Respiratory apparatus and control method therefor

Abstract

To provide a respiratory conduit apparatus that conducts a breathable gas for respiratory therapy.SOLUTION: A respiratory conduit apparatus that conducts a breathable gas for respiratory therapy may include electrical circuit components to assist with the therapy. In one example, a delivery conduit for connection with a patient interface and a respiratory therapy device may include a cuff having a microcontroller unit. The cuff may be configured with circuit components for accessory identification, and gas characteristic detection for therapy control, heating and communications. In some versions, the delivery conduit may include a controller in a circuit board assembly located at an end of the delivery conduit. The printed circuit board may be configured to control and power the components on the cuff, and to communicate with the respiratory therapy device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] cross reference This application is a joint venture of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 418,374 (filed November 7, 2016). ), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technology Areas The technology is designed to detect and treat respiratory conditions, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep-disordered breathing (SBD), and other conditions that can cause DB), a condition associated with allergy-induced upper airway obstruction or early viral infection of the upper airway More particularly, the present technology relates to a device for providing breathable gas therapy for such respiratory therapy. The present invention relates to improvements relating to delivery conduit components for therapeutic devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Technology Background Sleep is important for good health. You have frequent sleep disturbances or sleep fragmentation. This can have serious consequences, such as daytime sleepiness (and the associated increased risk of getting into a car accident). It can also lead to poor mental health, memory problems, depression and hypertension. For example, if a person with a stuffy nose snores to a certain point, it becomes disruptive to the quality of their sleep. Similarly, people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can disrupt the sleep of their partners. The best form of treatment for OSA patients is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a device that is connected to and delivered by a flow generator (e.g., a blower (or compressor)). It is attached using a patient interface via a delivery hose.

[0004] CPAP therapy is used in the treatment of OSA. For example, it compresses the soft palate and tongue. By advancing or retracting the airway to the posterior oropharyngeal wall, continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint. CPAP therapy is a treatment for OSA that works by preventing upper airway closure. These patients should be aware of the devices used to deliver care as these may be spontaneously Patients may choose to not adhere to treatment if they perceive one or more of the following: Unpleasant, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0005] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to patients through the upper airway to improve some of the respiratory functions. Partial or complete breathing support for the patient and / or maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body Ventilatory support is provided via a non-invasive patient interface. NIV is used to treat OSA, respiratory insufficiency and periodic breathing. The morphology may increase the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments.

[0006] Such positive airway pressure can be delivered in many forms. For example, the positive pressure level can be adjusted to match the patient's breathing rate. The inhalation and exhalation levels of the inhalation cycle can be maintained at approximately constant levels. Alternatively, the pressure level can be adjusted to vary in sync with the patient's breathing cycle. For example, for patient comfort, the pressure may be set at one level during inspiration and one level during expiration. Such a pressure treatment system may be bi-level or may be set at another lower level. Alternatively, the pressure level is adjusted to smoothly cycle through the changes in the patient's breathing cycle. The pressure setting during exhalation is generally lower than that during inspiration, which allows the expiratory pressure to be adjusted continuously. This may be referred to as force release. As described above, positive airway pressure therapy involves delivering gas under pressure to the patient in the range of 4-15 cmH2O. The flow rate can be approximately 120 liters per minute. Some of the air may escape through the vent and not be delivered to the patient. These pressure settings may also be adjusted based on detection of the condition of the patient's airway. Increased therapeutic pressure in response to detection of partial obstruction, apnea, hypopnea, or snoring It can be done.

[0007] Other devices for providing respiratory tract therapy are known. For example, Schroeder et al. According to U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,046, a method for administering a heated and A device for delivering humidified air has been described. Similarly, Genger et al. For example, an anti-snoring device including a compressor and a nasal air cannula is disclosed in U.S. Pat. This is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,990,645.

[0008] An exemplary system of the present technology includes a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, Respiratory treatment devices such as humidifiers and patient interfaces may be included.

[0009] Patient Interface The patient interface may, for example, provide airflow to the airway inlet to aid in the respiratory The airflow can be used to provide a user with an interface to the nose and and / or delivered via a mask into the mouth, a tube into the mouth, or a tracheotomy tube into the user's trachea Depending on the therapy being applied, the patient interface may be, for example, in contact with the patient's facial area. A seal can be formed, allowing sufficient dispersion of pressure along with atmospheric pressure for therapy to take place. Promote gas delivery in the pulmonary circulation (e.g., positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O). In another form of therapy, the patient interface provides airway ventilation at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O. The gas supply may not include a sufficient seal to facilitate delivery of the gas supply to the

[0010] Different types of patient interfaces are available depending on the manufacturer: nasal cannula, nasal mask These are known by various names such as full face masks, nasal pillows, nasal puffs and oral nasal masks. could be.

[0011] Air Circuit An air circuit (e.g., one or more conduits) connects the flow generator and the patient interface. The devices may be aerodynamically connected, allowing a breathable gas (e.g., air and / or oxygen) to be passed between the devices. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube or delivery conduit. In some cases, there may be separate limbs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. A single limb is used.

[0012] Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices One known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System. Another example of an RPT device is the non-invasive prosthesis. There is a respirator.

[0013] RPT devices typically include a pressure or flow generator (e.g., a motorized blower (e.g., The pump contains an impeller and a servo-controlled motor within a volute (or a compressed gas reservoir) and supplies Optionally, the airflow is configured to provide an airflow to the airway of the patient. The outlet of the RPT device can be connected to the patient via an air circuit as described above. In this specification, the RPT device is also referred to as a respiratory treatment device. It can be called.

[0014] humidifier Airflow delivery without humidification can lead to drying of the airways. When used with a nasal device and patient interface, humidified gas is produced, reducing nasal mucus. Membrane drying is minimized, increasing patient airway comfort. Additionally, in cooler climates Generally, the application of hot air to the facial area around the patient interface provides better comfort than cold air. A range of artificial humidification devices and systems are known, but medical humidifiers does not meet the special requirements of

[0015] Respiratory humidifiers are commercially available in a variety of forms and can be stand-alone devices, Connected to, integrated with, or associated with the RPT device via a circuit It may be configured to connect directly to an RPT device.

[0016] between the components of the respiratory treatment system and between those components and the user It is desirable to improve the exchange of information between the various devices. The effectiveness of the device may be improved, and the resulting treatment for the user may also be improved (e.g., comfort, , quality of treatment and / or compliance).

[0017] Additionally, it may be desirable to introduce additional functionality into the component (e.g., respiratory therapy). Other components of the system may interact with the user or have stand-alone capabilities. Conventional solutions for communication among components of a respiratory treatment system include: It may be inconvenient and difficult or expensive to use. Conventional solutions for components of inhalation therapy systems have limited functionality or or is not configured to take advantage of the particular configuration of the rest of the respiratory treatment system. There is. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] To improve operation between the interconnected components of such respiratory treatment systems, Further development of these devices (e.g., air circuits or air tube delivery) is desirable. obtain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] A brief description of the technology In accordance with aspects of the present technology, systems, devices and methods provide respiratory therapy for a patient. It will be offered.

[0020] Some versions of the present technology include a breathable gas delivery conduit, such as for a respiratory treatment device. , for example for coupling to a device and / or a patient interface. .

[0021] Some versions of the present technology include such delivery conduits equipped with control circuits (e.g., wireless The device may include a 10-pin 1024 connector (including a 10-pin 1024 connector).

[0022] Some versions of the technology include one or more sensors that detect the status of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit. Such a delivery conduit may include a governing controller having the above sensors.

[0023] Some versions of the technology include a delivery conduit for an accessory or patient interface. Such a delivery conduit may include a governing controller capable of detecting attachment to the do.

[0024] Some versions of the technology involve the use of accessories or patient interfaces attached to the delivery conduit. a supervisory controller configured to wirelessly receive identification information from the interface; Such a delivery conduit may include any such delivery conduit.

[0025] Some versions of the technology include a patient intubation system that delivers a flow of breathable gas to a patient. A respiratory apparatus for coupling to a respiratory treatment device for generating a breathable gas flow. The respiratory apparatus may include a device for transmitting the generated flow of breathable gas from a respiratory treatment device to a A delivery conduit having a gas passageway configured to communicate with the patient interface. The delivery conduit is connected to a respiratory treatment device coupler end and a patient interface coupler end. The delivery conduit may include a patient interface connector extending from the respiratory treatment device coupler end. The respiratory treatment device may have a length extending from the coupler end to the coupler end. Delivery at a point along the length of the delivery conduit proximate the patient interface coupler end It may include a wireless transceiver mounted on the conduit.

[0026] In some versions, the wireless transceiver is and detecting an accessory identifier transmitted from a connected accessory at the The wireless transceiver can be used to identify radio frequency identification tags and near field communication identification tags. One of them is read from the accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end. The accessory may be configured to deliver a flow of breathable gas from a delivery conduit to a patient. The wireless transceiver may be connected to a controller. and may be configured to relay data including the identification of the accessory to the controller. The controller may be located in the respiratory treatment device. The controller may be connected to a circuit on the delivery conduit. The wireless transceiver may be located on the board and may transmit data, including the accessory's identification, over a wired connection. The controller may be configured to relay the accessory's Relaying data, including the identification, through the respiratory treatment device to a controller of the respiratory treatment device. The respiratory device may be configured to include two or more wires extending along the length of the delivery conduit. The respiratory apparatus may include a power source for connection via two or more wires in the delivery conduit. The breathing apparatus may include a first inductive connector adapted to control the circuit components. a second connected to the circuit component of the controller to conduct power to the controller; The controller circuit components may include an inductive connector to connect to the termination of the delivery conduit. The first inductive connector is configured as a cuff adapted to connect to a second It may be configured for inductive transfer to an inductive connector.

[0027] In some versions, at least one controller is a patient interface. - configured to determine the duration of use of an accessory attached to the coupler end The apparatus may include a respiratory treatment device. A controller in the respiratory treatment device may Operate a first switch to power the controller in the user interface coupler end. The controller in the patient interface coupler end may be configured to operate the delivery The device intermittently controls the heating of the breathable gas flowing through the delivery conduit and data communication between the controllers. The respiratory treatment device is configured to operate a second switch to control the A humidifier and a flow generator may be included.

[0028] Some versions of the present technology may include a breathing apparatus control device. The device may include a breathable gas delivery conduit for the respiratory therapy device. , adapted to connect to an outlet of an airflow generator of a respiratory treatment device, The device may be adapted to connect to a breathable gas inlet of the face. Flexible printed circuit board having a surface bent around a portion of a gas delivery conduit The device may include a flexible printed circuit board. The controller may include a controller for controlling one or more parameters for the respiratory treatment device. The control unit 100 may be configured to control the determination of

[0029] In some versions, the flexible printed circuit board is The communication interface may include one or more wires of a data bus along the delivery conduit. The controller may be adapted to control the communication interface to The device is configured to transmit a data signal on a data bus. The wireless transceiver may include a wireless transceiver mounted to a surface of the printed circuit board. Identifying the transceiver and patient interface of the controller of the respiratory therapy device The circuitry may be configured to communicate with one or both of the circuits. The meter is a characteristic of the breathable gas delivered from the respiratory treatment device through a delivery conduit. The one or more parameters may be measured using a patient interface connected to a terminal end of the delivery conduit. The interface may be a characteristic of the flexible printed circuit board. The controller controls the breathable gas in the delivery conduit for closed loop control of the characteristics of the breathable gas. The respiratory treatment device may be configured to communicate the measurement of the characteristic of the respiratory The controller, mounted on the surface of a flexible printed circuit board, controls the breathable determining a measurement of a characteristic of a breathable gas and controlling the characteristic of the breathable gas The controlled characteristic of the breathable gas may be temperature, and the controller may be configured to , may be configured to operate a heater element in the delivery conduit.

[0030] In some versions, the device is mounted on the surface of a flexible printed circuit board. The controller detects connection and disconnection of the patient interface to the delivery conduit. and transmitting a data signal to control operation of the respiratory treatment device based on the detection. The flexible printhead may be configured to generate a signal to a controller of the respiratory treatment device. The flexible printed circuit board may include one or more sensors attached to its surface. The surface of the circuit board may include an extension strip. The extension strip may extend beyond the portion of the delivery conduit. The gas passage of the delivery conduit is bent through an aperture at the gas passage of the delivery conduit to allow gas to flow through the gas passage of the delivery conduit. A sensor attached to the extension strip is extended into the gas passage to sense the characteristic of The one or more sensors may measure the pressure, air flow, and other parameters of the air delivered through the delivery conduit. The device may be adapted to measure at least one of temperature and relative humidity. The tubing section includes a delivery conduit adapted for removable connection with a patient interface. The cylindrical cuff may include a cylindrical cuff having a sintered body for encapsulating a flexible printed circuit board. The cylindrical cuff may further include a gas passage for the delivery conduit, the gas passage being configured to include a flexible The heater element is controlled by a controller mounted on the surface of the cable printed circuit board. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board may include: The device is powered by intermittently switching between heating and transmitting data signals through a single pair of wires. The set of wires may be configured to communicate with the delivery conduit and heat the delivery conduit. It may extend along and may consist of three wire conductors.

[0031] Some versions of the present technology may include a breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus may be configured to deliver a breathable gas. The respiratory apparatus may include a respiratory treatment device for generating a flow of the generated breathable gas. a delivery conduit for conducting the flow of from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface. The respiratory apparatus may include a first controller disposed on the respiratory treatment device. The device includes a second control positioned at or near the patient end of the delivery conduit. The breathing apparatus may include a first controller and a second controller connected to the first controller. The set of wires may include three wires along the delivery conduit. These three wires are used for heating the delivery conduit and for connecting the first and second controllers. The first controller and the second controller are connected to each other via a data communication line. One or both of the controllers communicate and heat alternately over a single pair of wires. It may be configured to interleave.

[0032] In some versions, a set of wires includes a first wire, a second wire, and The first controller may include a ground wire. The first wire and the ground wire may be and a second controller. The ground wire provides heat for the delivery conduit using power from the respiratory treatment device's power source. The respiratory apparatus may be controlled by a first controller and may be connected to a respiratory treatment device. a first switch that may be controlled by the second controller and disposed in the delivery conduit; and a second switch that may be arranged on the first switch and the second switch. By closing each of them, the heating operation can be controlled. Opening the switch may allow control of the communication operation. The communication operation may be performed by one or more In some cases, one or more of the sensors may include transmitting measurements from the sensors. The system is designed to measure at least one of the following: air flow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity in the delivery conduit. The communication operation may include transmitting an identification of an accessory coupled to the delivery conduit. do.

[0033] In some versions, the respiratory device includes a cuff and a The second controller may be disposed on the cuff and covered by the sheath. It can be done.

[0034] Some versions of the present technology may include a method of controlling a breathing apparatus. a respiratory therapy device for generating a flow of breathable gas and a device for treating the generated flow of breathable gas by aspiration; a delivery conduit leading from the inhalation therapy device to a patient interface; and a first controller. and a set of wires connecting the delivery lead to a second controller. A control system is provided for controlling the first and second controllers. In a communication operation, data is received at a first controller through a pair of wires. The control method may include transmitting data from the second controller in the communication operation. The control method may include transmitting the signal through a pair of wires in a heating operation. The earphones are heated by one or both of the first and second controllers. The control method may include heating the flow of breathable gas through a delivery conduit. This may include interleaving operations and communication operations.

[0035] In some versions, the communication operation data is transmitted to a breathable liquid flowing through a delivery conduit. One or more of the following are displayed: gas flow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. Heating is performed by pulse width modulation. The control signal can be adjusted.

[0036] Some versions of the present technology may include a method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly. The delivery conduit assembly conveys a flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface. The delivery conduit may be for conducting to a source. The delivery conduit may have a cuff connector end. The method includes bending a surface of a flexible printed circuit board into a cylindrical shape. The flexible printed circuit board is wrapped and attached around the outer surface of the end of the cuff connector. The cuff connector end may include a cylindrical gas passageway and may have an open first end and a second end. The method may include attaching the end of the tube to the cuff connector end. The method includes attaching the printed circuit board and at least a portion of the end of the cuff connector by a sheath. The method may include coating.

[0037] In some versions, the method includes: The lip is inserted through the end of the cuff connector into the aperture and attached onto the extension strip. The method may include inserting the sensor into a cylindrical gas passage at the end of the cuff connector. The method may include capping the ends of the sensor and extension strip prior to inserting the sensor into the device. The method includes mounting one or more of the pair of wires of the tube on a flexible printed circuit board. The method may include attaching a wire around the communication path at the end of the cuff connector to the terminal of the cuff connector. Coiling the antenna and attaching the wire ends of the wire antenna to the edge of the printed circuit board and attaching the cuff connector end to the patient interface. The method may include releasably connecting the end of the tube to the respiratory therapy device using a coupler. The method may include removably attaching the therapeutic device to a generator.

[0038] Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology. and / or various one of the aspects can be combined in various ways, further aspects of the present technology. Or it may constitute a subembodiment.

[0039] Other features of the present technology are included in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims. This will become clear in light of the information available. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to: contains the following similar elements:

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary respiratory treatment system for respiratory treatment of a patient's airway. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one form of respiratory treatment system shown in FIG. 1 in use by a patient. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a respiratory treatment system including a heating component and a signal transmission component in a delivery conduit having a heated tube, according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a respiratory treatment system including heating and signal transmission components in a delivery conduit as an unheated tubing version according to an example of the present technology. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a respiratory treatment system including heating and signal transmission components in a delivery conduit having a heated tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is another circuit diagram of an example of the present technology including an NTC thermistor in a cuff. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates an exemplary control scheme for the system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is another block diagram of a system having heating and signal transmission components sharing a common ground wire of a delivery conduit as a heated tubing version in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates an example control scheme for the system shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is another block diagram of a system showing heating and signal transmission components sharing a common ground wire of a delivery conduit as a heated tubing version in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary printed circuit board used in any of the above examples. [Figure 10B]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary printed circuit board used in any of the above examples. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary assembly of a delivery conduit for a respiratory treatment system in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of an exemplary modular assembly for a delivery conduit of a respiratory treatment system in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 13A] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13C] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13E] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13F] 13A-13C show portions of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Detailed Description An example of the present technology is a respiratory treatment system that includes some or all of the components shown in FIG. The implementation of such components may be discussed in conjunction with the system 100 shown in FIG. For example, the respiratory treatment system 100 includes a respiratory treatment device 102. The respiratory treatment device 102 typically includes a flow control device such as a servo-controlled blower 104. The blower 104 typically includes an air inlet and a motor (not shown) that blows the air through the air. Optionally, oxygen may be introduced upstream or downstream of the blower. This allows the impeller to mix with the breathable gas delivered to the user's airway or to be exhaled. In addition, an air filter 103 such as a HEPA filter may be provided. This removes dust or other allergens from the air drawn into the air inlet. The blower can be adjusted according to the type of therapy (e.g., CPAP, bilevel, APAP, etc.) For example, pressures within the exemplary range of 4-40 cmH2O (e.g., 4-15 cmH2O or 4 ~25cmH2O))) The device may be optionally configured to generate a pressure that varies depending on the respiratory state ( Respiratory status (e.g., apnea, hypopnea, obstruction, etc.) ) may be further adjusted based on

[0043] The respiratory treatment device 102 provides a flow of air or a flow of breathable gas to a user of the device. or a breathable gas delivery conduit 1 for delivery to the upper airway(s) of the patient. 06 and may be configured to connect to a patient interface 108. The patient interface may be a nasal mask or an oral and nasal mask ( An example is shown in FIG. 2. The delivery conduit 106 may be (e.g., the output of a blower or At the output of the volute or humidifier of the patient interface 108 and the respiratory therapy Each end includes a pneumatic connector for connecting to a corresponding connector on the treatment device 102. It can be seen.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the humidifier 110 humidifies the airflow as it passes through the RPT device 4000. humidifying the airflow from the RPT device 102. The humidifier 110 humidifies the air flow while the air flow comes into contact with a certain amount of water in the reservoir 5110. It may be configured to promote a tortuous path of movement through the reservoir 112 .

[0045] Thus, the respiratory treatment device 102 may include a humidifier 110. The humidifier 110 humidifies the air. The humidifier may include a humidifier reservoir 112 and a humidifier heater 111. The humidifier may be configured to generate a breathable gas. configured or controlled to heat and / or humidify to a desired temperature and / or humidity For example, the humidifier may be configured to humidify the breathable gas by absorbing fluid or vapor from the humidifier reservoir 112. Passing through or in close proximity to the fluid or vapor in the humidifier reservoir 112 The heater 111 may be configured to transfer the fluid or vapor from the humidifier reservoir 112 to the One or more heating elements and / or heating plates for heating the fluid contained within the server 112. In one embodiment, the heater may be adhesively attached to the base of the heater plate. The heater element may be based on a laminate film heater that includes a temperature sensor on the heater film. As a further option, the heater 111 is in contact with the liquid in the humidifier reservoir. The additional heater, which is not in contact with the reservoir liquid, moves the liquid through the humidifier. The breathable gas from the flow generator may be heated. The humidifier may be used in conjunction with a respiratory therapy device as shown in FIG. The device may be removably coupled to the respiratory treatment device 102 or may be It may be constructed integrally with

[0046] The respiratory treatment device includes a vapor component (e.g., a blower 104 and a heater 111). ) may also include a controller 120 that controls any or all of the The controller may include one or more processors (e.g., programmable or application-specific processors). The power supply 114 may include an integrated chip that controls the amount of power provided to the controlled component. The power source 114 may include a battery. 2 or a separate module electrically coupled to the respiratory treatment device 102. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply 114 may be an AC / DC transformer (e.g., for receiving power from the mains) or an AC / DC transformer. In some cases, the conduit may be connected to, for example, the battery delivery conduit 10. 6 (eg, in its cuff) to contain its own intrinsic power source.

[0047] The respiratory treatment system 100 may include one or more sensors. One or more sensors (e.g., a flow (also called a mass flow) sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, A sensor may be coupled to or receive signals from one or more sensors, such as a relative humidity sensor, receiving sensor data; and determining respiratory treatment data based on the received sensor data. and determining operational control of the device 102. In some examples, one or more The sensor collects data regarding conditions associated with one or more of the blower 104 and the humidifier 110. and / or may be configured to sense such a condition to provide a signal. For example, the flow sensor 132 may be located at or near the inlet of the blower, within the blower, or at the A temperature sensor 134 and a humidity sensor 135 may be positioned at the outlet or blower volute. 36 may be positioned at or near the humidifier reservoir 112. Temperature sensor provides a temperature signal for controlling or setting the temperature and / or humidity of the device Or a humidity signal is generated.

[0048] Several sensors may be arranged for measuring the ambient conditions. , one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 142, 144, 145) are located below the delivery conduit 106 The delivery conduit may be located at or near the patient interface 108. Such sensors include, for example, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors and flow sensors. For example, such sensors may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and It may be a temperature sensor.

[0049] Are additional components for the respiratory treatment system 100 provided in the delivery conduit 106? Alternatively, the respiratory treatment device 102 may be integrated into the delivery conduit 106. Components or other parts of the system may be supplemented and / or respiration treatment device 102 These components or parts of the system can function together. Additional components allow communication of information between respiratory treatment devices 102 (e.g., The controller, the humidifier 110, the delivery conduit 106 and the patient interface 108 Additional devices can provide additional (or improved) function to respiratory therapy. For example, different sets of components may be provided to the treatment system 100. A device (e.g., a sensor) may be provided in the different versions of the delivery conduit. These multiple sets of components of the conduit allow different / new delivery conduit versions to be used in respiratory therapy. When connected to the respiratory treatment device 102, the respiratory treatment device 102 controller uses For example, the controller may be configured to automatically detect the presence of a newly connected accessory component of a delivery conduit. Depending on the capabilities of the component, detect the connection of new delivery conduits and change operations (e.g., therapeutic operations) In this regard, the delivery conduit may be connected to a respiratory treatment device 102 (e.g., controller 120) to enable electronic communication (e.g., wired or wireless) between the The delivery conduit may be configured with a control circuit and a sensor. thereby maintaining and upgrading the operation of the respiratory treatment device in which the components may be used. The code may allow for easy replacement and upgrade of components.

[0050] For example, to aid in the relay of information between components of the respiratory treatment device 102, A wireless transceiver 152 (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or a short-range wireless A near field communication (NFC) reader may be provided in or on the delivery conduit. , for example at the patient end or proximal to the end of the proximal delivery conduit (e.g., connected to a blower 104 closer to the end of the delivery conduit connected to the patient interface 108 rather than the end that is A transmitter 160 or other identification circuit (e.g., a device coupled to the delivery conduit) may be provided. It is configured to read data stored on a device (RFID tag or NFC tag) For example, if the patient interface 108 is activated with such a transmitter or tag, When the device is attached to or coupled to a delivery conduit, it can transmit the data to a transceiver in the delivery conduit. Such transmittable data may include the type, model number, date of manufacture, or Any other relevant information regarding the device or patient interface 108, the connected device, The information may indicate one or more of the following: information related to the use of the service; and information related to the user. In some cases, alternatively or additionally, the wireless transceiver may transmit such transmissions. Using other wireless protocols (e.g. Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE) It can be implemented as follows.

[0051] The wireless transceiver 152 is connected to a control processor (e.g., the controller of the respiratory treatment device 102). 120) or towards or proximal to the respiratory treatment system (patient a distal end of the delivery conduit 106 (e.g., integral with the delivery conduit 106 (described in more detail below) A second controller 156 (e.g., a microprocessor or Information may also be communicated to the transceiver (controller). Information communicated to the transceiver may include, for example: Sensor data (e.g., from sensors 142, 144, or 145), sensor configuration / There may be type and / or tag data (eg, from the tag or transmitter 160). In some cases, the data is sent to the controller 120 of the respiratory treatment device 102. Thus, the second controller 156 relays the data obtained from the transceiver. The controller 120 then uses the relayed information to 108 or treatment control) to meet specific preferences or requirements. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 120 may control the relay The collected information may be used to determine the length of time the patient interface is in use (e.g., The patient interface is detected based on the time the patient interface was first detected by the transceiver. (based on the amount of time the interface is detected by the transceiver) and control the operation (e.g., generate warnings related to the duration of use accordingly). , the transceiver may communicate with the respiratory treatment device to further customize the operation of the device. It can also read and relay data stored on other accessories connected to the do.

[0052] In some versions, the delivery conduit control circuitry is connected to an attachable accessory / component. The device may include a sensor configured to determine the presence or absence of a component. For example, an inductive proximity sensor. In some such versions, the sensor may be disposed in the cuff. For example, the presence of accessories (e.g., patient interfaces) with metal (ferromagnetic) rings can be determined.

[0053] Delivery conduit sensors (e.g., sensors 142, 144, 145) and / or transceivers The information from the server 152 is transmitted to the controller 150 via wired or wireless signal transmission or communication. For example, wired communication may be relayed from the respiratory treatment device 102 to the transmitter 120. A set of wires extending along the delivery conduit that includes two or more wires extending the length of the delivery conduit to the The wireless communication may be performed via a wired data bus 170. and an optional integrated or coupled controller 120 in the respiratory treatment device 102. The wireless communication from the transceiver 152 may be performed in conjunction with the second transceiver 122. , via a direct wireless connection between the respiratory treatment device transceiver and the conduit transceiver. or through any number of intermediate communication links (e.g., remote control, Smartphones, even if run via the Internet (e.g., the Internet) Such communication may, for example, allow the controller 120 to control the parameters of the treatment being provided. Information can be provided to the controller 120 to adjust meters and settings. For example, such information from sensors in conjunction with the respiratory treatment devices may be transmitted to the controller 120. It can serve as an input to any control loop implemented by the control, flow control, humidity control, etc.).

[0054] In some cases, the delivery conduit may include one or more heaters or heating elements (single or multiple). These components may also include a delivery tube heater 154. the temperature of the breathable gas after it travels from the humidifier or flow generator into the delivery conduit. To aid in maintaining In some versions, one or more heaters may be provided along the gas path. The heater or heating element(s) is / are isolated at the end (e.g., within the cuff of the delivery conduit). Thus, the delivery conduit may include a gas path along which one or more heating elements may be delivered. The cuff of the conduit may be held in place. By keeping the delivery conduit warm, breathable gas may be delivered. Condensation within the delivery tube as it travels across the tube to the patient may be reduced or avoided. The controller 156 may be operably coupled to a sensor in the delivery conduit and may include a controller 158 for controlling the temperature of the sensor. The second controller 156 may be responsible for processing the information. To regulate the temperature, an accessory device in the delivery conduit (e.g., its heating element or delivery The heater 154 may be further operatively connected to the heater 154.

[0055] In some versions, the second controller 156 is configured to detect moisture accumulation in the delivery conduit. A measurement signal indicative of the amount of moisture may be received from the humidity sensor 145. The controller 156 may communicate the received information to the controller 120. The controller 120 provides information for controlling the heating of the breathable gas flowing within the delivery conduit. A similar function is provided for other portions of the flow of breathable air through the delivery conduit. For parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure and / or flow from other sensors in the delivery conduit) In some versions, the second controller 156 may The device may receive the measured measurement(s) and, for example, selectively activate / operate a heating element in the delivery conduit. By operating the device, heating of the breathable gas in response to this measurement can be controlled. In such a version, one of the controllers may control a heating element of the delivery conduit. Control the opening (i.e., break) or closing (i.e., completion) of the heating circuit for The switch may be operatively coupled to a switch for detecting a voltage applied to the input of the input signal.

[0056] The second controller 156 of the delivery conduit also controls whether the patient interface The interface is connected or disconnected to the delivery conduit to detect connection. Such information may be received (e.g., from a wireless transceiver) indicating Allows activation of one or more components of the conduit and / or respiratory treatment device 102 For example, the detected patient interface may function as a control signal to activate or inhibit the If no patient interface is present, the second controller 156 sends information indicating the absence of a patient interface. The respiratory treatment device 102 may communicate with the controller 120. The heating element may be controlled (e.g., by the patient interface in an override sense). The above-mentioned method for avoiding heating of the delivery conduit, etc. (when the interface is disconnected) Similarly, information regarding the detection of a connected patient interface is sent via a control signal. The signal may act as a signal to allow activation of a heating element(s) (e.g., an element of a delivery conduit). The information may be communicated to the controller 120 so as to enable the

[0057] In some versions, the heater 154 is connected to a first subset of wires (e.g. , two or more of a set of wires extending along or embedded in the delivery conduit The wires may be heating elements, and may be used to heat the moving breathable gas. It is designed to transfer heat (by applying an electric current to the wire) to this gas. The connector 154 is connected to the tubing of the delivery conduit or to the patient interface. The cuff may be included in one or more of the cuffs attached to the terminal ends of the delivery conduits. for releasably connecting the tubing to a corresponding connector of the patient interface during use. It can function as a connector.

[0058] Examples of delivery conduits for several versions of respiratory treatment systems are shown in FIG. Consider the block diagram of FIG. 4. For example, in the diagram of FIG. 3, the respiratory treatment system of FIG. The system 300 extends from the blower end 312 (distal end) of the delivery conduit to the patient end 314 of the delivery conduit. 314 (to the proximal end) shows a gas pathway (e.g., a tube or tubing). A cuff 308 containing a control circuit 303 is provided at the patient end. Heating of the wires 302 and 304, which may be removed, heats the gas path of the conduit section 301. The heating wires 302 and 304 are disposed around the periphery of the gas path, for example on or around a tube. The heating wires 302 and 304 may be arranged spirally and along the gas path. For example, electrically insulating and / or isolating the electrodes by methods and configurations known in the art. Can be heated.

[0059] One of the heating wires 302 receives power from a power source at the blower end 312 of the conduit section 301. and the other wire 304 can be grounded at the blower end 312 of the conduit section 301. , thus completing the heating circuit. In the example of FIG. 3, wires 302 and 304 are The patient end 314 of the conduit portion 301 receives power from a power source (e.g., a power source for a respiratory treatment device). to one or more components of a delivery conduit control circuit 303 located at For example, a particular point (e.g., at the patient end 314 of the conduit section 301) may be At a (midpoint in the heating circuit), wires 302 and 304 are connected to an incoming power signal to a level suitable for operation of the second controller 356 of the delivery conduit control circuit 303. A converter 325 (e.g., a DC-DC converter) may be connected to the delivery The power provided to power the conduit sensors 344 and 346 and the transceiver 352 is also In some versions, the converter converts the supplied 12 volt power signal The 3V power signal can be converted to a 3V power signal. Other power signals / conversions can also be performed. As described in more detail above, an optional switch 332 controls the power supply through the heating circuit. It may be implemented with a heating circuit for selective control of the supply.

[0060] The conduit section 301 of the respiratory treatment system 300 includes components at the blower end 312. (e.g., integrated sensor, transceiver, second controller) at the patient end 314 between the components (e.g., transceiver 352, second controller 356) For the signal relay, two or more additional data bus wires 371 and 372 are provided. In the example of FIG. 3, wire 371 is a communication interface 3 80 or from the communication interface 380 (e.g., controller 1 20 to interface with a second controller 356. The interface or driver (which can also be optionally connected by a heating wire (not shown in FIG. 3) Wire 372 functions as a ground wire, so that the interface This completes the signal transmission circuit for communication with the interface 380.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 4, the delivery conduit circuit components are similar to those in the version of FIG. However, in FIG. 4, the delivery conduit cuff 408 in the delivery conduit control circuit 403 is A thermal element 407 is added. Thus, in the exemplary respiratory treatment system 400 of FIG. The breathable gas that passes through the cuff is placed into a heated cuff 408 at the patient end of the conduit. Heating is provided by a heating element 407 (e.g., an inductive heater or other heat sink) disposed The conduit section 401 also includes wires 402 and 404. 404 provides power from a power source at the blower end 412 to the heating element(s) 407. are provided, the wires 402 and 404 themselves may vary depending on whether the conduit section includes a heating element or not. Depending on the configuration, no power will dissipate along the length of the conduit section 401.

[0062] Similar to the design of the respiratory treatment system 300 of FIG. Other components included in 8 (e.g., components of the delivery conduit control circuit 403) (For example, the transceiver 352, the second controller 356, the transducer 325, the sensor 34 4 and 346, and / or communication interface 380) Also, similar to the design of respiratory treatment system 300 of FIG. 3, conduit site 401 is a Components on both ends (e.g., controller 120 and second controller 356) It may also include data bus wires 471 and 472 for transmitting signals therebetween.

[0063] Although wired power connections are shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some versions, Powering of the conduit control circuit(s) may be accomplished by contactless power transmission. For example, The delivery conduit assembly may include an inductive connector (e.g., at the patient end and / or at the flow In one arrangement, the tubing assembly may include two The delivery conduit may include a wire heating circuit, the circuit terminating at a terminal end of the delivery conduit having a wireless power connector. The wireless power connector may then be connected to an accessory (e.g., The delivery conduit may be connected to a cuff having a control circuit as described in more detail below. The accessory has a (supplemental) connector that receives wireless power from the wireless power connector on the delivery conduit. Thus, an accessory or cuff may, for example, include its own sensors or components. For communication of data from component detectors, etc. (e.g., with respiratory treatment devices), Its own operation (e.g., sensing, accessory attachment detection and / or identification), wireless communication (e.g., , Bluetooth).

[0064] For example, as described above in connection with the wiring of FIGS. 3 and 4, heating and signaling may be achieved by The fan may be controlled by a controller 120 connected adjacent the blower end of the conduit. FIG. 5 further illustrates an example control application for the system 300 of FIG. This control application can be similarly applied to the system 400 of FIG. In the diagram of FIG. 5, the blower end 512 of the conduit can be coupled to the respiratory treatment device 102. The respiratory treatment device 102 includes a switch for controlling the operation of heating through the conduit portion 501. A controller 520 (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor) The processor unit is operatively connected to a switch 532 to control the timing of the heating operation. It may be implemented to control.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 5, an arbitrary voltage is set to maintain charging even when switch 532 is open. An optional load capacitor 540 is coupled to the heating wires 502 and 504. Charging of the capacitor can be performed from wire 502 through diode 543. 3 is arranged so that current flows from wire 502 only in the positive direction of the transducer and capacitor. Thus, when switch 532 is open, load capacitor 540 is End components (e.g., temperature sensor 544, humidity sensor 546 and RFID link 502 and 504) in the opposite direction so that the power supply 552 can be continuously The DC-DC converter 525 is continuously provided with energy (e.g., charge) in a direction opposite to the In the version shown, optional switch 541 may be used to control the respiratory treatment device. 102 is under the control of the controller 520, and either (a) a communication interface in the controller 520; or (b) receiving a communication over wire 572 through the controller 520. 5. receiving a sensor signal via wire 572 at (e.g., temperature and / or humidity sensors) An analog sensor signal proportional to the measurement is input to an analog-to-digital (ADC) input sampler ( from the cuff circuit for sampling by the controller 520 in Alternatively, the 100 MHz to 100 MHz input may be provided over wire 572 (e.g., an RS232 driver and (via the universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter input of the controller 520) The data signal is transmitted through the cuff on wire 572 for reception by the signaling interface. According to one embodiment, the switch 532 may be provided from, for example, FIG. This allows for the connection of different types of cuff configurations, as shown in FIG. 5A. 13 shows another example arrangement of the present technology including a thermistor 590 in the cuff.

[0066] The operation of the circuit of Figure 5 may be considered with reference to the signaling graph of Figure 6. The graph is generated by the controller 520 (e.g., by selective operation of the switch 532). 1 illustrates an exemplary scheme for intermittent control of heating and signaling operations that may be performed. For clarity, the vertical axis represents amplitude and the horizontal axis represents time. In effect, this shows the operation of switch 532. In this case, power is periodically provided to the heating wires 502 and 504, and the heating wires 502 and The operation of the first switch can be pulse width modulation. In pulse width modulation, the controller 520 controls the duty cycle of the switch. Curve 620 shows the voltage provided to converter 525 versus time. Converter 525 operates with the tube off. During the cycle, the load capacitor 540 supplies the load. The charge from the load capacitor 540 is maintained at a relatively constant level so that the converter 525 , the continuous operation of the patient-end components (e.g., the second controller 554, etc.) 6. In this manner, a constant output voltage (shown in curve 630) can be maintained that is sufficient for the

[0067] Curve 640 in FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the data between controller 520 and second controller 554. 6 shows an example voltage versus time plot of a signal transmission wire 572 providing the transfer. The data is then sent from the patient-end second controller 554 to the blower-end controller 52 0. Thus, in this version, wire 572 is It may be implemented for data communication only. However, in other examples described herein, An additional switch may be provided to control when the signal transfer action occurs.

[0068] One example where it may be advantageous to control the timing of signaling operations is shown in FIG. In this application, the heating and signaling operations are carried out over a common wire (e.g., a ground or return wire). ) can be time-shared. Thus, in some versions, fewer wires are implemented. Alternatively, in the example of FIG. 7, three wires may be used for both signaling and heating the conduit. This allows one of the wires to be used for signal transmission and heating completion. In FIG. 7, an exemplary respiratory treatment system 700 is shown. Respiratory treatment device 70 provides a variable gas to a patient (not shown) through a delivery conduit 706. 2 (e.g., a flow generator with or without a humidifier). The breathable gas is delivered to The heat is applied in the delivery conduit by a heating element, for example, wire 707, as described above. The patient end 714 of the delivery conduit 706 also includes a second controller 754. The communication between the controller 754 and the controller 720 may be, for example, at the blower end 754 of the delivery conduit 706. 12 via data bus wires 708 through switch or multiplexer 721 The heating circuit of the heating wire 707 and the signal transmission circuit of the data bus wire 708 A common ground wire 709 is provided in the delivery conduit 706 to complete alternating paths. In this way, only one of the heating and signaling operations can be performed at a given time. .

[0069] In this version, a first switch is used to control the heating and signaling operations. The first switch 732 and the second switch 739 are each provided in the respiratory treatment system 700. A first switch 732 is provided to turn on or off the blower engine of the delivery conduit within the respiratory treatment device 702. The activation of the control circuit 712 is selectively controlled by the controller 720. The first switch 732 is similar in operation to the switch 532 of FIG. operatively connects wire 707 to the high or positive side of a power supply (e.g., 24 volts). A second switch 739 may be provided to switch the flow of the fluid in the delivery conduit (e.g., the delivery Activation of the second switch 739 is located in the delivery conduit control circuit 703 of the cuff of the conduit. , selectively controlled by a second controller 754. The second switch 739 Operable to couple and decouple the proximal end of the ear 707 to the ground wire 709. When connected in this manner, the heating circuit is completely heated when the wire 707 is energized. When this happens, the power to the converter 725 is insufficient, which can cause a heating operation. The proximal end of wire 707 and the ground wire When 709 is disconnected by a second switch 739, the heating circuit is broken and In this state, the transducer can be powered by the power source when power is applied to wire 707. In the state of the person, the signal transmission circuit of the wires 708 and 709 is a microcontroller Signaling may be accomplished by a signaling operation of 720 .

[0070] Thus, one or both of the controllers 720 and 754 may be controlled to control heating and signal transmission. The operations can be arranged, for example, to be interleaved, thereby reducing the heating control. To prevent the simultaneous execution of the data communication control operation and the data communication control operation, Figure 8 shows such an interleaving scheme using the components of Figure 7. 8 shows an example signaling control scheme 800 for a first switch S1 (e.g., 7) and the operation of the second switch S2 (e.g., the second The operation of switch 739) is illustrated.

[0071] The interleaving operation may be periodic, but with a blanking window 802. During the blanking window, the controller 72 0 controls the operation of the first switch to close and enable power to the heating wire 707. During this blanking window 802, the second controller controls the heating The second switch is controlled to open (so as not to complete the circuit). During the ranking window, the power supplied through the heating wire 707 is 725, which provides a patient end sensor and a second controller 754. Furthermore, during such blanking windows, the wire 709 is can be used to complete the signal transmission circuit, thereby connecting the patient end sensor and the This allows signals to be transmitted between the fan end sensor and the controller. Thus, the blanking window allows for signal transmission and may last for a predetermined period of time; It may be repeated periodically.

[0072] After the blanking window, a heating window 804 may begin. In the embodiment, the controller 720 controls a first switch 706 to apply power to the wire 707. During the heating window, the second controller 754 also controls the wire 708 and wire 709 are decoupled at second switch 739 by a heating operation. In this regard, the second controller 739 controls the second switch 739 to activate the The roller 754 controls the desired period for heating by controlling the second switch. For example, when the second switch is closed / on (heating operation occurs), , when the second switch is open / off (heating operation is stopped). The longer the switch is held in the closed position, the longer the heating circuit is completed, improving In other words, switches S1 and S2 are turned on when the switch S3 is turned on. When both switch S1 and switch S2 are on, the heating operation is performed. When switch S2 is turned off, information signaling may occur. The controller may perform various signaling schemes (e.g., power supply schemes to allow interleaving of heating and signaling operations) These switches can be operated by a single-ended input (using pulse width modulation).

[0073] For example, the controller 720 may generate a pulse width modulated signal for controlling the first switch. In some cases, the heating and signaling cycles may be initiated. , the second controller 754 generates a pulse width modulated signal for controlling the second switch Such signals may be interleaved with heating and signaling cycles. Thus, the interleaving operation can be repeated periodically by the second controller at a predetermined fixed frequency. However, in some cases, it may be done by a second controller, e.g. In connection with a condition detected by 754 (e.g., one of the sensors in the delivery conduit control circuit with respect to measurements made by one or more of the transceivers and / or decisions made by the In some cases, interleaving (in conjunction with other interleaving) may be performed more dynamically.

[0074] A level detector 772 is provided to obtain the state of switch S1 in the respiratory treatment device 702. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 7, a level detector detects S2 and S1 The DC / DC converter 725 is connected to the diode 543 and the capacitor 544 shown in FIG. It should also be noted that capacitor 540 may be understood as an implementation provided on transducer 725. sea ​​bream.

[0075] Another exemplary respiratory treatment system 900 may be considered in connection with FIG. In this example, the delivery driver includes components similar to those in the previous version. Tube section 901 may optionally omit the heating element. The heating element may be disposed with the delivery conduit control circuitry 903. The delivery conduit control circuitry 903 may include: A heated cuff 905 is placed at the patient end of the delivery conduit 906. The breathable gas traversing the delivery conduit is guided by a heated compressor at the patient end of the delivery conduit 906. Heat can be provided by a heating element 911 (e.g., a heat sink) disposed within the cavity 905. Similar to FIG. 7, the system includes a controller 920 in the respiratory treatment device 902 and and a second controller 954 mounted on the heater 905. These devices include a heating actuator, The operation and signal transmission are performed by the heating wire 907, the signal transmission wire 908 and the common wire 90 9 (ground) to interleave through conduit portion 901. An interleaving scheme the same as or similar to that described in connection with Figs. may be used in the system 900 of FIG.

[0076] The above exemplary system includes several patient-end components of the delivery conduit 106 (e.g. These patient-end components include separate circuit elements. However, in some versions, the circuit elements may be formed from a single An example of such an integrated circuit board is may be considered in relation to the illustration of FIG. 10. In this regard, FIGS. 10A and 10B 1 shows the opposing surface side of an exemplary circuit board 1000. This opposing surface side has air inside. Can be adapted to be flexible so that it can conform to the shape of the exterior surface of the delivery conduit, including the pathway For example, the circuit board 1000 may be substantially cylindrical (e.g., approximately cylindrical in shape, approximately elliptical in shape, etc.). The delivery conduit may be configured to bend or curve around a delivery conduit of a certain shape, such as a Such a circuit board may be made of a flexible material. Its length may be adjusted to fit around the circumference or circumference of the delivery conduit. To be able to wrap or bend the substrate around all or most of its circumference, In some cases, the circuit layout of the substrate and its material may be configured to The flexible member is capable of bending along the directional axis L and maintaining rigidity along the transverse axis W. The design allows the board to fit into a smaller housing while still protecting the electrical components. .

[0077] The circuit board may include any one or more components of the delivery conduit control circuitry described above. For example, the circuit board may include one or more of the following: a microcontroller or The device includes a microprocessor unit, one or more sensors (e.g., a respirable fluid passing through a delivery conduit), sensors that detect / measure inert gas properties (e.g., gas temperature or humidity), and Line transceiver (e.g., for communication with a flow or pressure generator controller) A wireless transceiver for communicating with an identification tag disposed in a patient interface. These components may be mounted on a circuit board.

[0078] The circuit board may include a body portion 1001 with a first surface MS. In the longitudinal direction L, all or some of the above components are integrated. A pair of attachment tabs 1005 and 1006 may extend across the ends of the body part. The extension strip 10 may extend across most of the width L of the main body portion. 09. At least one of the sensors may be mounted on the extension strip 1009. The extension strip 1009 may extend in the length direction L and may be attached to the adjacent attachment tab. The extension strip 1009 may extend further to the delivery conduit through which the breathable gas flows. Thus, the extension strip may be adapted to extend into the air path defined by The sensor(s) 1016 mounted on the may be located adjacent to or in close proximity to (e.g., separated only by a protective housing) , sensing a characteristic thereof (e.g., temperature or relative humidity from within the gas passage of the delivery conduit). A long strip 1009 may be disposed at the end of the circuit board and laterally adjacent the mounting tab. .

[0079] The circuit board may also include terminals 1020. The terminals 1020 may extend along the delivery conduit. Heating wires, signal transmission wires and ground wires may be connected or attached (e.g., In one example, the terminals are integral components of the circuit board and the respiratory therapy device. 102 to a data bus port for communicating information between the controller 120 and the These terminals are connected to the power lines that receive power for charging the components on the circuit board. The circuit board may include a connector for attachment to an antenna (e.g., an RFID antenna). Terminal 1023 may also be included. Terminal 1023 may include a transceiver (e.g., RFID or NF C transceiver (e.g., transceiver 152 described in connection with FIG. 1). For example, an RFID coil may be attached to terminal 1023.

[0080] The circuit board may also include holes or grooves to allow for easy insertion of the circuit board when wrapped onto a portion of the delivery conduit. This facilitates fastening or fastening the substrate to the delivery conduit housing. The holes may include post structures in the cuff housing of the delivery conduit. In the figure, tabs 1005 and 1006 each include a respective hole 1011 and 1012 . The body portion of the circuit may include further holes 1013 and 1014. These holes 1013 and 1014 may be longitudinally aligned with holes 1011 and 1012.

[0081] In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the outline of the main body portion of the circuit board is substantially rectangular. However, in other examples, the surface of the body portion may have a different shape. The middle part of the body part surface is narrower than the rest / ends of the body part surface. , tapered, so that the surface of the circuit board may be given an hourglass shape.

[0082] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of such an hourglass-shaped flexible circuit board portion of a delivery conduit assembly. The components are shown in exploded view. The flexible circuit board 1105 is connected to the extension strip 1 The extension strip 1109 also includes a sensor (e.g., relative humidity and temperature (RH T) sensor 1111) and arranged to be bent in the path of the breathable gas. For example, the extension strip 1109 is adapted to be inserted into the air passage of the cuff. In this example, the delivery conduit assembly may be configured to be bent at approximately 90 degrees. 1100 includes a circuit board 1105. The circuit board 1105 is connected to the patient end or In the example of FIG. 11, the delivery conduit A The assembly 1100 includes a hollow cylindrical cuff 1140 that can function as a dongle. 40 has one or more structural attachment features (e.g., tabs, protrusions, slots, etc.) (e.g., the extension strip 1109 of the circuit board may be received on the outer surface through the interior. Aperture 1142). The mounting features on the cuff align with complementary mounting features on the circuit board. and facing a complementary mounting feature on the circuit board (e.g., The cuff 114 may be adapted to extend through each of the holes so that the circuit board can be affixed to the cuff. 0 may be integrally connected to the tube section 1106 of the delivery conduit, for example by overmolding. Alternatively, it may be configured to be removably coupled to the tube section 1106. In one example, the cuff 1140 includes features adapted to receive the vessel section 1106. on its inner surface (e.g., having a shape and size complementary to the ductal site). .

[0083] The cuff shown in the example of FIG. 11 may be, for example, a heated cuff for a delivery conduit. 1160 (e.g., adapted to enclose) a heating element or evaporator 1160 (especially an evaporator) In FIG. 9, the diameter of the vaporizer 1160 (shown as heating element 911) is the inner diameter of the cuff. Since the patient's inlet is approximately equal to the central flexible hose portion of the delivery conduit 1106 through the cuff, Any breathable gas flowing to the interface can be heated by the evaporator. In one example, as described, for example, in PCT patent application PCT / AU2017 / 050912 Any of a variety of humidification systems may be suitable for use with the evaporator 1160 shown in FIG. No. 6,399,433, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0084] In one example, the printed circuit board 1105 is connected to the wires 1004 of the delivery conduit (e.g., 7) for connection to wires 707, 708 and 709, and A pair of terminations that connect to the evaporator leads (e.g., high and low) to power the generator. Another set of terminations 1126 may be provided for connection to an RFID coil. As shown in FIG. 11, the heating / signaling / grounding wires of one set of wires of the delivery conduit are The ear is wrapped or molded (e.g., into a spiral rib) around the circumference of the tube section. In one example, the outer diameter of the cuff is within the range of approximately 25 to 35 millimeters (e.g., approximately 30 In some versions, the outer diameter of the cuff is about 22 mm to about In other versions, such as the dongle design, the outer diameter It has been found that 30mm is adequate. In addition, for dongle design, different A stretchable flexible bridge section 1130 may be implemented to allow for a dongle diameter of .

[0085] This allows the cuff to be used to releasably connect the delivery conduit to the patient interface. In some versions, the cuff may be defined by an inner surface of the cuff. The tubular space through which air flows from the delivery conduit to the patient interface. The cuff may further include a hollow space therebetween, and the print may be substantially concentric with the print. The circuit board (and the components mounted thereon) is mounted in this hollow space. For example, the cuff may include an outer casing or sheath portion. The base portion forms a protective layer (e.g., a water-repellent layer) over, for example, a circuit board to which the cuff is attached. forming an ingress-proof seal) so that, during use, the circuit board is For example, against human contact or accidental damage. In some such versions In this case, the sheath or outer casing may be a TPE or silicone overmolded. The sheath can protect the electrical components of the cuff but not the electrical components inside the cuff (e.g. It includes apertures, slots or other channels to allow wiring or attachment of circuit boards. Seal the cuff to eliminate any possibility of air / gas leakage from within the cuff (if used in The outer sheath portion may provide the user with a convenient high friction gripping surface. It will also be possible to do this.

[0086] In some versions, the cuff may be configured with additional components. For example, the cuff may include a heat and / or moisture exchanger and / or ventilation holes. For example, any of the exchangers described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0305431 may be used with a cuff. No. 6,399,992, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further Examples For illustration, see U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0283831 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0283832. Any of the vent holes described in US Pat. No. 5,999,333 may be provided in the cuff. No. 6,399,433, filed on Oct. 23, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] Another version of an exemplary delivery conduit 106 is shown in Figure 12, which shows several sections of the conduit. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing some of the components. In this version, the delivery conduit is The hollow tube section 1206 includes a hollow tube section 1206 that is spiraled or serpentine around its circumference. 7. One or more wires 1204 (e.g., wires 707, 708 and 709 of FIG. 7) wrapped in a 3 (wires 302, 304, 371 and 372). When wires of this configuration are used in conjunction with a delivery conduit, they may be considered ribs. 12 includes a delivery conduit connector end 1210 (or The assembly also includes a printed circuit board 1205 (e.g., the delivery In this version, the assembly also includes a delivery conduit control circuit. flexibly wrapped around the outside surface of the connector end 1210 and affixed to the delivery conduit connector end 1210. In this version, the assembly is adapted to include a sensor case 12 The sensor case also includes a sensor 30 for protection. The case is adapted to receive the gas from an opening in the delivery conduit connector within the gas passage / path of the delivery conduit connector. Such a sensor may be coated on an extending printed circuit board. The sensor case 1230 may be a sensor on a long strip 1009. The assembly of FIG. 12 may be the assembly described above in conjunction with a cuff. A sheath, such as an overmold, to encase all or part of an assembly component Or an outer casing 1240. In some embodiments, the outer casing 1240 is , housing all or a portion of the above-mentioned assembly components associated with the cuff. Advantageously, the flexible molded component may include multiple molded components assembled together in such a manner. The use of a circuit board allows electronic components to be packaged compactly around the delivery conduit 1206. The flexible circuit board can be easily packaged by an operator (or an automated process). Since it can be simply wrapped, not only can the manufacturing process be simplified, It also allows for a reduction in the size of the delivery conduit 1206.

[0088] The assembly of the delivery conduit of FIG. 12 may be considered in conjunction with FIGS. 13A-13F. , which show an example of features and steps for joining components together. Although the steps are illustrated in a particular order for purposes of explanation, some steps may be omitted. and adding further steps and performing certain steps simultaneously or in a different order. It will be appreciated that it may be possible to do so.

[0089] In FIG. 13A, a hollow tube section 1206 is inserted into a delivery conduit connector end 1210. The hollow tube has ribs 1207 that contain wires 1204 and are inserted into slots 130 at the connector end of the delivery conduit. For example, each slot can hold one wire. For example, four slots may be provided in the connector end or cuff. These alignment slots allow you to align the wire ends with the edge of the circuit board when adding a circuit board. The wires are positioned so that they can be easily connected to the terminals.

[0090] In FIG. 13B, the printed circuit board 1205 is attached to the periphery of the delivery conduit connector end 1210. The wire 1204 is then wrapped around a suitable circuit board terminal (e.g., the terminal 10A). (not shown) (e.g., an RFID coil) connects to the transceiver module on the circuit board. The antenna may be attached / welded / soldered to the delivery conduit connector in the antenna slot 1305. The conduit may be wound around the outer periphery of the connector end between the delivery conduit connector end 1210 and the printed circuit board. do.

[0091] FIG. 13C is a side view of the printed circuit board and the carrier as viewed from the opposite side as compared to FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13C, the slot 1011 in the printed circuit board and 1012 (see also FIG. 13D) to allow protrusion 1321 at delivery conduit connector end 1210 and The figure shows the state where 1322 is clipped. Thus, the substrate is fixed to the cuff. The delivery conduit connector end is wrapped around the delivery conduit connector end to engage the slots and protrusions for In some versions, the circuit board extension strips are first aligned. The trip 1009 (shown in FIG. 13B) was inserted into the sensor aperture at the delivery conduit connector end. The substrate is then flexibly wrapped around the cuff / delivery conduit connector end. The extension strip 1009 and the sensor aperture are bent. and the sensor extends through the connector end and into the gas passage of the delivery conduit connector end. This makes it possible.

[0092] The insertion of such a flexible extension strip sensor is described in conjunction with Figs. 13D and 13E. FIG. 13D shows one or more sensors on a printed circuit board. The sensor case 1230 is attached to the extension strip 1009 of the circuit board 1205 so as to cover the The image shows the sensor(s) inserted on the sensor(s). and inserting the case through a sensor aperture in the delivery conduit connector end and positioning the case within the conduit. The sensor measures one or more characteristics of the breathable gas (e.g., the temperature or humidity of the gas). In FIG. 13E, the coated sensor and its case 1230 are shown. protruding through a sensor aperture 1350 in the delivery conduit connector end 1210. As shown, the sensor case 1230 includes a base portion 1331. Position 1331 is designed to smoothly insert the sensor aperture into the aperture by the contour of the gas passage surface. Conforms to the sensor aperture and inner gas passage surface of the connector end for sealing The base also allows for proper orientation of the sensor case within the connector end. In this regard, the sensor case has a sensor end 1333 of the sensor case. In this version, the sensor end 1333 of the sensor case also extends into the gas passage. is the airflow through the gas passages at the delivery conduit connector end as the air moves around the sensor end. The case has an aerodynamic profile to minimize the gas flow resistance caused by the The sensor end 1333 is a cross-sectional plane of the cuff and the sensor case within the airflow path / passage of the cuff. As shown in FIG. 1335 (also shown in FIG. 13E), it may have an elliptical profile.

[0093] FIG. 13F shows the application of an outer casing 1240. Such a casing or sheath The component is then guided through the delivery conduit connector end 1210 until it contacts the seat end 1337. The tubing 1206 may then be slidably engaged over the empty tubing section 1206. 40 is attached to the delivery conduit connector end 1210, for example by an ultrasonic welder or other attachment method. Thus, the casing can house the electrical components of the delivery conduit connector end therein. The delivery conduit ends may be sealed to prevent air leakage from the passageway in the cuff.

[0094] In one example, the delivery conduit shown in FIG. 13F may be any of the delivery conduits described elsewhere herein. The patient interface may include a wireless transceiver and may be configured to communicate with the patient interface. The line transceiver may be an NFC reader (e.g., when the patient interface is connected to the delivery conduit). N placed on the patient interface (when connected to or placed in close proximity to The patient interface may be configured to communicate with the FC tag. The connector may include an NFC tag. In the present invention, the delivery conduit transmits information obtained from the NFC tag (e.g., The controller 120 may generate a signal indicative of some or all of the characteristics of the target object (such as type or age) to the controller 120.

[0095] In the above description and accompanying drawings, certain terms, formulas and diagram symbols refer to the present technology. In some cases, the terms and symbols are used in the practice of the art. It should be noted that the present disclosure may provide specific details that are not required for the implementation of the present disclosure. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. However, numerous variations are possible in the exemplary embodiment and other arrangements are contemplated. It should be understood that:

Claims

1. Patent application title: PATIENT INTERFACE AND BREATHABLE GAS DELIVERING A FLOW OF BREATHABLE GAS TO A PATIENT 1. A respiratory apparatus for connection to a flow generating respiratory treatment device, comprising: The generated flow of breathable gas is delivered from the respiratory treatment device to the patient interface. a delivery conduit having a gas passage configured to conduct the gas to the interface, has a respiratory treatment device coupler end and a patient interface coupler end, The length of the delivery conduit extends from the respiratory treatment device coupler end to the patient interface a delivery conduit extending to the coupler end; closer to the patient interface coupler end than to the respiratory treatment device coupler end A wireless transceiver mounted on the delivery conduit at a point along the length of the delivery conduit. With Sheba 13. A breathing apparatus comprising:

2. The wireless transceiver is connected at the patient interface coupler end. The call device of claim 1 , further configured to detect an accessory identifier transmitted from the accessory. Suction device.

3. The wireless transceiver is connected at the patient interface coupler end. Reading one of a radio frequency identification tag and a near field communication identification tag from an accessory 3. A breathing apparatus according to claim 1, configured so as to

4. The accessory delivers the flow of breathable gas from the delivery conduit to the patient.

4. The respiratory apparatus of claim 2, which is a patient interface for

5. The wireless transceiver is coupled to a controller and transmits data including an identification of the accessory. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to relay to the controller. Place.

6. The respiratory apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the controller is located in the respiratory treatment device.

7. The controller is disposed on a circuit board on the delivery conduit, and the wireless transceiver relays data including an identification of the accessory to the controller via a wired connection.

6. The respiratory apparatus of claim 5 configured to:

8. The controller transmits data including an identification of the accessory to the respiratory treatment device.

7. The respiratory apparatus of claim 6, configured to relay to a controller.

9. two or more wires extending along the length of the delivery conduit; a first electrode adapted to connect to a power source via the two or more wires of the delivery conduit; an inductive connector; of the controller to conduct power to the circuit components of the controller. a second inductive connector connected to a circuit component in front of the controller; The circuit components are configured within a cuff adapted to connect to a terminal end of the delivery conduit. and the first inductive connector inductively transfers power to the second inductive connector. a second inductive connector configured to 9. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. At least one controller is attached to the patient interface coupler end.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a duration of use of a selected accessory. One breathing apparatus.

11. A respiratory apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a respiratory treatment device.

12. The controller in the respiratory treatment device is connected to the patient interface coupler. configured to operate a first switch to power the controller during the The controller in the patient interface coupler end controls the flow of the fluid through the delivery conduit. and controlling intermittent heating of the breathable gas and data communication between the controller.

12. The respiratory apparatus of claim 11, configured to operate the second switch upon

13. The respiratory apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the respiratory treatment device includes a humidifier and a flow generator.

14. 1. A respiratory apparatus control device comprising: A breathable gas delivery conduit for a respiratory treatment device, comprising: The conduit is adapted to connect to an outlet of the airflow generator of the respiratory treatment device, a breathable gas delivery device adapted to connect to the breathable gas inlet of the interface; Conduit and A flexible conduit having a curved surface around a portion of the breathable gas delivery conduit. a printed circuit board; a controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board; the controller controls the determination of one or more parameters of the respiratory treatment device. The controller and A respiratory apparatus control device comprising:

15. The flexible printed circuit board further includes a communication interface. The interface is adapted to connect to one or more wires of a data bus along the delivery conduit. The controller is adapted to control the communication interface to 15. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 14 configured to transmit data signals on a bus.

16. A wireless transceiver is attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board. The wireless transceiver further comprises: a transceiver of the controller of the respiratory treatment device; an identification circuit for the patient interface; 16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: Respiratory control devices.

17. The one or more parameters are delivered to the respiratory therapy device through the delivery conduit. A characteristic of the breathable gas delivered from the A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. The one or more parameters are measured by a patient interface coupled to a terminal end of the delivery conduit. The characteristics of the interface are A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board includes: A characteristic of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit for closed loop control of the characteristic of the breathable gas. configured to communicate a measurement of the respiratory rate to a controller of the respiratory treatment device. A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

20. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board includes: determining a measurement of a characteristic of breathable gas in the delivery conduit; and controlling the characteristic. A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

21. The controlled characteristic of the breathable gas is temperature, and the controller controls the delivery of the breathable gas. configured to operate a heater element in the conduit; 21. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 20.

22. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board includes: detecting connection and disconnection of a patient interface to the delivery conduit; a data signal to a respiratory treatment device to control operation of the respiratory treatment device based on the detection. and generating a signal to a controller of the device. A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

23. The flexible printed circuit board has one or more sensors attached to the surface. include, A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

24. The surface of the flexible printed circuit board is adapted to define an aperture at the portion of the delivery conduit. into the gas passage of the delivery conduit, so that the gas in the gas passage of the delivery conduit is A sensor attached to the extension strip is disposed in the gas passage for sensing a characteristic of the gas. including an extension strip extending from A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

25. The one or more sensors may measure pressure, air flow, temperature, and other parameters of the air delivered through the delivery conduit. and adapted to measure at least one of temperature and relative humidity.

24. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 23.

26. The delivery conduit portion is adapted for removable connection with a patient interface. a cylindrical cuff of the delivery conduit. A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 25.

27. The cylindrical cuff further includes a sheath for encapsulating the flexible printed circuit board. include, 27. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 26.

28. The cylindrical cuff contains a gas passage for the delivery conduit, the gas passage being connected to the flexible plate. A heater controlled by the controller attached to the surface of a printed circuit board. Contains elements, A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 26 to 27.

29. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board includes: The device is powered by intermittently switching between heating and transmitting data signals through a set of wires. The set of wires is configured to communicate with the heat source and heat the delivery conduit.

29. The method according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: Respiratory control devices.

30. 1. A breathing apparatus comprising: a respiratory treatment device for generating a flow of breathable gas to a patient; A device for conducting a flow of breathable gas from a respiratory treatment device to a patient interface. a delivery conduit for a first controller disposed on the respiratory treatment device; A second control disposed at or near the patient end of the delivery conduit. -La and Along the delivery conduit connecting the first controller and the second controller a set of wires including a first set of wires, the set of wires being adapted to control heating of the delivery conduit and the first Three wires for data communication between the controller and the second controller. A set of wires, comprising One or both of the first controller and the second controller may be configured to perform communication operations and The heating and cooling operations are alternately interleaved through the set of wires. Suction device.

31. The set of wires includes a first wire, a second wire and a ground wire, the first wire and a ground wire to connect the first controller and the second controller. The second wire and the ground wire enable data communication between the call controllers. Heat is obtained for the delivery conduit using power from a power source of an inhalation therapy device.

31. The respiratory apparatus of claim 30.

32. A first controller disposed in the respiratory treatment device and controlled by the first controller. a switch disposed in the delivery conduit and controlled by the second controller. A respiratory apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 31, further comprising a second switch.

33. When the first switch and the second switch are closed, the heating operation is restricted.

33. The respiratory apparatus of claim 32, wherein the respiratory

34. When the first switch is closed and the second switch is opened, control of communication operation 34. The breathing apparatus of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the breathing apparatus is capable of:

35. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the communication operation includes transmitting measurements from one or more sensors in the delivery conduit. 33 breathing apparatus.

36. The one or more sensors measure air flow, pressure, temperature and relative humidity in the delivery conduit.

36. The respiratory apparatus of claim 35 configured to measure at least one of:

37. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the communication operation includes transmitting an identification of an accessory coupled to the delivery conduit. Respiratory apparatus.

38. a cuff and a sheath attached to the patient end of the delivery conduit; a second controller disposed on the cuff and covered by the sheath; Any one of breathing apparatuses 30 to 37.

39. 1. A method of control for a breathing apparatus, the breathing apparatus generating a flow of breathable gas, the method comprising: a respiratory treatment device for delivering the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device; a delivery conduit connecting the first controller to a patient interface; and a set of wires connecting the set of wires to the delivery conduit, the set of wires extending along the delivery conduit. and separating the first controller and the second controller, and the control method includes: 、 In a communication operation, data is transmitted to the first controller through the set of wires. receiving the signal; The data is transmitted from the second controller through the set of wires in the communication operation. transmitting the data; In a heating operation, one or both of the first controller and the second controller heating the set of wires to increase the flow of breathable gas through the delivery conduit. A heating step; interleaving said heating operation and said communicating operation; The control method comprises:

40. The data of the communication operation may include information regarding the flow, pressure, and / or other parameters of the breathable gas flowing through the delivery conduit.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising indicating one or more of: temperature and relative humidity.

41. The heating operation is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal. One of the control methods.

42. A method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly, the delivery conduit assembly comprising: a delivery conduit for conducting a flow of breathable gas from the device to a patient interface; a cuff connector end, the method comprising: A flexible member is provided to bend the surface of the flexible printed circuit board into a cylindrical shape. wrapping and attaching a printed circuit board around the outer surface of the end of the cuff connector. the cuff connector end having a first end and a second end including a cylindrical gas passage and an open and a second end. attaching an end of a tube to the cuff connector end; The printed circuit board and at least a portion of the cuff connector end are covered by a sheath. The step of overturning A method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly comprising:

43. Thread the flexible printed circuit board extension strip through the cuff connector end. A sensor mounted on the extension strip is inserted into the aperture of the cuff connector.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of inserting into the cylindrical gas passage at an end.

44. Prior to the inserting step, the ends of the sensor and the extension strip are capped.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of capping with.

45. One or more of the wires of the set of wires in the tube are connected to a terminal on the flexible printed circuit board. The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, further comprising the step of attaching.

46. coiling a wire antenna around a communication path at the end of the cuff connector; and attaching a wire end of the wire antenna to a terminal of the printed circuit board. The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, further comprising:

47. releasably connecting the cuff connector end to a patient interface; 、 A connector is used to removably attach the end of the tube to a respiratory treatment device generator. Tep and The method of any one of claims 42 to 46, further comprising:

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