Display unit for respiratory support device

Abstract

A portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 including a display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4000, a screen 3051, 3551, 4051, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to a base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display unit for a respiratory assistance device.The present disclosure also relates to a respiratory assistance device. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory support devices are used to deliver a flow of gas to a user or patient in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, medical facilities, home care, retirement facilities, hospice or home environments, etc. Respiratory support devices take a variety of forms, such as stand-alone humidification devices, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, high-flow therapy devices or mechanical ventilators.

[0003] A respiratory aid device typically has one or more attachments, such as a breathing conduit, and a patient interface, such as a cannula or mask, for delivering gas to the patient. The conduit allows the gas to be delivered from the housing of the respiratory aid device to the patient. For example, the device can be placed on a floor or other support surface, and the patient can be on a bed. The respiratory aid device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier chamber. The humidifier chamber receives liquid, for example, from a flexible liquid bag, which delivers the liquid to the humidifier chamber via another tube. Alternatively, the humidifier chamber can be removed and refilled as needed. The recess houses a heater plate for heating the humidifier chamber, humidifying the gas passing through the humidifier chamber. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient.

[0004] The respiratory assistance device may have a display to display information regarding the use of the device and / or to allow the user to control the functions of the device. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of an embodiment disclosed herein, a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device.

[0006] In some configurations, the coupling component is configured to physically couple the portable display unit with a base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0007] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a cable.

[0008] In some configurations, the cable is resiliently flexible and / or retractable.

[0009] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0010] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes at least one wire for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0011] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a wireless communication interface component for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0012] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit.

[0013] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, and a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device.

[0014] In some configurations, the cable is resiliently flexible and / or retractable.

[0015] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0016] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes at least one wire for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0017] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes a wireless communication interface for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0018] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, a communication interface for communicating data between a base unit and the portable display unit, and at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit.

[0020] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature is positioned to removably connect the portable display unit to the housing of the base unit.

[0021] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature is positioned to removably connect the portable display unit to a housing of the base unit by a sliding movement of the portable display unit relative to the base unit.

[0022] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes at least one support feature for supporting the portable display unit on a support surface.

[0023] In some configurations, the at least one support feature and the at least one connection feature are provided by the same structural element.

[0024] In some configurations, the at least one support feature is positioned to support the portable display unit on a substantially horizontal support surface or on a medical pole.

[0025] In some configurations, the at least one support feature is positioned to allow the angle of the screen relative to the support surface to be adjusted.

[0026] In some configurations, the angular orientation of the screen may be adjusted relative to the display unit housing, or the angular orientation of the screen may be adjusted relative to at least one connection feature.

[0027] In some configurations, the communications interface includes at least one wire or wire connector for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0028] In some configurations, the communications interface includes a wireless communications interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0029] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, a communication interface for communicating data between a base unit and the portable display unit, and at least one support feature for supporting the portable display unit on a support surface.

[0030] In some configurations, the at least one support feature is positioned to support the portable display unit on a substantially horizontal support surface or on a medical pole.

[0031] In some configurations, the at least one support feature is positioned to allow the angle of the screen relative to the support surface to be adjusted.

[0032] In some configurations, the communication interface includes at least one wire for communicating data signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0033] In some configurations, the communication interface includes a wireless communication interface for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0034] In some configurations, the screen is a touch screen to allow a user to interact with the screen to control one or more functions of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0035] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is disclosed a combination of a respiratory assistance apparatus and a portable display unit, the combination including a respiratory assistance apparatus including a base unit having a housing with a gas port, and a portable display unit as outlined in connection with any of the above embodiments or aspects.

[0036] In some configurations, the portable display unit is connectable to and detachable from the base unit.

[0037] In some configurations, the portable display unit is coupled to the base unit.

[0038] In some configurations, the portable display unit is physically coupled to the base unit.

[0039] In some configurations, the portable display unit is wirelessly coupled to the base unit for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0040] In some configurations, the base unit includes a first display fixed to a housing of the base unit, and the portable display unit provides a second display for the respiratory assistance device.

[0041] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: A humidifier and A base unit; 1. A portable display unit, comprising: Display unit housing, screen, a communications interface for communicating data between the base unit and the portable display unit; and At least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit. A portable display unit including: A respiratory assistance apparatus is disclosed that includes:

[0042] In some configurations, the humidifier is provided within the base unit.

[0043] In some configurations, the communication interface includes at least one wire for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0044] In some configurations, the communications interface includes a wireless communications interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0045] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: A base unit; a heating element positioned on or within the base unit; a humidification chamber associated with a heating element, whereby the heating element is in thermal communication with the humidification chamber; a controller in electronic communication with the heating element; a display unit that is separable from the base unit, whereby the display unit can be disconnected from the base unit and reconnected to the base unit; A respiratory assistance device is disclosed that includes a controller in electronic communication with the display unit when the display unit is connected to and disconnected from the base unit, whereby data and / or power signals can be transmitted from the controller to the display unit and data can be transmitted from the display unit to the controller.

[0046] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus is configured to receive gas from an external source.

[0047] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes a flow generator within the base unit for generating a flow of pressurized gas.

[0048] In some configurations, the humidification chamber is removable from the base unit.

[0049] In some configurations, the display unit is physically coupled to the base unit to enable transmission of power signals from the controller to the display unit.

[0050] In some configurations, the display unit is physically coupled to the base unit to enable transmission of data from the controller to the display unit, and to enable transmission of data from the display unit to the controller.

[0051] In some configurations, the display unit is wirelessly coupled to the base unit to enable transmission of data from the controller to the display unit, and to enable transmission of data from the display unit to the controller.

[0052] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: a flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized gas; A humidifier for humidifying the gas; a display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit to at least one of the components of the respiratory assistance device; wherein the components are modularized such that at least one of the components is separable from at least one other of the components.

[0053] In some configurations, the display unit is separable from at least one other component of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0054] In some configurations, the humidifier and the flow generator are separable from one another.

[0055] In some configurations, the humidifier is in a humidifier housing and the flow generator is in a separate flow generator housing, and the humidifier housing can be removably coupled to the flow generator housing.

[0056] In some configurations, the display unit is separable and removably coupled to the flow generator housing.

[0057] In some configurations, the display unit is separable and removably coupled to the humidifier housing.

[0058] In some configurations, the humidifier includes a first display unit and the flow generator includes a second display unit, both display units being removable and portable.

[0059] In some configurations, the humidifier and flow generator are within a common housing.

[0060] In some configurations, the humidifier includes a heater plate attached to a common housing and a humidification chamber that can be removably positioned within a portion of the common housing such that the humidification chamber is in thermal communication with the heater plate.

[0061] In some configurations, the display units are separable and removably connectable to a common housing.

[0062] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance apparatus is disclosed, the portable display unit being capable of being positioned in an operating position separate from and vertically higher than a base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0063] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is disclosed a respiratory assistance apparatus including a base unit and a portable display unit, the portable display unit being separate from the base unit and capable of being positioned at an operating position vertically higher than the base unit.

[0064] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes a humidifier.

[0065] In some configurations, the humidifier may be positioned below the patient's head level, while the portable display unit may be positioned in an operating position for easy viewing / use.

[0066] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface.

[0067] In some configurations, when the humidifier is positioned below the patient's head level, any condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting at the patient interface.

[0068] In some configurations, the humidifier may be positioned below the patient's hip height to allow condensed water to drain into the humidifier's humidification chamber.

[0069] In some configurations, the method includes disposing a portable display unit above the base unit and the humidifier.

[0070] In some configurations, when the portable display unit is located above the base unit and / or humidifier, the portable display unit allows user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance apparatus from a vantage point.

[0071] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a method of using a portable display unit of a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, the respiratory assistance device including a base unit including a humidifier, the portable display unit being coupled to the base unit, the method including the steps of detaching the portable display unit from the base unit and positioning the portable display unit above the base unit such that the display unit is visible to a user.

[0072] In some configurations, the method includes extending or manipulating the coupling to position the portable display unit at eye level of a user or adjacent to the patient.

[0073] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes a humidifier.

[0074] In some configurations, the method includes positioning the humidifier below head level of the patient and positioning the portable display unit in an operating position so that it is easily viewable / usable.

[0075] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface, and when the humidifier is positioned below head level of the patient, condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting in the patient interface.

[0076] In some configurations, the method includes positioning the humidifier below the patient's hip height to allow condensed water to drain into a humidification chamber of the humidifier.

[0077] In some configurations, the method includes disposing the portable display unit above the base unit and / or the humidifier.

[0078] In some configurations, when the portable display unit is located above the base unit and / or humidifier, the portable display unit allows user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance apparatus from a vantage point.

[0079] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: A base unit; 1. A portable display unit, comprising: Display unit housing, Screen, and At least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit and to a different support component. a portable display unit including: a coupling component for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit; A respiratory assistance apparatus is disclosed that includes:

[0080] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit with the base unit.

[0081] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0082] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a wireless communication interface component for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0083] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a humidifier.

[0084] In some configurations, the humidifier is integral to the base unit.

[0085] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to be positioned below head level of the patient.

[0086] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to be placed below the patient or below the patient's bed level.

[0087] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface for delivering gas to the patient.

[0088] In some configurations, the breathing circuit and humidifier are configured such that when the humidifier is positioned below head level of the patient, any condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting at the patient interface.

[0089] In some configurations, the portable display unit is configured to be positioned above the humidifier.

[0090] In some configurations, the portable display unit may be positioned in an operating position separate from and vertically higher than the base unit and humidifier.

[0091] In some configurations, the portable display unit and humidifier are configured such that when the portable display unit is above the humidifier, the portable display unit enables user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance device from an elevated position above the humidifier, optionally at or near the user's eye level.

[0092] In some configurations, the elevated position is away from the base unit and vertically higher than the base unit and the humidifier.

[0093] In some configurations, the at least one connecting feature includes a first connecting component.

[0094] In some configurations, the first connection component is engagable with a second connection component located on the base unit and / or on a different support component.

[0095] In some configurations, the first connection component and the second connection component are components of a sliding connector.

[0096] In some configurations, the sliding connector includes a dovetail connector.

[0097] In some configurations, the at least one connecting feature further includes a magnet.

[0098] In some configurations, the magnets are configured to cooperate with magnets or magnetizable materials on the base unit and / or on different support components.

[0099] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes a retention feature configured to positively engage a complementary retention feature on the base unit upon connection of the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0100] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature includes a first connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit, and a second connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0101] In some configurations, the first connecting feature includes a magnet.

[0102] In some configurations, the magnet is configured to cooperate with a magnet or magnetizable material on the base unit.

[0103] In some configurations, the first connecting feature includes a magnetizable material configured to cooperate with a magnet on the base unit.

[0104] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature includes a first component of a sliding connector located on the portable display unit.

[0105] In some configurations, the first component is engagable with a second component of the sliding connector located on a different support component.

[0106] In some configurations, the base unit has any one or more of the features outlined herein.

[0107] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: A base unit; 1. A portable display unit, comprising: A display unit housing, and screen a portable display unit including: a coupling component for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit; A respiratory assistance device is disclosed, comprising: a base unit including at least one complementary connection feature for cooperating with at least one connection feature on the portable display unit to removably connect the portable display unit to the base unit.

[0108] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit with the base unit.

[0109] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0110] In some configurations, the coupling component includes a wireless communication interface component for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0111] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a humidifier.

[0112] In some configurations, the humidifier is integrated into the base unit.

[0113] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to be positioned below head level of the patient.

[0114] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to be placed below the patient or below the patient's bed level.

[0115] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface.

[0116] In some configurations, the breathing circuit and humidifier are configured such that when the humidifier is positioned below head level of the patient, condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting at the patient interface.

[0117] In some configurations, the display unit is configured to be positioned above the humidifier.

[0118] In some configurations, the portable display unit may be positioned in an operating position separate from and vertically higher than the base unit and humidifier.

[0119] In some configurations, the portable display unit and humidifier are configured such that when the portable display unit is above the humidifier, the portable display unit enables user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance device from an elevated position above the humidifier, optionally at or near the user's eye level.

[0120] In some configurations, the elevated position is away from the base unit and vertically higher than the base unit and the humidifier.

[0121] In some configurations, the at least one complementary connecting feature includes a second connecting component of a connector engageable with a first connecting component of a connector on the portable display unit.

[0122] In some configurations, the first connection component and the second connection component are components of a sliding connector.

[0123] In some configurations, the first component is engageable with the second component in a sliding motion of the first component relative to the second component in a first direction, and the first and second components cannot be disengaged by an attempt to move the first component relative to the second component in a direction transverse to the first direction.

[0124] In some configurations, at least one complementary connecting feature includes a magnet or magnetizable material configured to cooperate with a magnet on the portable display unit.

[0125] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes at least one alignment feature on the base unit to assist in aligning the portable display unit with the base unit during connection of the portable display unit to the base unit.

[0126] In some configurations, the at least one alignment feature includes an alignment surface configured to interact with a complementary alignment surface on the portable display unit.

[0127] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a display mounting component that includes complementary connecting features.

[0128] In some configurations, the display mounting component is removably connected to the main housing of the base unit.

[0129] In some configurations, the base unit includes complementary retention features that positively engage retention features on the portable display unit upon connection of the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0130] In some configurations, the complementary retaining features are selectively releasable from engagement with the retaining features of the portable display unit to allow detachment of the portable display unit from the base unit.

[0131] In some configurations, the portable display unit has any one or more of the features outlined herein.

[0132] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, and a notification light.

[0133] In some configurations, the notification light is provided in or on at least one exterior surface of the display unit housing.

[0134] In some configurations, the notification light is visible through at least a portion of the portable display unit that includes the screen.

[0135] In some configurations, the display unit housing includes a transparent portion on a top surface of the display unit housing, and the notification light is visible through the transparent portion.

[0136] In some configurations, the notification light protrudes from the back of the display unit housing such that the notification light is visible from at least the back, top, left side, right side and bottom of the portable display unit.

[0137] In some configurations, the display unit housing includes at least one transparent portion, and the notification light is visible through the at least one transparent portion such that the notification light is visible from 360 degrees around the display unit housing.

[0138] In some configurations, the notification light is configured to provide a visual alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0139] In some configurations, the alarm condition includes an alarm condition of the portable display unit and / or an alarm condition of the respiratory assistance device.

[0140] In some configurations, the alarm condition of the portable display unit includes one or more of a disconnection of the cable between the portable display unit and the base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device, and poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device.

[0141] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes a notification speaker.

[0142] In some configurations, the notification speaker is configured to provide an audio alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0143] In some configurations, the alarm condition includes an alarm condition of the portable display unit and / or an alarm condition of the respiratory assistance device.

[0144] In some configurations, the alarm condition includes one or more of a disconnection of the cable between the portable display unit and the base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device, and poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device.

[0145] In some configurations, the notification light and notification speaker are configured to work in combination to provide an alert.

[0146] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a combination of a respiratory assistance device including a base unit having a housing with a gas port and a portable display unit as described above or as outlined herein.

[0147] In some configurations, the base unit includes a base unit notification light.

[0148] In some configurations, the base unit notification light is visible from at least the front side of the base unit.

[0149] In some configurations, the base unit notification light is configured to provide a visual alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0150] In some configurations, the alarm condition includes an alarm condition of the portable display unit and / or an alarm condition of the respiratory assistance device.

[0151] In some configurations, the alarm condition includes one or more of a disconnection of the cable between the portable display unit and the base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device, and poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device.

[0152] In some configurations, the portable display unit notification light and the base unit notification light are configured to work in combination to provide an alert.

[0153] In some configurations, the base unit notification light is configured to exhibit different colors in response to different notification conditions.

[0154] In some configurations, the base unit includes an interconnect circuit board for providing data communication between the portable display unit and a main circuit board of the base unit, and the base unit notification light is coupled to the interconnect circuit board.

[0155] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a button, and a dial.

[0156] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0157] In some configurations, the screen is a touch screen to allow a user to control one or more functions of the respiratory assistance device.

[0158] In some configurations, the button is a membrane button.

[0159] In some configurations, the dial includes a rotatable component for providing the user input, and the dial includes push buttons for providing different user inputs.

[0160] In some configurations, the rotatable component circumscribes the push button, with the push surface of the push button being recessed into the rotatable component.

[0161] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes a proximity sensor for determining the presence of a user, and is configured such that the screen is dimmed or turned off if no user is detected for a period of time.

[0162] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes an ambient light sensor, and the screen is configured to adjust brightness in response to changes in ambient light.

[0163] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit and to a different support component.

[0164] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature includes a first connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit, and a second connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0165] In some configurations, the angular orientation of the display unit housing can be adjusted relative to at least one connection feature and / or the base unit.

[0166] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, coupling components for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a button, and a dial.

[0167] In some configurations, the portable display unit has one or more of the features described above or outlined herein.

[0168] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing defining an interior portion, a screen, and a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit being hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and oxygen into the interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0169] In some configurations, the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0170] In some configurations, the display unit housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and a seal or gasket is provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0171] In some configurations, the seal or gasket includes a compressible seal or gasket that is compressed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the assembled housing.

[0172] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes electrical and / or electronic components housed within an interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0173] In some configurations, the electrical and / or electronic components include a circuit board.

[0174] In some configurations, the circuit board is surrounded by a sealing material to prevent the ingress of water and oxygen into the circuit board.

[0175] In some configurations, the sealing material is further configured to provide shock absorption and / or heat dissipation to the circuit board.

[0176] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes a temperature sensor for determining whether a temperature of an interior portion of the portable display unit housing exceeds a threshold value.

[0177] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes an oxygen sensor for determining whether oxygen is detected above a threshold in an interior portion of the portable display unit housing.

[0178] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit and to a different support component.

[0179] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature includes a first connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit, and a second connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0180] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing defining an interior portion, a screen, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit being hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and oxygen into the interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0181] In some configurations, the portable display unit has one or more of the features described above or outlined herein.

[0182] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing having an upper surface, a screen, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device, the screen being recessed from the upper surface of the display unit housing.

[0183] In some configurations, at least a portion of the display unit housing includes an impact absorbing material.

[0184] In some configurations, at least a portion of one or more corners and / or edges of the display unit housing include or are integrally formed from an impact absorbing material.

[0185] In some configurations, the shock absorbing material extends partially over the top and bottom surfaces of the display unit housing.

[0186] In some configurations, the shock absorbing material is integrally formed with at least a portion of the display unit housing.

[0187] In some configurations, the display unit housing defines an interior portion, and the portable display unit further includes electrical and / or electronic components housed within the interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0188] In some configurations, the electrical and / or electronic components include a circuit board.

[0189] In some configurations, the circuit board is surrounded by a material configured to provide shock absorption.

[0190] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes a sensor that detects whether the portable display unit has been dropped or subjected to a shock.

[0191] In some configurations, the sensor includes an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

[0192] In some configurations, the portable display unit further includes a notification light and / or notification speaker to provide a visual and / or audible alert if the sensor detects that the portable display unit has been dropped or subjected to an impact.

[0193] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit and to a different support component.

[0194] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature includes a first connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit, and a second connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0195] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: A base unit; 1. A portable display unit, comprising: A display unit housing, and screen a portable display unit including: a cable physically coupling the portable display unit to the base unit for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit, the cable being connected to the portable display unit by an overmolded portion of the cable that removably connects to a portion of the display unit housing and / or connected to the base unit by a retained portion of the cable that removably connects to a portion of the base unit; A respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0196] In some configurations, the cable is connected to the portable display unit by an overmolded portion.

[0197] In some configurations, the shape of the overmolded portion of the cable matches the shape of a slot in that portion of the display unit housing.

[0198] In some configurations, the shape of the overmolded portion of the cable is such that it can only be inserted into a slot in that portion of the display unit housing in a single orientation.

[0199] In some configurations, the overmolded portion of the cable is configured to be fastened to that portion of the display unit housing by one or more fasteners to prevent the cable from becoming detached from the portable display unit.

[0200] In some configurations, the overmolded portion of the cable provides a hermetic seal against water and oxygen ingress at the connection of the cable to the portable display unit.

[0201] In some configurations, the cable is connected to the base unit by a retaining portion.

[0202] In some configurations, the shape of the retaining portion of the cable matches the shape of a slot in the base unit.

[0203] In some configurations, the shape of the retained portion of the cable is such that the retained portion of the cable can only be inserted into the base unit in a single orientation.

[0204] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device further includes a sealing feature at the connection of the cable to the base unit that provides a hermetic seal against the ingress of water and oxygen.

[0205] In some configurations, the sealing feature is integral with the retaining portion, separate from the retaining portion, or both integral with and separate from the retaining portion.

[0206] In some configurations, the sealing feature includes a grommet.

[0207] In some configurations, the cable has a length of up to about 2m, optionally between about 1.5m and about 2m.

[0208] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes at least one security feature to allow connection of only authentic portable display units to the base unit.

[0209] In some configurations, at least one security feature is provided at least in part by a connection of the cable to the portable display unit and / or at the connection of the cable to the base unit.

[0210] In some configurations, the at least one security feature includes a hardware and / or software module in the base unit for determining whether a connected portable display unit is authentic.

[0211] In some configurations, hardware and / or software modules are provided by the security circuitry.

[0212] In some configurations, the security circuitry includes one or more encryption modules that allow an encrypted connection to be established through the cable if the portable display unit is authentic.

[0213] In some configurations, the cable is retractable.

[0214] In some configurations of any of the portable display units outlined in any of the above aspects, the display unit housing is hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and oxygen to the interior portions of the display unit housing.

[0215] In some configurations, the display unit housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and a seal or gasket is provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0216] In some configurations, the portable display unit includes electrical and / or electronic components housed within an interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0217] In some configurations, the electrical and / or electronic components include a circuit board.

[0218] In some configurations, the circuit board is surrounded by a sealing material to prevent the ingress of water and oxygen into the circuit board.

[0219] In some configurations of any of the portable display units outlined in any of the above aspects, the portable display unit further includes a dial.

[0220] In some configurations, the dial includes a rotatable component for providing the user input, and the dial includes push buttons for providing different user inputs.

[0221] In some configurations, the rotatable component circumscribes the push button, with the push surface of the push button being recessed into the rotatable component.

[0222] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assistance device is disclosed that includes a portable display unit.

[0223] In some configurations, the respiratory support device is, for example, a stand-alone humidifier device, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a high-flow device, or a ventilator.

[0224] In this specification, the "respiratory support apparatus" may also be referred to as a "breathing assist apparatus." A respiratory assist apparatus provides a flow of gas to a patient.

[0225] Features of one or more embodiments or configurations may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments or configurations. Additionally, two or more embodiments may be used together during the process of providing respiratory assistance to a patient.

[0226] Reference to a numerical range disclosed herein (e.g., 1-10) also includes reference to every rational number within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and every range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2-8, 1.5-5.5, and 3.1-4.7), and therefore every subdivision of every range expressly disclosed herein is intended to be expressly disclosed thereby. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest values ​​recited shall be considered to be expressly disclosed in this application as well.

[0227] It is to be understood that alternative embodiments or configurations may include any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features illustrated, described or referenced herein.

[0228] The present disclosure may also be broadly said to include the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, either individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers having known equivalents in the art to which this disclosure pertains are recited, such known equivalents are deemed to be included in this application as if they were individually set forth.

[0229] The term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of." In interpreting each statement in this specification containing the term "comprising," features other than those prefaced by the term may be present. Related variations such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0230] As used herein, the term "(s)" at the end of a noun refers to the plural and / or the singular form of that noun.

[0231] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or" or both where the context allows.

[0232] This disclosure includes the above-mentioned and also contemplates the following configurations, which are by way of example only.

[0233] Specific embodiments and improvements thereon will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description herein and upon reference to the figures below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0234] [Fig. 1A-3D] 1 illustrates an exemplary respiratory assistance device configured to provide respiratory therapy to a user. [Figure 4A] 2 illustrates, in schematic form, a further exemplary respiratory assistance device configured to provide respiratory therapy to a user. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates a front-left perspective view of an exemplary respiratory assistance device with the humidification chamber in place and the handle / lever raised. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the upper and lower chassis components of the main housing of the respiratory assistance device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of the lower chassis of the main housing showing the heater plate assembly and other internal components. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front right perspective view of an alternative exemplary respiratory assistance device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of the shroud and removable elbow of the respiratory assistance apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the removable elbow of the respiratory assistance apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the screen carrier of the respiratory assistance device. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a front right perspective view of a portable display unit in a first configuration for use with any of the respiratory assistance devices. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the portable display unit. [Figure 9C] FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable display unit. [Figure 9D] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the portable display unit. [Figure 9E] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable display unit. [Figure 9F] FIG. 2 is a rear bottom perspective view of the portable display unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a right cross-sectional view of the portable display unit. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view showing a portable display unit connected to a screen carrier of a base unit of a respiratory assistance apparatus. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view showing connection features on the screen carrier. [Figure 12] FIG. 11B is similar to FIG. 11A, but shows a cable for coupling the portable display unit to the base unit of the respiratory assistance device. [Figure 13] A diagram similar to FIG. 11A, but showing a schematic change in angular orientation of the portable display unit screen relative to the portable display unit housing, or a diagram showing a schematic change in angular orientation of the portable display unit housing relative to a connection feature. [Figure 14A] 1 shows a removable cover for the portable display unit. [Figure 14B] 1 illustrates an exemplary fastening feature of a removable cover. [Figure 15A] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of an alternative portable display unit. [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the portable display unit. [Figure 15C] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the portable display unit. [Figure 15D] FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable display unit. [Figure 15E] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable display unit. [Figure 15F] 1 is a front underside perspective view of the portable display unit with the support features in a first position. FIG. [Figure 16A] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view showing a portable display unit connected to a screen carrier of a base unit of a respiratory assistance apparatus. [Figure 16B] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view showing connection features on the screen carrier. [Figure 17] 11 is a bottom perspective view of the portable display unit with the support features in a second position. [Figure 18A] 1 illustrates a portable display unit supported on a first support surface. [Figure 18B] 1 shows a portable display unit supported on a second support surface. [Figure 18C] 1 shows a portable display unit supported on a horizontal support surface. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates one exemplary use of the portable display unit. [Figure 20] 13 illustrates one other exemplary use of the portable display unit. [Figure 21] 1 shows an exemplary configuration of a respiratory assistance device having two display units. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates an exemplary use of a respiratory assistance device having two display units. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of an alternative portable display unit. [Figure 24]FIG. 13 is an enlarged front right perspective view of the dials and buttons of the portable display unit. [Diagram 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the portable display unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the portable display unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a rear overhead perspective view of a first configuration of a notification light of the portable display unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a front overhead perspective view of a second configuration of the notification light of the portable display unit. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing engagement of the notification light with the display unit housing. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of an alternative respiratory assistance apparatus base unit and inhalation conduit. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is an exploded front right perspective view of the components of the base unit and the air inlet conduit; [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a left front perspective view of the portion of the base unit including the display mounting components. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a rear-right perspective view of the conduits and interconnect circuit board of the base unit. [Diagram 35] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an interconnect circuit board and optical elements in a first configuration. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the interconnect circuit board and optical elements of the second configuration. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a front left perspective view of the base unit and air intake conduit with a portable display unit connected to the base unit. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the overmolded portion that connects the cable to the portable display unit. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an overmolded portion and a portion of a cable. [Diagram 40] 13 is a perspective view of a slot in a display unit housing for receiving an overmolded portion. FIG. [Diagram 41] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a base unit and a connected portable display unit, showing the cable connection features on the base unit. [Diagram 42] FIG. 13 is a rear right overhead perspective view of a portion of the base unit showing cable connection features. [Diagram 43] FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of the display mounting components of the base unit. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is a front right overhead perspective view of the base unit showing alternative connection features. [Diagram 45] FIG. 13 is a front left overhead perspective view of the base unit showing alternative connection features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0235] 1A-1D show exemplary respiratory assistance apparatus or devices in which the features described herein can be implemented. Each of the various systems depicted in FIG. 1A-1D can be used in conjunction with a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, described later in this specification.

[0236] Each of the exemplary respiratory assistance devices can be considered to have a base unit and other components (eg, a patient interface), the base unit being represented in each example by reference numeral 50 .

[0237] A major usage problem with conventional respiratory assistance devices is that they have an integrated display that can present various therapy-related and / or patient-related data to the user or clinician (e.g., the patient's respiratory rate, SpO2 measurements, flow rate delivered by the device and / or to the patient, pressure delivered by the device and / or to the patient, humidity level or dew point, temperature of the gas flow) and enable the user or clinician to adjust therapy parameters or other settings of the respiratory assistance device.

[0238] Many conventional respiratory assistance devices have an integrated humidifier with a chamber of water. For safe use, the humidifier is positioned below the patient, e.g., below the patient's bed level or below the patient's head. This position ensures that any condensation that forms in the tubes or conduits flows back into the humidifier and does not flow toward the patient or back into the flow generator. If the condensation flows toward the patient, it may cause discomfort due to liquid condensation getting into the patient interface and / or the patient's airway, and / or in the worst case scenario, it may get into the patient's lungs. Similarly, if liquid condensation flows back into the flow generator, it may damage electronics in the flow generator, cause a short circuit, or cause irreparable damage to the flow generator, interrupting therapy. An interruption in therapy is detrimental to the patient.

[0239] For safety, the respiratory aid base unit is positioned under the bed so that the respiratory aid base unit with the integrated humidifier is at the lowest point in the respiratory flow path (i.e., breathing circuit). In conventional respiratory aids, this means that the integrated display is often too low to be seen by the clinician. The information on the screen must be easy for the user or clinician to see, but this location of the device, and therefore the integrated screen, can make it difficult or difficult for the user or clinician to see the therapy data and / or adjust therapy parameters. This can make the respiratory aid device less user-friendly.

[0240] Conventional respiratory assistance devices with integrated displays require a clinician to be in close proximity to the patient to monitor and adjust therapy parameters, which can increase the risk of infectious diseases being transmitted from the patient to the clinician. By detaching the display unit from the base unit of the respiratory assistance device as disclosed herein, the display unit can be placed away from close proximity to the patient, such as in a separate room, from which the clinician can monitor and adjust therapy. This can reduce the spread of infectious diseases in both hospital and home environments.

[0241] Another problem with conventional devices is that the display is integrated with the respiratory support device base unit, so the orientation of the screen is dependent on the location of the respiratory support device base unit. In hospitals, multiple medical devices are often used simultaneously. The respiratory support devices are often positioned remotely / out of the way to allow other devices to be used on the patient. This can result in the integrated display being hidden or positioned at an angle that is difficult for the user or clinician to see. Because of its location, the data displayed on the screen can be missed or not seen.

[0242] Similarly, conventional home respiratory support devices with integrated displays must be positioned somewhere below the patient's level and visible so that the patient can see the information displayed on the screen, which limits usability as the device must be located within the patient's line of sight.

[0243] In some figures, the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 are depicted in dashed lines as being coupled to the respiratory assistance device. The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be physically coupled to the respiratory assistance device, physically for data communication and / or wirelessly for data communication.

[0244] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be physically coupled to the respiratory assistance device by cables 3061, 4061.

[0245] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be wirelessly coupled for one-way or two-way data communication. The wireless communication may be any short-range wireless coupling. Any suitable short-range communication protocol may be used to couple the base unit 50 and the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000. Examples include Bluetooth, ZigBee, or any other suitable protocol.

[0246] The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 can be paired with the base unit 50. The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 can be pre-paired with the base unit 50, e.g., at the time of manufacture, e.g., at a factory, such that only that portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and its base unit 50 can connect via wireless communication. The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and / or the base unit 50 can have a unique connection identifier that means that only that portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and its base unit 50 can connect via wireless communication.

[0247] Alternatively, the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be selectively / removably pairable with the base unit 50 such that multiple portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be paired with the base unit 50, and the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be disconnected from the base unit 50 and paired with other base units 50. Wireless communication may also allow other devices to connect to the base unit, such as, for example, a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer.

[0248] As used herein, data is information that has been converted into a format that is efficient for transport or processing. In the context of today's computing devices and transmission media, data is information that has been converted into a binary digital form. It is acceptable for data to be used as a singular subject or a plural subject.

[0249] Data may include or consist of passive information that is acted upon in some way, e.g., stored, transmitted, and / or collected. Data may include or consist of control signals, which are active and cause a change in the behavior of an apparatus, device, or object.

[0250] In some configurations, the data may include or consist of data signals representing information to be displayed on the screen of the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0251] The coupling may provide two-way data communication to allow a user to control the operation of the base unit 50 via the portable display unit 3000 , 3500 , 4000 .

[0252] In some configurations, data and / or control signals are transmitted from the respiratory assistance apparatus to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000. In some configurations, data and / or control signals are transmitted from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to the respiratory assistance apparatus. In some configurations, power is transmitted from the respiratory assistance apparatus to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000. Any combination may be possible.

[0253] Turning to FIG. 1A, a schematic diagram of a user 1303 receiving air from a respiratory support apparatus including a modular assisted breathing unit and humidifier system is shown. A conduit 1341 provides pressurized air from the assisted breathing unit, flow generator or blower unit 1301a to a humidifier including a humidification chamber 1302a. A heater plate assembly of the modular assisted breathing unit and humidifier system can be in thermal communication or contact with the humidification chamber 1302a to heat the water therein. Gas passing through the humidification chamber 1302a can be humidified and heated. The humidified, heated and pressurized gas exits the humidification chamber 1302a via an inhalation conduit 1321 and is provided to the patient or user 1303 via a patient interface 1304. The patient interface 1304 shown in FIG. 1A is a nasal mask, which covers the nose of the user 1303. It should be noted, however, that in this type of system, a full face mask, nasal cannula, tracheostomy fitting, nasal pillows, oral interface or any other suitable patient interface could be substituted for the nasal mask shown.

[0254] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of a user 1303 receiving air from a respiratory assistance device that includes an integrated flow generator or blower / humidifier unit 1305. This system generally operates similarly to the modular system shown in FIG. 1A, except that the humidification chamber 1302b of the humidifier is integrated with the flow generator or blower unit 1301b to form the integrated unit 1305. Thus, the integrated blower / humidifier unit 1305 may include a heater plate assembly configured to heat the water in the chamber 1302b. An example of an integrated unit is described in PCT Application WO 2008 / 056993 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,555,879, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0255] An exemplary respiratory support apparatus including an assisted breathing unit or integrated unit 1306 will now be described with reference to Figures 1C and 1D.

[0256] The integrated unit 1306 may include two main parts: an assisted breathing, flow generator or blower unit 1307, and a humidifier including a humidification unit 1331. In use, the humidification unit 1331, which may include a humidification chamber, is generally enclosed within a housing formed within the outer casing of the integrated unit 1306. In the illustrated configuration, an upper portion of the humidification unit 1331 is not enclosed within the housing 1342. The blower unit 1307 may include a heater plate assembly in thermal communication or contact with the humidification unit 1331 for heating water in the humidification chamber.

[0257] The flow generator or blower unit 1307 has a shell that is generally a rectangular block with substantially vertical side and back walls and a front face that is angled slightly backwards. In the embodiment shown, all of the walls, bottom and top are manufactured and connected as much as possible to minimize the occurrence of seams. Any seams that are necessary can be sealed. The shell generally encloses the working portion of the blower unit 1307 and forms a part of the blower unit 1307.

[0258] 1C and 1D, a user interface is located on the lower section of the front of the illustrated integrated unit 1306, with a control display 1309 located directly above the user interface. The user interface may include a control knob 1308. A patient outlet 1325 is shown exiting the rear wall of the integrated unit 1306. In the illustrated embodiment, in use, the free end of the outlet 1325 faces upwards to facilitate connection. However, the patient outlet 1325 can be moved or aligned to a more convenient position for storage or rotated to one side or the other to provide a more convenient position for use.

[0259] The illustrated patient outlet 1325 is adapted to allow both pneumatic and electrical connection to one end of a conduit, e.g., a conduit (such as the inhalation conduit 1321 of FIG. 1B) extending between the unit 1306 and a patient interface, e.g., the interface 1304 of FIG. 1B. Examples of the types of connectors that may be used and the types of dual connections that may be made are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,953,354, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It should be noted that for purposes of reading this specification, the patient interface may be considered to generally include both the interface 1304 and the inhalation conduit 1321, where such a reading is appropriate.

[0260] The integrated unit 1306 may include an inlet vent or inlet port (not shown) for drawing air from the atmosphere. The inlet port or vent may also be a connector adapted to receive gas from a wall source, a pressure bottle, or the like. The integrated unit 1306 may also include a mechanism for providing pressurized airflow from the inlet vent to the humidification unit 1331. The pressurized airflow mechanism may include a fan unit. The vent may be located at a convenient location on the exterior surface of the integrated unit 1306. The vent may be located on the rear surface of the blower unit 1307.

[0261] Air is ducted or otherwise directed along an air path through the casing of the blower unit 1307 and delivered to the humidifier unit 1331 where it is humidified and heated by heated water before being passed from the humidifier unit 1331 to the patient outlet 1325 of the blower unit 1307. The heated humidified gases are then passed to the user 1303 via an inlet conduit 1321 and a patient interface, which may include any suitable patient interface example disclosed herein.

[0262] The outlet port or patient outlet 1325 is adapted to allow both pneumatic attachment of the inhalation conduit 1321 and electrical connection via an electrical connector. In FIG. 1C, a conduit connector 1334, which would normally be attached to the end of the inhalation conduit 1321, is shown connected to the patient outlet 1325. The outlet port or outlet connection does not have to be through the housing of the integrated unit 1306 as in the illustrated embodiment. Instead, the inhalation conduit 1321 connection can be directly at the outlet from the humidification unit 1331. The illustrated configurations and variations can be generally referred to as connection mechanisms.

[0263] The integrated unit 1306 also includes electronic circuitry enclosed within the casing, which at least in part includes a controller such as a microprocessor, and provides control signals for controlling one or more outputs of other items such as at least the blower unit 1307, and preferably the humidification unit 1331. The control circuitry may also be adapted to receive signals from sensors in the system (e.g. pressure, flow, humidity and temperature signals from those sensors, if applicable), and modify the output from the control circuitry accordingly. The control circuitry receives signals from the user controls when the user controls are operated by a user, and also modifies the output signals accordingly.

[0264] The respiratory support device shown in Figures 1C, 1D and 2A-2D can be controlled by a controller to provide pressure therapy. The blower can be controlled to provide CPAP therapy or biphasic pressure therapy or other pressure therapy. The device is used with an occlusive mask, such as a nasal mask, full face mask or other occlusive mask to provide pressure therapy.

[0265] 2A-2D illustrate additional respiratory support apparatus that may implement the features described herein. Again, each of the various systems described in FIGS. 2A-2D may be used with certain features described later in this application. Turning to FIG. 2A, a respiratory support apparatus 1720 is shown. In the illustrated configuration, the respiratory support apparatus 1720 is connected to an inhalation conduit 1722, which is connected to a patient interface 1724, such as a respiratory mask or the like. Any suitable patient interface 1724 may be used.

[0266] The respiratory aid apparatus 1720 is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized respiratory gas to a user through a conduit 1722 and a patient interface 1724. The illustrated respiratory aid apparatus 1720 may therefore include a flow generator or blower unit 1726, shown generally in Figure 2A. The blower unit 1726 may have any suitable construction. The blower unit draws ambient air into the respiratory aid apparatus 1720 to generate a flow of pressurized respiratory gas.

[0267] The respiratory aid apparatus 1720 is also configured to humidify the pressurized flow of respiratory gas prior to delivery to the user. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the illustrated respiratory aid apparatus 1720 may also include a humidifier including a humidification chamber 1728. The humidification chamber 1728 may be removable from the respiratory aid apparatus 1720. Any suitable structure may be used for the humidification chamber 1728. The humidification chamber 1728 may be configured to contain a volume of liquid, such as water. The pressurized flow of respiratory gas may pass over the volume of liquid on the way to the user such that the pressurized flow of respiratory gas may be increased in humidity.

[0268] As shown, the respiratory assistance device 1720 may generally include a main body 1730. With reference to Figure 2D, the main body 1730 may include an upper housing 1732 and a lower housing 1734. The upper housing 1732 and the lower housing 1734 may be secured together in any suitable manner. In some configurations, the bottom of the lower housing 1734 may be surrounded by an additional cover.

[0269] 2D , the lower housing 1734 can include an air inlet 1736 through which the blower unit 1726 draws in air. The blower unit 1726 can be mounted to or within the lower housing 1734. The lower housing 1734 can also support a heater plate assembly 1738. The liquid in the humidifier chamber 1728 can be heated through interaction with the heater plate assembly 1738. In some configurations, the humidifier chamber 1728 can rest on a heater plate of the heater plate assembly 1738.

[0270] Other configurations are possible.

[0271] Figures 3A and 3B show examples of additional respiratory support devices that can implement the features described herein. Each of the various systems described in Figures 3A and 3B can be used with certain features described later in this application. Figures 3A and 3B show a schematic example of a humidification system or humidifier 2100 that can be used in several applications, such as respiratory therapy, positive pressure devices, non-invasive ventilation, surgical procedures including, but not limited to, laparoscopy, and the like.

[0272] Desirably, the humidification system 2100 may be adapted to provide humidity or steam to a supply of gas. The humidification system 2100 may be used in a ventilator, a nasal high-flow system, a continuous, variable, or bilevel positive airway pressure (PAP) system, or other form of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, the humidification system 2100 may be integrated into a system that delivers any such type of therapy.

[0273] An example of a humidification system 2100 may include a heater base unit 2102 and a humidification chamber 2104. The heater base unit 2102 may include a heater plate assembly 2108. The humidification chamber 2104 may be configured to hold a volume of liquid, such as water. The heater plate assembly 2108 may be in thermal communication with or in contact with the humidification chamber, and configured to heat the volume of liquid held in the humidification chamber 2104 to generate steam.

[0274] The humidification chamber 2104 is removable from the heater base 2102 so that the humidification chamber 2104 can be more easily sterilized or disposed of. Although the body of the humidification chamber 2104 can be formed from a non-conductive glass or plastic material, the humidification chamber 2104 may also include conductive components. For example, the humidification chamber 2104 may include a highly thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) that is in contact with or associated with the heater plate assembly 2108 on the heater base unit 2102.

[0275] The heater base unit 2102 may also include an electronic controller. In this example, the heater base unit 2102 includes a master controller 2025. The master controller 2025 may include an electronic, analog, or digital processor or controller. Preferably, the master controller 2025 includes a microprocessor-based controller configured to execute computer software commands stored in associated memory. In response to input of user-set humidity or temperature values, for example via a user interface 2133, and other inputs, the master controller 2025 determines when (or to what level) to energize the heating elements of the heater plate assembly 2108 to heat the liquid in the humidification chamber 2104.

[0276] In some configurations, the humidification system 2100 includes a humidifier including a heater base unit 2102 and a humidification chamber 2104, an inhalation conduit 2120, and optionally a patient interface 2128. In some configurations, the humidification system 2100 may include an exhalation conduit.

[0277] Humidifiers can be used in various types of therapy, such as invasive ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, nasal high flow and CPAP. Humidifiers are freestanding units that are used in conjunction with a gas source, such as a wall gas source or a ventilator or other gas source.

[0278] Humidifiers are typically positioned below the patient's bed level so that condensation that may form on the inhalation conduit and / or patient interface will flow down into the humidifier.

[0279] The humidification system 2100 may also include a gas supply 2125. In some configurations, the gas supply 2125 may include a flow generator, ventilator, blower unit, or any other suitable source of pressurized gas suitable for use in respiratory or medical procedures. The gas supply 2125 may be separate from the heater base 2102 or may be combined with the heater base 2102. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, dry or relatively dry gas or ambient air enters the gas supply 2125 through a vent 2119. A fan 2121 may improve the flow of gas into the gas supply by drawing air or other gas through the vent 2119. The fan 2121 may be, for example, a variable speed fan with the controller 2023 controlling the fan speed. In particular, the functions of the controller 2023 may be controlled by the master controller 2025 in response to inputs from the master controller 2025 and predefined desired values ​​(preset values) set by the user for pressure or fan speed via dials 2027.

[0280] The humidification system may also include a breathing circuit 2123 in fluid communication with the humidifier. The breathing circuit 2123 may include an inhalation conduit 2120. A chamber end of the inhalation conduit 2120 may be configured to connect to the outlet port 2412 of the humidification chamber 2104. A patient end of the inhalation conduit 2120 may be configured to connect to a patient via a patient interface 2128, for example, to deliver gas to the patient. In some configurations, the inhalation conduit 2120 may be directly coupled to the patient interface 2128. Any suitable type of patient interface 2128 may be incorporated. Patient interface is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art (i.e., not limited to a special or customized meaning), including, but not limited to, a mask (e.g., tracheal mask, face mask, nasal mask, etc.), a cannula, and a nasal pillow.

[0281] The temperature probe 2135 may be connected to the inlet conduit 2120 near the patient interface 2128 or directly to the patient interface 2128. The temperature probe 2135 monitors the temperature near or at the patient interface 2128.

[0282] A heating element (not shown), for example a heating element associated with a temperature probe or a heating element not associated with a temperature probe, can be used to regulate the temperature of the patient interface 2128 and / or the inhalation conduit 2120 to raise the temperature of the inhalation conduit 2120 and / or the patient interface 2128 above a saturation temperature, thereby reducing the chance of unwanted condensation.

[0283] In some configurations where the flow generator or gas supply 2125 is separate from the heater base unit 2102, the breathing circuit 2123 may include a supply conduit 2132. A gas supply end of the supply conduit 2132 may be configured to connect to an output of the gas supply 2125. A chamber end of the supply conduit 2132 may be configured to connect to an inlet port 2410 of the humidification chamber 2104.

[0284] In some configurations, such as those used with a ventilator, the breathing circuit 2123 may also include an exhalation conduit 2122. The user end of the exhalation conduit 2122 may be configured to connect to a patient interface 2128, and the gas supply end of the exhalation conduit 2122 may be configured to connect to a return of the gas supply 2125. The exhalation conduit 2122 may integrate a temperature probe and / or a heating element, as described above with respect to the inhalation conduit 2120, to reduce the chance of condensation. Additionally, the exhalation conduit 2122 need not return exhaled gases to the gas supply 2125. In some configurations, the exhaled gases may be passed directly to the surrounding environment or to other auxiliary equipment, such as an air scrubber / filter (not shown). The exhalation conduit 2122 may also be omitted entirely.

[0285] 3A, the user ends of the inhalation conduit 2120 and the exhalation conduit 2122 can be connected to one another via a Y-piece 2124. The Y-piece 2124 can be connected to a patient-delivery conduit 2126. In some configurations, the patient-delivery conduit 2126 can include, for example, but not limited to, a catheter mount. The patient-delivery conduit 2126 can be connected to a patient interface 2128. The Y-piece 2124 can also couple to the patient interface 2128 without the intervening patient-delivery conduit 2126.

[0286] In use, the humidification chamber 2104 is mounted on a heater plate of a heater plate assembly 2108 in thermal communication with or in contact with the heater plate assembly. The heater plate assembly 2108 heats a liquid, such as water, in the humidification chamber 2104 to generate steam. Dry or relatively dry gas flows from the gas supply 2125 through a supply conduit 2132 and into the humidification chamber 2104 through the inlet port 2410. The gas passes over the liquid in the humidification chamber 2104 and is humidified by the steam. The humidified gas exits the humidification chamber 2104 through the outlet port 2412 and flows through the inhalation conduit 2120 to the patient 2101. Gas exhaled by the patient 2101 can be returned to the gas supply 2125 through the exhalation conduit 2122. Any or all of the components of the breathing circuit 2123 may include heating elements, such as heated wires 2127, to help maintain the gas at a desired temperature and reduce the likelihood of significant condensation forming within the conduits.

[0287] 3C and 3D show an example of a heater base 2102 (i.e., base unit). The heater base unit (i.e., base unit) 2102 is used as part of a humidifier or humidification system 2100, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The heater base 2102 includes a heater plate assembly 2108, as previously described. The heater base 2102 includes a receptacle 2106 for receiving a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber is heated by the heater plate assembly to generate humidity, as described herein.

[0288] The heater base 2102 includes a vertical post 2110 (i.e., a vertical wall) extending from the base. A sensing module 2111 (i.e., a sensor cartridge) as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D is located on the vertical post 2110. The sensing module 2111 is removably connectable to the vertical post 2110 via one or more connectors (not shown). The sensing module includes one or more sensors. The sensors can be inserted into the gas flow and / or interact with the chamber to sense a property of the gas. In one example, the sensing module 2111 (i.e., a sensor cartridge) includes at least one flow sensor and at least one temperature sensor. The module 2111 can include multiple flow sensors and temperature sensors.

[0289] The heater base 2102 includes a display unit 3500. The display unit 3500 includes a housing 3502. The display unit 3500 includes a display screen 3504 and one or more physical user interface features 3506, such as, for example, a push button or one or more dials. The display screen 3504 may be a touch screen, and a user may input commands to the humidifier 2100 via the touch screen display screen 3504. The housing 3502 may be removable by a technician, for example, a hospital technician or a maintenance technician, using appropriate tools. The housing 3502 may be removed and replaced with another housing that engages the display unit and / or engages the vertical post. Alternatively, the display unit 3500 may be a removable display unit as described. The display unit 3500 may be removable for replacement and / or removable so that it can be moved to a more easily viewable location.

[0290] The housing 3502 includes a light bar 3506. The light bar 3506 extends along a portion of the housing. As shown in Figs. 3C, 3D, the light bar 3506 is flush with the housing 3502 and follows the shape and contour of the housing 3502. Alternatively, the light bar 3506 may protrude outwardly from the housing. The light bar 3506 is elongated in shape and is substantially rectangular in the illustrated example. The light bar 3506 may alternatively be cylindrical or any other suitable shape. The light bar 3506 is preferably integrated into the housing. The light bar 3506 is positioned in the center of the housing 3502 and centrally positioned with respect to the display unit 3500. As shown in Figs. 3C-3D, the light bar 3506 is positioned within the housing 3502 above the display screen 3504. The light bar 3506 is positioned in a rounded portion of the periphery of the housing 3502. The light bar 3506 preferably defines a portion of the top edge (i.e., the upper peripheral area) of the housing 3502. The display unit 3500 includes one or more lights, e.g., LEDs, located on a PCB within the display unit. The LEDs are positioned adjacent to the light bar such that light from the LEDs is projected from the light bar. The light bar may be white or may have a particular color. The display unit 3500 includes multiple LEDs of different colors. The different colors are used to indicate different alarm conditions. For example, activating a red LED on the display unit 3500 causes the light bar 3506 to light red, indicating a critical or high priority alarm. In another example, activating a yellow LED on the display unit causes the light bar to light yellow, indicating a medium priority alarm. The light bar is preferably made from a plastic material or other suitable material, such as glass, quartz, or crystal, that allows for light projection. The LEDs may be mounted on an internal PCB. Optionally, the display 3500 may include one or more light pipes that direct light from the LEDs to a light bar 3506 so that light from the LEDs is projected from the light bar.

[0291] In an alternative configuration, the display unit 3500 may include multiple light bars disposed on the housing. The light bars may be evenly spaced or irregularly spaced. The light bars may be positioned at the top or upper section of the housing 3502, or may be positioned at various locations around the housing. In a further alternative, the housing 3502 includes a bezel (i.e., peripheral casing) 3502a that surrounds the display screen 3504. The bezel 3502a may be removable and replaceable. The bezel 3502a (i.e., peripheral casing) may be removed with an appropriate tool. Multiple bezels may be used with the display unit, such as a bezel with an integrated light bar 3506 or a bezel without a light bar or a bezel with multiple light bars.

[0292] The light bar 3506 is advantageous because it makes the display unit 3500 easier to view and simplifies the communication of information to a user, e.g., a clinician. The light bar also simplifies the communication of alarms. This is useful because the humidifier is positioned below the patient's bed height, i.e., at its lowest point. Additionally, a removable display unit with a light bar makes the communication of information, e.g., alarm information, simpler and clearer.

[0293] A schematic representation of an exemplary respiratory assistance device 10 is provided in Figure 4A. Device 10 may be, for example, a CPAP device or a high flow device. Exemplary CPAP devices are described in WO 2011 / 056080 and U.S. Pat. No. 11,110,246, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0294] A CPAP device is a gas supply and, optionally, a gas humidification device that is operable to provide respiratory assistance to a patient or user who requires a supply of gas (e.g., humidified) at positive pressure for the treatment of illnesses such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bi-level pressure therapy can be used to treat COPD or other respiratory illnesses. CPAP devices typically include a humidification chamber that contains a liquid, thereby forming a combined assisted breathing unit and humidifier.

[0295] CPAP devices, when used in conjunction with a humidifier, typically have a structure in which gas at the required pressure is delivered from an assisted breathing unit or blower unit to a humidification chamber downstream of the blower. As the gas passes through the humidification chamber, it becomes saturated with liquid vapor (e.g., water vapor). A flexible tubular gas conduit delivers the gas from the humidification chamber downstream to the user or patient.

[0296] The configuration shown in FIG. 4A may be a high flow device. The controller of this device may be configured to control the blower and humidifier of the device accordingly. The high flow device may be used to deliver high flows of gas or high flow therapy to a patient to assist breathing and / or treat respiratory disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or respiratory distress syndrome or other respiratory disorders that cause the patient to struggle to breathe or experience difficulty breathing. The device may be used for nasal high flow or tracheal high flow.

[0297] Additionally, nasal high flow can be used in anesthesia applications, for example, to pre-oxygenate a patient prior to sedation and to oxygenate a patient after they emerge from sedation. Nasal high flow can also be used for respiratory support following extubation.

[0298] The high flow system includes a gas supply and typically includes a humidifier.

[0299] A respiratory aid device typically has one or more attachments, such as a breathing conduit, and a patient interface, such as a cannula or mask, for delivering gas to the patient. The conduit allows the gas to be delivered from the housing of the respiratory aid device to the patient. For example, the device can be placed on a floor or other support surface and the patient can be on a bed. The respiratory aid device may have a recess for receiving a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber receives liquid, for example, from a flexible liquid bag, which delivers the liquid to the humidification chamber via another tube. Alternatively, the humidification chamber can be removed and refilled as needed. The recess houses a heater plate for heating the humidification chamber, humidifying the gas passing through the humidification chamber. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient.

[0300] The respiratory assistance device 10 may include a main device housing 100 which may be part of a base unit of the system. The main device housing 100 may include a flow generator or blower unit 11 which may be in the form of a motor / impeller arrangement, an optional humidifier including a humidification chamber 12, a controller 13 and a user interface 14. As described below, the user interface may be provided by a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000. The user interface 14 used in this or any other described respiratory assistance device may include an input device such as a display and buttons, a touch screen, a combination of a touch screen and buttons, etc. The controller 13 may include one or more hardware and / or software processors and may be configured or programmed to control the components of the device, including, but not limited to, operating the blower unit 11 to generate a flow of gas for delivery to the patient, operating the humidification chamber 12 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the flow of gas, receiving user input from the user interface 14 for reconfiguration and / or user-determined operation of the respiratory system 10 and outputting information (e.g., on a display) to a user. The user may be a patient, a medical professional, etc.

[0301] 4A, the inhalation conduit 16 may be connected to a gas outlet 21 in the main device housing 100 of the respiratory system 10 and may be connected to a patient interface 17, such as a non-sealing interface, such as a nasal cannula having a manifold 19 and nasal prongs 18. The inhalation conduit 16 may also be connected to a face mask, a nasal mask, a nasal pillow mask, a non-sealing tracheotomy interface, and the like.

[0302] The gas flow may be generated and humidified by the blower unit 11 before being delivered to the patient via the inhalation conduit 16 through the patient interface 17. The controller 13 may control the blower unit 11 to generate a gas flow at a desired flow rate and / or control one or more valves to control the mixture of air with oxygen or other breathable gas. The controller 13 may control a heating element under the humidification chamber 12 to heat the gas to a desired temperature to achieve a desired level of temperature and / or humidity for delivery to the patient. The inhalation conduit 16 may have a heating element 16a, such as a heating wire, to heat the gas flow passing to the patient. The heating element 16a may also be under the control of the controller 13.

[0303] The device 10 may use ultrasonic transducers, thermistors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors or other sensors in communication with the controller 13 to monitor characteristics of the gas flow and / or operate the device 10 in a manner to provide an appropriate therapy. Characteristics of the gas flow may include gas concentration, flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity, etc. Sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, 25, such as flow, temperature, humidity and / or pressure sensors, may be located at various locations in the main device housing 100, the inhalation conduit 16 and / or the patient interface 17. The controller 13 may receive output from the sensors to assist it in operating the respiratory system 10 in a manner to provide an appropriate therapy, such as determining an appropriate target temperature, flow rate and / or pressure of the gas flow. Providing an appropriate therapy may include meeting the inhalation demands of the patient.

[0304] The device 10 may include a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver or transceiver 15 to enable the controller 13 to wirelessly receive data 8 from the motion sensors and / or control various components of the device 10. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter and / or receiver 15 may deliver data to a remote server. Additionally or alternatively, the data transmitter and / or receiver 15 may receive data from and / or transmit data to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000. The data may include or consist of control signals, thereby enabling remote control of the device 10 by the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and / or providing data and / or control signals to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 for display and user feedback.

[0305] The device 10 may further include a wired connection, e.g., using one or more cables or wires, to enable the controller 13 to receive data and / or control signals 8 from the motion sensors and / or to control various components of the device 10. For example, the device 10 may use a wired connection to transfer power from the device's base unit to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and / or to transmit data from the base unit to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to the base unit's controller 13. As outlined above, the data may include or consist of control signals.

[0306] Respiratory support apparatus 10 can be used for a variety of applications. For example, apparatus 10 can be any of the following respiratory support or breathing apparatus: a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a ventilator, a humidifier, a high-flow therapy device, a surgical humidifier (e.g., an insufflator), combinations thereof, and the like.

[0307] CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea uses an inspiratory conduit and a patient interface, such as a mask, to deliver pressurized breathable gas (usually air) to the user's airway. The gas pressure used for CPAP typically ranges from about 4 cmH2O to about 28 cmH2O with a maximum flow rate of about 180 L / min (measured at the patient interface), but varies depending on the user's requirements. The pressurized gas acts as a pneumatic brace for the user's airway. As such, the pressurized gas reduces the chance of the airway collapsing.

[0308] The respiratory assistance device 10 may be a high flow therapy device. High flow therapy as discussed herein shall be given its typical ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, and generally refers to a respiratory assistance system that delivers a targeted flow of humidified respiratory gas through an intentionally unsealed patient interface, generally at a flow rate intended to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow. Exemplary patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal or tracheal patient interfaces. Typical flow rates for adults are often in the range of about 15 liters per minute (LPM) to about 70 liters per minute or more. Typical flow rates for pediatric patients (e.g., neonates, infants, children) are often in the range of about 1 liter per minute per kilogram of patient body weight to about 3 liters per minute per kilogram of patient body weight or more, but are not limited to these. High flow therapy may also include administration of a gas mixture composition including supplemental oxygen and / or a therapeutic drug. High flow therapy is often referred to as high nasal flow (NHF), humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high flow therapy (HFT) or high tracheal flow (THF), among other common names. The flow rates used to achieve "high flow" can be any of the following flows:

[0309] High flow therapy can be administered to the user's nares and / or orally or via a tracheotomy interface. High flow therapy can deliver gas to the user at a flow rate that is equal to or greater than the peak inspiratory flow requirement of the intended user. High flow therapy can create a flushing effect in the nasopharynx such that the anatomical dead space in the upper airway is flushed by the high inflow gas flow. This can create a reservoir of fresh gas available for each breath while minimizing rebreathing of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Meeting inspiratory demand and flushing the airway is also important when attempting to control the patient's FdO2. High flow therapy can be performed using a non-occlusive patient interface, such as a nasal cannula. A nasal cannula can be configured to deliver respiratory gas to the user's nares at a flow rate that is greater than the peak inspiratory flow requirement of the intended user.

[0310] Nasal high flow provides dynamic pressure to the patient in sync with the patient's breathing. For example, when nasal high flow is provided to the patient, the pressure can be increased during the patient's expiratory phase. This can reduce the patient's respiratory rate and reduce the patient's effort to breathe. The reduction in effort and rate can be useful for patients with respiratory disorders, such as COPD.

[0311] As used herein, the term "non-sealing patient interface" may refer to an interface that provides a pneumatic link between the patient's airway and a source of gas flow (such as from the flow generator 11) that does not completely occlude the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may constitute less than about 95% occlusion of the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may constitute less than about 90% occlusion of the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may constitute between about 40% and about 80% occlusion of the patient's airway. The airway may include one or more of the patient's nostrils or mouth. In the case of a nasal cannula, the airway is through the nasal passages.

[0312] 4B-4D show an exemplary respiratory assistance device embodying a device 10 having a base unit 50 having a main housing 100 capable of implementing features described herein. The main housing 100 has a main housing upper chassis 102 and a main housing lower chassis 202. The main housing upper chassis 102 has a peripheral wall arrangement 106 (see FIG. 4C). The peripheral wall arrangement defines a humidification chamber bay 108 for receiving a removable humidification chamber 300 to form a humidifier. The removable humidification chamber 300 contains a suitable liquid, such as water, for humidifying gases deliverable to a patient.

[0313] In the illustrated form, the perimeter wall arrangement 106 of the main housing upper chassis 102 may include a substantially vertical left outer wall 110 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100, a substantially vertical left inner wall 112 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100, and an interconnecting wall 114 extending between upper ends of the left inner and outer walls 110, 112 and interconnecting them.

[0314] The main housing upper chassis 102 may further include a substantially vertical right outer wall 116 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100, a substantially vertical right inner wall 118 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100, and an interconnecting wall 120 extending between and interconnecting upper ends of the right inner and outer walls 116, 118. The interconnecting walls 114, 120 are angled toward respective outer edges of the main housing 100, but may alternatively be substantially horizontal or angled inward.

[0315] The main housing upper chassis 102 may further include a substantially vertical rear outer wall 122. The top of the main housing upper chassis 102 may include a forwardly angled surface 124. The surface 124 may have a recess 126 for receiving the display and user interface module 14. The display may be configured to display the sensed gas properties in real time. An interconnecting wall 128 may extend between and interconnect the top end of the rear outer wall 122 and the rear edge of the surface 124.

[0316] A substantially vertical wall portion 130 may extend downwardly from a front end of the surface 124. A substantially horizontal wall portion 132 may extend forwardly from a lower end of the wall portion 130 to form a shelf. A substantially vertical wall portion 134 may extend downwardly from a front end of the wall portion 132 and terminate at a substantially horizontal floor portion 136 of the humidification chamber bay 108. The left interior wall 112, the right interior wall 118, the wall portion 134 and the floor portion 136 may together define the humidification chamber bay 108. The floor portion 136 of the humidification chamber bay 108 may have a recess 138 for receiving a heater arrangement, such as a heater plate assembly 140 or other suitable heating mechanism for heating liquid in the humidification chamber 300 for use during a humidification process.

[0317] The main housing lower chassis 202 may be mountable to the upper chassis 102 by any of the integrated mounting features, such as, for example, suitable fasteners or clips. The main housing lower chassis 202 may include a substantially vertical left outer wall 210 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100 and continuous with the left outer wall 110 of the upper chassis 102, and a substantially vertical right outer wall 216 oriented in the fore-aft direction of the main housing 100 and continuous with the right outer wall 116 of the upper chassis 102. The main housing lower chassis 202 may further include a substantially vertical rear outer wall 222 continuous with the rear outer wall 122 of the upper chassis 102.

[0318] The lower housing chassis 202 can have a lip 242 that is contiguous with the lip 142 of the upper housing chassis 102 and forms part of a recess for receiving the handle portion 506 of the lever 500. The lower lip 242 can include a forwardly oriented protrusion 243 that serves as a retainer for the handle portion 506 of the lever 500. Instead of the lever 500, the system can also have a spring-loaded guard to retain the humidification chamber 300 in the humidification chamber bay 108.

[0319] The underside of the lower housing chassis 202 may include a bottom wall 230. Each interconnecting wall 214, 220, 228 may extend between and interconnect the substantially vertical walls 210, 216, 222 and the bottom wall 230. The bottom wall 230 may include a grille 232 including a plurality of openings to allow drainage of liquid if liquid leaks from the humidification chamber 300 (e.g., due to a spill). The bottom wall 230 may further include an elongated front-rear oriented slot 234. The slot 234 may additionally allow liquid to drain if liquid leaks from the humidification chamber 300 without entering the electronics housing. In the illustrated configuration, the slot 234 is wide and elongated relative to the openings of the grille 232 to maximize drainage of liquid.

[0320] The lower chassis 202 can have a motor recess 250 for receiving a motor module. The motor module can include one or more sensors for sensing parameters of gas flow through the motor. The motor module can be removable or non-removable from the main housing 100 (not shown). All of the walls and ceiling 262 can be continuous, gas impermeable, and unbroken except for the gas flow paths. Thus, the entire motor recess 250 can be gas impermeable and unbroken except for the gas flow paths.

[0321] The motor module may be insertable into the recess 250 and mountable to the lower chassis 202. When the motor module is inserted into the lower chassis 202, the gas flow path tube 264 may extend through the downward extension tube 133 and be sealed by a soft seal.

[0322] The humidification chamber 300 can be fluidly connected to the base unit of the device 10 with a linear slide-on motion in a rearward direction of the humidification chamber 300 into the humidification chamber bay 108, which is in a direction from a forward position of the housing 100 toward the rear of the housing 100. The gas outlet port 322 can be in fluid communication with the motor.

[0323] The humidification chamber gas inlet port 306 may be complementary to the gas outlet port 322, and the humidification chamber gas outlet port 308 may be complementary to the gas inlet port 340. The axes of these ports may be parallel to each other so that the humidification chamber 300 can be inserted into the humidification chamber bay 108 with a linear movement. The respiratory device may have air and oxygen (or alternative supplemental gas) inlets in fluid communication with the motor so that the motor can deliver air, oxygen (or alternative supplemental gas) or a mixture thereof to the humidification chamber 300 and thus to the patient.

[0324] The main housing 100 of the base unit forms a common housing for the flow generator / motor and the humidifier.

[0325] As shown generally in FIG. 4D, the lower housing chassis 202 may include suitable electronic circuit boards 272. The electronic circuit boards 272 are typically circuit boards. At least one of the electronic circuit boards 272 may include a main circuit board for the base unit 50. The or at least one of the circuit boards 272 may include a sensing circuit board. The circuit boards 272 may include a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0326] In some configurations, the circuit board 272 may be disposed between the inner and outer casing portions.

[0327] An electronic circuit board may be positioned adjacent each outer sidewall 210, 216 of the lower housing chassis 202. The electronic circuit board 272 may include or be in electrical communication with suitable electrical or electronic components such as, but not limited to, microprocessors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, operational amplifiers, comparators, and switches. Sensors may be used in conjunction with the electronic circuit board 272. Components of the electronic circuit board 272 (such as, but not limited to, one or more microprocessors) may function as the controller 13 of the device.

[0328] One or both of the electronic circuit boards 272 can be in electrical communication with the electrical components of the device 10, including the display unit and user interface 14, and the motor, valve and heater plate assembly 140, to operate the motor to provide a desired flow rate of gas, operate the humidification chamber 12 to humidify and heat the gas stream to an appropriate level, and supply an appropriate amount of oxygen (or alternative auxiliary gas) to the gas stream.

[0329] The electronic circuit board 272 may be in electrical communication with a connector arrangement 274 that protrudes from the rear wall 122 of the upper housing chassis 102. The connector arrangement 274 may be coupled to an alarm, a pulse oximetry port, and / or other suitable accessories. The electronic circuit board 272 may also be in electrical communication with an electrical connector 276, which may also be provided on the rear wall 122 of the upper housing chassis 102, for providing AC or battery power to the components of the device.

[0330] As mentioned above, operational sensors such as flow, temperature, humidity and / or pressure sensors may be located at various locations on the breathing device, inspiratory conduit 16 and / or cannula 17. The electronic circuit board 272 may be in electrical communication with those sensors. Output from the sensors may be received by the controller 13 and assist the controller 13 to operate the breathing system 10 in a manner that provides optimal therapy, including meeting inspiratory demand if the system is a high flow therapy system.

[0331] As outlined above, the electronic circuit board 272 and other electrical and electronic components can be pneumatically isolated from the gas flow path for improved safety. This seal also prevents the ingress of water.

[0332] Figure 5 shows additional details of an alternative configuration of the respiratory assistance apparatus of Figures 4B to 4D. The respiratory assistance apparatus may have any one or more of the features described for the apparatus of Figures 4B to 4D.

[0333] The respiratory assistance apparatus 10 may have any one or more of the features and / or functions of the respiratory assistance apparatus described and illustrated in WO 2016 / 207838A9 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0185606 or U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62 / 755,936, 62 / 890,866, 62 / 925,971 and PCT / IB / 2019 / 059463 (published as WO 2020 / 095186), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0334] 5-7 show details of the removable elbow 171 embodying the humidified gas inlet port 340 and the gas flow outlet port 21. In this section, features of the humidified gas inlet port 340, including the seal 173, are described, however features of its interconnections with the gas outlet port 322 of the housing and the gas inlet port 306 of the humidification chamber are the same.

[0335] The humidified gas inlet port 340 includes a generally horizontally extending portion that is configured to be inserted into the gas outlet port 308 of the humidification chamber. An end 340a of the port has rounded edges to facilitate aligning the gas outlet port 322 with the humidified gas inlet port 340. Additionally, the end 340a is slightly smaller in diameter than the gas outlet port 308.

[0336] At least one recessed portion is provided in the port 340. The recessed portion allows the seal 173 to be attached to the port.

[0337] The humidified gas inlet port 340 may include multiple seals or sealing elements located within the recess. The multiple seals 175 may be wiper seals, L-seals, X-rings or O-ring pairs. The wiper seals may have a T-shaped cross section. In some configurations, the gas inlet port 163 may include three or more seals or sealing elements. A similar seal arrangement may be on the outlet port 322 of the base unit 50. The wiper seal, i.e., double seal, prevents or reduces breathing gas leakage and / or condensation from migrating toward the electronics in the removable elbow 171 and the elbow's electrical connector 178 (described below). Similarly, the seal reduces and preferably prevents the opportunity for liquid, i.e., condensation, to backflow and drip into the gas outlet port 322 of the base unit 50, preventing water ingress into the electronics chamber of the base unit.

[0338] The seal 173 may be made from silicone rubber. In an alternative configuration, the seal 173 may be made from any suitable elastomer, such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the seal 173 may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or a thermoplastic vulcanizate, especially if the seal is overmolded onto a removable elbow.

[0339] The base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus 10 includes a shroud 190 which cooperates with the housing 100 and the removable elbow 171. Figure 6 shows the removable elbow 171 connected to the shroud 190. As shown, for example, in Figure 5, the shroud 190 serves to create a uniform upper surface of the housing 100 of the apparatus 10, with the patient outlet port 21 of the removable elbow 171 protruding upwardly through the shroud 190. The shroud 190 is constructed such that it cannot be removed from the housing during normal use of the apparatus 10.

[0340] 6, the shroud 190 includes a body 191 having a substantially flat horizontal top surface 193, two substantially wavy contoured shoulders 195 extending downwardly and outwardly from opposite sides of the top surface 193, and two outer sidewalls 197 extending substantially vertically downwardly. A recess 199 extends rearwardly into the top surface 193 from a forward edge 193a of the top surface 193. The recess 199 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the removable elbow 171 and provide an unobstructed path for connecting the removable elbow 171 to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the device 10.

[0341] Similarly, the removable elbow 171 has a flat horizontal tab 172 extending therefrom that has a shape complementary to the shape of the recess 199 in the shroud so that when the removable elbow 171 is assembled to the device 10, the flat horizontal tab 172 is received within the recess 199 to create a uniform plane. This tab 172 may additionally provide an upper surface for the conduit 16 to contact when connecting the conduit 16 to the patient outlet port 21 of the elbow.

[0342] 7, the flat horizontal tab 172 can have a thinned portion 172a adjacent to the forward end portion 172b and located between the elbow's patient exit port 30 and the tab's forward end portion 172b, allowing the forward end portion 172b to bend vertically with respect to the remainder of the elbow 171.

[0343] The flat horizontal tab 172 also has an engagement mechanism including two projections 174 extending outwardly from opposite sides of the tab's forward end portion 172b. The projections 174 are configured to interact with an engagement mechanism including complementary engagement recesses (not shown) extending outwardly from each of the side walls 199a of the recess 199 of the housing's shroud on the underside of the shroud. The removable elbow 171 is configured to be connected to the housing by moving the removable elbow in a first direction relative to the housing (rearward toward the housing). The removable elbow 171 is configured to be disconnected from the housing by moving the removable elbow in a second direction opposite the first direction (forward relative to the housing). Due to the interaction of the engagement mechanism, the removable elbow 171 is configured such that the removable elbow 171 cannot be moved in the second direction unless a portion of the removable elbow, e.g., the forward end portion 172b, is actuated relative to another portion of the removable elbow to deflect the tab. This prevents the removable elbow 171 from becoming dislodged from the shroud 190 of the housing 100 .

[0344] To remove elbow 171 from housing 100, a user will typically first press down on the top surface of forward end portion 172b of tab 172 to actuate that portion of tab 172 by bending the tab, disengaging projection 174 from the mating recess. Only after the tab is bent can the user pull elbow 171 out of housing 100. One advantage of this is that it helps keep elbow 171 from coming loose when humidification chamber 300 is being removed from the device by pulling humidification chamber 300 out of recess 108.

[0345] A temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, may be provided in the removable elbow 171. The thermistor may be located in the rear vertical wall of the upright portion of the elbow, near the curved transition area between the vertical and horizontal elbow portions. In this location, the thermistor is relatively insulated from the heat generated by the heater plate 140, thereby allowing a more accurate estimation of the temperature of the gas flowing through the removable elbow 171.

[0346] The elbow 171 has an electrical connector positioned within the upright chimney 179 a , the connector being configured to supply electrical current from the main power board of the device 10 to the heating wire 16 a within the conduit 16 .

[0347] As previously mentioned, the shroud 190 is designed so that it will not become dislodged during normal use. The shroud has a mechanism that allows it to be clipped onto the screen carrier 211, which is thus secured to the upper chassis 102 and becomes part of the housing 100. The screen carrier 211 is capable of connecting to and supporting a display 212. In an alternative configuration, the screen carrier 211 may not be provided and the shroud 190 may be clipped directly onto a portion of the housing 100, such as onto the top surface of the housing's upper chassis 102.

[0348] The shroud 190 is configured to be attached to the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 via two movements, an initial movement of the shroud in a first direction followed by a subsequent movement of the shroud in a second direction offset from the first direction. In one configuration, the second direction is transverse to the first direction. In the illustrated configuration, the shroud 190 is configured to be initially moved in a first, downward direction and then moved in a second, rearward direction relative to the screen carrier and thus the housing 100. In the configuration shown, the downward direction DD is vertical and the rearward direction RD is horizontal.

[0349] The shroud 190 is configured such that simply pulling the removable elbow 171 in the second rearward direction relative to the housing 100 will not disengage the shroud from the screen carrier 211 of the housing.

[0350] Each side 197 of the shroud 190 is shaped to complement the shape of the screen carrier 211. The side of the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 has two forward facing horizontal projections 213 (one on each side wall) which engage complementary rearwardly opening recesses 194 in the rear wall on each side of the shroud 190 when the shroud is moved in a rearward direction relative to the housing (see FIG. 8). When the shroud 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211, the horizontal projections 213 are received in the recesses 194 to prevent vertical movement of the shroud 190.

[0351] Similarly, the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 has an upstanding vertical projection 215 on each side which engages a complementary downwardly opening recess 196 in the bottom of each side wall 197 of the shroud as the shroud moves in a downward direction relative to the housing. Unlike the horizontal projections, the vertical projections 215 are narrower than the complementary recesses 196 in the shroud. This allows for a small amount of horizontal movement in the rearward direction, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. The vertical projections 215 and recesses 196 facilitate aligning the shroud 190 with the screen carrier 211 during assembly.

[0352] The shroud 190 is first placed on and moved downwardly onto the screen carrier 211. The shroud is then slid horizontally rearward so that the horizontal projections 213 engage complementary recesses 194 in the shroud.

[0353] The shroud 190 and screen carrier 211 may have a second set of forward-extending horizontal protrusions and rearward-opening recesses toward the forward ends of the screen carrier 211 and shroud 190, further preventing vertical movement of the shroud 190 relative to the screen carrier 211.

[0354] The shroud 190 and screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 additionally have mechanisms that, when fully engaged, prevent horizontal movement of the shroud relative to the screen carrier, and thus prevent the shroud from being removed from the housing. The shroud may have one or more downwardly extending engagement protrusions (not shown) that extend downwardly from behind the lower surface of the shroud 190. The engagement protrusions are configured to engage complementary upwardly extending engagement protrusions 217 extending from the upper surface of the screen carrier 211.

[0355] The shroud can also be removed by applying a sufficient amount of force by moving the shroud 190 forward in a direction opposite the rearward direction RD. However, this should only be done by a technician if any maintenance is being performed on the equipment. The above features are designed to prevent the shroud 190 from being removed (even accidentally) during normal use.

[0356] From Figure 8 it can be seen that the engagement features of the shroud 190 and screen carrier 211 enable the top surface of the screen carrier to be configured such that there are no, or only a minimal number of, exposed fasteners (such as screws) on the underside of the shroud and the top surface of the screen carrier, meaning that the shroud and top surfaces of the screen carrier are easy to clean.

[0357] The removable elbow 171 is removable from the housing 100 when the shroud 100 is attached to the housing.

[0358] 7, the removable elbow 171 also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector 178 that is electrically connected to the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus 10 to form an electrical connection with electrical components within the main housing 100 of the base unit. The electrical connection provides an electrical link between the base unit 50 of the apparatus 10 and a temperature sensor embedded within the elbow, as well as between the base unit 50 of the apparatus 10 and the conduit 16 (if the conduit has one or more sensors and / or heating elements) via an electrical interconnect assembly within the main housing of the base unit. The PCB electrical connector 178 is electrically connected to the electrical interconnect assembly when the removable elbow 171 is connected to the housing 100.

[0359] The PCB electrical connector 178 facilitates electrical communication of signals from sensors (e.g., a patient end temperature sensor) in or along the conduit and / or patient interface to the controller via the main circuit board 272. The connector 178 also facilitates electrical communication of heater wires, if present in the conduit, with the controller. Similarly, other sensors in the respiratory assistance apparatus, such as a temperature sensor and / or flow sensor in the elbow, are in electrical communication with the controller via the PCB electrical connector 178 and the main circuit board 272.

[0360] The respiratory assistance device may have a controller that receives the sensor readings, processes the sensor readings, and / or performs various other functions, such as calculating breathing rate or determining oxygen concentration, controlling components of the respiratory assistance device, such as controlling the operation of a heater plate in a blower or humidifier or heater wires in a conduit.

[0361] The respiratory assistance apparatus may include additional controllers configured to provide control signals to components based on control signals from a main controller of the respiratory assistance apparatus, for example the components may include a blower motor, a display or a portable display, and / or one or more other components.

[0362] In the illustrated configuration, the PCB electrical connector 178 is partially contained within a housing 178a that is integrally formed with the elbow. The PCB electrical connector projects rearwardly from the housing 178a for insertion horizontally (i.e., in the same rear insertion direction as when the humidification chamber 300 is connected to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 and in the same rearward direction RD as when the shroud 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211) into an electrical connector on the base unit 50 of the device 10. The electrical connector may be part of or in electrical communication with an interconnect circuit board 271 of the base unit 50, which will be described below.

[0363] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided for use with or in combination with any of the respiratory assistance devices described herein.

[0364] This specification discloses several configurations of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000. Any one or more of the features and functions described may be used in various combinations in any one of the portable display units.

[0365] 9A-10 show a first configuration of the portable display unit 3000. The portable display unit 3000 includes a display unit housing 3001, a screen 3051, and coupling components (TC1, TC2 and / or TC3) for coupling the portable display unit 3000 to a base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0366] The screen 3051 may be a touch screen so that, in addition to the screen 3051 displaying information, it can also be a touch screen to allow a user to interact with the screen to control one or more functions of the respiratory assistance device.

[0367] The screen 3051 may be a capacitive touchscreen. Alternatively, the screen 3051 may be a resistive touchscreen. A resistive touchscreen may provide improved performance in environments where the screen may be exposed to liquid.

[0368] Alternatively, the screen may not be a touch screen and may be used for display purposes only.

[0369] In addition to or instead of a touch screen, the portable display unit 3000 may include user input components such as buttons or dials. Examples are provided below.

[0370] The display unit housing 3001 includes a front wall 3003 , a rear wall 3005 , oppositely disposed side walls 3007 and a bottom 3009 .

[0371] The curved surfaces 3011 provide a smooth intersection between the front wall, the side walls, and the front and rear walls.

[0372] The top surface 3013 of the display unit housing 3001 forms a screen support for receiving a screen 3051. A portion of the screen support is recessed so that the screen 3051 is flush with the top surface 3013a of the housing. In some configurations, the screen support may be configured such that the screen 3051 is spaced back from the top surface 3013a of the housing to provide protection for the screen.

[0373] The interior of the display unit housing 3001 may be substantially hollow to provide space for housing or wiring electrical and / or electronic components.

[0374] In the illustrated form, the display unit housing 3001 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, it will be appreciated that the display unit housing 3001 may have any other suitable shape, such as, for example, square, polymeric, oval or circular.

[0375] The coupling components TC1, TC2 may be components configured to physically couple the portable display unit 3000 with a base unit of the respiratory assistance device.

[0376] By physically coupling the portable display unit 3000 to the respiratory aid apparatus, the portable display unit 3000 can only be moved relative to the respiratory aid apparatus within a limited distance, which can be beneficial to minimize the possibility of the portable display unit 3000 being mispositioned, especially in environments where multiple respiratory aid apparatus and multiple display units are used.

[0377] The coupling component may include a cable 3061. The cable may be any suitable type of elongated flexible member, including, but not limited to, a cord, a metal, polymeric or combination cable, a rope or a string.

[0378] The cable may be elastic and capable of stretching and returning to its original, unloaded length, thereby providing flexibility, i.e., the ability to move the portable display unit 3000 to a desired location for use, and reducing load transfer to the portable display unit due to movement of the base unit 50.

[0379] The cable may be integrally formed with the portable display unit or may be coupled to the portable display unit. The cable may be detachable from the portable display unit 3000 or may be permanently fixed to the portable display unit 3000.

[0380] This connection may be captive and designed to only be removed during servicing of the device, for example there may be retention features that allow a technician to remove them with screws or the like, but the cable cannot be removed during normal use.

[0381] If the cable is separable from the portable display unit 3000 or is provided separately from the portable display unit 3000, the coupling components TC1, TC2 may include connectors for connecting the cable 3061 to the portable display unit 3000.

[0382] Similarly, if the cable is separable from the base unit 50 or is provided separately from the base unit 50, the base unit 50 may include a connector for connecting the cable 3061 to the base unit.

[0383] In the illustrated configuration, the housing 3001 of the portable display unit 3000 includes a first coupling component TC1 that includes a first connector port for connecting to a cable 3061. The housing 3001 of the portable display unit 3000 may include an optional second coupling component TC2 that includes a second connector port for connecting to an optional second cable (not shown).

[0384] In the illustrated configuration, the first coupling component TC1 is provided on the rear wall 3005 of the housing 3001. By providing the first coupling component TC1 on the rear wall 3005, the cable 3061 is less likely to interfere with a user's interaction with the screen 3051 or other components of the respiratory assistance apparatus. However, the coupling components TC1, TC2 may be provided on any suitable surface of the housing 3001.

[0385] The cable 3061 may be resiliently flexible and / or retractable into the display unit housing 3001 or the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus, allowing the cable 3061 to lengthen as needed during movement and positioning of the portable display unit 3000, but return to substantially its original length when force is removed from the cable 3061.

[0386] In one configuration, the cable 3061 includes a coiled configuration that lengthens when a tensile force is applied, while in another configuration, the cable 3061 also includes a length of elastomeric material that lengthens when a tensile force is applied.

[0387] Additionally or alternatively, the display unit housing 3001 or the base unit 50 may include a retraction mechanism for retracting the cable 3061 when the pulling force is removed. For example, the retraction mechanism may include a biased reel around which the cable 3061 is wound. The biased reel may allow a user to pull the cable 3061 from the reel to move the portable display unit 3000 and may lock the position of the reel. The user may then pull on the cable to release the lock, causing the biased reel to retract the cable 3061 as the user moves the portable display unit 3000 to a position closer to the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0388] In some exemplary configurations, the cable length may be from about 0.5 m to about 3 m, optionally from about 1.5 m to about 2.5 m. The cable length may be up to about 2 m. The cable length may be from about 1.5 m to about 2 m.

[0389] In one example, the length of the cable may be the same length as the inlet conduit or longer than the inlet conduit. In some configurations, the cable is longer than the inlet conduit. In some configurations, the cable is as long as or longer than the inlet conduit and the interface conduit. This allows for free movement of the display unit. For example, the display unit can be detached from the base unit and positioned where it is easy to view, for example, near the patient. This allows the clinician to obtain information from the display unit while keeping the base unit away from the patient.

[0390] The cable 3061 may be detachable from the portable display unit 3000 or the base unit 50 .

[0391] The cable 3061 may provide only a physical connection between the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus. Instead, the cable may provide electrical or electronic communication between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0392] The cable may transfer power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or communicate data between the portable display unit and the base unit both when the portable display unit is connected to the base unit and when the portable display unit is disconnected from the base unit. Thus, the cable may include at least one wire for transferring power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0393] If the cable carries power and / or data and / or control signals, the length of the cable may be selected to minimize latency. In one exemplary configuration, the cable may have a length similar to the inspiratory conduit of the breathing circuit, for example about 1.5 m in length. This is useful to help enable various therapy modes.

[0394] Coupling component connectors TC1, TC2 on the portable display unit 3000 may include electrical connectors that communicate with components of the portable display unit to transfer power and / or data between the base unit and the portable display unit. Cable 3061 may transfer both data and / or power. Alternatively, a cable may transfer one of data and power and another cable coupled to TC2 may transfer the other of data and power.

[0395] One or both ends of the cable 3061 may include electrical connectors for connecting wires of the cable to electrical ports on the base unit 50 and the portable display unit 3000, respectively.

[0396] In an alternative configuration in which cable 3061 provides solely the physical connection between the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance device, a separate cable may provide power and / or data transmission between the base unit and the portable display unit 3000.

[0397] The cable 3061 can be disconnected from the base unit 50 so that the portable display unit 3000 can be completely removed from the base unit 50 .

[0398] In a further alternative configuration, the cable 3061 may be coaxial with the air intake conduit. In yet another configuration, the cable may be wrapped around the air intake conduit to store the cable when the portable display unit 3000 is detached. By wrapping the cable around the air intake conduit, the cable can be neatly stored and the chances of the cable coming loose can be reduced.

[0399] In addition to or instead of the coupling components TC1, TC2, the coupling component TC3 may include wireless communication interface components for communicating control signals and / or other data between the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit.

[0400] The wireless component may include a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver or transceiver for communicating with a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver of the respiratory assistance device to communicate data between the base unit and the portable display unit 3000.

[0401] The wireless communication may be of any suitable configuration, such as, but not limited to, WIFI, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, etc.

[0402] The portable display unit 3000 may use a combination of physical and wireless coupling with the base unit of the respiratory assistance device. For example, the portable display unit 3000 may be physically coupled by cable 3061, and may optionally be powered by cable 3061, but may be wirelessly coupled to the base unit for data communication. In another alternative, there may be no physical coupling between the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit, but the portable display unit 3000 may be wirelessly coupled to the base unit. In that configuration, the portable display unit 3000 may be battery powered. The battery may be rechargeable and may be powered by electrically coupling the portable display unit and the base unit by a detachable cable, or by inductive charging when the portable display unit is connected to or contacted with the base unit.

[0403] The portable display unit may be coupled to a docking port of the base unit to provide an electrical connection between the portable display unit and the base unit and to charge a battery in the portable display unit.

[0404] In some configurations, the portable display unit may include a battery for powering the portable display unit. The respiratory assistance device may include a wireless power transmission system integrated into the respiratory assistance device. The respiratory assistance device may include an inductive power transmission system that can be used to charge a battery in the portable display unit. For example, the base unit may include a charging coil and the portable display unit includes a receiving coil. The charging coil may be inductively coupled to the receiving coil and induce a current in the receiving coil. The battery may be electrically connected to the receiving coil and charged by the induced current. The charging coil is supplied with current by a controller of the base unit.

[0405] The battery in the portable display unit 3000 may function as a backup power source if the cable 3061 is disconnected or fails, or in some embodiments may be the main power source for the portable display unit 3000 (such as when the portable display unit 3000 has wireless capabilities with the base unit 50 or other medical devices).

[0406] The battery may be rechargeable. In some configurations, the battery may be charged via a charging port. The charging port may align with mating connectors TC1, TC2 of the portable display unit.

[0407] The portable display unit 3000 may be a freestanding unit that remains physically separate from the base unit (except for physical couplings, if any). Alternatively, the portable display unit 3000 may be physically connectable to the base unit 50. The portable display unit 3000 may be detachable or separable from the base unit 50 so that the portable display unit 3000 can be positioned at a desired remote location for use.

[0408] If the portable display unit 3000 is removably connectable to the base unit 50, the portable display unit 3000 includes at least one connection feature 3071 for removably connecting the portable display unit 3000 to the base unit and optionally to a different support component.

[0409] At least one connecting feature 3071 can be positioned to interact with a complementary connecting feature on the base unit and / or on a different support component.

[0410] The at least one connection feature 3071 may include any one or more suitable features for enabling a removable connection of the portable display unit 3000 to the base unit 50 and / or a different support component. Exemplary suitable connection features include, but are not limited to, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, fasteners, screw connections, clips and clamps, protrusions or recesses. Alternative connection features include latching mechanisms. For example, the portable display unit 3000 may include a pair of latches that can be used to couple to corresponding receiving features on the base unit 50 and / or a different support component.

[0411] Additional or alternative connection features 3071 may include magnets and may use magnetic forces primarily for connection or may use magnetic forces to bias the connection.

[0412] For example, one of the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit 50 / different support component may include one or more magnets and the other of the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit 50 / different support component may include one or more magnets or magnetizable materials. A magnet on the portable display unit 3000 or the base unit 50 / different support component may cooperate with a magnet or magnetizable material on the other of the portable display unit 3000 and the base unit 50 / different support component.

[0413] The connection features may provide tactile or audible feedback for the connection.

[0414] The connection feature 3071 on the portable display unit 3000 may include a first component of a sliding connector. The first component may be engagable with a second component of a sliding connector on the base unit 50 or on a different support component.

[0415] The first and second components can be engageable with one another in a sliding motion of one component relative to the other, for example, the first component can be engageable with the second component in a sliding motion of one component relative to the other in a first direction.

[0416] Once engaged, the first and second components may not be able to disengage by attempting to move the first component relative to the second component transversely to the first direction. The first component may be disengageable from the second component only by moving the first component relative to the second component in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0417] One of the first and second components may include a male component, and the other of the first and second components may include a complementary female component that receives the male component. For example, the male component may be provided on the portable display unit 3000 and the female component may be provided on the base unit 50 or a different support component. Alternatively, the female component may be provided on the portable display unit 3000 and the male component may be provided on the base unit 50 or a different support component.

[0418] In some configurations, the male component may include a tongue and the female component may include a receiver or cradle for the tongue.

[0419] 9E and 9F show an exemplary connection feature 3071 on the base 3009 of the display unit housing 3001 for engaging with a complementary connection feature 2071 (FIG. 11B) on the base unit. The same or similar complementary connection features 2071 can be used on different support components.

[0420] In the illustrated configuration, the complementary connecting feature 2071 is provided on the upper angled surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 of the base unit.

[0421] The complementary connecting features include female components.

[0422] In the illustrated configuration, the complementary connection feature includes a connection housing 2073 that functions as a receiver.

[0423] The connection housing includes a front wall 2075, two side walls 2077, and two inwardly directed flanges 2079. The flanges 2079 are spaced apart to provide a relatively narrow spacing 2081 between the flanges. The end of the housing opposite the front wall 2075 defines a relatively wide opening 2083 that is wider than spacing 2081.

[0424] The connection feature 3071 includes a male component. In the illustrated form, the male component includes a tongue, but may alternatively have a different configuration.

[0425] The tongue includes a relatively elongated body member 3073 that extends downwardly from the base 3009 of the display unit housing 3001. The body member 3073 has a dimension slightly narrower than the spacing 2081. Flanges 3075 project outwardly from either side of the bottom of the body member 3073 and have a dimension slightly narrower than the opening 2083.

[0426] The connection feature 3071 may include a single elongate member or may include multiple members. In the configuration shown, the connection feature 3071 includes an elongate member that provides the rearward portions of the features 3073, 3075 and another spaced forward member that provides the forward portions 3073a, 3075b of those members.

[0427] The portable display unit 3000 is connected to and disconnected from the housing of the base unit 50 by a sliding movement of the portable display unit relative to the base unit. In the illustrated configuration, the flanges 3075, 3075a are inserted into the connection housing under the flange 2075 and slid forward. The top surface 211a of the screen carrier is sloped so that gravity helps to keep the portable display unit 3000 connected to the base unit 50. To separate the portable display unit 3000 from the base unit, the portable display unit is slid backwards relative to the screen carrier 211 until the flange 3075 clears the flange 2075.

[0428] The connection features 3071, 2071 may be provided elsewhere on the portable display unit 3000 and / or base unit 50 rather than on the base 3009 of the portable display unit 3000 and the top surface 211a of the screen carrier 211, and the connection and removal directions will change accordingly.

[0429] The portable display unit 3000 includes a circuit board with appropriate electrical components. Although not shown in this configuration, a configuration of the portable display unit 4000 with a circuit board 4004 is shown in Figures 25 and 27.

[0430] The circuit board may include a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0431] The circuit board of the portable display unit 3000 includes a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, that controls the operation of the display unit, processes signals received from the base unit (i.e., from the microcontroller or microprocessor of the base unit), and generates control signals in response to user input, for example, via the screen 3051 or other user input components such as buttons or dials. The circuit board / controller may receive data regarding respiratory parameters or other usage data from the base unit. The circuit board / controller may transmit control signals to the base unit. The portable display unit 3000 may further include a communication unit, such as a communication chip, that provides wireless communication capabilities to the portable display unit. Additionally, the base unit also includes a communication unit that allows the base unit to wirelessly communicate with the portable display unit.

[0432] The portable display unit includes a communications interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the base unit and the portable display unit both when the portable display unit is connected to the base unit and when the portable display unit is disconnected from the base unit. The communications interface may be provided by any of the options outlined above, such as a cable 3061, another wire and / or wireless communication.

[0433] The circuit board may be in electrical and / or electronic communication with the screen 3051, the backlight, and one or more user input components, such as buttons or dials. The circuit board may transmit power and data signals to and / or from the screen 3051, the backlight, and the user input components.

[0434] The portable display unit 3000 may optionally include at least one support feature for supporting the portable display unit on a support surface (other than the base unit 50).

[0435] The support features may be configured to support the portable display unit 3000 on one support surface, or may be configured to support the portable display unit 3000 on a number of different support surfaces.

[0436] The support features may be fixed relative to the housing 3001 or may be adjustable relative to the housing 3001 (eg, one or more pivot legs or supports).

[0437] In the illustrated configuration, the portable display unit 3000 includes support features 3081 for supporting the portable display unit on a number of different support surfaces.

[0438] The support features 3081 are positioned to support the portable display unit 3000 on a substantially horizontal support surface or on a medical pole.

[0439] In the illustrated configuration, the support feature includes a protruding wall 3082 that provides a base edge 3083 for resting on a substantially horizontal support surface. The protruding walls 3082 extend downwardly from each side wall 3007 of the display unit housing, beyond the base 3009 of the base unit housing.

[0440] The base edge 3083 is at an acute angle to the top surface 3013 of the housing so that when the base edge 3083 is resting on a support surface, the screen is tilted towards the user.

[0441] Each protruding wall 3082 optionally includes an angled slot 3085 that extends upwardly and rearwardly from the base edge 3083 to form a space between the front and rear portions of the base edge. The angled slot 3085 terminates at or adjacent to the base 3009 of the housing 3001.

[0442] The slot 3085 acts as a hanging hook, allowing the portable display unit 3000 to be supported on a horizontally extending stud or arm that extends outwardly from, for example, a medical pole, with the stud or arm extending through the angled slot 3085.

[0443] Because the angled slot 3085 is aligned with the connection feature 3071, the connection feature 3071 may have a corresponding angled slot 3085' between the front portion 3073a, 3075a and the rear portion 3073, 3075 of the connection feature 3071 (see FIG. 9F), which may be provided in addition to or instead of the protruding wall 3082 and the angled slot 3085. The support feature including the angled slot 3085' is provided by the same structural element as the connection feature 3071. The angled slot 3085' and the connection feature 3071 may be, for example, injection molded as part of the same polymer part.

[0444] The protruding wall 3083 provides a feature that allows a user to grip the unit 3000 and / or tilt the unit 3000.

[0445] 13, in some configurations, the angular orientation α of the screen 3051 can be adjusted relative to the display unit housing 3001. Alternatively, in some configurations, the angular orientation of the display unit housing 3001 can be adjusted relative to at least one connection feature 3071 and / or at least one support feature 3081.

[0446] In some configurations, the screen 3051 may be rotatable about an axis extending orthogonally through the screen 3051. The rotation may be a rotation of the screen 3051 relative to the display unit housing 3001. Alternatively, the rotation may be provided by the display unit housing 3001 being rotatable relative to the at least one connection feature 3071 and / or the at least one support feature 3081. Alternatively, the rotation may be provided between the at least one connection feature 3071 and the complementary connection feature 2071.

[0447] Thus, the screen 3051 can be angularly adjusted and / or rotated for optimal viewing angles relative to the base unit 50 and / or different support components and / or support surfaces.

[0448] A pivot structure may be provided between the screen 3051 and the display unit housing 3001 or between the display unit housing 3001 and the at least one connection feature 3071 and / or the at least one support feature 3081.

[0449] The pivot structure may include a friction arrangement, an indexing arrangement, a locking pin arrangement or a ratchet arrangement to allow the screen 3051 or the display unit housing 3001 to be locked in a number of different angular positions.

[0450] The various configurations allow the angular orientation of the screen 3051 to be adjusted to an optimum angle relative to the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus, different support components or the support surface on which the portable display unit is supported.

[0451] By way of example, the screen angle may be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal. In some configurations, the angle may be between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees. In some configurations, the angle may be between about 15 degrees and about 60 degrees.

[0452] In some configurations, the screen may be at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees relative to the horizontal, optionally at an angle of about 15 degrees relative to the horizontal, when the portable display unit is engaged with the base unit 50.

[0453] 15A-15F show an alternative portable display unit 3500 for use with any of the respiratory assistance devices described herein. Unless otherwise noted below, the features, functionality and options are the same as portable display unit 3000 and like reference numerals indicate like parts with the addition of 500.

[0454] As outlined above, any one or more of the described features and functions may be used in various combinations in any one of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0455] In this configuration, the screen 3551 is recessed further from the top surface 3513 of the display unit housing 3501. That is, the display unit housing 3501 protrudes higher than the screen 3551. This provides a level of drop or impact protection for the screen, i.e., if the portable display unit 3500 is dropped or impacted, it is unlikely that the screen 3551 will be directly impacted.

[0456] The corners of the display unit housing 3501 between the walls 3503, 3507, 3509 are covered with a shock absorbing, relatively soft material 3511. The shock absorbing material 3511 may extend partially over the top surface 3513 and the bottom surface 3509. Covering the corners of the display unit housing 3501 with a shock absorbing material may reduce the chance of damage to the housing 3501 if the portable display unit 3500 is dropped or impacted. The material 3511 may be integrally formed with the display unit housing 3501 or may be formed separately from the display unit housing 3501 and then attached to the display unit housing 3501. The material 3511 may be removable from the display unit housing 3501.

[0457] The material selection may include a semi-rigid material that is strong enough to withstand impacts. That is, the display unit housing 3501 or at least the corner sections of the display unit housing 3501 may include a semi-rigid material that is strong enough to withstand impacts. This may be a single piece that is thickened at the corners 3511 of the portable display unit 3500. The material is advantageously thin and transparent enough to allow touch screen operation / use.

[0458] Exemplary materials may include silicone or polyurethane. Other foam materials may be used to provide shock absorption.

[0459] In the illustrated configuration, the coupling component TC1 includes a port that protrudes from the housing 3501 for connection to the cable 3061.

[0460] The connection feature 3571 and the support feature 3581 are provided by the same structural element.

[0461] Connection feature 3571 is substantially similar to connection feature 3071 , but rather than being provided on the bottom surface 3059 of the housing 3501 , it is provided on the same structural element that provides the support feature 3581 .

[0462] The structural elements providing the support features 3581 include components pivotally attached to the housing 3051 by pivot structures 3582 .

[0463] 15F and 17, the structural element includes a generally L-shaped member having a relatively large body 3581a and a relatively small extension 3581b. The bottom surface 3509 of the housing 3501 includes a recess 3509a for receiving the relatively large body when the portable display unit 3500 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 15F for connecting the portable display unit 3500 to the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0464] The complementary connecting feature 2571 on the base unit is substantially identical to the connecting feature 2071 except that the connecting feature 2571 is recessed so that it does not protrude upwardly beyond the top surface 211a of the screen carrier 211.

[0465] When the portable display unit 3500 is separated from the respiratory assistance apparatus, it may be supported on a substantially horizontal support surface on the lower edge 3581b' of the extension 3581b and the front foot 3509b of the housing 3501 (FIG. 15F).

[0466] When a user desires to suspend the portable display unit 3500 above a support surface, the structural element can be pivoted from the position shown in FIG. 15F toward the position shown in FIG. 17 to suspend the portable display unit 3500, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0467] The structural elements may be pivotable through any angle up to 90 degrees, but in some configurations may be pivotable through smaller angles, such as up to 80 degrees, up to 70 degrees, up to 60 degrees, up to 50 degrees, up to 40 degrees, or up to 30 degrees.

[0468] The pivot structure 3582 may include a friction arrangement, an indexing arrangement, a locking pin arrangement, or a ratchet arrangement to allow the structural element to be locked in a number of different angular positions.

[0469] 17, the relatively large body 3581a may include a roughened surface 3581a' to aid in gripping against a support surface when the portable display unit 3500 is suspended. The roughened surface may include a number of projections, ribs, ridges, channels, bumps, etc. In the illustrated form, the roughened surface 3581a' includes a number of laterally extending ribs.

[0470] The roughened surface is provided on the larger body 3581a opposite the connecting feature 3571 and is positioned within the recess 3509a when the structural element is in the position shown in FIG. 15F.

[0471] In some configurations, the screen 3551 may be at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees, optionally about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees, optionally about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees, relative to a flat horizontal plane when the portable display unit unfolds its support 3581 and the display of the portable display unit is positioned on a flat surface, such as a table. In some examples, the screen may be at about 30 degrees or about 45 degrees in that scenario.

[0472] The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided with handle features to improve ergonomics and ability to be handled by a user. Handle features may include one or more recessed areas, shaped areas, or areas of different / multiple materials. For example, an area of ​​shock absorbing material 3511 may provide a handle feature or may extend along the side of the housing 3501 to aid in gripping the portable display unit. Certain portions of the portable display unit may include features that enhance gripping of the screen module by a user.

[0473] The handle features may extend outwardly from the top surface of the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 near the screen 3051, 3551, 4051. For example, the handle features may include a handle above the screen, a handle on one side of the screen, or a handle on both sides of the screen. In this manner, the handles may provide additional drop or impact protection for the screen 3051, 3551, 4051.

[0474] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be waterproof and shock resistant and may be capable of surviving impacts after being dropped from a height. In some examples, the portable display units may be capable of surviving a drop from about 2 meters or less, which may occur due to user negligence. Since there are no moving parts, the ability to survive a drop depends mostly on the material strength of the housing.

[0475] Considering IPX3 to IPX6 protection, internal seals and gaskets may be required to prevent water ingress. In one form, water ingress may not be tightly controlled, but a path for water to evaporate is considered. This is due to humid working environments.

[0476] In a further example, the portable display unit may be hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and oxygen into the portable display unit.

[0477] Exemplary features for providing a seal for the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 are described below for the portable display unit 4000. This specification discloses several configurations of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000. Any one or more of the described features and functionality may be used in various combinations in any one of the portable display units.

[0478] In a further example, the portable display unit may be modular, e.g., separable, so that various parts can be removed for replacement. Modular display units allow for replacement of electrical components such as the screen or circuit board used with the display unit.

[0479] If the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is to be used in a high temperature environment, the unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may include a heat sink, heat spreader or heat dissipation element.

[0480] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may have active or passive cooling to provide thermal protection.

[0481] The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may include an alarm that is triggered when a threshold temperature (ambient or internal temperature) of the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is exceeded.

[0482] The alarm may be signalled by the portable display unit notification light 4150, 4150', the base unit notification light 240, the speaker S and / or the screen 3051, 3551, 4051 described below.

[0483] The connectors 3071, 3571, 4071 of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 can function as a heat sink when engaged with complementary connectors 2071, 2071' on the base unit 50 or complementary connectors 2071, 2071' on another support component such as a medical pole, incubator or other components commonly used in medical settings.

[0484] The connectors 3071, 3571, 4071 and the complementary connectors 2071, 2071' may comprise a material with high heat transfer capabilities to transfer heat from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 through the connectors 3071, 3571, 4071 and the complementary connectors 2071, 2071'.

[0485] The material typically has a high heat capacity and thermal conductivity to absorb the thermal energy without shifting towards very high temperatures and transfer it to the environment for efficient cooling. Exemplary materials include, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and copper.

[0486] The display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 may include fins or similar structures to increase the surface area available for transferring heat to the environment.

[0487] The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may include a heat sink or thermal pad to aid in heat transfer from the interior of the portable display unit to an external heat sink in contact with the surrounding environment. The thermal pad may provide electrical insulation properties. The thermal pad may include, for example, silicone or graphite.

[0488] The display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 may include cooling vents.

[0489] The display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 may include an inner casing and an outer casing. The inner casing may be sealed to prevent oxygen and water ingress but may include sections of conductive material. The outer casing may include cooling vents to allow heat dissipation / airflow for convection cooling.

[0490] The portable display unit may include active cooling, hi one example, the active cooling includes one or more fans.

[0491] The fan may be powered by power from the portable display unit's battery or via power from the base unit 50 .

[0492] The fan may be operated after a therapy session has concluded, for example as part of a drying cycle, in which the blower in the base unit 50 is powered to a predetermined motor speed for a set period of time, the heater plate is run at low power or switched off, and the heater wires in the breathing conduit are activated to a predetermined power, for example full power. The drying cycle lasts for a predetermined period of time.

[0493] Similarly, when a drying cycle or mode is initiated, a signal may be sent to activate a fan within the portable display unit for a predetermined period of time, and the fan may be driven at a predetermined motor speed.

[0494] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may include heat reflective material on the interior and / or exterior of the portable display unit, which may help to reflect internal and / or external heat.

[0495] Heat reflective materials may form a radiation barrier to reflect thermal radiation (radiant heat), preventing or minimizing heat transfer from one side of the barrier to the other with a reflective, low emissivity surface. The material may include a reflective tape or foil. The tape or foil may include, for example, an aluminum tape or foil. The tape or foil may be coated for resistance to the elements or abrasion resistance.

[0496] As described further herein, the internal components of the portable display unit, such as the circuit board 4004, may be surrounded by a material with shock absorbing properties. This material may also allow for waterproofing (e.g., by sealing the components) and heat dissipation (due to its material properties).

[0497] If used for the seal, exemplary materials may include silicone rubber or any suitable elastomer, such as polyurethane. Alternatively, exemplary materials may include thermoplastic elastomers and / or thermoplastic vulcanizates, especially if the seal is overmolded onto the circuit board 4004.

[0498] When used for shock absorption, exemplary materials may include shock absorbing polymers, viscoelastic polymers, viscous polymers, or other polymers, examples of which include rubber, neoprene, and silicone.

[0499] These materials dissipate impact energy by spreading it over a larger surface area while simultaneously absorbing it, allowing the energy from the impact to be transferred directly into the material rather than damaging internal components.

[0500] Additionally or alternatively, potting compound, foam or polystyrene may be used.

[0501] The display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 may include one or more features that provide protection against electromagnetic radiation and optionally other types of radiation or interference (e.g., radio frequency, etc.), which may include shielding on or within the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 that isolates the internal components of the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 from the environment.

[0502] Exemplary materials include sheet metal, metal screen, or metal foam. For example, materials include copper, brass, nickel, silver, steel, tin, aluminum foil, copper foil.

[0503] If a cable 3061, 3561, 4061 is used, the cable may include a shield to isolate the internal wires from the outside environment.

[0504] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be used with or provided in combination with an external heat shield, which may be configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the portable display unit.

[0505] The heat shield may comprise a heat resistant material. The heat shield may comprise any of the materials outlined above for the heat reflective materials of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000. The material may be transparent.

[0506] The heat shield may be attached to the base unit 50 or to a different support component. In some configurations, the heat shield may be removably or movably attached to the base unit 50 or to a different support component. For example, when the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is used with a medical pole or stand, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be connected to the medical pole or stand and the heat shield may be movably attached to the medical pole or stand so as to surround or otherwise cover the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0507] In some configurations, the heat shield and portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be mounted on a pivot arm. The heat shield and portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may alternatively be mounted on respective pivot arms.

[0508] The arms or other support components on which the thermal shield and / or portable display unit may be used may include multi-axis pivoting arms that allow the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and / or thermal shield to be movably positioned by a clinician or other user.

[0509] The heat shield is movable by a clinician or other user to surround or cover the portable display unit to protect it from outside heat.

[0510] The heat shield may be configured to provide a pocket of air between the heat shield and the portable display unit, which helps to insulate heat from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0511] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may include one or more sensors of ambient conditions (e.g., an ambient light sensor that can be used to adjust the brightness of the screen). The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may include a speaker, which can be used for audible alerts.

[0512] The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may include more user input components such as dials, switches or buttons B for controlling the respiratory assistance device. The dials, switches or buttons B may be separate from the touch screen. The dials, switches or buttons may provide tactile feedback for initiation of the recuperation mode.

[0513] The dial, switch or button B can be pressed to activate a function of the base unit 50. Pressing the switch or button B can transmit a signal along the coupling to the base unit 50, either wirelessly or by a connected coupling, to control a component of the base unit 50. In one example, the dial, switch or button B can be pressed to control the operation of a blower. In this example, the button is pressed and held down to speed up the blower and increase the delivered flow rate or the delivered pressure. Releasing the switch or button B can slow down the blower to decrease the flow rate or decrease the delivered pressure. Such button functions can be used in manually controlling the pressure or flow delivered to the patient. Alternatively, pressing the button can switch off the heater wires or switch off the heater plate.

[0514] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 are connected to an external surface of the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus and therefore may be of larger dimensions than the portions of the base unit to which they are connected. For example, the width of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 is not directly limited by the width of the screen carrier 211 and may be wider than the screen carrier.

[0515] The position of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 when connected to the base unit 50 does not interfere with the gas input to the base unit 50 or the respiratory conduit 16 to the patient interface.

[0516] Figures 23-30 and 37-41 show an alternative portable display unit 4000 for use with any of the respiratory assistance devices described herein. Unless otherwise noted below, features, functionality and options are the same as portable display unit 3000 or portable display unit 3500, and like reference numerals indicate like parts plus 1000 and 500, respectively.

[0517] As outlined above, any one or more of the described features and functions may be used in any one of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 in various combinations.

[0518] Figures 31-37 and 41-45 show additional details of alternative configurations of the respiratory assistance apparatus of Figures 5-8. Unless otherwise noted below, the features, functions and options are the same as the respiratory assistance apparatus of Figures 5-8. Like reference numbers refer to like parts as in Figures 5-8.

[0519] The respiratory assistance devices of Figures 31-37 and 41-45 may be used in conjunction with any of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 disclosed herein.

[0520] In at least some exemplary configurations, a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided that includes a base unit 50, a portable display unit 4000 including a display unit housing 4001, a screen 4051 and at least one connection feature 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and to different support components, and a coupling component for coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50.

[0521] The different support components may include, for example, one or more of the support components described with reference to Figures 18A-22.

[0522] The removable connection of the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and to the different support components may be by the same type of connection. Alternatively, the removable connection of the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and to the different support components may be by different types of connections.

[0523] The coupling components may include a cable 4061 for physically coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 .

[0524] The cable may be for transmitting power from the base unit 50 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0525] The coupling component TC1 may include components of a wireless communication interface for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0526] In at least some exemplary configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes a base unit 50, a portable display unit 4000 including a display unit housing 4001 and a screen 4051, and coupling components for coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50, the base unit 50 including at least one complementary coupling feature 2071 for cooperating with at least one coupling feature 4071 on the portable display unit 4000 to removably connect the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50.

[0527] The coupling components may include a cable 4061 for physically coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 .

[0528] The cable may be for transmitting power from the base unit 50 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0529] The coupling components may include wireless communication interface components for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 .

[0530] The respiratory aid apparatus may include a humidifier. In an alternative arrangement, the respiratory aid apparatus may not include a humidifier.

[0531] In the illustrated configuration, the base unit includes a recess 108 for receiving a humidification chamber 300 (not shown in these figures). The features and functions of the humidifier may be as described herein.

[0532] The humidifier is configured to be positioned below head level of the patient.

[0533] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to be placed below patient level or below the patient's bed level.

[0534] The base unit / humidifier is at the lowest point when the respiratory assistance apparatus is set up for use.

[0535] The respiratory assistance apparatus may further include a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface for delivering gas to the patient.

[0536] The breathing circuit and humidifier are configured to encourage condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit to return to the humidifier when the humidifier is positioned below head level of the patient, rather than collecting at the patient interface. The breathing circuit may be of any of the types described herein.

[0537] The portable display unit 4000 is configured to be positioned above the base unit 50 and / or the humidifier.

[0538] The portable display unit 4000 and humidifier are configured such that when the display unit is above the humidifier, the portable display unit 4000 enables user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance device from an elevated position above the humidifier, optionally at or near the user's eye level.

[0539] The elevated position may be away from the base unit 50 and may be vertically higher than the base unit 50 and the humidifier.

[0540] At least one connecting feature 4071 may be engagable with at least one complementary connecting feature 2071 of the base unit 50 .

[0541] At least one connection feature 4071 of the portable display unit 4000 may include a first connection component 4071'.

[0542] The complementary connection feature 2071 of the base unit may include a second connection component on the base unit 50 and / or on a different support component.

[0543] The first connection component and the second connection component may be components of a sliding connector.

[0544] The sliding connector may include a dovetail connector.

[0545] The first component 4071' and the second component 2071 may be engageable with one another in a sliding motion one component relative to the other. For example, the first component 4071' may be engageable with the second component 2071 in a sliding motion one component relative to the other.

[0546] In one exemplary configuration, the sliding motion of the first component 4071 ′ can be a forward sliding motion relative to the second component 2071 .

[0547] Once engaged, the first component 4071' and the second component 2071 may not be able to disengage by relative movement of the first component 4071' relative to the second component 2071 in a direction laterally to the first direction. The first component 4071' may be disengageable from the second component 2071 only by relative movement of the first component 4071' relative to the second component 2071 in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0548] In one exemplary configuration, the second direction is rearward.

[0549] One of the first component 4071' and the second component 2071 may be comprised of a male component, and the other of the first component 4071' and the second component 2071 may be comprised of a complementary female component that receives the male component. For example, the male component may be provided on the portable display unit 4000 and the female component may be provided on the base unit 50' or a different support component. Alternatively, the female component may be provided on the portable display unit 4000 and the male component may be provided on the base unit 50' or a different support component.

[0550] 26 shows an exemplary configuration of the first component 4071'. FIGS.

[0551] The first component 4071' is typically positioned on or in the base 4009 of the display unit housing.

[0552] The first component 4071′ may be provided in any suitable location on the display unit housing 4001, for example towards the rear wall 4005 of the display unit, towards the front wall 4003 of the display unit and / or towards one or the other of the side walls 4007 of the display unit housing 4001.

[0553] For example, to interface with the second component 2071 shown in FIGS. 31-33, the first component 4071' may be positioned towards the front wall 4003 of the display unit compared to that shown in FIG.

[0554] The first component 4071' may protrude from the display unit housing 4001 to allow for easier connection, or may be recessed within the display unit housing 4001 to provide a slimmer configuration.

[0555] The second component 2071 may protrude from the base unit 50 or may be recessed into the base unit 50. The second component 2071 may be provided in any suitable location on the base unit.

[0556] The same options are available for any of the other described connector components and complementary connector components.

[0557] In the illustrated configuration, the first component 4071' includes the tongue and the second component 2071 includes a receiver or cradle for the tongue. The receiver may act as a cradle to hold a portion of the tongue when the first component 4071' is connected to the second component 2071.

[0558] The first component 4071' (ie, the tongue) and the second component 2071 (ie, the receiver or cradle) may comprise components of a dovetail connector.

[0559] The tongue has a proximal portion 4071a connected to the display unit housing 4001, and a distal portion 4071b. The tongue may be connected to the display unit housing 4001 along the length of the tongue, or only the proximal end 4071a may be connected to the display unit housing 4001. The tongue may be integrally formed with the display unit housing 4001, or may be clipped to the display unit housing 4001.

[0560] The receiver includes a front wall 2075, two side walls 2077, and two inwardly directed flanges 2079. The flanges 2079 are spaced apart to provide a relatively narrow spacing 2081 between the flanges. The end of the housing opposite the front wall 2075 defines a relatively wide opening 2083' that is wider than the spacing 2081.

[0561] The portable display unit 4000 connects to and disconnects from the housing of the base unit 50 by a sliding motion of the portable display unit relative to the base unit. In the illustrated configuration, the distal portion 4071b of the first component 4071' is inserted into the connection housing under the flange 2079 and slid forward so that the distal portion 4071b is substantially received within the flange and the proximal portion 4071a is positioned between the flanges. Because the connection features of the base unit 50 are angled, gravity helps to keep the portable display unit 4000 connected to the base unit 50. To separate the portable display unit 4000 from the base unit, the portable display unit is slid backwards relative to the screen carrier 211 until the first component 4071' clears the flange 2079.

[0562] The connection may be such that a user can lift the base unit 50 by lifting the portable display unit 4000 while it is connected to the base unit 50 .

[0563] In an alternative configuration, the first component 4071' may have the configuration shown and described for the connection feature 3071. The functionality of this embodiment is substantially the same as that described.

[0564] The respiratory assistance device may include a display mounting component 2072 that includes complementary connecting features 2071 .

[0565] The display mounting component 2072 is connectable to the base unit 50 .

[0566] The display mounting component 2072 may be connectable to the screen carrier 211 of the base unit 50 or may be connectable to the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. The display mounting component 2072 may be removably connectable to the main housing 100 or the screen carrier 211 of the base unit 50.

[0567] The display mounting component 2072 may connect to the base unit 50 by fasteners, integrated clip features, or the like.

[0568] The display mounting component 2072 may include a cable receptacle 2072a for receiving a cable 4061 that enters or is otherwise secured to the base unit 50 by the display mounting component 2072. By removing the display mounting component 2072, the cable 4061 can be disconnected from the base unit 50 and replaced.

[0569] As shown in Figures 31 and 37, the display unit mounting component 2072 allows the top surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 to be relatively horizontal and thin, and the display mounting component 2072 provides height and optionally an increased angle to the portable display unit 4000 when connected to the screen mounting component 2072.

[0570] If a relatively steep display mounting component 2072 is used, the first component 4071 may be provided near the front wall 4003 of the portable display unit 4000 to provide clearance. If a relatively flat display mounting component 2072 is used, the first component 4071 may be provided in the position shown in FIG. 26 or may be provided elsewhere on the portable display unit 4000.

[0571] The display mounting component 2072 and the base unit 50 (e.g., the screen carrier 211 or the main housing 100) may include complementary tongue-and-groove engagement features that engage with each other to inhibit water ingress into the main housing 100.

[0572] In an alternative configuration, the complementary connecting features 2071 may be provided as part of the screen carrier 211 or the main housing 100. That is, the complementary connecting features 2071 may be integrally formed as part of the screen carrier 211 or the main unit housing 100. Figure 44 shows an example configuration of that arrangement.

[0573] In this configuration, the cable 4061 may be attached to the main housing 100 or the screen carrier 211.

[0574] In alternative configurations of the portable display unit 4000, the first component 4071 may have the configurations described for connection feature 3071 or connection feature 3571.

[0575] The portable display unit 4000 may include a retaining feature 4074 configured to positively engage a complementary retaining feature 2074 on the base unit 50 upon connection of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 .

[0576] Thus, the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 may include complementary retention features 4074, 2074 (FIGS. 26 and 44) ​​that positively engage with one another upon connection of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50. The retention feature 4074 of the portable display unit 4000 is configured to engage with the complementary retention feature 2074 of the base unit 50 upon connection of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0577] The retention features 4074, 2074 positively engage one another.

[0578] The retention features 4074, 2074 may require disengagement to allow for detachment of the portable display unit 4000 from the base unit 50. The retention features 4074, 2074 may be selectively releasable from engagement with one another to allow for detachment of the portable display unit 4000 from the base unit 50.

[0579] In the exemplary configuration, the retention features 4074 on the portable display unit 4000 include protrusions or recesses that are engageable with complementary protrusions or recesses 2074 on the base unit 50 .

[0580] The retaining features 2074, 4074 may include clip or buckle type structures that are engageable with corresponding clip or buckle portions on the base unit. The retaining features 2074, 4074 may be such that the user must physically press or engage one of the features from the other to releasably engage or disengage the features between one another.

[0581] The retaining features may have any suitable shape, for example, elongated, rounded, or polygonal.

[0582] The retention features 4074 , 2074 may be provided on the connection features 4071 , 2071 , adjacent to the connection features 4071 , 2071 , or may be provided elsewhere on the portable display unit 4000 and base unit 50 .

[0583] For example, one of the retaining features 4074 may be provided on a tongue of the first connecting feature 4071 and the other retaining feature 2074 may be provided on a receiver of the second connecting feature 2071 .

[0584] In an alternative configuration, the first retaining feature 4074 may be provided on the portable display unit housing 4001 and the second retaining feature 2074 may be provided on the base unit 50, for example on the screen carrier 211 or main housing 100.

[0585] The retaining features 4074, 2074 on the portable display unit 4000 or on the base unit 50 may be provided on a selectively movable portion of the portable display unit 4000 or base unit 50, and selective movement of the selectively movable portion may cause the retaining features 4074, 2074 to disengage from one another so as to cause the connection feature 4071 and the complementary connection feature 2071 to disengage from one another.

[0586] 44, the retention feature 2074 may be provided on the screen carrier 211 at or toward its front end or edge. Application of a downward force in the direction DF at or adjacent to the retention feature 2074 disengages the retention features 4074, 2074 from one another. Sliding the portable display unit 4000 rearward relative to the base unit 50 thereby allows the connection feature 4071 and the complementary connection feature 2071 to disengage from one another.

[0587] The location where the downward force DF is applied is exposed so as to be accessible when the portable display unit 4000 is connected to the housing 50 .

[0588] If a complementary connecting feature 2071 is used on a different support component, then a retaining feature 2074 may be provided on the different support component.

[0589] The retention features 4074, 2074 may enhance the frictional engagement between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 and / or provide tactile and / or audible feedback of complete connection between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0590] The same connection feature 4071 and complementary connection feature 2071 may be used to connect the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and to different support components. Alternatively, different connection features may be used.

[0591] As outlined above, additional or alternative connection features 4071 may include magnets and may primarily use magnetic force to connect or may use magnetic force to bias the connection.

[0592] For example, one of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 / different support component may include one or more magnets, and the other of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 / different support component may include one or more magnets or magnetizable materials. A magnet on the portable display unit 4000 or the base unit 50 / different support component may cooperate with a magnet or magnetizable material on the other of the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 / different support component.

[0593] In an exemplary configuration, the at least one connecting feature 4071 may further include a magnet 4071''.

[0594] The magnets 4071'' are configured to cooperate with magnets or magnetizable materials 2071'' on the base unit 50 (FIG. 31) and / or different support components.

[0595] In an alternative configuration, the base unit 50 and / or a different support component may include a magnet and the portable display unit 4000 may include a magnet or magnetizable material. This may be provided in addition to the connector 4071 and the complementary connector component 2071. This may strengthen the connection provided by the connector 4071 and the complementary connector component 2071.

[0596] In some configurations, the at least one connection feature 4071 includes a first connection feature 4071'' for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit 50 and a second connection feature 4071' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0597] In some configurations, the first connection feature 4071'' is configured to provide a relatively weak connection of the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50, and the second connection feature 4071' is configured to provide a relatively strong connection of the portable display unit 4000 to a different support component.

[0598] This configuration allows the portable display unit 4000 to be easily detached from the base unit 50 so that lifting the portable display unit 4000 does not inadvertently move or lift the base unit 50 off of the support surface, which may be important when therapy is being provided as movement of the base unit may affect the therapy being provided. It may also allow the portable display unit 4000 to be easily accessed and used during an emergency situation, for example, the relatively weak connection provided by the first connection feature 4071'' allows the portable display unit 4000 to be quickly removed from the base unit 50 without disengaging and / or removing the portable display unit 4000 from the base unit 50. Additionally, the portable display unit 4000 is less likely to be inadvertently detached from different support components due to the relatively strong connection provided by the second connection feature 4071', which reduces the likelihood of the portable display unit 4000 being detached or dropped from different support components. This is particularly advantageous when the different support components are portable components, such as for example medical poles.

[0599] For example, the first connection feature 4071'' can form part of the magnetic connection arrangement described above, and the second connection feature 4071' can form a first component of a sliding connector as described above.

[0600] Thus, in an exemplary configuration, the first connecting feature 4071'' includes a magnet configured to cooperate with a magnet or magnetizable material on the base unit 50. Alternatively, the first connecting feature 4071'' may include a magnetizable material configured to cooperate with a magnet on the base unit 50.

[0601] The second connector feature 4071' in this configuration may comprise a first component of a sliding connector that is engagable with a second component of a sliding connector on a different support component. The different support component may comprise the second component of the sliding connector as described above, such as a receptacle.

[0602] The first connecting feature 4071'' may provide an additional, second connection for a different support component. That is, the magnetic connection may not be the primary connector of the different support components, but may add to the strength of the connection provided by the second connecting feature 4071'.

[0603] The connection features 4071, 2071 may be provided elsewhere on the portable display unit 4000 and / or base unit 50 rather than on the base 4009 of the portable display unit 4000 and the top surface 211a of the screen carrier 211, and the connection and removal directions will change accordingly.

[0604] The respiratory assistance device may include at least one alignment feature to assist in aligning the portable display unit 4000 with the base unit 50 during connection of the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 .

[0605] At least one alignment feature may be provided on the base unit 50 and / or on the portable display unit 4000.

[0606] The at least one alignment feature may include an alignment surface on the base unit 50 configured to interact with a complementary alignment surface on the portable display unit 4000 .

[0607] For example, in the configurations of Figures 26 and 45, the base unit 50 and optionally the display mounting component 2072 of the base unit 50 include at least one alignment surface 2076 configured to interact with at least one complementary alignment surface 4076 on the portable display unit 4000.

[0608] The base unit 50 and the portable display unit 4000 may each include one, two, three or more complementary alignment surfaces.

[0609] If a sliding connector is used, the alignment surface 2076 , 4076 is oriented to be parallel to the direction of sliding connection and disconnection of the portable display unit with the base unit 50 .

[0610] In the illustrated configuration, the alignment surface 2076 is provided by the side walls of the receiver of the base unit, and the alignment surface 4076 is provided by the walls of a channel or groove in the base 4009 of the display unit housing 1004. The alignment surfaces may alternatively be provided by other walls or members on the base unit 50 and the portable display unit 4000. For example, the alignment surfaces may be provided by protrusions on the base unit 50 or the portable display unit that interact with complementary protrusions or recesses on the other of the base unit 50 and the portable display unit 4000.

[0611] A channel may be provided between the complementary alignment surface 4076 and the tongue of the connector 4071 to provide space for receiving the wall of the receiving portion of the base unit.

[0612] Figure 45 shows an alternative configuration of the base unit 50. In this configuration, the receiver 2071' is configured to receive a connector 4071. However, the receiver 2071' does not include the flange 2079 of Figure 44. Instead, the receiver 2071' includes an enlarged region 2083 along its length.

[0613] The tongue of the connector 4071 is configured to be received in the receptacle 2071' of Figure 45 when the portable display unit 4000 is connected to the base unit 50 via a magnetic arrangement including a magnet and / or magnetizable material.

[0614] In this configuration, the receiver 2071 ′ functions as an alignment feature / locator for the tongue of the connector 4071 , but does not function as the primary connection feature between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 .

[0615] The tongue of the connector 4071 may include a magnet and the receiving portion 2071' may include a magnet or magnetizable material, or vice versa.

[0616] In addition to this alignment feature / locator, the base unit 50 may have one or more alignment features 2076, as described above.

[0617] The receiver 2071 of FIG. 45 may be provided on the main housing 100, the screen carrier 211 or a display unit mounting portion 2072 of the type described above with reference to FIG.

[0618] In the configuration shown for the base unit 50, the base unit does not have a handle portion 506 or a lever 500. In alternative configurations, a handle portion or lever may be provided.

[0619] The illustrated configuration of the portable display unit 4000 and base unit 50 maximizes space for the portable display unit 4000. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, the portable display unit 4000 can be at least as wide as the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 and can be large enough to protrude beyond the rear edge of the main housing 100 of the base unit. The position of the portable display unit 4000 when connected to the base unit 50 does not interfere with the gas input to the base unit 50' and the patient conduit 16 to the patient interface.

[0620] The base unit 50 may include a filter inlet 115 for delivering gas to the base unit filter. The filter inlet 115' may be located at or adjacent to a rear corner of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. The filter inlet 115 may be located under a portion of the portable display unit 4000 when the portable display unit 4000 is connected to the base unit 50.

[0621] In some exemplary configurations, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided with a notification light. In some configurations, a portable display unit 4000 for a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, the portable display unit including a display unit housing 4001, a screen 4051, at least one connection feature 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to a base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus, and a notification light 4150, 4150'.

[0622] Exemplary configurations are shown in Figures 28-30.

[0623] The display unit housing 4001 includes a front wall 4003 , a rear wall 4005 , opposing side walls 4007 and a bottom wall 4009 .

[0624] In the illustrated configuration, the notification lights 4150, 4150' are provided in or on at least one exterior surface of the display unit housing 4001. The notification lights 4150, 4150' may protrude outwardly from the exterior surface for better visibility.

[0625] The notification lights may be on or in any wall / surface or any combination of walls / surfaces.

[0626] As an example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 28, the notification light 4150 is provided on the rear wall 4005 and the bottom wall 4009 of the display unit housing 4001. As another example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 29, the notification light 4150' is provided on the rear wall 4005 of the display unit housing 4001.

[0627] The notification light 4150, 4150' may be visible through at least a portion of the portable display unit that includes the screen 4051. In some configurations, the display unit housing 4001 includes a transparent portion on a top surface 4013 of the display unit housing, and the notification light is visible through the transparent portion. The transparent portion may be in any surface or combination of surfaces.

[0628] In some configurations, the notification lights 4150, 4150' protrude from the back of the display unit housing 4001 such that the notification lights 4150, 4150' are visible from at least the back, top, left side, right side and bottom of the portable display unit. The notification lights may protrude from any surface or combination of surfaces.

[0629] In some configurations, the notification lights are visible from at least the back, top, left side, right side and bottom of the portable display unit.

[0630] The notification lights 4150 , 4150 ′ are visible from a substantially 360 degree viewing angle around the portable display unit 4000 .

[0631] The notification lights 4150, 4150' may be provided within the display unit housing 4001. The display unit housing 4001 may include a transparent portion such that the notification lights are visible through the transparent portion.

[0632] In some configurations, the display unit housing 4001 includes at least one transparent portion, and the notification light 4150 is visible through the at least one transparent portion such that it is visible from 360 degrees around the display unit housing 4001. The transparent portion may protrude from the display unit housing 4001 to provide 360 ​​degree visibility.

[0633] The notification lights 4150, 4150' may be configured to provide a visual alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0634] The alarm status may include an alarm status of the portable display unit 4000 and / or an alarm status of the respiratory assistance device.

[0635] Exemplary alarm conditions for the respiratory support device include one or more of: inability to reach target oxygen, oxygen detected when therapy is off, SpO2 below target, severe leak, chamber leak, empty chamber, no AC current, patient end temperature sensor reading above threshold temperature, heater plate temperature sensor reading above threshold temperature.

[0636] Exemplary alarm conditions for the portable display unit include one or more of: a disconnection of the cable 4061 between the portable display unit 50 and the base unit of the respiratory assistance device, a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device, and poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device.

[0637] The notification light 4150, 4150' may include one or more light elements. For example, the notification light 4150, 4150' may include one or more LEDs. In an alternative configuration, the notification light 4150, 4150' may constitute a backlight for a user input component such as the screen 4051 or button B. In that configuration, the display unit housing may include a transparent portion to allow the backlight to be visible during visual notification.

[0638] The notification light 4150, 4150' may include multiple lights of different colors. For example, the notification light 4150, 4150' may include multiple LEDs of different colors or may include a multi-color / RGB LED.

[0639] The LEDs may be arranged in an array such that they can be illuminated in a sequence or pattern that a user or clinician uses to identify an alarm condition. The pattern or sequence may illuminate multiple LEDs in a on / off sequence to form a recognizable and / or repeatable pattern, and the pattern or sequence may additionally or alternatively define illumination of LEDs in different colors that define a pattern.

[0640] The notification lights 4150, 4150′ may be configured as an elongated light bar that extends along a portion of at least one of the walls of the display unit housing 4001. In some embodiments, the elongated light bar may protrude outwardly from the display unit housing 4001.

[0641] The notification light 4150, 4150' may be connected to the display unit housing, for example, via a clip arrangement or via a fastener or adhesive. FIG. 30 shows an exemplary clip arrangement, in which two opposing protrusions 4151 engage against a wall edge 4005' of a wall 4005 of the display unit housing 4001. The protrusions 4151 may be tapered to allow relatively easy engagement of the notification light 4150' with the wall, but inhibit disengagement of the notification light 4150' from the wall.

[0642] A seal or gasket 4155, such as an O-ring, may be provided between the notification light 4150, 4150' and the display unit housing 4001 to help hermetically seal the display unit housing against ingress of water and / or oxygen.

[0643] The seal or gasket may comprise silicone or any other suitable material.

[0644] The portable display unit may further include a notification speaker S, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0645] In an alternative configuration, the portable display unit may include a speaker but no notification light.

[0646] The notification speaker S is configured to provide an audio alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0647] The alarm status may include an alarm status of the portable display unit 4000 and / or an alarm status of the respiratory assistance device.

[0648] Exemplary alarm conditions for the respiratory support device include one or more of: inability to reach target oxygen, oxygen detected when therapy is off, SpO2 below target, severe leak, chamber leak, empty chamber, no AC current, patient end temperature sensor measurement exceeds threshold temperature, heater plate temperature sensor measurement exceeds threshold temperature.

[0649] Exemplary alarm conditions for the portable display unit include one or more of: a disconnection of the cable 4061 between the portable display unit and the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance device; a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device; poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device; or the portable display unit being no longer in close proximity to the base unit or having moved outside a predefined tolerance range from the base unit (which may be indicated, for example, by the latency between the display unit and the base unit exceeding a threshold value).

[0650] In some configurations, the notification light 4150, 4150' and the notification speaker S are configured to work in combination to provide an alert, i.e., when the notification light 4150, 4150' provides a visual alert, the notification speaker S may provide an audible alert.

[0651] A portable display unit including notification lights 4150 , 4150 ′ and optionally a notification speaker S may be used with or provided in combination with a respiratory assistance apparatus having a base unit 50 .

[0652] In some configurations, there is provided a combination of a respiratory assistance apparatus including a base unit 50 having a housing 100 with a gas port 21, and the portable display unit 4000 described above. Exemplary configurations are shown in Figures 31-37.

[0653] The base unit 50 may include a base unit notification light 240 .

[0654] In the illustrated configuration, the base unit notification light 240 is provided in or on at least one exterior surface of the base unit 50 .

[0655] The base unit notification light 240 may be provided within the housing 100 or the screen carrier 211 or the shroud 190 of the base unit 50. The housing 100 or the screen carrier 211 or the shroud 190 of the base unit 50 may include a transparent portion and the notification light 240 may be visible through the transparent portion.

[0656] As an example, in the illustrated configuration, the base unit notification light 240 is located on or in a top wall of the base unit. For example, the base unit notification light 240 could be located in a top wall of the screen carrier 211. Alternatively, the base unit notification light 240 could be located in a top wall of the main housing 100. As another alternative, the base unit notification light 240 could be located in a different wall of the screen carrier 211 or the main housing 100.

[0657] A base unit notification light 240 may protrude outwardly from the base unit.

[0658] The base unit notification light 240 may be visible from at least the top of the base unit.

[0659] As shown in FIG. 37, the base unit notification light 240 is advantageously visible from the top front area of ​​the base unit 50 when the portable display unit 4000 is connected to the base unit 50 .

[0660] The base unit notification light 240 may be configured to provide a visual alert in response to an alarm condition.

[0661] The alarm status may include an alarm status of the portable display unit 4000 and / or an alarm status of the respiratory assistance device.

[0662] Exemplary alarm conditions include one or more of: a disconnection of the cable 4061 between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance device, a disconnection of physical or wireless communication from the respiratory assistance device, and poor communication latency with the respiratory assistance device.

[0663] In some configurations, the portable display unit notification light 4150, 4150' and the base unit notification light 240 are configured to work in combination to provide alerts. That is, when the portable display unit notification light 4150, 4150' issues a visual alert, the base unit notification light 240 may issue a corresponding or the same visual alert. They may issue these alerts in combination with an audible alert from the notification speaker S.

[0664] The base unit notification light 240 may include one or more light elements 240a. For example, the base unit notification light 240 may include one or more LEDs.

[0665] The base unit notification light 240 may be configured as an elongated light bar that extends along or across a portion of the base unit 50, such as the front portion of the base unit's screen carrier 211. An example configuration of the light bar 240' is shown in FIG.

[0666] The base unit notification light 240 may be configured to exhibit different colors in response to different notification conditions. The notification conditions may be associated with the portable display unit 4000.

[0667] For example, the base unit notification light 240 may exhibit a first color (e.g., green) light to indicate that the portable display unit 4000 is properly connected to the base unit 50, and may exhibit a second color (e.g., red) light to indicate that the portable display unit 4000 is not properly connected to the base unit 50. As another example, the base unit notification light 240 may exhibit a different color light for when there is a power connection but no data connection between the base unit and the portable display unit and when there is a data connection but no power connection between the base unit and the portable display unit.

[0668] If the base unit notification light 240 includes multiple light elements 240a, the light elements may have different colors to indicate different notification colors.

[0669] 32 and 34-36, the base unit 50 may include an interconnect circuit board 271 for providing data communication between the portable display unit and a main circuit board 272 (FIG. 4D) of the base unit 50. The interconnect circuit board may be a printed circuit board. The base unit notification light 240 may be coupled to the interconnect circuit board 271.

[0670] The optical element 240 a may be coupled to an interconnect circuit board 271 or may be provided on the interconnect circuit board 271 .

[0671] In one exemplary configuration, the light element 240 a is coupled or attached to or adjacent to a top edge 271 a of the interconnect circuit board 271 .

[0672] The interconnect circuit board 271 may provide electrical and / or electronic connections with the portable display unit 4000 and the patient conduit 16. The interconnect circuit board 271 may include other electrical connectors for different conduits or connectors.

[0673] The interconnect circuit board 271 is in electrical communication with the main circuit board 272 and controls the connections to the portable display unit 4000, the patient conduit 16 and other conduits or connectors if applicable.

[0674] The interconnect circuit board 271 has a cable connector 271b for receiving the cable 4061 of the portable display unit 4000. The cable 4601 may include a connector 4601c for connecting to the cable connector 271b. The cable connector 271b may be a power connector, a data connector, or a power and data connector. In one exemplary configuration, the cable connector 271b is a USBC connector.

[0675] In some configurations, the portable display unit 4000 may include a button B and a dial D. In some configurations, a portable display unit 4000 for a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, the portable display unit 4000 including a display unit housing 4001, a screen 4051, a cable physically coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus, a button B and a dial D.

[0676] In some configurations, the cable 4061 is for transmitting power from the base unit 50 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0677] Button B may provide a first user input component and dial D may provide a second user input component.

[0678] The coupling component may provide any physical or wireless coupling of the type described herein.

[0679] An exemplary configuration of the portable display unit 4000 is shown in FIGS.

[0680] The portable display unit 4000 may include one button B or may include multiple buttons B. In the illustrated configuration, the portable display unit includes four buttons, however, the portable display unit 4000 may include one, two, three, four or more buttons.

[0681] Button B may be provided on any suitable surface of the portable display unit to enable user interaction via the button. In the illustrated configuration, Button B is provided on the top surface 4013 of the display unit housing 4001 adjacent to the screen 4051.

[0682] The screen 4051 may be a touch screen as outlined above to allow a user to interact with the screen to control one or more functions of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0683] The button may be an electrical push button. Alternatively, button B may be a membrane button.

[0684] The membrane button may help prevent the ingress of water and oxygen into the interior portion of the display unit housing.

[0685] The buttons may be backlit.

[0686] The membrane button may include a raised edge B1 and a central portion B2 for depression for interaction by a user. The central portion B2 may be recessed from the raised edge B1 to minimize the possibility of inadvertent actuation of the button.

[0687] Button B may provide tactile feedback that may indicate the initiation of a therapy mode of the respiratory assistance device.

[0688] Dial D includes a rotatable component D1 for providing user input.

[0689] In the illustrated configuration, the rotatable component D1 includes a rotatable knob.

[0690] The rotatable component D1 is configured to be actuated by a user by rotating the rotatable component D1, which is movable only in a rotational motion and not in the axial direction of the dial.

[0691] Dial D further includes a push button D2 for providing user input different from the rotatable component.

[0692] The push button D2 is configured to be actuated by a user by pressing the push button D2 axially towards the display unit housing 4001.

[0693] The rotatable element D1 surrounds the periphery of the push button D2, the push surface D2' of which is recessed into the rotatable element D1.

[0694] As a result, the rotatable component D1 protects the push button D2 by housing it therein, thereby providing shock protection for the push button D2 and reducing the likelihood of the push button D2 being inadvertently actuated or damaged when forces are applied in the axial direction of the dial D. Generally, forces applied in the axial direction of the dial D are instead transmitted through the rotatable component D1 and then through the display unit housing 4001 and not through the push button D2 to the circuit board 4004 of FIG. 25, unless specifically applied only to the push button D2.

[0695] Furthermore, the press surface D2' is recessed into the rotatable component so that when the portable display unit 4000 is placed face down on any surface, actuating the push button D2 will not inadvertently trigger or change the settings of the respiratory assistance device.

[0696] In the illustrated configuration, the dial D protrudes from the top surface 4013 of the display unit housing 4001. Alternatively, the dial D may be recessed into the display unit housing 4001.

[0697] A biasing device D3, such as a spring, is provided between the push button D2 and the base D4 of the dial to bias the push button D2 axially away from the display unit housing 4001. To activate the push button D2, a user presses the push button D2 axially towards the display unit housing.

[0698] The dial base D4 may include a rotary encoder for converting the rotation of the rotatable component D1 into a digital signal. The base D4 may include a pushbutton encoder for converting the movement of the pushbutton D2 into a digital signal.

[0699] In another configuration, the dial D may have a rotatable component D1 but no push button D2.

[0700] The portable display unit 4000 may include a proximity sensor 4101 for determining the presence of a user.

[0701] The screen 4051 may be configured to go dark or turn off if no user is detected for a certain period of time, as sensed by the proximity sensor 4101 .

[0702] The proximity sensor 4101 may include, for example, an optical sensor.

[0703] As outlined above, the portable display unit 4000 may further include an ambient light sensor 4102. The screen 4051 may be configured to adjust brightness in response to changes in ambient light.

[0704] The screen 4051 is recessed from the top surface 4013 of the display unit housing 4001. That is, the display unit housing 4001 protrudes above the screen 4051. This provides a level of shock protection for the screen, so that if the portable display unit 4000 is dropped or impacted, the screen 4051 is unlikely to be directly impacted.

[0705] As generally described above, the portable display unit may include at least one connection feature 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and to another support component.

[0706] The at least one connection feature 4071 may include a first connection feature 4071'' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and may include a second connection feature 4071' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to a different support component, the first connection feature being different from the second connection feature.

[0707] As outlined above, in some configurations the angular orientation of the screen 4051 can be adjusted.

[0708] In some configurations, the angular orientation of the display unit housing 4001 can be adjusted relative to at least one connection feature 4071 and / or relative to the base unit 50.

[0709] In some configurations, the portable display unit 4000 is hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and / or oxygen into the portable display unit. In some configurations, a portable display unit 4000 for a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, the portable display unit including a display unit housing 4001 defining an interior portion, a screen, and coupling components 4061, TC1 for coupling the portable display unit to a base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus, the portable display unit 4000 being hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of water and / or oxygen into the interior portion of the portable display unit.

[0710] The coupling components may include a cable 4061 for physically coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 .

[0711] In some configurations, the cable 4061 is for transmitting power from the base unit 50 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50.

[0712] The coupling components may include wireless communication interface components for communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50 .

[0713] For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a display unit housing 4001 includes a first housing portion 4001a and a second housing portion 4001b with a seal or gasket 4002 provided between the first housing portion 4001a and the second housing portion 4001b.

[0714] The seal or gasket 4002 may include a compressible seal or gasket that may be compressed between the first housing portion 4001 a and the second housing portion 4001 b in the assembled housing. The seal or gasket 4002 may include silicone or any other suitable material, including those described elsewhere herein for other seals or sealing functionalities.

[0715] A seal or gasket 4002 may extend around the entire periphery of the display unit housing 4001 between the first housing portion 4001a and the second housing portion 4001b.

[0716] The portable display unit 4000 may include electrical and / or electronic components housed within an interior portion of the display unit housing 4001 .

[0717] The electrical and / or electronic components may include a circuit board (PCB) 4004. The circuit board 4004 may include a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0718] The circuit board 4004 may be surrounded by a sealing material to prevent ingress of water and / or oxygen into the circuit board.

[0719] In one exemplary configuration, the circuit board 4004 has a sealing material overmolded onto the circuit board 4004 .

[0720] The sealing material may be further configured to provide shock absorption and / or heat dissipation to the circuit board.

[0721] Suitable materials include those described elsewhere herein for their shock absorbing and heat dissipating functions.

[0722] The portable display unit 4000 may further include a temperature sensor 4103 for determining whether the temperature of an interior portion of the portable display unit housing exceeds a threshold value. The temperature sensor 4103 may be provided on the circuit board 4004 or elsewhere.

[0723] The portable display unit 4000 may further include an oxygen sensor 4104 for determining whether oxygen is detected above a threshold in an interior portion of the portable display unit housing. The oxygen sensor 4104 may be provided on the circuit board 4004 or elsewhere.

[0724] The oxygen sensor 4104 may detect whether oxygen is above a predetermined level, which may indicate a safety risk.

[0725] A seal or gasket 4155, such as an O-ring, may be provided between the notification light 4150, 4150' and the display unit housing 4001 to help hermetically seal the display unit housing against ingress of water and / or oxygen.

[0726] To assist in hermetically sealing the display unit housing against the ingress of water and / or oxygen, a seal or gasket E, such as an O-ring, may be provided between button B and the display unit housing 4001 and / or between dial D and the display unit housing 4001.

[0727] The coupling components may provide any physical or wireless coupling of the types described herein.

[0728] As generally described above, the portable display unit 4000 may include at least one connection feature 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit 50 and different support components.

[0729] The at least one connection feature 4071 may include a first connection feature 4071'' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and may include a second connection feature 4071' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to a different support component, the first connection feature 4071'' being different from the second connection feature 4071'.

[0730] As outlined above, the screen 4051 may be recessed from a top surface 4013 of the display unit housing. In some configurations, a portable display unit 4000 for a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, the portable display unit including a display unit housing 4001 having a top surface, a screen 4051, and coupling components 4061, TC1 for coupling the portable display unit 4000 to a base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus, the screen 4051 being recessed from a top surface 4103 of the display unit housing 4001.

[0731] An exemplary configuration is shown in FIG.

[0732] The top surface 4013 of the display unit housing 4001 may include an opening for a screen 4051. The screen 4051 may be at least partially located within and / or visible through the opening in the top surface 4013.

[0733] The display unit housing 4001 protrudes above the screen 4051. This provides a level of impact protection for the screen 4051.

[0734] The material of the display unit housing 4001 can be selected to provide impact protection. Exemplary materials include polycarbonate, polycarbonate blends, or other plastic materials.

[0735] Because the portable display unit 4000 has few or no moving parts, the choice of material for the display unit housing 4001 can be a major factor in resisting damage from shocks, bumps or drops.

[0736] The portable display unit 4000 may include features or functionality that indicate its suitability for use after an impact or drop. For example, the portable display unit 4000 may be configured to withstand being dropped from a particular height, but the screen 4051 or notification light may be configured to indicate if the screen has been impacted with more than a predetermined force, indicating that a drop from a greater height has occurred.

[0737] The portable display unit 4000 may further include a sensor to detect whether the portable display unit has been dropped or subjected to other impacts. The sensor may include, for example, an accelerometer or a gyroscope. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may detect the angle of orientation of the portable display unit 4000.

[0738] At least a portion of one or more corners and / or edges of the display unit housing 4001 may include or be integrally formed from an impact absorbing material, as described above for the corners 3511 of the display unit housing 3501.

[0739] The shock absorbing material may extend partially over the top surface 4013 and bottom surface 4009 of the display unit housing 4001 .

[0740] In some configurations, the shock absorbing material is integrally formed with the display unit housing 4001. Alternatively, the shock absorbing material may be removable from the display unit housing 4001.

[0741] As outlined above, the display unit housing may define an interior portion and the portable display unit may include electrical and / or electronic components housed within the interior portion of the display unit housing 4001.

[0742] The electrical and / or electronic components may include a circuit board 4004. The circuit board 4004 may include a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0743] The circuit board 4004 may be surrounded by a material configured to provide shock absorption, including materials described elsewhere herein for shock absorbing functionality. Additionally or alternatively, the material may be a potting material such as foam or polystyrene.

[0744] In some configurations, the screen 4051 is loosely held or suspended within the display unit housing 4001. This provides a level of shock protection for the screen 4051.

[0745] For example, the screen 4051 may be mounted within the display unit housing 4001 on resiliently deformable members. Those members may include bushings or suspension members. In one exemplary configuration, suspension members may be provided at or adjacent each corner of the screen 4051 to movably mount the screen 4051 to the display unit housing 4001.

[0746] As another example, the screen 4051 may be placed in the display unit housing 4001 and clamped against the first housing part 4001a. A shock absorbing material, such as, for example, a foam tape, is provided between the screen 4051 and the first housing part 4001a.

[0747] The portable display unit may further include a sensor to detect if the portable display unit has been dropped. The sensor may include, for example, an accelerometer or a gyroscope. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may detect the angle of orientation of the portable display unit 4000.

[0748] As outlined above, the portable display unit 4000 may include a notification light 4150, 4150' and / or a notification speaker S. The notification light 4150, 4150' and / or notification sensor S may provide a visual and / or audible alert if the sensor detects that the portable display unit 4000 has been dropped or otherwise impacted.

[0749] The coupling components may provide any physical or wireless coupling of the types described herein.

[0750] As generally described above, the portable display unit 4000 may include at least one connection feature 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit 50 and different support components.

[0751] The at least one connection 4071 feature may include a first connection feature 4071'' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50 and may include a second connection feature 4071' for removably connecting the portable display unit 4000 to a different support component, the first connection feature 4071'' being different from the second connection feature 4071'.

[0752] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided with a screen cover 5001. An exemplary screen cover is shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0753] The screen cover 5001 comprises a transparent flexible material and is configured to cover at least the screen 3051 , 3551 , 4051 of the portable display unit 3000 , 3500 , 4000 .

[0754] In the illustrated configuration, the screen cover 5001 includes a top surface 5003 for covering the screen 3051, 3551, 4051 and a plurality of walls 5005 for extending around the walls 3003, 3005, 3007, 3503, 3505, 3507, 4003, 4005, 4007 of the display unit housing 3001, 3501. The screen cover 5001 may be configured to extend partially around the bottom 3009, 3509, 4009 of the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001.

[0755] The screen cover 5001 preferably comprises a resilient material and may be an interference fit such that the screen cover 5001 needs to be stretched to attach to the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001. This helps hold the screen cover 5001 in place on the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4501.

[0756] Additionally or alternatively, the screen cover 5001 may include fastening features to help hold the screen in place on the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001.

[0757] In the illustrated form, the exemplary fastening feature includes an elongated strap 5007 extending from one side of the cover 5001 and configured to connect to a connector 5009 extending from another side of the screen cover, the strap 5007 extending at least partially across a bottom surface of the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001. Any other suitable configurations may be used. The strap 5007 and / or the connector 5009 may include a buckle, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other suitable connector.

[0758] When the screen cover 5001 is in place on the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, there may be an air gap between the cover 5001 and the screen 3051, 3551, 4051. This allows the touch screen to be used even if liquid comes into contact with the cover 5001.

[0759] Additionally, an air gap may be provided between the cover 5001 and the display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001 to provide insulation from heat.

[0760] The screen cover 5001 may be a removable screen cover. Alternatively, the screen cover 5001 may be overmolded onto the screen. If an overmolded screen cover is used, there are no fastening features on the screen cover.

[0761] If the screen cover 5001 is a removable screen cover, the screen cover 5004 can be removed from the portable display unit 3000 , 3500 , 4000 and cleaned, sterilized or discarded and replaced with a new cover 5001 .

[0762] The screen cover 5001 helps to prevent accidental touching of the screen 3051, 3551, 4051 and may help to prevent water from entering the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0763] In some configurations, the screen cover 5001 may be sized and configured to cover only the screen or only the screen and top surface of the housing but not other portions.

[0764] The material selection for the screen cover 5001 may include a semi-rigid material that is sturdy enough to withstand impacts. That is, the screen cover 5001 may include a semi-rigid material that is sturdy enough to withstand impacts. It may be a single piece with increased thickness at the corners of the screen cover that correspond to the corners of the portable display unit. The material is advantageously thin and transparent enough to allow touch screen operation / use.

[0765] Exemplary materials may include silicone or polyurethane. Other foam materials may be used to provide shock absorption.

[0766] If an overmolded screen cover 5001 is provided, the screen cover 5001 may help prevent ingress of water and / or oxygen into the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0767] The screen cover 5001 may provide a heat sink or heat transfer function that allows heat to be directed away from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 through the selection of the thermal properties of the screen cover 5001 material.

[0768] Exemplary materials for the screen cover include silicone, thermally conductive silicone rubber, or any other suitable material.

[0769] The screen cover 5001 may enhance grip of the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0770] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided in combination with a respiratory assistance apparatus or may be provided as retrofit devices for use with a respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0771] The portable display unit may be used with any of the types of respiratory assistance devices disclosed herein, which may be, for example, a respiratory motion assistance device, a respiratory therapy device, or any other suitable type of respiratory assistance device.

[0772] Any of the respiratory assistance devices disclosed herein may include complementary connection features for engaging with connection features of the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to removably connect the display unit to the respiratory assistance device.

[0773] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be connectable to and detachable from the base unit 50 of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0774] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be coupled to a base unit 50. The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be physically coupled to the base unit 50 and / or wirelessly coupled to the base unit 50 to communicate data between the portable display units and the base unit.

[0775] In at least one exemplary configuration, the respiratory assistance device includes a humidifier 12, 1302a, 1302b, 300, a base unit 50, and a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 including a display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4001, a screen 3051, 3551, 4051, a communication interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the base unit 50 and the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, and at least one connection feature 3071, 3571, 4071 for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit 50.

[0776] A humidifier may be provided in the base unit.

[0777] The communication interface may include at least one wire for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0778] The communications interface may include a wireless communications interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

[0779] In at least one exemplary configuration, the respiratory assistance device includes a base unit 50, a heating element 140 positioned on or within the base unit 50, a humidification chamber 300 associated with the heating element 140 such that the heating element is in thermal communication with the humidification chamber, a controller 13 in electronic communication with the heating element 140, and a display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, the display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 being separable from the base unit 50 so that the display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 can be disconnected from the base unit and reconnected to the base unit 50, and the controller 13 is in electronic communication with the display unit 3000, 3500 when the display unit is connected to and disconnected from the base unit 50 so that data and / or control signals and / or power signals can be transmitted from the controller to the display unit and data and / or control signals can be transmitted from the display unit to the controller.

[0780] The respiratory assistance device may be configured to receive gas from an external source.

[0781] Alternatively, the respiratory assistance apparatus may include a flow generator (eg, a blower or motor module) within the base unit to generate a flow of pressurized gas.

[0782] The humidification chamber 300 may be removable from the base unit.

[0783] The display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be physically coupled to the base unit 50 to enable transmission of power signals from the controller to the display units. The physical coupling may be by any of the configurations disclosed herein.

[0784] The display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be physically coupled to the base unit 50 to enable transmission of data from the controller to the display units and from the display units to the controller. The physical coupling may be in any of the configurations disclosed herein.

[0785] The display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be wirelessly coupled to the base unit 50 to allow for the transmission of data from the controller to the display units and from the display units to the controller. The wireless coupling may be by any of the configurations disclosed herein.

[0786] The display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 disclosed herein can be used as part of a modular respiratory assistance apparatus. The respiratory assistance apparatus may have multiple components including: a flow generator 11, 1301a, 1301b, 1307, 1726, 2125 for generating a flow of pressurized gas, a humidifier 12, 300, 1302a, 1302b, 2102, 2104 for humidifying the gas, and a display unit 3000, 3500, 4000. The display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 includes a display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4000, a screen 3051, 3551, 4051, and coupling components (TC1, TC2 and / or TC3) for coupling the display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to at least one of the components of the respiratory assistance apparatus. The components are modularized such that at least one of the components is separable from at least one other of the components.

[0787] In some configurations, the display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is separable from at least one other component of the respiratory assistance apparatus.

[0788] In some configurations, the humidifier 12, 300, 1302a, 2102, 2104 and the flow generator 11, 1301a, 1307, 1726, 2125 are separable from one another.

[0789] In some configurations, the humidifier 12, 1302a is in a humidifier housing and the flow generator 11, 1301a is in a separate flow generator housing, and the humidifier housing can be removably coupled to the flow generator housing.

[0790] In some configurations, the display units 3000, 3500, 4000 are separable and removably coupled to the flow generator housing.

[0791] In some configurations, the display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is separably and removably coupled to the humidifier housing.

[0792] In some configurations, the humidifier includes a first display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 and the flow generator includes a second display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, and both display units are removable and portable.

[0793] In some configurations, the humidifier 300, 1302b and the flow generator 11, 1301b are within a common housing.

[0794] In some configurations, the humidifier includes a heater plate 140 that is mounted to a common housing and a humidification chamber 300 that may be removably positioned within a portion of the common housing so as to be in thermal communication with the heater plate. In some configurations, the heater plate 140 contacts the humidification chamber 300 when the humidification chamber is in the common housing.

[0795] The display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be separably and removably connectable to a common housing.

[0796] Any of the respiratory assistance devices described herein may include more than one display. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the base unit 50 of the exemplary respiratory assistance device may have a first display screen 212 fixed to the base unit housing 100. A portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be provided for use with the respiratory assistance device as well. When a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is provided, the portable display unit may function as the primary screen of the respiratory assistance device and the display screen 212 may function as a secondary or backup screen. That is, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be the primary interface for the respiratory assistance device and the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be the secondary interface for the respiratory assistance device. In an alternative configuration, the portable display unit may function as the primary screen of the respiratory assistance device and the display screen 212 also functions as the primary screen. In these configurations, the portable display unit and the display screen 212 may mirror each other or allow the same functionality with respect to monitoring therapy and adjusting therapy parameters.

[0797] In another configuration, the display screen 212 may be detachable from the base unit and portable.

[0798] By providing at least one portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, it is possible to provide a screen for use with a respiratory assistance apparatus which allows optimal placement of the screen for use (e.g. at or near eye level of the patient, user or medical professional) whilst allowing the base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus to be positioned elsewhere.

[0799] In at least some exemplary configurations, a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 for a respiratory assistance apparatus is disclosed, the portable display unit being capable of being positioned or configured to be positioned in an operating position separate from a base unit of the respiratory assistance apparatus and vertically higher than the base unit.

[0800] For example, if the respiratory assistance apparatus includes or is a built-in humidifier, the humidifier may be positioned below the patient, while the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be positioned or configured to be positioned in an operating position at an easily viewable / usable elevated position vertically higher / above the base unit 50 and humidifier, allowing interaction and control of the respiratory assistance apparatus by the user from an advantageous position.

[0801] The base unit 50 may include an integrated flow generator / blower and an integrated humidifier.

[0802] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface. The humidifier can be or is configured to be located below head level of the patient. The breathing circuit and humidifier are configured such that condensed water that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting at the patient interface. Gravity promotes the return of condensed water to the humidifier. Additionally, if the humidification chamber of the humidifier is overfilled, the overfilled liquid should not collect at the patient interface.

[0803] In some configurations, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be positioned above the base unit 50 and the humidifier.

[0804] In some configurations, when the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is located above the base unit 50 and / or humidifier, the portable display unit allows user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance device from a vantage point.

[0805] In some configurations, the humidifier may be or is configured to be positioned below the patient's hip height to drain condensed water into the humidification chamber.

[0806] Humidifiers or high flow devices, at least in hospital use, are positioned under the patient's bed or the clinician's hips due to the volume of water and the heater plate. This is for clinician and patient safety. This reduces the chance of heated and / or contaminated water splashing on the patient. However, this means that the integral screen is not visible to the clinician. A portable display unit allows the clinician to remove the display unit and position it in a more convenient location, allowing the clinician to view the display from a convenient position while keeping the base unit in a safe position.

[0807] In at least some exemplary configurations, a method of using a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 in a respiratory assistance apparatus is disclosed, the respiratory assistance apparatus including a base unit 50 including a humidifier, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 being coupled to the base unit, the method including the following steps: detaching the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 from the base unit and positioning the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 above the base unit 50 so that the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 is visible to a user.

[0808] In some configurations, the method includes extending or manipulating the coupling to position the portable display unit at eye level of a user or adjacent to the patient.

[0809] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device includes a humidifier.

[0810] In some configurations, the method includes positioning the humidifier below head level of the patient and positioning the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 in an operating position so that it is easily viewable / usable.

[0811] In some configurations, the respiratory assistance apparatus further includes a breathing circuit in fluid communication with the humidifier, the breathing circuit including a patient interface. When the humidifier is positioned below head level of the patient, condensation that accumulates in the breathing circuit is encouraged to return to the humidifier rather than collecting in the patient interface.

[0812] In some configurations, the method includes positioning the humidifier below the patient's hip height to allow condensed water to drain into a humidification chamber of the humidifier.

[0813] In some configurations, the method includes positioning a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 above the base unit and the humidifier.

[0814] In some configurations, when the portable display unit 3000 is located above the base unit and / or humidifier, the display unit allows user interaction and control of the respiratory assistance device from a vantage point.

[0815] If provided, the support features 3071, 3571, 4071 of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 allow the display units to be supported and connected to a variety of different support surfaces or different support components that may be separate from the base unit 50.

[0816] 19 shows a base unit 50 of a respiratory assistance apparatus connected or attached to a support component including a medical pole MP having a fluid bag 301 that delivers fluid to a humidification chamber 300 of a humidifier. The portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be supported on a cross member MP' extending from the medical pole or may be supported on another support surface. The medical pole MP may be provided with one or more complementary connector features 2071, 2071' for engaging with connector features 3071, 3571, 4071 on the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0817] As another example, Fig. 18A shows a portable display unit 3500 suspended from an end wall EW of a support component including a cot or bed, while Fig. 18B shows a portable display unit 3500 supported on a side wall SW of a support component including a bench, and Fig. 18C shows a portable display unit 3500 supported on a support component including a substantially horizontal support surface. The cot or bed, bench or horizontal support surface may be provided with one or more complementary connector features 2071, 2071' for engaging with connector features 3071, 3571, 4071 on the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0818] As another example, Figure 20 shows exemplary support positions for the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 on a support component including a medical stand, including supporting the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 on a platform P, on a table, or by attaching the base unit to a support arm and connecting the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 to the base unit 50. Similar options are available for warmers, incubators, bed mounts, or other medical equipment. The medical stand may be provided with one or more complementary connector features 2071, 2071' for engaging with connector features 3071, 3571, 4071 on the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0819] As another example, Figure 22 shows a portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 connected to a base unit 50 of a respiratory assistance apparatus mounted on a medical pole MP or connected to or supported by a cross member extending from the medical pole. The medical pole may be provided with one or more complementary connector features 2071, 2071' for engaging with connector features 3071, 3571, 4071 on the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0820] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may be tilt adjustable, rotatable, height adjustable and / or selectively laterally movable when attached to said support component. For example, the complementary connector features 2071, 2071' may be selectively movable or adjustable relative to the support component, optionally while remaining connected to the support component.

[0821] Additionally or alternatively, the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 may be connected to a portion of the support component that is selectively movable relative to another portion of the support component. For example, the portion of the support component may include an adjustable arm.

[0822] The portable display unit 4000 may be coupled to the base unit 50 by a cable. In some configurations, a respiratory assistance apparatus is provided, the respiratory assistance apparatus including a base unit 50, a portable display unit 4000 including a display unit housing 4001 and a screen 4051, and a cable 4061 physically coupling the portable display unit 4000 to the base unit 50, the cable 4061 for transmitting power from the base unit 50 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or communicating data between the portable display unit 4000 and the base unit 50, the cable 4061 being connected to the portable display unit 4000 by an overmolded portion 4200 of the cable that is removably connected to a portion of the display unit housing 4001 and / or connected to the base unit 50 by a retaining portion 4300 of the cable that is removably connected to a portion of the base unit 50.

[0823] Exemplary configurations are shown in FIG. 29 and FIGS.

[0824] In some configurations, the cable 4061 is connected to the portable display unit 4000 by an overmolded portion 4200. In some configurations, the cable 4061 is connected to the base unit 50 by a retaining portion 4300. In some configurations, the cable is connected to the portable display unit 4000 by an overmolded portion 4200 and to the base unit 50 by a retaining portion 4300.

[0825] The shape of the overmolded portion 4200 of the cable fits or corresponds to the shape of the slot 4008 in the aforementioned portion of the display unit housing 4001 .

[0826] 38-40 show an exemplary configuration of the overmolded portion 4200 and the slot 4008. FIG.

[0827] The overmolded portion 4200 of the cable and the slot 4008 are shaped such that the overmolded portion 4200 of the cable, and thus the cable 4061, can only be inserted into the slot 4008 in the aforementioned portion of the display unit housing 4001 in a single orientation. The cable 4061 may only be intended for use in a particular orientation. In this manner, the overmolded portion 4200 of the cable may act as a polarization feature such that the connector 4061a on the cable can only be inserted or plugged into the display unit housing 4001 in a single orientation.

[0828] The overmolded portion 4200 of the cable includes a molded body portion 4201. The body portion has a shape that matches or corresponds to the shape of the slot 4008.

[0829] In the exemplary configuration shown, the body portion 4201 includes a base portion 4203 and an abutment portion 4205. The base portion 4203 is proximate an elongated portion of a cable that extends from the display unit housing 4001 toward the base unit 50. The abutment portion is proximate the connector 4061a.

[0830] In the exemplary configuration shown, the slot 4008 includes a complementary base portion 4008a and a complementary adjacent portion 4008b.

[0831] The body portion 4201 further includes a cable sheath portion 4207 through which the cable passes.

[0832] The connector 4061 a protrudes from a neck portion 4209 of the overmolded portion 4200 .

[0833] The cable overmolded portion 4200 may include a groove 4211 for receiving a seal or grommet that aids in a hermetic seal against ingress of water and oxygen into the display unit housing 4001. The seal may include an O-ring. The seal forms a seal against the aperture 4008c of the slot.

[0834] In an alternative configuration, a seal or grommet may be integrally molded into the neck portion 4209 of the overmolded portion 4200 in a location similar to that shown for the groove 4211 .

[0835] The body portion 4201 is shaped to match the shape of a slot 4008 in the previous portion of the display unit housing. In the configuration shown, the base portion 4203 is thicker than the adjacent portion 4205. Other configurations are possible.

[0836] In the illustrated configuration, a base portion 4008a of the slot is deeper than an adjacent portion 4008b of the slot.

[0837] The outer surface of the overmolded portion 4200 of the cable is advantageously shaped so that the overmolded portion 4200 matches the contours of the display unit housing 4001 adjacent the slot 4008. The outer surface may lie flush with the display unit housing adjacent the slot 4008.

[0838] As shown, the cable 4061 extends through the cable overmolded portion 4200 such that the connector 4061a is oriented at a lateral angle to the cable 4061. In an alternative configuration, the cable overmolded portion 4200 can be configured such that the connector 4061a is aligned with the cable 4061.

[0839] Connector 4061 a of cable 4061 extends through aperture 4008 c when overmolded portion 4200 of the cable is inserted into slot 4008 .

[0840] The cable overmolded portion 4200 is configured to be fastened to the display unit housing 4001 by one or more fasteners to inhibit removal of the cable 4061 from the portable display unit 4000. In the illustrated configuration, the body portion 4201 includes one or more fastener-receiving apertures 4213 for receiving fasteners, such as screws. The fasteners extend through the fastener-receiving apertures 4213 and are received in complementary apertures 4008d in the slots 4008 of the display unit housing 4001.

[0841] In an alternative configuration, the cable overmolded portion 4200 may be configured to be secured to the display unit housing 4001 by one or more integral clip features, adhesive, or any other suitable technique.

[0842] By fastening the overmolded portion 4200 of the cable to the display unit housing 4001, the connector 4061a is inhibited from being pulled out of or damaged by the display unit housing if the cable 4061 becomes snagged.

[0843] The cable overmold 4200 provides a hermetic seal against water and oxygen ingress at the connection between the cable 4061 and the portable display unit 4000 .

[0844] The cable 4061 may be detachable from the portable display unit 4000 by removing a fastener.

[0845] In some configurations, the cable 4061 is connected to the base unit 50 by a retaining portion 4300 .

[0846] An exemplary configuration is shown in FIGS.

[0847] The shape of the retaining portion 4300 of the cable fits or corresponds to the shape of the slot in the base unit 50. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 42, the retaining portion 4300 of the cable includes a body portion 4301 having one or more protrusions 4303 configured to be received in the slot in the base unit 50.

[0848] The cable retaining portion 4300 may also be configured to be received in the slot 4061 b of the cable 4061 .

[0849] The retaining portion 4300 may be a separate component from the cable 4061 or may be integrally formed with the cable 4061. The retaining portion 4300 may be an overmolded portion of the cable 4061.

[0850] The cable retention portion 4300 is configured to be fastened to the base unit 50 by one or more fasteners to inhibit removal of the cable 4061 from the base unit 50. In the illustrated configuration, the body portion 4301 includes one or more fastener-receiving apertures 4305 for receiving fasteners, such as screws or the like. The fasteners extend through the fastener-receiving apertures 4305 and are received in complementary apertures in the base unit 50.

[0851] In an alternative configuration, the retaining portion 4300 of the cable may be configured to be clipped to the base unit 50 by one or more integrated clip features.

[0852] In an alternative configuration, the retaining portion 4300 may be configured to be clipped to the base unit 50 by the display unit attachment portion 2072 to the base unit 50. Clipping the display unit attachment portion 2072 to the base unit may prevent the cable from being removed from the base unit 50.

[0853] By fastening the cable holding portion 4300 to the base unit 50, the connector 4061c is prevented from being pulled out of the base unit 50 or from being damaged if the cable 4061 gets caught.

[0854] The cable 4061 may be removable from the base unit 50 by removing the fastener.

[0855] The cable retaining portion 4300 may be shaped such that the cable 4061 can only be inserted into the base unit 50 in a single orientation. In some configurations, the cable retaining portion 4300 and the cable 4061 are shaped such that the cable 4061 can only be inserted into the base unit 50 in a single orientation. For example, the retaining portion 4300 may be configured to fit only one side of the cable, such that if the cable is inverted, the retaining portion cannot engage the cable. Additionally or alternatively, the cable retaining portion 4300, the cable 4061 and / or the base unit 50 may have one or more other features to ensure that the cable can only be inserted into the base unit in a single orientation. In this manner, the cable retaining portion may function as a polarization feature such that the connector 4061c on the cable can only be inserted or plugged into the cable connector 271b on the interconnect circuit board 271 in a single orientation.

[0856] The respiratory assistance device may further include a sealing feature 4310 at the connection of the cable 4061 to the base unit 50 to provide a hermetic seal against the ingress of water and / or oxygen.

[0857] In some configurations, the sealing feature 4310 includes a seal or gasket. In the illustrated configuration, the sealing feature 4310 includes a grommet.

[0858] The grommet may have the cable 4061 inserted therein or may be integrally molded or otherwise preassembled to the cable 4061 .

[0859] The grommet forms a seal with a portion of the housing of the base unit 50 .

[0860] The grommets may comprise silicone or any other suitable material.

[0861] The sealing feature 4310 may be integral with the retaining portion 4300, may be separate from the retaining portion 4300, or may be both integral with and separate from the retaining portion 4300 (i.e., may have a portion formed integrally with the retaining portion 4300 and may have a portion separate from the retaining portion 4300).

[0862] The cable 4061 may be configured to connect to the upper housing chassis 102 or may alternatively be configured to connect to another portion of the housing 100 of the base unit 50 .

[0863] As outlined above, the cable may have a length of up to about 2m, optionally from about 1.5m to about 2m.

[0864] If the display unit 4000 or the cable 4061 becomes damaged, the cable 4061 may be replaceable in the field by a service technician.

[0865] If the cable 3061, 3561, 4061 is detachable from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 or is provided separately from the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000, the portable display unit coupling component TC1 may include a connector for connecting the cable 3061, 3561, 4061 to the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000.

[0866] If the cables 3061 , 3561 , 4061 are separable from the base unit 50 or are provided separately from the base unit 50 , the base unit 50 may include connectors for connecting the cables 3061 , 3561 , 4061 to the base unit 50 .

[0867] The respiratory assistance device may include at least one security feature to allow only authentic portable display units 3000 , 3500 , 4000 to be connected to the base unit 50 .

[0868] At least one security feature may be provided at least in part by the connection of the cable 4061 to the portable display unit 4000 and / or at the connection of the cable 4061 to the base unit 50.

[0869] At least one security feature includes a hardware and / or software module for determining whether a connected portable display unit 4000 is authentic.

[0870] The at least one security feature may include a separate security chip (ie, a separate hardware module) or may be integrated into the interconnect PCB 271 or the base unit main base unit circuit board 272.

[0871] The at least one security feature may include a software module that can check an incoming connection to the portable display unit 4000 and determine if the portable display unit 4000 is authorized for use (i.e., is not a third-party portable display unit). If the portable display unit 4000 is not authentic, the base unit 50 may not allow data and power connections to the portable display unit 4000 and / or may alert the user or may alert the manufacturer or supplier.

[0872] The user may be alerted via the display unit notification light 4150, 4150', the base unit notification light 240, 240' and / or the speaker S.

[0873] Additionally or alternatively, the connection may be encrypted so that the base unit 50 will only work with cables 4061 and / or portable display units 4000 that have the corresponding encryption. The portable display unit 4000 may have an encryption key that allows access to the portable display unit and vice versa. This similarly prevents the use of third party screen modules.

[0874] In one exemplary configuration, one of the base unit 50, cable 4061 or portable display unit 4000 has a chip or integrated circuit that issues a series of numbers, and another of the base unit 50, cable or portable display unit 4061 has a chip or integrated circuit that checks whether the numbers match.

[0875] In some configurations, hardware and / or software modules are provided by the security circuitry.

[0876] In some configurations, the security circuitry includes one or more encryption modules that allow an encrypted connection to be established over the cable if the portable display unit is authentic.

[0877] The base unit 50 may include a cable management arrangement that allows the cables 3061, 3561, 4061 to be coiled. The cable management arrangement may further allow other cables to be coiled, such as a power cable for the base unit, a cable for one or more sensors, etc.

[0878] The cable management arrangement may include a cable hanger that allows the cable to be suspended from the cable hanger, and that allows the cable 4061 to be wrapped around the cable hanger.

[0879] The cable hanger protrudes from a portion of the housing 100 of the base unit.

[0880] In an advantageous configuration, the cable hanger protrudes from a portion of the housing 100 so that the cable hanger and cable 4061 do not obstruct access to the humidification chamber bay 108 or the portable display unit 4000 when the portable display unit 4000 is connected to the base unit 50.

[0881] In some configurations, the cable hangers protrude from the sides and / or rear of the base unit housing 100 .

[0882] The cable hanger may include a main support portion 4401 and a retaining portion 4403 to help retain the cable 4061 on the main support portion 4401. The retaining portion 4403 may be an enlarged portion having at least one dimension larger than the main support portion 4401. In one configuration, the retaining portion 4403 includes a flange.

[0883] As outlined above, the cable 4061 may be retractable. For example, the cable 4061 may be retractable at the portable display unit 4000 or at the base unit 50.

[0884] Any of the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 may have direct communication capabilities, i.e., neither to nor from the base unit 50. The direct communication capabilities may be wired or wireless and may be of any of the types described herein. Direct communication allows communication directly to and / or from the portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 without first sending it back to the base unit 50.

[0885] For example, the direct communication capability may be via a nurse alarm cable that plugs into a hospital nurse alarm port, or the portable display unit may have integrated Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth and / or cellular communication circuitry for connecting to external devices. Exemplary external devices include smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, or other medical devices.

[0886] The portable display units 3000, 3500, 4000 described herein can be used connected to the base unit 50 or can be used detached from the base unit 50. In some configurations, the portable display units can be used connected to a different support component, such as a medical pole or medical stand, but can be used during transportation to, from, or around a medical facility, or can be connected to the base unit when not being used to monitor a patient.

[0887] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, various components may be rearranged as necessary. Features of any of the described embodiments may be combined with each other, and / or a device may include one, more than one, or all of the features of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, not all features, aspects, and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be defined solely by the following claims.

[0888] The various configurations described are merely example configurations: any one or more features from any of the configurations can be used in combination with any one or more features from any of the other configurations.

[0889] Features are described with reference to a respiratory assistance device capable of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient or user. The device may be suitable for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The device may be configured to deliver gas to a patient interface at high flow rates (high flow therapy), particularly nasal high flow therapy.

[0890] Alternatively, the features may be used in devices for different purposes. The device may be a high-flow therapy device or a low-flow therapy device. For example, the features may be provided in a device for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which may deliver gas (humidified or other) at a lower flow rate, or in a medical gas insufflation device.

[0891] CPAP is primarily for out-of-hospital use, e.g. at home. High flow is for both hospital and out-of-hospital use. Humidifiers are primarily for hospital use but can also be used in out-of-hospital care.

[0892] The feature can be used with Nasal High Flow (NHF) devices.

[0893] The features can be used in a free-standing humidifier. A free-standing humidifier may have a housing, a recess 108 for receiving the humidification chamber 300, and a heater plate 140, but may not have a motor unit. A free-standing humidifier may receive gas from an external source.

[0894] Thus, in an alternative form, the respiratory assistance device 10 may be a free-standing humidifier device that includes a base unit 50 that defines a main housing and a humidifier 12 .

[0895] Standalone humidifier devices can deliver heated and humidified gases for various medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopy, and the like. These devices can be configured to control temperature and / or humidity. The devices can also include medical circuits that include various components that can be used to transport heated and / or humidified gases to and / or from a patient. For example, in some breathing circuits, gases inhaled by a patient are delivered from a heated humidifier through an inspiratory tube or conduit. As another example, in a pneumoperitoneum circuit, a tube can deliver humidified gas (typically CO2) into the abdominal cavity. This can prevent dehydration or "drying out" of the patient's internal organs and can reduce the time required for recovery from surgery. The heater wires can extend inside at least a portion of the tubes that form the circuit to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of significant condensation forming.

[0896] A freestanding humidifier device may generally include a base unit 50 and a humidification chamber 300. The base unit 50 may include a heater plate 140. The humidification chamber 300 may be configured to hold a volume of liquid, such as water. The heater plate may be configured to heat the volume of liquid held within the humidification chamber 300 to produce steam.

[0897] The humidification chamber 300 is removable from the base unit so that the humidification chamber can be more easily sterilized or disposed of, or so that the chamber can be refilled with liquid. Although the body of the humidification chamber 300 can be formed from a non-conductive glass or plastic material, the humidification chamber can also include conductive components. For example, the humidification chamber can include a highly thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) that contacts or is associated with a heater plate on a heater base.

[0898] The base unit may also include an electronic control device, such as a master controller, which, in response to user-set humidity or temperature values ​​entered via a user interface and other inputs, determines when (or to what level) to energize the heater plate 140 to heat the liquid in the humidification chamber 300.

[0899] The free-standing humidifier device may include a flow generator for delivering gas to the humidification chamber. In some configurations, the flow generator may include a ventilator, a blower, or any other suitable source of pressurized gas suitable for use in respiratory or medical procedures. The flow generator may be positioned within the base unit 50.

[0900] Alternatively, a stand-alone humidifier device may consist of only the base unit 50 and humidification chamber 300 and may be used with a separate or remote flow generator. The base unit 50 may be configured to fluidly connect with a separate or remote flow generator.

[0901] Thus, the flow generator used with the stand-alone humidifier device may be, for example, a wall gas source, a ventilator, a blower or a gas tank.

[0902] The stand-alone humidifier device may be used in conjunction with respiratory therapy, positive pressure devices, non-invasive ventilation, surgical procedures including, but not limited to, laparoscopy, and the like. Desirably, the humidifier device may be adapted to provide humidity or steam to a supply of gas. The humidifier device may be used in conjunction with continuous, variable or biphasic PAP systems or other forms of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, the humidifier device may be integrated into a system that provides such types of therapy.

[0903] Exemplary free-standing humidifier devices are described in WO 2015 / 038013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0904] A freestanding humidifier device may have any one or more of the features described or illustrated herein.

[0905] The reference in this specification to any prior art is not, and should not be construed as, an acknowledgment or any suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor of any country throughout the world.

[0906] When directional terms are used herein, such as "up," "down," "front," "rear," "horizontal," "vertical," etc., these terms are used to indicate and / or describe relative directions or orientations when the device is in a typical in-use position and / or with reference to a particular orientation shown in the figures.

Claims

1. A portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, and a cable for physically coupling the portable display unit to a base unit of the respiratory assistance device.

2. The portable display unit of claim 1 , wherein the cable is resiliently flexible and / or retractable.

3. 3. The portable display unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cable is for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

4. 4. The portable display unit of claim 2 or 3, further comprising at least one wire for transmitting power from the base unit to the portable display unit and / or for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

5. The portable display unit of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a wireless communication interface for communicating data between the portable display unit and the base unit.

6. The portable display unit of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit.

7. A portable display unit for a respiratory assistance device having a base unit, the portable display unit including a display unit housing, a screen, a communication interface for communicating data between the base unit and the portable display unit, and at least one connection feature for removably connecting the portable display unit to the base unit.

8. the at least one connection feature is positioned to removably connect the portable display unit to a housing of the base unit; 8. The portable display unit of claim 7, wherein optionally, the at least one connection feature is arranged to removably connect the portable display unit to the housing of the base unit by a sliding movement of the portable display unit relative to the base unit.

9. 9. The portable display unit of claim 7 or 8, including at least one support feature for supporting the portable display unit on a support surface.

10. The portable display unit of claim 9 , wherein the at least one support feature and the at least one connection feature are provided by the same structural element.

11. The portable display unit of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the at least one support feature is arranged to support the portable display unit on a substantially horizontal support surface or on a medical pole.

12. A portable display unit according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the at least one support feature is arranged to enable the angle of the screen relative to the support surface to be adjusted.

13. A portable display unit according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein an angular orientation of the screen can be adjusted relative to the display unit housing or an angular orientation of the screen can be adjusted relative to the at least one connection feature.

14. A portable display unit according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the communication interface comprises at least one wire or wire connector for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.

15. The portable display unit of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless communication interface for communicating data and / or control signals between the portable display unit and the base unit.