Respiratory pressure treatment system

Abstract

To provide a medical device used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory disorders improved in one or more of comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use, and manufacturability.SOLUTION: A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device is disclosed for treatment of respiratory-related disorders. The RPT device includes a pressure generator, a pneumatic block, a chassis, and a device outlet for delivering a prescribed amount of a gas flow to a patient interface. The RPT device also comprises an integrated humidifier including a water reservoir. An RPT device is also disclosed that includes a wireless data communication interface integrated with a housing and configured to connect to another device or a network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] 1 CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013904923, filed December 17, 2013, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901998, filed May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901999, filed May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901997, filed May 27, 2014, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014902071, filed May 30, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 987,245, filed May 1, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 2. Technology Background 2.1 Technology field The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and amelioration of respiratory related disorders. In particular, the present technology relates to medical devices or instruments and their uses. [Background technology]

[0003] 2.2 Description of Related Art 2.2.1 The human respiratory system and its diseases The body's respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to a patient's airways.

[0004] The airways contain a series of branches that become thinner, shorter and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The lungs' main function is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from the air into the venous blood and carbon dioxide to move out. The trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi, which eventually divide into the terminal bronchioles. The bronchi form the conducting airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Further division of the airways gives rise to the respiratory bronchioles, which eventually open into the alveoli. The alveolar region of the lungs is where gas exchange takes place and is referred to as the respiratory zone. This is discussed in Respiratory Physiology, 9th Edition, by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011. Please refer to.

[0005] A spectrum of respiratory disorders exists. Particular disorders may be characterized by specific events, such as apnea, hypopnea, and hyperpnea.

[0006] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), is characterized by events involving the obstruction or closure of the upper airway during sleep. OSA results from an abnormally small upper airway combined with the normal loss of muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall regions during sleep. The condition causes affected patients to stop breathing, typically for periods lasting 30-120 seconds, sometimes 200-300 times per night. This often causes excessive daytime somnolence and may lead to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. The syndrome is particularly common in middle-aged and older obese men, but affected individuals may not be aware of the problem. See US Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0007] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller in which there are rhythmic alternating periods of increase and decrease in ventilation, known as CSR cycles. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. CSR is believed to be harmful due to repeated hypoxia. In some patients, CSR is associated with repeated arousals from sleep, causing severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0008] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and awake chronic hypercapnia in the absence of other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0009] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any group of lower airway diseases that share certain characteristics. These characteristics include increased resistance to air movement, a prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal elasticity of the lungs. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic tobacco smoking (primary risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0010] Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) is a broad term that encompasses many diseases and illnesses that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through nerve pathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle dysfunction resulting in loss of walking ability, wheelchair confinement, swallowing problems, respiratory muscle weakness, and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Neuromuscular diseases are divided into rapidly progressive and slowly progressive: (i) rapidly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle dysfunction that worsens over months and leads to death within years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in teenagers); (ii) variably progressive or slowly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle dysfunction that worsens over years and leads to only a small decrease in life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include increasing generalized weakness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing on exertion and at rest, fatigue, drowsiness, morning headache, and difficulty concentrating and mood changes.

[0011] Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities that result in inefficient coupling between the respiratory muscles and the rib cage. The disorders are usually characterized by restrictive disorders and share the potential for long-term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis can cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent pulmonary infections, morning headache, fatigue, poor quality sleep, and decreased appetite.

[0012] A range of treatments have been used to treat or ameliorate such conditions, and are otherwise successfully used by healthy individuals to prevent the onset of respiratory disease, but they have a number of drawbacks.

[0013] 2.2.2 Treatment Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The premise is that continuous positive airway pressure can prevent upper airway obstruction by acting as a pneumatic splint and forcing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA with nasal CPAP therapy can be voluntary, so patients may choose not to comply with the treatment if they find the devices used to deliver such treatment to be one or more of: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0014] Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to the patient through the upper airway to help the patient take a deep breath and to help maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by performing some or all of the work of breathing. Ventilatory support is provided through a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD, and chest wall disease.

[0015] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to patients who can no longer breathe effectively on their own and may be given using a tracheostomy tube.

[0016] 2.2.3 Diagnostic and Treatment Systems These therapies may be provided by treatment systems or devices. The systems and devices may be used to diagnose medical conditions without treating the medical conditions.

[0017] The treatment system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, and data management.

[0018] 2.2.3.1 Patient Interface The patient interface may be used to connect a respiratory device to its user, for example by providing an airflow. The airflow may be provided via a mask to the nose, mouth, or nose and mouth, via a tube to the mouth, or via a tracheotomy tube to the user's trachea. Depending on the treatment to be applied, the patient interface may facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure that is sufficiently different from ambient pressure to provide treatment, for example a positive pressure of about 10 cm H2O. For other forms of therapy, such as delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may direct a predetermined amount of gas at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm H2O into the airways. It may not contain enough of a seal to facilitate delivery.

[0019] The configuration of the patient interface presents many challenges: the face has a complex three-dimensional shape; nose size and shape vary considerably from person to person; the head contains bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, so different regions of the face respond differently to mechanical forces; the jaw or mandible may move relative to other bones of the skull; and the entire head may move during the course of a respiratory treatment session.

[0020] As a result of these challenges, some masks suffer from one or more of the following: being very noticeable, aesthetically undesirable, expensive, fitting poorly, difficult to use, and uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods of time or when the patient is new to the system. For example, masks designed only for aviators, masks designed as part of personal protective equipment (e.g., filter masks), SCUBA masks, or masks designed for administration of anesthetic drugs may be acceptable in their original application, but are nevertheless uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, e.g., hours, making them undesirable in therapy. This is especially true if the mask must be worn during sleep.

[0021] Nasal CPAP therapy is very effective in treating certain respiratory diseases if patients comply with the therapy. If the mask is uncomfortable or difficult to use, patients may not comply with the therapy. Because patients are often recommended to wash their masks regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), patients may not clean their masks, which may affect patient compliance.

[0022] Masks for other uses (e.g., for aviators) may not be suitable for use in treating sleep-disordered breathing, but masks designed for use in treating sleep-disordered breathing may be suitable for other uses.

[0023] For these reasons, patient interfaces for delivering nasal CPAP during sleep represent a separate field.

[0024] 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices Air pressure generators are known for a range of applications, for example, in industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, air pressure generators for medical applications have certain requirements that are not met by more common air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. And even devices designed for medical procedures may suffer from shortcomings including one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, effectiveness, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0025] One example of a special requirement of a particular RPT device is acoustic noise.

[0026] Table of noise output levels of conventional RPT devices (measured using the test method specified in ISO3744 in CPAP mode at 10cmH2O, one sample only)

[0027] [Table 1]

[0028] One known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. ResMed Stella™ series of mouth ventilators and pediatric ventilators It can provide invasive and non-invasive independent ventilatory support for a range of patients to treat a number of conditions, including but not limited to NMD, OHS, and COPD.

[0029] The ResMed Elisee™ 150 ventilator and the ResMed VS III™ ventilator are These ventilators can provide invasive and non-invasive support to dependent ventilation suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of medical conditions. These ventilators provide volumetric and pressure ventilation modes using single or dual limb circuits. RPT devices generally include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to deliver an airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow may be delivered to the patient's airway at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface, such as the patient interface described above.

[0030] 2.2.3.3 Humidifier Delivery of airflow without humidification may cause drying of the airway. The use of a humidifier with the RPT device and patient interface creates humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases comfort of the patient airway. Also, in cooler climates, warm air applied to the facial area in and around the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cool air. A range of artificial humidification devices and systems are known, but these may not meet the special requirements of medical humidification.

[0031] Medical humidifiers are used to increase the humidity, temperature (or both) of an airflow relative to the ambient air when needed, typically when a patient is sleeping or resting (e.g., in a hospital). As a result, medical humidifiers are preferably small to allow placement at the bedside and are preferably configured to humidify, heat, or humidify and heat only the airflow delivered to the patient, without humidifying, heating, or humidifying and heating the patient's surrounding environment. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, evaporative coolers) may humidify the air inhaled by the patient, but these systems may also humidify, heat, or humidify and heat the entire room, which may cause discomfort to the occupants. Furthermore, medical humidifiers may have stricter safety constraints than industrial humidifiers.

[0032] Although many medical humidifiers are known, these humidifiers may suffer from one or more drawbacks: some medical humidifiers may provide insufficient humidification, and some humidifiers are difficult or inconvenient for patients to use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0033] 3. A brief overview of the technology The present technology is directed to providing medical devices for use in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of respiratory disorders that have one or more of improved comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and manufacturability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] A first aspect of the present technology relates to a device for use in treating a respiratory disorder, the device comprising: a housing; a pressure generator within the housing and configured to provide an air flow; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface to treat the respiratory disorder; and a wireless data communication interface integrated with the housing, the wireless data communication interface configured to connect to another device or network.

[0035] A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus, wherein the wireless data communication interface is configured to connect to one or more of the Internet and a cellular network.

[0036] A further aspect of the technology relates to an apparatus in which the wireless data communications interface uses one or more of CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and consumer infrared protocols.

[0037] In accordance with a further aspect of the present technology, a wireless data communications interface includes an antenna within the housing.

[0038] In accordance with a further aspect of the present technique, the wireless data communications interface further comprises an antenna ground plane.

[0039] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the antenna ground plane is oriented vertically.

[0040] A further aspect of the present technology relates to a device in which the antenna ground plane comprises one or more notches.

[0041] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the notches increase the effective overall length of the contact patch.

[0042] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the notches increase the effective overall length by more than about 25%.

[0043] One aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow, the apparatus comprising a heater plate, a chamber in fluid communication with the breathable gas flow, and a reservoir having a conductive portion in thermal engagement with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate by varying a first pressure of the breathable gas flow in the chamber.

[0044] In one form the reservoir further comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0045] In one form, the thermal engagement is in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to a surface of the conductive portion.

[0046] In one form, the apparatus is further configured to vary a magnitude of force between the conductive portion and the heater plate in a first direction when the first pressure is varied.

[0047] In one form, the chamber is part of a reservoir.

[0048] In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises a variable portion.

[0049] In one form, the device further comprises a dock configured to receive the reservoir, the dock also comprising a heater plate.

[0050] In one form, the dock further comprises a cavity having an upper end and a lower end, the heater plate being positioned at the lower end, the cavity being configured to hold at least a portion of the reservoir therein.

[0051] In one form, the deformable portion is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the cavity of the dock.

[0052] In one form, the upper end of the cavity is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to facilitate insertion of the reservoir into the cavity.

[0053] In one form, the variable portion is configured to adjust in size as the first pressure is varied to vary a level of thermal engagement between the heater plate and the conductive portion.

[0054] In one form, the reservoir further includes a base and a lid, the base being structured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion.

[0055] In one form, the base and lid are pivotally coupled to one another.

[0056] In one form, the variable portion forms a seal between the base and the lid.

[0057] In one form, the reservoir further includes a latch to secure the base and lid together.

[0058] In one form, the reservoir further comprises at least one handle to facilitate coupling of the reservoir to the dock.

[0059] In one form, the reservoir further includes a retaining clip adapted to engage a recess in the dock to retain the reservoir within the cavity of the dock.

[0060] In one form, the reservoir is structured to prevent refilling of the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0061] In one form, at least a portion of the reservoir is prevented from being opened when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0062] In one form, the reservoir includes a refill cap.

[0063] In one form, the device further comprises an overfill protection element configured to prevent filling the reservoir beyond a predetermined maximum amount of water.

[0064] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises at least one orifice formed in a wall of the reservoir, the at least one orifice defining an exit path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded.

[0065] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises a sloped profile in the side shape of the wall of the reservoir, the sloped profile defining an exit path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded.

[0066] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method for varying thermal contact between a heater plate and a reservoir in a humidification system to humidify a breathable gas flow, the method comprising changing the pressure of the breathable gas flow in a reservoir in fluid communication with the breathable gas flow to change the force between the heater plate and the reservoir.

[0067] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow, the apparatus comprising a heater plate and a reservoir, the reservoir comprising an inlet for receiving the breathable gas flow, an outlet, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary the force between the heater plate and the conductive portion in a direction of thermal contact by varying the pressure of the breathable gas flow in the reservoir.

[0068] In one form, the device further comprises a dock connectable to the reservoir.

[0069] In one form, the dock is configured to restrain the reservoir from opening in the direction of thermal contact.

[0070] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to contain a volume of liquid for humidifying a pressurized breathable air flow, the reservoir comprising a base portion having a conductive portion, a lid portion having an inlet and an outlet, and a seal portion, the base portion and the lid portion being pivotally engaged and configurable into an open configuration and a closed configuration while in the pivotally engaged state, and the seal sealingly engages the base portion and the lid portion when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0071] In one form, the seal comprises an outlet tube and a baffle, the baffle configured to connect to the inlet tube.

[0072] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow, the apparatus comprising a heater plate and a reservoir, the reservoir comprising an inlet, an outlet, a variable portion, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate by varying the height of the variable portion.

[0073] In one form, the device is configured such that the thermal engagement is in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to a surface of the conductive portion.

[0074] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of varying a level of thermal engagement in a humidifier device, the method comprising the steps of: (i) thermally engaging a heater plate with a conductive portion of a reservoir; and (ii) varying a height of a variable portion of the reservoir to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0075] A reservoir for holding a predetermined maximum amount of water, the reservoir comprising a base portion including an overfill protection element, the reservoir being configured to be convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the overfill protection element preventing refilling of the reservoir beyond the maximum amount of water when the reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0076] In one form, the seal is configured to sealingly engage the lid and base when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0077] In one form, the overfill protection element is configured such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base is in its normal operating orientation, excess water in excess of the maximum amount of water will spill through the overfill protection element.

[0078] In one form, the overfill protection element is at least one orifice that defines an escape path for water when the maximum water capacity of the base is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0079] In one form, the overfill protection element is a sloped profile in the side shape of the base that defines a path for water to escape if the maximum water capacity of the base is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0080] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of preventing overfill in a humidifier reservoir, the method comprising the steps of: (i) incorporating an overfill protection element in a base portion of the humidifier reservoir; and (ii) configuring the overfill protection element such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and when the base portion is in its normal operating orientation, excess water beyond a predetermined maximum amount of water will spill through the overfill protection element.

[0081] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice.

[0082] In one form, the overfill protection element includes a sloped profile.

[0083] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water, the reservoir comprising: a plurality of walls forming a cavity structured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water; an inlet tube configured to deliver a predetermined amount of breathable gas to the cavity, the inlet tube having an inlet inner end and an inlet outer end; and an outlet tube configured to deliver a humidified amount of breathable gas from the cavity, the outlet tube having an outlet inner end and an outlet outer end, the inlet inner end and the outlet inner end being disposed within the cavity. the inlet outer end and the outlet outer end are positioned on one of a plurality of walls of the cavity, a first axis is defined by the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end and a second axis is defined by the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end, and when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90° with respect to a normal operating orientation, the first axis forms a first angle such that the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end are positioned at different heights such that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the inlet inner end or the inlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the inlet tube.

[0084] In one form, the reservoir is further configured such that the second axis forms a second angle such that when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90° relative to a normal operating orientation, the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, such that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or the outlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the outlet tube.

[0085] Of course, some of the aspects may form sub-aspects of the technology, and various of the sub-aspects, aspects, or both may be combined in various ways and form further aspects or sub-aspects of the technology.

[0086] Other features of the present technology will become apparent from consideration of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims.

[0087] 4. Brief Description of the Drawings The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements including: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0088] 4.1 Treatment System [Figure 1a] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of nasal pillows that receives a volume of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. A bed partner 1100 is also shown. [Figure 1b] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal mask that receives a volume of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. [Figure 1c] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a full face mask that receives a volume of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passes along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. 4.2 Respiratory System and Facial Anatomy [Figure 2a] A general view of the human respiratory system is shown, including the nasal and oral cavities, larynx, vocal cords, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveolar sacs, heart, and diaphragm. 4.3 Patient Interface [Figure 3a] 4.3 Respiratory Waveforms [Figure 4] A model of a typical breathing waveform of a sleeping person is shown. 4.5 RPT Devices and Humidifiers [Figure 5a] FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5b] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5c] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000 with a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5d] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the pneumatic paths of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology, with upstream and downstream directions indicated. [Figure 5e] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of electrical components of an RPT device in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 5f] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented in a PAP device according to one embodiment of the present technology, in which solid arrows indicate the actual flow of information, e.g., via electronic signals. [Figure 5g] 5c is a flowchart showing a method performed by the treatment engine of FIG. 5f in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 5h] 1 shows a simplified representation of a blower and a humidifier connected to a patient conduit. [Figure 5i] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a humidifier. [Figure 6a] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing an inlet air filter cover 4014fc and inlet air filter 4112 in an exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6b] A perspective view of a side panel 4014 including an RPT device inlet 4002 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown. [Figure 6c] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 showing an inlet air filter cover 4014fc in an open position in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6d] 1 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing an exploded view of an access cover 4014ac in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6e] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an access cover 4014ac in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7a] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of an RPT device 4000 with an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7b]FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of an RPT device 4000 showing an outlet muffler 4124 in an exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7c] FIG. 41 shows a perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7d] FIG. 41 shows another perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7e] FIG. 41 shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7f] FIG. 41 shows another exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8a] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8b] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8c] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8d] 1 shows a perspective side view of a housing 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8e] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8f] 1 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 showing an exploded view of an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8h] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8i] FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 9a] FIG. 40 shows a front perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 10a] A perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown. [Figure 10b]FIG. 42 shows an exploded perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11a] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11b] FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11c] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11d] FIG. 13 shows another exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11e] 1 shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2. [Figure 11f] 1 shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2 shown in phantom. [Figure 11g] FIG. 11h shows a front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross section taken in FIG. [Figure 11h] FIG. 11g shows a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11i] FIG. 11j shows a front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross section taken in FIG. [Figure 11j] Shown in FIG. 11i is a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11k]

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11l]

[0043] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11m] FIG. 11n shows yet another front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11n]FIG. 11m shows a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11o] FIG. 11n shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12a] A front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown. [Figure 12b] 41 shows an exploded front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12c] A rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown. [Figure 12d] 41 shows an exploded rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 13a] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a concealed front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 13b] FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a hidden front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 14a] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 14b] FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15a] 4295m1 shows a first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15b] 4295m1 shows another first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15c] 1 shows a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15d] 14 shows another first clinical menu screen 4295m2 according to one form of the present technology. [Figure 15e] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu list 4295o1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15f]42 shows a selectable sub-menu list 4295o2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15g] 4 shows a report submenu list 4295r1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15h] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295r2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15i] 4295r3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15j] 4295r4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15k] 4295a1 shows a reports submenu 4295a1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15l] 4295a2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15m] 4295a3 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15n] 4295a4 shows a reports submenu 4295a4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15o] 4295a5 shows a reports submenu 4295a5 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15p] 4295a6 shows a reports submenu 4295a6 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15q] 4295a7 shows a reports submenu 4295a7 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15r] 4295a8 shows a reports submenu 4295a8 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15s] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15t] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15u] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15v] 4295b1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15w] 4295b2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Fig. 15x] 4295b3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15y] 4295b4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16a] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing an air circuit 4170 engaged with the RPT device 4000. [Figure 16b] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with the air circuit 4170 shown exploded. [Figure 16c] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16d] FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16e] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir lid 5114 and middle portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Fig. 16f] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir base 5112 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16g] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000 and water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16h] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with integrated humidifier 5000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with the water reservoir 5110 shown in an exploded view. [Figure 16i] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with integrated humidifier 5000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, without showing the water reservoir 5110. [Figure 16j] A perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing the water reservoir 5110 in a closed configuration. [Figure 16k] 5A shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in an open configuration. [Figure 16l] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16m]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17a] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17b] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view. [Figure 17c] FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17d] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view. [Figure 17e] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Fig. 17f] FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with a heating element 5240 shown in an exploded view. [Figure 17g] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the top end of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17h] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the bottom end of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17i] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the top end of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17j] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the bottom end of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18a] FIG. 4170 shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18b] FIG. 4170 shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18c] FIG. 4170 shows a perspective side view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18d] FIG. 4170 shows a bottom perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18e] FIG. 4170 shows a top perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Fig. 18f] 50 shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18g] 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18h] 5 shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the air circuit 4170 in an exploded view. [Figure 18i] 5 shows another perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18j] 50 shows another exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18k] FIG. 40 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 and a portion of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18l] FIG. 4170 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18m] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector 5058 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18n] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a female electrical connector 5058 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18o] FIG. 417 shows a perspective view of an AC electrical connector 4170ec in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18p] A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disk 5050 in a first position. [Figure 18q] A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disc 5050 in a second position. [Figure 18r] A perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disc 5050 in a third position. [Figure 18s] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18t]FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18u] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18v] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of a swiveling disc 5050 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18w] A top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 and cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Fig. 18x] A top perspective view of a cable housing 5080, swiveling disc 5050, and cable 5070 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18y] A bottom perspective view of a swiveling disk 5050 and cable 5070 is shown in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18z1]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows a rear view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z2]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z3] FIG. 18 shows a front view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology, showing the cross section taken with respect to FIG. [Figure 18z4]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z5]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows a rear perspective view of an electrical connector receptacle contact element according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z6]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows a front perspective view of an electrical connector receptacle contact element according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 19] 1 shows an example of the present technology showing a PAP device 4000 and integrated humidifier 5000. [Figure 20] 1 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 21] 1 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 22]A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing the humidifier reservoir in an "open" configuration. [Figure 23] A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology is shown, showing an exploded view of the humidifier reservoir 5110. [Figure 24] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Diagram 25] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 26] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 27] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 28a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 28b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 28c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Diagram 31] 5 shows typical distribution of pressure / force in various configurations of humidifier reservoir 5110. [Diagram 32] 5 shows typical distribution of pressure / force in various configurations of humidifier reservoir 5110. [Diagram 33] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Diagram 34] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Diagram 35] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Diagram 36]Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 37] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 38] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 39] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Diagram 40] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 41a] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Figure 41b] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Fig. 41c] The humidifier base 5112 is shown, particularly attempting to show the slope profile 5139. [Fig. 41d] The humidifier base 5112 is shown, particularly attempting to show the slope profile 5139. [Diagram 42] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Diagram 43] Shown is the humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110, particularly showing the interaction of the lid retention projection 5142 and the dock lock recess 5144 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] Shown is the humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110, particularly showing the interaction of the lid retention projection 5142 and the dock lock recess 5144 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45]5 shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology, the humidifier reservoir is configured with a refill cap 5180 and a base, top and adjustable portion that may be attached to each other. [Diagram 46] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. [Figure 47] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. [Figure 48] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. [Figure 49] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. [Figure 50] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an alterable portion in the form of an alterable portion 5116 and a reservoir lid 5114 according to an aspect of the present technology. [Figure 51] An example of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the present technology is shown, where the humidifier reservoir is configured with a latch 5186. [Figure 52a] 53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the technology. In this form, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 comprising an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (as seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Figure 52b] 53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 with an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (as seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Diagram 53]53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology. In this form, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 with an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (as seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Figure 54a] 13 shows the mid-section 5202 of the reservoir 5110 from various angles, particularly attempting to show the baffle 5192, the outlet tube 5126, and the support spokes 5194. [Fig. 54b] 13 shows the mid-section 5202 of the reservoir 5110 from various angles, particularly attempting to show the baffle 5192, the outlet tube 5126, and the support spokes 5194. [Figure 55] A bottom perspective view of the middle portion 5202 of the reservoir 5110 is shown. [Figure 56a] A cross-sectional view of the reservoir lid 5114 and middle section 5202 connected to each other is shown. [Figure 56b] 5 shows a cross-sectional view of reservoir lid 5114 and intermediate portion 5202 connected to each other, and a cross-sectional view of baffle 5192 in greater detail, particularly showing the placement of the vertical portion of inlet tube 5124, positioning portion 5196 of baffle 5192, and deflection portion 5198 of baffle 5192. [Figure 57] 1 shows a top view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology. In this form, the reservoir 5110 includes a reservoir lid 5114, a base portion (not shown), and a middle portion 5202, which includes an outlet tube 5126, an inlet tube 5124, and a wall portion 5206. [Figure 58a] 1 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the technology, and also shows a reservoir lid 5114 connected to an intermediate section 5202, and is intended to show, in particular, an inlet tube 5124, an outlet tube 5126, a deflection section 5198, and a flow director 5195. [Figure 58b]1 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology, and also shows a reservoir lid 5114 connected to a middle section 5202, and is intended to show, in particular, an inlet tube 5124, an outlet tube 5126, a deflection section 5198, and a flow director 5195. [Figure 59a] 13 shows intermediate section 5202 according to another example of this technology, and in particular seeks to show deflection section 5198, flow director 5195, positioning section 5196, and seal 5204. [Figure 59b] 13 shows intermediate section 5202 according to another example of this technology, and in particular seeks to show deflection section 5198, flow director 5195, positioning section 5196, and seal 5204. [Figure 60] 1 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology, in particular showing a water level 5184 at which an airlock is formed to prevent further ingress of liquid into the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. [Figure 61a] A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is shown, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 61b] A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is shown, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 62a] A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is shown, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 62b] A diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "open" configuration. [Figure 63a] 63a shows a view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to one embodiment of the present technology, with the cross section to be shown in FIG. 63b showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in the "open configuration." [Figure 63b] 63a shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the reservoir 5110 with a cross section taken through line 63b-63b visible in FIG. 63a. [Figure 64]A diagram of a reservoir base 5114 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 65] A diagram of a reservoir base 5114 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 66] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000, and an end cap 5300 according to one embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 67] FIG. 53 shows a perspective side view of an end cap 5300 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 68a] FIG. 1 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubes according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68b] FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubes according to an example of the present technology. [Fig. 68c] FIG. 1 shows an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubes according to an example of the present technology. [Fig. 68d] FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubes according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68e] FIG. 14 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier, airflow tubes, and cable housing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 69a]

[0036] Fig. 13 shows a side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 69b]

[0036] Fig. 13 shows another side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Fig. 69c]

[0036] Fig. 13 shows another side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Fig. 69d]

[0033] Fig. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 70a]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a top view of an outlet assembly according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 70b] FIG. 70b shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 70a taken through line 70b-70b according to an example of the present technology. [Fig. 70c] FIG. 70c shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 70a taken through line 70c-70c according to an example of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0089] 5 Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Present Technology Before describing the present technology in further detail, it is to be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific embodiments which may vary herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the specific embodiments discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0090] 5.1 Treatment In one form, the present technology comprises a method for treating a respiratory disorder comprising applying positive pressure to an entrance of an airway of a patient 1000.

[0091] In certain embodiments of the present technology, a predetermined amount of air at positive pressure is delivered to a patient's nasal passages via one or both nostrils.

[0092] In certain embodiments of the present technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited or prevented.

[0093] 5.2 Treatment System In one form, the technology comprises an apparatus or device for treating a respiratory disorder. The apparatus or device may comprise an RPT device 4000 for supplying pressurized respiratory gas, such as air, to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 to a patient interface 3000.

[0094] 5.3 Patient Interface 3000 A non-invasive patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present technology comprises the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a vent 3400, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, and one form of a connection port 3600 for connection to an air circuit 4170. The patient interface 3000 may optionally include a forehead support structure 3700 that couples with the stabilizing structure 3300. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is positioned to surround an entrance to the patient's airway to facilitate the delivery of air at positive pressure to the airway.

[0095] 5.4 RPT device 4000 An exploded view of an RPT device 4000 according to one embodiment of the present technology is shown in FIG. 5a. The RPT device 4000 may include mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical components, and is configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device may include one or more panels, such as a front panel 4012 and a side panel 4014. The RPT device 4000 may also include an outlet muffler 4124 as shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. The outlet muffler 4124 may be removable and replaceable with a water reservoir 5110 (see FIG. 5c). In such a configuration, the RPT device 4000 may be considered to include an integrated humidifier 5000. Thus, the RPT device 4000 may be used with or without humidification depending on whether the water reservoir 5110 or the outlet muffler 4124, respectively, are attached. Preferably, the RPT device 4000 comprises a housing 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. In one form, the RPT device 4000 comprises a pressure generator 4140 that may be housed within a pneumatic block 4020 that is coupled to the housing 4016.

[0096] The air pressure path of the RPT device 4000 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5d) may include an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (preferably a blower 4142) capable of providing air at positive pressure, and an outlet muffler 4124 (or a water reservoir 5110 if humidification is required). One or more transducers 4270, such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow sensor 4274, may be included in the air pressure path. The air pressure path may also include a backflow prevention valve 4160 to prevent water from backflowing from the humidifier 5000 towards the electrical components of the RPT device 4000.

[0097] The RPT device 4000 may include one or more electrical components that may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), such as the main PCBA 4202. In another embodiment, the RPT device 4000 may include multiple PCBAs.

[0098] 5.4.1 RPT equipment components The RPT device may comprise one or more of the following components in an integral unit: In the alternative, one or more of the following components may be located as respective separate units.

[0099] 5.4.1.1 Air Filter 4110 An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0100] In one form, the pneumatic pathway may include an inlet air filter 4112 (e.g., upstream of the pressure generator 4140) and another air filter 4114 (e.g., downstream of the pressure generator 4140), such as an antibacterial filter, disposed in the pneumatic pathway at a location between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000. See FIG. 5d.

[0101] 5.4.1.2 Side Panel 4014 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include a side panel 4014 as shown in Figures 6a-6c. The side panel 4014 may include one or more RPT device inlets 4002 configured to receive airflow into the RPT device 4000. As shown in Figure 6a, the RPT device inlet 4002 may include a number of openings configured to allow air flow.

[0102] The side panel 4014 (see FIG. 6a) may be configured to receive the inlet air filter 4112 and may include a side panel frame 4014f and an inlet air filter cover 4014fc configured to secure the inlet air filter 4112 to the side panel frame 4014f. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may be coupled, preferably removably coupled or pivotally coupled (as shown in FIGS. 6b-6c), to the side panel frame 4014f to allow replacement of the inlet air filter 4112. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may further include a filter cover handle (e.g., a recess) 4014ch for use by a user to open and close the inlet air filter cover 4014fc, and a retention feature (e.g., a latch, not shown) to secure the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in its closed configuration.

[0103] The side panel 4014 may include an air filter housing 4014h configured to position the inlet air filter 4112 therein, for example as part of the inlet air filter cover 4014fc as shown in Figure 6c. The air filter housing 4014h includes a number of walls 4014w configured to position the inlet air filter 4112 when, for example, the inlet air filter cover 4014fc is pivoted relative to the side panel frame 4014f.

[0104] The RPT device inlet 4002 may be configured with multiple openings as shown in Figures 6a-6c. The multiple openings may allow air flow in a direction parallel to the inlet of the pneumatic block 4020, as described in more detail below.

[0105] The side panel 4014 may further comprise one or more connection ports 4014cp (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6d) for allowing access to removable storage media and accessories such as communication devices or USB ports. Accordingly, the side panel 4014 may comprise one or more access covers 4014ac (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6a, 6c, and 6d) for protecting the connection ports 4014cp from one or more of the ingress of water / dust / contaminants and accidental removal of removable storage media or accessories. The access covers 4104ac may be used for aesthetic purposes.

[0106] The access cover 4014ac may include one or more access cover fastening portions 4014an that may be used to couple the access cover 4014ac to the side panel frame 4014f (e.g., by insertion into a slot—not shown). The cover portion 4014co may protect the connection port 4014cp, for example, by including one or more complementary recesses 4014re for receiving any protrusions of the connection port 4014cp. The access cover 4014ac may further include one or more access cover hinge portions 4014hi. In some forms, the access cover hinge portions 4014hi may be integrally formed with the cover portion 4014co and the fastening portions 4014an of the access cover 4014ac for improved manufacturability and lower cost.

[0107] 5.4.1.3 Muffler 4120 In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is positioned in the pneumatic path upstream of a pressure generator 4140. See Fig. 5d.

[0108] In one form of the present technology, an outlet muffler 4124 is positioned in the pneumatic path between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000. See Fig. 5d.

[0109] The outlet muffler 4124 may be a removable component of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figures 7a-7b. The RPT device 4000 may include a corresponding dock 4130 (described in more detail below) configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110. With such a configuration, manufacture of the RPT device 4000 and integrated humidifier 5000 may be easily converted from a first configuration in which no humidification occurs when the outlet muffler 4124 is positioned in the dock 4130 to a second configuration that allows humidification when the water reservoir 5110 is positioned in the dock 4130, and vice versa. For example, when humidification is desired, the outlet muffler 4124 may be removed using the muffler lever 4124le to allow the RPT device 4000 to receive the water reservoir 5110. In one form, insertion of a water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 allows for humidification of the airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 prior to delivery to the patient 1000, as described in more detail below.

[0110] The outlet muffler 4124 may be provided with an identification element, for example in the dock 4130, to enable a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidity controller 5250, to detect its presence (or absence). The dock 4130 may be provided with a complementary detection element to detect the presence (or absence) of the outlet muffler 4124. In one form, detection of the presence or absence of the outlet muffler 4124 in the reservoir dock 5130 may cause the controller to perform one or more functions including switching off / on the heating element 5240, adjusting the power of the heating element 5240, switching off / on the heating element in the air circuit 4170, adjusting the power of the heating element in the air circuit 4170, adjusting the pressure drop estimate between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000, disabling / enabling user interface elements associated with the operation of the humidifier 5000, or disabling / enabling data recording / reporting associated with the operation of the humidifier 5000. In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 may include an identification element (shown in the form of a magnet 5340) disposed thereon, for example, in an end cap magnet holder 5345. The identification element may be used for detection of the outlet muffler 4124 by the controller via a detection element. For example, the detection element may include a Hall effect sensor (not shown) located in or near the dock 4130, for example, on the PCBA 4202.

[0111] One advantage of the outlet muffler 4124 with an identification element may be the ability to reduce power consumption or customize operation of the humidifier 5000 when the outlet muffler 4124 is used. A further advantage of having the heating element default ON and OFF upon engagement of the outlet muffler 4124 is that a single installation step of the outlet muffler 4124 both deactivates the heating element 5240 and prevents access to the heater plate.

[0112] In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 receives the airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 and delivers the airflow to the RPT device outlet 4004. As such, the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise a muffler inlet 4124in and a muffler outlet 4124ou. The outlet muffler 4124 may also comprise further components such as a muffler cap 4124ca, a muffler body 4124bo, a muffler damper 4124da, and a muffler foam 4124fo as shown in Figures 7e-7f.

[0113] The outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler lever 4124le for disengaging the outlet muffler 4124 from the rest of the RPT device 4000, for example by releasing a latch. The muffler lever 4124le is configured to be pushed down from above to disengage the outlet muffler 4124, for example by releasing one or more muffler clips 4124cl from one or more complementary recesses 4130re in the dock 4130 (shown in FIG. 7b and shown in detail in FIG. 16i) (FIGS. 7a-7f). It is understood that the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise one or more of any number of known means for removably coupling the outlet muffler 4124 to the RPT device 4000. The outlet muffler 4124 may further comprise one or more muffler clips 4124cl with the RPT device 4000, for example comprising a muffler hinge 4124hi. In some forms, the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise a muffler travel limiter 4124tl configured to prevent damage to the muffler hinge 4124hi that may occur due to plastic deformation, for example when the muffler hinge 4124hi is in a "living hinge" configuration. Furthermore, the muffler travel limiter 4124tl may be configured to engage and deform with the muffler lever 4124le when the muffler lever 4124le is actuated (e.g., pressed down). In such a configuration, the travel limiter 4124tl may provide feedback to a user upon engagement of the muffler lever 4124le with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl and may provide varying degrees of resistance to indicate the degree of deformation occurring. As shown in Figures 7e-7f, a muffler damper 4124da may be formed integrally with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl. In some forms, the muffler damper 4124da may be configured to frictionally engage the muffler cap 4124ca and / or the muffler body 4124bo.

[0114] Similarly, the outlet muffler 4124 may be configured such that the muffler lever 4124le must be depressed before the outlet muffler 4124 can be inserted into the dock 4130. In one form, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl may be configured to interfere with the dock 4130 if the outlet muffler 4124 is inserted without depressing the muffler lever 4124le. Upon insertion of the outlet muffler 4124 into the dock 4130, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl move (e.g., by an upward movement) into engagement with the dock 4130, thereby securing the outlet muffler 4124 within the dock 4130.

[0115] The outlet muffler 4124 may include one or more sound absorbing features to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 4000, such as muffler foam 4124fo and muffler damper 4124da as shown in Figures 7e-7f. The muffler damper 4124da may be coupled with a muffler cap 4124ca and may be formed from a flexible material such as silicone to reduce noise. The outlet muffler 4124 may also include a muffler expansion chamber 4124ex formed therein to reduce noise. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7e, the muffler expansion chamber 4124ex may be a cavity formed in the muffler body 4124bo.

[0116] 5.4.1.4 Pressure Generator 4140 In one form of the present technology, the pressure generator 4140 for generating a flow or supply of air at positive pressure is a controllable blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 in which one or more impellers are housed in a volute. The blower may be capable of delivering a volume of air at a positive pressure, preferably in the range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O, at a rate of up to about 120 liters / minute, for example. The blower is described in any one of the following patents or patent applications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,944; U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,479; and PCT International Publication No. WO 2013 / 020167, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0117] The pressure generator 4140 may be under the control of the treatment device controller 4240 .

[0118] In alternative embodiments, pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high pressure source (eg, a compressed air reservoir), or a bellows.

[0119] 5.4.1.5 Pneumatic Block 4020 In one form, a pneumatic block 4020 including a pressure generator 4140 (e.g., a blower 4142) may form part of the RPT device 4000. The pneumatic block may, for example, have the form described in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013 / 020167, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0120] A pneumatic block 4020 according to one aspect of the present technology is shown in Fig. 11a-11d. The pneumatic block 4020 may include a PB inlet 4020in, a PB outlet 4020ou, and may house a blower 4142. According to one aspect of the present technology, the pneumatic block 4020 may provide a compact enclosed pneumatic path for airflow while minimizing noise and vibration output due to said airflow. Also, to add aesthetic flexibility of the RPT device 4000 with respect to the pneumatic block 4020, such a pneumatic block 4020 may allow for the placement of the external housing 4010 independently therefrom.

[0121] The pneumatic block 4020 may also include one or more of a flow plate 4020fp, a blower sleeve 4020bs, one or more sensor ports, such as a flow sensor port 4020sp, and an acoustic foam 4020af. The pneumatic block 4020 may include an outer housing, for example including a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2. The PB inlet 4020in and the PB outlet 4020ou may be disposed in the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2, respectively.

[0122] The flow plate 4020fp may divide the interior of the pneumatic block 4020 into a first chamber 4020c1, a second chamber 4020c2, and an interior of the blower sleeve 4020bs. In one form, airflow is received into the pneumatic block 4020 through the PB inlet 4020in and enters the PB inlet tube 4020it (shown in Figs. 11d and 11h). The PB inlet tube 4020it delivers the airflow to the first chamber 4020c1 from which the airflow travels to the second chamber 4020c2. In one form, a plurality of flow tubes 4020ft (shown, for example, in Figs. 11d-11f) positioned on the flow plate 4020fp may deliver the airflow from the first chamber 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2. The flow plate 4020fp may include a cavity through which the PB inlet tubes 4020it may move to deliver the airflow to the first chamber 4020c1. The flow tubes 4020ft may also be used to determine the flow rate, as described in more detail below. The second chamber 4020c2 then delivers the airflow to the blower 4142 through the blower inlet 4142in (see FIG. 11c), where the airflow is pressurized and exits through the blower outlet 4142ou before exiting the pneumatic block 4020 through the PB outlet 4020ou as shown in FIG. 11j. In one form, the flow plate 4020fp may include about 10-15 flow tubes 4020ft, such as 11-14, for example 12 flow tubes as shown in FIG. 11e. The flow tube 4020ft may be tapered in a converging direction from the first chamber 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2, for example in one form shown in FIG. 11j.

[0123] The PB inlet 4020in may comprise a flexible portion, such as the PB inlet insert 4020ii as shown in Fig. 11h. The flexible portion may help the PB inlet 4020in to be accurately aligned with the RPT device inlet 4002, for example by elastically conforming to accommodate any axial or radial misalignment between the PB inlet 4020in and the RPT device inlet 4002. Furthermore, the flexible portion may reduce mechanical loads or stresses acting on the pneumatic block 4020 while accommodating axial or radial misalignment, since the elastic modulus of the flexible portion is significantly less than the elastic modulus of the housing of the pneumatic block, such as the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2. In one form, the flexible portion may be constructed from a flexible material such as silicone, and the housing of the pneumatic block including the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2 may be constructed from a more rigid material such as polypropylene, although a range of other materials may be suitable for both.

[0124] The blower sleeve 4020bs (shown in Figs. 11k and 11l) may be formed from a flexible, resilient material such as silicone. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs may act as a suspension member to reduce noise and vibration output from the blower 4142 that may be transmitted to the patient 1000 (or bed partner 1100). The blower sleeve 4020bs may also include a chamber configured to receive airflow from the blower outlet 4142ou and deliver airflow to the PB outlet 4020ou, as shown in Fig. 11j. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs is configured to receive the blower 4142 and sealingly engage with the flow plate 4020fp, for example, by one or more sleeve tabs 4020st positioned on the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0125] The blower sleeve 4020bs may also include a sleeve pull tab 4020pt configured to participate in assembly of the blower sleeve 4020bs with other components of the pneumatic block, such as the second PB housing 4020h2. The sleeve pull tab 4020pt may be configured as an elongated tab suitable for gripping by hand, allowing a person (or an automated device) assembling the pneumatic block 4020 to position the PB outlet 4020ou relative to the second PB housing 4020h2 by holding the sleeve pull tab 4020pt and pulling it through the PB outlet rim 4020or (shown in FIG. 11d). One advantage of such an arrangement is reduced assembly time, while another advantage is precise positioning of the PB outlet 4020ou while obtaining desired suspension characteristics of the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0126] The flow sensor port 4020sp may be accessible from the exterior of the pneumatic block 4020 and may be fluidly coupled to a flow transducer 4274 (not shown). The flow sensor port 4020sp may also be fluidly coupled to a flow passage in the pneumatic block 4020, for example, to enable the flow transducer 4274 to measure the flow rate through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be connected to the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2 such that the flow sensor can measure the pressure drop between the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2. The flow sensor port 4020sp may be integrally formed with an enclosure of the pneumatic block 4020, such as the first PB housing 4020h1, or may instead be part of a separate component, such as the PB sensor coupler 4020sc. Some or all of the flow sensor ports 4020sp may be flexibly configured to aid in precisely aligning and engaging the flow transducer 4274 and the pneumatic block 4020.

[0127] Introduction of any water into the flow sensor port 4020sp may adversely affect the operation of the flow transducer 4274, for example by at least partially blocking the port for sensing air pressure. It is also known that there may be a risk of water entering the RPT device 4000, for example when the RPT device 4000 is used with a humidifier 5000, because the RPT device 4000 may be in close proximity to water and because the humidifier 5000 may contain water therein. Thus, each flow sensor flow path connecting a respective flow sensor port 4020sp to a chamber 4020c1, 4020c2 may include one or more water ingress prevention features, such as a PB water trap 4020wt or a PB water shield 4020ws (see FIG. 11o). According to one form, the PB water trap 4020wt may be a recess in the flow sensor flow path configured to retain a predetermined amount of water while allowing air to flow through the flow sensor flow path. The PB water shield 4020ws may include small cross-sectional area ports configured to allow air to pass through but prevent water from entering due to the high surface tension of water. To further prevent any water from interfering with the operation of the flow sensor, the ports of the PB water shield 4020ws may be oriented horizontally and / or positioned toward the top end of the pneumatic block 4020. In one form, the ports of the PB water shield 4020ws may be, for example, approximately 1 mm in diameter at their smallest, although it will be understood that other sizes may be suitable to prevent water from entering through the ports. In one form, the PB water shield 4020ws may be positioned such that the ports are disposed substantially flat and / or substantially vertical at its outermost surface, at which point the diameter of the ports may be smallest. Additionally, the flow sensor ports 4020sp may be positioned vertically relative to the respective ports of the PB water shield 4020ws to which the flow sensor ports 4020sp are fluidly connected.In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be configured such that any water passing through a port (or equivalent air path) in the PB water shield 4020ws must rotate (e.g., through 90 degrees) in order to move to the flow sensor, for example by moving upward in the normal operating direction of the RPT device 4000. The PB water shield 4020ws may be integrally formed with the enclosure (e.g., first PB housing 4020h1) of the pneumatic block 4020, or alternatively may be separately formed to be inserted into the enclosure (e.g., by an interference fit as shown in FIG. 11n) or connected to the enclosure (e.g., by welding, not shown). Furthermore, the flow sensor passage 4020fp may be configured such that the flow sensor port 4020sp may be positioned above the height of the corresponding opening of the flow sensor passage in each chamber 4020c1, 4020c2. This may further prevent water from entering the flow sensor 4274.

[0128] 5.4.1.6 Enclosure 4016 The RPT device 4000 may include a housing 4016 as shown in Figures 8a-8f, where the housing 4016 may form a structural frame for the RPT device 4000. In some configurations, as shown in Figures 5a and 8b, the platform 4016pl may comprise the outer wall of the RPT device 4000. The housing 4016 may also position one or more components, such as the outer housing 4010, the pneumatic block 4020, the PCBA 4202, and the outlet muffler 4124, as seen in Figure 5a.

[0129] In one form, the housing 4016 may include a platform 4016pl (see FIGS. 8a-8b) configured to support the pneumatic block 4020. The housing 4016 may include a dock 4130 configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 (or the water reservoir 5110), for example into an internal cavity, to connect the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. The dock 4130 may receive a portion of the outlet muffler 4124 as shown. The dock 4130 may include a dock outlet 4132 configured to deliver airflow to the outlet muffler 4124 or to the water reservoir 5110 upon insertion, and a dock inlet 4134 for receiving airflow from the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 upon insertion, as shown in FIGS. 8c-8d. 8e, the housing 4016 may also include the RPT device outlet 4004, in which case the RPT device outlet 4004 may be removably coupled to the housing 4016. The dock outlet 4132 may be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler inlet 4124in or the water reservoir inlet 5118. The dock inlet 4134 may be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler outlet 4124ou or the water reservoir outlet 5122.

[0130] In one form, the dock inlet 4134 and the dock outlet 4132 may each comprise a bellows type face seal. The seal may engage a complementary portion of the outlet muffler 4124 (e.g., 4124ou or 4124in as shown in FIG. 7e) or a complementary portion of the water reservoir 5110 (e.g., 5118 or 5222 as shown in FIG. 16d) or as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,544,465, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. One advantage of such a bellows type face seal may be that it tolerates axial and radial misalignment. Because such a seal abuts a complementary portion, this configuration may be more tolerant of radial misalignment than, for example, a configuration in which one male connector is inserted into one female connector. Also, the flexibility of such a seal allows for axial misalignment to exist without adversely affecting the performance of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000).

[0131] An outlet tube 4006 may comprise the RPT device outlet 4004 and the dock inlet 4134 and is removably coupled to the dock 4130. In some forms a separate intermediate tube 4008 may comprise the dock outlet 4132. The intermediate tube 4008 may be configured to be coupled to the pneumatic block 4020 to receive airflow therefrom for delivery to the dock 4130. The intermediate tube 4008 may further comprise a dock outlet pressure port 4132pp for measuring air pressure at the dock outlet 4132.

[0132] The outlet tube 4006 may comprise an outlet tube latch portion 4006la configured to engage a complementary feature in the dock 4130, such as the dock outlet slot 4130sl. The outlet tube 4006 may further comprise one or more outlet tube guide portions 4006gu, which may aid in accurate insertion of the outlet tube 4006 into the dock 4130 by engagement with one or more corresponding dock guide portions 4130gu. The outlet tube guide portion 4006gu, in one form shown in FIG. 8g, may comprise a flat plate configured to be engaged and oriented by the dock guide portion 4130gu, which may be angled to orient the outlet tube 4006 into its intended position for engaging the outlet tube latch portion 4006la and the dock outlet slot 4130sl.

[0133] The outlet end 4006oe may be formed with an ISO taper, for example a 22mm outside diameter ISO taper, to allow connection of a standard unheated air circuit.

[0134] As seen in Figures 8g and 8h, the outlet tube 4006 may include flow bends having an internal circular or curved cross section configured to reduce impedance of air flow through the outlet tube 4006. As shown in Figure 8h, the outlet tube 4006 may be constructed of two pieces, where a first portion 4006a is made of Bisphenol A (BPA) free polycarbonate. The mold may be molded from a hard material such as polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) and the second portion 4006b comprising at least a portion of the flow bend is overmolded from a malleable material such as silicone. By using a malleable material to form the second portion 4006b comprising at least a portion of the bend, the mold with the internal bend can be pulled out of the internal cavity by deforming the second portion 4006b at the end of the molding process.

[0135] The outlet tube 4006 may also include a retaining flange 4006fl for participating in at least one of positioning or fixing the outlet tube 4006 to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 or its housing or enclosure. The retaining flange 4006fl may help to accurately position or locate the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 within the outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 as shown in FIG. 8e, for example by abutting a positioning flange of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. It should be understood that the retaining flange 4006fl may allow for a fixed attachment of the outlet tube 4006. Alternatively, the retaining flange 4006fl may allow for a removable attachment of the outlet tube 4006 so that the outlet tube can be cleaned or replaced.

[0136] The outlet tube 4006 may include an inlet end 4006ie that connects to the humidifier 5000 or RPT device 4000 as shown in Figures 8b-8f. The inlet end 4006ie may comprise a pressure-activated face seal or bellows seal to provide a sealed pneumatic connection from an outlet of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, such as the dock outlet 4132 described above. In other examples of the present technology, the outlet tube 4006 may be connected at the inlet end 4006ie to at least one conduit that is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. In any of these scenarios, one function of the outlet tube 4006, specifically the inlet end 4006ie, may be to receive gas flow from the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 and direct it outside the device to the air circuit 4170 via the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the outlet connector 4170oc to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0137] A portion of the RPT device 4000 is shown in Figures 8h-8i and in Figures 18i-18j along with the outlet tube 4006 and / or cable housing 5080. The outlet tube 4006 may also incorporate a latch portion 4006la for connecting with a complementary receiving portion (e.g., dock outlet slot 4130sl) of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 to position and / or hold the airflow tube in the correct position within the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 as previously described. The engagement of the latch portion 4006la with the dock outlet slot 4130sl may provide sensory feedback, such as a click, to indicate a correct connection. The latch portion 4006la may be further configured such that the outlet tube 4006 is removed from the receiving portion as the outlet tube disengages from the receiving portion. The latch portion 4006la may be a different color than the complementary receiver or component of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 to improve visibility. In certain circumstances, the outlet tube 4006 and / or complementary receiver may be configured such that a button, for example on the end of the latch portion 4006la, can be used to release the outlet tube 4006 from the complementary receiver. A tool may be used to release the outlet tube 4006 from the receiver.

[0138] The outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that engagement of the latch portion 4006la with a complementary receiving portion also completes a pneumatic connection between the air circuit 4170 and the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. Thus, detection of an air leak may allow detection of a lack or incorrect connection of the outlet tube 4006 or dislodgment of the outlet tube.

[0139] In a further optional configuration, when the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000, the connection operation may be configured to ensure a correct connection of the outlet tube 4006 with a complementary receptacle. An incorrect connection of the outlet tube 4006 to the complementary receptacle may prevent the outlet connector 4170oc from being able to be correctly connected to the outlet tube 4006, which may be indicated by the RPT device 4000, for example by detection of a high leak flow rate. In yet another alternative, the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 may be used to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the outlet tube 4006 from the RPT device 4000 and / or the humidifier 5000.

[0140] As previously mentioned, when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 may be coupled to the outlet connection region 5056 of the outlet connector 4170oc.

[0141] The dock 4130 may include one or more features configured to engage with a component inserted therein, such as the outlet muffler 4124. For example, the dock 4130 may include one or more flanges 4130fl, as shown in Figures 8c-8f, that are adapted to engage and guide the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 as they are inserted into the dock 4130.

[0142] In one form, the dock 4130 may comprise one or more components of the humidifier 5000, where the humidifier 5000 is integral with the RPT device 4000. For example, the base of the dock 4130 may comprise a heating element 5240, as described in more detail below.

[0143] 5.4.1.7 Transducer 4270 The transducer may be internal to the RPT device or may be external to the RPT device. An external transducer may, for example, be located in or form part of the air circuit, such as a patient interface. An external transducer may take the form of a non-contact sensor, such as a Doppler radar movement sensor, that transmits or communicates data to the RPT device.

[0144] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to measure a characteristic, such as flow, pressure, or temperature, at one or more points in the pneumatic path.

[0145] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be positioned proximate to the patient interface 3000.

[0146] In one form, the signal from the transducer 4270 may be filtered, such as by low pass filtering, high pass filtering, or band pass filtering.

[0147] 5.4.1.7.1 Flow Transducer 4274 The flow transducer 4274 of the present technology may be based on a differential pressure transducer, such as the SDP600 series differential pressure transducers offered by SENSIRION.

[0148] In one form, a signal representative of a flow rate, such as the total flow rate Qt, from the flow transducer 4274 is received by the central controller 4230.

[0149] 5.4.1.7.2 Pressure Transducer 4272 A pressure transducer 4272 according to the present technology is positioned in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. One example of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. Another suitable pressure transducer is the NPA series from GENERAL ELECTRIC. This is a sensor from .

[0150] In one form, the signal from the pressure transducer 4272 is received by the central controller 4230 .

[0151] 5.4.1.7.3 Motor Speed ​​Transducer 4276 In one form of the present technology, a motor speed transducer 4276 is used to determine the rotational speed of, for example, the motor 4144 or blower 4142. A motor speed signal from the motor speed transducer 4276 is preferably provided to the therapy device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 may be a speed sensor, such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor.

[0152] 5.4.1.7.4 Ambient Light Sensor 4278 Because the RPT device 4000 is often used in a bedroom environment, for example to be used while the patient 1000 is about to go to sleep or is asleep, it may be important to ensure that any lighting features of the RPT device 4000 are not overly bright.

[0153] In one form of the present technology, an ambient light sensor 4278 is used to determine the light level in the surrounding area near the RPT device 4000. The ambient light signal from the ambient light sensor 4278 may be provided as an input to the central controller 4230, for example to adjust the brightness of the display or any other light emitting features, such as a backlight for the input device 4220 or any indicator lights.

[0154] The ambient light sensor 4278 may be connected to an aperture, such as the outer housing light port 4010lp as shown in FIG. 9a. In such a configuration, the light level detected by the ambient light sensor 4278 corresponds to the light level at or near the aperture. In one configuration, the outer housing light port 4010lp may be positioned adjacent to the display 4294 so that the brightness of the display 4294 can be adjusted according to the detected light level. The ambient light sensor 4278 may be connected to the aperture by a light well (also referred to as a light pipe) to help accurately determine the light level at the aperture.

[0155] The display 4294 may be configured to operate at one of a number of predefined brightness settings. The brightness setting may be selected according to a signal output of the ambient light sensor 4278. For example, the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a lower brightness setting when the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is below a threshold (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux) and the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a higher brightness setting when the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is above a threshold (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux). Thus, in such a configuration, lower levels of ambient light may result in a lower brightness setting.

[0156] 5.4.1.8 Non-return valve 4160 In one form of the present technology, a non-return valve is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The non-return valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing upstream from the humidifier 5000, for example towards the motor 4144.

[0157] 5.4.1.9 Air Circuit 4170 The air circuit 4170 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow air flow to travel between two components, such as the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000, in use.

[0158] In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the pneumatic block and the patient interface. The air circuit may also be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there may be separate limbs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single limb is used.

[0159] 18a, the air circuit 4170 may include an AC tube section 4170tp and an AC outlet connector 4170oc at one end of the tube section 4170tp for connecting the air circuit to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. In one form, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may comprise an AC pre-block 4170pb, an AC overmold 4170om, and an AC electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical connector 4170ec may be oriented parallel to a central axis of the outlet connection area 5056 and may extend downward from a lower surface of the outlet connector 4170oc to exit an opening in the AC overmold 4170om, for example for protection against water ingress.

[0160] The AC tube section 4170tp may also include a helical coil 4170co to provide support for the AC tube section 4170tp. The air circuit 4170 may also incorporate a heating element to prevent rainout (e.g., condensation of water vapor in the AC tube section 4170tp or in the patient interface 3000) that may be provided in the AC helical coil 4170co. If a heating element is provided in the AC helical coil 4170co, power or signaling may be required, for example if the heating element is an electrical resistance heater. In some cases, an electrical connection may be required between the patient interface 3000 and the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 for power or communication therebetween.

[0161] The air circuit 4170 may require both pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000) and may also require a mechanical connection. These connections may be made through the AC outlet connector 4170oc to provide power and signals to the heating element in the AC helical coil 4170co to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or sequentially, such that one of the mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical connections is completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 at the opposite end of the tube portion 4170tp for coupling to the patient interface 3000. In some forms, the patient interface connector 4107 may be different from the AC outlet connector 4170oc, as shown in FIG. 18a.

[0162] 18b-18e depict an air circuit or a portion thereof according to an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 18f-18j depict an exemplary air circuit connected to an outlet assembly 5004. As seen in FIG. 18a-18b, an AC tube section 4170tp having an AC helical coil 4170co may be connected to an AC outlet connector 4170oc. As previously mentioned, the AC helical coil 4170co may include a heating element and may also act as a support structure for the AC tube section 4170tp. An electrical connection may be made to the outlet assembly 5004 (discussed in more detail below) by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc such that the AC electrical connector 4170ec is in electrical contact with electrical components of the outlet assembly.

[0163] 5.4.1.9.1 Making pneumatic and electrical connections The air circuit 4170 may require both pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000) and may also require a mechanical connection. These connections may be made through the outlet connector 4170oc to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, to provide power and signals to the heating element in the helical coil 4170co, and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or sequentially such that one of the mechanical, pneumatic or electrical connections is completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 at the other end for coupling to the patient interface 3000.

[0164] The AC outlet connector 4170oc may include a recess 4170re configured to couple to an electrical connector receptacle 5052 of the pivoting disk 5050 to aid in releasably securing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the humidifier 5000, for example, at the outlet assembly 5004 (see Figs. 18i-18j and discussed further below). The recess 4170re may provide a visual aid to the patient to position the outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet assembly 5004 by being formed to correspond to the electrical connector receptacle 5052 (see Fig. 18j). The electrical connector receptacle 5052 may receive a female electrical connector 5058, for example, as shown in Figs. 18m-18n. The AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an actuator 4172 that controls a retention feature 4174. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the outlet assembly 5004, the retention feature 4174 may engage with a corresponding notch 5054 in the swiveling disc 5050 (see FIGS. 18i-18j). The actuator 4172 may cooperate with the notch 5054 to produce an audible sound or tactile feedback at the actuator 4172 upon engagement, or both. The actuator 4172 or retention feature 4174 may be formed with higher wear characteristics than the swiveling disc 5050 so that wear can occur in the air circuit 4170, which may be a consumable component. This may be achieved by forming the retention feature 4174 using a material having a lower hardness compared to the material forming the swiveling disc 5050. The retention feature 4174 and the notch 5054 may engage with a snap fit, and the actuator 4172 may be depressible to capture the retention feature to release it from the notch 5054. In some cases, the retention feature 4174 and notch 5054 may be configured such that when the retention feature and notch are not fully engaged, they can be urged into position by treatment pressure at the start of treatment, for example, by treatment pressure acting on the tab 4176 biasing the retention feature 4174 toward the notch 5054.As shown in Figs. 18c-18e, both the actuator 4172 and the retention feature 4174 may be positioned on the AC tab 4176 such that pushing the actuator inward also moves the retention feature inward, thereby releasing the retention feature from the notch 5054. In one form, the actuator 4172 may be positioned further from the pivot axis of the tab 4176 than the retention feature 4174, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to the user and increasing the amount of travel required to depress the actuator 4172, improving translation of the movement of the retention feature 4174 to the user. This configuration may further improve feedback provided to the user during engagement / disengagement of the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet connection area 5056 (shown in Fig. 18a) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the swivel disc 5050, for example as shown in Figs. 18f-18j.

[0165] As shown in Fig. 18d, in some examples of this technology, a travel stopper 4178 located at the inner end of the rib 4177 may be used to limit the level of travel or depression of the actuator 4172 during insertion and removal, thereby preventing plastic deformation of the surrounding portion, tearing of the AC outlet connector 4170oc around the AC tab 4176, or both. The travel stopper 4178 extends from the inner end of the rib 4177 and aligns with the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc at the location of the actuator 4172. When the actuator is pressed or pushed inward, the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc correspondingly presses or pushes inward until it contacts the travel stopper 4178. The travel stopper prevents further pressing or depression of the actuator.

[0166] In further examples of the present technology, the notches may be replaced with radial slots that retain the outlet connector via the retention features but allow it to rotate. In such examples, the swivel disc may be fixed relative to the outlet housing or may be eliminated entirely such that the radial slots are located in the housing. Of course, such examples also retain the need for a moveable electrical connector in the outlet assembly so that the electrical connection can be maintained while the outlet connector rotates.

[0167] 18k and 18l show detailed bottom views of an embodiment of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, specifically the outlet connection area 5056. FIG. 18k shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc connected to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 at the outlet connection area 5056 (shown in FIG. 19xx and discussed further below). The outlet tube 4006 may be formed as a multi-patient / multi-user (MPMU) tube that is one or more of removable, replaceable, and washable. Note that for clarity, the outlet end 4006oe is shown in this figure, and reference should be made to FIGS. 18f-18j for further depiction. The outlet tube 4006 may function as a removable intermediate pneumatic coupling between the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 and the air outlet of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000.

[0168] 5.4.1.9.2 Internal ribs of outlet connector 4170oc FIG. 18k shows a number of ribs 4177 disposed around the inner circumference of the outlet connection area 5056 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. In the illustrated example, four ribs 4177 are shown, but a different number of ribs may be utilized, for example, two, three, five or more ribs. The ribs 4177 may function to support and position the AC outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006. The ribs 4177 may function to guide the AC outlet connector 4170oc to couple to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 in the outlet assembly 5004 during insertion to form a pneumatic connection. This guidance may participate in aligning the outlet connection area 5056 to facilitate an electrical connection between the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 on the swivel disk 5050 of the outlet assembly 5004. In this configuration, the insertion or connection of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit to the outlet assembly 5004 of the RPT device may be accomplished in one action by the user, but the pneumatic connection is made first and the electrical connection is made second. The AC outlet connector 4170oc, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that the outlet tube 4006 engages the seal 4170se of the AC outlet connector 4170oc before the electrical connector receptacle 5052 makes an electrical connection with the AC electrical connector 4170ec. Thus, during removal or disconnection, the electrical connection is broken first and the pneumatic connection is broken second. This may be advantageous to ensure that a pneumatic seal is maintained from the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 to the air circuit 4170, more specifically between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the outlet tube 4006. This may also provide improved safety, for example when supplemental oxygen is added to the airflow delivered by the humidifier 5000. This is because this configuration prevents oxygen exposure during making or breaking of the electrical connection. Figure 18l shows a similar view to Figure 18k, but without showing the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 to provide a clearer depiction of one example of a rib 4177. Both of these views also show the shape of the recess 4170re.

[0169] In some cases, an unheated air circuit 4170 that does not incorporate a heating element may be used. Thus, the diameter of the central opening 5092 of the swiveling disk 5050 may be large enough to accommodate such an unheated air circuit 4170. Thus, in one example of this technology, the outer diameter of the air flow tube may be approximately 22 mm to allow connection to a standard 22 mm outer diameter unheated air circuit, and the outer diameter of the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be approximately 36 mm. However, it will be appreciated that other outer diameter sizes may be utilized.

[0170] The internal ribs 4177 may be used to reduce any radial gap between the interior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the outlet tube 4006. Furthermore, the ribs 4177 and the outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that the gap therebetween is relatively smaller than the gap between the exterior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the swiveling disc 5050. This allows greater wear to occur on the outlet tube 4006 due to rotation compared to the swiveling disc 5050. This is advantageous because the outlet tube 4006 may be more easily replaced than the swiveling disc 5050.

[0171] Another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to allow a larger portion of any mechanical load that may result from tilting or non-axial movement to be transferred from the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the outlet tube 4006. This may be advantageous in that this may help wear occur on consumable components such as the air circuit 4170 and / or the outlet tube 4006 rather than on non-consumable components of the humidifier 5000 such as the swiveling disk 5050. Yet another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to maintain or inhibit deformation of the base seal 4170se (as shown in FIG. 18a) during engagement of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the outlet assembly 5004 by limiting the maximum axial deformation the base seal 4170se may undergo towards the interior of the AC outlet connector 4170oc.

[0172] 5.4.1.9.3 Electrical Connections The AC electrical connector 4170ec may include one or more lead-in features, such as a chamfer or a curved radius, on its edge on the lead-in face in the insertion direction shown in FIG. 18o, for example. This is done by inserting an electrical connector into the receptacle to provide a surface wipe connection. The thickness of the electrical leads 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec may be between about 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm, such as 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm. The thickness may vary according to a number of parameters, such as the design life of the AC electrical connector 4170ec, the material selected for the electrical leads 4170le, and the material selected for the receiving portion contact element 5058ce. One suitable example of a material for the electrical leads 4170le may be high temper phosphor bronze that is nickel plated and then gold plated. In some circumstances, an increased amount of conductive material and / or a highly conductive plating (such as gold and / or platinum) may be used in the electrical leads 4170le. This may have the advantage of improving wear characteristics and / or dissipating heat from the electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical leads 4170le may have an exposed conductive surface at the bottom end of the electrical connector 4170ec such that full insertion is required to make an electrical connection.

[0173] Another feature provided by the connection of the AC electrical connector 4170ec to the electrical connector receptacle 5052 on the swivel disk 5050 may be that the electrical connector receptacle 5052 is covered by the AC outlet connector 4170oc when assembled together as shown in Figures 18i and 18j. Figure 18j shows an exploded view in which the AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown above the swiveling disc 5050, and Figure 18i shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc engaged with the swiveling disc 5050. When the outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the swiveling disc 5050 as shown in Figures 18g and 18i, the area of ​​the outlet connector surrounding the AC electrical connector 4170ec may obscure the opening of the electrical connector receptacle 5052 to prevent debris and contaminants (such as liquids) from entering the electrical connector receptacle.

[0174] As previously mentioned, the electrical connector 4170ec and electrical connector receptacle 5052 are configured such that an electrical connection between the electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 can be made after the AC outlet connector 4170oc is mechanically engaged with the swiveling disk 5050. This reduces the rate of any deformation or load due to misalignment between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the swiveling disk 5050 supported by the AC electrical connector 4170ec and electrical connector receptacle 5052. In one form, such a configuration can be achieved by configuring the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the swiveling disk 5050 such that the outlet tube 4006 and the rib 4177 engage prior to engagement of the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 during insertion of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the swiveling disk 5050. This configuration can also be advantageous when the gas provided via the air circuit 4170 includes supplemental oxygen. This is because it prevents electrical arcs from occurring in the absence of pneumatic circuit isolation.

[0175] Yet another feature of this technology can be found in the arrangement of the receiver contact elements 5058ce on the female electrical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receiver 5052 as shown in Fig. 18m-18n. The electrical leads 4170le can engage with the receiver contact elements 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052 from the top end TS of the connector. This engagement can be performed by a sliding motion in the direction of the arrow ENG shown in Fig. 18a-18b. The receiver contact elements 5058ce can be configured in a slanted triangular shape as shown in Fig. 18n and / or can be configured to be compliant in a direction PER perpendicular to the sliding surface to aid in their engagement with the electrical leads 4170le.

[0176] The triangular shape and / or compliance discussed above may allow for improved engagement between the electrical leads 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the receiver contact elements 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is gradually inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052. During engagement with the AC electrical connector 4170ec, the contact elements 5146 may be forced inward to maintain contact against the electrical leads 4170le as the AC electrical connector 4170ec slides along the length of the female electrical connector 5058. This may allow for improved accommodation of mechanical tolerances due to sources such as manufacturing variations or deformation during use.

[0177] Furthermore, the receiver contact element 5058ce may be biased such that when it is deformed from its original configuration (as shown in FIG. 18n) and pressed inwardly, it can be biased back to a non-deformed position, thereby enhancing the fidelity of its connection with the electrical lead 4170le. Another advantage of such a configuration of the female electrical connector 5058 may be that it is self-cleaning. Because the female electrical connector 5058 and the AC electrical connector 4170ec can engage each other with a slide-on / slide-off action, it prevents the accumulation of contaminants that may affect the fidelity of the electrical connection formed between the two components if left uncleaned.

[0178] Any contaminants that have been removed by the wiping action may be prevented from entering the air path, for example by the pivoting disc seal 5051. Also, when the female electrical connector 5058 is placed in a vertical position and a connection is made vertically, any contaminants that are wiped off the electrical contacts will fall below the connector. A cavity may be formed below the female electrical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receptacle 5052, into which contaminants may collect. This cavity is not in communication with the air pressure path of the RPT device or the humidifier 5000.

[0179] FIG. 18z1 shows a surface of a female electrical connector 5058 that may be connected to a cable 5070. The connector may include multiple weld points 5058w1, 5058w2, 5058w3, for example, there may be two weld points for each conductive track, thereby increasing mechanical strength against load. The connector may also incorporate one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe for alignment during assembly and / or mechanical coupling. Optionally, one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe may be heat crimped to provide mechanical restraint. In certain configurations, a washer or plate may be provided between one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe and the cable 5070 to spread the mechanical restraining force over a larger surface area of ​​the connector.

[0180] 18z2-18z4 show another example of a female electrical connector 5058, including another example of a receiver contact element 5146, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 18z5-18z6. A feature of this example of the receiver contact element 5058ce is that the branched retention feature 5058rf is formed from the base portion 5058bp rather than the contact portion 5058co and / or the curved portion 5058cu. The receiver contact element 5058ce may be formed from a highly electrically and thermally conductive material with high strength and hardness, such as beryllium copper.

[0181] Exposing the electrical connections at the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 provides additional electrical safety, as the air circuit does not include a power source but requires a connection to the RPT device 4000 and / or the swivel disc 5050 on the humidifier 5000 side to receive power. There are also exposed electrical connections on the replaceable air circuit 4170 components that may be exposed to the cleaning process.

[0182] 5.4.1.9.4 Elbow Exit Connectors As can be seen in Figures 18a-18j, by forming the AC outlet connector 4170oc with an elbow, the patient may be prevented from inadvertently pulling the air circuit 4170 out of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. This is because the direction of the air circuit's pulling force vector is positioned at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the direction of engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. Also, as shown in Figures 1a-1c, the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 may be positioned, for example, on a bedroom table during treatment so that the patient lying in bed is approximately at the same height as the RPT device or humidifier. In such a situation, including an elbow as part of the AC outlet connector 4170oc may allow the air circuit 4170 to be more directly aimed at the patient such that the bending angle of the air circuit may be reduced, particularly at or near the elbow, thereby reducing stress on the air circuit. In one example of the present technology, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an elbow having an angle of approximately 90°. However, it should be understood that any angle may be envisaged, such as 0°-120°, including, for example, 20°, 40°, 60°, 80°, or 100°. The selection of this angle may be based on any consideration of flow impedance, convenience, location of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, or noise related considerations. The design requirements for the number of

[0183] 5.4.1.9.5 Rotatable Exit Connectors Because the patient may move during treatment, which may cause the patient to pull on the air circuit 4170, it may be beneficial to further reduce the bend angle of the air circuit to reduce stress on the assembly, particularly on the air circuit and on the connection to the air circuit from the AC outlet connector 4170oc. This may be achieved by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate relative to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 while maintaining mechanical, pneumatic and electrical connections. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing it to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0184] As previously mentioned, the air circuit 4170 may be connected to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the outlet assembly 5004 as shown in Figures 16a-16b and 18f-18j. Rotatability may be provided by features shown, for example, in Figures 18p-18r.

[0185] 18p-r, 18v, and 18w show various views of a swiveling disk 5050 according to various examples of the present technology. As previously mentioned, the swiveling disk 5050 may be the component that receives the AC outlet connector 4170oc when connecting the air circuit 4170 to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The swiveling disk 5050 may provide rotational capability to the RPT device and / or the humidifier.

[0186] FIG. 18y shows a perspective view of the bottom of an exemplary swiveling disk 5050 and the cable 5070. In other words, this view depicts the features of the swiveling disk 5050 positioned opposite the side to which the AC outlet connector 4170oc may connect. The cable 5070, which will be discussed in more detail below, can be seen extending from the underside of the electrical connector receptacle 5052. The end of the cable 5070 inside the electrical connector receptacle 5052 may be in electrical communication with the AC electrical connector 4170ec when the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the swiveling disk 5050. The free end of the illustrated cable 5070 may be in electrical communication with at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 (e.g., the central controller 4230, the PCBA 4202, or the power supply 4210). It should also be understood that the cable 5070 may have any length sufficient to perform its connection function, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0187] The swivel disc 5050 may also incorporate a swivel disc seal 5051 as shown in Figures 18w, 18x, 18y, which may comprise a compliant material such as TPE. The swivel disc seal 5051 may function to maintain a seal between the swivel disc 5050 and the outlet tube 4006 to prevent any contaminants from entering the air path, for example by extending around the periphery of the top end of the swivel disc 5050 towards the base of the swivel disc 5050 as shown in Figures 18v and 18y. In one form, the swivel disc seal 5051 may be an overmolded portion of the swivel disc 5050.

[0188] As previously mentioned, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be releasably coupled to the swiveling disc 5050 by engaging the retention features 4174 with corresponding cut-outs 5054 and by engaging the recesses 4170re with the electrical connector receiving portions 5052. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is connected to the swiveling disc 5050, it may be able to rotate integrally with the swiveling disc relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0189] 70a-c show views of a swiveling disc 5050 coupled to a cable housing 5080. Fig. 70a shows a top view of an exit assembly according to an example of the present technology. In Figs. 70a-c, the swiveling disc 5050 may be in an intermediate rotational position relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0190] FIG. 70b shows a cross section of the outlet assembly 5004 across the plane of symmetry of the female electrical connector 5058 taken along line 70b-70b of FIG. 70a. This example of the present technology shows an inner shoulder 5160 that recesses the female electrical connector 5058 from the opening of the electrical connector receiver 5052, which can increase electrical safety when engaging and / or disengaging with the connector 4170ec of the electrical connector receiver 5052. The placement of the female electrical connector 5058 recessed from the opening of the electrical connector receiver 5052 can also prevent any electrical arcing at or near exposed areas. This placement of the female electrical connector 5058 and electrical connector receiver 5052 can also prevent the user from touching any electrically powered components.

[0191] Figure 70c shows another cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly 5004 taken along line 70c-70c of Figure 70a. The inner wall 5082 of the swiveling disc 5050 is visible within the outer wall of the cable housing 5280. The tabs 5094 of the cable housing 5080 are also visible. The flange 5112 of the disc 5050 is also visible above the outer wall 5084 of the cable housing 5080.

[0192] 5.4.1.9.6 Limited Rotation The aforementioned disk stopper surfaces 5060, 5062 (shown in Figs. 18y and 18x) have a pair of complementary housing stopper surfaces 5164, 5166 (shown in Figs. 18w and 18t) that may be positioned on an inner wall 5082 of a cable housing 5080. By connecting a swiveling disk 5050 (shown in Fig. 18v) within an inner wall 5082 of a cable housing 5080 (shown in Fig. 18w) as shown in Fig. 18x, for example, rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 relative to the cable housing 5080 may be limited by engagement of the disk stopper surfaces 5060, 5062 with the corresponding housing stopper surfaces 5164, 5166 at or near their extreme positions. In one example of the present technology, rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 may be limited to less than about 360°. Rotation may be limited to an amount greater than about 180°. In a further example, rotation may be limited to approximately 270°. The desired range of rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 may be determined by a number of factors, such as the position of the swiveling disk 5050 relative to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, the elbow angle of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, and the material properties of the components.

[0193] The depicted example shows two pairs of complementary stop surfaces as described above that may represent opposing ends or surfaces of one structure. It is also envisioned that multiple stop structures are formed on each component. For example, two separate protrusions may be provided on the stop surface on the inner wall of the housing, and similarly for the swiveling disk. It is also envisioned that a single combination of housing and swiveling disk may have multiple forms of stop surfaces, so that one combination may include many available rotational limits.

[0194] FIG. 18p shows the swiveling disk 5050 rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the cable housing 5080 to one extreme position. FIG. 18r shows the swiveling disk 5050 rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the cable housing 5080 to the other extreme position toward the other limit of travel. FIG. 18q shows the swiveling disk 5050 in a position relative to the cable housing 5080 that is between the extreme positions shown in FIG. 18p and FIG. 18r. Although the stop surfaces 5060, 5062, 5164, 5166 cannot be seen by the swiveling disk 5050 in FIG. 18p-18r, it should be understood that one of the disk stop surfaces 5060, 5062 is engaged and / or abutted by a corresponding housing stop surface 5164, 5166 when the swiveling disk 5050 is in any of the positions shown in FIG. 18p and FIG. 18r.

[0195] It should be appreciated that each AC tab 4176 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc includes a retention feature 4174 that engages with a corresponding notch 5054 in the swiveling disk 5050 to releasably connect the lower structure to the swiveling disk so that they can rotate together relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0196] 5.4.1.9.7 Electrical Cable Connections As mentioned above, the cable 5070 may be provided to electrically connect the AC electrical connector 4170ec to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The cable 5070 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 18v-18y and 18u-18x) may be a flexible circuit board (FCB) or a ribbon cable. The cable 5070 may include multiple traces to make multiple electrical connections for powering and signaling functions. The cable 5070 may be oriented such that a major surface or a longer side is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the swiveling disk. If an FCB is used as the cable 5070, the FCB may be oriented such that a surface of the FCB on which the conductive tracks are located is protected from frictional contact with the cable housing 5080 as the FCB rotates with the swiveling disk 5050 to help extend the life of the cable 5070. Furthermore, the contact surface (away from the conductive tracks) may be provided with a low friction surface such that frictional forces created as it slides relative to the cable housing 5080 are minimised. This can have the effect of reducing the amount of friction experienced by the cable 5070 and reducing the loads imposed on the solder / mounted joints between the cable 5070 and any electrical connectors connected to it, such as the female electrical connector 5058. One example of such a low friction surface may be a polyamide substrate.

[0197] 5.4.1.9.8 Cable Management According to one example of the present technology, the cable 5070 may have one end fixed to the electrical connector receptacle 5052 of the swiveling disk 5050. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the opposite end of the cable 5070 may be connected and fixed to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000, such as the PCBA 4202, to provide power to the cable. Thus, the cable 5070 may have a predetermined length between the connection to the swiveling disk 5050 and the connection to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000.

[0198] The cable 5070 may include slack that may be accommodated either in the annular portion between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 or in a recess or gap 5086 at least partially defined by the cable housing 5080 depending on the position of the swiveling disk 5050, in the example of the present technology shown in Fig. 18p-18r. The flange 5112 of the swiveling disk 5050 may contribute to defining the upper cover of the annular portion, but the flange 5112 does not contact the cable 5070 in the annular portion. The cable housing 5080 (see Fig. 18s) may include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084, but both of these walls may further define the gap 5086. The cable housing 5080 may include a retainer 5090, which may help to maintain the cable 5070 in the proper orientation by reducing the chance of tangling or pinching, or may help to prevent the slack from being pushed out of the cable housing 5080. The outer diameter of the retainer 5090 may be designed to provide a minimum diameter for bending of the cable 5070 without damaging the electrical elements of the cable 5070, for example, an outer diameter of about 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, or some other outer diameter. It should be understood that the outer diameter size of the retainer 5090 may vary depending on the size and type of cable used. As can be seen in FIG. 18s, the depicted exemplary cable housing 5080 may include an opening, which may be formed in the shape of a slot, through which the cable 5070 can pass while retaining an approximately predetermined length of the cable 5070 within the cable housing 5080.

[0199] The cable 5070 is at least partially wrapped around the inner wall 5082 within the annular portion 5174 when the swiveling disk is rotated towards the extreme position shown in Figure 18r. The cable 5070 does not wrap around the swiveling disk 5050 but rather moves with the swiveling disk within the annular portion as the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated.

[0200] 18p-18r depict other features of the depicted example of the present technology. As the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated between extreme positions, the cable 5070 may be pushed and pulled between the gap 5086 and the annular portion of the cable housing 5080 due to its connection to the swiveling disk 5050. For example, as the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 18p to the position shown in FIG. 18r, it can be seen that a portion of the cable 5070 is pulled out of the gap 5086 and into the annular portion 5088. It should be understood that the portion of the cable 5070 shown folded, for example, in FIG. 18p within the gap 5086 may be considered slack. In other words, slack may be excess cable representing a length of cable other than that which needs to be directly connected to the swiveling disk 5050. 18q, slack may be gradually removed from gap 5086 so that as the cable is pulled, the slack in cable 5070 may be gradually pulled into annular portion 5088 and begin to wrap around inner wall 5082. As the swiveling disk 5050 is further rotated from the position shown in Figure 18q to the position shown in Figure 18r, an increasing portion of cable 5070 is pulled into annular portion 5088 and the slack may be completely or nearly completely pulled out of gap 5086. The recess or gap 5086 and annular portion 5088 may be formed on opposite sides of inner wall 5082.

[0201] 18r, through 18q, and to the position of FIG. 18p, the opposite rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 can gradually force the cable 5070 out of the annular portion 5088 and out around the inner wall 5082, which increases the slack in the gap 5086 and begins to fold over. In one example of the present technology, the maximum slack in the cable 5070 can have a predetermined length. In another example, the predetermined length can be less than about the circumference of the swiveling disk 5050 and / or can be approximately equal to the distance of the arc swept out by the electrical connector receiving portion 5052 as the swiveling disk rotates between the extreme positions. It should also be understood that in one example of the present technology, the greatest amount of slack in the cable 5070 is collected or contained within the gap 5086 when the swiveling disk 5050 is in the position shown in FIG. 18p.

[0202] 5.4.1.9.9 Cable Housing 18s-t depict features of a cable housing 5080 according to examples of the present technology. As previously described, the cable housing 5080 may include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084 that may collectively define a cavity 5086 and an annular portion 5088. The inner wall 5082 may define an opening 5092 through which the outlet tube 4006 may extend when the outlet assembly 5004 is assembled to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. To further facilitate this assembly, a housing tab 5094 (see FIG. 18t) may be located on the cable housing 5080 to attach the cable housing to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. This may improve manufacturability and serviceability of the cable housing 5080. The housing tabs 5094 may be configured such that they can support the weight of the humidifier 5000 and RPT device 4000 by themselves and / or as a set. This may prevent damage from occurring to the humidifier 5000, RPT device 4000, or cable housing 5080 when the assembly is accidentally lifted by the air circuit 4170 or AC outlet connector 4170oc. In some cases, the air circuit 4170 or AC outlet connector 4170oc may be configured to mechanically fail if the humidifier 5000 and / or RPT device 4000 is held in place and a force is imposed upwards against the air circuit 4170 and / or AC outlet connector 4170oc.

[0203] Returning to the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084, in an example of the present technology, it can be seen that the slack in the cable 5070 forms a radius within the gap 5086 (see, for example, FIG. 18p). This radius may affect the stress imposed on the cable 5070 (and therefore potentially the operational life of the cable) and is defined in part by the distance between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 within the gap 5086 (VO_W in FIG. 18s). Thus, these walls may be spaced apart by a distance in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm across the gap 5086 based on the desired minimum radius of the cable 5070. In one example, the distance is in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm. It should be understood that the desired minimum radius of the cable may vary depending on the characteristics of the cable 5070 and the design parameters of the cable, such as the design life or usage of the cable. Similarly, the length of the gap 5086 (VO_L in FIG. 18s) may be increased or decreased according to the maximum slack length of the cable 5070 that can be provided by the maximum rotation of the swiveling disk 5050.

[0204] The width of the annular portion 5088 between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 (AN_W in FIG. 18s) may be minimized as the cable 5070 moves within the annular portion as the swiveling disk 5050 rotates from one extreme position to the other extreme position. This may have the advantage of reducing noise generated by the cable and preventing buckling of the cable within the annular portion. The width of the annular portion may be about 1 mm to 4 mm, for example 2 mm or 3 mm, and of course the width may depend on various features and / or characteristics of the assembly, such as the characteristics of the cable selected or the radius of the inner wall 5082. In some configurations, the inner wall 5082 of the annular portion 5088 and / or the outer wall 5084 of the annular portion 5088 may include a cushioning material that helps improve acoustic performance when the swiveling disk is rotated. The cushioning material may ensure that the cable moves around the inner wall 5082 and not the outer wall 5084 or vice versa.

[0205] In one example of the present technology, the cable housing 5080 may be formed from polypropylene or polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS). The pivoting disk 5050 may be formed from a combination of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0206] 5.4.1.10 Oxygen Delivery Port 4180 In one form of the present technology, one or more oxygen delivery ports 4180 may be used to deliver supplemental oxygen to one or more points in the pneumatic path, such as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020, to the pneumatic circuit 4170, or to the patient interface 3000.

[0207] 5.4.1.11 Power Supply 4210 The power supply 4210 may be located inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000.

[0208] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0209] 5.4.1.12 Central Controller 4230 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT device 4000.

[0210] Suitable processors include x86 INTEL processors and ARM Cortex processors provided by ARM Holdings. -M processor-based processors, such as the STM32 series from ST Microelectronic In another specific embodiment of the present technology, the ST MICRO 32-bit RISC CPUs such as the STR9 series microcontrollers provided by ELECTRONICS or the MSP430 family of microcontrollers manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS A 16-bit RISC CPU, such as a processor from Lee, may also be suitable.

[0211] In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0212] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an application specific integrated circuit. In another form, the central controller 4230 comprises separate electronic components.

[0213] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive input signals from one or more transducers 4270 and one or more input devices 4220.

[0214] The central controller 4230 may be configured to provide output signals to one or more of the output device 4290, the therapy device controller 4240, the data communication interface 4280, and the humidifier controller 5250.

[0215] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement one or more methodologies described herein, such as one or more algorithms represented as a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as the memory 4260. In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000. However, in some forms of the present technology, some methodologies may be performed by a remotely located device. For example, the remotely located device may determine control settings for a ventilator or detect respiration-related events by analysis of stored data from, for example, any of the sensors described herein.

[0216] 5.4.1.13 Clock 4232 The RPT device 4000 preferably includes a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230 .

[0217] 5.4.1.14 Therapy Device Controller 4240 In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a control module 4330 that forms part of the algorithm executed by the central controller 4230.

[0218] In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one form, the MC33035 Brushless DC Motor Controller manufactured by ONSEMI is used.

[0219] 5.4.1.15 Protection circuit 4250 The one or more protection circuits 4250 in accordance with the present technology may include electrical protection circuits, temperature and pressure safety circuits.

[0220] 5.4.1.16 Memory 4260 In accordance with one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes a memory 4260, preferably a non-volatile memory. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include battery-powered static RAM. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.

[0221] Memory 4260 is preferably located on PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may be in the form of an EEPROM or NAND flash.

[0222] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 includes a removable form of memory 4260, such as a memory card formed in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.

[0223] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 acts as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer program instructions representing one or more methodologies described herein, such as one or more algorithms.

[0224] 5.4.1.17 Data Communication System 4280 In one form of the present technology, a data communications interface 4280 is provided and connected to the central controller 4230. The data communications interface 4280 may allow the RPT device 4000 to connect to other devices or networks such as a remote external communications network 4282, a local external communications network 4284, a remote external device 4286, or a local external device 4288. The data communications interface 4280 may communicate data with other devices / networks to which it is connected, for example to send data to the RPT device 4000 or receive messages regarding the patient's 1000 previous night's sleep.

[0225] Remote external communications network 4282 or local external communications network 4284 may be further connectable to other networks or devices, such as remote external device 4286 or local external device 4288, respectively, as shown in Figure 5e.

[0226] Examples of remote external communications network 4282 include the Internet and cellular telephone networks. Data communications interface 4280 may connect to remote external communications network 4282 using one or more communications methods (wired or wireless), such as Ethernet, USB, fiber optics, CDMA, GSM, LTE, etc. In some forms, data communications interface 4280 may connect to a network via other networks or devices (not shown).

[0227] Examples of local external communications network 4284 include a home computer network and a hospital computer network. In one form, local external communications network 4284 utilizes one or more communications standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or consumer infrared protocols.

[0228] In one form, data communications interface 4280 may communicate with one or more servers including one or more processors, memory and other components typically found in general purpose computing devices, such as those disclosed in Australian Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 2014901998, 2014901999 and 2014901997, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0229] In one form, the remote external device 4286 is one or more computers. Such remote external device 4286 may be accessible to an appropriately authorized person, such as a physician. The local external device 4288 may include a personal computer, a cell phone, a tablet, or a remote control.

[0230] In one form (shown in Figures 10a-b), the data communications interface 4280 may be a wireless communication module located on a PCBA separate from the main PCBA. The data communications interface 4280 may comprise an antenna 4280an and an antenna ground plane 4280gp. The antenna ground plane 4280gp in this form may comprise a PCB and may improve the performance of the antenna 4280an (and therefore the performance of the data communications interface 4280).

[0231] The antenna 4280an may transmit and receive signals to enable the data communication interface 4280 to communicate with, for example, a server, as discussed above. The antenna 4280an may be an elongate member engaged with an antenna ground plane 4280gp (described in more detail below). The antenna 4280an is positioned towards the periphery of the RPT device 4000 to enhance the fidelity and strength of any signals to and from the antenna 4280an, for example adjacent the edge of the side panel 4014 as shown in FIG. 10a. In one form, the antenna 4280an may be positioned such that its major axis is oriented substantially vertically for improved efficiency.

[0232] The geometry (e.g., length) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp, especially in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the antenna 4280an, may affect the performance level of the ground plane 4280gp (and thus the antenna 4280an). In general, increasing the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be beneficial to its performance. Preferably, the antenna ground plane is arranged in a rectangular shape (not shown), extending in a direction perpendicular to the antenna's main axis. The length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is preferably such that the minimum performance requirements of the antenna ground plane 4280gp are met. Similar to the antenna 4280an described above, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be arranged generally vertically and positioned toward the periphery of the RPT device 4000, for example, engaged with the side panel 4014 as shown in FIG. 10a.

[0233] However, in some cases, the configuration of the RPT device 4000 (e.g., the overall size of the RPT device and the arrangement of components within the RPT device, etc.) may prevent the antenna ground plane 4280gp from having (or exceeding) the length necessary to meet minimum performance requirements without a concomitant increase in size of the RPT device 4000. Furthermore, in some cases, the RPT device 4000 may include one or more radiation sources (e.g., motors or otherwise) that can increase the performance level necessary for the data communications system 4280 to function properly.

[0234] According to one aspect of the present technology, the antenna ground plane 4280gp includes one or more cutouts configured to increase the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp. In such a configuration, the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp may be increased by the length on either side of the one or more cutouts. The one or more cutouts may improve the performance of the ground plane 4280gp while allowing the ground plane 4280gp to be arranged in a more complex geometric shape than a rectangle as shown in FIG. 10b.

[0235] The effective overall length (Leff) of the ground plane 4280gp may be determined by the length of the antenna ground plane and the length of both side walls of each cutout in the antenna ground plane 4280gp. In the example shown in FIG. 10b, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may include a cutout having a first side 4280n1 and a second side 4280n2. In this embodiment, the effective overall length (Leff) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is the sum of the length (L1) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp, the length of the first side (Ln1), and the length of the second side (Ln2). Therefore, the effective length (Leff) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is Leff=L1+Ln1+Ln2.

[0236] The cutouts may improve the performance of the wireless data communication interface by, for example, more than 25% (e.g., by 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%), which may otherwise be achieved by increasing the size of the antenna ground plane 4280gp. Thus, as previously discussed, the inclusion of the cutouts may beneficially allow for a reduction in the size of the RPT device 4000 that may not otherwise be possible.

[0237] 5.4.1.18 Input Device 4220 In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dials to allow a person to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical devices or may be software devices accessible via a touch screen. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the external housing 4010 in one form, or in other forms may be in wireless communication with a receiver that is in electrical communication with the central controller 4230.

[0238] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0239] 9a, the RPT device 4000 may include a first button 4222, for example to start or stop treatment, a second button 4224, and a first dial 4226. The first dial 4226 may in some forms be depressible to function as a button.

[0240] 5.4.1.19 Optional display and output devices, including alarms 4290 The output device 4290 of the present technology may take the form of one or more of a visual unit, an audio unit, and a tactile unit. The visual display 4294 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0241] 5.4.1.19.1 Display driver 4292 The display driver 4292 receives as input characters, symbols or images to be displayed on the display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause the display 4294 to display those characters, symbols or images.

[0242] 5.4.1.19.2 Display 4294 The display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands received from the display driver 4292. For example, the display 4294 may be an LCD screen positioned on the front of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figure 9a. For example, the display 4294 may be an eight-segment display, in which case the display driver 4292 converts each character or symbol, such as the number "0", into eight logic signals indicating whether each of the eight segments is activated to display a particular character or symbol.

[0243] In some forms, the display 4294 may be separate from the RPT device 4000, or another device such as a smartphone may be used as the display 4294. In such forms, the display 4294 may be in communication with the RPT device 4000 via the data communication interface 4280.

[0244] 5.4.1.20 User Interface Panel 4190 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include a user interface panel 4190, for example as shown in Figures 12a-12d. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or more of a shield for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for the buttons 4222, 4224, an exterior housing light port 4010lp (and light well 4190lw) for the ambient light sensor 4278, and one or more seals to prevent ingress of water into the interior of the RPT device 4000.

[0245] The user interface panel 4190 may include a display cover 4294co. The display cover 4294co may be configured to protect the display 4294 from damage while allowing an unobstructed view of the display 4294, for example by being formed from a rigid transparent material. In one form, the display cover 4294co may be formed with a curvature to act as a lens to aid in viewing the display 4294. The user interface panel 4190 may further include a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone, for example to act as a seal.

[0246] The user interface panel 4190 may include a dial opening 4226ap for receiving an encoder shaft 4226sh (see FIGS. 13a-13b) for the dial 4226. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or both of a dial seal 4226se and a dial cover 4226co to prevent ingress of water into the interior of the RPT device 4000 (see FIGS. 12a-12d). In one form, the dial cover 4226co is configured with a greater height at or near the top of the dial 4226, thereby encouraging any water that enters that area to flow downward or even towards the dial seal 4226se without entering the RPT device 4000. The dial seal 4226se may further prevent ingress of water by sealing around the encoder shaft 4226sh for the dial 4226 while still allowing rotation of the dial.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the user interface panel 4190 may comprise a UI base 4190ba and a UI seal 4190se as shown in Figures 12b and 12d. The UI base 4190ba may perform one or more of the functions described above, such as a shield for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for the buttons 4222, 4224, and an exterior housing light port 4010lp for the ambient light sensor 4278. Thus, the UI base 4190ba may be constructed from a transparent material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polycarbonate material. With such a configuration, the UI base 4190ba may be integrally provided with a light well 4190lw (or light pipe) configured as described above, and in one form configured as a prism or protrusion extending from an underside of a first surface of the UI base 4190ba near the ambient light sensor 4278 to an upper side of another opposing surface facing the exterior of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figures 12a-12d. In one form, one end of the light well 4190lw may terminate to form an exterior housing light port 4010lp.

[0248] The UI seal 4190se may seal one or more areas, such as between the UI base 4190ba and the external housing 4010, between the encoder shaft 4226sh and the UI base 4190ba, between the display 4294 and the UI base 4190ba, or between the UI base 4190ba and the buttons 4222, 4224. The UI seal 4190se may be engaged with the UI base 4190ba as an overmolding, resulting in one integral user interface panel 4190, as shown in Figures 12a and 12c, for example, to which the buttons 4222, 4224 may be coupled. The user interface panel 4190 may then be coupled with the main PCBA 4202, as shown in Figure 5a, for example.

[0249] Since the RPT device 4000 may be used with a humidifier 5000 (either separate or integrated), the patient 1000 may often continually interact with the humidifier and the user interface, for example by starting the RPT device 4000 after filling a water reservoir or navigating a user menu. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the user interface panel 4190 to effectively prevent or hinder the ingress of water into the RPT device 4000. Also, constructing the UI base 4190ba from one material and serving multiple functions as described above may result in reduced manufacturing costs.

[0250] 5.4.1.21 Front Panel 4012 One example of the front panel 4012 may be configured as shown in Figures 14a-b. The front panel 4012 may be removable from the RPT device 4000, for example, to allow the patient 1000 to customize the visual appearance of the RPT device 4000 or to distinguish one model of the RPT device 4000 from other models, where multiple models are available, for example. In one form, the front panel 4012 may communicate with the central controller 4230 to customize an aspect of the RPT device 4000 to provide one of a number of different operating modes, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 14 / 204041, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0251] The front panel 4012 may include one or more retention features to allow the front panel 4012 to be secured to the RPT device, for example, by engagement with the outer housing 4010. In one form, the front panel 4012 may include one or more internal shoulders 4012sh (shown in FIG. 14b) configured to engage with one or more complementary features on the outer housing 4010, such as protrusions 4010pr (shown in FIGS. 13a-13b). The outer housing 4010 may include an access point, such as a front panel cutout 4010co configured to receive a finger of the patient 1000 to allow the patient 1000 to remove the front panel 4012, for example, by lifting the front panel 4012 from the outer housing 4010. The front panel 4012 may further include a cavity to allow access to light via the outer housing light port 4010lp.

[0252] 5.4.2 RPT device user interface The RPT device 4000 may include a user interface comprising, for example, a visual interface presented through a display 4294. A user (e.g., the patient 1000) may interact with the RPT device 4000 using the input device 4220 described above.

[0253] 5.4.2.1 Visual Interface The visual interface may comprise a menu of items from which the user can select. The user may interact with the menu by selecting one of a number of items presented on the menu using an input device 4220 such as a dial or by touching an area of ​​a touch screen. The user may confirm the selection, for example by pressing a button or touching the touch screen.

[0254] 5.4.2.1.1 First Menu Screen According to one embodiment, a first menu screen 4295m1 provided to a user is configured as shown in FIG. 15a-15b. The first menu screen 4295m1 may provide the user with a limited number of sub-menu options, for example, two sub-menu options. According to another embodiment, the sub-menu options may be arranged according to a particular type of interaction the user may have with the RPT device 4000. For example, the first menu screen 4295m1 may comprise a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The selectable menu 4295se may substantially comprise menu items with which the user may interact, and the report menu 4295re may substantially comprise menu items with which information may be reported to the user. By substantially dividing the user interface into a plurality of categories based on user interaction, the user may be able to more effectively interact with the user interface and navigate through the sub-menu items.

[0255] In some cases, the first menu screen 4295m1 may be the very highest level of a menu hierarchy or menu structure, and therefore may provide the user with sub-menu options that are preferably arranged according to the particular type of interaction that may be envisaged.

[0256] 15c-d show another example of a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 showing a "Clinical" menu with a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The clinical menu may be activated by a predefined action such as pressing certain user interface buttons in a particular order. Like the first menu screen 4295m1, the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 may be a very top-level menu hierarchy or menu structure for another set of menu items (and sub-menu options). Although the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 provides a different visual icon (and title) than the first menu screen 4295m1, the placement of the two sub-menu options may preferably be arranged according to the particular type of interaction that may be expected therewith, so that the layout of the user interface remains consistent for improved usability.

[0257] Thus, in one form, the top level menu, whether it is the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, may include a predetermined consistent number of sub-menu items, for example, two sub-menu items, as shown in Figures 15a-15d. For example, by arranging the very top level hierarchy to include predetermined sub-menu items arranged by type of interaction that may be anticipated, a user may be able to preferably remain familiar with the interface. This may be particularly beneficial as a significant proportion of users of medical devices, such as RPT devices, may not be familiar with high-tech tools or devices.

[0258] The selectable menu 4295se may comprise items that may be individually selected by the user, for example, to effect a change in behavior or functionality of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000) or to enter a submenu item. For example, the selectable menu 4295se may be displayed as shown in Figures 15a-15d and may comprise one or more configurable items, when entered, such as a treatment mode, ramp time, humidity level, language, date, units, mask type, or pressure level. In one example, the user may navigate to a submenu of the selectable menu 4295se or reach a selectable submenu 4295o1 or 4295o2, depending on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, respectively, as shown in Figure 15e or Figure 15f. In either case, however, the user may end up reaching a series of selectable items.

[0259] The report menu 4295re may include items related to reporting of data. For example, the report menu 4295re (e.g., shown in FIG. 15a or FIG. 15c) may include one or more report items such as total usage time, events per hour, mask seal report, or humidifier performance report when entered. In another example, while the device is operating, the report menu 4295re (e.g., shown in FIG. 15b or FIG. 15d) may include one or more statuses such as current pressure level, leak level, remaining lamp time, or humidifier status when entered. In one example, the user may navigate to a sub-menu of the report menu 4295re and reach the report sub-menu 4295r1 or 4295r2 depending on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 15g or FIG. 15h. In either case, however, the user may end up reaching a series of selectable items as shown.

[0260] According to other aspects, the visual interface 4295 may be configured such that the items displayed on the first menu screen 4295m1 (or first clinical menu screen 4295c1) may change according to the context of device operation while the layout remains consistent as seen in Figures 15a-15d. The first menu screen 4295m1 shown in Figure 15a may change to the menu screen shown in Figure 15b (and from Figure 15c to Figure 15d) when the RPT device 4000 is operating, thereby changing the image displayed for the report menu 4295re.

[0261] Similarly, the selectable menu 4295se appears in approximately the same position in Figures 15a and 15c, but the image displayed may vary depending on whether the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295c1 is displayed on the visual interface 4295.

[0262] The composition of the first menu screen 4295m1 (or first clinical menu screen 4295c1) including one sub-menu item with configurable items and another sub-menu item with reports may be beneficial in one or more respects. In one aspect, a user may more easily navigate through the menu items because the structure of the menu remains consistent despite any changes in the menu according to its operational state (e.g., operation of the RPT device 4000, or differences between clinical and patient menus). Furthermore, by maintaining consistency in the layout while varying the images displayed, a user may be effectively informed of changes in one or more operational states of the RPT device without potentially causing confusion due to changes in the menu structure.

[0263] 5.4.2.1.2 Subsequent Menu Screens Examples of submenus for selectable menu 4295se are shown in Figures 15e and 15f. As can be seen, the contents of selectable submenus 4295o1 and 4295o2, except for headings, are selectable items that may be actionable by the user. For example, a user may scroll down to content such as "Mask" shown in Figure 15e to change the type of mask the RPT device 4000 is coupled to, or to "Humidity" shown in Figure 15f to change the level of the desired humidity output of the humidifier 5000.

[0264] Examples of submenus for the reports menu 4295re are shown in Figures 15g and 15h. The reports submenus 4295r1 and 4295r2 may be configured to display information in contrast to the content of the previously described selectable submenus 4295o1 or 4295o2.

[0265] In one form, a submenu such as selectable submenu 4295o1 or 4295o2 or report submenu 4295r1 or 4295r2 may comprise a greater number of items that may be displayed on the screen of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000). Accordingly, a submenu may be configured such that a movable portion of the submenu (e.g., window portion 4295w in Figures 15e-15g) is displayed on the screen by scrolling. Such a configuration may be particularly useful in configurations where the user interface may comprise a relatively small screen to reduce the amount of forward and backward navigation between different levels of submenus.

[0266] In one form, the reports submenu 4295r3 or 4295r4 may display one or more aspects of the operation of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000, for example as shown in Figures 15i-15j. The one or more aspects may include, for example, the status of the humidifier 5000, the fidelity of the connection between the data communications interface 4280 and other devices / networks to which it is connected, the amount of leakage, or one or more settings of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0267] In one form, the report submenus 4295a1-4295a8 may display one or more sequential images, such as the animated arcs shown in Figures 15k-15p. In one form, the report submenus may change to inform the user of a change in condition. For example, the animated arcs shown in Figures 15k-15p may be displayed to inform the user that the RPT device 4000 is in a "ramp" period. Then, at the end of the ramp period, the report submenu may change to the report submenu shown in Figure 15q to inform the user of the end of the ramp period.

[0268] 5.5 Humidifier 5000 5.5.1 Humidifier overview In one form of the present technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided to alter the absolute humidity of the air or gas for delivery to the patient relative to the outside air. Generally, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity and temperature (relative to the outside air) of the airflow before delivery to the patient's airways. In one form, the humidifier 5000 may be a separate unit that can be connected to the RPT device 4000. In other forms, the humidifier 5000 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000, for example as shown in FIG. 5c and as described in more detail below.

[0269] The humidifier 5000 may comprise a water reservoir 5110, a heating element 5240, and one or more transducers. The humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive an air flow from the RPT device 4000 and deliver a humidified air flow to the patient interface 3000, for example via the air circuit 4170.

[0270] 5.5.2 Humidifier components 5.5.2.1 Water Reservoir 5110 According to one configuration, the humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold or maintain a predetermined amount of liquid (e.g., water) to be used for humidification of the airflow. FIGS. 16c-16d show one form of the water reservoir 5110 including a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and a middle portion 5202 including a conforming portion 5116. The water reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water to provide adequate humidification for at least the duration of a respiratory treatment, such as a night's sleep. Typically, the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold several hundred milliliters of water, for example 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml of water. In another configuration, the humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive the predetermined amount of water from an external water source, such as a building's water system.

[0271] According to one embodiment, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to the air flow from the RPT device 4000 as the air flow moves through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to encourage the air flow to move in a tortuous path through the reservoir 5110 while contacting a predetermined amount of water within the reservoir.

[0272] The reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent liquid from exiting the reservoir, for example through any openings or between its subcomponents, for example when the reservoir 5110 is moved or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Because the airflow to be humidified by the humidifier 5000 is typically pressurized, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent loss of air pressure due to leakage or flow impedance.

[0273] The water reservoir 5110 may include an inlet 5118 for receiving an air flow into the reservoir 5110 and an outlet 5122 for delivering the air flow out of the reservoir 5110. The reservoir 5110 may include a reservoir inlet tube 5124 and a reservoir outlet tube 5126 (see, for example, FIG. 16e). In one form, the inlet 5118 and the reservoir inlet tube 5124 are integrally formed as a single inlet component, and the outlet 5122 and the reservoir outlet tube 5126 are integrally formed as a single outlet component.

[0274] 20-23 show one form of a water reservoir 5110 comprising a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and an adjustable portion 5116. The reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of liquid (e.g., water), typically several hundred milliliters, e.g., 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml, although it should be understood that other amounts of liquid, e.g., 100 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, or more or less, may be utilized. In one form, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a cavity formed by a plurality of walls to hold the predetermined maximum amount of liquid, as shown in FIGS. 22-23.

[0275] 5.5.2.2 Water Reservoir Dock 5130 The humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir dock 5130 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. As shown in FIG. 25, the water reservoir dock 5130 may form a cavity 5160 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the water reservoir dock 5130 may be integrated with the humidifier 5000 as shown in FIGS. 24-27. The water reservoir dock 5130 may also connect the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. In this configuration, the reservoir dock 5130 includes a dock gas outlet 5168 for outputting the flow of breathable gas to the water reservoir 5110, a dock gas inlet 5170 for receiving the flow of breathable gas that has been humidified in the water reservoir 5110, and a humidifier outlet 5172 for communicating the humidified flow of breathable gas to the air circuit 4170. The cavity 5160 may include an upper end configured to cover at least a portion of the lid of the reservoir 5110 and a lower end that includes the heater plate 5120 .

[0276] It should be appreciated that in an alternative configuration, the reservoir dock 5130 may be provided separately from the humidifier 5000. In such a configuration, an additional interface may be used to connect the reservoir dock 5130 to the humidifier 5000.

[0277] In other configurations, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include an opening in a generally horizontal plane to allow the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted from above or below the water reservoir dock 5130 .

[0278] 5.5.2.3 Water Reservoir Lid 5114 In one form, the water reservoir lid 5114 is pivotally connected (e.g., by a hinge 5158 as shown in FIG. 16e) to the base 5112 to allow the reservoir 5110 to be converted between an open and a closed configuration (see FIGS. 16j and 16k). When the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed configuration, the compliant portion 5116 is placed in sealing engagement between the base 5112 and the lid 5114 to seal the base 5112 and the lid 5114. The hinge 5158 may be coupled to a complementary hinge recess 5159 (shown in FIG. 16f) located in the reservoir base 5112. In one form, the lid 5114 may be constructed from a biocompatible material such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polycarbonate material. Additionally, the pivotable connection may enable the water reservoir lid 5114 and base 5112 to be pressed toward each other compared to their normal operating configuration, for example, to insert the reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 as described in more detail below.

[0279] Another aspect of the present technology relates to the manipulation of the pivotal movement of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112. As the lid 5114 rotates about the hinge 5158, a rotation range can be defined as shown in Figs. 62a and 62b. In one form, two ends of the rotation range may be defined by the closure of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112. In this case, one of the two ends may be a fully open position defined by a rotation guide 5220, which may interfere with a rotation stopper 5222 in the fully open position.

[0280] According to another embodiment, the lid 5114 may be configured such that the lid 5114 disengages from the base 5112 when a user attempts to open the lid 5114 further beyond the rotation stop 5222 and the rotation guide 5220. As shown in Figs. 62b and 63b, in the fully open position the rotation guide 5220 may contact the rotation stop 5222. In this configuration, an attempt to open the lid 5114 further relative to the base 5112 may cause the rotation stop 5222 to act as a cantilever pivot and the lid 5114 to separate from the base 5112 at the hinge 5158, thereby avoiding damage to the reservoir 5110, for example, due to application of excessive force to the reservoir. In one form, the hinge 5158 may be configured such that the lid 5114 can be more easily removed from the base 5112 in one direction (when the reservoir 5110 is in the fully open position) than in the other direction. This may be achieved, for example, by introducing a taper into the hinge 5158 on the lid 5114 as shown in Figures 58a and 58b.

[0281] The water reservoir lid 5114, in one form shown in Figure 16e, may comprise an inlet 5118, a reservoir inlet tube 5124, an outlet 5122, and a reservoir outlet tube 5126. The reservoir 5110 may further comprise flow elements such as baffles (e.g., an inlet cap 5125 as shown in Figures 16e and 16k and / or a plate 5123 as shown in Figures 16e and 16k) configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent ingress of water into the inlet tube 5124 and / or into the outlet tube 5126. In one example, the water reservoir lid 5114 may further comprise one or more baffles configured to direct air through a tortuous path within the water reservoir 5110. In one form the baffle may be coupled to the end of the reservoir inlet tube 5124 as an inlet cap 5125 (shown in Figures 16e and 16k) and in another form the baffle may be arranged as a plate 5123 (shown in Figures 16e and 16k).

[0282] 5.5.2.4 Adaptation / Variable Part 5116 In one form, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114 when the water reservoir 5110 is in use. The compliant portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or independently of both, for example as part of the intermediate portion 5202 (see Figures 16l-16m). The compliant portion 5116 may be engaged with the reservoir lid 5114 or reservoir base 5112 by any number of means including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction fit, adhesives, or by using an intermediate component.

[0283] The compliant portion 5116 preferably comprises a structure that is sufficiently resilient so that it can resist forces and / or pressures generated on the reservoir 5110, such as forces and / or pressures generated by a user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or airflow through the reservoir 5110. The compliant portion 5116 is also preferably compliant so that it can couple to the lid 5114 and / or base 5112 and conform to the shape thereof to form a seal. In one form, the rigid portion of the middle section may be constructed of a nylon material about 2 mm thick (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.) and a silicone material may be used to overmold onto the rigid portion to form the compliant portion 5116.

[0284] In some configurations, the compliant portion 5116 may be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, or the base 5112 and / or the lid 5114 may be formed as two separate pieces that may be assembled with the compliant portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0285] In another configuration, the compliant portion 5116 may be located within a wall of the reservoir base 5112 and / or within a wall of the reservoir lid 5114, either integrally, for example by overmolding, or as a separate component connected as a subassembly. In such a configuration, the compliant portion is not located between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but within the reservoir base 5112 and / or within the reservoir lid 5114. There may be multiple compliant portions 5116, or the compliant portion may be formed of multiple pieces, to provide even greater compliance in the movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0286] In one form, the variable portion 5116 may act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114 when the water reservoir 5110 is in use. The variable portion 5116 may also serve other functions, such as to enhance thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described in more detail below.

[0287] The alterable portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114, or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or independently of both. The alterable portion 5116 may be engaged with the reservoir lid 5114 or reservoir base 5112 by any number of means including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction fit, adhesives, or through the use of intermediate components. The alterable portion 5116 may comprise a carrier 5117 (shown in FIG. 23).

[0288] The variable portion 5116 is preferably configured to be sufficiently resilient to resist compressive forces and / or pressures generated in the reservoir 5110, such as those generated by a user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or the flow of breathable gas through the reservoir 5110. The variable portion is also malleable in plan to couple to and conform to the shape of the lid 5114 and / or base 5112. In one form, the carrier 5117 may be constructed from a nylon material approximately 2 mm thick (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.), and a silicone material may be used to overmold onto the carrier 5117 to form the variable portion.

[0289] In some configurations, the variable portion 5116 may be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, or the base 5112 and / or the lid 5114 may be formed as two separate pieces that can be assembled with the variable portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0290] In another configuration, the compliant portion 5116 may be positioned within the walls of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the walls of the reservoir lid 5114, either integrally, for example by overmolding, or as separate components connected as a subassembly. In such a configuration, the variable portion is not positioned between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but is positioned within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be multiple variable portions 5116 to provide even greater compliance in the movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0291] 5.5.2.5 Water Reservoir Base 5112 According to one configuration, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion 5120 (such as a base conductor plate 5152, see e.g., FIG. 16f) configured to thermally couple with the heating element 5240 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion 5152 improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or a portion of the base conductor plate 5152 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.) or other thermally conductive material such as a metal. In some cases, a suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material of a suitable thickness.

[0292] The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a receptacle for holding a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may include additional features, such as an overfill prevention feature.

[0293] In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may further comprise an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226, for example as shown in Figures 64 and 65. According to one embodiment, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 may prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir 5110 through an interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the compliant portion 5116) and the base 5112, for example when the middle portion 5202 is compressed or when the middle portion 5202 is subjected to vibration.

[0294] It should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed of any number of pieces. The reservoir base 5112 may be constructed as a single piece, for example formed from aluminum or other thermally conductive material such as metal. In other configurations, the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed in two pieces, for example comprising a lower component and an upper component.

[0295] According to one configuration, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion (such as a base conductor plate 5152) configured to thermally couple with the heater plate 5120 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater plate 5120 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or a portion of the base conductor plate 5152 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.) or other thermally conductive material. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material of a suitable thickness.

[0296] The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a receptacle for holding a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may include additional features, such as an overfill prevention feature, as described in more detail below. The reservoir base 5112 may also include a base upper body 5146 and a base bottom plate 5148, which may form a receptacle with the base conductor plate 5152.

[0297] The base upper body 5146 and / or the base bottom plate 5148 may be constructed of a biocompatible material suitable for holding large amounts of liquid, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example an ABS or polycarbonate material. The base conductor plate 5152 may comprise a sealing element 5150 that may be incorporated and / or sealingly connected to both the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148 to prevent the escape of water from the water reservoir 5110, and in particular from the base 5112. For example, the sealing element 5150 may be overmolded onto the base conductor plate 5152, and the resulting component may be secured between the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148.

[0298] In one form shown in FIG. 23, the base 5112 may comprise a base upper body 5146, a base bottom plate 5148, and a base conductor plate 5152. However, it should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 may be comprised of any number of pieces. The reservoir base 5112 may be comprised as a single piece formed from, for example, aluminum or other thermally conductive material such as metal. In other configurations, the reservoir base 5112 may be comprised of two pieces, for example, comprising a lower component and an upper component. In such a configuration, the lower component may be comprised of a thermally conductive material and serve as the base conductor plate 5152, the sealing element 5150, and the base bottom plate 5148, and the upper component may represent the base upper body 5146 and may be comprised of a polycarbonate material.

[0299] In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may further include an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226, as shown, for example, in Figures 64-65. According to one embodiment, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 may prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir 5110 through an interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the sealing portion 5204) and the base 5112, for example, when the middle portion 5202 is compressed or when the middle portion 5202 is subjected to vibration.

[0300] 5.5.2.6 Reservoir Handle 5154, 5156 24-27 show an upper handle 5154 positioned on the reservoir lid 5114 and a lower handle 5156 positioned on the reservoir base 5112. These handles are intended to assist the patient (or user) 1000 in gripping and holding the water reservoir 5110. In the illustrated configuration, the handles 5154, 5156 are positioned away from the hinge 5158, such that the patient 1000, by holding the reservoir 5110 by the handles 5154, 5156, applies a force to the reservoir 5110 compressing the variable portion 5116 and forcing the lid 5114 and base 5112 towards each other. The compressive force may also help maintain the variable portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, for example, during transport to or refilling of the reservoir 5110 with liquid. It should be understood that the handles 5154, 5156 may be located on other components or areas of the water reservoir 5110.

[0301] 25, friction grips 5166 may be provided on a surface of either or both of the handles 5154, 5156. The friction grips 5166 may be configured to assist the patient 1000 in holding the reservoir 5110, for example, by being formed from a material that has a higher friction than the surrounding areas of the reservoir 5110, by being formed with properties that are higher friction than the surrounding areas of the reservoir 5110, and / or by being formed with a shape that is easier to hold than the surrounding areas of the reservoir 5110. For example, the friction grips 5166 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, while the water reservoir 5110 may be constructed primarily from a polycarbonate material.

[0302] 5.5.2.7 Air flow paths One of the objectives of the present technology is to move the flow of breathable gas through the reservoir 5110 in a tortuous path between the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122. This prevents any "short circuiting" of the breathable gas flow that may result in inadequate humidity in the breathable gas flow delivered to the patient 1000.

[0303] Figures 28a-30c show a typical path of breathable gas flow through the reservoir 5110 as it enters through the inlet 5118 and exits through the outlet 5122. The figures are arranged sequentially with three separate orthogonal views per figure to visually demonstrate the typical flow path. In this arrangement, the breathable gas flow received through the inlet 5118 passes through the inlet tube 5124 (Figures 28a-28c) and into the interior volume of the water reservoir 5110 (Figures 29a-29c). The breathable gas flow then passes through the outlet tube 5126 and exits the water reservoir 5110 at the outlet 5122 as humidified breathable gas (Figures 30a-30c). 28a-30c show the reservoir 5110 with the lid 5114 and base 5112 in an exploded view direction for clarity, and also show with dashed lines any flow of gas occurring within the interior volume of the reservoir 5110. The dashed arrows shown indicate the general direction of typical breathing airflow, however, it is noted that due to the nature of the gas flow or airflow, any gas flow path will include eddies of gas (e.g., turbulence) rather than a straight, direct air flow path.

[0304] In some forms of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a flow element or baffle 5192 configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent ingress of water into the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. For example, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a deflector 5198 as shown in Figures 52a-55, or a deflector 5198 or flow director 5195 as shown in Figures 58a-58b. In some configurations, the baffle 5192 may further comprise a positioning feature 5196, as described in more detail below.

[0305] In the configuration shown in Figures 52a-55, the deflection portion 5198 is configured to prevent the breathable gas flow from entering the outlet tube 5126 immediately after exiting the inlet tube 5124 through the inlet tube outlet 5125 (i.e., short-circuiting). When assembled together as seen in Figure 52a, the deflection portion 5198 may be positioned proximate to the inlet tube inner end 5125, such as by abutting it. In this configuration, the deflection portion 5198 forms a cover between the inlet tube outlet 5125 and the base of the outlet tube inner end 5127. This cover may be further advantageous in that it allows an amount of water to be picked up to move the breathable gas flow within the channel formed by the cover to improve humidity.

[0306] In the configuration shown in Figures 58a-b, the reservoir 5110 includes a flow director 5195 and a deflection portion 5198. The deflection portion 5198 is configured to prevent short-circuiting of the breathable gas flow, and the flow director 5195 is further configured to direct the breathable gas flow exiting the inlet tube 5124 in a direction generally parallel to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. This may ameliorate the occurrence of "spitting" that can occur when the breathable gas flow exits the inlet tube 5124 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the volume of liquid.

[0307] As shown in Figures 33-34, the reservoir 5110 may include an end wall 5128 adjacent and opposite the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The inner end wall 5128 of the reservoir 5110 directs air exiting the inlet tube 5124 to flow across the water surface before reaching the inner end 5127 of the outlet tube 5126 and passing through the outlet tube 5126 and out the outlet 5122. Figures 35-38 show another example of a flow element configuration, where the reservoir 5110 may include a rotating vane 5136 disposed adjacent the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The rotating vane 5136 may be formed as an extension of the inlet tube 5124 as shown in Figures 37-38, or the rotating vane 5136 may be a separate component positioned adjacent to or coupled to the inlet tube 5124. The rotating vanes may also be contoured as shown in Figures 37-38.

[0308] The breathing airflow path illustrated in Figures 28a-30c is merely exemplary and is intended to illustrate one of many paths through which the breathing gas flow may travel, i.e., entering the water reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 and exiting through the outlet 5122 after experiencing some degree of swirl within the volume of the water reservoir 5110. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particles or molecules that make up the breathing airflow may not flow through a single path within the water reservoir 5110 due to many factors including, for example, localized turbulence (swirl) or pressure gradients within the water reservoir 5110. As a result, the cumulative path of the breathing airflow may comprise any number of paths through which the airflow experiences various degrees of "swirl" within the water reservoir 5110 before exiting through the outlet tube 5126 at the outlet 5122. It is also conceivable that some small portion of the breathing airflow may escape the water reservoir 5110 as a leak.

[0309] 5.5.2.8 Reservoir Inlet / Outlet As previously described, the reservoir inlet 5118 is configured to receive a flow of breathable gas into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 is configured to output a humidified flow of breathable gas. The inlet 5118 and / or outlet 5122 are preferably further configured to prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir 5110 when the reservoir 5110 is moved and / or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Furthermore, the inlet 5118 and / or outlet are preferably configured to prevent short-circuiting of the breathable gas flow as previously described. In one form, the inlet 5118 may be configured to prevent "spitting" or "splattering" of liquid, which may be caused by a jet of air impacting a volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110.

[0310] In one configuration shown in FIG. 33, the reservoir inlet 5118 includes an inlet tube 5124 to provide a flow path for an inlet flow of breathable gas into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 includes an outlet tube 5126 to provide a flow path for an outlet flow of humidified breathable gas from the reservoir 5110.

[0311] 37-38, it may be beneficial to configure the rotary vanes 5136 such that the bottom of the rotary vanes 5136 extends below the bottom of the outlet tube 5126. This can further prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 due to any "spit" of water.

[0312] The water reservoir 5110 is preferably configured to provide gradient backflow protection from water flowing back through either the outlet tube 5126 or the inlet tube 5124. Water flowing through the inlet tube 5124 may be particularly undesirable as it may introduce water into the PAP device 4000 and damage electronic components (such as electric motors, flow sensors, or printed circuit boards) by exposing them to water.

[0313] In one configuration of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 achieves backflow protection by positioning the inlet tube outlet 5125 so that a predetermined maximum amount of water can be stored within the reservoir 5110 without reaching the inlet tube inner end 5125 when the reservoir 5110 is rotated 90 degrees in any direction from its operating horizontal orientation.

[0314] In other configurations of the reservoir 5110, the axes of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may intersect when viewed from above, as shown in Figures 39-40. The inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may not be connected to each other because one of the tubes passes under the other, e.g., the inlet tube 5124 passes under the outlet tube 5126.

[0315] This configuration can improve tilt backflow protection by positioning the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 such that when the reservoir 5110 is tilted away from its operating direction, water must reach the higher end of either the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 to exit the reservoir 5110. For example, if the reservoir 5110 is tilted such that water reaches the lower end of the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124, the water must rise fairly high to reach the outer end of the inlet tube 5124 to exit the reservoir 5110, as shown in FIG.

[0316] A simplified representation of the effect produced by intersecting inlet and outlet tubes is shown in Figures 46-49, where the inner surface is indicated by a dashed line. These figures show alternative configurations of the water reservoir 5110, with an inlet 5118 and an outlet 5122, which respectively include an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126. Figures 46-47 show a configuration in which the tube axes intersect when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 47), and Figures 48-49 show an alternative configuration in which the tube axes are approximately parallel when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 49). In Figures 46-49, a volume of water 5182 is assumed to fill approximately half the volume of the reservoir 5110, and the water level 5184 is indicated by a dashed line extending horizontally.

[0317] With the water reservoir 5110 oriented as shown in Figures 46-47, the arrangement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 requires that the water level 5184 rise above the higher end of the inlet tube 5124 or the higher end of the outlet tube 5126 if any water 5182 is to exit the water reservoir 5110. On the other hand, in the arrangement shown in Figures 47-48, the water level 5184 only needs to rise to the same height as the lower end of the inlet tube 5124 or outlet tube 5126 to exit the water reservoir 5110.

[0318] Because the water level 5184 varies with the orientation of the water reservoir 5110, this effect of crossing the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 can be replicated in any orientation as needed by reorienting the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 to conform to the shape of the water reservoir 5110. In some forms, the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 may cross when viewed from multiple angles that are orthogonal to one another.

[0319] In the configurations shown in Figures 39-40 and 46-49, the inlet inner end and the outlet inner end are located within the cavity and the inlet outer end and the outlet outer end are located on one of the walls of the cavity. A first axis (the inlet tube axis) is defined by the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end and a second axis (the outlet tube axis) is defined by the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end. When the reservoir is tilted (e.g., by about 90° relative to the normal operating direction), the first axis forms a first angle such that the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end are located at different heights, such that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the inlet inner end or the inlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the inlet tube. Also, when the reservoir is tilted (e.g., by about 90° relative to the normal operating orientation), the second axis forms a second angle such that the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, so that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or the outlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the outlet tube. This effect can also be achieved when the reservoir is tilted at any other angle to suit the design and / or tilt requirements of the humidifier 5000 and / or reservoir 5110.

[0320] 5.5.2.9 Reservoir configuration with removable inlet / outlet tubes In yet another example of the present technology, a reservoir 5110 may be configured as shown in Figs. 52a-53. In this example, the reservoir 5110 comprises a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (for clarity, the base portion is not shown in Figs. 52a-52b). The lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may be configured to be releasably engaged with one another. The lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may be further configured to comprise a number of features when engaged with one another, such as an inlet 5118, an outlet 5122, an inlet tube 5124, and an outlet tube 5126, while being releasably engaged with one another. For example, the lid portion 5114 may comprise the inlet 5118, the outlet 5122, and the inlet tube 5124, and the middle portion 5202 may comprise the outlet tube 5126, as shown in Fig. 52b.

[0321] As shown, the middle section 5202 may include a baffle 5192 and at least one support spoke 5194. The support spokes 5194 may be provided for structural support and / or to position the outlet tube 5126 and / or the baffle 5192 on the middle section. The baffle 5192 is positioned to prevent a direct air path (or short circuit as previously described) between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the outlet tube inner end 5127 to promote airflow movement within the reservoir and improve moisture uptake by the airflow within the reservoir 5110. Additionally, the seal 5204 may be integral with the middle section 5202 as shown, or may be formed as a separate component from the middle section.

[0322] An advantage of this configuration may be improved cleanability of the reservoir 5110 by separating some of the components, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, from the reservoir. This configuration may be particularly beneficial in situations where at least one of the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 extends into the interior volume of the reservoir 5110, as such a feature may impede access to the interior of the reservoir 5110. As can be seen in Figures 52a-b, the middle portion 5202 is engaged with the lid portion 5114 in its normal operating orientation. However, because the middle portion 5202 is separable from the lid portion 5114, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be separated to improve access to the interior of the lid portion 5114.

[0323] By using two separable portions 5114, 5202 to configure the top of the reservoir and / or by configuring the inlet / outlet tubes 5124, 5126 to be releasably engaged to the reservoir 5110, the number of small areas that are difficult to access can be reduced, thereby improving the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. The removable inlet tube 5124 and / or the removable outlet tube 5126 may also themselves be easily accessible for cleaning.

[0324] In another example of this technology (not shown), the lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may each comprise a portion of a feature, where the lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 combine to form a complete feature. For example, the lid portion 5114 may comprise a portion of the inlet tube 5124 and a portion of the outlet tube 5126, and the middle portion 5202 may comprise another portion of the inlet tube 5124 and another portion of the outlet tube 5126. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the reservoir may be subdivided into any number of separable portions, and the separable features, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, may be positioned in any number of configurations relative to the separable portions.

[0325] Another advantage of this configuration may be improved backflow performance of the reservoir 5110 (prevention of liquid spillage through the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126). Backflow performance may be improved by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, which may be achieved by providing a void above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126. Another way to improve backflow performance is to position the inlet tube inner end 5125 and / or outlet tube inner end 5127 near the center of the reservoir 5110. Because the reservoir 5110 is typically formed by injection molding, forming the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126 as part of the lid 5114 prevents providing a void above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126. In such configurations, the mold comprising the interior volume of the lid 5114 would be blocked by the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, thus making molding impossible or requiring complex and expensive mold configurations. In such cases, it may be further beneficial to be able to separate the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0326] It is understood that the lid portion 5114, the middle portion 5202, and the base portion 5112 may be configured in any number of ways. For example, the relative sizes of the lid portion 5114 and the base portion 5112 may vary, and the lid portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112 may further comprise multiple materials or components in their construction. One or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be removably or releasably coupled to the lid portion 5114 or the base portion 5112, for example, as part of the middle portion. Also, the middle portion may be configured to initially engage the lid portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112, for example, by being configured to be inserted into the lid portion 5114 or the base portion 5112.

[0327] Another feature of this configuration is the use of support spokes 5194 to provide structural rigidity to the middle portion 5202 of the lid 5114. The spokes 5194, either by themselves or in combination with the baffle 5192, may provide a handle for removing the lid 5114 from the middle portion 5202. This may improve the usability of the lid 5114 as a user may grasp the baffle 5192 and / or the spokes 5194 to separate the middle portion 5202 from the lid portion 5114. It should be understood that many other configurations in which the support spokes 5194 are arranged may be envisioned instead of the typical configuration shown in Figures 54a-55.

[0328] In one example of this technology, the baffle 5192 may include a locating portion 5196 and a deflecting portion 5198, as seen in Figures 54a-55. The locating portion 5196 may be in the form of a cylinder to help accurately locate the baffle 5192 relative to the inlet tube 5124 by fitting around the circumference of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124. In some forms, the baffle 5192 may further include a baffle seal 5197 to seal between the baffle 5192 and the inlet tube 5124, as shown, for example, in Figure 59b. The baffle 5192 may also be configured with spokes 5194 such that at least a portion of the baffle 5192 may act as the spokes 5194 or vice versa.

[0329] A typical cross section of an assembled lid 5114 is shown in Figures 56a-b. The diameter of the inlet tube 5124 or locating portion 5196 may vary along its length to progressively engage one another, for example in a frusto-conical configuration. The two components 5124, 5196 may also incorporate complementary retention features, such as a protrusion / slot combination 5205 as shown in Figures 56a-b.

[0330] It is also understood that the seal 5204 may be located in other locations than the exemplary configuration shown in Figures 52a-55. For example, the seal 5204 may be formed as part of the lid portion 5114, as part of the reservoir base portion 5112, or as a separate component itself that is not integrally formed with any of the lid portion 5114, middle portion 5202, and base 5112. One exemplary method of forming the seal 5204 with the lid portion 5114 or base 5112 may be by overmolding or by using a chemical adhesive.

[0331] 57 shows an exploded view of another example of this technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 comprises a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (not shown in FIG. 57 for clarity). The middle portion 5202 comprises an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126, as well as a wall portion 5206 configured to mate with the lid. Alternatively, the middle portion 5202 may engage the base portion 5112 and may also comprise one or both of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. In some cases, the wall portion 5206 configured to mate with the lid may be connected to one or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0332] This configuration may allow for removal of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 for improved cleanability of the reservoir 5110. This configuration may also improve the backflow performance of the reservoir 5110 by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110.

[0333] In some cases, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be positioned such that removal of either or both of the tubes 5124, 5126 from the reservoir 5110 does not affect a predetermined maximum amount of water that the reservoir 5110 can hold. Such a configuration may allow for cleaning of the tubes 5124, 5126 without removing any water from the reservoir 5110.

[0334] 5.5.2.10 Overfill prevention In some prior art humidifier water reservoirs, overfilling the water reservoir 5110 may reduce the effectiveness of the anti-spill feature. For example, overfilling may allow liquid in the reservoir 5110 to reach the inlet 5118 at a smaller tilt angle than if the reservoir 5110 had not been overfilled. As a result, some prior art humidifier water reservoirs have included water fill indication markings to reduce the occurrence of such overfilling, but this may only be of some help in ameliorating this risk.

[0335] Another aspect of this technology is the inclusion of one or more overfill protection features configured to prevent filling the humidifier reservoir with more than a maximum amount of water when filling the reservoir in its open and / or closed configuration.

[0336] In one configuration as seen in Figs. 41a-41b, the overfill protection feature may include at least one orifice 5138 in the water reservoir 5110 to indicate overfill. According to this aspect of the technology, when the water reservoir 5110 is being refilled with the reservoir lid 5114 open, overfilling of the reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum volume causes the water to spill out of the orifice 5138. This notifies the user that the reservoir 5110 is full and prevents such overfilling. Preferably, the water spills out through the at least one orifice 5138 rather than from all areas of the water reservoir. This results in less spillage for the user to clean up. Thus, the at least one orifice defines an exit path for the water when the predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded. FIG 41a shows the water reservoir 5110 in its open configuration, where the upper flange of the base 5112 does not span the entire perimeter of the opening, thus forming an orifice 5138. FIG 41b shows a portion of the base 5112 revealing at least one orifice 5138. The at least one orifice 5138 may take the form of one or more openings, holes, slits, or slots, or any other form that allows fluid to communicate into and out of the water reservoir 5110. The at least one orifice 5138 may be formed in one or more locations around the perimeter of the upper flange of the base 5112.

[0337] In an alternative configuration, the overfill protection feature may include a sloped profile 5139. As shown in FIG. 41c and FIG. 41d, the reservoir base 5112 may be configured such that its side profile has a sloped profile 5139 in one or more directions. This configuration may also signal an overfill when the reservoir base 5112 is refilled with liquid or water. In this configuration, when the reservoir lid 5114 is in its open configuration, water may spill out at the base of the sloped profile 5139, rather than from all areas of the reservoir. Thus, the sloped profile defines a spill path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded. An advantage of the above method is that overfilling may be more difficult than in the prior art, and spillage may occur in more predictable locations depending on the attempted overfill.

[0338] Another aspect of this technology is that when the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed position, the seal 5204 sealingly engages the base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114 to block or seal the orifice 5138 or the sloped profile 5139, thereby preventing fluid communication in and out of the water reservoir 5110. One configuration of this feature is shown in FIG. 42, which shows that when the reservoir lid 5114 is closed (lid not shown in this view), the seal 5204 sealingly engages the base 5112 outside the orifice 5138 and no longer allows liquid or air communication in and out of the water reservoir 5110 through the orifice 5138. Similarly, the seal 5204 engages the base 5112 around the edge of the sloped profile to prevent liquid or air communication in and out of the water reservoir 5110 through the sloped profile 5139. In some configurations, the seal 5204 may be integrated with the variable portion 5116 described above. Alternatively, the seal 5204 may be a separate seal that may be used in a reservoir with or without a variable portion.

[0339] According to another aspect of the invention, an overfill prevention feature may be configured to prevent overfilling when a user is attempting to fill the reservoir 5110 while it is in its closed configuration.

[0340] In one configuration (shown in FIG. 60 without the reservoir base 5112), the overfill prevention feature may form one or more airlocks to prevent further ingress of liquid into the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. In this configuration, when the reservoir 5110 is filled in its closed configuration, the one or more airlocks form an enclosure of gas in the reservoir 5110 that is not displaced by the predetermined amount of liquid in the reservoir 5110. In the example shown in FIG. 60, the reservoir 5110 is oriented such that the normal to the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 are oriented vertically. This is as the user orients the reservoir 5110 while filling it with water. 60, the amount of air remaining in the reservoir 5110 can no longer access the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126, and therefore can no longer escape the reservoir 5110. Thus, the reservoir 5110 cannot receive any further amounts of water into its internal volume.

[0341] Preferably, the amount of water in the reservoir 5110 when any further ingress of water into the reservoir 5110 is prevented by the formation of one or more airlocks is approximately equal to a predetermined maximum amount of liquid to be held in the reservoir 5110. In some cases, the reservoir 5110 may tolerate further filling of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, but further ingress of water into the internal volume is prevented by the airlocks. In such cases, the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110 when the airlocks are formed and the volumes of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 may be set to be approximately equal to a predetermined maximum amount of liquid to be held in the reservoir 5110 when they are added together.

[0342] In some cases, for example when the normals to the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 are not parallel, a user may fill the reservoir 5110 in one of multiple directions while in the closed state. In such cases, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to allow for the formation of an appropriate airlock in one or more of a number of directions. An airlock need not be formed solely by occlusion of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In some forms (not shown), one or more airlocks may be formed by occlusion of any cavity or port that may allow fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the reservoir 5110. Also, occlusion need not be caused by a predetermined amount of liquid in the reservoir 5110. In some forms, the predetermined amount of liquid, as it increases, may deform or move other components to form a seal (and therefore an airlock) within the reservoir.

[0343] 5.5.2.11 Retaining Clips The reservoir lid 5114 may include features adapted to retain the water reservoir 5110 in the water reservoir dock 5130 once these two components are engaged with one another. In one configuration, the retention feature may be a protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114 as shown in Figures 43-44. Figures 43-44 show the water reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 5130, where the protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114 releasably engages with a corresponding dock lock recess 5144 on the water reservoir dock 5130 when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into the water reservoir dock 5130. This connection secures the water reservoir 5110 relative to the water reservoir dock 5130.

[0344] As previously described, the variable portion 5116 of the reservoir is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the dock 5130. Compression of the variable portion 5116 allows a portion of the reservoir 5110 to slide into the dock 5130 and allows the protrusion or clip 5142 to slide initially under the outer peripheral surface of the dock 5130 and into the dock lock recess 5144. The compressive force applied to the reservoir for insertion may then be released to allow the protrusion or clip 5142 to engage with the dock lock recess 5144, thereby securing the reservoir 5110 within the dock 5130. Once the reservoir 5110 is secured within the dock 5130, the variable portion 5116 is no longer in a compressed or reduced compressed state. Similarly, to enable the water reservoir 5110 to be removed from the water reservoir dock 5130 , the variable portion 5116 must be compressed to disengage the lid retention projections 5142 from the dock lock recesses 5144 .

[0345] The retaining protrusion 5142 may further be configured with a taper as shown in FIG. 44. The taper may be oriented to increase in height away from the insertion direction to progressively increase the amount of interference between the retaining protrusion 5142 and the dock 5130 during insertion. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, in another configuration, the lid retaining protrusion 5142 may be a recess and the dock lock recess 5144 may be a corresponding protrusion. Alternatively, one of any number of retaining features known in the art may be used to achieve the same results as described above.

[0346] 5.5.2.12 Water Reservoir-Humidifier Connection In one form, the water reservoir 5110 receives, in use, the airflow output by the RPT device 4000 at the dock outlet 4132. The water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to a humidifier 5000 that is configured, for example, for insertion into the dock 4130 (as shown in Figures 16g-16h). When the water reservoir 5110 is engaged with the dock 4130, the reservoir inlet 5118 may receive the airflow output by the RPT device 4000 and direct the airflow into the water reservoir 5110. Moisture (i.e., water vapor) is added to the airflow as it moves through the reservoir 5110, and the humidified airflow exits the reservoir 5110 via the reservoir outlet tube 5126 to the reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 can be connected to the air circuit 4170 for delivery of the humidified airflow to the patient 1000.

[0347] The double headed arrow in Fig. 16h indicates the direction of relative, i.e. generally horizontal, movement between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110, which in this configuration are connected and disconnected from each other. In the configuration shown in Figs. 16g-16h, the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 within the dock 4130. In this configuration, the height and shape of the cavity within the dock 4130 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that the compliant portion 5116 is compressed, for example by about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example by about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to engage the water reservoir 5110 with the dock 4130. Therefore, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 that is inserted into the dock 4130 is complementary to the shape of the dock cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the compliant portion 5116 is compressed is slightly smaller than the height of the dock cavity 5160 to enable insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160.

[0348] In one form, the compression force must be sufficient to compress the compliant portions 5116 to allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130. For example, a compression force of about 10N to about 30N or about 20N, or some other compression force, measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, must allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130. The vertical clearance obtained during insertion (or removal) between the water reservoir 5110 and the cavity of the dock 4130 may be about 1mm to about 5mm, such as about 2mm, 3mm, or 4mm, when this compression force is applied to the handle recesses 5154, 5156 to insert the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130. The water reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130 may be positioned such that once the water reservoir 5110 is connected with the dock 4130 and the patient 1000 is no longer exerting a compressive force, the amount of compression in the compliant section 5116 is reduced. The reduction in compression may be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, such as about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0349] In the illustrated configuration (see Figures 16a-16b), the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to the dock inlet 4134 through which the humidified airflow travels to the humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to the air circuit 4170 as shown in Figure 13 by the double-ended dashed arrow (see Figure 13). The advantage of such a configuration is that the water reservoir 5110 can be removed from the dock 4130 while the air circuit 4170 remains attached to the device outlet 4004. Thus, insertion and removal of the water reservoir 5110 is independent of the connection of the air circuit 4170. A further advantage is that the water reservoir 5110 must be removed from the dock 4130 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid. In this configuration, neither the inlet 5118 nor the outlet 5122 of the reservoir 5110 are exposed when the reservoir 5110 is inserted in an operative configuration into the humidifier 5000, whilst the reservoir 5110 itself remains accessible to the patient 1000, for example, to allow for easy removal from the humidifier 5000. This configuration may reduce the likelihood of a user overfilling the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum liquid amount, as the water reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent overfilling. Furthermore, the likelihood of water spilling onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or RPT device 4000 is reduced, as the user is prompted to remove the water reservoir 5110 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid.

[0350] The compliant portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. In selecting a material to be used for the compliant portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical stress relaxation over the range of storage and operating temperatures to which the compliant portion 5116 may be exposed. One example of a material for the compliant portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0351] 40, a reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110 such that when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged, the reservoir latch secures the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 together. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 from separating and maintain the compliant portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example, by compression. In one form, the latch 5186 may be configured to limit relative movement of the lid 5114 with respect to the base 5112 in only one direction, thereby allowing further compression of the compliant portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 and the base 5112. This may allow for insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 and / or may allow the compliant portion 5116 to facilitate thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0352] In use, the water reservoir 5110 receives the breathable air flow output by, for example, the PAP device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to the humidifier 5000 as shown in Figures 24-27 by inserting, for example, by sliding, the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock 5130. The inlet 5118 of the water reservoir 5110 is configured to receive the breathable gas flow output by the PAP device 4000 and direct the breathable gas flow into the water reservoir 5110. As the breathable gas travels through the reservoir 5110, moisture (i.e., water vapor) is added to the breathable gas flow, and the humidified breathable gas flow exits the reservoir 5110 via the reservoir outlet tube 5126 to the reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to an air circuit 4170 for delivery of a flow of humidified breathable gas to the patient 1000 .

[0353] The double-headed arrows in Figures 25 and 27 indicate the direction of relative movement, ie generally horizontal movement, between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110, which in this configuration are connected and disconnected from each other. However, the water reservoir 5110 may be coupled to the humidifier 5000 in other ways, such as by insertion in a generally vertical direction, by connection through one or more intermediate components (e.g., tubes), or by being formed integrally with the humidifier.

[0354] In another configuration, not shown, the water reservoir 5110 may be inserted vertically into the dock cavity 5160 without using a sliding action. In such a configuration, the dock cavity of the humidifier 5000 may include a movable cover portion, such as a lid or top, that is at least partially open to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 and that is closed after insertion to secure the water reservoir 5110 within the dock cavity 5160.

[0355] In the illustrated configuration (see FIG. 27), the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to a reservoir dock gas inlet 5170 through which the humidified breathable air flow travels to a humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to an air delivery circuit or air circuit 4170 as shown in FIG. 13 by the double-ended dashed arrow (see FIG. 24). One advantage of such a configuration is that the humidifier reservoir 5110 must be removed from the reservoir dock 5130 in order to fill it with liquid. This configuration generally prevents access to any openings in the humidifier reservoir 5110 while it is connected to the humidifier 5000, and may reduce the likelihood of a user overfilling the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum liquid amount because the humidifier reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent overfilling as described further below. Furthermore, because the user is prompted to remove the water reservoir 5110 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of water spilling onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or PAP device 4000 is reduced.

[0356] As shown in FIG. 27, first and second dock seals 5132, 5134 may be provided to help seal the connections between the reservoir inlet 5118 and the dock 5130 and between the reservoir outlet 5122 and the dock 5130.

[0357] In the configuration shown in Figures 26-27, the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 in the water reservoir dock 5130. In this configuration, the height and shape of the dock interior cavity 5160 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that the variable portion 5116 is compressed, for example, by about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example, by about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to engage the water reservoir 5110 with the water reservoir dock 5130. Thus, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 that is inserted into the dock 5130 is complementary to the shape of the dock cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the variable portion 5116 is compressed is slightly less than the height of the dock cavity 5160 to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160.

[0358] The variable portion 5116 may be configured with a cross-sectional shape, such as the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 50. The compressive force must be sufficient to compress the variable portion 5116 to allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130. For example, a compressive force of about 10 N to about 30 N or about 20 N measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, or some other compressive force, must allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160. The vertical clearance obtained during insertion (or removal) between the water reservoir 5110 and the dock interior cavity 5160 may be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, when this compressive force is applied to the handle recess to insert the water reservoir 5110 into the water reservoir dock 5130. The water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130 may be positioned such that the amount of compression in the variable portion 5116 is reduced at the point when the water reservoir 5110 is connected with the reservoir dock 5130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force. The reduction in compression may be from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0359] The variable portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, TPE, TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. In selecting a material to be used for the variable portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical stress relaxation over the range of storage and operating temperatures to which the variable portion 5116 may be exposed. One example of a material for the variable portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0360] 40, a reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110 such that when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged, it secures the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 together. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 from separating and maintain the variable portion 5116 in sealed engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example, through compression. In one form, the latch 5186 may be configured to limit relative movement of the lid 5114 with respect to the base 5112 in only one direction, thereby allowing further compression of the variable portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 and the base 5112. This may allow for insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the reservoir dock 5130 and / or may allow the variable portion 5116 to facilitate thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0361] 5.5.2.12.1 Pre-compression for improved thermal contact According to one aspect of the technology, as previously described, the water reservoir 5110 and the humidifier heater plate 5120 are in thermal contact or thermal engagement. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, as measured, for example, by thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, may vary according to a number of parameters.

[0362] In the prior art, additional components have been used to enhance the thermal contact between the water reservoir and the heater plate by increasing the contact pressure between them. One example is the use of a spring element as described in US Pat. No. 4,203,027, which is used to connect the heater plate to the humidifier body by pressing it towards the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, where a compressible elastomeric seal is provided on the lid, as described in WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in its closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir, pressing it against the heater plate.

[0363] In the present technology, pre-compression of the water reservoir 5110 in engagement with, for example, the water reservoir dock 4130 may be used to help enhance thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240.

[0364] In one configuration, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured such that in its operational configuration, for example when it is placed in the water reservoir dock 4130, 5130, the compliant portion 5116 is compressed as described above. The reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 4130 may be further configured such that a counter force to the compression of the compliant portion 5116 presses the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heating element 5240 to enhance thermal contact therebetween.

[0365] Thus, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a spring biased to urge the reservoir base 5112 and / or reservoir lid 5114 in a direction perpendicular to the heating element 5240. Because the reservoir 5110 is externally secured, such as confined within the reservoir dock 4130, compression of the compliant portion 5116 is reacted with a force that promotes improved thermal engagement with the heating element 5240.

[0366] The force required for compression of the compliant portion 5116 when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 is preferably in the same direction as the normal to the surface of the conductive portion, which may also preferably be in the same direction as the direction of thermal engagement. This force is reacted by the water reservoir dock 4130 at its contact points and / or contact surfaces, thereby pressing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240 together.

[0367] The magnitude of the compressive force may be about 5N to about 15N as measured at the heating element 5240 when the water reservoir 5110 is placed in the water reservoir dock 4130. However, it should be understood that different configurations of water reservoirs 5110 may require different magnitudes of compressive force. The magnitude of this force may be altered by modifying the design of any or all of the compliant portion 5116, the lid 5114, the base 5112, or the reservoir dock 4130. For example, if the compliant portion 5116 is constructed from a material having a higher Young's modulus, the magnitude of the force will correspondingly increase. It should be noted that FIG. 20 only shows vertical forces and pressures.

[0368] In some cases, the amount of compression of the compliant portion 5116 in the reservoir 5110 may be used to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating element 5240.

[0369] 5.5.2.13 Conductive Part 5120 According to one configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a conductive portion 5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 5240 to the volume of water in the reservoir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 may be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may be suitable. All or part of the conductive portion 5120 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), other thermally conductive metal, or some plastic. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material in a suitable shape.

[0370] 5.5.2.13.1 Thermal Contact / Engagement According to one aspect of the technology, as previously described, the water reservoir 5110 and the humidifier heater plate 5120 are in thermal contact or thermal engagement. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, as measured, for example, by thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, may vary according to a number of parameters.

[0371] In the prior art, additional components have been used to enhance the thermal contact between the water reservoir and the heater plate by increasing the contact pressure between them. One example is the use of a spring element as described in US Pat. No. 4,203,027, which is used to connect the heater plate to the humidifier body by pressing it towards the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, where a compressible elastomeric seal is provided on the lid, as described in WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in its closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir, pressing it against the heater plate.

[0372] 5.5.2.13.1.1 Use of pressurized gas to improve thermal contact According to other embodiments, when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000, the flow of breathable gas received from the PAP device may pressurize a chamber, such as the interior of the reservoir 5110. Pressurization of the chamber may be used to increase the level of thermal engagement (i.e., thermal contact) between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120. The reservoir 5110 may be further configured such that the level of thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 can be varied by varying the level of pressure in the chamber.

[0373] In one form, the variable portion 5116 may be configured to be expandable in the direction of thermal contact, and the reservoir 5110 may be confined in the same direction by the reservoir dock 5130. In this form, the internal pressure presses the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heater plate 5120, increasing the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate 5120 and the base 5112.

[0374] FIG. 32 illustrates this effect by representing the distributed force or pressure applied to the lid 5114 and base 5112 with the illustrated arrows. FIG. 32 only illustrates vertical forces and pressures since in this configuration the thermal engagement occurs in the vertical direction. The presence of pressure above atmospheric pressure in the water reservoir 5110 results in a force in the direction of thermal engagement and is reacted by the water reservoir dock 5130 at its interface, thereby pressing the base 5112 and heater plate 5120 of the water reservoir 5110 towards each other in the direction of thermal engagement. The magnitude of this force is 20 cm H2O for a pressure of 20 cm H2O. When measured at the heater plate 5120, the pressure may be about 5 N to about 15 N.

[0375] Of course, different configurations of water reservoirs 5110 may require different amounts of force, which may be achieved by varying the surface area over which the pressure acts, or by varying the effective pressure acting on the surface. Such variation may be achieved, for example, by a pressure regulating valve.

[0376] In other configurations, the water reservoir 5110 may be used with a non-open variable portion to achieve substantially the same effect as described above. The water reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 5130 may be made elastic or flexible by an elastomeric material or by a connection that allows freedom of movement in the direction of heat transfer (e.g., a sliding connection, or a soft plastic bellows, or a flexible portion of the water reservoir). In this configuration, the lid 5114 and the base 5112 may not be constrained relative to each other in the direction of thermal contact. The reservoir 5110 may then be constrained in other ways (e.g., by a water reservoir dock or similar housing) in the direction of heat transfer to generate a counterforce that balances the pressure generated inside the reservoir 5110 by the pressurized breathing air flow, in which case part of the counterforce may be generated by the heater plate 5120 to enhance thermal contact. In such a configuration, a further opening for refilling the water reservoir 5110 may be introduced on the reservoir 5110 side, for example in the lid 5114, and said opening may be provided with a separate seal.

[0377] FIG. 45 shows one example of such a configuration, including a base 5174, a top 5176, a variable portion 5178, and a refill cap 5180. The base, top, and variable portion may be attached to one another in other configurations, in which case refilling of the reservoir is accommodated by the refill cap 5180. The refill cap 5180 may be positioned such that the refill cap 5180 is inaccessible when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Such a configuration may maintain the advantages discussed above, i.e., that the reservoir 5110 cannot be refilled while it is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Additionally, the variable portion 5178 may be replaced by any mechanism known in the art that can accommodate changes in vertical length within the reservoir.

[0378] In yet another alternative configuration, the breathing air flow may be used to increase the level of thermal contact between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 by pressurization or expansion of a secondary component. The secondary component may be a chamber, body, or surface that acts on the humidifier reservoir 5110, thereby pressing the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 together in the direction of thermal engagement. Similarly, the secondary component may act on the heater plate 5120 to press the heater plate 5120 and the water reservoir 5110 together in the direction of thermal engagement.

[0379] The secondary components may be positioned external to the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120. Additionally, the secondary components may be configured to vary the contact area with the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120 to further profile changes in thermal contact as the pressure of the breathable gas flow changes.

[0380] In an alternative configuration, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include a retention mechanism (eg, a lid that closes around the water reservoir 5110) to keep the water reservoir 5110 in its intended position. In such a configuration, the reservoir dock lid may be configured to compress and / or constrain the variable portion 5116 to enhance the level of thermal contact.

[0381] Additionally, the level of thermal contact may be further enhanced using a spring-loaded or sprung heater plate as known in the art. The heater plate may be configured with a convex or dome shape toward the humidifier reservoir 5110 such that when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130, the convex heater plate is flattened, thereby creating a clamping force that presses the heater plate 5120 against the water reservoir 5110. Similarly, the conductor plate 5152 of the water reservoir 5110 may be dome or convex and configured to flatten toward the heater plate when the water reservoir 5110 is engaged within the dock cavity 5160 of the humidifier 5000.

[0382] Any one of the above-mentioned means for enhancing thermal contact may be used independently of one another or in any combination thereof, including in combination with any prior art means for achieving or enhancing thermal engagement between the humidifier reservoir and the heater plate.

[0383] 5.5.2.14 Humidifier Transducer 5210 The humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210 instead of or in addition to the transducers 4270 described above. As shown in FIG. 5c, the humidifier transducers 5210 may include one or more of an air pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The humidifier transducers 5210 may provide one or more output signals that may be communicated to a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, the humidifier transducers may be located outside the humidifier 5000 (e.g., in the air circuit 4170) while communicating the output signals to the controller.

[0384] 5.5.2.14.1 Pressure Transducer 5212 One or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 in addition to or instead of the pressure transducer 4272 provided in the RPT device 4000.

[0385] 5.5.2.14.2 Flow Transducer 5214 One or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 in addition to or instead of the flow transducer 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000.

[0386] 5.5.2.14.3 Temperature Transducer 5216 The humidifier 5000 may include one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5216 may be configured to measure one or more temperatures, such as the temperature of the heating element 5240 or the temperature of the airflow downstream of the water reservoir outlet 5122. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may further include a temperature sensor 5216 to detect the temperature of the outside air.

[0387] 5.5.2.14.4 Humidity Transducer 5218 In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidity sensors 5218 to detect the humidity of a gas, such as outside air. The humidity sensor 5218 may be located toward the outlet of the humidifier 5000 in some forms to measure the humidity of the gas output from the humidifier 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor.

[0388] 5.5.2.15 Heating element 5240 A heating element 5240 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 to provide heat input to one or more of the volume of water in the water reservoir 5110 and / or the air flow, in some cases. The heating element 5240 may comprise a heat generating component 5242 (see FIG. 17b), such as an electrical resistive heating track. One suitable example of the heating element 5240 is a layered heating element as described in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012 / 171072, the entire document of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0389] In some forms, a heating element 5240 may be provided in the housing 4016, in which case heat may be provided to the water reservoir 5110 primarily by conduction, for example via a HE cover plate 5241 (see FIG. 17b), which may be constructed of a conductive material such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum).

[0390] The heating element 5240 may be supported by an HE seal 5243 as shown in FIG. 17b configured to prevent or inhibit ingress of any water from the water reservoir 5110 or the dock 4130 into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 17g-17h) may seal around the periphery of the heating element 5240 to lift the heating element 5240 from the base of the RPT device 4000. The HE seal 5243 may comprise one or more resilient portions such as an HE cone 5245 as shown in FIGS. 17d and 17h configured to provide a compressive force to help engage the heating element 5240 with the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the HE seal 5243 and heating element 5240 may be configured such that when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into and engaged with the dock 4130, the HE cone 5245 is axially compressed to provide an upward force, thereby pressing the heating element 5240 toward the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110 to enhance thermal contact therebetween.

[0391] The HE seal 5243 may further comprise one or more HE cable ports 5246, which allow a cable (e.g., for power) to travel therethrough from other portions of the housing 4016, such as outside the dock 4130 and near the pneumatic block 4020. The one or more HE cable ports 5246 may sealingly engage the circumference of a cable traveling therethrough to prevent water ingress into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 may be constructed from a resilient material, such as silicone, and may comprise an integrally formed HE cone 5245 and HE cable port 5246. The HE cable port 5246 may comprise a cavity for the cable to travel therethrough and may be configured to engage with another cavity for positioning and / or retention, such as by being formed as a protrusion to be inserted into the cavity in the housing 4016.

[0392] The humidifier 5000 may include an HE base cover 5244, as shown in Figure 17b and in more detail in Figures 17i and 17j. The HE base cover 5244 may be removably coupled (e.g., by screws) to the housing 4016 to allow access to the heating element 5240 and may include one or more features configured to support and position the HE seal 5243. In one form, the HE base cover 5244 may further include HE cone slots 5247, 5246 configured to receive the HE cone 5245 while allowing compression thereof.

[0393] 5.5.2.15.1 Humidifier Controller 5250 According to one configuration of the present technology, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier controller 5250 as shown in Fig. 5c. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be part of the central controller 4230. In other forms, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a separate controller that may be in communication with the central controller 4230.

[0394] In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may receive as inputs, for example, indications of characteristics of the water, air flow (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, or flow rate) in the reservoir 5110 or in the humidifier 5000. The humidifier controller 5250 may also be configured to run or implement a humidifier algorithm or provide one or more output signals.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 5c, the humidifier controller may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of the heated air circuit, or a heating element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of a hot plate.

[0396] 5.6 Glossary For purposes of this disclosure, in certain embodiments of the present technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other embodiments of the present technology, other definitions may apply.

[0397] 5.6.1 General Provisions Air: In certain forms of the present technology, air may be taken to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be taken to mean atmospheric air mixed with some other combination of breathing gases, for example oxygen.

[0398] Ambient: In certain forms of the present technology, the term ambient is taken to mean: (i) the exterior of the treatment system or patient, and (ii) the environment immediately surrounding the treatment system or patient.

[0399] For example, the ambient humidity for a humidifier may be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity within the room that the patient is sleeping in. Such ambient humidity may be different from the humidity outside the room in which the patient is sleeping.

[0400] In other examples, the ambient pressure may be the pressure immediately surrounding the body or pressure outside the body.

[0401] In certain embodiments, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise may be considered to be the background noise level in the room in which the patient is positioned, other than, for example, noise generated by the RPT device or noise emanating from a mask or patient interface. Ambient noise may also be generated by noise sources outside the room.

[0402] Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP treatment is taken to mean the application of a volume of air to the entrance to the airways at a pressure that is continuously positive with respect to the atmosphere and preferably approximately constant over the patient's breathing cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways is slightly higher during expiration and slightly lower during inspiration. In some forms, the pressure varies during different breathing cycles of the patient, for example being increased in response to detection of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and being decreased in the absence of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0403] CDMA: an acronym for Code Division Multiple Access

[0404] GSM: Abbreviation for Global System for Mobile

[0405] LTE: Acronym for Long Term Evolution

[0406] USB: Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus

[0407] 5.6.2 Materials Silicone or Silicone Elastomer: Synthetic rubber. In this specification, references to silicone are references to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (a trademark of this brand) manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise stated to the contrary, the preferred form of LSR is 0.1% by weight, measured using ASTM D2240. The Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness is within the range of about 35 to about 45, which is set forth above.

[0408] Polycarbonate: A transparent thermoplastic polymer, typically of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0409] 5.7 Other findings A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0410] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, when a range of values ​​is given, it is understood that each value between the upper and lower limits of that range, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, and any other stated value or values ​​within that stated range, are included within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges that may be independently included within the intervening ranges are also included within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. When a stated range includes one or both of its limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included within the technology.

[0411] Additionally, where one or more values ​​are set forth herein as implemented as part of the present technology, unless otherwise stated, it will be understood that such values ​​may be approximated and such values ​​may be utilized to any suitable significant figures, provided that practical technical implementation permits or requires it.

[0412] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0413] Where a particular material is deemed preferred for use in constructing a component, obviously other materials having similar properties may be used as a substitute, and unless expressly stated to the contrary, it is understood that any and all components described herein may be, and thus may be, manufactured together or separately.

[0414] It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0415] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference into this application to disclose and describe the methods, materials (or both) that are the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the technology is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Additionally, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0416] Also, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, thus suggesting that the referred element, component, or step may be present or utilized or may be combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly mentioned.

[0417] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included solely for the reader's ease of reference and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or claims. The subject headings should not be used to construe the scope of one or more claims in a limiting manner.

[0418] Although the technology herein has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some cases, terminology and symbols may suggest specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, the terms "first" and "second" may be used, but unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order and may be used to distinguish between separate elements. Also, although process steps in a methodology may be described or illustrated in a certain order, such ordering is not required. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such ordering may be changed. Additionally or alternatively, aspects may be performed simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0419] It should therefore be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0420] 5.8 Reference symbol list

[0421] [Table 2A]

[0422] [Table 2B]

[0423] [Table 2C]

[0424]

Table 2D

[0425]

Table 2E

[0426]

Table 2F

Claims

1. In a device for use in treating a respiratory disease, Housing and a pressure generator within the housing and configured to provide an air flow; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface to treat a respiratory disorder; a wireless data communication interface integrated within the housing, the wireless data communication interface configured to connect to another device or a network; and Equipment comprising:

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless data communication interface is configured to connect to one or more of the Internet and a cellular network.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless data communication interface uses one or more of the following protocols: CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and consumer infrared.

4. 4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wireless data communication interface comprises an antenna within the housing.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wireless data communication interface further comprises an antenna ground plane.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the antenna ground plane is oriented vertically.

7. 7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the antenna ground plane comprises one or more notches.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the cutout increases an effective overall length of the antenna ground plane.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the notches increase the effective overall length by more than about 25%.

10. In a device for use in treating a respiratory disease, Housing and a pressure generator positioned within the housing and configured to provide an air flow; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface to treat a respiratory disorder; a muffler removably coupled to the housing; Equipped with the muffler further comprises a muffler body, an inlet for receiving the air flow from the pressure generator, an outlet for delivering the air flow to the device outlet, a clip for detaching the muffler from the housing, and a muffler damper comprising a flexible material configured to reduce noise produced by the device during operation; the muffler damper comprising a travel limiter configured to prevent plastic deformation of a hinge connecting the clip to the muffler body. device.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the travel limiter is integrally formed with the muffler damper.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the muffler further comprises a rib, and the muffler damper comprises a recess configured to engage the rib.

13. 13. The device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the muffler body comprises an expansion chamber therein.

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the expansion chamber is defined at least in part by foam.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the foam is positioned in the muffler body.

16. 16. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the housing comprises a dock configured to receive the muffler.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a sensor configured to determine the presence or absence of the muffler in the dock.

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the muffler further comprises an identification element for detection by the sensor.

19. 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the identification element is a magnet.

20. In a device for use in treating a respiratory disease, Housing and a pneumatic block having an air path therein; a pressure generator positioned within the pneumatic block and configured to provide an air flow; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface to treat a respiratory disorder; an enclosure configured to position the housing, the pneumatic block, and the device outlet, the enclosure comprising a dock for receiving a muffler or a humidifier reservoir; Equipment comprising:

21. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the housing is formed as a unitary component.

22. 22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, further comprising an air outlet for delivering the air flow to the muffler or the humidifier reservoir, and an air inlet for receiving the air flow from the muffler or the humidifier reservoir.

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein one or more of the air outlet and the air inlet comprise a bellows-type seal.

24. 24. The device of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein one or more of the air outlet and the air inlet are removably coupled to the housing.

25. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the housing further comprises a guide portion for guiding a removable tube into engagement with the housing.

26. 26. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 25, further comprising a heating element configured to provide heat input for humidification of the airflow.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, further comprising a seal to prevent ingress of water from the dock to the heating element.

28. 28. A device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the seal comprises a resilient portion which assists in engaging the heating element and the humidifier reservoir in use.

29. 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the resilient portion is formed in a cone shape.

30. 30. A device as claimed in claim 28 or 29, wherein the resilient portion further comprises a port to allow a cable to move therethrough.

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