslr / . TM The series of ventilators can provide support for invasive and non-invasive independent ventilation for a range of patients to treat a variety of conditions such as but not limited to NMD, OHS and COPD.

[0037] ResMed Elisée TM 150 ventilator with ResMed VSIII TM Ventilators can provide support for invasive and non-invasive dependent ventilation suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of conditions. These ventilators provide volume and pressure ventilation modes with single or dual branch circuits. RPT devices typically include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to supply an air flow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the air flow can be supplied to the patient's airway at a positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected to a patient interface such as those described above via an air circuit.

[0038] 2.2.3.3 Humidifier

[0039] Delivery of an air stream without humidification may cause drying of the airways. Use of a humidifier with an RPT device and a patient interface produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. Warm air applied to the facial area in and around the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cold air, except in colder climates. A range of artificial humidification devices and systems are known, however they do not meet the specific requirements of medical humidifiers.

[0040] Usually in the place where the patient may sleep or rest (for example, in a hospital), when needed, a medical humidifier is used to increase the humidity, temperature (or both) of an air stream relative to the ambient air. Therefore, a medical humidifier is preferably small so that the bedside is arranged, and it is preferably constructed to only humidify, heat, or humidify and heat the air stream transmitted to the patient when not humidifying, not heating, or not humidifying and heating the patient's surroundings. For example, a room-based system (for example, a sauna, an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler) can also be used to humidify the air breathed by the patient, but they can also humidify, heat, or humidify and heat the whole room, which may cause the discomfort of the resident. In addition, a medical humidifier can have a more stringent safety restriction than an industrial humidifier.

[0041] Although many medical humidifiers are known, they may suffer from one or more disadvantages. Some medical humidifiers may provide inadequate humidification, and some medical humidifiers are difficult or inconvenient for patients to use. Summary of the invention

[0042] The present technology is directed to providing medical devices for diagnosing, ameliorating, treating or preventing respiratory disease with improved one or more of comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0043] A first aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for treating respiratory diseases, comprising: a housing; a pressure generator within the housing and configured to supply an air flow; a device outlet fluidly connected to the pressure generator and configured to be connected to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface for treating respiratory diseases; and a wireless data communication interface integrated with the housing, the wireless data communication interface being configured to connect to another device or a network.

[0044] Other aspects of the present technology relate to devices wherein the wireless data communications interface is configured to connect to one or more of the Internet and a cellular telephone network.

[0045] Other aspects of the technology relate to devices where the wireless data communication interface uses CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and consumer infrared protocols,

[0046] According to other aspects of the present technique, the wireless data communication interface includes an antenna within the housing.

[0047] According to other aspects of the present technique, the wireless data communication interface further includes an antenna ground plane.

[0048] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an arrangement in which the antenna ground plane is oriented vertically.

[0049] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the antenna ground plane includes one or more notches.

[0050] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the notch increases the effective overall length of the ground plane.

[0051] Another aspect of the present technology relates to the device wherein the notch increases the effective overall length by more than about 25%.

[0052] One aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, comprising a heating plate, a chamber in fluid communication with the flow of breathable gas, and a reservoir comprising a conductive portion thermally coupled to the heating plate, the apparatus being constructed such that changing a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas in the chamber changes a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating plate.

[0053] In one form, the reservoir further comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0054] In one form, the thermal bond is along a first direction substantially normal to the surface of the conductor portion.

[0055] In one form, the apparatus is further configured to vary the magnitude of a force between the conductor portion and the heater plate along the first direction when the first pressure varies.

[0056] In one form, the chamber is part of the reservoir.

[0057] In one form, the chamber further comprises a variable portion.

[0058] In one form, the device further includes a dock configured to receive the reservoir, and the dock includes a heating plate.

[0059] In one form, the dock further includes a cavity having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having the heating plate positioned thereon, the cavity being configured to retain at least a portion of the reservoir therein.

[0060] In one form, the variable portion is compressed to enable insertion of the reservoir into the cavity of the docking piece.

[0061] In one form, a top portion of the cavity is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to facilitate insertion of the reservoir into the cavity.

[0062] In one form, the variable portion is configured to adjust in size to change a level of thermal engagement between the heater plate and the conductive portion when the first pressure changes.

[0063] In one form, the reservoir further comprises a base and a lid, the base being configured to hold a volume of liquid and comprising the conductive portion.

[0064] In one form, the base and lid are pivotally coupled together.

[0065] In one form, the variable portion forms a seal between the base and the cover.

[0066] In one form, the reservoir further comprises a latch to secure the base and the lid together.

[0067] In one form, the reservoir further comprises at least one handle to facilitate coupling the reservoir to the docking member.

[0068] In one form, the reservoir further comprises a retaining clip adapted to engage with a recess on the dock to retain the reservoir in the cavity of the dock.

[0069] In one form, the reservoir is configured to prevent refilling of the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0070] In one form, at least partial opening of the reservoir is prevented when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0071] In one form, the reservoir includes a refill cap.

[0072] In one form, the device further includes an overfill protection element configured to prevent filling of the reservoir above a predetermined maximum water volume.

[0073] In one form, the overflow protection element comprises at least one aperture formed in a wall of the reservoir, the at least one aperture defining an exit path for water when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded.

[0074] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises an inclined profile in the side profile of a wall of the reservoir, the inclined profile defining an egress path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded.

[0075] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method for varying thermal contact between a heater plate and a reservoir in a humidification system for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, the method comprising varying a pressure of a flow of breathable gas in a reservoir in fluid communication with the flow of breathable gas to vary a force between the heater plate and the reservoir.

[0076] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a device for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, which includes a heating plate and a reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes an inlet for receiving the flow of breathable gas, an outlet, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heating plate, and wherein the device is constructed so that changing the pressure of the flow of breathable gas in the reservoir changes the force between the heating plate and the conductive portion along the direction of thermal contact.

[0077] In one form, the device further comprises a docking member connectable to the reservoir.

[0078] In one form, the dock is configured to constrain the reservoir to open along a thermal contact direction.

[0079] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to contain a volume of liquid for humidifying a pressurized flow of breathable air, comprising a base portion including a conductive portion, a lid portion including an inlet and an outlet, and a sealing portion, wherein the base portion and the lid portion are pivotally engaged and can be configured into an open configuration and a closed configuration when pivotally engaged, and when the reservoir is in the closed configuration, the seal is sealingly engaged with the base portion and the lid portion.

[0080] In one form, the sealing portion includes an outlet tube and a diaphragm configured to be connected to the inlet tube.

[0081] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a device for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, comprising a heating plate and a reservoir comprising an inlet, an outlet, a variable portion, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heating plate, wherein the device is configured such that changing the height of the variable portion changes the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating plate.

[0082] In one form, the device is configured so that the thermal engagement is along a first direction substantially normal to the surface of the conductive portion.

[0083] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of changing the level of thermal engagement in a humidifier device, the method comprising (i) thermally engaging a heater plate with a conductive portion of a reservoir and (ii) varying the height of a variable portion of the reservoir to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0084] A reservoir for holding a predetermined maximum volume of water comprises a base portion having an overflow protection element, wherein the reservoir is constructed to be convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and when the reservoir is in the open configuration, the overflow protection element prevents filling of the reservoir above the maximum water volume.

[0085] In one form, the sealing portion is configured to sealingly engage the lid portion with the base portion when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0086] In one form, the overflow protection element is configured such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base portion is in its normal operating orientation, excess water above the maximum volume of water will overflow via the overflow protection element.

[0087] In one form, the overflow protection element is at least one perforation that defines an egress path for water when a maximum water capacity of the base portion is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0088] In one form, the overfill protection element is a sloped profile in the side profile of the base portion, the sloped profile defining an egress path for water when a maximum water capacity of the base portion is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0089] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method for preventing overflow in a humidifier reservoir, the method comprising (i) incorporating an overflow protection element in a base portion of the humidifier reservoir and (ii) constructing the overflow protection element so that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base portion is in its normal operating orientation, excess water above a predetermined maximum volume will overflow through the overflow protection element.

[0090] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one perforation.

[0091] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises a sloped profile.

[0092] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water, comprising a plurality of walls forming a cavity configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water; an inlet tube configured to deliver breathable gas into the cavity, the inlet tube having an inlet inner end and an inlet outer end; and an outlet tube configured to deliver a humidified supply of breathable gas from the cavity, the outlet tube having an outlet inner end and an outlet outer end, wherein the inlet inner end and the outlet inner end are positioned within the cavity and the inlet outer end and the outlet outer end are positioned in one of the plurality of walls of the cavity, a first axis is defined by the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end and a second axis is defined by the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end, wherein when the reservoir is tilted to approximately a 90° angle from a normal operating orientation, the first axis is at a first angle such that the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end are positioned at different heights such that the predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the inlet inner end or the inlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the inlet tube.

[0093] In one form, the reservoir is further constructed so that when the reservoir is tilted at approximately 90° to the normal operating orientation, the second axis is at a second angle so that the inner end of the outlet is positioned at a different height than the outer end of the outlet, so that a predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the inner end of the outlet or the outer end of the outlet and water is prevented from overflowing back through the outlet pipe.

[0094] Of course, a part of this aspect can form a sub-aspect of the present technology. In addition, multiple of the sub-aspects, aspects, or both can be combined together in various ways and also constitute other aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0095] Other features of the present technology will be apparent by considering the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawing description, and claims. 4. Description of the drawings

[0096] The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, including:

[0097] 4.1 Treatment system

[0098] Figure 1a A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of nasal pillows, receiving a positive pressure supply of air from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. A bed partner 1100 is also shown.

[0099] Figure 1bA system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal mask, receiving a supply of air at a positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000.

[0100] Figure 1c A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a full face mask, receiving a supply of air at a positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000.

[0101] 4.2 Respiratory system and facial anatomy

[0102] Figure 2a An overview of the human respiratory system is shown, including the nasal and oral cavities, larynx, vocal folds, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveolar sacs, heart, and diaphragm.

[0103] 4.3 Patient Interface

[0104] Figure 3a A patient interface in the form of a nasal mask is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0105] 4.4 Respiratory waveform

[0106] Figure 4 A model typical breathing waveform of a person while sleeping is shown.

[0107] 4.5RPT equipment and humidifier

[0108] Figure 5a An exploded perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0109] Figure 5b A perspective view of an RPT device 4000 including an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0110] Figure 5c A perspective view of an RPT device 4000 having an integrated humidifier 5000 including a water reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0111] Figure 5d A schematic diagram of the pneumatic path of an RPT device according to one form of the present technology is shown. The upstream and downstream directions are indicated.

[0112] Figure 5e A schematic diagram of the electrical components of an RPT device according to one aspect of the present technology is shown.

[0113] Figure 5f A schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented in a PAP device according to aspects of the present technique is shown.In this figure, arrows with solid lines indicate the actual information flow, for example via electrical signals.

[0114] Figure 5g According to one aspect of the present technology, Figure 5f Flow chart of a method performed by a treatment machine.

[0115] Figure 5h A simplified depiction of a humidifier connected to a blower and a patient conduit is shown.

[0116] Figure 5i A schematic diagram of a humidifier is shown.

[0117] Figure 6a A perspective view of a side panel 4014 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing the inlet air filter cover 4014fc and the inlet air filter 4112 in an exploded view.

[0118] Figure 6b Shown is a perspective view of a side panel 4014 including an RPT device inlet 4002 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0119] Figure 6c A perspective view of a side panel 4014 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in an open position.

[0120] Figure 6d A perspective view of a side panel 4014 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing the access cover 4014ac in an exploded view.

[0121] Figure 6e Shown is a perspective view of an access cover 4014ac in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0122] Figure 7a A side perspective view of an RPT device 4000 including an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0123] Figure 7b A side perspective view of an RPT device 4000 showing an outlet muffler 4124 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0124] Figure 7c A perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0125] Figure 7d Another perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0126] Figure 7e An exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0127] Figure 7f Another exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0128] Figure 8a A perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0129] Figure 8b A perspective view of a base 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0130] Figure 8c Shown is a side perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology.

[0131] Figure 8d A side perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown showing the outlet tube 4006 and the intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view.

[0132] Figure 8e Shown is a rear perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology.

[0133] Figure 8f A rear perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown showing the outlet tube 4006 and the intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view.

[0134] Figure 8g Shown is a perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 according to one form of the present technology.

[0135] Figure 8h An exploded perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0136] Figure 9a Shown is a front perspective view of a RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0137] Fig.10a A perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communications interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0138] Fig.10b An exploded perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communications interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0139] Fig.11aA perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0140] Fig.11b Another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0141] Fig.11c An exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0142] Fig.11d Another exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0143] Fig.11e A stereoscopic view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing a first PB housing 4020hl and a second PB housing 4020h2 in phantom lines.

[0144] Fig.11f Another stereoscopic view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown showing a first PB housing 4020hl and a second PB housing 4020h2 in phantom lines.

[0145] Figure 11g A front view of a pneumatic block 4020 according to one form of the present technology is shown. Fig.11h The cross section taken.

[0146] Fig.11h It shows that according to Figure 11g A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic block 4020 of one form of the present technology is indicated above.

[0147] Fig.11i A front view of a pneumatic block 4020 according to one form of the present technology is shown. Fig.11j The cross section taken.

[0148] Fig.11j It shows that according to Fig.11i A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic block 4020 of one form of the present technology is indicated above.

[0149] Figure 11k Shown is a perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0150] Figure 11l Another perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0151] Figure 11m Another front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown. Figure 11n The cross section taken.

[0152] Figure 11n It shows that according to Figure 11m A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic block 4020 of one form of the present technology is indicated above.

[0153] Fig.11o It shows that according to Figure 11n Detailed cross-sectional view of a pneumatic block 4020 of one form of the present technology indicated above.

[0154] Fig.12a Shown is a front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0155] Figure 12b Shown is an exploded front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0156] Fig.12c A rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0157] Fig.12d Shown is an exploded rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0158] Fig.13a A perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a hidden front panel 4012 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0159] Fig.13b Another perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a hidden front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0160] Fig.14a A front perspective view of a front panel 4012 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0161] Fig.14b A rear perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0162] Fig.15a A first menu screen 4295m1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0163] Fig.15b Another first menu screen 4295m1 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0164] Fig.15c A first clinical menu screen 4295m2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0165] Fig.15d Another first clinical menu screen 4295m2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0166] Fig.15e A selectable sub-menu list 4295o1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0167] Fig.15f A selectable sub-menu list 4295o2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0168] Figure 15g A report submenu list 4295r1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0169] Fig.15h A report submenu 4295r2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0170] Fig.15i A report submenu 4295r3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0171] Fig.15j A report submenu 4295r4 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0172] Figure 15k A reports submenu 4295a1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0173] Figure 15l A reports submenu 4295a2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0174] Figure 15m A reports submenu 4295a3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0175] Figure 15n A reports submenu 4295a4 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0176] Fig.15o A reports submenu 4295a5 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0177] Figure 15p A reports submenu 4295a6 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0178] Figure 15q A reports submenu 4295a7 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0179] Figure 15r A reports submenu 4295a8 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0180] Figure 15sA selectable submenu 4295s1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0181] Figure 15t A selectable submenu 4295s2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0182] Figure 15u A selectable submenu 4295s3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0183] Figure 15v A reports submenu 4295b1 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0184] Figure 15w A reports submenu 4295b2 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0185] Figure 15x A reports submenu 4295b3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0186] Figure 15y A reports submenu 4295b4 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0187] Fig.16a A rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 according to one form of the present technology is shown showing an air circuit 4170 engaged with the RPT device 4000.

[0188] Fig.16b A rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 according to one form of the present technology is shown showing the air circuit 4170 in an exploded view.

[0189] Fig.16c A perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0190] Fig.16d Another perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0191] Fig.16e A perspective view of a reservoir cover 5114 and a mid-portion 5202 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0192] Fig.16f A perspective view of a water reservoir base 5112 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0193] Figure 16g A perspective view of an RPT device including an integrated humidifier 5000 and water reservoir 5110 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0194] Figure 16hA perspective view of an RPT device 4000 including an integrated humidifier 5000 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a water reservoir 5110 in an exploded view.

[0195] Fig.16i A perspective view of an RPT device 4000 including an integrated humidifier 5000 according to one form of the present technology is shown, without the water reservoir 5110 being shown.

[0196] Fig.16j A perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing the water reservoir 5110 in a closed configuration.

[0197] Figure 16k A perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing the water reservoir 5110 in an open configuration.

[0198] Figure 16l Shown is a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 according to one form of the present technology.

[0199] Figure 16m Shown is a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 according to one form of the present technology.

[0200] Fig.17a A perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0201] Fig.17b A perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view.

[0202] Fig.17c A bottom perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0203] Fig.17d A bottom perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing the heating element 5240 in an exploded view.

[0204] Fig.17e A rear perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0205] Fig.17f A rear perspective view of a base 4016 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view.

[0206] Figure 17g Shown is a perspective view of the top of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0207] Figure 17hShown is a perspective view of the bottom of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0208] Fig.17i A perspective view of the top of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0209] Fig.17j A perspective view of the bottom of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0210] Fig.18a A perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0211] Fig.18b An exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0212] Fig.18c Shown is a side perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0213] Fig.18d Shown is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0214] Fig.18e Shown is a top perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0215] Fig.18f An exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0216] Figure 18g A perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0217] Figure 18h A perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the air circuit 4170 in an exploded view.

[0218] Fig.18i Another perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0219] Fig.18j Another exploded perspective view of the air circuit 4170, the outlet assembly 5004, and the outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0220] Figure 18k A bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 and a portion of an outlet tube 4006 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0221] Figure 18l Shown is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0222] Figure 18m shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector 5080 according to one form of the present technology;

[0223] Figure 18n shows a side view of a female electrical connector 5080 according to one form of the present technology;

[0224] Fig.18o shows a perspective view of an AC electrical connector 4170ec according to one form of the present technology;

[0225] Figure 18p A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 according to one form of the present technology is shown, illustrating the rotating disc 5050 in a first position.

[0226] Figure 18q A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 according to one form of the present technology is shown, showing the rotating disc 5050 in a second position.

[0227] Figure 18r A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 according to one form of the present technology is shown, illustrating the rotating disc 5050 in a third position.

[0228] Figure 18s Shown is a perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0229] Figure 18t A bottom perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0230] Figure 18u A top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown.

[0231] Figure 18v Shown is a top perspective view of a rotating disk 5050 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0232] Figure 18w Shown is a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 and a cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0233] Figure 18xA top perspective view of a cable housing 5080, a rotating disk 5050, and a cable 5070 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0234] Figure 18y A bottom perspective view of a rotating disc 5050 and a cable 5070 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology.

[0235] Figure 18z1 A rear view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0236] Figure 18z2 A perspective view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0237] Figure 18z3 A front view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology is shown, indicating the Figure 18z4 The cross section taken.

[0238] Figure 18z4 A side cross-sectional view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0239] Figure 18z5 A rear perspective view of an electrical connector receiving a contact element is shown according to an example of the present technology.

[0240] Figure 18z6 A front perspective view of an electrical connector receiving contact element according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0241] Fig.19 An example of the present technology is shown, showing a PAP device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000.

[0242] Figure 20-23 Several views of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 are shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, wherein Figure 20-21 The humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown in a "closed" configuration, Fig. 22 The humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown in an "open" configuration, and Fig.23 Exploded view of the humidifier water reservoir 5110.

[0243] Figure 24-Figure 27 The humidifier 5000 is shown from multiple perspective views, showing the engagement of the humidifier water reservoir 5110 with the water reservoir docking piece 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170.

[0244] Figure 28a-Figure 30c A time lapse graph of an exemplary airflow flow path is shown as it enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 and exits through the outlet 5122 after traversing through the interior of the humidifier reservoir 5110 .

[0245] Figure 31-Figure 32 Exemplary distributions of pressure / force in the humidifier water reservoir 5110 in different configurations are shown.

[0246] Figure 33-Figure 40 Different configurations of the reservoir cover 5114 are shown, particularly with specific variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 according to aspects of the present technology.

[0247] Fig.41a , Fig.41b and Fig.42 The humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown and in particular the figure is intended to show the orifice 5138.

[0248] Fig.41c and Fig.41d The humidifier base 5112 is shown and in particular the figure is intended to show the inclined profile 5139.

[0249] Figure 43-Figure 44 A humidifier dock 5130 and a humidifier water reservoir 5110 are shown, and in particular the interaction between a lid retaining tab 5142 and a dock locking recess 5144 in accordance with an aspect of the present technology.

[0250] Fig.45 A humidifier water reservoir 5110 according to another example of the current technology is shown, in which it is constructed so that a refill cap 5180 can be installed together with the base, top and variable part.

[0251] Figure 46-Figure 49 Additional description of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present technique, with particular reference to the arrangement of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 .

[0252] Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of a reservoir cover 5114 and a variable portion in the form of a variable portion 5116 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present technology.

[0253] Fig.51 An example of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown according to another example of the current technology, in which it is constructed with a latch 5186.

[0254] Figure 52a-Figure 53 A portion of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 according to another example of the current technology is shown. In this configuration, the water reservoir 5110 includes a reservoir cover 5114 having an inlet tube 5124, a middle portion 5202 including an outlet tube 5126, and a base portion 5112 (as shown in FIG. Fig.53 Exploded view in Figure 1).

[0255] Figure 54a-Figure 54b The middle portion 5202 of the water reservoir 5110 is shown from multiple angles. In particular, the drawings are intended to illustrate the baffle 5192, the outlet pipe 5126, and the support spokes 5194.

[0256] Fig.55 A perspective bottom view of the middle portion 5202 of the water reservoir 5110 is shown.

[0257] Figure 56a-Figure 56b A cross section of the reservoir cover 5114 and the middle portion 5202 connected together is shown. Fig.56b The cross section of the baffle 5192 is shown in further detail, particularly the arrangement of the vertical portion of the inlet pipe 5124 , the positioning portion 5196 of the baffle 5192 , and the guide plate portion 5198 of the baffle 5192 .

[0258] Fig.57 Shown is the upper portion of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 according to another example of the current technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a reservoir cover portion 5114, a base portion (not shown), and a middle portion 5202, which includes an outlet tube 5126, an inlet tube 5124, and a wall portion 5206.

[0259] Figure 58a-Figure 58b A portion of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown according to another example of the current technology. Figure 58a-Figure 58b The water reservoir cover 5114 is shown connected to the middle part 5202, and in particular the figure is intended to show the inlet pipe 5124, the outlet pipe 5126, the deflector portion 5198 and the flow guide 5195.

[0260] Figure 59a-59b An intermediate portion 5202 is shown according to another example of the current technology, and in particular they are intended to show the baffle portion 5198, the flow guide 5195, the positioning portion 5196 and the seal 5204.

[0261] Fig.60 A portion of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 according to another example of the current technology is shown. In particular, Fig.60 A water level 5184 is shown where a vapor barrier will form to prevent further intrusion of liquid into the reservoir 5110 when the reservoir 5110 has a predetermined maximum volume of liquid therein.

[0262] Figure 61a-Figure 62b Several views of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 are shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, wherein Figure 61a-Figure 62a The humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown in a closed configuration, Figure 62bThe humidifier water reservoir 5110 is shown in an "open" configuration.

[0263] Figure 63a-Figure 63b Several views of a humidifier water reservoir 5110 are shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. Figure 63a A plan view of the humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in an "open configuration" to illustrate the Figure 63b The cross section shown in FIG. Figure 63b Shown by Figure 63a A cross section of the visible water reservoir 5110 is taken along line 63b-63b.

[0264] Figure 64-Figure 65 Several views of a reservoir base 5114 are shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology.

[0265] Fig.66 An exploded view of an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000, and an end cap 5300 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology.

[0266] Fig.67 A side perspective view of an end cap 5300 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology.

[0267] Fig.68a An exploded bottom perspective view of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0268] Figure 68b A bottom perspective view of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0269] Figure 68c An exploded rear perspective view of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0270] Figure 68d A rear perspective view of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0271] Figure 68e A rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier, an airflow tube, and a cable housing is shown according to an example of the present technology.

[0272] Fig.69a A side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0273] Fig.69b Another side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0274] Fig.69c Another side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0275] Fig.69d An exploded perspective view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0276] Fig.70a A top view of an outlet assembly according to an example of the present technology is shown.

[0277] Fig.70b A diagram taken through line 70b-70b according to an example of the present technology is shown. Fig.70a Cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly.

[0278] Fig.70c An example of the present technology is shown in FIG. 70 taken along line 70c-70c. Fig.70a Cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly. 5. Specific implementation methods

[0279] Before describing the present technology in more detail, it is to be understood that the technology can be varied and is not limited to the specific examples described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing the specific examples discussed herein only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0280] 5.1 Therapy

[0281] In one form, the present technology includes a method for treating a breathing disorder, the method comprising the step of applying positive pressure to an entrance to the airway of a patient 1000 .

[0282] In some embodiments of the present technology, a supply of air at a positive pressure is provided to the patient's nasal passages via one or both nostrils.

[0283] In some embodiments of the present technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited or prevented.

[0284] 5.2 Treatment system

[0285] In one form, the present technology includes a device or apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder. The device or apparatus may include an RPT device 4000 to supply pressurized breathing gas, such as air, to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 to a patient interface 3000 .

[0286] 5.3 Patient Interface 3000

[0287] A non-invasive patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a vent 3400, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, and a form of a connection port 3600 for connecting to an air circuit 4170. The patient interface 3000 optionally includes a forehead support structure 3700 coupled to the stabilizing structure 3300. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is arranged to surround the entrance to the patient's airway so as to facilitate the supply of air to the airway at a positive pressure.

[0288] 5.4PAP Device 4000

[0289] exist Figure 5a 4000 according to one aspect of the present technology. The RPT device 4000 may include mechanical and pneumatic components, electrical components, and may be configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device may include one or more panels such as a front panel 4012 and a side panel 4014. The RPT device 4000 may also include Figure 5a and Figure 5b The outlet silencer 4124 shown in FIG. The outlet silencer 4124 may be removable and provided by the water reservoir 5110 (see FIG. Figure 5c ) replacement. In this form, the RPT device 4000 can be considered to include an integrated humidifier 5000. As a result, the RPT device 4000 can be used with or without humidification, depending on whether the water reservoir 5110 or the outlet silencer 4124 is attached accordingly. Preferably, the RPT device 4000 includes a base 4016 that supports one or more internal portions of the RPT device 4000. In one form, the RPT device 4000 includes a pressure generator 4140, which can be housed in a pneumatic block 4020 connected to the base 4016.

[0290] The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 (e.g. Figure 5d 41) may include an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (preferably a blower 4142) capable of supplying air at a positive pressure, and an outlet muffler 4124 (or a water reservoir 5110 if humidification is required). One or more sensors 4270 such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow sensor 4274 may be included in the pneumatic path. The pneumatic path may also include an anti-spillback valve 4160 to prevent water from the humidifier 5000 from overflowing back into the electrical components of the RPT device 4000.

[0291] The RPT device 4000 may include one or more electrical components that may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), such as the main PCBA 4202. In alternative forms, the RPT device 4000 may include more than one PCBA.

[0292] 5.4.1 RPT equipment components

[0293] The RPT device may include one or more of the following components in an integral unit. In an alternative form, one or more of the following components may be located as respective separate units.

[0294] 5.4.1.1 Air filter 4110

[0295] An RPT device according to one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0296] In one form, the pneumatic pathway may include an inlet air filter 4112 (e.g., upstream of the pressure generator 4140) and another air filter 4114 (e.g., downstream of the pressure generator 4140), such as an antimicrobial filter disposed within the pneumatic pathway at a location between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000. Figure 5d .

[0297] 5.4.1.2 Side Panel 4014

[0298] In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include Figure 6a-6c The side panel 4014 shown in FIG. The side panel 4014 may include one or more RPT device inlets 4002 configured to receive air flow into the RPT device 4000. Figure 6a As shown in , the RPT device inlet 4002 may include a plurality of perforations configured to allow air flow therethrough.

[0299] Side panel 4014 (see Figure 6a ) can be configured to accommodate an inlet air filter 4112 and include a side panel frame 4014f and an inlet air filter cover 4014fc configured to fix the inlet air filter 4112 relative to the side panel frame 4014f. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc can be coupled to the side panel frame 4014f, preferably removably coupled or pivotally coupled (e.g., Figure 6b-6c4014fc) to the side panel frame 4014f to allow replacement of the inlet air filter 4112. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may also include a filter cover handle (e.g., a recess) 4014ch for user access to open and close the inlet air filter cover 4014fc; and a retaining feature (e.g., a latch, not shown) to secure the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in its closed configuration.

[0300] The side panel 4014 may include an air filter housing 4014h configured to position an inlet air filter 4112 therein, such as, for example, Figure 6c A portion of an inlet air filter cover 4014fc is shown in FIG. The air filter housing 4014 includes a plurality of walls 4014w configured to position an inlet air filter 4112, for example, when the inlet air filter cover 4014fc is pivoted relative to the side panel frame 4014f.

[0301] The RPT device inlet 4002 may be configured as follows: Figure 6a-6c As described in further detail below, the plurality of perforations may allow air flow to pass therethrough in a direction parallel to the inlet of the pneumatic block 4020.

[0302] The side panel 4014 may also include one or more connection ports 4014cp (e.g., Figure 6d ) to allow access to removable storage media and accessories, such as communication devices or USB ports. Accordingly, the side panel 4010 may include one or more access covers 4014ac to protect the connection port 4014cp from the ingress of water / dust / dirt and accidental removal of removable storage media or accessories. The access cover 4104ac may also be used for aesthetic purposes.

[0303] The access cover 4014ac may include one or more access cover anchor portions 4014an that may be used to couple the access cover 4014ac to the side panel frame 4014f (e.g., by inserting into a slot, not shown). The cover portion 4014co may protect the connection port 4014, for example by including one or more complementary recesses 4014re for accommodating any protrusions of the connection port 4014cp. The access cover 4014ac may also include one or more access cover hinge portions 4014hi. In some forms, the access cover hinge portions 4014hi may be integrally formed with the cover portion 4014co and the anchor portions 4014an of the access cover 4014ac for improved manufacturability and lower cost.

[0304] 5.4.1.3 Silencer Silencer 4120

[0305] In one form of the present technology, the inlet muffler 4122 is positioned in the pneumatic path upstream of the pressure generator 4140. Figure 5d .

[0306] In one form of the present technology, an outlet muffler 4142 is positioned in the pneumatic path between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000. Figure 5d .

[0307] like Figure 7a-Figure 7b , the outlet muffler 4124 can be a removable portion of the RPT device 4000. The RPT device 4000 can include a corresponding docking piece 4130 (described further below) configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110. This arrangement can allow the RPT device 4000 with the integrated humidifier 5000 to be manufactured so as to be easily converted between a first configuration, when the outlet muffler 4124 is positioned in the docking piece 4130, in which humidification is not provided, and a second configuration in which the water reservoir 5110 is positioned in the docking piece 4130, enabling humidification, and vice versa. For example, if humidification is desired, the outlet muffler 4124 can be removed using the muffler rod 4124le to allow the RPT device 4000 to receive the water reservoir 5110. In one form, as will be described in more detail below, inserting the water reservoir 5110 into the docking piece 4130 will allow the airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 to be humidified before being delivered to the patient 1000.

[0308] The outlet muffler 4124 may include an identification element to allow a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidity controller 5250, to detect its presence (or absence), for example, in the dock 4130. The dock 4130 may include a complementary detection element to detect the presence (or absence) of the outlet muffler 4124. In one form, detecting the presence or absence of the outlet muffler 4124 in the reservoir dock 5130 may cause a control to perform one or more functions, including: turning off / on the heating element 5240; adjusting the power output of the heating element 5240; turning off / on the heating element in the air circuit 4170; adjusting the power output of the heating element in the air circuit 4170; adjusting the pressure drop estimation between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000; disabling / enabling user interface elements related to the operation of the humidifier 5000; or disabling / enabling data logging / data reporting related to the operation of the humidifier 5000. In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 may include an identification element (shown in the form of a magnet 5340) disposed thereon, such as in an end cap magnet holder 5345. The identification element may be utilized by a controller via the detection element to detect the outlet muffler 4124. For example, the detection element may include a Hall effect sensor (not shown) positioned in or near the docking piece 4130, such as on the PCBA 4202.

[0309] One advantage of the outlet muffler 4124 including the identification element may be to allow for reduced energy consumption or customized operation of the humidifier 5000 using the outlet muffler 4124. A further advantage of having the heating element turned on by default and turned off by engagement of the outlet muffler 4214 is that in a separate step of installing the outlet muffler 4214, the heating element 5240 is deactivated and access to the heating plate is prevented.

[0310] In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 receives air flow from the pneumatic block 4020 and delivers the air flow to the RPT device outlet 4004. Thus, the outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler inlet 4124in and a muffler outlet 4124ou. Figure 7e-7f As shown in FIG. 4 , the outlet muffler 4124 may also include other components, such as a muffler cover 4124ca, a muffler body 4124bo, a muffler shock absorber 4124da, and a muffler foam 4124fo.

[0311] The outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler rod 41241e to disengage the outlet muffler 4124 from the remainder of the RPT device 4000, for example, by releasing a latch. The muffler rod 41241e is configured to (at Figure 7a-7f) from above to align the outlet silencer 4124 with the docking piece 4130 (for example, by one or more silencer clamps 4124cl). Figure 7b in, and in Fig.16i 4124hi). It will be appreciated that the outlet muffler 4124 may include one or more of any number of known means to removably couple the outlet muffler 4124 to the RPT device 4000. The outlet muffler 4124 may also include one or more muffler clamps 4124cl that utilize the RPT device 4000, such as including a muffler hinge 4124hi. In some forms, the outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler travel limiter 4124tl that is configured to prevent damage to the muffler hinge 4124hi, which may occur, for example, due to plastic deformation of the muffler hinge 4124hi having a "living hinge" configuration. Still further, the muffler travel limiter 4124tl may be configured to engage with the muffler rod 4124le and deform when the muffler rod 4124le is actuated (e.g., pressed). In this arrangement, when the muffler rod 41241e engages the muffler travel limiter 4124tl, the travel limiter 4124tl can provide feedback to the user and can provide different levels of resistance to indicate the degree of deformation that has occurred. Figure 7e-7f As shown in , the muffler bumper 4124da can be integrally formed with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl. In some forms, the muffler bumper 4124 can be configured to engage with the muffler cover 4124ca and / or the muffler body 4124bo by friction.

[0312] Similarly, the outlet muffler 4124 may be configured such that the muffler stem 4124le must be depressed to allow the outlet muffler 4124 to be inserted into the docking piece 4130. In one form, if the outlet muffler 4124 is inserted without depressing the muffler stem 4124le, then one or more muffler clamps 4124cl may be configured to interfere with the docking piece 4130. When the outlet effector 4124 is inserted into the docking piece 4130, the one or more muffler clamps 4124cl move to engage with the docking piece 4130 (e.g., by moving upward), thereby securing the outlet muffler 4124 in the docking piece 4130.

[0313] The outlet silencer 4124 may include one or more acoustic features to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 4000, such as Figure 7e-7fThe muffler foam 4124fo and the muffler shock absorber 4124da are shown in FIG. The muffler shock absorber 4124da may be coupled to the muffler cover 4124ca and may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone to reduce noise. In addition, the outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler extension chamber 4124ex formed therein to reduce noise. Figure 7e In the form shown in , the muffler extension chamber 4124ex can be a cavity formed in the muffler body 4124bo.

[0314] 5.4.1.4 Pressure generator 4140

[0315] In one form of the present technology, the pressure generator 4140 for generating an air flow or supply of air at a positive pressure is a blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 having one or more impellers housed in a volute. The blower may preferably be capable of delivering a supply of air at a rate of up to about 120 liters / minute, for example, at a positive pressure ranging from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O or otherwise up to about 30 cmH2O. The blower may be as described in any of the following or 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 No. WO2013 / 020167.

[0316] The pressure generator 4140 may be under the control of the therapeutic device controller 4240 .

[0317] 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.

[0318] 5.4.1.5 Pneumatic block 4020

[0319] In one form, a pneumatic block 4020 including a pressure generator 4140 (eg, a blower 4142) may form part of the RPT device 4000. The pneumatic block may, for example, include the construction described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2013 / 020167, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0320] exist Figure 11a-Figure 11d4 shows a pneumatic block 4020 according to one aspect of the present technology. The pneumatic block 4020 may include a PB inlet 4020in, a PB outlet 4020ou, and house a blower 4142. According to one aspect of the present technology, the pneumatic block 4020 may provide a compact, closed pneumatic path for air flow while minimizing noise and vibration output due to the air flow. In addition, this pneumatic block 4020 may allow the housing 4010 to be arranged independently thereof to increase flexibility in the aesthetics of the RTP device 4000 relative to the pneumatic block 4020.

[0321] The pneumatic module 4020 may also include one or more flow plates 4020fp, a blower sleeve 4020bs, one or more sensor ports such as a flow sensor port 4020sp, and an acoustic foam 4020af. The pneumatic block 4020 may include an outer shell, for example, a first PB shell 4020h1 and a second PB shell 4020h2. The PB inlet 4020in and the PB outlet 4020ou may be arranged on the first PB shell 4020h1 and the second PB shell 4020h2, respectively.

[0322] The flow plate 4020fp can divide the interior of the pneumatic block 4020 into a first chamber 4020c1, a second chamber 4020c2 and the interior of the blower bushing 4020bs. In one form, the air flow will be received in the pneumatic block 4020 through the PB inlet 4020in and enter the PB inlet pipe 4020it (such as Fig.11d and Fig.11h 4020c1). The PB inlet pipe 4020it delivers the air flow to the first chamber 4020c1, and the air flow travels from the first chamber 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2. In one form, a plurality of flow tubes 4020ft (e.g., Figure 11d-11f 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2. The flow plate 4020fp may include a cavity through which the PB inlet tube 4020it may travel to transfer the air flow to the first chamber 4020c1. As will be further described below, the flow tube 4020ft may be additionally used to determine the flow rate. The second chamber 4020c2 then passes through the blower inlet 4142in (see Fig.11c ) delivers the air flow to the blower 4142, wherein the air flow is pressurized and passed through Fig.11j The PB outlet 4020ou shown in FIG. 4 exits the pneumatic block 4020 before exiting through the blower outlet 4142. In one form, the flow plate 4020fp may include approximately 10-15 flow tubes 4020ft, such as 11-14, such as Fig.11e The 12 flow tubes shown in FIG. 4020 ft can be formed by a flow tube such as Fig.11j As shown in , a form of tapering from the first chamber 4020cl to the second chamber 4020c2 along the polymerization direction.

[0323] PB inlet 4020in may include a flexible portion, such as Fig.11h PB inlet insert 4020ii shown in . The flexible portion can assist in correctly aligning the PB inlet 4020in with the RPT device inlet 4002, for example by elastically conforming to allow for any axial or radial misalignment therebetween. Further, the flexible portion can reduce mechanical loads or stresses on the pneumatic block 4020 while allowing for axial or radial misalignment since the modulus of the flexible portion can be significantly less than the modulus of the housing of the pneumatic block, such as the first PB housing 4020hl and the second PB housing 4020h2. In one form, the flexible portion can be constructed of a flexible material such as silicone and the housing of the pneumatic block including the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2 can be constructed of a more rigid material such as polypropylene, although it should be understood that a range of other materials may be suitable for both.

[0324] Blower casing 4020bs (such as Figure 11k and Figure 11l ) can be made of a flexible, resilient material such as silicone. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs can be used as a suspension member to reduce noise and vibration output from the blower 4142 that may be transmitted to the patient 1000 (or bed partner). The blower sleeve 4020bs can also include a chamber that is configured to receive air flow from the blower outlet 4142ou and transmit the air flow to the patient 1000 (or bed partner). Fig.11j PB outlet 4020ou shown in. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs is configured to receive the blower 4142 and sealingly engage the flow plate 4020fp, for example, via one or more sleeve tabs 4020st positioned on the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0325] The blower sleeve 4020bs may also include a sleeve pull tab 4020pt configured to assist in assembling the blower sleeve 4020bs with other parts of the pneumatic block, such as the second PB housing 4020h2. The sleeve pull tab 4020pt may be configured as an elongated tab suitable for manual grasping, so that a person (or an automated device) assembling the pneumatic block 4020 can grasp the sleeve pull tab 4020pt and pull the sleeve pull tab 4020pt through the PB outlet edge 4020or (e.g., Fig.11d) to position the PB outlet 4020ou relative to the second PB housing 4020h2. One advantage of this arrangement will be reduced assembly time, while another will be accurate positioning of the PB outlet 4020ou while achieving the desired suspension features of the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0326] The flow sensor port 4020sp may be accessible from the exterior of the pneumatic block 4020 and fluidly coupled to a flow transducer 4272 (not shown). The flow sensor port 4020sp may also be fluidly coupled to a flow path, such as in the pneumatic block 4020, to allow the flow transducer 4274 to measure the flow rate flowing through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be connected to the first chamber 4020cl and the second chamber 4020c2 such that the flow sensor will measure the pressure drop between the first chamber 4020cl and the second chamber 4020c2. The flow sensor port 4020sp may be integrally formed with a package of the pneumatic block 4020, such as the first PB housing 4020hl, or alternatively may be part of a separate component, such as a PB sensor coupler 4020sc. A portion or all of the flow sensor port 4020sp may be flexibly constructed to facilitate proper alignment and engagement of the flow transducer 4274 with the pneumatic block 4020.

[0327] Any introduction of water onto the flow sensor port 4020sp, for example by at least partially closing the port for sensing air pressure, may adversely affect the operation of the flow transducer 4274. It is also known that because the RPT device 4000 may be in close proximity to water, and because the humidifier 5000 may contain water therein, there is a risk of water entering the RPT device 4000, for example when the RPT device is used in a humidifier 5000. Therefore, each flow sensor flow path connecting the corresponding flow sensor port 4020sp to the chamber 4020cl and 4020c2 may include one or more anti-ingress features, such as a PB water trap 4020wt, or a PB waterproof member 4020ws (see Fig.11o). According to one form, the PB water trap 4020wt can be a recessed portion in the flow sensor flow path, which is configured to hold a predetermined volume of water while allowing air to flow through the flow sensor flow path. The PB waterproof member 4020ws may include a port of a small cross-sectional area configured to allow air flow through it, and then prevent water from entering due to the higher surface tension of water. To further prevent any water from interfering with the operation of the flow sensor, the port of the PB waterproof member 4020ws can be horizontally oriented and / or positioned toward the top portion of the pneumatic block 4020. In one form, the port of the PB waterproof member 4020ws can be, for example, about 1mm at its minimum diameter, although it should be understood that other sizes can also be suitable for preventing water from entering through the port. In one form, the PB waterproof member 4020ws can be positioned so that this port is arranged to be substantially flat and / or vertical at its outermost surface, at which point its diameter can be the smallest. In addition, the flow sensor port 4020sp can be fluidly connected to the corresponding port arrangement of the PB waterproof member 4020ws perpendicular to the flow sensor port 4020sp. In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be configured such that any water (or equivalent air path) advancing through the port of the PB waterproof 4020ws must be rotated (e.g., through 90 degrees) to advance to the flow sensor, such as by traveling upwardly in the normal, working orientation of the RPT device 4000. The PB waterproof 4020ws may be integrally formed with the enclosure of the pneumatic block 4020 (e.g., the first PB housing 4020hl), or alternatively may be separately formed for insertion into the enclosure (e.g., by a clearance fit, such as Figure 11n ) or connected to the package (e.g., by welding, not shown). Further, the flow sensor flow path 4020fp can be configured so that the flow sensor port 4020sp can be positioned above the height of the corresponding opening of the flow sensor flow path in each chamber 4020cl and 4020c2. This can further prevent water from intruding into the flow sensor 4274.

[0328] 5.4.1.6 Base 4016

[0329] The RPT device 4000 may include Figure 8a-8f The base 4016 shown in FIG. 4010 can provide a structural frame for the RPT device 4000. Figure 5a and Figure 8b In some forms shown in FIG. 4016, platform 4016p1 may include an outer wall of RPT device 4000. Base 4016 may also be positioned as shown in FIG. Figure 5a One or more components such as the housing 4010, pneumatic block 4020, PCBA4202, and outlet silencer 4124 as seen in the figure.

[0330] In one form, the base 4016 may include a platform 4016pl configured to support the pneumatic block 4020 (see Figure 8a-8b ). The base 4016 may include a docking piece 4130 configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 (or the water reservoir 5110), for example, into a cavity therein to connect the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. The docking piece 4130 may receive a portion of the outlet muffler 4124 as shown. The docking piece 4130 may include a docking piece outlet 4132 configured to deliver air flow to the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 when inserted, and a docking piece inlet 4134 configured to deliver air flow to the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 when inserted. Figure 8c-Figure 8d When inserted as shown in FIG. 401 , the base 4016 receives air flow from the outlet silencer 4124 or the water reservoir 5110. The base 4016 may also include Figure 8e , wherein the RPT device outlet 4004 can be removably coupled to the base 4016. The docking piece outlet 4132 can be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler inlet 4124in or the reservoir inlet 5118. The docking piece inlet 4134 can be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler outlet 4124ou or the reservoir outlet 5122.

[0331] In one form, the docking inlet 4134 and the docking outlet 4132 can each include a bellows-type face seal. This seal can be used to communicate with the outlet muffler 4124 (e.g., Figure 7e 4124ou or 4124in) or water reservoir 5110 (as shown in Fig.16d 5118 or 5222 shown in ) or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,465, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. One advantage of this bellows-type face seal can be that it allows for misalignment in both the axial and radial directions. Because the seal will dock with the complementary portions, this construction can be more tolerant of misalignment than an arrangement in which, for example, a male connector is inserted into a female connector. In addition, the flexibility of this seal will allow for axial misalignment without adversely affecting the performance of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000).

[0332] The outlet tube 4006 may include the RPT device outlet 4004 and the dock inlet 4134 and may be removably coupled to the dock 4130. In some forms, a separate intermediate tube 4008 may include a dock outlet 4132. The intermediate tube 4008 may be configured to couple to the pneumatic block 4020 to receive air flow from the pneumatic block 4020 for delivery to the dock 4130. The intermediate tube 4008 may also include a dock outlet pressure port 4132pp for measuring air pressure at the dock outlet 4132.

[0333] The outlet tube 4006 may include an outlet tube latch portion 40061a configured to engage with a complementary feature in the docking piece 4130, such as the docking piece outlet slot 4130sl. The outlet tube 4006 may further include one or more outlet tube guide portions 4006gu, which may assist in properly inserting the outlet tube 4006 into the docking piece 4130 by engaging with one or more corresponding docking piece guide portions 4130gu. The outlet tube guide portion 4006gu may include a plurality of outlet tube latch portions 40061a configured to engage with a complementary feature in the docking piece 4130, such as the docking piece outlet slot 4130sl. Figure 8g A form of flat plate shown in the drawing is constructed to be engaged and guided by a docking member guide portion 4130gu, which may be inclined to guide the outlet tube 4006 to a desired position, such as for engaging the outlet tube latch portion 4006la with the docking member outlet slot 4130sl.

[0334] The outlet end 4006oe may also be formed with an ISO taper, such as a 22 mm outer diameter ISO taper to allow connection of a standard non-heated air circuit.

[0335] As in Figure 8g and Figure 8h As seen in FIG. 4 , the outlet tube 4006 may include a flow bend having an inner circle or curved cross section configured to reduce air flow resistance through the outlet tube 4006. Figure 8h As shown in , the outlet tube 4006 can be constructed in two parts, where the first part 4006a is molded from a rigid material such as bisphenol A (BPA) free polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and the second part 4006b including at least a portion of the flow curve is overmolded from a compliant material such as silicone. Using a compliant material to form the second part 4006 including a portion of the curve can allow retrieval of a molding tool including an inner curve from an inner cavity at the end of the molding process by deforming the second part 4006b.

[0336] The outlet tube 4006 may also include a retaining flange 4006f1 to assist in positioning or securing the outlet tube 4006 to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 or the housing or base thereof. The retaining flange 4006f1 may assist in properly positioning or placing the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 such as by abutting the positioning flange in the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. Figure 8e 4006fl. The retaining flange 4006fl may be positioned within the outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 shown in FIG. It should be understood that the retaining flange 4006fl may allow for fixed attachment of the outlet tube 4006. The retaining flange 4006fl may alternatively allow for removable attachment of the outlet tube 4006 so that it may be cleaned or replaced.

[0337] like Figure 8b-8f , the outlet tube 4006 may include an inlet end 4006ie connected to the humidifier 5000 or RPT device 4000. The inlet end 4006ie may include a pressure-actuated face seal or a bellows seal to provide a sealed pneumatic connection with an outlet of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, such as the docking outlet 4132 described above. In another example of the present technology, the outlet tube 4006 may be connected at the inlet end 4006ie to at least one conduit, which in turn is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. In either of these situations, one function of the outlet tube 4006, and specifically the inlet end 4006ie, may be to receive a gas flow from the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 and direct it from outside the device to the air circuit 4170 via the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the outlet connector 4170oc to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0338] exist Figure 8g-Figure 8h4 shows a portion of an RPT device 4000 having an outlet tube 4006 and / or a cable housing 5080. The outlet tube 4006 may also include a latch portion 40061a to connect with a complementary receiving portion of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, such as a docking piece outlet slot 4130sl, to position and / or retain the airflow tube in a proper position within the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 as described above. The engagement of the latch portion 40061a with the docking piece outlet slot 4130sl may provide sensory feedback such as a click to indicate a proper connection. The latch portion 40061a may be further configured to cause the outlet tube 4006 to fall off the receiving portion when it is disengaged from the receiving portion. The latch portion 40061a may be a different color than the complementary receiving portion or portion of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 for improved visibility. In some cases, the outlet tube 4006 and / or the complementary receiving portion can be configured so that a button, such as at the end of the latch portion 40061a, can be used to release the outlet tube 4006 from the complementary receiving portion. A tool can be utilized to release the outlet tube 4006 from the receiving portion.

[0339] The outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that engagement of the latch portion 40061a with the complementary receiving portion also completes the pneumatic connection between the air circuit 4170 and the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. Thus, it is possible to detect the absence or incorrect connection of the outlet tube 4006 or its disengagement by detecting air leaks.

[0340] In other alternative arrangements, when the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000, the connection can be configured to ensure proper connection of the outlet tube 4006 with the complementary receiving portion. Improper coupling of the outlet tube 4006 to the complementary receiving portion can prevent the outlet connector 4170oc from being able to properly connect to the outlet tube 4006, which can be indicated by the RPT device 4000, for example, by detecting a high leakage flow. In other alternatives, the outlet connector 4170oc in the air circuit 4170 can be used to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the outlet tube 4006 from the RPT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000.

[0341] As described above, when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000, the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 can be connected to the outlet connection area 5056 of the outlet connector 4170oc.

[0342] The docking piece 4130 may include one or more features configured to engage with a component inserted therein (e.g., the outlet muffler 4124). For example, the docking piece 4130 may include features such as Figure 8c-8f One or more flanges 4130fl are shown in the figure, which are suitable for engaging and guiding the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 when they are inserted into the docking piece 4130.

[0343] In one form, the dock 4130 may include one or more portions of the humidifier 5000, wherein the humidifier 5000 is integrally constructed with the RPT device 4000. For example, the base of the dock 4130 may include a heating element 5240, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0344] 5.4.1.7 Transducer 4270

[0345] The transducer may be internal to the RPT device, or external to the RPT device. An external transducer may, for example, be positioned on or form part of an air circuit, such as a patient interface. The external transducer may be in the form of a non-contact sensor, such as a Doppler radar motion sensor that transmits or transfers data to the RPT device.

[0346] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to measure a characteristic such as flow rate, pressure or temperature at one or more points in a pneumatic path.

[0347] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be positioned proximate to the patient interface 3000 .

[0348] In one form, the signal from transducer 4270 may be filtered, such as by low pass, high pass, or band pass filtering.

[0349] 5.4.1.7.1 Flow transducer 4274

[0350] The flow transducer 4274 according to the present technology can be based on a differential pressure transducer, such as the SDP600 series differential pressure transducer from SENSIRION.

[0351] In one form, a signal representing a flow rate, such as a total flow Qt from a flow transducer 4274 , is received by the central controller 4230 .

[0352] 5.4.1.7.2 Pressure transducer 4272

[0353] A pressure transducer 4272 according to the present technology is positioned in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. An example of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the ASDX series from HONEYWELL. Another suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the NPA series from GENERALELECTRIC.

[0354] In one form, signals from pressure sensor 4272 are received by central controller 4230.

[0355] 5.4.1.7.3 Motor speed transducer 4276

[0356] In one form of the present technology, a motor speed transducer 4276 is utilized to determine the rotational speed of a device such as the motor 4144 or the blower 4142. A motor speed signal from the motor speed transducer 4276 is preferably provided to the treatment device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 may be, for example, a speed sensor such as a Hall Effect sensor.

[0357] 5.4.1.7.4 Ambient Light Sensor 4278

[0358] Because the RPT device 4000 is typically used in a bedroom environment, such as when the patient 1000 is about to sleep or is sleeping, it is important to ensure that any lighting features of the RPT device 4000 are not excessively bright.

[0359] In one form of the present technology, an ambient light sensor 4278 is utilized to determine the light level in the ambient area near the RPT device 4000. The ambient light signal from the ambient light sensor 4278 may be provided as an input to the central controller 4230, for example to adjust the brightness of a display or any other light-emitting feature such as a backlight or any indicator light for the input device 4220.

[0360] The ambient light sensor 4278 can be connected to a Figure 9a 40101p shown in FIG. 4010. In this configuration, the light level detected by the ambient light sensor 4278 will correspond to the light level at or near the perforation. In one form, the housing light port 40101p can be positioned near the display 4294 so that the brightness of the display 4294 can be adjusted based on the detected light level. The ambient light sensor 4278 can be connected to the perforation through a light well (also known as a light pipe) to assist in accurately determining the light level at the perforation.

[0361] The display 4294 may be configured to operate at one of a plurality of predetermined brightness settings. The brightness setting may be selected based on the signal output of the ambient light sensor 4278. For example, the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a lower brightness setting if the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is at or below a threshold value (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux), and the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a higher brightness setting if the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is above a threshold value (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux). Thus, in this arrangement, a lower level of ambient light may result in a lower brightness setting.

[0362] 5.4.1.8 Anti-overflow valve 4160

[0363] In one form of the present technology, an anti-spillback valve is positioned between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-spillback valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk that water will flow upstream from the humidifier 5000, for example, to the motor 4144.

[0364] 5.4.1.9 Air circuit 4170

[0365] The air circuit 4170 in accordance with aspects of the present technology is a conduit or tube that is constructed and arranged to allow air flow to travel between two components, such as the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000 .

[0366] In particular, the air conduit 4170 can be fluidly connected to the outlet of the pneumatic block and the patient interface. The air circuit can be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there may be separate circuit branches for inspiration and expiration. In other cases, a single branch is used.

[0367] like Fig.18a As shown in FIG. 4 , the air circuit 4170 may include an AC outlet connector 4170oc at one end of the AC tube portion 4170tp and the tube portion 4170tp to connect the air circuit to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. In one form, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an AC preformed block 4170pb, an AC overmold 4170om, and an AC electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical connector 4070ec may be oriented parallel to the central axis of the outlet connection region 5056 and extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the outlet connector 4170oc and extend out of an opening in the AC overmold 4170om to protect, for example, from water ingress.

[0368] The AC tube portion 4170tp may also include a spiral coil 4170co to provide support for the AC tube portion 4170tp. The air circuit 4170 may also include a heating element to prevent condensation effect (e.g., condensation of water vapor within the AC tube portion 4170tp or the patient interface 3000), which may be disposed within the AC spiral coil 4170co. When a heating element is disposed in the AC spiral coil 4170co, electrical energy or a signal or both may be necessary if, for example, the heating element is a resistive heater. In some cases, an electrical connection may be required between the patient interface 3000 and the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 for electrical energy or communication therebetween.

[0369] The air circuit 4170 may require pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000), as well as mechanical connections. These connections may be made through an AC outlet connector 4170oc to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, to provide electrical energy and signals to the heating element in the AC spiral coil 4170co and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or in series such that one of the mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical connections is completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 to couple to the patient interface 3000 at the opposite end of the tube portion 4170tp. In some forms, the patient interface connector 4107 may be connected to a patient interface such as a humidifier 5000 or a RPT device 4000. Fig.18a The AC outlet connector 4170oc shown in is different.

[0370] Figure 18b-Figure 18e An air circuit or portion thereof according to an example of the present technology is described. Figure 18f-18j Also depicted is an exemplary air circuit connected to outlet assembly 5004. As may be seen in Figure 18a-18b 4, an AC tube section 4170tp having an AC spiral coil 4170co can be connected to an AC outlet connector 4170oc. The AC spiral coil 4170co as described above can include a heating element and it can also serve as a support structure for the AC tube section 4170tp. An electrical connection can be made by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc onto the outlet assembly 5004 (described in more detail below), so that the AC electrical connector 4170ec makes electrical contact with the electrical components of the outlet assembly.

[0371] 5.4.1.9.1 Pneumatic and electrical connection types

[0372] The air circuit 4170 may require pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000), as well as mechanical connections. These connections may be made through an outlet connector 4170oc to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, to provide electrical energy and signals to the heating element in the spiral coil 4170co and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or in series, so that one of the mechanical, pneumatic or electrical connections is completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 on the other end for coupling to the patient interface 3000.

[0373] The AC outlet connector 4170oc may include a recessed portion 4170re configured to couple to an electrical connector receiver 5052 of the rotating disk 5050 (see Figure 18i-18j and further described below) to assist in releasably securing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the humidifier 5000, for example at the outlet assembly 5004. This recessed portion 4170re can also provide a visual aid for the patient to locate the outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet assembly 5004 by being shaped to correspond to the electrical connector receptacle 50502 (see Fig.18j ). The electrical connector receiving member 5052 can accommodate, for example, Figure 18m-18n The AC outlet connector 4170oc may also include an actuator 4172 that controls a retaining feature 4174. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the outlet assembly 5004, the retaining feature 4174 may engage with a corresponding notch 5054 of the rotating disk 5050 (see Figure 18i-18j ). When engaged, the actuator 4172 in combination with the notch 5054 may produce an audible sound at the actuator 4172 or provide tactile feedback, or both. The actuator 4172 or the retaining feature 4174 may be manufactured to produce a higher wear feature than the rotating disk 5050 to allow for wear on the air circuit 4170, which may be a consumable component. This may be achieved by using a material having a lower hardness to form the retaining feature 4174 than the material forming the rotating disk 5050. The retaining feature 4174 and the notch 5054 may be engaged by a snap fit and the actuator 4172 may be pressable to introduce the retaining feature to release the retaining feature from the notch 5054. In some cases, the retaining feature 4174 and the notch 5054 may be constructed so that when they are not fully engaged, they may be forced into a position where treatment begins by treatment pressure, for example by being constructed so that treatment pressure acting on the protrusion 4176 urges the retaining feature 4174 toward the notch 5054. As Figure 18c-18eAs shown in , both the actuator 4172 and the retention feature 4174 can be fixed on the AC tab 4176 so that pushing the actuator inwardly also causes the retention feature to move inwardly, thereby releasing the retention feature from the notch 5054. In one form, the actuator 4172 can be positioned farther from the pivot of the tab 4176 than the retention feature 4174, which can give the user a mechanical advantage and increase the travel required to press the actuator 4172 to improve the resolution of the retention feature 4174 moving to the user. This arrangement can further improve the feedback provided to the user during the engagement / disengagement process of the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet connection area 5056 (as shown in FIG. Fig.18a ) can be shaped as, for example, Figure 18f-18j The shape of the rotating disk 5050 shown in FIG.

[0374] like Fig.18d As shown in , a travel stop 4178 positioned at the inner end of the rib 4177 may be used in some examples of the present technology to limit the travel or level of extrusion of the actuator 4172 during insertion or removal to prevent plastic deformation of the surrounding portion, to prevent the AC outlet connector 4170oc from tearing in the periphery of the AC tab 4176, or both. The travel stop 4178 extends from the inner end of the rib 4177 and is aligned with the inner surface of the outlet connector 4170oc at the location of the actuator 4172. When the actuator is squeezed or pushed inwardly, the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc is correspondingly squeezed or pushed inwardly until it contacts the travel stop 4178. The travel stop prevents further squeezing or pushing of the actuator.

[0375] In other examples of the present technology, this notch can be replaced by a radial slot that can hold the outlet connector via a retaining feature, but allows it to rotate. In this example, the rotating disk can be fixed relative to the outlet housing, or it can be completely eliminated so that this radial slot is located on the housing. In addition, it should be understood that this example will maintain the need for a removable electrical connector within the outlet assembly so that the electrical connection can be maintained when the outlet connector rotates.

[0376] Figure 18k and Figure 18l A detailed bottom view of an example of an AC outlet connector 4170oc and specifically the outlet connection area 5056 is shown. Figure 18k An AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown connected to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet pipe 4006 at the outlet connection area 5056. Fig.194006oe is shown in the figure and further described below). The outlet tube 4006 can be formed as a multi-patient multi-user (MPMU) tube that is one or more of removable, replaceable, and washable. It should be noted that for the purpose of clarity, the outlet end 4006oe is shown in this figure and should be referred to. Figure 18f-18j Outlet tube 4006 may be used as a removable intermediate pneumatic connection between the AC outlet connector 4170 oc of the air circuit 4170 and the air outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 .

[0377] 5.4.1.9.2 Internal ribs of outlet connector 4170oc

[0378] Figure 18k A plurality of ribs 4177 are shown arranged around the inner periphery of the outlet connection area 5056 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. In the example shown, four ribs 4177 are shown, but a different number such as two, three, five or more ribs may be used. The ribs 4177 may be used to support and position the AC outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006. The ribs 4177 may be used to guide the AC outlet connector 4170oc during insertion to couple to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 in the outlet assembly 5004 to form a pneumatic connection. This guidance may also assist in aligning the outlet connection area 5056 to facilitate electrical connection between the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052 on the rotating disk 5050 of the outlet assembly 5004. In this arrangement, although the insertion or connection of the air circuit AC outlet connector 4170oc to the RPT device outlet assembly 5004 can be achieved in one movement by the user, the pneumatic connection is formed first and the electrical connection is formed second. The AC outlet connector 4170oc, the outlet assembly 5004 and the outlet tube 4006 can be configured so that the seal 4170se of the outlet tube 4006 and the AC outlet connector 4170oc engage before the electrical connector receiver 5052 forms an electrical connection with the AC electrical connector 4170ec. Accordingly, during removal or disconnection, the electrical connection is disconnected first and the pneumatic connection is disconnected second. This can be advantageous to ensure that the pneumatic seal with the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 to the air circuit 4170, and more specifically, between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the outlet tube 4006 is maintained. Additionally, this may provide improved safety if, for example, supplemental oxygen is added to the air flow delivered by the humidifier 5000, as the arrangement may prevent oxygen exposure during connection or disconnection of the electrical connection. Figure 18l Shown with Figure 18kSimilar views, however, the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 is not shown to provide a clearer depiction of the example of the rib 4177. Both views also show the profile of the recessed portion 4170re.

[0379] In some cases, a non-heated air circuit 4170 that does not include a heating element may be used. Accordingly, the diameter of the middle opening 5092 in the rotating disk 5050 may be large enough to receive this non-heated air circuit 4170. Accordingly, in one example of the current technology, the outer diameter of the airflow tube may be approximately 22 mm to allow connection to a standard 22 mm outer diameter non-heated air circuit, and the outer diameter of the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be approximately 36 mm. However, it should be appreciated that other outer diameter sizes may be utilized.

[0380] The internal ribs 4177 can be used to reduce any radial clearance between the interior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the outlet tube 4006. Further, the ribs 4177 and the outlet tube 4006 can be configured such that the clearance therebetween is relatively smaller than the clearance between the exterior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the rotating disk 5050. This can allow more wear from the rotation to occur on the outlet tube 4006 compared to the rotating disk 5050, which can be advantageous because the outlet tube 4006 can be more easily replaced than the rotating disk 5050.

[0381] Another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to allow a larger portion of any mechanical loads that may cause tilting or non-axial movement to be transmitted from the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the outlet tube 4006. This may be advantageous because it may help prevent wear from occurring on consumable parts such as the air circuit 4170 and / or the outlet tube 4006 rather than on non-consumable parts of the humidifier 5000 such as the rotating disk 5050. Yet another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to maintain or limit the base seal 4170se (e.g., the outer wall of the AC outlet connector 4170oc) by limiting the maximum axial deformation that the base seal 4170se can undergo toward the interior of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. Fig.18a ) during the deformation of the AC outlet connector 4170oc during the engagement with the outlet assembly 5004.

[0382] 5.4.1.9.3 Electrical connection

[0383] The AC electrical connector 4170ec may include one or more lead-in features, such as chamfers, or edges such as Fig.18o5058ce. The AC electrical connector 4170ec may be inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052 to provide a surface wiping connection and prevent damage to the conductors on the AC electrical connector 4170ec. The thickness of the electrical conductor 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec may be approximately between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm, for example 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm or 1 mm. This thickness may vary based on a number of parameters such as the design life of the AC electrical connector 4170ec, the material selected for the electrical conductor 4170le and the material selected for the receiver contact element 5058ce. A suitable example of a material for the electrical conductor 4170le may be a high tempered phosphor bronze that is nickel plated and then gold plated. In some cases, an incremental conductive material and / or a high conductivity plating (such as gold and / or platinum) may be used on the electrical conductor 4170le. This may have the advantage of improving wear characteristics and / or dissipating heat from the electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical lead 4170le may have an exposed conductive surface at the lower end of the electrical connector 4170ec to ensure that full insertion is required to make an electrical connection.

[0384] Another feature provided by the connection of the AC electrical connector 4170ec to the electrical connector receiver 5052 on the rotating disk 5050 can be that when the electrical connector receiver 5052 and the AC outlet connector 4170oc are assembled together, the electrical connector receiver 5052 is Fig.18i and Fig.18j The AC outlet connector shown in the 4170oc cover. Fig.18j An exploded view is shown in which the AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown above the rotating disc 5050, and Fig.18i The AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown engaged with the rotating disc 5050. When the outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the rotating disc 5050, as shown in FIG. Figure 18g and Fig.18i As shown in FIG. 4 , the area surrounding the outlet connector of the AC electrical connector 4170ec can be covered over the opening in the electrical connector receptacle 5052 to prevent debris and contaminants (such as liquids) from entering the electrical connector receptacle.

[0385] As described above, the electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052 are configured so that electrical connection therebetween is achieved after the AC outlet connector 4170oc is mechanically engaged with the rotating disk 5050. This reduces the proportion of any deformation or load from misalignment between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the rotating disk 5050 supported by the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052. In one example, this arrangement can be achieved by configuring the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the rotating disk 5050 so that during the insertion of the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the rotating disk 5050, before the AC electrical connector 4170ec is engaged with the electrical connector receiver 5052, the rotating disk 5050, the outlet tube 4006 and the rib 4177 are engaged. This configuration is also advantageous in the case where the gas provided via the air circuit 4170 includes supplemental oxygen, because it can prevent the occurrence of arcs when the pneumatic circuit is not insulated.

[0386] like Figure 18m-18n As shown in FIG. 1 , another feature of the current technology can be found in the arrangement of the receiver contact element 5058ce on the recessed electrical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receiver 5052. When the AC electrical connector 4170ec is inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052 from the top of the connector TS, the electrical lead 4170le can contact the receiver contact element 5058ce. Figure 18a-18b This engagement occurs via a sliding action in the direction of arrow ENG shown in FIG. Figure 18n The inclined, triangular profile configuration shown in and / or are compliant in the direction PER perpendicular to the sliding plane to assist in their engagement with the electrical guide 4170le.

[0387] The triangular profile and / or compliance described above can allow for improved engagement between the electrical lead 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the receiver contact element 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is progressively inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052. During engagement with the AC electrical connector 4170ec, as the AC electrical connector 4170ec slides along the length of the female electrical connector 5058, the contact element 5146 can be pressed inwardly and maintain contact with the electrical lead 4170le. This can allow for improved accommodation of mechanical tolerances from such sources as manufacturing variations or deformation in use.

[0388] Furthermore, the receiver contact element 5058ce can be biased so that when it is removed from its initial configuration (e.g. Figure 18n4170 ec) and pressed inwardly, the receiver contact element 5058 can be biased toward returning to the undeformed position, thereby improving the accuracy of its connection with the electrical conductor 4170 le. Another advantage of this arrangement of the female electrical connector 5058 can be that it is self-cleaning. When the female electrical connector 5058 and the AC electrical connector 4170 ec can engage each other in a slide-in, slide-out motion, it can prevent the accumulation of dirt, which if not cleaned, can affect the accuracy of the electrical connection formed between the two parts.

[0389] Any dirt that has been removed by the wiping action, for example, can be prevented from entering the air path by rotating the disc seal 5051. In addition, when the female electrical connector 5058 is arranged in a vertical position and the connection is made in a vertical direction, any dirt removed from the electrical contact will fall below the connector. A cavity can be formed below the female electrical connector 5058 within the electrical connector receptacle 5052, in which dirt can be collected. This cavity is not in communication with the pneumatic path of the RPT device or humidifier 5000.

[0390] Figure 18z1 The surface of a recessed electrical connector 5058 that can be connected to a cable 5070 is shown. The connector includes a plurality of welding points 5058w1, 5058w2, 5058w3, for example, so that there may be two welding points for each of the conductive tracks, which allows for improved mechanical strength against loads. The connector may also include one or more nails, rivets or pins 5058pe for alignment during assembly and / or mechanical bonding. Optionally, one or more nails, rivets or pins 5058pe may be heat-melted to provide mechanical restraint. In some arrangements, a washer or plate may be provided between one or more nails, rivets or pins 5058pe and the cable 5070 to extend the mechanical restraint over a larger surface of the connector.

[0391] Figure 18z2-Figure 18z4 Another example of a female electrical connector 5058 is shown, which includes Figure 18z5-Figure 18z6 5058ce. This example of a reservoir contact element 5058ce is characterized by a two-part retention feature 5058rf formed by a base portion 5058bp instead of a contact portion 5058co and / or a curved portion 5058cu. The receiver contact element 5058ce can be made of a material with high electrical and thermal conductivity, such as beryllium copper, that has high strength and hardness.

[0392] Having exposed electrical connections on the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 provides additional electrical safety since the air circuit portion does not include a power source but instead requires connection to the rotating disk 5050 on the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 to receive power. Additionally, exposed electrical connections that can be exposed to cleaning processes are also on replaceable air circuit 4170 components.

[0393] 5.4.1.9.4 Elbow outlet connector

[0394] As in Figure 18a-18j As seen in FIG. 4 , by forming the AC outlet connector 4170oc with an elbow, the patient can be prevented from inadvertently pulling the air circuit 4170 away from the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 because the direction of the tension force vector of the air circuit will be oriented at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the direction of engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. In addition, as Figure 1a -c, for example, during treatment, the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 can be positioned on a bedside table so that a patient lying in bed is substantially at the same height as the RPT device or humidifier. In this case, including an elbow as part of the AC outlet connector 4170oc can allow the air circuit 4170 to be directed more directly at the patient, so that the bend angle of the air circuit can be reduced, especially at or near the elbow, which in turn can reduce the stress on the air circuit. In one example of the present technology, the AC outlet connector 4170 may include an elbow having an angle of approximately 90°. However, it should be understood that any number of angles may be possible, such as, for example, between 0° and 120°, including 20°, 40°, 60°, 80°, or 100°. The selection of this angle may be affected by any number of design requirements such as flow resistance, convenience, location of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, or noise impact.

[0395] 5.4.1.9.5 Rotatable outlet connector

[0396] Since the patient may move during treatment, thereby pulling on the air circuit 4170, it is advantageous to further reduce the bend angle of the air circuit and reduce stress on the components, especially the air circuit, and the connection thereto from the AC outlet connector 4170oc. This can be achieved by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate relative to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 while maintaining mechanical, pneumatic and electrical connections. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0397] As mentioned above, if Figure 16a-16b and Figure 18f-18j As shown in FIG. 4 , the air circuit 4170 can be connected to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the outlet assembly 5004. For example, Figure 18p-Figure 18r The features shown in provide rotatability.

[0398] Figure 18p-Figure 18r , Figure 18v and Figure 18w Several views of a rotating disk 5050 according to various examples of the present technology are shown. As described above, the rotating disk 5050 may be a component that receives the AC outlet connector 4170oc when the air circuit 4170 is connected to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The rotating disk 5050 may also provide rotatability relative to the RPT device and / or the humidifier.

[0399] Figure 18y A perspective view of the bottom of an exemplary rotating disk 5050 and a cable 5070 is shown. In other words, this figure depicts features of a rotating disk 5050 positioned on the opposite side of the side to which the AC outlet connector 4170oc can be connected. The cable 5070, which will be described in more detail below, can be seen extending from the bottom surface of the electrical connector receiver 5052. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted onto the rotating disk 5050, the end of the cable 5070 inside the electrical connector receiver 5052 can be electrically connected to the AC electrical connector 4170ec. The free end of the cable 5070 shown can be electrically connected to at least one component in the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 (e.g., the central controller 4230, PCBA 4202, or power supply 4210). It should also be understood that the cable 5070 can have any sufficient length to perform its connection function, as will be described in more detail below.

[0400] The rotating disk 5050 may also include Figure 18w-18x -18y shows a rotating disc seal 5051, which may include a compliant material such as TPE. The rotating disc seal 5051 may be, for example, Figure 18v and Figure 18y The rotating disc seal 5051 is shown in the figure to maintain the seal between the rotating disc 5050 and the outlet pipe 4006 to prevent any dirt from entering the air path by surrounding the outer circumference of the top of the rotating disc 5050 and extending toward the base of the rotating disc 5050. In one form, the rotating disc seal 5051 can be an overmolded part of the rotating disc 5050.

[0401] As described above, the AC outlet connector 4170oc can be releasably coupled to the rotating disk 5050 by engaging the retaining features 4174 in the corresponding notches 5054 and by engaging the recesses 4170re on the electrical connector receiver 5052. When connected to the rotating disk 5050, the AC outlet connector 4170oc can be able to rotate in unison with the rotating disk and relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0402] Fig.70a -c shows a view of the rotating disk 5050 coupled to the cable housing 5080. Fig.70a A top view of an outlet assembly according to an example of the present technology is shown. Fig.70a -c, the rotating disk 5050 can be located in an intermediate rotational position relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0403] Fig.70b Shown by Fig.70a 50. A cross section of the outlet assembly 5004 taken along line 70b-70b across the plane of symmetry of the female electrical connector 5058. This example of the current technology shows an internal shoulder 5160 that recesses the female electrical connector 5058 from the electrical connector receiver 5052, which can improve the electrical safety of the electrical connector receiver 5052 when engaging and / or disengaging with the connector 4170ec. The recessed arrangement of the female electrical connector 5158 from the opening of the electrical connector receiver 5052 can also prevent the occurrence of any arcing at or near the exposed area. The current arrangement of the female electrical connector 5058 and the electrical connector receiver 5052 can also prevent any live parts from being touched by the user.

[0404] Fig.70c Shown by Fig.70a Another cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly 5004 taken along line 70c-70c of FIG. The inner wall 5082 of the rotating disk 5050 can be seen within the outer wall of the cable housing 5280. The tab 5094 of the cable housing 5080 can also be seen. The flange 5112 of the rotating disk 5050 can also be seen above the outer wall 5084 of the cable housing 5080.

[0405] 5.4.1.9.6 Limited rotation

[0406] The above-mentioned disc stop surfaces 5060, 5062 (in Figure 18y , 18x ), having a pair of complementary housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166 (which can be positioned on the inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080) Figure 18w , Figure 18t For example, Figure 18x As shown in FIG. , by rotating the disk 5050 (as Figure 18v ) is connected to the inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080 (as shown in Figure 18w ) and connected to the inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080 (as shown in Figure 18w ), the rotation of the rotating disk 5050 relative to the cable housing 5080 can be limited by engaging the disk stop surfaces 5060, 5062 at or near their extreme positions to the corresponding housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166. In one example of the present technology, the rotation of the rotating disk 5050 can be limited to less than about 360°. The rotation can also be limited to an amount greater than about 180°. In other examples, the rotation can be limited to about 270°. The desired rotation range of the rotating disk 5050 can be determined by multiple factors such as the position of the rotating disk 5050 relative to the PRT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000, the elbow angle of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, and the material properties of the components.

[0407] The described example shows two pairs of complementary stop surfaces as described above, which may represent opposite ends or surfaces of a structure. It is possible to have multiple stop structures formed on the respective components. For example, the stop surface on the inner wall of the housing may be provided with two separate protrusions thereon that are also for the rotating disc. It is also contemplated that multiple configurations of stop surfaces may be provided on a single combination of housing and rotating disc, so that one combination may include multiple available rotation limits.

[0408] Figure 18p The rotating disk 5050 is shown rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the cable housing 5080 into an extreme position. Figure 18r The rotating disk 5050 is shown rotated relative to the cable housing 5080 in a clockwise direction toward another limit of travel into another extreme position. Figure 18q Shown relative to the cable housing 5080 is located Figure 18p and Figure 18r Although the rotating disk 5050 is not allowed to be in a position between the extreme positions shown in Figure 18p-Figure 18r 5060, 5062, 5164, 5166 are seen in the figure, but it should be understood that when the rotating disk 5050 is located Figure 18p and Figure 18r When in either extreme position shown in , one of the disc stop surfaces 5060 , 5062 engages and / or docks against the corresponding housing stop surface 5164 , 5166 .

[0409] It should be understood that each AC tab 4176 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc includes a retaining feature 4174 that engages with a corresponding notch 5054 of the rotating disk 5050 to releasably connect the substructure to the rotating disk so that they can rotate in unison relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0410] 5.4.1.9.7 Cable connection

[0411] As described above, the cable 5070 may be provided to electrically connect the AC electrical connector 4170ec to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The cable 5070 (e.g., Figure 18v-18y , Figure 18u-18x ) can be a flexible circuit board (FCB) or a ribbon cable. Cable 5070 can also include multiple wires to provide multiple electrical connections for driving and sending signal functions. Cable 5070 can be oriented so that the main part or the longer side is oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating disk. If a PCB is used as cable 5070, it can be oriented so that the surface of the FCB where the conductive track is positioned is protected from frictional contact with the cable housing 5080 when it rotates with the rotating disk 5050, thereby helping to extend the service life of the cable 5070. Further, the contact surface (away from the conductive track) can include a low friction surface so that when it slides relative to the cable housing 5080, the friction force formed is minimized. This can have the effect of reducing the amount of wear that occurs on the cable 5070, and reducing the load applied to the welding / mounting joint between the cable 5070 and any electrical connector connected thereto, such as the recessed electrical connector 5058. An example of this low friction surface can be a polyamide substrate.

[0412] 5.4.1.9.8 Cable Management

[0413] According to an example of the present technology, the cable 5070 can be fixed at one end to the electrical connector receiver 505 of the rotating disk 5050. Although not shown, it should be understood that the opposite end of the cable 5070 can be fixedly connected to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000, such as PCBA 4202, to provide power to the cable. Thus, the cable 5070 can have a fixed length between the connection to the rotating disk 5050 and the connection to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000.

[0414] exist Figure 18p-Figure 18rThe cable 5070 in the example of the present technology shown in FIG. 50 can also include a slack portion that can be accommodated within the annular portion between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084, or within a recess or gap 5086 defined at least partially by the cable housing 5080 depending on the position of the rotating disk 5050. The flange 5112 of the rotating disk 5050 can also help define the upper cover of the annular portion, however, the flange 5112 does not contact the cable 5070 within the annular portion. The cable housing 5080 (see FIG. 5080 ) Figure 18s ) may also include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084, which may further define a gap 5086. The cable housing 5080 may also include a retainer 5090, which may help maintain the cable 5070 in the proper orientation by reducing the chance of tangling or pinching and preventing slack from being pushed out of the cable housing 5080. The outer diameter of the retainer 5090 may be designed to provide a minimum diameter for the bend of the cable 5070 without damaging the electrical components of the cable 5070, such as an outer diameter of approximately 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, or some other outer diameter. It should be understood that the outer diameter size of the retainer 5090 may vary depending on the size and type of cable being used. As may be seen in FIG. Figure 18s As seen in FIG. 1 , the described exemplary cable housing 5080 may include an opening that may be formed in the shape of a slot and through which the cable 5070 may pass while maintaining a substantially fixed length of the cable 5070 within the cable housing 5080 .

[0415] When the rotating disk faces Figure 18r When rotating to the extreme position shown in FIG. 5 , the cable 5070 is at least partially wrapped around the inner wall 5082 within the annular portion 5174. The cable 5070 is not wrapped around the rotating disk 5050 but moves with the rotating disk within the annular portion when the rotating disk 5050 rotates.

[0416] Figure 18p-Figure 18r Another feature of the described example of this technology is described. Since the cable 5070 is connected to the rotating disk 5050, the cable 5070 can be pushed and pulled between the gap 5086 and the annular portion of the cable housing 5080 when the rotating disk 5050 rotates between the extreme positions. Figure 18p The position shown in the figure is rotated to Figure 18r When the cable 5070 is in the position shown in FIG. 5086 , it can be seen that a portion of the cable 5070 is pulled out of the gap 5086 and into the annular portion 5088 . It should be understood that, for example, Figure 18p The portion of the cable 5070 shown as being folded in the gap 5086 in FIG. 50 can be considered as slack. In other words, the slack can represent excess cable beyond the necessary cable length for direct connection to the rotating disk 5050. Thus, when the rotating disk 5050 is moved from the rotating disk 5050 to the rotating disk 5050, the rotating disk 5050 may be moved from the rotating disk 5050 to the rotating disk 5050. Figure 18p The position shown in the figure is rotated to Figure 18q 5086, the slack portion can be gradually removed from the gap 5086 so that the slack portion of the cable 5070 can be gradually pulled into the annular portion 5088 and begin to wrap around the inner wall 5082 as the cable is pulled. Figure 18q The position shown in the figure is further rotated to Figure 18r 5088, so the portion of the cable 5070 pulled into the annular portion 5088 increases and the slack portion can be completely or almost completely pulled out of the gap 5086. The recess or gap 5086 and the annular portion 5088 can be formed on opposite sides of the inner wall 5082.

[0417] Rotating disk 5050 in the opposite direction, from Figure 18r Rotate the position to Figure 18q Position in Figure 18p The position in the middle may cause the cable 5070 to be gradually pushed from the annular portion 5088 and unwound from around the inner wall 5082, so that the slack portion in the gap 5086 can increase and begin to fold in half. In an example of the current technology, the maximum slack portion of the cable 5070 can have a fixed length. In another example, this fixed length can be less than approximately the circumference of the rotating disk 5050 and / or approximately equal to the distance of the arc swept out by the electrical connector receiving member 5052 when the rotating disk rotates between the extreme positions. It should also be understood that in examples of the present technology, when the rotating disk 5050 is in the Figure 18p When in the position shown in , the maximum amount of slack in cable 5070 is gathered or accommodated in gap 5086.

[0418] 5.4.1.9.9 Cable housing

[0419] Figure 18s-Figure 18t Features of a cable housing 5080 according to an example of the present technology are described. As described above, the cable housing 5080 can include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084 that can together define a void 5086 and an annular portion 5088. The inner wall 5082 can define an opening 5092 through which the outlet tube 4006 can extend when the outlet assembly 5004 is assembled on the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. To further facilitate this assembly, the housing tab 5094 (see Figure 18t) can be positioned on the cable housing 5080 to attach the cable housing to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. This can improve the manufacturability and serviceability of the cable housing 5080. The housing tabs 5094 can be configured so that they can support the weight of the humidifier 5000 and the RPT device 4000 by themselves and / or as a group. This can prevent damage to the humidifier 5000, the RPT device 4000, or the cable housing 5080 when the assembly is accidentally lifted by the air circuit 4170 or the AC outlet connector 4170oc. In some cases, the air circuit 4170 or the AC outlet connector 4170oc can be configured to mechanically fail if the humidifier 5000 and / or the RPT device 4000 is held in place and a force is applied to the air circuit 4170 and / or the AC outlet connector 4170oc in an upward direction.

[0420] Returning to the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084, in an example of the present technology, the slack portion of the cable 5070 can be seen (e.g., at Figure 18p ) forms a radius in the gap 5086. This radius may affect the stress exerted on the cable 5070 (and thereby potentially its operating life) and is determined in part by the distance between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 in the gap 5086 (in Figure 18s VO_W). Thus, these walls can be separated by a distance in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm across the gap 5086 based on the desired minimum radius of the cable 5070. In one example, this distance is in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm. It should be understood that the desired minimum radius of the cable can vary depending on the characteristics of the cable 5070 and its design parameters such as design life or usage scenarios. Similarly, the length of the gap 5086 (in Figure 18s VO_L) in can be extended or shortened according to the maximum slack length of the cable 5070, which can be driven by the maximum rotation of the rotating disk 5050.

[0421] When the cable 5070 advances therein as the rotating disk 5050 rotates from one extreme position to another extreme position, the width of the annular portion 5088 of the cable 5070 between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 (in Figure 18sAN_W in can be minimized. This can have the benefit of reducing the noise generated by the cable and preventing the cable from buckling in the annular portion. The width of the annular portion can be between about 1 mm and 4 mm, such as 2 mm or 3 mm, and it should be understood that this width may depend on multiple features and / or characteristics of the assembly, such as cable selection or the characteristics of the radius of the inner wall 5082. In some arrangements, the inner wall 5082 of the annular portion 5088 and / or the outer wall 5084 of the annular portion 5088 can include damping material to assist in improving sound performance when the rotating disc rotates. The damping material can also ensure that the cable moves around the inner wall 5082 rather than around the outer wall 5084, or vice versa.

[0422] In an example of the present technology, the cable housing 5080 can be formed of polypropylene, or polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS). The rotating disk 5050 can be formed of a combination of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0423] 5.4.1.10 Oxygen delivery port 4180

[0424] In one form of the present technology, one or more oxygen delivery ports 4180 may be utilized to deliver supplemental oxygen to one or more points in the pneumatic pathway, such as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020 , to the air circuit 4170 , or to the patient interface 3000 .

[0425] 5.4.1.11 Power supply 4210

[0426] The power source 4210 may be positioned inside or outside the housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000 .

[0427] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0428] 5.4.1.12 Central Controller 4230

[0429] In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT device 4000.

[0430] Suitable processors may include x86 Intel processors, processors based on ARM Cortex-M processors from ARM Holding, such as STM32 series microcontrollers from ST MICRO ELECTRONIC. In some alternative forms of the present technology, 32-bit RISC CPUs, such as STR9 series microcontrollers from ST MICRO ELECTRONICS, or 16-bit RISC CPUs, such as processors from MSP430 family microcontrollers manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS may also be suitable.

[0431] In one form of the present technology, the central processor 4230 is a dedicated circuit.

[0432] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an application specific integrated circuit. In another form, the central controller 4230 includes discrete electrical components.

[0433] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive input signals from one or more sensors 4270 , and one or more input devices 4220 .

[0434] The central controller 4230 may be configured to provide output signals to one or more of the output device 4290 , the therapeutic device controller 4240 , the data communication interface 4280 , and the humidity controller 5250 .

[0435] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement one or more of the methods described herein, such as expressed as one or more algorithms stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as memory 4260. In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000. However, in some forms of the present technology, some of the methodologies may be performed by a remotely located device. For example, the remotely located device may determine control settings for the ventilator or detect breathing-related events by analyzing stored data such as from any of the sensors described herein.

[0436] 5.4.1.13 Clocks 4232

[0437] Preferably, the RPT device 4000 includes a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230.

[0438] 5.4.1.14 Treatment equipment controller 4240

[0439] In one form of the present technology, the treatment device controller 4240 is a control module 4330 that forms part of an algorithm executed by the central controller 4230.

[0440] In one form of the present technology, the treatment device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one form, the MC33035 brushless DC motor controller manufactured by ONSEMI is used.

[0441] 5.4.1.15 Protection circuit 4250

[0442] One or more protection circuits 4250 according to the present technology may include electrical protection circuits, temperature and pressure safety circuits.

[0443] 5.4.1.16 Memory 4260

[0444] According to one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes memory 4260, preferably non-volatile memory. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include battery-driven static RAM. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.

[0445] Preferably, the memory 4260 is located on the PCBA 4202. The memory 4260 may be in the form of an EEPROM or a NAND flash memory.

[0446] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 includes memory 4260 in a removable form, such as a memory card manufactured in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.

[0447] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 acts as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions expressing one or more methods described herein, such as one or more algorithms.

[0448] 5.4.1.17 Data Communication Interface 4280

[0449] In one preferred form of the present technology, a data communication interface 4280 is provided and connected to the central controller 4230. The data communication interface 4280 may allow the RPT device 4000 to connect to another device or network, such as a remote external communication network 4282, a local external communication network 4284, a remote external device 4286, or a local external device 4288. The data communication interface 4280 may communicate data with other devices / networks connected thereto, for example to transmit data from the RPT device 4000 regarding the sleep of the patient 1000 the previous night, or to receive information.

[0450] The remote external communication network 4282 or the local external communication network 4284 may further be connectable to another network or device, such as Figure 5dThe remote external device 4286 or the local external device 4288 is shown accordingly.

[0451] Examples of remote external communication network 4282 may include the Internet and cellular telephone networks. Data communication interface 4280 may be connected to remote external communication network 4282 using one or more communication methods (wired or wireless) such as Ethernet, USB, fiber optic, CDMA, GSM, LTE. In some forms, data communication interface 4280 may be connected to the network via another network or device (not shown).

[0452] Examples of local external communication network 4284 may include a home computer network and a hospital computer network. In one form, local external communication network 4284 uses one or more communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or consumer infrared protocol.

[0453] In one form, the data communications interface 4280 may communicate with one or more servers comprising one or more processors, memory, and other components typically found in a general purpose computing device. The data communications interface 4280 may communicate with a server as disclosed in Australian provisional patent applications AU2014901998, AU2014901999, and AU2014901997, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0454] In one form, the remote external device 4286 is one or more computers. This remote external device 4286 may be accessible to appropriate authorized persons such as clinicians. Examples of local external devices 4288 may include personal computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, or remote controls.

[0455] In one form ( Figure 10a-Figure 10b ), the data communication interface 4280 may be a wireless communication unit located on a separate PCBA from the main PCBA. The data communication interface 4280 may include an antenna 4280an and an antenna ground plane 4280gp. The antenna ground plane 4280gp in this form may include a PCB and may improve the performance of the antenna 4280an (and thus the performance of the data communication interface 4280).

[0456] The antenna 4280 can receive and transmit signals to allow the data communication interface 4280 to communicate, for example, with a server as described above. The antenna 4280 can be an elongated member that engages with an antenna ground plane 4280gp (described in further detail below). The antenna 4280gp can be positioned toward the outer periphery of the PRT device 4000 to improve communication to and from the antenna 4280gp, for example, adjacent to the antenna 4280gp. Fig.10aThe fidelity and strength of any signal at the edge of the side panel 4014 shown in FIG. In one form, the antenna 4280gp may be arranged so that its major axis is oriented substantially vertically for improved efficiency.

[0457] In particular, the geometry (e.g., length) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp along a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the antenna 4280an can affect the performance level of the ground plane 4280gp (and, in turn, the antenna 4280an). Generally, an increase in the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp can be beneficial to its performance. Preferably, the antenna ground plane is arranged in a rectangular shape (not shown) extending along a direction perpendicular to the main axis of the antenna. The length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is preferably such that the minimum performance requirements of the antenna ground plane 4280gp are met. Similar to the above-mentioned antenna 4280an, the antenna ground plane 4280gp can be arranged substantially vertically and positioned towards the periphery of the RPT device 4000, for example as Fig.10a As shown in FIG. 40 , it is engaged with side panel 4014 .

[0458] However, in some cases, the construction of the RPT device 4000 (such as its overall size and the arrangement of components therein) may prevent the antenna ground plane 4280gp from including (or exceeding) the length required to meet minimum performance requirements without a concomitant increase in the size of the RPT device 4000. Still further, in some cases, the RPT device 4000 may include one or more radiation sources (such as motors or others) that may increase the performance levels required for the data communications interface 4280 to perform adequately.

[0459] According to one aspect of the present technology, the antenna ground plane 4280gp includes one or more notches configured to increase the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp. In this form, the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp can be increased by the length of each side of the one or more notches. The one or more notches can allow the ground plane 4280gp to be arranged to be longer than, for example, Fig.10b The rectangular shape shown in Figure 1 is a more complex geometry that also improves the performance of the ground plane 4280gp.

[0460] The effective total length (L) of the ground plane 4280gp can be determined by the length of the antenna ground plate and the length of each side wall of each slot in the antenna ground plane 4280gp. eff ). For example, Fig.10b As shown in FIG. 4 , the antenna ground plane 4280gp may include a notch having a first side 4280n1 and a second side 4280n2. In this configuration, the effective total length (L) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is eff) is the sum of the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp (L1), the first side (L n1 ) length, and the second side (L n2 ) length. Thus, the effective length (L eff ) will be L eff =L1+L n1 +L n2 .

[0461] The notch may improve the performance of the wireless data communication interface, for example, by greater than 25% (eg, 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%), which may additionally be achieved by increasing the size of the antenna ground plane 4280gp.

[0462] As described above, the inclusion of the notches may thereby advantageously allow for a reduction in the size of the RPT device 4000 that may not otherwise be possible.

[0463] 5.4.1.18 Input Device 4220

[0464] In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dials to allow a person to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical devices, or software devices readable via a touch screen. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the housing 4010 in one form, or may be in wireless communication with a container that is electrically connected to a central controller 4230 in another form.

[0465] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select a value or menu selection.

[0466] In such Figure 9a In one form shown in , the RPT device 4000 may include a first button 4222, for example to start or stop therapy, a second button 4224, and a first dial 4226. The first dial 4226 may be depressible in some forms to function as a button.

[0467] 5.4.1.19 Output devices including optional display, alarm 4290

[0468] Output devices according to the present technology may be in the form of one or more of visual, audio, and tactile units. Visual display 4294 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0469] 5.4.1.19.1 Display Driver 4292

[0470] The display driver 4292 receives as input characters, symbols, or images intended to be displayed on the display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause the display 4294 to display these characters, symbols, or images.

[0471] 5.4.1.19.2 Display 4294

[0472] The display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to instructions received from the display driver 4292. For example, the display 4294 may be an LCD screen, which may be as shown in FIG. Figure 9a 4294 is shown positioned on the front of the RPT device 4000. In another example, the display 4294 can be an eight-segment display, in which case the display driver 4293 converts each character or symbol, such as the number "0", into eight logic signals to indicate whether the eight corresponding segments are actuated to display the particular character or symbol.

[0473] In some forms, display 4294 may be provided separately to RPT device 4000, or another device such as a smartphone may be used as display 4294. In this form, display 4294 may communicate with RPT device 4000 via data communications interface 4280.

[0474] 5.4.1.20 User Interface Panel 4190

[0475] In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include, for example, Figure 12a-12d 4190. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or more of the following: a protective member for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for buttons 4222 and 4224, a housing light port 4010lp (and light well 4190lw) for the ambient light sensor 4278, and one or more seals for preventing water from entering the interior of the RPT device 4000.

[0476] The user interface panel 4190 may include a display cover 4294co. The display cover 4294co may be configured, for example, to be formed of a rigid transparent material to protect the display 4294 from damage while allowing unobstructed viewing of the display 4294. In one form, the display cover 4294co may be formed with a curvature to act as a lens to assist in viewing the display 4294. The user interface panel 4190 may also include an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicon, for example, to perform as a seal.

[0477] The user interface panel 4190 may provide a turntable aperture 4226ap for receiving therethrough an encoder shaft 4226sh for the turntable 4226 (see Figure 13a-13bThe user interface panel 4190 may include one or both of a turntable seal 4226se and a turntable 4226co to prevent water from entering the interior of the RPT device 4000 (eg, Figure 12a-12d 4226sh for the turntable 4226 while allowing it to rotate.

[0478] According to one aspect, the user interface panel 4190 may include: Figure 12b and Fig.12d 4190e and UI seal 4190e. The UI base 4190ba can perform one or more of the above functions, such as a protective member for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for buttons 4222 and 4224, and a housing light port 4010lp for the ambient light sensor 4278. Therefore, the UI base 4190ba can be constructed of a transparent material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polycarbonate material. Figure 12a-12d , this configuration may allow the UI base 4190ba to integrally include a light well 4190lw (or light pipe) configured as described above, in one form as a prism or protrusion extending from beneath a first surface of the UI base 4190ba adjacent the ambient light sensor 4278 to above another opposing surface facing the exterior of the RPT device 4000. In one form, one end of the light well 4190lw may terminate to form a housing light port 4010lp.

[0479] The UI seal 4190se may seal one or more areas such as between the UI base 4190ba and the housing 4010, between the encoder shaft 4226sh and the UI base 4190ba, between the display 4294 and the UI base 4190ba, or between the UI base 4190ba and the buttons 4222 and 4224. The UI seal 4190se4 may be joined to the UI base 4190ba as an overmold to form a seal such as Fig.12a and Fig.12c For example, buttons 4222 and 4224 shown in FIG. 4224 may be coupled to an integral user interface panel 4190 thereon. The user interface panel 4190 may then be used with, for example, Figure 5a The main PCBA4202as connections are shown in.

[0480] Since the RPT device 4000 can be used with a humidifier 5000 (discrete or integrated), the patient 1000 can typically interact with the humidifier and the user interface sequentially, such as by filling a water reservoir and then activating the RPT device 4000 or navigating a user manual. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the user interface panel 4190 to effectively prevent or block water from entering the RPT device 4000. In addition, constructing the UI base 4190ba from one material and performing multiple functions as described above may result in reduced manufacturing costs.

[0481] 5.4.1.21 Front Panel 4012

[0482] An example of a front panel 4012 may be as follows Figure 14a-14b . The front panel 4012 may be removable from the RPT device 4000, for example to allow the patient 1000 to customize the visual appearance of the RPT device 4000, or to differentiate one RPT device 4000 from another, where, for example, multiple models are available. In one form, the front panel 4012 may communicate with the central controller 4230 to customize aspects of the RPT device 4000, for example to provide one of a plurality of different operating modes as described in U.S. Patent Application No. US14 / 204041, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0483] The front panel 4012 may include one or more retention features to allow the front panel 4012 to be secured to the RPT device, such as by engaging with the housing 4010. In one form, the front panel 4012 may include one or more internal shoulders 4012sh (e.g., Fig.14b ), which is configured to be complementary to one or more features on the housing 4010, such as a protrusion 4010pr (as shown in Figure 13a-13b 4010 ). The housing 4010 may include an access point such as a front panel cutout 4010co configured to accommodate a finger of the patient 1000, for example, to allow the patient 1000 to remove the front panel 4012, such as by prying the front panel 4012 from the housing 4010. The front panel 4012 may also include a cavity to allow access to light through the housing light port 4010lp.

[0484] 5.4.2RPT device user interface

[0485] The RPT device 4000 may include a user interface, such as a visual interface shown via the display 4294. A user (eg, the patient 1000) may interact with the RPT device 4000 using an input device 4220 as described above.

[0486] 5.4.2.1 Visual interface

[0487] The visual interface may include a menu of user selectable items. The user may interact with the menu by selecting one of the multiple items present on the menu using an input device 4220 such as a turntable or by touching an area of ​​the touch screen. For example, the user may confirm a selection by pressing a button or touching the touch screen.

[0488] 5.4.2.1.1 First Menu Screen

[0489] According to one aspect, the first menu screen 4295m1 presented to the user may be as follows: Figure 15a-Figure 15b 4295m1 may be constructed as shown in . The first menu screen 4295m1 may present a limited number of submenu selections to the user, such as two submenu selections. According to another aspect, the submenu options may be arranged by a particular interaction pattern that the user may have with the RPT device 4000. For example, the first menu screen 4295m1 may include a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The selectable menu 4295se may substantially include menu items that the user may interact with, and the report menu 4295re may substantially include menu items that may report information to the user. By categorizing the user interface substantially based on interactivity with the user, the user may be able to more effectively interact with the user interface and navigate through the submenu items.

[0490] In some cases, the first menu screen 4295m1 may be the top-most level of a menu hierarchy or structure. Accordingly, the first menu screen 4295m1 may advantageously present the user with sub-menu selections arranged with possible specific types of interactions.

[0491] Figure 15c-15d Another example of a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 is shown, showing a "Clinical" menu including a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The clinical menu can be actuated by a predetermined operation such as pressing a specific user interface button in a specific order. Similar to the first menu screen 4295m1, the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 can be the top-most level of a menu hierarchy or a structure for alternative groups of menu items (and sub-menu options). Although the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 presents a different visual icon (with title) to the first menu screen 4295ml, the arrangement of the two sub-menu selections can be advantageously arranged with the specific type of interaction that may follow so that the layout of the user interface will remain consistent to improve practicality.

[0492] Thus, in one form, Figure 15a-Figure 15dAs shown in , regardless of whether the top menu is the first menu screen 4295ml or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, it can include a predetermined, constant number of sub-menu items, such as two. For example, by arranging the top-most menu level to include predetermined sub-menu items arranged by type of possible interaction, the user can be able to advantageously remain familiar with the interface. This may be particularly advantageous because most users of medical devices such as RPT devices may not be familiar with high-tech gadgets or devices.

[0493] The selectable menu 4295se may include items that may be individually selected by the user, such as to make changes to the performance and functionality of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000), or to enter a sub-menu item. For example, the selectable menu 4295se may include items such as Figure 15a-Figure 15d , and once entered can include one or more configurable items such as therapy mode, ramp time, humidity level, language, date, units, mask type, or pressure level. In one example, a user can navigate to a submenu of selectable menu 4295se and select a submenu based on whether the navigation is from a corresponding menu such as Fig.15e or Fig.15f The first menu screen 4295ml or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 shown in the figure obtains a selectable submenu 4295ol or 4295o2. However, in both cases, the user will obtain a series of selectable items.

[0494] The report menu 4295re may include items related to reporting of data. For example, the report menu 4295re (e.g., Fig.15a or Fig.15c ) once entered can include one or more report items, such as total usage hours, hourly events, a report of mask seal, or a report of humidifier performance. In another example, when operating the device, a report menu 4295re (e.g., as shown in Fig.15b Once entered, the report menu 4295re may include one or more states, such as the current pressure level, leak level, remaining tilt time, or humidifier status. In one example, the user may navigate to a submenu of the report menu 4295re and, depending on whether the navigation is from a corresponding menu such as Figure 15g and Fig.15h The first menu screen 4295ml or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 shown in Figure 4295a reaches the report submenu 4295r1 or 4295r2. However, in all cases, the user will be provided with a series of selectable items as shown.

[0495] According to another aspect, the visual interface 4295 may be configured so that items displayed on the first menu screen 4295m1 (or the first clinical menu screen 4295c1) may change according to the context of the operation of the device, while Figure 15a-Figure 15d If the RPT device 4000 is in operation, then Fig.15a The first menu screen 4295m1 shown can be changed to Fig.15b The first menu screen 4295m1 shown in FIG. Figure 15c to Figure 15d ) to change the image displayed for report menu 4295re.

[0496] Similarly, menu 4295se can be selected to Fig.15a and Fig.15c 4295, although the displayed image may change depending on whether the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295c1 is displayed on the visual interface 4295.

[0497] The composition of a first menu screen 4295ml (or first clinical menu screen 4295c1) including one submenu item that can be configured and another submenu item that contains reports can be advantageous in one or more aspects. In one aspect, a user may be able to more easily navigate through the menu items because the structure of the menu will remain constant regardless of some changes made to the menu based on its operating conditions (e.g., the operation of the RPT device 4000, or the distinction between a clinical menu and a patient menu). Further, maintaining a consistent layout while changing the images displayed thereon can indicate to the user changes in one or more operating conditions of the RPT device without potentially causing confusion through changes in the menu structure.

[0498] 5.4.2.1.2 Subsequent menu screens

[0499] Fig.15e and Fig.15f An example of a submenu for selectable menu 4295se is shown in FIG. Here, it can be seen that the contents of selectable submenus 4295o1 and 4295o2 are selectable items that can be executed by the user, such as saving the title. For example, the user can scroll down to a submenu such as Fig.15e to change the type of mask to which the RPT device 4000 is connected, or to Fig.15f to change the level of desired humidity output of humidifier 5000.

[0500] exist Figure 15g and Fig.15hAn example of a submenu for report menu 4295re is shown in . In contrast to the above-described contents of selectable submenus 4295o1 or 4295o2, report submenus 4295r1 and 4295r2 may be constructed to display information.

[0501] In one form, a submenu, such as selectable submenus 4295o1 or 4295o2 or report submenus 4295r1 or 4295r2, may include a greater number of items than can be displayed on the screen of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000). The submenus may thus be constructed so that a movable portion of the submenu (e.g., Figure 15e-15g The window portion 4295w in the submenu is displayed on the screen by scrolling. In the arrangement where the user interface can include a relatively small screen, to reduce the number of backward and forward navigations between the different levels of the submenu, this arrangement may be particularly useful.

[0502] In one form, the report submenu 4295r3 or 4295r4 may display, for example, Figure 15i-15j 4000 and humidifier 5000. The one or more aspects may include, for example, the status of the humidifier 5000, the accuracy of the connection between the data communication interface 4280 and other devices / networks to which it is connected, the amount of leakage, and one or more settings of the RTP device 4000 and humidifier 5000.

[0503] In one form, the report submenus 4295a1-4295a8 may display information such as Figure 15k-Figure 15p In one form, the report submenu may change to indicate a change in status to the user. For example, Figure 15k-Figure 15p The animated arc portion shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed to the user to indicate that the RPT device 4000 is in a "ramp" period. Subsequently, at the end of the ramp period, the report submenu may change to Figure 15q The Report submenu is shown in order to indicate to the user the end of the ramp period.

[0504] 5.5 Humidifier 5000

[0505] 5.5.1 Humidifier Overview

[0506] In one form of the present technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided for changing the absolute humidity of air or gas delivered to a patient relative to ambient air. Generally, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity of the air flow (relative to the surrounding ambient air) and to increase the temperature prior to delivery to the patient's airway. In one form, the humidifier 5000 can be a discrete unit connectable to the RPT device 4000. In another form, the humidifier 5000 can be integrated with the RPT device 4000, such as Figure 5c and as described in further detail below.

[0507] The humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 , a heating element 5240 , and one or more transducers. The humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive an air flow from the RPT device 4000 and deliver the humidified air flow to the patient interface 3000 , for example, via the air circuit 4170 .

[0508] 5.5.2 Humidifier components

[0509] 5.5.2.1 Water storage tank 5110

[0510] According to one arrangement, the humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold or preserve a volume of liquid (eg, water) to be used to humidify the air flow. Figure 16c-16d One form of a water reservoir 5110 is shown, comprising a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir cap 5114, and a mid-section 5202 including a compliant portion 5116. The water reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water to provide adequate humidification during at least a respiratory therapy session, such as a night's sleep. Typically, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to hold several hundred milliliters of water, such as 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml. In other forms, the humidifier 5000 can be configured to receive a water supply from an external water source, such as a building water supply system.

[0511] According to one aspect, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to the air flow from the RPT device 4000 as the air flow travels therethrough. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to encourage the air flow to travel along a tortuous path through the water reservoir 5110 while in contact with the volume of water therein.

[0512] The reservoir 5110 may also be configured to prevent liquid from escaping therefrom, such as through any perforations or between its sub-portions, such as when the reservoir 5110 is moved or rotated from its normal, operating orientation. Since the air flow to be humidified by the humidifier 5000 is typically pressurized, the reservoir 5110 may also be configured to prevent loss of pneumatic pressure through leakage or flow resistance.

[0513] The water reservoir 5110 may include an inlet 5118 for receiving an air flow in the water reservoir 5110 and an outlet 5122 for transmitting the air flow from the water reservoir 5110. The water reservoir 5110 may include a water reservoir inlet pipe 5124 and a water reservoir outlet pipe 5126 (see, for example, Fig.16e In one configuration, the inlet 5118 is integrally formed with the reservoir inlet tube 5124 as one inlet component and the outlet 5122 is integrally formed with the reservoir outlet tube 5126 as one outlet component.

[0514] Figure 20-23 One form of a water reservoir 5110 is shown, which includes a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir cover 5114, and a variable portion 5116. The reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a given maximum volume of liquid (e.g., water), typically several hundred milliliters, such as 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml, although it should be understood that other volumes of liquid such as 100 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, or more or less may be utilized. In one form, as Figure 22-Figure 23 As shown in , the water reservoir 5110 may include a cavity formed by multiple walls to hold a given maximum volume of liquid.

[0515] 5.5.2.2 Water tank docking fitting 5130

[0516] The humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir docking piece 5130 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. Fig.25 As shown in , the reservoir docking piece 5130 can form a cavity 5160 for receiving the reservoir 5110. In one form, as Figure 24-Figure 27 The reservoir dock 5130 shown in the figure can be formed integrally with the humidifier 5000. The reservoir dock 5130 can also connect the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. In this arrangement, the reservoir dock 5130 includes a dock gas outlet 5168 that outputs a flow of breathable gas to the water reservoir 5110, a dock gas inlet 5170 that receives a flow of breathable gas that has been humidified in the water reservoir 5110, and a humidifier outlet 5172 that delivers the humidified breathable gas to the air circuit 4170. The cavity 5160 can include a top portion configured to cover at least a portion of the lid of the reservoir 5110 and a bottom portion including a heating plate 5120.

[0517] It should be understood that the reservoir dock 5130 can be provided separately to the humidifier 5000 in an alternative arrangement. In this arrangement, other interfaces can be used to connect the reservoir dock 5130 to the humidifier 5000.

[0518] In another arrangement, the reservoir docking piece 5130 may include an opening in a substantially horizontal plane so that the reservoir 5110 can be inserted from above or below the reservoir docking piece 5130.

[0519] 5.5.2.3 Water reservoir cover 5114

[0520] In one form, the reservoir cover 5114 is pivotally connected to the base 5112 (e.g., by Fig.16e 5158) to allow the reservoir 5110 to be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration (see Figure 16k and Figure 16k ). When the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed configuration, the compliant portion 5116 is placed in sealing engagement between the base 5112 and the lid 5114 to seal the base 5112 and the lid 5114. The hinge 5158 can be coupled to a complementary hinge recess 5159 ( Fig.16f ). In one form, the lid 5114 can be constructed of a biocompatible material, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate material. As will be described in further detail below, the pivotable connection can further allow the reservoir lid 5114 and the base 5112 to be compressed toward each other, for example, for inserting the reservoir 5110 into the docking piece 4130, compared to their normal operating configuration.

[0521] Another aspect of the present technology relates to the operation of the pivoting action of the cover 5114 relative to the base 5112. When the cover 5114 rotates about the hinge 5158, it can be Fig.62a and Figure 62b In one form, the rotation range can be defined by closing the lid 5114 at both ends relative to the base 5112, wherein one of the two ends can be a fully open position defined by a rotation guide 5220 that may interfere with a rotation stop 5222 at the fully open position.

[0522] According to another aspect, the cover 5114 can be configured such that when a user attempts to open the cover 5114 further than the rotation stop and rotation guide 5220, the cover 5114 will be disconnected from the base 5112. Figure 62b and Figure 63b, in the fully open position, the rotation guide 5220 may contact the rotation stop 5222. In this form, an attempt to further open the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112 will cause the rotation stop 5222 to act as a pivot of the cantilever and cause the lid 5114 to separate from the base 5112 at the hinge 5158, thereby avoiding damage to the reservoir 5110, for example, by excessive force applied thereto. In one form, the hinge 5158 may be configured to allow easier disconnection of the lid 5114 in one orientation relative to the base 5112 (e.g., then the reservoir 5110 is in the fully open position) than in another orientation. This may be achieved, for example, by introducing a taper such as Fig.58a and Fig.58b This is achieved by the hinge 5158 on the cover 5114 shown in FIG.

[0523] In such Fig.16e In one form shown in FIG. 5 , the reservoir cap 5114 may include an inlet 5118, a reservoir inlet tube 5124, an outlet 5122, and a reservoir outlet tube 5126. The reservoir 5110 may also include a flow element, such as a baffle (e.g., Fig.16e and Figure 16k The inlet cover 5125 shown in FIG. Fig.16e and Figure 16k 5123) which is configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In one example, the reservoir cover 51145 may further include one or more baffles configured to direct air through the tortuous path in the reservoir 5110. In one form, the baffles may serve as the inlet cover 5125 (e.g. Fig.16e and Figure 16k ) is coupled to the end of the reservoir inlet tube 5124, and in another form, the baffle may be arranged as a plate 5123 (as shown in Fig.16e and Figure 16k ).

[0524] 5.5.2.4 Conformance / variable part 5116

[0525] In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in use, the compliant portion 5116 can act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114. The compliant portion 5116 can be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or can be independent of both, for example, as part of the intermediate portion 5202 (see Figure 16l-Figure 16m). The compliant portion 5116 may be coupled to the reservoir cap 5114 or reservoir base 5112 by a variety of means including but not limited to ultrasonic welding, friction fit, bonding, or through the use of an intermediate component.

[0526] The compliant portion 5116 preferably includes a sufficiently resilient construction to be able to resist forces and / or pressures generated in the reservoir 5110, such as by the user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or the air flow flowing through the reservoir 5110. The compliant portion 5116 is also preferably compliant to be able to be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, and conform to its shape to form a seal. In one form, the rigid portion of the middle portion can be constructed of a nylon material approximately 2 mm thick (such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), and can be used to overmold a silicone material onto the rigid portion to form the compliant portion 5116.

[0527] In some arrangements, the compliant portion 5116 can be coupled to the cover 5114 and / or the base 5112, and the base 5112 and / or the cover can be formed as two separate parts that can be assembled together with the compliant portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0528] In an alternative arrangement, the compliant portion 5116 may be positioned within the walls of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the walls of the reservoir lid 5114, such as integrally by overmolding or as separate components connected as a subassembly. In this arrangement, the compliant portion may not be positioned between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but rather within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be more than one compliant portion 5116 or the compliant portion may be formed in multiple parts to provide a variety of compliances during movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0529] In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in use, the variable portion 5116 can act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114. As will be described in more detail below, the variable portion 5116 can also perform other functions, such as improving thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heating plate 5120.

[0530] The variable portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir cover 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or may be independent of both. The variable portion 5116 may be joined to the reservoir cover 5114 or the reservoir base 5112 by a variety of means including but not limited to ultrasonic welding, friction fit, bonding, or by using an intermediate component. The variable portion 5116 may include a carrier 5117 (e.g., Fig.23 ).

[0531] The variable portion 5116 is preferably constructed to be sufficiently resilient to be able to resist compressive forces and / or pressures generated in the reservoir 5110, such as by a user, the reservoir docking piece 5130, and / or the flow of breathable gas flowing through the reservoir 5110. It is also preferably compliant along a planar direction so as to be able to be coupled to the cover 5114 and / or the base 5112 and conform to the shape thereof. In one form, the carrier 5117 can be constructed of a nylon material that is approximately 2 mm thick (such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), and a silicone material can be used to overmold the carrier 5117 to form the variable portion.

[0532] In some arrangements, the variable portion 5116 can be coupled to the cover 5114 and / or the base 5112, and the base 5112 and / or the cover can be formed as two separate parts that can be assembled together with the variable portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0533] In an alternative arrangement, the variable portion 5116 may be positioned within the wall of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the wall of the reservoir lid 5114, such as integrally by overmolding or as separate components connected as a subassembly. In this arrangement, the variable portion would not be positioned between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be more than one variable portion 5116 to provide more compliance in the movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0534] 5.5.2.5 Water reservoir base 5112

[0535] According to one arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion 5120 (such as a base conductor plate 5152, see e.g. Fig.16f ), which is configured to be thermally coupled to the heating element 5240 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion 5152 improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element 5240 to the liquid volume in the reservoir 5110. All or part of the base conductive plate 5152 can be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm) or another thermally conductive material such as metal. In some cases, appropriate thermal conductivity can be achieved by a less conductive material of appropriate thickness.

[0536] The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a container to hold a given, maximum volume of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may include other features such as an anti-spill feature.

[0537] In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may also include, for example, Fig.64 and Fig.65 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 shown in. According to one aspect, for example, when the middle portion 5202 is compressed, or when the middle portion 5202 is in a vibrating state, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 can prevent liquid from escaping from the reservoir 5110 through the interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the compliant portion 5116) and the base 5112.

[0538] It should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 can be constructed in any number of parts. The reservoir base 5112 can be constructed as a single part made of, for example, aluminum or another thermally conductive material such as metal. In another arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 can be constructed in two parts, for example, including a lower part and an upper part.

[0539] According to one arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion (such as a base conductor plate 5152) that is configured to be thermally coupled to the heater plate 5120 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater plate 5120 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or part of the base conductor plate 5152 may be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm) or another thermally conductive metal. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved by a less conductive material of suitable thickness.

[0540] The reservoir base 5112 can also be configured as a container to hold a given, maximum volume of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 can include other features such as anti-overflow features as will be described in further detail below. The reservoir base 5112 can also include a base upper body 5146 and a base bottom plate 5148, which together with the base conductor plate 5152 can form a container.

[0541] The base upper body 5146 and / or the base bottom plate 5148 can be made of a biocompatible material suitable for retaining liquids, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, ABS or a polycarbonate material. The base conductor plate 5152 can include a sealing element 5150, which can be integrated into and / or sealingly connected to the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148 to prevent water from flowing out of the water reservoir 5110, especially from the base 5112. For example, the sealing element 5150 can be overmolded on the base conductive plate 5152, and the formed component can be fixed between the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148.

[0542] In such Fig.23In one form shown in , the base 5112 may include a base upper body 5146, a base bottom plate 5148, and a base conductor plate 5152. However, it should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 can be constructed with any number of components. The reservoir base 5112 can be constructed as a single component made of, for example, aluminum or another heat conductive material such as metal. In another arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 can be constructed in two parts, for example, including a lower component and an upper component. In this arrangement, the lower component can be constructed of a heat conductive material and perform the functions of the base conductive plate 5152, the sealing element 5150 and the base bottom plate 5148, and the upper component can be equivalent to the base upper body 5146 and be constructed of a polycarbonate material.

[0543] In one form, for example Figure 65-Figure 65 , the reservoir base 5114 can also include an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226. According to one aspect, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 can prevent liquid from escaping from the reservoir 5110 through the interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the seal 5204) and the base 5114, for example, when the middle portion 5202 is compressed, or when the middle portion 5202 is in a vibrating condition.

[0544] 5.5.2.6 Storage container handle 5154 5156

[0545] Figure 24-Figure 27 An upper handle 5154 positioned on the reservoir cover 5114 and a lower handle 5156 positioned on the reservoir base 5112 are shown. These handles are intended to assist the patient (or user) 1000 in grasping and holding the water reservoir 5110. In the illustrated arrangement, the handles 5154, 5156 are positioned away from the hinge 5158 so that by holding the reservoir 5110 with the handles 5154, 5156, the patient 1000 applies a force on the reservoir 5110 to compress the variable portion 5116, which pushes the cover 5114 and the base 5112 toward each other. The compressive force can also help to maintain the variable portion 5116 in a sealed engagement between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir cover 5114, such as during a transfer process of refilling the reservoir 5110 with liquid back and forth. It should be understood that the handles 5154 and 5156 can be arranged on other components or areas of the water reservoir 5110.

[0546] The friction grip 5166 may be Fig.255154, 5156. The friction grip 5166 can be configured to assist the patient 1000 in holding the reservoir 5110, such as by being made of a higher friction material, being made with a higher friction texture, and / or being shaped to be easier to hold than the surrounding area of ​​the reservoir 5110. For example, the friction grip 5166 can be constructed of a resilient material such as silicon, whereas the reservoir 5110 can be constructed primarily of a polycarbonate material.

[0547] 5.5.2.7 Airflow Path

[0548] One of the purposes of the present technology is to force the flow of breathable gas to follow a tortuous path through reservoir 5110 between inlet 5118 and outlet 5122. This prevents any "short-circuiting" of the flow of breathable gas, which could result in insufficient humidity in the flow of breathable gas delivered to patient 1000.

[0549] Figure 28a-Figure 30c 5118 and exit through outlet 5122. The figures are arranged in chronological order in three different orthogonal views, each visually showing an exemplary flow path. In this arrangement, the flow of breathable gas received through inlet 5118 passes through inlet tube 5124 ( Figure 28a-28c ), to water storage tank 5110 ( Figure 29a-29c ) in the interior space of the . The breathable gas flow then passes through the outlet tube 5126 to be discharged as humidified breathable gas at the outlet 5122 ( Figure 30a-Figure 30c ) leaves the water reservoir 5110. For clarity, Figure 28a-Figure 30c The reservoir 5110 is shown oriented in an exploded view with a lid 5114 and a base 5112, and any gas flow occurring within the interior space of the reservoir 5110 is shown in dashed lines. The dashed arrows shown indicate the general direction of exemplary breathable air flow, although it should be noted that the gas or air flow properties mean that any gas flow path includes rotation of the gas (e.g., turbulence) rather than a straight and direct air flow path.

[0550] In some forms of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 may include a flow element or baffle 5192 configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. For example, the water reservoir 5110 may include a flow element or baffle 5192 configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. Figure 52a-Figure 55 deflector portion 5198 shown in, or Figure 58a-Figure 58b The baffle 5192 may further include a locating portion 5196, as will be described in further detail below.

[0551] exist Figure 52a-Figure 55 In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 , the deflector portion 5198 is configured to prevent the flow of breathable gas from immediately entering the outlet tube 5126 (i.e., short-circuiting) after leaving the inlet tube 5124 through the inlet tube outlet 5125. Fig.52a 5198 can be positioned near the inlet tube inner end 5125, such as by abutting it, when assembled together as seen in FIG. 519A and FIG. 519B . In this arrangement, the deflector portion 5198 forms a cover between the inlet tube outlet 5125 and the base of the outlet tube inner end 5127. This cover can be further advantageous in that it forces the flow of breathable gas to travel in the channel formed by the cover and the volume of water for improved humidity accumulation.

[0552] exist Figure 58a-Figure 58b , the reservoir 5110 includes a flow guide 5195 and a baffle portion 5198. The baffle portion 5198 is configured to prevent short-circuiting of the flow of breathable gas, and the flow guide 5195 is further configured to guide the flow of breathable gas exiting the inlet tube 5124 in a direction approximately parallel to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. This can improve "splashing" that may occur when the flow of breathable gas exits the inlet tube 5124 in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the liquid volume.

[0553] like Figure 33-Figure 34 As shown in , the reservoir 5110 can include an end wall 5128 near and opposite the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The inner end wall 5128 of the reservoir 5110 guides the air leaving the inlet tube 5124 to flow over the water surface before it reaches the inner end 5127 of the outlet tube 5126 and flows out of the outlet 5122 through the outlet tube 5126. Figures 35 to 38 51 shows an example of another arrangement of flow elements, where the reservoir 5110 may include a rotating blade 5136 arranged near the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The rotating blade 5136 may be formed as Figure 37-Figure 38 The rotating blades 5136 may be an extension of the inlet pipe 5124 shown in FIG. 5 , or the rotating blades 5136 may be a separate component positioned adjacent to the inlet pipe 5124 or coupled to the inlet pipe 5124. The rotating blades may also be as shown in FIG. Figure 37-Figure 38 Molding shown in .

[0554] exist Figure 28a-Figure 30c5126 at outlet 5122. The path of the breathable air flow shown in FIG. 51 is merely exemplary and is intended to show one of a number of paths that the breathable gas flow may traverse, i.e., it enters the water reservoir 5110 through inlet 5118 and exits through outlet 5122 after undergoing a degree of rotation within the volume of the water reservoir 5110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to a number of factors, including, for example, local turbulence (eddies) or pressure gradients within the water reservoir 5110, the particles or molecules that form the breathable air flow may not follow a single path within the water reservoir 5110. Thus, the accumulation path of the breathable air flow may include any number of paths in which the breathable gas flow undergoes various degrees of "rotation" within the water reservoir 5110 before exiting via outlet tube 5126 at outlet 5122. It is also possible that a small portion of the breathable air flow may exit the water reservoir 5110 as a leak.

[0555] 5.5.2.8 Storage inlet / outlet

[0556] As described above, the reservoir inlet 5118 is configured to receive a flow of breathable gas into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 is configured to output a humidified flow of breathable gas. The inlet 5118 and / or outlet 5122 are preferably further configured to prevent liquid from exiting the reservoir 5110 when the reservoir 5110 is translated and / or rotated from its normal, working orientation. Further, the inlet 5118 and / or outlet are preferably configured to prevent short-circuiting of the flow of breathable gas as described above. In one form, the inlet 5118 can be configured to prevent "splashing" or splashing of liquid, which may be caused by a jet of air impinging on the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110.

[0557] In such Fig.33 In one arrangement shown in , reservoir inlet 5118 includes inlet tube 5124 to provide a flow path for an incoming flow of breathable gas into reservoir 5110 , and reservoir outlet 5122 includes outlet tube 5126 to provide a flow path for an outgoing flow of humidified breathable gas from reservoir 5110 .

[0558] In such Figure 37-Figure 38 In one configuration shown in , it is advantageous to configure the rotating blades 5136 so that the lowest portion of the rotating blades 5136 extends below the lowest portion of the outlet pipe 5126. This can further prevent water from entering the inlet pipe 5124 from any "splash" of water.

[0559] The water reservoir 5110 is preferably configured to provide tip-over protection to prevent water from flowing back through the outlet tube 5126 or the inlet tube 5124. Water flowing out through the inlet tube 5124 may be particularly undesirable because it may introduce water into the PAP device 4000 and damage electronic components (such as motors, flow sensors, or printed circuit boards) due to water exposure.

[0560] In one arrangement of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 is protected from overflow by arranging the inlet tube outlet 5125 so that when the reservoir 5110 is rotated 90 degrees in any direction from its working, horizontal orientation, a given maximum volume of water can be stored in the reservoir 5110 without reaching the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube.

[0561] In another arrangement of storage 5110, when from Figure 39-40 When viewed from above as shown in , the axes of the inlet pipe 5124 and the outlet pipe 5126 may cross. When one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe passes under the other, such as when the inlet pipe 5124 passes under the outlet pipe 5126, the inlet pipe 5124 and the outlet pipe 5126 may not be connected to each other.

[0562] This configuration can improve tilt backflow protection by arranging the inlet pipe 5124 and the outlet pipe 5126 so that when the reservoir 5110 is tilted away from its working orientation, water must reach the higher end of the inlet pipe 5124 or the outlet pipe 5126 to leave the reservoir 5110. Fig.40 As shown in , if the reservoir 5110 is tilted so that the water reaches the lower end of the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124, then the water must rise still higher to reach the outer end of the inlet tube 5124 to leave the reservoir 5110.

[0563] exist Figure 46-Figure 49 A simplified depiction of the effect created by the intersecting inlet and outlet pipes is shown in , wherein the inner surfaces are shown by dashed lines. These figures show an alternative arrangement of a water reservoir 5110, with the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 comprising an inlet pipe 5124 and an outlet pipe 5126, respectively. Figure 46-Figure 47 It shows that when viewed from the side (such as Fig.47 The configuration in which the axes of the tubes intersect when viewed as shown in FIG. Figure 48-Figure 49 It shows that when viewed from the side (such as Fig.49 An alternative construction in which the axes of the tubes are substantially parallel when viewed in FIG. Figure 46-Figure 49 , volume of water 5182 is assumed to fill approximately half the volume of reservoir 5110, and water level 5184 is indicated by a dashed line extending horizontally.

[0564] When the water storage tank 5110 is Figure 46-Figure 47, the arrangement of the inlet pipe 5124 and the outlet pipe 5126 requires that if any water 5182 leaves the water reservoir 5110, the water level 5184 rises above the high end of the inlet pipe 5124 or the high end of the outlet pipe 5126. Figure 47-Figure 48 In the arrangement shown in , the water level 5184 need only rise to a height such as the lower end of the inlet pipe 5124 or the outlet pipe 5126 in order to leave the water reservoir 5110.

[0565] As the water level 5184 will change depending on the orientation of the water reservoir 5110, this effect of crossing the inlet and outlet tubes 5124, 5126 can be reproduced in any orientation as desired by reorienting the inlet and outlet tubes 5124, 5126 to fit the shape of the water reservoir 5110. In some forms, the inlet and outlet tubes 5124, 5126 may be crossed when viewed from multiple angles orthogonal to one another.

[0566] exist Figure 39-40 as well as Figure 46-Figure 49 In the form shown in , the inlet inner end and the outlet inner end are positioned in the cavity and the inlet outer end and the outlet outer end are positioned in one of the multiple walls of the cavity. The first axis (inlet tube axis) is defined by the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end and the second axis (outlet tube axis) is defined by the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end. When the reservoir is tilted (e.g., about 90° to the normal working direction), the first axis is at a first angle, so that the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end are positioned at different heights, so that the predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the inlet inner end or the inlet outer end to prevent water from overflowing through the inlet tube. In addition, when the water reservoir is tilted (e.g., about 90° to the normal working orientation), the second axis is at a second angle, so that the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, so that the predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or the outlet outer end to prevent water from overflowing through the outlet tube. This effect can also be formed, where this water reservoir is tilted at any other angle to suit the design and / or tilting conditions of the humidifier 5000 and / or the reservoir 5110.

[0567] 5.5.2.9 Storage arrangements with removable inlet / outlet pipes

[0568] In another example of the current technology, the storage 5110 can be as follows Figure 52a-Figure 53 In this example, the reservoir 5110 includes a cover portion 5114, a middle portion 5202 and a base portion 5112 (for clarity in FIG. Figure 52a-Figure 52bThe base portion is not shown in the figure). The cover portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 can be configured to releasably engage with each other. They can be further configured to include multiple features when engaged to each other, such as an inlet 5118, an outlet 5122, an inlet tube 5124, and an outlet tube 5126, while releasably engaging with each other. For example, the cover portion 5114 may include an inlet 5118, an outlet 5122, and an inlet tube 5124, and the middle portion 5202 may include a plurality of features such as Fig.52b The outlet tube 5126 shown in FIG.

[0569] As shown, the middle portion 5202 may also include a baffle 5192 and at least one support spoke 5194. The support spoke 5194 may be provided for structural support and / or positioning the outlet tube 5126 and / or the baffle 5192 on the middle portion. The baffle 5192 is arranged to block the direct air path (or short circuit as described above) between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the outlet tube inner end 5127 to promote the movement of air flow within the reservoir to improve the humidity absorbed by the air flow within the reservoir 5110. In addition, the seal 5204 may be integral with the middle portion 5202 as shown or may be formed as a separate part from the middle portion.

[0570] An advantage of this arrangement may be to improve the cleanability of the reservoir 5110 by separating a portion of the components from the reservoir, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous in situations such as when at least one of the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 extends into the interior volume of the reservoir 5110, as such a feature may prevent access to the interior of the reservoir 5110. Figure 52a-Figure 52b 5114, the middle portion 5202 is engaged with the cover portion 5114 in its normal working orientation. However, when the middle portion 5202 and the cover portion 5114 are separable, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 can be separated to improve access to the interior of the cover portion 5114.

[0571] By constructing the upper portion of the reservoir using two separate parts 5114, 5202 and / or by constructing the inlet / outlet tubes 5124, 5126 to be releasably engaged with the reservoir 5110, the number of small, difficult to access areas can be reduced, which can improve the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. In addition, the removable inlet tube 5124 and / or the removable outlet tube 5126 can also be themselves more accessible for cleaning.

[0572] In another example of the present technology (not shown), the cover portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 can each include a portion of a feature, where they can be combined to form a complete feature. For example, the cover portion 5114 can include a portion of the inlet tube 5124 and a portion of the outlet tube 5126, and the middle portion 5202 can include another portion of the inlet tube 5124 and another portion of the outlet tube 5126. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the reservoir can be further subdivided into any number of separable portions, and that separable features such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 can be positioned in any number of arrangements relative to the separable portions.

[0573] Another advantage of the current arrangement may be improved overflow performance of the reservoir 5110 (preventing liquid from going out through the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126). Overflow performance may be improved by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, which may be achieved by introducing a gap above the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. Another method of improving overflow performance is to arrange the inlet tube inner end 5125 and / or the outlet tube inner end 5127 adjacent to the center of the reservoir 5110. Since the reservoir 5110 is usually manufactured by injection molding, forming the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 as part of the cover 5114 inhibits the introduction of a gap above the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In this configuration, a molding tool including the internal volume of the cover 5114 will be pinned in place by the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, and molding thereby will be impossible or require a complex and expensive tooling arrangement. In this case, the ability to separate the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be a further advantage.

[0574] It should be understood that the cover portion 5114, the middle portion 5202, and the base portion 5112 can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the relative sizes of the cover portion 5114 and the base portion 5112 can be different, and the cover portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112 can also include a variety of materials or components in their construction. One or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 can be removably or releasably coupled to the cover portion 5114 or the base portion 5112, for example, as part of the middle portion. The middle portion can also be configured to initially engage the cover portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112, for example, by being configured to be inserted into the cover portion 5114 or the base portion 5112.

[0575] Another feature of this arrangement is the use of support spokes 5194 to provide structural rigidity to the middle portion 5202 of the cover 5114. The spokes 5194, by themselves or in combination with the baffle 5192, can provide a handle for removing the cover 5114 from the middle portion 5202. This can improve the usability of the cover 5114 because the user can grasp the baffle 5192 and / or the spokes 5194 to separate the middle portion 5202 from the cover portion 5114. It should be understood that a variety of other configurations are possible, in which the support spokes 5194 are alternately arranged as shown in FIG. Figures 54a-55 An exemplary arrangement is shown in .

[0576] In an example of the current technology, the baffle 5192 may include Figures 54a-55 The positioning portion 5196 and the guide plate portion 5198 are shown in FIG. The positioning portion 5196 can be in the form of a cylinder to assist in accurately positioning the baffle 5192 relative to the inlet tube 5124 by fitting around the outside of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124. In some forms, for example, Fig.59b As shown in , the baffle 5192 may also include a baffle seal 5197 to seal between the baffle 5192 and the inlet tube 5124. The baffle 5192 may also be configured to be combined with the spokes 5194 so that at least some portions of the baffle 5192 may function as the spokes 5194, or vice versa.

[0577] exist Figure 56a-Figure 56b An exemplary cross section of the assembled cover 5114 is shown in FIG. The diameter of the inlet tube 5124 or the positioning portion 5196 can change along its length, such as in a truncated cone arrangement, so as to gradually engage with each other. Figure 56a-Figure 56b As shown in , the two portions 5124 , 5196 may also include complementary retaining mechanisms such as a tab / slot combination 5205 .

[0578] It should also be understood that the seal 5204 can be positioned Figure 52a-Figure 55 . For example, the seal 5204 may form part of the lid portion 5114, be formed as part of the reservoir base portion 5112, or be formed as a separate component by itself that is not integrally formed to any of the lid portion 5114, the intermediate portion 5202, and the base 5112. An exemplary method of forming the seal 5204 by the lid portion 5114 or the base 5112 may be by overmolding or using a chemical adhesive.

[0579] Fig.57 20 shows an exploded view of another example of the current technology. In this arrangement, the reservoir 5110 includes a cover portion 5114, a middle portion 5202 and a base portion 5112 (for clarity in FIG. Fig.575124 and the outlet tube 5126 and a wall portion 5206 configured to be coupled to the cover portion. Alternatively, the middle portion 5202 may be coupled to the base portion 5112 and may include one or both of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. In some cases, the wall portion 5206 configured to be coupled to the cover portion may be connected to one or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0580] This configuration can allow the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 to be removed in order to improve the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. In addition, by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, this configuration can improve the overflow performance of the reservoir 5110.

[0581] In some cases, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 can be arranged so that removing either or both of the tubes 5124, 5126 from the reservoir 5110 does not affect the predetermined maximum volume of water that the reservoir 5110 can hold. This configuration can allow the tubes 5124, 5126 to be cleaned without removing any water from the reservoir 5110.

[0582] 5.5.2.10 Preventing overflow

[0583] In some prior art humidifier water reservoirs, overflowing of the water reservoir 5110 may reduce the effectiveness of the anti-overflow feature. For example, overflowing may allow liquid in the reservoir 5110 to reach the inlet 5118 at a lower angle than if the reservoir 5110 is not overflowing. Therefore, some prior art humidifier water reservoirs include water fill indicator marks to reduce the occurrence of such overflows, however this may only improve this risk to a certain extent.

[0584] Another aspect of the present technology includes one or more overfill protection features configured to prevent the humidifier reservoir from filling above a maximum volume of water when the reservoir is filled in its open configuration and / or closed configuration.

[0585] exist Fig.41a and Fig.41bIn one arrangement seen in FIG. 5 , the overflow protection feature can include at least one perforation 5138 in the water reservoir 5110 to indicate an overflow. According to this aspect of the present technology, when the water reservoir 5110 is refilled with the reservoir lid 5114 open, an overflow exceeding a predetermined maximum volume of the reservoir 5110 will cause water to overflow from the perforations 5138. This will indicate to the user that the reservoir 5110 is full and prevent such an overflow. Advantageously, water will only overflow through the at least one hole 5138 rather than from the entire area of ​​the water reservoir, resulting in less overflow for the user to clean up. Thus, when the predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded, the at least one perforation defines an outgoing path for the water. Fig.41a The water reservoir 5110 is shown in its open configuration, wherein the upper flange of the base 5112 does not span the entire perimeter of the opening, forming a perforation 5138. Fig.41b A portion of the base 5112 is shown indicating at least one perforation 5138. The at least one aperture 5138 may be in the form of one or more perforations, holes, slits or slots, or any other form that allows fluid communication to the interior and exterior of the water reservoir 5110. The at least one perforation 5138 may be formed in one or more locations around the upper flange of the base 5112.

[0586] In an alternative arrangement, the overfill protection feature may include an inclined profile 5139. Fig.41c and Fig.41d As shown in , the reservoir base 5112 can be arranged so that its side profile has an inclined profile 5139 along one or more directions. When this reservoir base 5112 is refilled with liquid or water, this arrangement can also indicate overflowing. In this arrangement, when the reservoir cover 5114 is in an open configuration, water can overflow at the base of the inclined profile 5139 rather than from the entire area of ​​the reservoir. Thus, when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded, the inclined profile defines the outgoing path of the water. The advantage of the above method can be that overflowing may become more difficult than in the prior art, and there is another advantage that overflowing can occur at a more predictable position in response to an attempted overflow.

[0587] Another aspect of the present technology is that when the reservoir 5110 is in its closed position, the seal 5204 sealingly engages the base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114 and blocks or seals the perforations 5138 or the sloped profile 5139 to prevent fluid communication into the reservoir 5110 and to the exterior of the reservoir 5110. Fig.42, which shows that when the reservoir lid 5114 is closed (the lid is not shown in this image), the seal 5204 is sealingly engaged with the base 5112 outside the perforation 5138 and no longer allows liquid or air to communicate through the perforation 5138 into the water reservoir 5110 and communicate to the outside of the water reservoir 5110. Similarly, the seal 5204 will be engaged with the base 5112 to surround the edge of the inclined profile to prevent liquid or air from communicating into the water reservoir 5110 and communicating to the outside of the water reservoir 5110 through the inclined profile 5139. In some arrangements, the seal 5204 can be integrally formed with the variable portion 5116 as described above. Alternatively, the seal 5204 can be a separate seal that can be used in the reservoir with or without a variable portion.

[0588] According to another aspect of the invention, the anti-overflow feature can be configured to prevent overflow when a user attempts to fill the reservoir 5110 while it is in its closed configuration.

[0589] In one form ( Fig.60 10), when a predetermined maximum volume of liquid is in the reservoir 5110, the anti-overflow feature can form one or more air barriers to prevent further ingress of liquid into the reservoir 5110. In this form, when the reservoir 5110 is filled in its closed configuration, the one or more air barriers will form a seal of gas in the reservoir 5110 that is not displaced by the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. Fig.60 In the example shown in FIG. 5 , when a user orients reservoir 5110 while filling the reservoir with water, reservoir 5110 is in an orientation such that inlet 5118 is oriented perpendicular to the normal of outlet 5122. Water level 5184 will rise and reach Fig.60 , therefore, the remaining gas volume in the reservoir 5110 can no longer approach the inlet pipe 5124 or the outlet pipe 5126, and thus can no longer leak out of the reservoir 510. The reservoir 5110 can thus not accommodate any other volume of water in its interior space.

[0590] Preferably, the volume of water in the reservoir 5110 is substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of liquid to be retained in the reservoir 5110 when any further flow of water into the reservoir 5110 is prevented by forming one or more air blocks. In some cases, the reservoir 5110 may allow further filling of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, despite the prevention of further intrusion of water into the internal volume by the air block. In this case, the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110 when the air block is formed, and the volume of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 can be configured so that when the two volumes are added together, they are substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of liquid to be retained in the reservoir 5110.

[0591] In some cases, for example, the normals of the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122 may not be parallel, and the user may fill the reservoir 5110 in one of multiple directions when the reservoir is closed. In this case, the reservoir 5110 can be constructed so that an appropriate air blockage can be formed at one or more of the multiple orientations. It is not necessary to form an air blockage only by blocking the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In one form (not shown), one or more air blocks can be formed by blocking any cavity or port, which can allow fluid communication between the inside and outside of the reservoir 5110. In addition, this blockage does not need to be performed by the volume of the liquid in the reservoir 5110. In some forms, the volume of the liquid can deform or move another component as it increases so as to form a seal (and thus an air blockage) in the reservoir.

[0592] 5.5.2.11 Holding fixture

[0593] The reservoir cover 5114 may include features by which the reservoir 5110 is retained in the reservoir dock 5130 once the two components are engaged with each other. Figure 43 to Figure 44 As shown in , the retaining feature can be a protrusion or clamp 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114. Figure 43-Figure 44 A reservoir 5110 is shown with a reservoir dock 5130. Here, when the reservoir 5110 is inserted into the reservoir dock 5130, a protrusion, or clip, on the reservoir cap 5114 removably engages a corresponding dock locking recess 5144 in the reservoir dock 5130. This connection secures the reservoir 5110 relative to the reservoir dock 5130.

[0594] As described above, the variable portion 5116 of the reservoir is compressed to enable the reservoir to be inserted into the docking piece 5130. The compression of the variable portion 5116 allows a portion of the reservoir 5110 to slide into the docking piece 5130 and allows the protrusion or clamp 5142 to initially slide under the outer edge surface of the docking piece 5130 to reach the docking piece locking recess 5144. The compression force applied to the reservoir for insertion can then be released to allow the protrusion or clamp 5142 to engage with the docking piece locking recess 5144 and secure the reservoir 5110 in the docking piece 5130. When the reservoir 5110 is secured in the docking piece 5130, the variable portion 5116 is no longer in or is in a reduced compression state. Similarly, in order to be able to remove the water reservoir 5110 from the water reservoir docking piece 5130, the variable portion 5116 must be compressed to disengage the lid retaining protrusion 5142 from the docking piece locking recess 5144.

[0595] The retaining protrusion 5142 can be further configured to have Fig.44 . The taper can be directed to increase the height away from the insertion direction so as to gradually increase the interference between the retaining protrusion 5142 and the docking piece 5130 during the insertion process. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in an alternative arrangement, the lid retaining protrusion 5142 can be a recessed portion, and the docking piece locking recess 5144 can be a corresponding protrusion. Alternatively, one of any number of retaining features known in the art can be used to achieve the same result as described above.

[0596] 5.5.2.12 Connection of water reservoir to humidifier

[0597] In one form, the water reservoir 5110 receives the air flow output by the RPT device 4000 at the docking outlet 4132 during use. The water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to the humidifier 5000, for example, configured as (eg, Figure 16g-16h 4130. When the water reservoir 5110 is engaged with the docking piece 4130, the water reservoir inlet 5118 can receive the air flow output by the RPT device 4000 and introduce this air flow into the water reservoir 5110. As the air travels through the water reservoir 5110, humidity (i.e., water vapor) is added to the air flow, and the humidified air flow exits the water reservoir 5110 through the water reservoir outlet tube 5126 and to the water reservoir outlet 5122. The water reservoir outlet 5122 can be connected to the air circuit 4170 to deliver the humidified air flow to the patient 1000.

[0598] exist Figure 16hThe double-ended arrow in shows the direction of relative movement, i.e., generally horizontal movement between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110 that are connected and disconnected to each other in this arrangement. Figure 16g-16h In the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 , the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by arranging the water reservoir 5110 in the docking piece 4130. In this arrangement, the height and shape of the docking piece 4130 and the cavity in the water reservoir 5110 enable the water reservoir 5110 to engage with the docking piece 4130, and the compliant portion 5116 is compressed, for example, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm. Thus, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 inserted into the docking piece 4130 is complementary to the shape of the docking piece cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 is slightly less than the height of the docking piece cavity 5160 when the compliant portion 5116 is compressed to enable the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the docking piece cavity 5160.

[0599] In one form, a compressive force is required to sufficiently compress the compliant portion 5116 and allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130. A compressive force of, for example, between about 10 N and about 30 N, or about 20 N, as measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, or some other compressive force is required to allow the reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the dock 4130. When this compressive force is applied at the handle recesses 5154, 5156 and the reservoir 5110 is inserted into the dock 4130, the vertical gap achieved between the reservoir 5110 and the cavity of the dock 4130 during insertion (or removal) may be between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. The reservoir 5110 and the docking piece 4130 can be arranged so that once the reservoir 5110 is connected to the docking piece 4130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force, the amount of compression in the compliant portion 5116 is reduced. The reduction in compression can be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, such as about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0600] In the arrangement shown (see Figure 16a-16b), the water reservoir outlet 5122 can be connected to the docking piece inlet 4134, and the humidified air flow travels through this docking piece inlet to the humidifier outlet 5172. As indicated by the double-ended dashed arrow in FIG. 13 (see FIG. 13), the humidifier outlet 5172 can be connected to the air circuit 4170. An advantage of this arrangement is that the water reservoir 5110 can be removed from the docking piece 4130 while the air circuit 4170 remains attached to the device outlet 4004. The insertion and removal of the water reservoir 5110 is thus independent of the connection of the air circuit 4170. Another advantage is that the water reservoir 5110 must be removed from the docking piece 4130 to fill the water reservoir 5110 with liquid. In this form, when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidifier 5000 in the operational configuration, neither the inlet 5118 nor the outlet 5122 in the water reservoir 5110 is exposed, while the water reservoir 5110 itself remains accessible to the patient 1000, e.g., to allow for easy removal from the humidifier 5000. Because the water reservoir 5110 includes features for preventing overfilling, this arrangement can reduce the likelihood that a user will overfill the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined, maximum liquid volume. Further, because the user is encouraged to remove the water reservoir 5110 to fill the water reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of water splashing onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or the RPT device 4000 is reduced.

[0601] The compliant portion 5116 may be made of an elastomeric material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. In selecting a material to be used for the compliant portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical relaxation over the entire range of storage and operating temperatures to which the compliant portion 5116 may be exposed. An example of a material for the compliant portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0602] like Fig.40 As shown in , the reservoir latch 5186 can be provided on the reservoir 5110 so that when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged, it secures the reservoir lid 5114 with the reservoir base 5112. The latch 5186 can prevent the reservoir lid 5114 from separating from the reservoir base 5112 and maintain the compliant portion 5116 in a sealed engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example by compressing. In one form, the latch 5186 can be configured to limit relative movement of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112 in only one direction, thereby allowing further compression of the compliant portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 from the base 5112. This can allow the reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the docking piece 4130, and / or allow the compliant portion 5116 to assist in thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5140 as described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0603] When in use, the reservoir 5110 receives a flow of breathable air, for example, output by the PAP device 4000. In one form, as Figure 24-Figure 27 , the water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to the humidifier 5000 by inserting the water reservoir into the water reservoir docking piece 5130 (e.g., by sliding). The inlet 5118 of the water reservoir 5110 is configured to receive the flow of breathable gas output by the PAP device 4000 and direct the flow of breathable gas into the water reservoir 5110. As the breathable gas travels through the water reservoir 5110, humidity (i.e., water vapor) is added to the flow of breathable gas, and the humidified flow of breathable gas exits the water reservoir 5110 through the water reservoir outlet tube 5126 and to the water reservoir outlet 5122. The water reservoir outlet 5122 can be connected to the air circuit 4170 to deliver the humidified flow of breathable gas to the patient 1000.

[0604] exist Fig.25 and Fig. 27 The double-ended arrow in shows the relative movement between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110, which are connected or disconnected from each other in this arrangement, i.e., the generally horizontal direction of movement. However, the water reservoir 5110 can be coupled to the humidifier 5000 by other methods such as insertion in a generally vertical direction, connection through one or more intermediate components (e.g., tubes), or integrally formed with the humidifier.

[0605] In an alternative arrangement not shown, the water reservoir 5110 can be inserted into the docking cavity 5160 from a vertical direction rather than using a sliding motion. In this arrangement, the docking cavity of the humidifier 5000 can include a removable covering portion, such as a lid or top portion, which at least partially opens to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 and closes after insertion to secure the water reservoir 5110 within the docking cavity 5160.

[0606] In the arrangement shown (see Fig. 27 ), the water reservoir outlet 5122 can be connected to the water reservoir docking piece gas inlet 5170, and the humidified breathable air flow travels through the water reservoir docking piece gas inlet to the humidifier outlet 5172. As indicated in FIG. 13, by the double-ended dashed arrow (see Fig.24), the humidifier outlet 5172 may be connected to the air delivery circuit or the air circuit 4170. One advantage of this arrangement is that the humidifier reservoir 5110 must be removed from the reservoir dock 5130 to fill the humidifier reservoir 5110 with liquid. This arrangement generally prevents access to any openings in the humidifier reservoir 5110 when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000, and because the humidifier reservoir 5110 includes features for preventing overfilling as further described below, the likelihood of a user overfilling the reservoir 5110 beyond a given maximum liquid volume may be reduced. Further, because the user is encouraged to remove the reservoir 5110 to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of water splashing onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or the PAP device 4000 is reduced.

[0607] like Fig. 27 As shown in FIG. , a first dock seal 5132 and a second dock seal 5134 can be provided to assist in sealing the connection between the reservoir inlet 5118 and the dock 5130 and the connection between the reservoir outlet 5122 and the dock 5130 .

[0608] exist Figure 26-Figure 27 In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 , the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by arranging the water reservoir 5110 in the water reservoir docking piece 5130. In this arrangement, the height and shape of the docking piece inner cavity 5160 and the water reservoir 5110 enable the water reservoir 5110 to engage with the water reservoir docking piece 5130, and the variable portion 5116 is compressed, for example, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm. Thus, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 inserted into the docking piece 5130 is complementary to the shape of the docking piece cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the variable portion 5116 is compressed is slightly less than the height of the docking piece cavity 5160 to enable the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the docking piece cavity 5160.

[0609] The variable portion 5116 may be constructed to have a Fig.50. A compression force is required to sufficiently compress the variable portion 5116 and allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir docking piece 5130. For example, a compression force of between about 10N and about 30N, or about 20N as measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, or some other compression force requirement allows the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the docking piece cavity 5160. When this compression force is applied at the handle recess and the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into the reservoir docking piece 5130, the vertical gap achieved between the water reservoir 5110 and the docking piece internal cavity 5160 during the insertion (or removal) process can be between about 1mm and about 5mm, for example, about 2mm, 3mm, or 4mm. The water reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 5130 can be arranged so that once the water reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 5130 are connected and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force, the amount of compression in the variable portion 5116 decreases. The reduction in compression can be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, such as about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0610] The variable portion 5116 may be constructed of an elastic material such as silicone, TPE, TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. In selecting a material to be used for the variable portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical relaxation across the entire storage and operating temperature range to which the variable portion 5116 may be exposed. An example of a material for the variable portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0611] like Fig.40 As shown in , the reservoir latch 5186 can be provided on the reservoir 5110 so that when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged, it secures the reservoir lid 5114 with the reservoir base 5112. The latch 5186 can prevent the reservoir lid 5114 from separating from the reservoir base 5112 and maintain the variable portion 5116 in a sealed engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example by compression. In one form, the latch 5186 can be configured to limit the relative movement of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112 in only one direction, thereby allowing further compression of the variable portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 from the base 5112. As described elsewhere in the present disclosure, this can allow the reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the reservoir docking piece 5130, and / or allow the variable portion 5116 to assist in the thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heating plate 5120.

[0612] 5.5.2.12.1 Preload for improved thermal contact

[0613] According to one aspect of the present technology, the water reservoir 5110 of the humidifier is in thermal contact or thermal engagement with the heater plate 5120 as described above. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, measured, for example, in thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, can vary according to a number of parameters.

[0614] In the prior art, other components have been used to improve the thermal contact between the water reservoir and the heating plate by increasing the contact pressure therebetween. As described in US 4,203,027, one example is the use of a spring element for connecting the heating plate to the humidifier body, thereby pushing the heating plate toward the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, wherein a compressible elastic seal is provided on the lid, as described in WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in the closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir and pushes the water reservoir against the heating plate.

[0615] In the present technology, pre-compression of the water reservoir 5110 engaged with the water reservoir docking piece 4130, for example, can be used to help improve thermal contact between the water reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240.

[0616] In one arrangement, the reservoir 5110 may be configured such that in its operational configuration, such as when it is disposed in the reservoir dock 4130, 5130, the compliant portion 5116 is compressed as described above. The reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 4130 may be further configured such that the reaction force of the compressed compliant portion 5116 pushes the base 5112 of the reservoir 5110 against the heating element 5240 to improve thermal contact therebetween.

[0617] Thus, the compliant portion 5116 can act as a spring that is biased to urge the reservoir base 5112 and / or reservoir cover 5114 in a direction perpendicular to the heating element 5240. Because the reservoir 5110 is externally secured, such as confined within the reservoir docking piece 4130, the compression of the compliant portion 5116 reacts by promoting a force that improves thermal engagement with the heating element 5240.

[0618] The force required to compress the compliant portion 5116 when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 is preferably in the same direction orthogonal to the surface of the conductive portion. This direction may also preferably be in the same direction as the thermal engagement direction. This force reacts through the water reservoir interface 4130 at its contact point and / or surface, thereby pushing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240 together.

[0619] When the water reservoir 5110 is arranged in the water reservoir dock 4130, the magnitude of the compression force can be between about 5N and about 15N when measured at the heating element 5240. However, it should be understood that different configurations of the water reservoir 5110 may require different amounts of compression force. The magnitude of this force can be changed by changing the design of any or all of the compliant portion 5116, the lid 5114, the base 5112, or the reservoir dock 4130. For example, if the compliant portion 5116 is constructed of a material with a higher Young's modulus, then this may increase the magnitude of the force accordingly. It should be noted that Fig. 20 Only forces and pressures along the vertical direction are shown.

[0620] In some cases, the amount of compression of the compliant portion 5116 within the reservoir 5110 can be used to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating element 5240 .

[0621] 5.5.2.13 Conductive part 5120

[0622] According to one arrangement, the water reservoir 5110 includes a conductive portion 5120 that is configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid in the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 may be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may also be suitable. All or part of the conductive portion 5120 may be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), another thermally conductive metal, or some plastic. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved by a smaller conductive material having an appropriate geometry.

[0623] 5.5.2.13.1 Thermal contact / joining

[0624] According to one aspect of the present technology, the water reservoir 5110 of the humidifier is in thermal contact or thermal engagement with the heater plate 5120 as described above. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, measured, for example, in thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, can vary according to a number of parameters.

[0625] In the prior art, other components have been used to improve the thermal contact between the water reservoir and the heating plate by increasing the contact pressure therebetween. As described in US 4,203,027, one example is the use of a spring element for connecting the heating plate to the humidifier body, thereby pushing the heating plate toward the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, wherein a compressible elastic seal is provided on the lid, as described in WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in the closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir and pushes the water reservoir against the heating plate.

[0626] 5.5.2.13.1 Use of pressurized gas for improved thermal contact

[0627] According to another aspect, when water reservoir 5110 is connected to humidifier 5000, the flow of breathable gas received from the PAP device can pressurize a chamber such as the interior of water reservoir 5110. The pressure of the chamber can be used to increase the level of thermal engagement (i.e., thermal contact) between water reservoir 5110 and heater plate 5120. Water reservoir 5110 can be further configured such that the level of thermal contact between water reservoir 5110 and heater plate 5120 can be varied by changing the level of pressure in the chamber.

[0628] In one form, the variable portion 5116 may be configured to be expandable in a thermal contact direction, and the water reservoir 5110 may be constrained in the same direction by the water reservoir docking piece 5130. In this form, the internal pressure pushes the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heating plate 5120 to improve the level of thermal engagement between the heating plate 5120 and the base 5112.

[0629] Fig.32 This effect is illustrated by the distributed forces or pressures applied to the cover 5114 and base 5112 indicated by the arrows shown. Since thermal bonding occurs only in the vertical direction in this form, Fig.32 Only forces and pressures along the vertical direction are shown. The presence of the upper atmospheric pressure within the water reservoir 5110 results in a force in the thermal engagement direction and reacts through the water reservoir docking piece 5130 at their contact surfaces, thereby pushing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heating plate 5120 toward each other along the thermal engagement direction. The magnitude of this force can be between about 5N and about 15N when measured at a pressure of 20cmH2O at the heating plate 5120.

[0630] It should be understood that different configurations of the water reservoir 5110 may require different amounts of force, which can be achieved by changing the surface area on which the pressure acts, or the effective pressure acting on this surface. For example, this change can be achieved by a pressure regulating valve.

[0631] In another arrangement, substantially the same effect as described above can be achieved by an unopened variable portion of the water reservoir 5110. The water reservoir 5110 and the reservoir docking piece 5130 can be arranged so that elasticity or flexibility is provided by an elastic material or joint that allows free movement along the heat transfer direction (e.g., a sliding connection, or a telescopic portion of a pliable plastic or a flexible portion in the water reservoir). In this configuration, the lid 5114 and the base 5112 can be unrestricted relative to each other along the heat contact direction. The reservoir 5110 can then be restricted along the heat transfer direction by another means (e.g., by a water reservoir docking piece or a similar housing) to form a force that reacts to balance the pressure formed inside the reservoir 5110 by the pressurized breathable air flow, wherein a portion of the reaction force occurs at the heating plate 5120 to improve thermal contact. In this arrangement, another opening for refilling the water reservoir 5110 can be introduced on the reservoir 5110, such as on the lid 5114, and the opening can include a separate seal.

[0632] Fig.45 An example of this arrangement is shown, including a base 5174, a top 5176, a variable portion 5178, and a refill cap 5180. In another arrangement, the base, top, and variable portion can be fixed together, wherein refilling of the reservoir will be accommodated by the refill cap 5180. The refill cap 5180 can be arranged so that when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir docking piece 5130, the refill cap 5180 is inaccessible. This arrangement can maintain the above-mentioned advantage that the reservoir 5110 cannot be refilled when the reservoir is engaged with the reservoir docking piece 5130. In addition, the variable portion 5178 can be replaced by any mechanism known in the art that can accommodate changes along the vertical length within the reservoir.

[0633] In yet another alternative arrangement, the flow of breathable air may be used to increase the level of thermal contact between the humidifier water reservoir 5110 and the heating plate 5120 by pressurizing or inflating an auxiliary component. The auxiliary component may be a chamber, body, or surface that acts on the humidifier water reservoir 5110, which in turn pushes the water reservoir 5110 and the heating plate 5120 together in a thermal engagement direction. Similarly, the auxiliary component may act on the heating plate 5120 to push the heating plate 5120 and the water reservoir 5110 together in a thermal engagement direction.

[0634] The auxiliary component may be disposed externally to water reservoir 5110 and / or heating plate 5120. Furthermore, the auxiliary portion may be configured to vary the area of ​​contact with water reservoir 5110 and / or heating plate 5120 to further describe a change in thermal contact when the pressure of the flow of breathable gas changes.

[0635] In an alternative arrangement, the reservoir dock 5130 may include a retaining mechanism (e.g., a cover that closes around the reservoir 5110) to retain the reservoir 5110 in its desired position. In this arrangement, the reservoir dock cover may be configured to compress and / or define a variable portion 5116 to increase the level of thermal contact.

[0636] A spring loaded or spring heated plate as known in the art may also be utilized to further improve the level of thermal contact. The heated plate may be configured to have a convex or dome shape toward the humidifier receiver 5110 so that when the humidifier 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130, this convex heated plate is flat, which creates a clamping force to push the heated plate 5120 to the water reservoir 5110. Similarly, the conductive plate 5152 of the water reservoir 5110 may be domed or convex in shape and configured to be flat toward the heated plate when the water reservoir 5110 is engaged in the dock cavity 5160 of the humidifier 5000.

[0637] Any of the above-described means of improving thermal contact may be used independently of one another, or in any combination thereof, including in combination with any prior art means of achieving or improving thermal engagement between a humidifier reservoir and a heating plate.

[0638] 5.5.2.14 Humidifier transducer 5210

[0639] Alternatively or in addition to the above-described transducer 4270, the humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210. The humidifier transducer 5210 may include an air pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or a plurality of other sensors. Figure 5c The humidifier transducer 5210 may generate one or more output signals that may be communicated to a controller such as the central controller 4230 or the humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, the humidifier transducer may be positioned external to the humidifier 5000 (such as in the air circuit 4170) while communicating the output signals to the controller.

[0640] 5.5.2.14.1 Pressure transducer 5212

[0641] In addition to or in lieu of the pressure transducer 4272 provided in the RPT device 4000 , one or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 .

[0642] 5.5.2.14.2 Flow transducer 5214

[0643] In addition to or in lieu of the flow transducer 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000 , one or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 .

[0644] 5.5.2.14.3 Temperature transducer 5216

[0645] The humidifier 5000 may include one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5126 may be configured to measure one or more temperatures of a downstream airflow such as the heating element 5240 or the water reservoir outlet 5122. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may also include a temperature sensor 5216 for detecting the temperature of the surrounding ambient air.

[0646] 5.5.2.14.4 Humidity transducer 5218

[0647] In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidity sensors 5218 for detecting the humidity of a gas, such as ambient air. The humidity sensor 5218 may be disposed toward the outlet of the humidifier 5000 in some forms to measure the humidity of the gas delivered from the humidifier 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor.

[0648] 5.5.2.15 Heating element 5240

[0649] A heating element 5240 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 in some cases to provide heat input to one or more of the volume of water in the water reservoir 5110 or the air flow. The heating element 5240 may include a heat generating component 5242 such as a resistive heating track (see Fig.17b ). One suitable example of a heating element 5240 is a layered heating element such as described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012 / 171072, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0650] In some forms, the heating element 5240 may be provided, for example, by a HE cover plate 5241 (see Fig.17b ) is provided in the base 4016 of the water reservoir 5110 where heat can be provided primarily by conduction. The HE cover plate can include a conductive material such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum).

[0651] Through Fig.17b The HE seal 5243 shown in FIG. 5 supports the heating element 5240, and the HE seal is configured to prevent or block any water from entering the water reservoir 5110 or the docking piece 4130 into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 (in Figure 17g-17h 5240 and elevates the heating element 5240 from the base of the RPT device 4000. The HE seal 5243 may include, for example, Fig.17d and Figure 17h5120 of the water reservoir 5110 is configured to provide a compressive force to assist the heating element 5240 in engaging with the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the HE seal 5243 and the heating element 5240 may be configured such that when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into and engaged with the docking piece 4130, the HE cone 5245 is axially compressed to provide an upward force, thereby pushing the heating element 5240 toward the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110 and improving thermal contact therebetween.

[0652] The HE seal 5243 may also include one or more HE cable ports 5246 to allow cables (e.g., for electrical energy) to pass through the HE cable port, for example, from outside the docking piece 4130 and another portion of the base 4016 near the pneumatic block 4020. The one or more HE cable ports 5246 may be sealingly engaged around the periphery of the cable passing therethrough to prevent water from entering the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 may be constructed of an elastomeric material such as silicone and include an integrally formed HE cone 5245 with a HE cable port 52461. The HE cable port 5246 may include a cavity for the cable to pass through it and may be configured to engage with another cavity for positioning and / or retention, such as by a protrusion formed to be inserted into a cavity in the base 4016.

[0653] like Fig.17b in and Fig.17i and Fig.17j The humidifier 5000 shown in further detail in FIG. 5 may include a HE base cover 5244. The HE base cover 5244 may be removably coupled to the base 4016 (e.g., by screws) to allow access to the heating element 5240, and include one or more features configured to support and position the HE seal 5243. In one form, the HE base cover 5244 may also include HE cone slots 5247, 5246 configured to accommodate the HE cone 5245 while allowing it to be compressed.

[0654] 5.5.2.15.1 Humidity Controller 5250

[0655] According to one arrangement of the present technology, the humidifier 5000 may include Figure 5c 4230. In one form, the humidity controller 5250 may be part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the humidity controller 5250 may be a separate controller that may communicate with the central controller 4230.

[0656] In one form, the humidifier controller 5150 may receive as input, for example, measurements of characteristics of the air flow, reservoir 5110, or water in the humidifier 5000, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or flow rate. The humidity controller 5250 may also be configured to execute or implement a humidifier algorithm or transmit one or more output signals.

[0657] like Figure 5c As shown in , the humidifier controller may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of a heated air circuit, or a heating element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of a hot plate.

[0658] 5.6 Terminology

[0659] For purposes of the present technology disclosure, in certain forms of the present technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other forms of the present technology, alternative definitions may apply.

[0660] 5.6.1 Overview

[0661] Air: In some forms of the present technology, air may be used to refer to atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be used to refer to some other combination of breathable gases, such as an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.

[0662] Ambient: In some forms of the present technology, the term ambient will be used to refer to (i) external to a treatment system or patient, and (ii) directly surrounding a treatment system or patient.

[0663] For example, relative to the humidifier's surroundings humidity It may be the humidity of the air directly surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity in the room where the patient is sleeping. This ambient humidity may be different from the humidity outside the room where the patient is sleeping.

[0664] In another example, the surrounding environment pressure The pressure may be directly around the body or external to the body.

[0665] In some forms, the ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise It can be considered to be the background noise level in the room the patient is in, rather than the noise generated by the RPT device or emanating from the mask or patient interface, for example. Ambient noise may be generated by sources external to the room.

[0666] Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy shall mean applying a supply of air to the airway entrance at a pressure that is continuously positive relative to atmosphere and preferably approximately constant through the patient's breathing cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the airway entrance will be slightly higher during exhalation and slightly lower during inspiration. In some forms, the pressure will vary between different breathing cycles of the patient, for example increasing in response to detection of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and decreasing in the absence of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0667] CDMA: is an abbreviation for Code Division Multiple Access.

[0668] GSM: is the abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communications.

[0669] LTE: is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution.

[0670] USB: is the abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0671] 5.6.2 Materials

[0672] Silicone or Silicone Rubber: A synthetic rubber. In this specification, reference to silicone refers to either liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC manufactured by Dow Corning (included in the series of products sold under that trademark). Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified to the contrary, preferred forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about 35 to 45 as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0673] Polycarbonate: A typical bisphenol-A carbonate transparent thermoplastic material.

[0674] 6.8 Other notes

[0675] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

[0676] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise and when a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit between the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as other specified or intermediate values ​​within the specified range, are included in this technology. The upper and lower limits of the intermediate ranges that may be individually included in these intermediate ranges are also included in this technology. These upper and lower limits are subject to any other specifically excluded limits of this specified range. When this specified range includes one or two limits, the range excluding the included one or two limits is also included in this technology.

[0677] Furthermore, when this specification specifies that a value or values ​​are to be employed as part of this technology, it is understood that these values ​​may be approximated unless otherwise specified and may be used with any suitable significant digits within the range that may be allowed or required for practical technical implementation.

[0678] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by the general professional skills to which this technology belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described in this specification can also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, the number of emulation methods and materials described in this specification is limited.

[0679] When a particular material is considered more suitable for constructing a component, an alternative material with obviously similar properties may be used as a substitute. In addition, unless otherwise specified, all components described in this specification are understood to be capable of being manufactured, and as such, can be manufactured together or separately.

[0680] It should be noted that when used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include their corresponding plural forms.

[0681] All publications described in this specification are incorporated by reference into this specification to disclose and illustrate the methods and / or materials that are the subject of these publications. The publications discussed in this specification are provided only for the disclosure of these publications before the filing date of the current application. Nothing in this specification will be interpreted as not having the right to preempt such publications by virtue of its invention. In addition, the publication dates provided may not be the same as the actual publication dates, and these dates may need to be confirmed separately.

[0682] Furthermore, in interpreting this disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner as referring to elements, components and steps to indicate that the referred elements, components and steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components and steps not explicitly referred to.

[0683] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter created in this disclosure or the claim process. The subject headings should not be used to limit the claims or the scope of the claim limitations.

[0684] Although this specification describes this technology according to specific examples, it is understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of this technology. In some cases, professional terms and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice this technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, they are not determined to represent the order and may be used to distinguish different elements unless otherwise specified. In addition, although the process steps of the methodology may be described or illustrated in the order, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering and / or aspects thereof may be modified or performed simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0685] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrations and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology.

[0686] Reference numerals list

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Claims

1. A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for pressurizing air and directing the pressurized air to a patient to treat a respiratory disease, the RPT device comprising: a base, the base forming a water reservoir docking piece; a blower supported on the base and configured to pressurize air; a water reservoir removably connected to the water reservoir docking piece, the water reservoir being configured to hold a volume of water for humidification of pressurized air, the water reservoir being configured to receive pressurized air from the blower and containing water for humidification of the pressurized air, the water reservoir comprising a water reservoir base and a water reservoir cover connected to the water reservoir base, the water reservoir comprising a compliant portion, and the compliant portion being made of a first resilient material and being configured to seal between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir cover when the water reservoir cover is in a closed position on the water reservoir base; Humidifier part, including: a heating element, the heating element comprising a heat generating component configured to generate heat when the water reservoir is detachably connected to the water reservoir docking piece, for heating the water in the water reservoir, the heating element further comprising a heating element cover plate composed of a heat conductive metal, the heating element cover plate being configured to receive heat from the heat generating element and transfer the heat to a heat conductive portion of the water reservoir, thereby heating the water in the water reservoir; and a heating element seal for sealing the heating element from water ingress, the heating element seal further comprising at least one resilient portion configured to urge the heating element toward the water reservoir when the water reservoir is received in the water reservoir dock, wherein the water reservoir cover includes a protrusion and the water reservoir docking piece includes a recess, the protrusion and the recess being configured to releasably engage with each other when the water reservoir is fully received in the water reservoir docking piece to secure the water reservoir in the water reservoir docking piece, wherein the compliant portion is configured to push the reservoir cover toward a corresponding portion of the reservoir base to maintain engagement between the protrusion and the recess when the reservoir is received in the reservoir dock, and Wherein, the at least one resilient portion comprises a plurality of resilient cones which are axially compressed to provide an upward force, thereby pushing the heating element towards the heat conductive portion of the water reservoir and improving thermal contact therebetween.

2. The RPT device according to claim 1, wherein: The base further includes an opening, the heating element being positioned within the opening, and Wherein, the heating element seal is configured to seal around the opening of the base to prevent water from entering the heating element.

3. The RPT device of claim 1 , further comprising a heating element base cover removably connected to the base to hold the heating element against the base and allow access to the heating element, wherein The heating element base cover further includes at least one groove configured to receive the heating element seal.

4. The RPT device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating element seal is configured to seal around a perimeter of the heating element.

5. The RPT device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating element seal further comprises a heating element cable port configured to allow a cable to pass through the heating element seal to reach the heating element, The heating element seal is configured to sealingly engage around a periphery of a cable passing through the heating element cable port to prevent water from entering the heating element.

6. The RPT device according to claim 1, in, The heat conducting part is a base conductor plate made of heat conducting metal, wherein the base conductor plate forms at least a portion of the water reservoir base, Wherein, the water storage base further comprises a base bottom portion and a base upper body, Wherein, the base conductor plate further includes a sealing element connecting the base bottom portion and the base upper body to seal the water reservoir base and prevent water from flowing out of the water reservoir.

7. The RPT device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing mounted on the base, the base and the housing forming the reservoir docking piece configured to receive the reservoir, in, The water reservoir is configured to be inserted into or removed from the water reservoir docking piece along a linear path, The base further comprises a docking piece outlet and a docking piece inlet, which are configured to be pneumatically connected to the water reservoir inlet and the water reservoir outlet, respectively. wherein a first bellows-type face seal is disposed between the docking outlet and the water reservoir inlet to seal the pressurized breathable air flowing out of the docking outlet and the water reservoir inlet, and Wherein, a second bellows-type face seal is disposed between the docking piece inlet and the water reservoir outlet to seal the humidified pressurized air flowing from the water reservoir outlet to the docking piece inlet.

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