Cpap system

Abstract

To provide a medical device used for screening, diagnosis, monitoring, improvement, treatment, or prevention of respiratory diseases.SOLUTION: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas includes a water reservoir and a water reservoir dock forming a cavity structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operative position. The water reservoir comprises a reservoir base including a cavity structured to hold a predetermined volume of water, the reservoir base including a main body and a thermally conductive portion provided to the main body. The thermally conductive portion comprises a combined layered arrangement including a metal plate and a thin film, the thin film comprising a non-metallic material and including a wall thickness of less than about 1 mm. The thin film is adapted to form at least a bottom interior surface of the water reservoir exposed to the predetermined volume of water, and the metal plate is adapted to form a bottom exterior surface of the water reservoir.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Part of the disclosure of this patent document contains content that is copyrighted. The copyright owner has no objection if someone reproduces this patent document or this patent disclosure by fax, as long as it is as described in the patent file or record of the Patent Office and for the intended purpose. However, for other purposes, all copyrights are retained.

[0002] 1 Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 835,094, filed on April 17, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 897,558, filed on September 9, 2019. The entire content of each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] 2 Background of the Technology 2.1 Field of the Technology This technology relates to one or more of screening, diagnosing, monitoring, treating, preventing, and ameliorating respiratory - related diseases. This technology also relates to medical devices or apparatuses and their use.

Background Art

[0004] 2.2 Description of Related Technologies 2.2.1 The Human Respiratory System and Its Diseases The respiratory system of the body facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to the patient's airway.

[0005] These airways include a series of branching tubes that become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they proceed deeper into the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, which involves taking oxygen from the air into venous blood and expelling carbon dioxide. The trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi, which further divide and ultimately become the terminal bronchioles. The bronchioles constitute the airways for conduction and are not involved in gas exchange. As the airways further divide, they become respiratory bronchioles and ultimately alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveolar region of the lungs, which is referred to as the respiratory region. See the following: "Respiratory Physiology", by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 9th edition published 2012.

[0006] A range of respiratory diseases exist. Specific diseases can be characterized by specific occurrences (e.g., apnea, hypopnea, and hyperpnea).

[0007] Examples of respiratory diseases include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disease.

[0008] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and is characterized by occurrences such as the closure or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This is the result of a combination of an abnormally small upper airway and the normal loss of muscle tone in the tongue area, as well as the normal loss of the soft palate and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. Due to such a condition, the breathing cessation of affected patients typically lasts for 30 to 120 seconds, and sometimes the breathing stops 200 to 300 times a night. As a result, excessive daytime sleepiness occurs, which can cause cardiovascular diseases and brain damage. This syndrome is a common disease, especially common in middle-aged overweight men, but patients may have no awareness of the symptoms. See Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310: Sullivan).

[0009] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller, in which alternating periods of increasing and decreasing ventilation, known as the CSR cycle, occur periodically. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. Due to the repeated hypoxia, CSR can be harmful. In some patients, CSR is associated with repetitive sleep arousals that cause severe insomnia, increased sympathetic activity, and increased afterload. See Patent Document 2 (U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959: Berthon-Jones).

[0010] Respiratory insufficiency is a general term for respiratory disorders, and refers to the inability of the lungs to perform sufficient oxygen inhalation or sufficient CO2 exhalation to meet the patient's needs. Respiratory insufficiency may include some or all of the following diseases.

[0011] Patients with respiratory insufficiency (a type of respiratory disorder) may experience abnormal shortness of breath during exercise.

[0012] Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia during wakefulness in the absence of any other clear cause of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, headache upon waking, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0013] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any of a group of lower airway diseases that share certain common characteristics. This includes an increased resistance to the movement of air, an extended expiratory phase of breathing, and a decrease in normal elasticity in the lungs. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Causes of COPD include chronic smoking (the primary risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0014] Neuromuscular disease (NMD) is a broad term encompassing a number of diseases and conditions that impair muscle function either directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through neuropathy. Among NMD patients, some are characterized by progressive muscle impairment, which ultimately leads to inability to walk, confinement to a wheelchair, difficulty swallowing, reduced respiratory muscle strength, and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Neuromuscular disorders can be classified into the following two categories: rapidly progressive and slowly progressive: (i) rapidly progressive disorders: characterized by muscle impairment that worsens over several months and leads to death within a few years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in teenagers); (ii) variable or slowly progressive disorders: characterized by muscle impairment that worsens over several years and only slightly reduces the average life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle, facioscapulohumeral, and myotonic muscular dystrophy). The symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include: increased general debility, swallowing disorders, dyspnea during exertion and at rest, fatigue, drowsiness, headache upon waking, and difficulty with concentration and mood changes.

[0015] Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities that cause ineffectiveness of the connection between the respiratory muscles and the thoracic cage. These disorders are mainly characterized by restrictive disorders and share the potential for long-term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and / or kyphoscoliosis may develop severe respiratory failure. The symptoms of respiratory failure include: dyspnea during exertion, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent chest infections, headache upon waking, fatigue, reduced quality of sleep, and loss of appetite.

[0016] To treat or improve such conditions, a range of treatments are being used. Additionally, in other aspects, healthy individuals can also benefit from preventive treatment for respiratory diseases. However, there are several drawbacks in these treatments.

[0017] 2.2.2 Treatment methods

[0018] A variety of therapies (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and invasive ventilation (IV)) are used for the treatment of one or more of the above respiratory diseases.

[0019] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As its mechanism of action, for example, by pushing the soft palate and tongue to move forward or backward against the posterior oropharyngeal wall, continuous positive pressure ventilation therapy functions as an air sprint, thereby preventing upper airway closure. Since the treatment of OSA by CPAP therapy can be spontaneous, if such a patient notices one or more of the following about the device used to provide the treatment, the patient may choose not to comply with the treatment: discomfort, difficulty in use, high cost, lack of aesthetic appeal.

[0020] Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilation assistance to the patient through the upper airway and performs part or all of the respiratory function to provide respiratory assistance to the patient and / or maintain an appropriate oxygen level in the body. The ventilation assistance is provided via a non-invasive patient interface. NIV is used in the treatment of CSR and respiratory failure in forms such as OHS, COPD, NMD, and chest wall disorders. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments can be improved.

[0021] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilation assistance to patients who are unable to breathe effectively on their own and can be provided using a tracheostomy tube. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments can be improved.

[0022] 2.2.3 Treatment System These treatments can be provided by a treatment system or device. Such systems and devices can also be used for screening, diagnosing, or monitoring without treating the disease.

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

[0024] Another form of treatment system is a mandibular repositioning device.

[0025] 2.2.3.1 Patient Interface The patient interface can be used to provide an interface to the wearer to the breathing apparatus, for example, by providing an air flow to the airway inlet. The air flow can be provided via a mask to the nose and / or mouth, a tube to the mouth, or a tracheostomy tube to the patient's trachea. Depending on the therapy applied, the patient interface can form a seal with the area of the patient's face, thereby facilitating gas delivery at a sufficient distributed pressure along with the atmospheric pressure for therapy execution (e.g., at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O relative to the atmospheric pressure). In other treatment modalities such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate the delivery of gas supply to the airway at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O.

[0026] Certain other mask systems may be functionally inappropriate in this field. For example, in the case of a purely decorative mask, it may not be able to maintain an appropriate pressure. A mask system used for underwater swimming or diving can be configured to protect against water ingress from higher external pressures and not maintain internal air at a pressure higher than the ambient.

[0027] Certain masks may not be clinically preferred in this technology (e.g., when the mask blocks the air flow through the nose and only allows air flow through the mouth).

[0028] In certain masks, if the patient has to insert a part of the mask structure into the mouth and create and maintain a sealed state through the lips, it may be uncomfortable or impractical in this technology.

[0029] Certain masks may be impractical for use during sleep (e.g., when sleeping in bed on one's side with the head on a pillow).

[0030] In the design of patient interfaces, there are multiple challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary greatly from individual to individual. Since the head contains bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different regions of the face exhibit different responses to mechanical forces. That is, the jaw or mandible can move relative to other bones of the skull. The entire head can move throughout the respiratory treatment period.

[0031] Due to these challenges, in the case of some masks, especially when the wearing time is long or the patient is unfamiliar with the system, there may be one or more of the reasons such as being overly pressing, aesthetically undesirable, costly, poor fit, difficult to use, and uncomfortable. If a mask of the wrong size is used, it can lead to a decrease in compliance, comfort, and patient prognosis. Masks designed as part of a pilot's mask, personal protective equipment (e.g., filter mask), SCUBA mask, or anesthetic administration mask can withstand their original uses, but in the case of such masks, they can be unacceptably uncomfortable for long-term (e.g., several hours) wearing. Due to such discomfort, the patient's compliance with treatment may decrease. This is especially true when the mask needs to be worn during sleep.

[0032] CPAP treatment is extremely effective in the treatment of certain respiratory diseases when the patient is committed to the treatment. If the mask is uncomfortable or difficult to use, the patient may not commit to the treatment. Since patients are often recommended to clean the mask regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), the patient may not be able to clean the mask, which can affect the patient's compliance.

[0033] In the case of a mask for other uses (e.g., pilots), since it may not be suitable for use in the treatment of sleep apnea, a mask designed for use in the treatment of sleep apnea may be suitable for other uses.

[0034] For these reasons, patient interfaces for CPAP delivery during sleep form a distinct field.

[0035] 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) devices can be used individually for the delivery of one or more of the above-mentioned therapies, or as part of a system, for example, by operating the device to generate an air delivery flow to an interface to the airway. This air flow can be pressurized. Examples of RPT devices include CPAP devices and ventilators.

[0036] Air pressure generators are known in a wide range of applications (e.g., industrial-scale ventilation systems). However, air pressure generators for medical use have specific requirements that cannot be satisfied by more general air pressure generators (e.g., reliability requirements, size requirements, and weight requirements for medical devices). In addition, even devices designed for medical treatment may not be free from defects related to one or more of the following: comfort, noise, ease of use, effectiveness, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0037] An example of a special requirement for a particular RPT device is acoustic noise.

[0038] Table of noise output levels of conventional RPT devices (measured at 10 cmH2O in CPAP mode using the test method specified in ISO3744 for only 1 sample).

Table 1

[0039] One known RPT device used for the treatment of sleep apnea is the S9 sleep therapy system (manufacturer: ResMed Limited). Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. In the case of a ventilator (e.g., the ResMed Stellar® series of adult and pediatric ventilators), it can provide assistance for invasive and non-invasive independent breathing for patients for a certain range for the treatment of multiple conditions (non-limiting examples include NMD, OHS, and COPD).

[0040] The ResMed Elis A2Vent® 150 ventilator and the ResMed VSIII® ventilator can provide assistance for invasive and non-invasive dependent breathing suitable for adult or pediatric patients for the treatment of multiple conditions. With these ventilators, volume ventilation mode and pressure ventilation mode using single or double limb circuits can be obtained. The RPT device typically includes a pressure generator (e.g., an electric blower or a compressed gas reservoir) and is configured to supply an air flow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the air flow can be supplied to the patient's airway with positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected to the patient interface as described above via an air circuit.

[0041] The device designers can be presented with countless options. Since design criteria often conflict with each other, certain design options may be far from convention or unavoidable. Furthermore, the comfort and effectiveness of a particular aspect can also be greatly affected by minor changes in one or more parameters.

[0042] 2.2.3.3 Humidifier If the delivery of the air flow is carried out without humidification, it can lead to drying of the airway. When a humidifier is used together with the RPT device and the patient interface, humidified gas is generated, so the drying of the nasal mucosa is minimized and the comfort of the patient airway is increased. In addition, in a cooler climate, generally adding warm air to the facial area around the patient interface increases comfort more than in the case of cold air.

[0043] While artificial humidification devices and systems within a certain range are known, they do not meet the special requirements of medical humidifiers.

[0044] Medical humidifiers are typically used to increase the humidity and / or temperature of the air flow relative to the ambient air when the patient is asleep or at rest (e.g., in a hospital), if necessary. A medical humidifier placed near the patient's head may be small. A medical humidifier may be configured to only humidify and / or heat the air flow delivered to the patient, and not humidify and / or heat the area around the patient. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers) can also humidify the air taken into the patient's body by breathing, but in the case of these systems, since they also humidify and / or heat the entire room, it can be uncomfortable for the occupants. Furthermore, in the case of medical humidifiers, there may be more stringent safety constraints than industrial humidifiers.

[0045] Although many medical humidifiers are known, such medical humidifiers may suffer from one or more defects. That is, in the case of such medical humidifiers, some may have inappropriate humidification, while others may be difficult or inconvenient for patients to use.

[0046] 2.2.3.4 Data Management There may be a case where data is obtained to determine whether a patient for whom respiratory therapy has been prescribed is "compliant" (e.g., whether the patient is following one or more "compliance rules" with their RPT device). As an example of a compliance rule for CPAP therapy, for a patient to be considered compliant, the patient must use the RPT device for at least 4 hours per night for at least 21 days out of 30 consecutive days. To determine a patient's compliance, a provider of the RPT device (e.g., a healthcare provider) may manually obtain data describing the patient's treatment with the RPT device, calculate the usage rate over a given period, and compare this to the compliance rule. If a healthcare provider determines that a patient has used their RPT device in accordance with the compliance rule, the healthcare provider may notify a third party that the patient is compliant.

[0047] In a patient's treatment, there may be other ways to benefit from the communication of treatment data to a third party or an external system.

[0048] In the case of existing processes for communicating and managing such data, one or more of high cost, time consumption, and susceptibility to errors may occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0049]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0050] 3 Brief Description of the Technology The present technology relates to the provision of medical devices for use in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory diseases, and these medical devices have one or more of improved comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0051] A first aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for use in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory diseases.

[0052] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method for use in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0053] One aspect of a particular form of the present technology is to provide a method and / or apparatus for improving patient compliance with respect to respiratory therapy.

[0054] One aspect of one form of the present technology is a method of manufacturing an apparatus.

[0055] One aspect of a particular form of the present technology is a medical device that is easy to use for, for example, people who have not received medical training, people who are not very dexterous or lack insight, or people with limited experience in using this type of medical device.

[0056] One aspect of one form of the present technology is a portable RPT device that can be carried by a person (e.g., around the home).

[0057] One aspect of one form of the present technology is a patient interface that can be cleaned, for example, with soapy water in the patient's home, and no special cleaning equipment is required. One aspect of one form of the present technology is a patient interface that can be cleaned, for example, with soapy water in the patient's home, and no special cleaning equipment is required.

[0058] One aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory therapy device. The respiratory therapy device includes a source of airflow at positive pressure, a chassis or housing constructed and arranged to be fixed in a predetermined position relative to the source during use, an inlet air pressure connection structured for connection to the source to receive the airflow from the source in a sealed manner at positive pressure, and a container for holding a body of water during use. The container is configured to direct the airflow such that during use, water vapor can move from the body of water to the airflow, thereby increasing the absolute humidity of the airflow. The container includes a wall portion at least partially constructed from a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity, a heating element, a temperature sensor, a controller for controlling the heating element, and an outlet air pressure connection structure for receiving the airflow with increased absolute humidity. The chassis or housing is configured to hold the container in a predetermined position in proximity to the heating element, such that thermal energy can move from the heating element to the body of water, increasing the absolute humidity of the airflow. The controller is constructed and arranged to heat the water without boiling the water by applying energy to the heating element. The respiratory therapy device includes a sealing arrangement such that during use, the airflow of air with increased absolute humidity received at the outlet air pressure connection structure has a positive pressure relative to the surroundings.

[0059] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a CPAP system including a humidifier, a patient interface, and an air delivery tube for delivering humidified air to the patient interface. In one example, the humidifier is integrated with an RPT device structured to generate an airflow at positive pressure.

[0060] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a humidifier. The humidifier includes a water reservoir including a cavity structured to hold an amount of water, and a water reservoir dock structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position.

[0061] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir and a water reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base having a cavity configured to hold an amount of water. The reservoir base includes a body and a thermally conductive portion provided on the body. The thermally conductive portion includes a composite layered arrangement including a metal plate and a thin film. The thin film includes a non-metallic material and has a wall thickness of less than about 1 mm. The thin film is adapted to form an inner surface of the bottom of the water reservoir that is exposed to an amount of water, and the metal plate is adapted to form an outer surface of the bottom of the water reservoir. In the water reservoir dock, a heater plate is included that is adapted to enable heat conduction from the heater plate to the amount of water by making thermal contact with the metal plate of the water reservoir in the operating position.

[0062] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir having a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a water reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, and a guide arrangement configured and arranged to guide the water reservoir into and out of the operating position. The water reservoir includes a conductive portion, the water reservoir dock includes a heating assembly, and the heating assembly is adapted to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the amount of water by making thermal engagement with the conductive portion of the water reservoir in the operating position. The guide arrangement includes a path extending in both the front-rear direction and the downward-upward direction.

[0063] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir having a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, and an air delivery tube configured to pass a flow of breathable gas humidified by the water reservoir to a patient interface. The air delivery tube is configured and arranged to form a direct air pressure seal with the water reservoir.

[0064] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir that includes an inlet tube providing an inlet for receiving a flow of breathable gas and an outlet tube providing an outlet for delivering a humidified flow of breathable gas. The inlet tube includes an inlet seal, and the outlet tube includes an outlet seal.

[0065] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir for an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The water reservoir includes an inlet tube arranged to provide an inlet for receiving a flow of breathable gas into the water reservoir and an outlet tube arranged to provide an outlet for delivering a humidified flow of breathable gas from the water reservoir. At least one of the inlet tube and the outlet tube changes a parameter at at least one point along its flow. For example, at least one of the inlet tube and the outlet tube can change direction and / or cross-sectional area at at least one point along its flow. In a more detailed example, the inlet tube, the outlet tube, or both can be curved along their flow and / or can change cross-section along their flow. This change can be abrupt (stepwise) or can be gradual.

[0066] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir including a conductive site adapted to thermally engage a heating assembly. The conductive site includes a first site extending in a first plane and a second site extending in a second plane offset upward from the first plane.

[0067] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir, a water reservoir dock structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir, and an air delivery tube. Insertion / removal of the water reservoir dock with respect to the water reservoir is independent of engagement / disengagement of the air delivery tube with respect to the water reservoir dock.

[0068] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a heating assembly for a water reservoir dock. The heating assembly includes a heater plate, a heating element, and a heat pad disposed between the heater plate and the heating element (e.g., for improving the thermal conductivity from the heating element to the heater plate).

[0069] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir that includes a cavity configured to hold an amount of water. The water reservoir includes a conductive site and a water reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position. The water reservoir dock includes a heating assembly adapted to enable heat transfer from the heating assembly to the water volume by thermally engaging the conductive site of the water reservoir in the operating position. The heating assembly includes a heater plate in thermal contact with the conductive site of the water reservoir, a heating element, and a heat pad disposed between the heater plate and the heating element. The heat pad includes a bendable material. The bendable material is configured and arranged to engage both the heater plate and the heating element to remove air gaps and spaces between the heater plate and the heating element and improve thermal conductivity.

[0070] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir that includes a conductive site adapted to thermally engage a heating assembly. The conductive site includes one of a metal plate, a thin non-metallic film, or a composite laminated arrangement of a metal plate and a thin non-metallic film. In an example, the conductive site can include a circular shape or a non-circular shape.

[0071] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing one or more circuit components within an air delivery tube to identify the type of air delivery tube based on the characteristics of the circuit components.

[0072] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow. The apparatus includes a water reservoir including a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a reservoir dock structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, and an air delivery tube configured to pass a breathable gas flow humidified by the water reservoir to a patient interface. This air delivery tube includes a dock connector including a contact assembly. The contact assembly includes electrical contacts. These electrical contacts are adapted to engage each electrical contact provided on the water reservoir dock in the operating configuration of the apparatus. The contact assembly includes electrical characteristics used as identifiers of one or more parameters of the air delivery tube or the patient interface.

[0073] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a processing circuitry configured to identify the type of an air delivery tube connected to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow based on measured characteristics of passive circuit components in the air delivery tube.

[0074] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a processing circuitry configured to identify the type of an air delivery tube connected to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow based on measured characteristics of circuitry in the air delivery tube. The characteristics of the circuitry include the resistance value of one or more heating elements in the air delivery tube and / or the resistance value of one or more sensors in the air delivery tube.

[0075] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a processing circuitry configured to identify the type of an air delivery tube connected to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow based on the resistance value of a first resistor and the resistance value of a second resistor provided in the air delivery tube. The first resistor is connected to a first pair of contacts in the air delivery tube, and the second resistor is connected to a second pair of contacts in the air delivery tube.

[0076] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing one or more filters connected to a sensor circuit at least partially disposed within the air delivery tube for sensing temperature changes in the air delivery tube.

[0077] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing a low-pass filter connected to a sensor circuit that is at least partially disposed within an air delivery tube for sensing temperature changes in the air delivery tube. These filters can be configured to filter the pulse frequency of a PWM signal applied to one or more heating elements in the air delivery tube.

[0078] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing one or more low-pass filters connected to a sensor circuit that is at least partially disposed within an air delivery tube for sensing temperature changes in the air delivery tube. A sensing signal is periodically applied to the sensor circuit.

[0079] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing a first low-pass filter connected to one end of a sensor disposed in an air delivery tube and a second low-pass filter connected to a second end of the sensor. A sensing signal is applied to the sensor at predetermined intervals for sensing temperature changes in the air delivery tube.

[0080] Another aspect of the present technology relates to providing a first low-pass filter connected to a first output of a divider network for detecting operating parameters of a sensor disposed within an air delivery tube and a second low-pass filter connected to a second output of the divider network.

[0081] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for providing a supply of humidified and pressurized breathable gas to a patient interface. The apparatus includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a supply of breathable gas, a humidifier configured to provide water vapor for humidification of the pressurized supply of breathable gas, a heating tube configured to be connectable to the humidifier to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient interface, a sensor configured to measure properties of the supply of humidified breathable gas in the heating tube, a controller configured to control the power supplied to the heating tube and the operation of the flow generator, and a set of low-pass filters connected between the sensor and the controller and / or a set of low-pass filters connected between the sensor and ground.

[0082] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, including a water reservoir including a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a reservoir dock structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, an air delivery tube configured to pass a flow of breathable gas humidified by the water reservoir to a patient interface, and an intermediate component removably and non-rotatably coupled to the reservoir dock. The intermediate component is configured to pneumatically connect the water reservoir to the air delivery tube. The intermediate component is a one-piece structure of a relatively rigid material and includes an inlet end adapted to interface with the water reservoir and an outlet end adapted to interface with the air delivery tube. The air delivery tube includes a dock connector. The dock connector is structured and arranged to form a bayonet-type connection with the water reservoir dock to mechanically and electrically connect the air delivery tube to the water reservoir dock.

[0083] Another aspect of the technology relates to a water reservoir for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base, a reservoir lid, and a hinge joint that hinge - connects the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge - type movement between an open position and a closed position. The hinge joint includes a pair of hinge pins. These hinge pins are each configured to engage with a respective pair of slots to provide hinge - type movement. Each of the pair of hinge pins includes a cross - section that shows a major segment of a circle.

[0084] Another aspect of the technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir that includes a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a water reservoir dock structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, and a guide arrangement structure structured and arranged to guide the water reservoir with the water reservoir dock to the operating position. The water reservoir includes a thermally conductive portion. The water reservoir dock includes a heating assembly adapted to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the water volume by thermally engaging the thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir in the operating position. The guide arrangement includes guide rails on each side of the water reservoir and guide slots on each side of the water reservoir dock. Each guide rail is configured to engage with a respective guide slot. The guide arrangement further includes one or more biasing edges or tabs provided at the front edge of the water reservoir. The front edge of the water reservoir is configured to engage under each abutting edge provided on the water reservoir dock when the water reservoir reaches the operating position. This engagement provides both downward biasing of the front portion of the water reservoir and locking / avoidance of upward movement.

[0085] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir including a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, and a water reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position. The water reservoir includes a thermally conductive portion, and the water reservoir dock includes a heating assembly adapted to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the water volume by thermally engaging the thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir in the operating position. The heating assembly includes a heater plate. The heater plate includes a base surface that is in thermal contact with the thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir, and an elastic sealing and / or support member that elastically suspends the heater plate within the water reservoir dock. The elastic sealing and / or support member includes one or more hollow tubes. Each of the one or more hollow tubes includes an axis generally perpendicular to the base surface of the heater plate.

[0086] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The apparatus includes a water reservoir including a cavity configured to hold an amount of water, a reservoir dock configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, an air delivery tube configured to pass a flow of breathable gas humidified by the water reservoir to a patient interface, and an intermediate component for a removable and non-rotatable connection to the water reservoir dock and the air delivery tube. The intermediate component is configured to pneumatically connect the air delivery tube to the water reservoir in an operating configuration.

[0087] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir for humidifying a flow of breathable gas. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base including a cavity configured to hold an amount of water. The reservoir base includes a body and a thermally conductive portion provided on the body. The thermally conductive portion may include a thin film. The thin film includes a non-metallic material and has a wall thickness of less than about 1 mm. The body includes a plastic material, and the thin film includes a non-final form that forms an insert molding connection with the body. The thin film is formed in a final form (e.g., by punching, vacuum forming, or thermal vacuum forming) after being insert molded into the body.

[0088] The methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses described can be embodied to improve functions in a processor (e.g., the functions of a processor of a special-purpose computer, a respiratory monitor, and / or a respiratory therapy device). Further, the methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses described enable improvements in the technical field of the automatic management, monitoring, and / or treatment of respiratory conditions (e.g., sleep disordered breathing).

[0089] Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology. Also, various combinations of various ones of the sub-aspects and / or aspects can be made, which may also constitute further aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0090] Other features of the present technology will become apparent in view of the information contained in the following detailed description, summary, drawings, and claims.

[0091] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals include the following like elements:

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0092]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT TECHNOLOGY Before further describing the present technology in detail, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific embodiments that may be different described herein. It should also be understood that the terms used in the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments described herein and are not limiting.

[0094] The following description is provided in relation to various embodiments that may share one or more common characteristics and / or features. It should be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or other embodiments. Additionally, any single feature or combination of features in any of these embodiments may constitute a further embodiment. 5.1 Treatment method

[0095] In one form, the technology includes a method of treating a respiratory disease. The method includes the step of applying positive pressure to the entrance of the airway of patient 1000.

[0096] In certain embodiments of the technology, an air supply at positive pressure is provided to the nasal passage of the patient via one or both of the nostrils.

[0097] In certain embodiments of the technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited, or prevented.

[0098] 5.2 Treatment system In one form, the technology includes an apparatus or device for the treatment of a respiratory disorder. The apparatus or device may include an RPT device 4000 that supplies pressurized air to patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 to a patient interface 3000 (see, for example, FIGS. 1A - 1C). 5.3 Patient interface

[0099] Figure 3A shows a non-invasive patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present technology, including a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilization structure 3300, a ventilation portion 3400, one form of a connection port 3600 for connection to an air circuit 4170, and a forehead support portion 3700. In some forms, a functional modality may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one or more functional modalities. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is arranged to surround the entrance of the patient's airway so as to facilitate the supply of air at positive pressure to the airway.

[0100] If the patient interface cannot comfortably deliver the lowest level of positive pressure to the airway, the patient interface may be inappropriate for respiratory pressure therapy.

[0101] A patient interface 3000 according to one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O relative to the ambient.

[0102] A patient interface 3000 according to one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure of at least 10 cmH2O relative to the ambient.

[0103] A patient interface 3000 according to one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure of at least 20 cmH2O relative to the ambient.

[0104] 5.4 RPT Device An exploded view of an RPT device 4000 according to one form of the present technology is shown in Figure 5A. The RPT device 4000 may include mechanical components, pneumatic components, and / or electrical components and is configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device 4000 may be configured to generate an air flow to be delivered to the patient's airway for the treatment of one or more of the respiratory states described anywhere in this document, for example.

[0105] In one form, the RPT device 4000 is constructed and arranged to deliver an air flow in the range of -20 L / min to +150 L / min while maintaining a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O or at least 10 cmH2O or at least 20 cmH2O.

[0106] The RPT device 4000 may include an external housing having one or more panels (e.g., a main panel 4010, a front panel 4012, and a side panel 4014). The RPT device 4000 may also include an outlet cap 4124 having a muffler, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The outlet cap 4124 having a muffler may be removable and may be exchanged with a water reservoir 5110 (see FIG. 5C). In such a form, the RPT device 4000 may be considered to include an integrated humidifier 5000. Thus, the RPT device 4000 may be used with or without humidification depending on whether the water reservoir 5110 or the outlet cap 4124 having a muffler is respectively attached. Preferably, the RPT device 4000 includes a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. In one form, the RPT device 4000 includes a pressure generator 4140, which may be received within a pneumatic block 4020 coupled to the chassis 4016.

[0107] Further examples and details of an exemplary RPT device are described in PCT Publication No. WO2015 / 089582, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0108] The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5D) may include an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (preferably a blower 4142) capable of supplying air under positive pressure, and an outlet muffler 4124 (or a water reservoir 5110 if humidification is required). One or more transducers 4270 (e.g., pressure sensors and flow sensors) may be provided within the pneumatic path. The pneumatic path may also include an anti-spillback valve 4160 to prevent water from flowing back from the humidifier 5000 to the electrical components of the RPT device 4000.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 5E, the RPT device 4000 can have a power supply 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a central controller 4230, a treatment device controller 4240, one or more protection circuits 4250, a memory 4260, sensors / transducers 4270, a data communication interface 4280, and one or more output devices 4290. The electrical components 4200 can be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202 (e.g., see FIG. 5A). In an alternative form, the RPT device 4000 can include more than one PCBA 4202.

[0110] 5.4.1 RPT Device Mechanical and Pneumatic Components The RPT device may include one or more of the following components in an integrated unit. In an alternative form, one or more of the following components may be arranged as separate individual units.

[0111] 5.4.1.1 Air Filter(s) An RPT device according to one form of the present technology may include an air filter 4110 or a plurality of air filters 4110.

[0112] In one form, the inlet air filter 4112 is disposed at the beginning of the upstream of the pneumatic path of the pressure generator 4140.

[0113] In one form, an outlet air filter 4114 (e.g., an antibacterial factor) is disposed between an outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000.

[0114] 5.4.1.2 Muffler(s) An RPT device according to one form of the present technology may include a muffler 4120 or a plurality of mufflers 4120.

[0115] In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is disposed above the pressure generator 4140 within the pneumatic path.

[0116] In one form of the present technology, an outlet muffler 4124 is disposed between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000 within the pneumatic path.

[0117] 5.4.1.3 Pressure Generator In one form of the present technology, a pressure generator 4140 that generates the flow or supply of air at a positive pressure is a controllable blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 with one or more impellers. The impeller may be disposed within a volute. The blower can deliver the air supply at a speed of, for example, up to about 120 liters per minute, at a positive pressure in the range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O. The blower may be described in any one of the following patents or patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein: U.S. Patent No. 7,866,944, U.S. Patent No. 8,638,014, U.S. Patent No. 8,636,479, and PCT Patent Application Publication WO2013 / 020167.

[0118] The pressure generator 4140 is under the control of a treatment device controller 4240.

[0119] In other forms, the pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high-pressure source (e.g., a compressed air reservoir), or a bellows.

[0120] 5.4.1.4 Converter(s) The converter(s) may be provided inside the RPT device or may be provided outside the RPT device. An external converter may be arranged, for example, on an air circuit or may form part of an air circuit (e.g., the patient interface). The external converter may take the form of a non-contact sensor (e.g., a Doppler radar motion sensor that sends or moves the data RPT device).

[0121] In one form of the technology, one or more converters 4270 may be arranged upstream and / or downstream of the pressure generator 4140. One or more converters 4270 may be constructed and arranged to generate a signal indicative of the characteristics of the air flow (e.g., the flow rate, pressure or temperature at that point in the air pressure path).

[0122] In one form of the technology, one or more converters 4270 may be arranged in the vicinity of the patient interface 3000.

[0123] In one form, the signal from the converter 4270 may be filtered (e.g., by low-pass, high-pass or band-pass filtering).

[0124] 5.4.1.4.1 Flow Sensor The flow sensor 4274 according to the technology may be based on a differential pressure transducer (e.g., the SDP600 series differential pressure transducer from SENSIRION).

[0125] In one form, a signal indicative of the flow rate from the flow sensor 4274 is received by the central controller 4230.

[0126] 5.4.1.4.2 Pressure Sensor The pressure sensor 4272 according to the present technology can be arranged in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. As an example of a suitable pressure sensor, there is a transducer from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. Another suitable pressure sensor is a transducer from the NPA series from GENERAL ELECTRIC.

[0127] In one form, the signal from the pressure sensor 4272 is received by the central controller 4230.

[0128] 5.4.1.4.3 Motor speed transducer In one form of the present technology, a motor speed transducer 4276 can be used to determine the rotational speed of the motor 4144 and / or the blower 4142. The motor speed signal from the motor speed transducer 4276 can be provided to the treatment device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 can be, for example, a speed sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor).

[0129] 5.4.1.5 Anti-spillback valve In one form of the present technology, an anti-spillback valve 4160 can be arranged between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-spillback valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing upstream from the humidifier 5000 (e.g., to the motor 4144 of the blower).

[0130] 5.4.2 RPT device electrical components 5.4.2.1 Power supply The power supply 4210 can be arranged inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000.

[0131] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 supplies power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, power is provided from the power supply 4210 to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0132] 5.4.2.2 Input device In one embodiment of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dials that enable a human to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials can be physical devices or software devices that can be accessed via a touch screen. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the external housing 4010 in one embodiment, or may wirelessly communicate with a receiver that is electrically connected to the central controller 4230 in another embodiment.

[0133] In one embodiment, the input device 4220 can be constructed and arranged to enable a human to select values and / or menu options.

[0134] 5.4.2.3 Central Controller In one embodiment of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT device 4000.

[0135] Suitable processors can include x86 INTEL processors that are processors based on the ARM® Cortex®-M processors from ARM Holdings (e.g., S(®)32 series microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics). In certain alternative embodiments of the present technology, 32-bit RISC CPUs (e.g., STR9 series microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics) or 16-bit RISC CPUs (e.g., processors from the MSP430 family of microcontrollers manufactured by Texas Instruments) may also be suitable.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0137] In one embodiment, the central controller 4230 is an application-specific integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the central controller 4230 includes discrete electronic components.

[0138] The central controller 4230 can be configured to receive input signal(s) from one or more converters 4270, one or more input devices 4220, and the humidifier 5000.

[0139] The central controller 4230 can be configured to provide output signal(s) to one or more of the output device 4290, the treatment device controller 4240, the data communication interface 4280, and the humidifier 5000.

[0140] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to embody one or more of the methods described herein (e.g., one or more algorithms 4300 represented as a computer program recorded in a non - transitory computer - readable recording medium (e.g., the memory 4260)). In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 can be integrated with the RPT device 4000. However, in some forms of the present technology, some methods can be performed by remotely - located devices. For example, a remotely - located device can determine ventilator control settings or detect respiratory - related events by analyzing recorded data (e.g., from any of the sensors described herein).

[0141] 5.4.2.4 Clock The RPT device 4000 can include a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230.

[0142] 5.4.2.5 Treatment Device Controller In one form of the present technology, the treatment device controller 4240 is the treatment control module 4330 and forms part of the algorithm 4300 executed by the central controller 4230.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present technology, the treatment device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one embodiment, an MC33035 brushless DC motor controller manufactured by ONSEMI is used.

[0144] 5.4.2.6 Protection Circuit One or more protection circuits 4250 according to the present technology may include an electrical protection circuit, a temperature and / or pressure safety circuit.

[0145] 5.4.2.7 Memory According to one embodiment of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes a memory 4260 (e.g., a non-volatile memory). In some embodiments, the memory 4260 may include a battery-backed static RAM. In some embodiments, the memory 4260 may include a volatile RAM.

[0146] The memory 4260 may be disposed on the PCBA 4202. The memory 4260 may take the form of an EEPROM or a NAND flash.

[0147] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 includes a removable memory 4260 (e.g., a memory card manufactured according to the Secure Digital (SD) standard).

[0148] In one embodiment of the present technology, the memory 4260 functions as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Computer program instructions (e.g., one or more algorithms 4300) representing one or more methods described herein are recorded on this recording medium.

[0149] 5.4.2.8 Data Communication System In one embodiment of the present technology, a data communication interface 4280 is provided and connected to a central controller 4230. The data communication interface 4280 may be connectable to a remote external communication network 4282 and / or a local external communication network 4284. The remote external communication network 4282 may be connectable to a remote external device 4286. The local external communication network 4284 may be connectable to a local external device 4288.

[0150] In one embodiment, the data communication interface 4280 is part of the central controller 4230. In another embodiment, the data communication interface 4280 is separate from the central controller 4230 and may include an integrated circuit or a processor.

[0151] In one embodiment, the remote external communication network 4282 is the Internet. The data communication interface 4280 may use wired communication (e.g., via Ethernet or fiber optic) or a wireless protocol (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE) to connect to the Internet.

[0152] In one embodiment, the local external communication network 4284 uses one or more communication standards (e.g., Bluetooth® or consumer infrared protocol).

[0153] In one embodiment, the remote external device 4286 is one or more computers (e.g., a cluster of networked computers). In one embodiment, the remote external device 4286 may be a virtual computer rather than a physical computer. In either case, such a remote external device 4286 may be accessible to appropriately authorized persons (e.g., clinicians).

[0154] The local external device 4288 may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, or a remote control.

[0155] 5.4.2.9 Optional Display, Output Device including Alarms The output device 4290 according to this technology can take one or more forms among visual, audio, and tactile units. The visual display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0156] 5.4.2.9.1 Display Driver The display driver 4292 receives, as input, characters, symbols, or images to be displayed on the display 4294, and converts them into commands to cause the display 4294 to display these characters, symbols, or images.

[0157] 5.4.2.9.2 Display The display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands received from the display driver 4292. For example, the display 4294 can be an 8-segment display, in which case the display driver 4292 converts each character or symbol (e.g., the digit "0") into 8 logic signals indicating whether each of the 8 segments should be activated to display a particular character or symbol.

[0158] 5.4.3 RPT Device Algorithm As described above, in some forms of this technology, the central control device 4230 can be configured to implement one or more algorithms 4300 expressed as a computer program recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium (e.g., the memory 4260). These algorithms 4300 are generally grouped into groups called modules (see, for example, FIG. 5F).

[0159] 5.4.3.1 Preprocessing Module The preprocessing module 4310 according to one aspect of the present technology receives, as input, a signal from a transducer 4270 (e.g., a flow sensor 4274 or a pressure sensor 4272), and performs one or more process steps for calculating one or more output values. These output values are used as input to another module (e.g., the therapy engine module 4320).

[0160] In one aspect of the present technology, the output values include the interface or mask pressure Pm, the respiratory flow Qr, and the leak flow Ql.

[0161] In various aspects of the present technology, the preprocessing module 4310 includes one or more of the following algorithms: pressure compensation 4312, ventilation flow estimation 4314, leak flow estimation 4316, and respiratory flow estimation 4318.

[0162] 5.4.3.1.1 Pressure Compensation In one aspect of the present technology, the pressure compensation algorithm 4312 receives, as input, a signal indicative of the pressure in the pneumatic path proximal to the outlet of the pneumatic block. The pressure compensation algorithm 4312 estimates the pressure drop through the air circuit 4170 and provides, as output, the estimated pressure Pm in the patient interface 3000.

[0163] 5.4.3.1.2 Estimation of Ventilation Flow In one aspect of the present technology, the ventilation flow estimation algorithm 4314 receives, as input, the estimated pressure Pm in the patient interface 3000, and estimates the ventilation flow Qv of air from the vent 3400 in the patient interface 3000.

[0164] 5.4.3.1.3 Estimation of Leak Flow In one aspect of the present technology, the leak flow estimation algorithm 4316 receives the total flow Qt and the ventilation flow Qv as input, and provides, as output, an estimate of the leak flow Ql. In one aspect, the leak flow estimation algorithm estimates the leak flow Ql by calculating the difference average between the total flow Qt and the ventilation flow Qv over a period long enough to include several respiratory cycles (e.g., about 10 seconds).

[0165] In one embodiment, the leakage flow rate estimation algorithm 4316 receives the total flow rate Qt, the ventilation flow rate Qv, and the estimated pressure Pm in the patient interface 3000 as inputs, and provides the leakage flow rate Ql as an output by calculating the leakage conductance and determining the leakage flow rate Ql as a function of the leakage conductance and the pressure Pm. The leakage conductance is calculated as the quotient of the low-pass filtered non-ventilation flow rate equal to the difference between the total flow rate Qt and the ventilation flow rate Qv and the low-pass filtered square root of the pressure Pm, and the low-pass filter time constant has a sufficient value to include several respiratory cycles (e.g., about 10 seconds). The leakage flow rate Ql can be estimated as a function of the product of the leakage conductance and the pressure Pm.

[0166] 5.4.3.1.4 Respiratory Flow Rate Estimation In one embodiment of the present technology, the respiratory flow rate estimation algorithm 4318 receives the total flow rate Qt, the ventilation flow rate Qv, and the leakage flow rate Ql as inputs, and estimates the air respiratory flow rate Qr to the patient by subtracting the ventilation flow rate Qv and the leakage flow rate Ql from the total flow rate Qt.

[0167] 5.4.3.2 Treatment Engine Module In one embodiment of the present technology, the treatment engine module 4320 receives one or more of the pressure Pm in the patient interface 3000 and the air respiratory flow rate Qr to the patient as inputs, and provides one or more treatment parameters as outputs.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present technology, the treatment parameter is the treatment pressure Pt.

[0169] In one embodiment of the present technology, the treatment parameter is one or more of the amplitude of the pressure change, the base pressure, and the target ventilation.

[0170] In various forms, the treatment engine module 4320 includes one or more of the following algorithms: phase determination 4321, waveform determination 4322, ventilation determination 4323, inspiratory flow limit determination 4324, apnea / hypopnea determination 4325, snore determination 4326, airway patency determination 4327, target ventilation determination 4328, and treatment parameter determination 4329.

[0171] 5.4.3.2.1 Phase Determination In one form of the technology, the RPT device 4000 does not determine a phase.

[0172] In one form of the technology, the phase determination algorithm 4321 receives as input a signal indicative of the respiratory flow rate Qr and provides as output Φ the phase of the current respiratory cycle of the patient 1000.

[0173] In some forms, the phase output Φ, known as discrete phase determination, is a discrete variable. According to one embodiment of the discrete phase determination, a binary phase output Φ having a value of inhalation or exhalation is obtained. This value is represented as a value of, for example, 0 revolutions and 0.5 revolutions respectively when the start of each of spontaneous inhalation and exhalation is detected. The RPT device 4000 that "triggers" and "cycles" effectively performs discrete phase determination. This is because the trigger point and the cycle point are the instants at which the phase changes from exhalation to inhalation and from inhalation to exhalation respectively. In one embodiment of the binary phase determination, the phase output Φ has a discrete value of 0 when the respiratory flow rate Qr has a value exceeding a positive threshold (thereby "triggering" the RPT device 4000), and has a discrete value of 0.5 revolutions when the value of the respiratory flow rate Qr is a more negative value than a negative threshold (thereby "cycling" the RPT device 4000). The inspiratory time Ti and the expiratory time Te can be typical values estimated over many respiratory cycles of the time spent with the phase Φ equal to 0 (indicating inhalation) and 0.5 (indicating exhalation) respectively.

[0174] Another embodiment of discrete phase determination results in a three-valued phase output Φ with one value of inspiration, apnea during inspiration, and expiration.

[0175] In other forms, the phase output Φ, known as continuous phase determination, is a continuous variable that varies, for example, between 0 revolutions to 1 revolution or 0 to 2π radians. The RPT device 4000 that performs continuous phase determination can be triggered and cycled when the continuous phase reaches 0 revolutions and 0.5 revolutions respectively. In one embodiment of continuous phase determination, the continuous value Φ of the phase is determined using fuzzy logic analysis of the respiratory flow rate Qr. The continuous value of the phase determined in this embodiment is often referred to as the "fuzzy phase". In one embodiment of the fuzzy phase determination algorithm 4321, the following rules are applied to the respiratory flow rate Qr: 1. If the respiratory flow rate increases rapidly after becoming zero, the phase is 0 revolutions. 2. If the respiratory flow rate is a large positive value and stable, the phase is 0.25 revolutions. 3. If the respiratory flow rate is zero and decreases rapidly, the phase is 0.5 revolutions. 4. If the respiratory flow rate is a large negative value and stable, the phase is 0.75 revolutions. 5. If the respiratory flow rate is zero and stable, and the absolute value of the 5-second low-pass filtered respiratory flow rate is large, the phase is 0.9 revolutions. 6. If the respiratory flow rate is positive and the phase is expiration, the phase is 0 revolutions. 7. If the respiratory flow rate is negative, the phase is inspiration, and the phase is 0.5 revolutions. 8. If the absolute value of the 5-second low-pass filtered respiratory flow rate is large, the phase increases at a constant rate equal to the patient's respiratory rate low-pass filtered by a time constant of 20 seconds.

[0176] The output of each rule can be represented as a vector where the phase is the result of the rule and the magnitude is the fuzzy range for which the rule is true. Fuzzy ranges such as "large" and "stable" for the respiratory flow rate are determined by appropriate membership functions. The results of the rules are represented as vectors and then combined by some functions such as taking the centroid. In such combinations, the rules may be weighted equally or weighted in different ways.

[0177] In another embodiment of the continuous phase determination, the phase Φ is first individually estimated from the respiratory flow rate Qr as described above, similar to the inhalation time Ti and the exhalation time Te. The continuous phase Φ at any instant is determined as the value obtained by adding half of the ratio of the inhalation time Ti elapsed from the preceding trigger instant or the ratio of the exhalation time Te elapsed from the preceding cycle instant for 0.5 rotations (whichever is the more recent instant).

[0178] 5.4.3.2.2 Waveform determination In one aspect of the present technology, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 provides a substantially constant treatment pressure throughout the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0179] In another aspect of the present technology, the treatment control module 4330 controls the pressure generator 4140 to provide a treatment pressure Pt that varies as a function of the phase Φ of the patient's respiratory cycle according to the waveform template Π(Φ).

[0180] In one aspect of the present technology, the waveform determination algorithm 4322 provides a waveform template Π(Φ). The waveform template has values within the range of [0,1] for the range of phase values Φ provided by the phase determination algorithm 4321 that is to be used by the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329.

[0181] In one form, suitable for a phase that takes values discretely or continuously, the waveform template Π(Φ) is a rectangular wave template, having a value of 1 for phase values up to 0.5 rotations and a value of 0 for phase values exceeding 0.5 rotations. In one form, suitable for a phase that takes values continuously, the waveform template Π(Φ) includes two smoothly curved portions (i.e., a smooth (e.g., rising cosine) rise from 0 to 1 for phase values up to 0.5 rotations and a smooth (e.g., exponential) decay from 1 to 0 for phase values exceeding 0.5 rotations). In one form, suitable for a phase that takes values continuously, the waveform template Π(Φ) is based on a rectangular wave but has a smooth rise from 0 to 1 for phase values up to a “rise time” lower than 0.5 rotations and a smooth decay from 1 to 0 for phase values within the “fall time” after 0.5 rotations, having a “fall time” lower than 0.5 rotations.

[0182] In some forms of the present technology, the waveform determination algorithm 4322 selects a waveform template Π(Φ) from a library of waveform templates according to the settings of the RPT device. Each waveform template Π(Φ) in the library can be provided as a look-up table value Π for the phase value Φ. In other forms, the waveform determination algorithm 4322 calculates the waveform template Π(Φ) “on the fly” using a predetermined functional form (presumably parameterized by one or more parameters (e.g., the time constant of an exponentially curved portion)). The parameters of the functional form may be predetermined or may depend on the current state of the patient 1000.

[0183] In some forms of the present technology suitable for the discrete binary phases of inspiration (Φ = 0 rotations) or expiration (Φ = 0.5 rotations), the waveform determination algorithm 4322 calculates the waveform template Π "on the fly" as a function of the discrete phase Φ and time t measured from the most recent trigger instant. In one such form, the waveform determination algorithm 4322 calculates the waveform template Π(Φ,t) in two parts (inspiration and expiration) as follows.

Number

[0184] Here, Πi(t) and Πe(t) are the inspiration part and the expiration part of the waveform template Π(Φ,t). In one such form, the inspiration part Πi(t) of the waveform template is a smooth rise from 0 to 1 parameterized by the rise time, and the expiration part Πe(t) of the waveform template is a smooth fall from 1 to 0 parameterized by the fall time.

[0185] 5.4.3.2.3 Ventilation determination In one form of the present technology, the ventilation determination algorithm 4323 receives the respiratory flow rate Qr as an input and determines a measurement indicating the current patient ventilation Vent.

[0186] In some embodiments, the ventilation determination algorithm 4323 determines a measurement of the ventilation Vent, which is an estimate of the actual patient ventilation. As one such embodiment, it may take half of the absolute value of the respiratory flow rate Qr, which is optionally filtered by a low-pass filter (e.g., a second-order Bessel low-pass filter with a corner frequency of 0.11 Hz).

[0187] In another embodiment, the ventilation determination algorithm 4323 determines a measurement of ventilation Vent that is highly proportional to the actual patient ventilation. In such an embodiment, the peak inspiratory flow Qpeak is estimated at the inspiratory portion of the cycle. Through the above and many other procedures including sampling of the respiratory flow Qr, a measurement highly proportional to ventilation is obtained, but in these measurements, the variation in the flow waveform shape is not so large (where the shapes of two breaths are taken as being similar when the flow waveforms of the breaths normalized in terms of time and amplitude are similar). To give some simple examples, there are the median of the positive respiratory flow, the median of the absolute value of the respiratory flow, and the standard deviation of the flow. Any linear combination of any order statistics of the absolute value of the respiratory flow using positive coefficients (and even some using both positive and negative coefficients) is approximately proportional to ventilation. As another example, it is the average of the respiratory flow at the central K-th percentage of the inspiratory portion, where 0 < K < 1. When the flow shape is constant, there are any number of measurements that are highly proportional to ventilation.

[0188] 5.4.3.2.4 Determination of Inspiratory Flow Limitation In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes an inspiratory flow limitation determination algorithm 4324 for determining the range of inspiratory flow limitation.

[0189] In one embodiment, the inspiratory flow limitation determination algorithm 4324 receives the respiratory flow signal Qr as an input and provides, as an output, a measurement of the range in which the inspiratory portion of the breath indicates an inspiratory flow limitation.

[0190] In one form of the present technology, the inspiration portion of each breath is identified by a zero-crossing detector. A plurality of (e.g., 65) equally spaced points indicate time points and are interpolated by an interpolator along the inspiratory flow-time curve for each breath. Subsequently, the curve described by these points is scaled by a scaler to have a unit length (duration / period) and a unit area, thereby removing the influence due to changes in respiratory rate and depth. Next, the scaled breath is compared in a comparator with a pre-stored template (similar to the inspiration portion of the breath shown in FIG. 6A) indicating a normal unobstructed breath. At any time during inspiration, if the deviation of the breath from this template due to, for example, cough, exhalation, swallowing, and hiccups as determined by the test element exceeds a specified threshold (typically, 1 scale unit), the breath is rejected. For the data without rejection, the moving average of the first such scaled point is calculated by the central controller 4230 for several preceding inspiratory events. This is repeated for the second such point over the same inspiratory event and so on. Thus, for example, 65 scaled data points are generated by the central controller 4230, indicating the moving average of several preceding inspiratory events (e.g., 3 events). Hereinafter in this specification, the moving average of the values of continuously updated (e.g., 65) points is referred to as the "scaled flow rate" and is denoted by Qs(t). Alternatively, a single inspiratory event may be used instead of the moving average.

[0191] From the scaled flow rate, two shape factors related to the determination of partial obstruction can be calculated.

[0192] Shape factor 1 is the ratio of the average of the middle (e.g., 32) scaled flow rate points to the average of the overall (e.g., 65) scaled flow rate points. If this ratio is greater than 1, the breath is considered normal. If this ratio is less than 1, the breath is considered to have an obstruction. When the ratio is about 1.17, it is considered as the threshold between partial obstruction and unobstructed breath and is equal to a certain level of obstruction that enables the maintenance of appropriate oxygen supplementation in a typical patient.

[0193] Shape factor 2 is calculated as the mean square deviation from the flow rate scaled in units over an intermediate (e.g., 32) number of points. If the mean square deviation is about 0.2 units, it is considered normal. If the mean square deviation is zero, the respiration is considered to be overall flow-restricted. The closer the mean square deviation is to zero, the more the respiration is considered to be flow-restricted.

[0194] Shape factors 1 and 2 may be used alternatively or in combination. In other forms of the present technology, the number of sampled points, the respiration, and the intermediate points may be different from those described above. Further, the threshold values may also be different from those described above.

[0195] 5.4.3.2.5 Determination of apnea and hypopnea In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes an apnea / hypopnea determination algorithm 4325 to determine the presence of apnea and / or hypopnea.

[0196] In one form, the apnea / hypopnea detection algorithm 4325 receives the respiratory flow signal Qr as an input and provides a flag indicating whether apnea or hypopnea has been detected as an output.

[0197] In one form, apnea is considered to be detected when a function of the respiratory flow Qr falls below a flow threshold over a predetermined period. This function may determine the peak flow rate, the relatively short-term average flow rate, or the flow intermediate value of the relatively short-term average and peak flow rates (e.g., RMS flow). The flow threshold may be a relatively long-term measurement of the flow rate.

[0198] In one form, hypopnea is detected when a function of the respiratory flow rate Qr falls below a second flow rate threshold over a predetermined period. This function may determine a peak flow rate, an average flow rate over a relatively short period, or a flow rate intermediate value of the average and peak flow rates over a relatively short period (e.g., RMS flow rate). The second flow rate threshold may be a relatively long-term measurement of the flow rate. The second flow rate threshold is higher than the flow rate threshold used for apnea detection.

[0199] 5.4.3.2.6 Determination of snoring In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more snoring determination algorithms 4326 for determining a snoring range.

[0200] In one form, the snoring detection algorithm 4326 receives the respiratory flow signal Qr as an input and provides, as an output, measurements of the range in which snoring is present.

[0201] The snoring detection algorithm 4326 may include the step of determining the intensity of the flow signal within the range of 30 to 300 Hz. Further, the snoring determination algorithm 4326 may include the step of filtering the respiratory flow signal Qr to reduce background noise (e.g., airflow sound in the system from a blower).

[0202] 5.4.3.2.7 Determination of airway patency In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more airway patency determination algorithms 4327 for determining a range of airway patency.

[0203] In one form, the airway patency determination algorithm 4327 receives the respiratory flow signal Qr as an input and determines the output of the signal within a frequency range of approximately 0.75 Hz to approximately 3 Hz. The presence of a peak within this frequency range is considered to indicate airway opening. The absence of a peak is considered to be an indication of airway closure.

[0204] In one form, the frequency range for which the peak is sought is the frequency range that is the frequency of a small forced oscillation at the therapeutic pressure Pt. In one embodiment, the forced oscillation is at a frequency of 2 Hz with an amplitude of about 1 cmH2O.

[0205] In one form, the airway patency determination algorithm 4327 receives the respiratory flow signal Qr as an input and determines the presence or absence of a cardiac-generated signal. The absence of a cardiac-generated signal is considered an indication of airway closure.

[0206] 5.4.3.2.8 Determination of Target Ventilation In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 takes the measurement of the current ventilation Vent as an input and executes one or more target ventilation determination algorithms 4328 to determine a target value Vtgt for the ventilation measurement.

[0207] In some forms of the present technology, the target ventilation determination algorithm 4328 does not exist and the target value Vtgt is a predetermined one, obtained, for example, by hard coding at the time of configuring the RPT device 4000 or by manual entry through the input device 4220.

[0208] In other forms of the present technology, such as adaptive servo ventilation (ASV), the target ventilation determination algorithm 4328 calculates the target value Vtgt from a value Vtyp indicative of the patient's typical recent ventilation.

[0209] In some forms of adaptive servo ventilation, the target ventilation Vtgt is calculated as a value that is a high percentage and less than the typical recent ventilation Vtyp. Such high percentages can be within the ranges (80%, 100%), or (85%, 95%), or (87%, 92%).

[0210] In other forms of adaptive servo ventilation, the target ventilation Vtgt is calculated as a value slightly above a multiple of 1 of the typical recent ventilation Vtyp.

[0211] A typical recent ventilation Vtyp is a value around which measurements of the current ventilation Vent over a plurality of time instants over several predetermined time scales are distributed and tend to cluster (i.e., a measure of the central tendency of the measurements of the current ventilation in the recent history). In one embodiment of the target ventilation determination algorithm 4328, the recent history is on the order of minutes, but in any case must be longer than the time scales of the chain - Stokes increment and decrement cycles. The target ventilation determination algorithm 4328 can determine a typical recent ventilation Vtyp from the measurements of the current ventilation Vent using any of a variety of well - known measures of central tendency. One such measure is the low - pass filter output for the measurements of the current ventilation Vent, with a time constant equal to 100 seconds.

[0212] 5.4.3.2.9 Determination of treatment parameters In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more treatment parameter determination algorithms 4329 for the determination of one or more treatment parameters using values returned from one or more of the other algorithms in the treatment engine module 4320.

[0213] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameter is the instantaneous treatment pressure Pt. In one embodiment of this form, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 determines the treatment pressure Pt using the following equation.

Equation

[0214] where: · A is the amplitude, · Π(Φ,t) is the waveform template value (in the range from 0 to 1) at the current value Φ of the phase and at time t, · P0 is the base pressure.

[0215] When the waveform determination algorithm 4322 provides the waveform template Π(Φ) as a look-up table of values Π indexed by the phase Φ, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 locates the nearest look-up table input for the current value Φ of the phase returned from the phase determination algorithm 4321 or otherwise, between two inputs straddling the current value Φ of the phase, and applies Equation (1).

[0216] The values of the amplitude A and the base pressure P0 can be set by the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 according to the respiratory pressure treatment mode selected as follows.

[0217] 5.4.3.3 Treatment control module The treatment control module 4330 according to one aspect of the present technology receives, as inputs, the treatment parameters from the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 of the treatment engine module 4320, and controls the pressure generator so as to deliver an air flow from the pressure generator 4140 according to these treatment parameters.

[0218] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameter is the treatment pressure Pt, and the treatment control module 4330 controls the pressure generator so as to send an air flow from the pressure generator 4140 such that the mask pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000 is equal to the treatment pressure Pt.

[0219] 5.4.3.4 Detection of fault states In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more methods 4340 for the detection of fault states. The fault states detected by the one or more methods 4340 may include at least one of the following: · Power outage (no power or insufficient power) · Detection of converter failure · Failure to detect the presence of a component · Operating parameters are outside the recommended range (e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature, PaO2) · Failure to test warnings to generate detectable warning signals.

[0220] When a fault condition is detected, the corresponding algorithm 4340 signal signals the presence of a fault by one or more of the following: · Initiation of audible, visual and / or kinetic (e.g., vibratory) warnings · Sending a message to an external device · Logging of incidents

[0221] 5.5 Air circuit An air circuit 4170 according to one aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged such that an air flow moves between two components (e.g., an RPT device 4000 and a patient interface 3000) during use.

[0222] Specifically, the air circuit 4170 can be in fluid connection with the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface. The air circuit can be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there can be separate limbs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single limb is used.

[0223] In some forms, the air circuit 4170 can include one or more heating elements configured to heat the air in the air circuit (e.g., for maintaining or increasing the air temperature). The heating element can take the form of a heating wire circuit and can include one or more transducers (e.g., temperature sensors). In one form, the heating wire circuit can be wound helically around the axis of the air circuit 4170. The heating element can communicate with a controller (e.g., a central controller 4230). An example of an air circuit 4170 including a heating wire circuit is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 8,733,349. The entire disclosure of this document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0224] 5.5.1 Oxygen supply In one aspect of the technology, the supplemental oxygen 4180 can be delivered to one or more points in the pneumatic pathway (e.g., upstream of the pneumatic block 4020), the air circuit 4170, and / or the patient interface 3000.

[0225] 5.6 Humidifier 5.6.1 Overview of the Humidifier In one aspect of the technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided for varying the absolute humidity of air or gas to be delivered to a patient relative to ambient air (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5C). Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity (relative to ambient air) and increase the temperature of an air stream before it is delivered to the patient airway.

[0226] RPT Device and Humidifier FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, and 8A-8D illustrate an integrated RPT device and humidifier 6000 according to an embodiment of the technology. In the illustrated example, the integrated RPT device and humidifier 6000 includes a water reservoir dock 6050 structured and arranged to receive a water reservoir 6100 (also referred to as a humidifier bath or humidifier reservoir). In the illustrated example, the integrated RPT device and humidifier 6000 includes a humidifier integrated with the RPT device such that components performing the functions of the RPT device and components performing the functions of the humidifier 6000 are included in the pneumatic block 7100 of the RPT device. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the reservoir dock 6050 is integrated with the pneumatic block 7100 of the RPT device to provide an integrated unit, and the reservoir dock 6050 is structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir 6100.

[0227] It should be understood that in another arrangement configuration, the humidifier (e.g., the reservoir dock 6050) may be provided separately to the RPT device (e.g., the pneumatic block 7100). In such an arrangement configuration, an additional interface may be used to connect the humidifier (e.g., the reservoir dock 6050) to the RPT device (e.g., the pneumatic block 7100).

[0228] In the RPT device, the blower is supported within the pneumatic block 7100. The blower is structured and arranged to generate an air flow or supply at a positive pressure (e.g., in the range of 2 to 50 cmH2O). In one embodiment, the blower may also include a single-stage design or a multi-stage design (e.g., a design of two or more stages). The blower is operable to draw in an air supply into the pneumatic block 7100 (e.g., through one or more inlets of the pneumatic block) at its inlet (the blower inlet) and provide a pressurized air supply at its outlet (the blower outlet). Exemplary blower embodiments and details are described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2013 / 020167, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The blower outlet communicates with a humidifier (e.g., the inlet of the water reservoir 6100).

[0229] The pneumatic block 7100 includes a chassis assembly 7300 (including, for example, an upper chassis and a lower chassis). The chassis assembly 7300 includes a chassis inlet 7310 (see, for example, FIG. 20E) and a chassis outlet 7320 (see, for example, FIGS. 20F and 21). In an example, the pneumatic block 7100 can be enclosed by an external housing 8002 that includes one or more panels and / or one or more user inputs / displays (see, for example, FIGS. 6A and 6B). The chassis assembly 7300 supports and / or houses the internal components (such as a blower) of the pneumatic block 7100. The chassis assembly 7300 also supports a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 7600. The chassis assembly 7300 and the internal components of the pneumatic block cooperate to form a pneumatic airflow path that extends from the chassis inlet 7310 to the blower inlet of the blower and from the blower outlet of the blower to the chassis outlet 7320. The chassis outlet 7320 is adapted to communicate with the inlet of the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050 when the water reservoir is received in the reservoir dock 6050. The reservoir dock 6050 is also configured and arranged to enable communication between the outlet of the water reservoir 6100 and the air circuit 4170, as described in more detail below.

[0230] Most examples are based on the description of an air circuit or air delivery tube that can be attached to a water reservoir dock. However, in some air delivery systems, it should be understood that the humidification and water reservoir are not provided within the system. In this case, the air delivery tube can be directly or indirectly connectable to the tube engagement dock of the RPT device. All of the above disclosures related to the connection to the water reservoir dock are also applicable to each tube engagement of the RPT device in such cases.

[0231] Also, a RPT device and / or a humidifier provides one form of a connection or engagement port (i.e., where the air delivery tube 4170 engages with the RPT device and / or the humidifier) for connection to the air circuit or the air delivery tube 4170. In the examples described below, the connection or engagement port can include, for example, the outlet tube 6130 (outlet) of the water reservoir 6100, the outlet of the outlet muffler 4124, the intermediate component 6700 or the intermediate component 9700. As a function of the connection or engagement port, since it is to send the pressurized air generated within the RPT device to the air delivery tube and the patient interface, it can be used with the RPT device with or without a humidifier. In the example, the connection or engagement port can also perform location identification, fixation and / or electrical connection with respect to the air delivery tube. Also, it should be understood that the connection or engagement port can be disposed at any position on the RPT device and / or the humidifier as long as it communicates with the source of the pressurized flow of the RPT device and / or the humidifier (e.g., via one or more intermediate connectors). For example, the connection or engagement port may form part of the water reservoir dock, or may be disposed anywhere (i.e., it does not have to form part of the water reservoir dock), and can communicate with the water reservoir dock, its water reservoir or the air pressure block of the RPT device.

[0232] 5.6.2 Humidifier Component 5.6.2.1 Water Reservoir Figures 6B and 9 illustrate a water reservoir 6100 according to an example of the present technology. The water reservoir 6100 can be configured to contain or hold a certain amount of liquid (e.g., water) to be evaporated for humidifying an air flow. The water reservoir 6100 can be configured to contain a predetermined maximum amount of water to provide adequate humidification over at least a respiratory therapy session (e.g., overnight sleep). Typically, the water reservoir is configured to hold several hundred milliliters of water (e.g., 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml), although it should be understood that other volumes of liquid can also be utilized (e.g., at least 100 ml). In other forms, the humidifier can be configured to receive a water supply from an external water source (e.g., a building water supply system).

[0233] In the illustrated example, the water reservoir 6100 includes a reservoir base 6112 (also referred to as a reservoir body, a humidifier tube base, or a humidifier housing) and a reservoir lid 6114 (also referred to as a humidifier housing lid) removably connected to the reservoir base 6112. A deformable seal can be provided on the reservoir lid and / or the reservoir base (see, for example, the deformable peripheral seal 6116 provided at the periphery of the reservoir lid 6114 in FIG. 19C). When the reservoir lid 6114 is connected to the reservoir base 6112, the seal 6116 is structured and arranged to engage the lid 6114 and the base 6112, so that the lid and the base are sealed and water escape from the water reservoir is avoided. The reservoir lid 6114 can be structured to be completely removable from the reservoir base 6112, which facilitates use by a patient, for example, when cleaning the interior of the reservoir base and / or the reservoir lid. In another example, the reservoir lid 6114 can be permanently attached to the reservoir base 6112.

[0234] According to one aspect, the water reservoir 6100 is configured to humidify the air flow from the RPT device as the air flow passes through the RPT device. In one form, the water reservoir 6100 can be configured to facilitate the movement of the air flow along a serpentine path in the reservoir while the air flow contacts a certain amount of water in the reservoir. For example, the water reservoir 6100 can include one or more flow elements (e.g., baffles for facilitating a serpentine flow path).

[0235] As described in more detail below, the water reservoir 6100 can be removably connected to the reservoir dock 6050. In an example, the insertion / removal of the water reservoir can be provided along a path described in the front-rear direction. In another example, at least a portion of the path for the insertion / removal of the water reservoir can extend in the up-down direction (e.g., at least a portion of the insertion path includes an inclination or a drop-down to the operating position).

[0236] The water reservoir 6100 can also be configured to suppress liquid discharge from the reservoir when the reservoir is displaced and / or rotated from its normal operating direction (e.g., through any aperture and / or between its sub-components). Since the air flow to be humidified by the humidifier is often pressurized, the reservoir can also be configured to prevent air pressure loss through leakage and / or flow impedance. Reservoir base

[0237] As shown in FIG. 9, the reservoir base 6112 includes a body 6140 including a plurality of wall portions and a conductive portion 6150, and this body 6140 is typically provided in the lower one of the wall portions to form a chamber or cavity for holding the water volume.

[0238] The reservoir base 6112 is structured and arranged to engage or interface with the reservoir lid 6114. In an example as shown in FIG. 19C, a surface is obtained at the periphery of the reservoir base 6112 that engages or interfaces with a seal 6116 provided on the reservoir lid 6114, for example, to avoid water exiting from the water reservoir.

[0239] The reservoir base 6112 can be structured and arranged to hold the reservoir lid 6114 relative to the reservoir base 6112 (e.g., a hinge arrangement configuration and / or snap-fit locking tabs that releasably hold the reservoir lid to the reservoir base).

[0240] Conductive site The conductive site 6150 is configured to enable efficient heat transfer from a heating element (e.g., the heater plate 6080 of the reservoir dock 6050 shown in FIG. 6B) to a fixed volume of liquid in the reservoir. In one form, the conductive site can be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may also be suitable. The whole or part of the conductive site can be composed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., with a thickness of approximately 2 mm (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm)), another thermally conductive metal, or some plastic. In some cases, appropriate thermal conductivity can be achieved with a lower conductivity material of appropriate geometry.

[0241] Conductive site including a metal plate and / or a thin film In an example, the conductive site 6150 can include a metal plate, a thin non-metallic film (also called a film plate or film base), or a composite laminated arrangement configuration of a metal plate and a thin non-metallic film. As described below, the conductive site 6150 is configured to be thermally connected to the heater plate 6080 of the reservoir dock 6050 so as to enable heat transfer from the heater plate 6080 to a fixed volume of liquid in the water reservoir 6100.

[0242] The reservoir base 6112M1 according to an example of the present technology shown in FIGS. 10A to 10G includes a metal plate as the conductive part 6150M. In the example, the reservoir base 6112M1 includes a two-part structure (i.e., only the main body 6140 and the metal conductive part 6150M).

[0243] As shown in the figure, the main body 6140 includes a plurality of wall parts, and the metal conductive part 6150M is provided on the lower one of the wall parts, and a chamber for holding the water volume is formed. For example, the main body 6140 includes a side wall part 6142 extending around the main body 6140 and a lower wall part 6144 joined to the side wall part 6142. The metal conductive part 6150M is provided so as to form a chamber for water retention or is arranged in the lower wall part 6144 in other manners.

[0244] In the example, after the metal heat transfer part 6150M is provided as a separate and individual structure from the main body 6140, it is fixed to the lower wall part 6144 in the operating position or provided in other manners (for example, the metal conductive part 6150M includes a pre-formed structure fixed to the lower wall part 6144). In one example, the metal conductive part 6150M includes a metal material (for example, a metal plate), and the main body 6140 includes a plastic or thermoplastic polymer material, for example, PC, ABS, copolyester. In the example, the conductive part 6150M may generally have a uniform wall thickness of about 0.25 to 0.50 mm (for example, 0.40 mm). In the metal conductive part, the wall thickness may be larger (for example, up to 1.5 mm). Instead, when a thin film is used (see the following description for FIGS. 13A to 13C), a thinner thickness (for example, 0.1 to 0.5) may be used.

[0245] In an example, the metal conductive part 6150M can be pre-formed and then insert molded into the plastic body 6140. For example, the metal conductive part is first formed into an operating configuration by one or more metal forming processes. Next, the metal conductive part or insert is inserted into the injection mold for the body and then melt injected. During the injection process, the melt flows around the edge of the metal conductive part and locks or connects the metal conductive part to the body as it solidifies.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 10G, the metal conductive part 6150M can include a lower wall part or plate 6152M, a side wall part 6154M extending around the periphery of the plate 6152M, and an interface part 6156M that engages with the lower wall part 6144, whereby the metal conductive part 6150M is fixed to the plastic body 6140. In another arrangement, the metal conductive part 6150M can extend to the peripheral side wall part 6142 of the body 6140 and thus can replace the lower wall part 6144. In this case, the interface part 6156M can engage with the side wall part 6142 of the body 6140.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 10G, the plate 6152M includes a first side 6152.1M adapted to form the lower inner surface of the reservoir, and this surface of the first side is exposed to water. The second side 6152.2M of the plate 6152M is on the opposite side of the first side and is adapted to form the lower outer surface of the reservoir. This surface is exposed to the heater plate. Thus, the second side 6152.2M of the plate provides a contact surface structured and arranged to engage directly with the heater plate 6080.

[0248] In an example, the plate 6152M may include a pre-formed curvature or dome shape (i.e., a generally convex surface is obtained by the second side 6152.2M). When the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, a bias may be applied between the water reservoir and the heater plate, whereby the curved plate 6152M becomes flat (e.g., substantially planar) and aligns or conforms to the flat surface of the heater plate 6080. As the curved plate 6152M becomes flat, a bias is applied between the plate 6152M and the heater plate 6080, ensuring good thermal contact between the heater plate and the water in the water reservoir and improving heat transfer. In an example, the curvature of the plate may be formed by placing a metal conductive portion within a smaller opening in the lower wall portion of the body (e.g., the metal conductive portion is compressed by the smaller opening in the lower wall portion to form a curvature within the plate).

[0249] In another example, the plate 6152M may include a generally planar shape (i.e., a pre-formed planar shape).

[0250] In the illustrated example, the metal conductive portion 6150M is configured such that the surface of the plate 6152M is offset and generally parallel to the plane of the lower wall portion 6144 of the body 6140 (i.e., the plate is below the lower wall portion in the operable vertical direction of the water reservoir). In another example, the metal plate 6152M may be configured such that the plate is generally coplanar with the lower wall portion 6144, i.e., thereby providing a substantially flat lower surface to the reservoir base. In another example, the metal plate 6152M may be configured to extend in more than one plane (e.g., a stepped arrangement configuration as shown in FIG. 29 may be obtained by the metal plate).

[0251] In an example, the metal conductive portion 6150M may include a surface treatment (e.g., plasma surface treatment). For example, the inside and / or outside of the metal conductive portion (e.g., on at least the interface portion 6156M) may include nanoparticle plasma particles on the metal surface.

[0252] In the illustrated example, the plate 6152M of the reservoir base 6112M1 includes a rectangular shape corresponding to, for example, the shape of the heater plate 6080 within the reservoir dock 6050. However, it should be understood that the plate 6152M can include other suitable shapes (e.g., circular, square, elliptical) whether corresponding to the shape of the heater plate or not. For example, in the reservoir base 6112M2 shown in FIGS. 11A - 11C, the metal plate 6152M of the metal conductive part 6150M is circular. In another example, making the side wall part extending around the plate and / or the interface part longer can result in a more deeply recessed metal conductive part (e.g., refer to the more deeply recessed rectangular metal conductive part 6150M in the reservoir base 6112M3 in FIGS. 12A - 12C).

[0253] The reservoir base 6112F1 according to an example of the present technology shown in FIGS. 13A - 13C includes a thin non - metallic film as the conductive part 6150F. In the example, the reservoir base 6112F1 includes a two - part structure (i.e., only the main body 6140 and the thin - film conductive part 6150F).

[0254] The thin - film conductive part 6150F can include a thermally conductive non - metallic material, such as silicone, polycarbonate, or other thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as copolyesters.

[0255] In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin - film conductive part 6150F can be about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.10 mm to 0.125 mm). Although rare, a thicker film (i.e., up to 1.5 mm) may be required. In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin - film conductive part 6150F can be about 1 mm or less, for example, 0.5 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, for example, 0.40 mm, 0.375 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.175 mm, 0.125 mm.

[0256] As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the main body 6140 of the reservoir base 6112F1 includes a lower wall portion 6144 and side wall portions 6142 extending around the periphery of the lower wall portion 6144. In such an example, the thin film conductive portion 6150F can extend across a hole provided in the lower wall portion 6144, and the thin film conductive portion 6150F is provided not only across the hole but also across at least a part of the remaining lower wall portion 6144, so that the seal between the two is improved and water leakage from the reservoir base is also ensured. Therefore, at least a part of the lower part of the reservoir base is formed by the thin film conductive portion 6150F, the formation of the chamber is maintained, and water withdrawal from the water reservoir is avoided. Also, for example, for seal improvement, the thin film conductive portion 6150F can not only overlap with the opening in the lower wall portion 6144 but also extend to cover at least a part of the side wall portion 6142 of the reservoir base.

[0257] In an example, the thin film conductive portion 6150F is provided as a separate and individual structure from the main body 6140 and is then fixed to the main body in the operating position or provided in another manner (for example, the thin film includes a pre-formed structure fixed to the main body). In one example, the main body 6140 includes a plastic or thermoplastic polymer material, such as PC, ABS, copolyester.

[0258] In an example, the thin film conductive portion 6150F can be insert molded or attached to the plastic main body 6140 in another manner (for example, by using an adhesive) after being pre-formed. For example, the thin film conductive portion 6150F is first formed into the operating configuration (for example, by a vacuum forming process). Alternatively, the thin film conductive portion 6150F may be insert molded into the plastic main body 6140 after being inserted. Application WO2018 / 094452 is referred to. Here, the entire document is incorporated by reference for reference purposes.

[0259] Post-formation of the thin film When insert molding a thin film plate to obtain a polycarbonate humidifying tube base (also called a water reservoir base), problems can occur with the film's geometry. Usually, the film is pre-formed (e.g., stamped into a deeply recessed stepped shape) and then insert molded. However, when the mold cools, it can lead to film bending and distortion due to the tension at various positions within the mold. This is further complicated by the fact that the thin film and the water reservoir base have different mechanical properties and coefficients of thermal expansion / contraction. Therefore, it becomes difficult to control the film shape during the cooling process. One way to mitigate this problem is as follows. Instead of pre-forming, form the film shape after the molding process (post-molding formation). In other words, insert mold the film as a flat film and then form it into the recessed shape. Even so, during molding, the film shrinks. However, when the shrunk / distorted film is post-formed, the forming process tightens / straightens the film, enabling more precise geometry control.

[0260] In the post-molding formation process, the film starts in some form (e.g., a flat film). This film is in a non-final form (e.g., a flat configuration). Subsequently, plastic can be insert molded around the flat film. After plastic molding, distortion occurs again in the film. However, here, it is possible to use punching, vacuum forming, or thermo-vacuum forming to generate the desired stepped geometry shape. When forming the final geometry of this film, by stretching the film in a controlled manner, it becomes possible to form a very flat surface.

[0261] The vacuum forming process is similar to molding as temperature and pressure are commonly used. However, for making certain minor geometry changes, using pressure alone may be sufficient. To achieve good geometry control, good temperature control is necessary. For this purpose, when forming a stepped geometry, only the film is softened and the plastic tank surface around the film is not softened. Thus, the chemical composition of the tank and the film, and the temperature and pressure during post-forming are such that the film rather than the tank softens during the post-forming process. This shape need not be stepped and can be any surface having one or more depressions (tension-adding regions) that remove slack from a flat surface.

[0262] This technology can also be used in the manufacture of masks and LCD windows (for coating with an antibacterial thin film). The film can cover any gaps and edges that can collect a bio-burden. In one example, the film can be used for mask manufacturing (i.e., for disposable masks). The thin film is perhaps most suitable for forming the walls that define the plenum chamber of the mask. However, the thin film body can be provided on the frame, in which case only the edges formed of a more rigid plastic are attached to the seal. The geometry within the mask can be much more complex and, for example, tight control can be important. This can be achieved by post-forming. It is important to ensure a homogeneous bond between the film and the remaining surface.

[0263] If the thin film treatment needs to be carried out after forming, a certain period of time is required after the forming process to perform the film efficiently. This time can be related to the cooling of the formed film and / or the stage of the shrinkage process associated with the cooling process. These two processes (cooling and shrinkage) are both non-linearly dependent on time, while being closely related but different processes. This is one distinct advantage of the proposed process, enabling the film forming process to be carried out in the same tools and setup as the insert molding process. This can lead to substantial time and cost savings.

[0264] For the successful post-formed formation of the film, it is important to follow a process that allows film formation after stabilizing all any significant dimensional changes (such as those occurring during plastic forming on the film). The aim is to approach the dimensional stability of the plastic by completing the post-forming at a stage after sufficient cooling has already taken place. Thus, post-forming can enable good dimensional control and dimensional stability of the formed thin film components.

[0265] Also, the present process is suitable for any location where a window / aperture exists in that portion. This window allows a punching tool to access the film and perform the post-forming step. An arrangement configuration including multiple windows is used with one or more large film portions, one or more of which are arranged to cover more than one of the windows.

[0266] As shown in FIG. 13C, the thin film conductive site 6150F includes a lower wall portion or plate 6152F, a side wall portion 6154F extending around the periphery of the plate 6152F, and an interface portion 6156F for fixing the thin film conductive site 6150F to the plastic body 6140.

[0267] As illustrated in FIG. 13C, the plate 6150F includes a first side portion 6152.1F adapted to form the bottom inner surface of a reservoir exposed to water. The plate 6152F includes a second side portion 6152.2F. The second side portion 6152.2F is provided on the side opposite to the first side portion and, in some cases, is adapted to form the lower outer surface of the reservoir. This lower outer surface is exposed to the heater plate. Thus, the second side portion 6152.2F of the plate provides a contact surface structured and arranged to directly engage the heater plate 6080.

[0268] In an example, similar to the example described in relation to the metal heat conducting plate, the 6152F plate may include a pre-formed curvature or dome shape (i.e., a generally convex surface is obtained by the second side 6152.2F). When the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, the water reservoir and the heater plate may be biased against each other, whereby the curved plate 6152F becomes flat (e.g., substantially planar) and is aligned or conforms to the flat surface of the heater plate 6080. By flattening the curved plate 6152F, a bias is generated between the plate 6152F and the heater plate 6080, ensuring good thermal contact and improved heat transfer between the heater plate and the water in the water reservoir. In an example, the curvature of the plate may be formed by disposing a thin film conductive portion within a smaller opening in the lower wall portion of the body (e.g., the thin film conductive portion is compressed by the smaller opening in the lower wall portion to form a curvature within the plate).

[0269] In another example, the plate 6152F may include a generally planar shape (i.e., a pre-formed planar shape).

[0270] In the illustrated example, the configuration of the thin film conductive portion 6150F is such that the plate 6152F is offset and generally parallel to the lower wall portion 6144 of the body 6140 (i.e., the plate is disposed below the lower wall portion). In another example, the configuration of the thin film conductive portion 6150F may be such that the plate 6152F is disposed generally in the same plane as the lower wall portion 6144, i.e., whereby the lower surface of the reservoir base is substantially flat. In another example, the thin film conductive portion 6152F may be configured to extend in more than one plane, e.g., a stepped arrangement configuration as shown in FIG. 29 may be obtained by the thin film conductive portion.

[0271] In an example not shown, for example, to improve the rigidity of the thin film conductive part and / or to improve the force for pressing the thin film conductive part against the heater plate, one or more ribs may be provided along the first side and / or the second side of the thin film conductive part 6150F.

[0272] In an example, for example, to improve the thermal conductivity, a thin metal layer (e.g., a mesh) may be provided along the first side and / or the second side of the thin film conductive part 6150F.

[0273] In the illustrated example, the plate 6152F of the reservoir base 6112F1 includes a rectangular shape (e.g., corresponding to the shape of the heater plate 6080 within the reservoir dock 6050). However, it should be understood that the plate 6152F may include other suitable shapes (e.g., circular, square, elliptical) that correspond or do not correspond to the shape of the heater plate. For example, in the reservoir base 6112F2 shown in FIGS. 14A - 14C, the plate 6152F of the thin film conductive part 6150F is circular.

[0274] The reservoir base 6112MF1 according to an example of the present technology shown in FIGS. 15A - 15C includes a composite laminated arrangement configuration of a metal plate and a thin non - metallic film as the conductive part 6150MF. In an example, the reservoir base 6112MF1 includes a three - part structure, namely, a main body 6140, a metal conductive part 6150M, and a thin film conductive part 6150F.

[0275] The thin film conductive part 6150F may include a thermally conductive non - metallic material, such as silicone, polycarbonate, or other thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as copolyesters.

[0276] In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin film conductive portion 6150F can be about 0.05 mm to 1 mm (for example, 0.10 mm to 0.125 mm). In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin film can be less than about 1 mm, for example, 0.5 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, for example, 0.40 mm, 0.375 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.175 mm, 0.125 mm.

[0277] In an example as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the reservoir base 6112MF1 includes a lower wall portion 6144 and a side wall portion 6142 extending around the periphery of the lower wall portion 6144. In such an example, the thin film conductive portion 6150F not only covers the metal conductive portion 6150M, but also extends over at least a part of the remaining lower wall portion 6144. With such an arrangement configuration, by reliably covering the connection boundary between the metal conductive portion 6150M and the lower wall portion 6144 with the thin film conductive portion 6150F, the water seal between the two is improved and water leakage from the reservoir base is avoided. For seal improvement, the thin film conductive portion 6150F can not only cover the connection boundary between the metal conductive portion 6150M and the lower wall portion 6144, but also extend to cover at least a part of the side wall portion 6142 of the reservoir base. Doing so is particularly important when the metal conductive portion 6150M covers the entire lower wall portion 6144 and possibly a part of the side wall portion 6142, and the connection boundary is actually provided between the metal conductive portion 6150M and the side wall portion 6142.

[0278] As shown in the figure, the thin film conductive part 6150F includes a first side part 6152.1F adapted to form the inner bottom surface of the reservoir exposed to water. The thin film conductive part 6150F includes a second side part 6152.2F opposite to the first side part. The second side part 6152.2F is adapted to engage with the metal conductive part 6150M, the lower wall part 6144 and the side wall part 6142 of the reservoir base. The metal conductive part 6150M forms the outer lower surface of the reservoir, and this surface is exposed to the heater plate 6080. Therefore, the metal conductive part 6150M provides a contact surface structured and arranged to directly engage with the heater plate 6080. One advantage of such an arrangement configuration is that the metal heat conduction plate 6150M with much higher abrasion resistance is exposed to mechanical interaction with the heater plate 6080.

[0279] In another example (not shown), the thin film conductive part 6150F can be arranged on the other outer surface of the reservoir, and the metal conductive part 6150M forms the inner (upper) surface in contact with the water content of the reservoir. One advantage of such an arrangement configuration is that in this case, the importance of the chemical composition and stability of the thin film conductive part may be reduced (for example, the thin film conductive part does not contact the water in the reservoir).

[0280] In an example, one or more ribs can be provided along the first side part and / or the second side part of the thin film conductive part 6150F, for example, to improve the rigidity of the thin film and / or to improve the force adapted to press the thin film / metal plate against the heater plate.

[0281] In an example, a metal layer (for example, a mesh) can be provided along the first side part and / or the second side part of the thin film conductive part 6150F, for example, to improve the thermal conductivity.

[0282] In an example, the conductive site 6150MF may include a shape corresponding to the shape of the heater plate 6080 (for example, for reasons such as stability and improved thermal conductivity). For example, the conductive site 6150MF and the heater plate 6080 may include a circular shape or a non-circular shape (for example, rectangular, square, elliptical). In the illustrated example, the conductive site 6150MF includes a rectangular shape (for example, a shape corresponding to the shape of the heater plate 6080 within the reservoir dock 6050). In another example shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the reservoir base 6112MF2 includes a circular conductive site 6150MF. The reservoir base 6112MF3 shown in FIGS. 17A-17C includes a more deeply recessed rectangular-shaped conductive site 6150MF.

[0283] In an example, the thin film conductive site 6150F and the metal conductive site 6150M are provided as separate and distinct structures from the body 6140 and are then fixed to the body 6140 in an operating position or provided in another manner (for example, in the thin film conductive site 6150F and the metal conductive site 6150F, a pre-formed structure is fixed to the body 6140). In one example, the body 6140 includes a plastic or thermoplastic polymer material, such as PC, ABS, copolyester.

[0284] In an example, the thin film conductive site 6150F can be pre-formed (e.g., a vacuum gauge is formed), and can be assembled to the pre-formed metal conductive site 6150M (e.g., joined, laminated, or simply engaged with each other). Next, the thermal conductive assembly site of the thin film / metal plate can be insert molded into the plastic body 6140 (i.e., the lower wall portion and the side wall portion of the body 6140 are insert molded into the thin film / metal plate assembly). In another example, the metal conductive site 6150M can be insert molded into the body 6140, and then the thin film conductive site 6150F can be joined to the metal conductive site 6150M so as to cover at least the metal conductive site 6150M and the region of the body 6140 beyond the metal conductive site 6150M, thereby ensuring the reliability of the sealing of the contact boundary between the metal conductive site 6150M and the body 6140. In any of the above examples, a vacuum can be used to remove all air gaps between the thin film conductive site 6150F and the metal conductive site 6150M. Also, a joint (e.g., an adhesive) can be used between the thin film conductive site 6150F and the metal conductive site 6150M, for example, to maintain the assembly and ensure good thermal conductivity.

[0285] In an example, the metal conductive part 6150M and / or the thin film conductive part 6150F may include a pre-formed curvature or dome shape (i.e., a generally convex surface is obtained by the lower side of the metal conductive part 6150M and / or the thin film conductive part 6150F). When the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, the curved metal plate / thin film flattens (e.g., becomes substantially planar) and aligns or conforms to the flat surface of the heater plate 6080. The flattening of the curved metal plate / thin film generates a biasing force between the metal plate / thin film and the heater plate, enabling good thermal contact between the heater plate and the water in the water reservoir and improving heat transfer. In an example, the curvature of the metal plate / thin film can be formed by disposing the metal plate / thin film in a smaller opening within the lower wall portion of the body (e.g., the smaller opening within the lower wall portion compresses the metal plate / thin film, forming a curvature in the metal plate / thin film).

[0286] In another example, the metal plate / thin film may include a generally planar shape (i.e., a pre-formed planar shape).

[0287] In the illustrated example, the configuration of the metal plate / thin film is such that the metal plate / thin film is offset and generally parallel to the lower wall portion of the body (i.e., the metal plate / thin film is provided below the lower wall portion). In another example, the configuration of the metal plate / thin film can be such that the metal plate / thin film is provided generally in the same plane as the lower wall portion (i.e., thereby the reservoir base has a substantially flat lower surface). In another example, the metal plate / thin film can be configured to extend in more than one plane (e.g., a stepped arrangement configuration as shown in FIG. 29 can be obtained by the metal plate / thin film).

[0288] An advantage of the combination of the thin film conductive part 6150F and the metal conductive part 6150M is that the non-metallic properties of the thin film (e.g., properties of a thermoplastic material or an elastomeric material) enable corrosion protection (e.g., protection against exposure to water) and improvement of the seal to the lower wall part (e.g., for forming a seal of the humidification water reservoir), while the metal properties of the metal plate enable good thermal contact, rigidity, and durability (e.g., for multiple uses according to multiple patients).

[0289] Reservoir lid As shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 19A - 19G, the reservoir lid 6114 is configured to connect to the reservoir base 6112. This configuration can be arranged such that the water reservoir can be convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the reservoir lid 6114 can be hingedly connected to the reservoir base 6112 by a hinge pin. In another example, the reservoir lid 6114 can include a plurality of elastic locking tabs adapted to interlock with the reservoir base 6112, for example, by snap fit. In an example, a seal 6116 (see, for example, FIG. 19C) can be provided on the reservoir lid 6114 so as to avoid water withdrawal from the connection boundary between, for example, the lid 6114 and the base 6112 of the water reservoir. In one form, the reservoir lid 6114 can be constructed from a biocompatible material (e.g., plastic or a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PC, ABS, copolyester)).

[0290] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the reservoir lid 6114 can include an inlet tube 6120 arranged to provide an inlet for an air flow into the water reservoir and an outlet tube 6130 arranged to provide an outlet for delivering a humidified air flow from the water reservoir.

[0291] When the reservoir lid 6114 is connected to the reservoir base 6112, the inlet tube 6120 includes an outer (inlet) end 6124 disposed outside the chamber and an inner (outlet) end 6126 disposed inside the chamber. Similarly, the outlet tube 6130 includes an outer (outlet) end 6134 disposed outside the chamber and an inner (inlet) end 6136 disposed inside the chamber. Each of the inlet tube or the outlet tube can be replaced by an opening in the wall portion of the reservoir lid (together with the inlet and outlet of each tube respectively).

[0292] In an example, the inlet seal 6122 is provided at the free outer (inlet) end of the inlet tube 6120 (see, for example, FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19D, and 21), and the outlet seal 6132 is provided at the free outer (outlet) end of the outlet tube 6130 (see, for example, FIG. 21). By not making the inlet seal 6122 and the outlet seal 6132 part of the water reservoir, for example, part of the RPT device, it becomes possible to replace the seals each time the water reservoir is replaced. That is, this is a useful feature especially in the case of a disposable water reservoir. In an example, each seal can include a bellows-type arrangement configuration, so that disconnection between these two connection portions can be possible at a certain level. In an example, the inlet seal and the outlet seal can be overmolded onto the reservoir lid.

[0293] FIG. 80 shows an integrated RPT device and a humidifier 6000 according to an embodiment of the present technology similar to the illustrations of FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, and 8A - 8D.

[0294] Figures 80, 85, 86, and 134 - 136 show a water reservoir 6100 and a reservoir lid 6114 according to another example of the present technology. In this example, an inlet seal 6122 (e.g., bellows - type arrangement) is provided at the free outer (inlet) end of the inlet pipe 6120, and no seal is provided at the free outer (outlet) end of the outlet pipe 6130. As will be described later in the text, such a seal may be provided at the inlet of an intermediate element to which the outlet pipe 6130 is attached. In use, when the water reservoir 6100 is removably connected to the reservoir dock 6050, the inlet seal 6122 of the inlet pipe 6120 (or inlet) of the water reservoir 6100 is structured and arranged to provide a face seal with the chassis outlet 7320 (dock inlet) of the reservoir dock 6050 (see Figures 100, 131, and 133), and the inlet seal 9715 of the intermediate component 9700 (described in more detail below) is structured and arranged to provide a face seal with the outlet end of the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 (see Figures 131 and 132).

[0295] Also, in this example, the inlet seal 6122 can be over - molded onto the reservoir lid 6114 together with a peripheral seal 6116 arranged to form a seal between the lid 6114 and the base 6112 in use (see Figure 85) (e.g., seals 6122 and 6116 from an integrally - formed one - piece component of an elastomeric material). That is, as shown in Figure 85, the reservoir lid 6114 (including the inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130) may include a first part or base mold constructed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PC, ABS)), and the inlet seal 6122 and the seal 6116 may include a second part or over - mold constructed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone) provided to the first part (e.g., by over - molding).

[0296] Further, as shown at 80 and 85, by providing a thumb grip 6133 (e.g., mechanical interlock, snap fit) on the upper portion of the reservoir lid 6144, manual operation of the water reservoir 6100 and / or interlocking of the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050 can be facilitated. This thumb grip aids in aligning the reservoir 6100 during insertion. Also, this aids in gripping and squeezing the portion of the reservoir 6100 that extends outside of the RPT device and the humidifier 6000 (see, e.g., FIG. 79). Since the peripheral seal 6116 is deformable, when the user presses on the thumb grip (when the reservoir 6100 is squeezed), the seal yields and the cross-sectional dimension of the water reservoir 6100 appears. As a result, the friction during insertion or extraction of the water reservoir 6100 into / from the humidification dock is reduced and the user experience is improved overall. Spillback protection

[0297] In one example, the water reservoir 6100 can also be configured to inhibit liquid discharge from the reservoir, for example, when the water reservoir is displaced and / or rotated from its normal operating direction.

[0298] In an example, as shown in FIGS. 19C - 19G, the inlet pipe 6120 can include an outer (inlet) end 6124 disposed outside the chamber and an inner (outlet) end 6126 disposed inside the chamber. The inlet pipe 6120 includes an inlet portion 6123 that includes the inlet end 6124 and an outlet portion 6125 that includes the outlet end 6126. The lower portion of the water reservoir (e.g., the conductive portion 6150) includes a lower surface that defines a bottom surface that is substantially horizontal when the water reservoir is in its normal operating orientation (e.g., see FIG. 19C). As shown in FIGS. 19C - 19G, various portions of the inlet pipe 6120 can extend in different directions (e.g., can change direction along at least one point along its flow). For example, the inlet portion 6123 extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface, while the outlet portion 6125 extends in a different direction (in this case, the outlet portion 6125 extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface). Various twists and / or direction changes can be introduced into each portion (direction) of the inlet pipe 6120.

[0299] As shown in FIGS. 19C - 19G, the outlet pipe 6130 can include an outer (outlet) end 6134 disposed outside the chamber and an inner (inlet) end 6136 disposed inside the chamber. Similar to the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe can also extend in different directions (e.g., can change direction at least at one point along its flow). Further similarly, the outlet pipe 6130 can include a vertical twist portion (a bend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface), such that the outlet pipe 6130 is curved downward from the outlet end 6134 to the inlet end 6136, thereby enabling the outlet pipe 6130 to cross below the inlet portion 6123 of the inlet pipe 6120. Further, the opening at the inlet end 6136 of the outlet pipe 6130 is curved upward to avoid spitting (which occurs when water is pushed out of the outlet pipe due to pressure and flow).

[0300] Figures 19D, 19H-1, 19H2 and 19I show the directional changes of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe in the horizontal plane, while Figures 19C, 19E and 19F show the same directional changes in the vertical direction (each pipe effectively moves closer to or away from the lower surface provided by the conductive part 6150).

[0301] In an example, the outlet end 6126 of the inlet pipe 6120 and the inlet end 6136 of the outlet pipe 6130 can be arranged at or near the geometric center or the center of gravity of the reservoir chamber.

[0302] The inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130 are at least one (and preferably at least two) of the following: a. The outer (inlet) end 6124 of the inlet pipe 6120; b. The inner (outlet) end 6126 of the inlet pipe 6120; c. The outer (outlet) end 6134 of the outlet pipe 6130; and d. The inner (inlet) end 6136 of the outlet pipe 6130 can be further arranged to exceed a predetermined maximum water level in the following cases: (1) when the water reservoir is in the operating direction and d (2) when the water reservoir is rotated by 90 degrees in at least one direction from the operating direction.

[0303] Depending on the above-described inlet / outlet arrangement configuration and the horizontal and vertical positions, in some examples, when the reservoir is rotated by 90 degrees, the same at least one (or two) inlets / outlets are raised to a position higher than the water level. In other arrangement configurations, at least one (or two) inlets / outlets are raised above the water level during the operating configuration, and when the reservoir is tilted by 90 degrees, the other at least one (or two) inlets / outlets are raised above the water.

[0304] For example, FIG. 19C shows a state where all of the inlet end 6124, the outlet end 6126, the outlet end 6134, and the inlet end 6136 are above the water level in the operating direction. FIG. 19D shows a state where the outlet ends 6126 and 6134 are above the water level when the water reservoir is rotated forward by 90 degrees. FIG. 19D shows a state where the inlet ends 6124 and 6136 are above the water level when the water reservoir is rotated again by 90 degrees. Also, FIG. 19G shows a state where at least the outlet end 6126 exceeds the water level when the water reservoir is rotated by 180 degrees. With such an arrangement configuration, spillback protection is achieved to suppress the situation where water enters the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the water reservoir from various directions. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 19C and 19I, in the operating configuration, the inlet pipe 6120 is inclined such that its inlet 6124 is higher than its outlet end 6126. Thereby, when the water reservoir returns to the operating configuration, after being filled (in the process of being rotated at various angles (including at least 90 degrees in any direction)), all the water in the inlet pipe drips back to the outlet end (and the water chamber) again and does not move to the inlet end (in the direction of the RPT device). Thereby, damage to the electronic devices in the RPT device can be avoided when the water reservoir is received in the reservoir dock.

[0305] As described above, the inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130 for the water reservoir can be curved and can extend in different directions (for example, can be curved in one or more planes). The curved pipes 6120 and 6130 can enable improvement in control and flexibility in positioning the pipe inlets and outlets at suitable positions within the water reservoir (for example, for improving the water overflow protection of the tank). These curved pipes 6120 and 6130 can enable better utilization of the space within the water reservoir, can integrate all the reservoir elements better as a whole, and can also increase the defined flexibility of the airtight features of the reservoir. In the example, the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can also vary in diameter along its flow (for example, refer to FIG. 19D) for providing flexibility in the arrangement of the pipe within the water reservoir.

[0306] As described above, in the spillback feature, since it is necessary to arrange the outlet end 6126 / inlet end 6136 in the inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130 in the middle part of the water reservoir (for example, at or near the geometric center or the center of gravity of the reservoir chamber), when the water reservoir accidentally falls at various angles with a certain amount of water contained therein, the water level thereof is generally lower than the height of the outlet end 6126 / inlet end 6136 arranged at the center of these inlet 6120 and outlet pipe 6130. In this way, the support by the curved shape of the pipe becomes possible. Specifically, when one of these pipes is oriented such that the outlet end 6126 / inlet end 6136 is arranged centrally with respect to the water reservoir, the other pipe cannot simply extend below the first pipe (therefore, it can move away from the central region of the water reservoir), but can be oriented to bend below the first pipe and then extend curvilinearly to any desired height again.

[0307] In another design, these pipes may only cross each other at different heights. With such a design, two sides of the reservoir can be defined. In that case, when the reservoir is tilted at one of these sides, one of the inlet or outlet pipes is tilted upward, whereby each in-tank opening is held higher than the water level. In this case, unless mitigation means are taken, the other pipe is tilted downward and the in-tank opening can be exposed to water. The curved design of the present technology can mitigate this problem.

[0308] The curvature of the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can be shallow or can be a significant curvature. This curvature may be provided in more than one plane for the optimization of the internal space of the tank. The concept of curving the pipe can be further improved by introducing a second curvature following the first curvature, whereby the direction or at least the radius of the first curvature can be changed. As a premise for supporting such a shape, there is a point where additional resistance to water propagation in a certain direction can be obtained. Thus, by extending such a series of "twists" in one or more planes / directions, resistance in each one or more directions can be obtained, and protection against the tipping / overturning / reversal of the reservoir can be obtained. Of course, this benefit can be weighted against design complexity and resistance to air flow.

[0309] Therefore, by providing a curved pipe inside the reservoir, it may be possible to improve the water overflow feature of the reservoir and improve the effective use of space. This may enable the optimization of the interior of the reservoir and the reduction of the overall volume of the reservoir. Such an overall efficiency improvement may enable adaptation to a larger quantity of water or reduction of the overall size of the reservoir. Instead of introducing a continuous curvature, similar results can also be achieved by making a change in the direction of the pipe through separate angles at desired points along the flow.

[0310] In an example, the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can be provided as a separate and distinct structure from the reservoir lid 6114 (see, for example, FIGS. 19H-1, 19H-2, and 19I described below), and then be fixed to the reservoir lid 6114 in an operating position or provided in another manner. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can be formed or molded, for example, as part of the reservoir lid 6114 or the reservoir base 6112 (see, for example, FIGS. 134-136 showing the inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130 formed as part of the reservoir lid 6114). In an example, the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can include a material different from that of the reservoir lid (e.g., a more flexible material) (e.g., silicone or TPE to facilitate bending into a desired configuration). Alternatively, the inlet pipe 6120 and / or the outlet pipe 6130 can include a material similar to that of the reservoir lid (e.g., polycarbonate).

[0311] For example, FIGS. 19H-1 and 19H-2 show a removable outlet pipe arrangement configuration for a water reservoir according to an example of the present technology. As shown, the removable outlet pipe arrangement configuration includes the outlet pipe 6130 and a portion of the inlet pipe 6120 (e.g., the outlet end 6126 of the inlet pipe 6120). In this example, the inlet portion 6123 and the outlet portion 6125 of the inlet pipe 6120 can be formed (e.g., molded) as part of the reservoir lid 6114. The removable outlet pipe arrangement configuration is formed as a separate and distinct structure from the reservoir lid 6114 and then fixed to the reservoir lid 6114 or assembled in another manner to completely form the inlet air path and the outlet air path. For example, the outlet end 6134 of the outlet pipe 6130 is fixed to or otherwise anchored to the side wall portion of the reservoir lid 6114, and the outlet end 6126 is engaged with or otherwise anchored to the end of the outlet portion 6125 of the inlet pipe 6120. FIGS. 19A-19G show the removable outlet pipe arrangement configuration being fixed to the reservoir lid 6114 in an operating position.

[0312] In another example shown in FIG. 19I, the inlet pipe 6120 and the outlet pipe 6130 include a removable inlet and outlet pipe arrangement (separate and distinct from the reservoir lid 6114), which is then fixed to the reservoir lid 6114 in the operating position or otherwise provided.

[0313] Hinge-type connection of the reservoir lid to the reservoir base The water reservoir 6100 shown in FIGS. 82 to 97 includes a reservoir lid 6114 according to an example of the present technology. This reservoir lid 6114 is connected to the reservoir base 6112 in a hinged and removable manner.

[0314] As shown in the figures, since the water reservoir 6100 includes a hinge joint between the lid 6114 and the base 6112, the lid 6114 can move in a hinged manner between the open position (see FIGS. 84 and 89) and the closed position (see FIGS. 82, 83 and 91).

[0315] In the illustrated example, on each side of the lid 6114, hinge arms 9100 are provided together with hinge pins 9105 extending inwardly (see FIGS. 86 and 87). Each hinge pin 9105 is configured to engage with each open-end slot or cavity 9200 provided on each side of the base 6112 (see FIGS. 86 and 88).

[0316] Each hinge pin 9105 (see FIG. 87) includes a segmented cylindrical shape including a cylindrical surface 9105c that provides hinged movement, and a flat surface 9105f that facilitates engagement / disengagement of each hinge pin 9105 with each open-end slot 9200 (see FIG. 88). That is, as shown in FIG. 90, the cross-section of each hinge pin 9105 shows a major segment of a circle.

[0317] Each open - end slot 9200 provides a segmented cylindrical surface 9200c for hinged movement of each hinge pin 9105, and an open end or side 9200o that provides an opening to facilitate engagement and disengagement of each slot 9200 and each hinge pin 9105 (see FIG. 88).

[0318] As shown in FIGS. 94 and 95, to assemble or engage the lid 6114 with the base 6112, the lid 6114 is oriented so that each hinge pin 9105 is aligned with each open - end slot 9200, and then the lid 6114 is pressed (e.g., generally horizontally) toward the base 6112 until the hinge pin 9105 is pressed into each open - end slot 9200 (e.g., by a snap - fit). The flexibility of the opening of the slot 9200 allows the snap - fit engagement to be performed in any direction of the hinge pin. However, engagement and disengagement of the lid are made easier when the flat surface 9105f of each hinge pin 9105 is generally horizontally oriented as shown in FIG. 95. In that case, the smaller width (or diameter) of the major segment cross - section of the hinge pin 9105 (extending from the flat surface 9105f to the opposite cylindrical surface 9201c) can engage with the open end 9200o of the slot 9200, thereby making it relatively easy to send the hinge pin 9105 through the open end 9200o into the slot 9200. However, since the major segment of the smaller width enabled by a pair of hinge pins is larger than the opening of the open end or one side of each of the pair of slots, even during alignment, to force the pair of hinge pins to be removed from the pair of slots by the "lever principle", it is necessary to flex each opening to release one of each pair of hinge pins.

[0319] After assembly, the slot 9200 holds each hinge pin 9105 in a hinged manner, enabling the lid 6114 to move in a hinged manner between an open position (see FIGS. 89 and 90) and a closed position (see FIGS. 91 and 92).

[0320] As shown in FIGS. 82, 91 and 93, the lid 6114 includes clips 9120 adapted to releasably interlock (e.g., by snap fit) with one or more latches 9220 on the base 6112, thereby releasably holding or locking the lid 6114 to the base 6112 in a closed position. As shown, the clip 9120 includes at least one slot 9122 (e.g., a pair of slots) adapted to receive each latch 9220. As shown in FIGS. 83 and 93, a finger pull tab 9125 provided at the free end of the clip 9120 is angled outwardly from the base 6112 (so that a user can grip it when the user desires to open the lid by disengaging the clip 9120). As shown in FIG. 93, in some embodiments, a small gap G (e.g., 0.2 mm) may be provided between the lower portion of each latch 9220 and the slot 9122 in the clip 9120, such that the latch 9220 is not placed under a constant load when the lid is in the closed and locked position. However, generally, all such gaps are removed by the peripheral elastic support member 6096 pressing on the lid and thus pressing the lower portion of each latch 9220 upward.

[0321] As shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, to disassemble or disengage the lid 6114 from the base 6112, the lid 6114 is either overly extended beyond the full open position (i.e., distal to the rotational retention provided by the stop member 9110) or moved in a hinge-like manner. At the full open position, the minimum dimension of the segmented cross-section of the hinge pin is generally aligned with the opening 9200o in each slot. When the lid is further pressed and retracted, the stop member 9110 engaged with the side wall portion 9210 begins to function as a cantilever beam and presses the hinge pin into the opening 9200o. As a result, the opening 9200o flexes and the hinge pin 9105 is released from each slot 9200. The opening 9200o and the segmented cross-section of the hinge-type pin are not strictly necessary. This is because, by continuous backward pressing, the hinge pin is finally removed from the slot 9200 by the stop member 9110 by the "lever principle" (even without the opening or segmented cross-section). However, when the lid 6114 is overly extended, the presence of these openings and the smaller-width or diameter main segment provided by the hinge pin 9105 disposed at the open end 9200o of the slot 9200 actually facilitates the disengagement of the lid (i.e., the stress on the hinge is reduced when pulling the hinge pin 9105 out of the slot 9200 with a snap by the flat surface 9105f of the hinge pin 9105). Also, by providing the opening 9200o, the position of the accumulated stress also changes. Specifically, when the lid is disengaged by removing the hinge pin from the slot 9200 by the "lever principle", stress often concentrates within the side portion 9100 of the lid. In contrast, when the opening 9200o is provided, when the lid is disengaged by removing the hinge pin from the slot 9200 by the "lever principle", stress often concentrates within the portion of the tube base that defines the opening 9200o. This is because this portion needs to be flexed and the side of the opening increased to release the hinge pin and disengage the lid.

[0322] As shown in FIGS. 86 and 97, the lid 6114 includes a stop member 9110 adapted to engage with the side wall portion 9210 of the base 6112 when the lid 6114 reaches the full-open position (e.g., when the lid 6114 is stationary at the full-open position). In an example, when the lid 6114 is in the full-open position, it can be oriented at an angle slightly less than 90 degrees from the base 6112 (e.g., about 80-90 degrees). In this position, the lid is well-balanced so as to achieve both not falling forward to close the tank and not leaning towards the tank so as to incline laterally.

[0323] In another example, the positions of the hinge pin 9105 and the slot 9200 can be switched. For example, the hinge pin 9105 can be provided on the base 6112 and the slot 9200 can be provided on the lid 6114.

[0324] 5.6.2.2 Reservoir Dock In the example shown in FIG. 20A, the reservoir dock 6050 is provided on the chassis assembly 7300 of the oRPT device and is configured and arranged to receive the water reservoir 6100. In some arrangements, the reservoir dock 6050 can include a locking function (e.g., a locking lever or tab configured to hold the water reservoir 6100 within the reservoir dock 6050).

[0325] The reservoir dock 6050 includes a body that forms a cavity for receiving the water reservoir 6100. As best shown in FIGS. 20F and 21, the rear wall portion of the reservoir dock 6050 includes a chassis outlet 7320 (also referred to as the dock inlet) that is structured and arranged to receive the pressurized air flow to be delivered to the water reservoir 6100 from the outlet of the RPT device. The reservoir dock 6050 may also include a dock outlet 6090 that is structured and arranged to connect to the air delivery tube 4170 or an intermediate component that connects to the air delivery tube 4170 or otherwise interface therewith. In an example of the present technology, the reservoir dock 6050 may enable the air delivery tube 4170 to form a direct pneumatic connection to the water reservoir 6100, whereby a humidified pressurized air flow in the water reservoir 6100 is delivered directly from the water reservoir 6100 to the air delivery tube 4170.

[0326] The body of the reservoir dock 6050 includes a plurality of wall portions and a heating element (e.g., a heater plate 6080). The heating element (e.g., a heater plate 6080) is provided on the lower one of the wall portions to form a cavity for receiving the water reservoir 6100.

[0327] Connection of the water reservoir to the reservoir dock In use, the water reservoir 6100 is removably connected to the reservoir dock 6050 by insertion of the water reservoir 6100 into the reservoir dock 6050. When the water reservoir is positioned for direct engagement (pneumatic seal) with the air delivery conduit 4170, when the water reservoir 6100 is connected to the reservoir dock 6050 (see, for example, FIG. 21), the inlet seal 6122 (or inlet) of the inlet tube 6120 of the water reservoir 6100 is structured and arranged to provide a face seal with the chassis outlet 7320 (dock inlet) of the reservoir dock 6050. Similarly, the outlet seal 6132 of the outlet tube 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 is structured to provide a face seal against the air circuit or the air delivery tube 4170 (e.g., to avoid a pneumatic pressure drop due to leakage). In the illustrated example, the water reservoir 6100 is structured and arranged to form a direct pneumatic seal against the air delivery conduit 4170, completely bypassing the RPT device and the reservoir dock 6050. The reservoir dock 6050 facilitates this direct connection but does not form a part of this direct connection. Connections other than the pneumatic connection may be made between the delivery tube and the water reservoir dock. For example, the air delivery tube may be structured and arranged to form a releasable mechanical / lock connection and / or an electrical connection to the water reservoir dock. The releasable mechanical (lock) connection may include a snap-fit connection.

[0328] Removing the RPT device and the reservoir dock 6050 from the air delivery path eliminates the presence of internal connection components disposed between the water reservoir 6100 and the air delivery conduit 4170. This eliminates the need to disassemble and sterilize such connection components, thus making sterilization much easier. In this way, when preparing the device for different users, the water reservoir 6100 is the only component of the RPT device that requires replacement and sterilization.

[0329] The water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, and when it reaches the operating position, the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 is aligned with and in thermal contact with the heater plate 6080 of the reservoir dock 6050, enabling heat transfer from the heater plate 6080 to the water in the water reservoir 6100 (e.g., the surface of the conductive portion 6150 engages or contacts the surface of the heater plate 6080). A biasing mechanism for pressing the water reservoir and the heater plate against each other may be introduced, thereby changing the level of thermal contact between the conductive portion and the heater plate. In one example, a spring element is provided on the water reservoir, and the reservoir dock and / or the heater plate may be arranged such that by biasing the water reservoir and the heater plate against each other, an increase in contact pressure and an improvement in thermal contact are possible.

[0330] For example, the chassis outlet 7320 (dock inlet) shown in FIG. 21 is configured to receive the pressurized air flow from the blower of the RPT device and send the air flow into the water reservoir 6100 through the inlet pipe 6120 of the water reservoir 6100. As air passes through the water reservoir 6100, moisture (i.e., water vapor) is added to the air flow, and this humidified air flow exits the water reservoir through the outlet pipe 6130. The air flow is sent directly from the outlet pipe 6130 into the air delivery pipe 4170 to deliver the humidified air flow to the patient.

[0331] Guide structure for insertion / removal In an example, the dock engagement portion obtained by the outer portion of the water reservoir 6100 is structured and arranged to interface with and engage the reservoir engagement portion of the reservoir dock 6050. In an example, the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050 may include a guide structure for facilitating the insertion, removal, and alignment of the water reservoir 6100 with respect to the reservoir dock 6050.

[0332] For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, opposite side portions of the water reservoir 6100 along the dock engagement portion may include guide surfaces (e.g., provided by the guide rails 6200). These guide surfaces are arranged to engage with corresponding guide surfaces (e.g., provided by the guide slots 6060) along the reservoir engagement portion of the reservoir dock 6050 to guide the water reservoir 6100 into the reservoir dock 6050.

[0333] In an example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the water reservoir 6100 may be inserted / removed (e.g., by only sliding or pressing / pulling) along a path that extends in the lateral direction (i.e., the front-rear direction) inside and outside the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050.

[0334] In another example, at least a portion of the path for insertion / removal of the water reservoir may extend in the up-down direction. For example, at least a portion of the path for inserting the water reservoir into the dock includes an inclined portion (e.g., a raised or lowered portion into the operating position).

[0335] For example, the guide structure of the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050 can be structured and arranged to provide for an initial horizontal or inclined insertion of the water reservoir and a subsequent downward portion to the operating position of the final portion. In the example, the reservoir dock can provide an inclined surface and an inner edge disposed on the lower surface of the dock. In order for the water reservoir to descend to the operating position, it is necessary to pass through this inner edge. The water reservoir can be effectively locked in the operating position by the passed edge and / or the downward portion itself. Additional locking features can be used. Such a "press and drop" configuration includes the movement of the tank having components in both the horizontal and vertical directions. By optionally providing an edge, it becomes possible to reliably engage the base of the water reservoir with a single edge or a small surface (rather than on a much larger surface) during insertion of the water reservoir into the reservoir dock. This reduces any possibility of wear and tear of the heater plate. A spring element can be disposed (for example, between the reservoir dock and the water reservoir) to increase the contact pressure between the water reservoir and the heater plate (for example, to improve the thermal contact between the base plate of the reservoir and the heater plate of the dock).

[0336] Figures 25A - 27B illustrate the insertion, removal, and alignment of the water reservoir 6100 with the reservoir dock 6050 facilitated by a guide structure according to an example of the present technology. In the illustrated example, the engagement path for the insertion / removal of the water reservoir 6100 extends in the front - rear and up - down directions (i.e., the engagement path includes both a horizontal component and a vertical component).

[0337] In the illustrated example, on each side of the reservoir dock 6050, guide slots 6060 are provided that are configured to receive guide protrusions or pins 6250 on each side of the water reservoir 6100. As shown, the generally horizontal portion 6060H provided in each guide slot 6060 extends in the front - rear direction and leads to a dropdown portion 6060D that slopes downward from the generally horizontal portion 6060H.

[0338] As shown in FIGS. 28A-28C, the recessed heating element 6085 included in the reservoir dock 6050 is configured to engage with the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 to enable heat conduction from the heating element 6085 to the liquid volume in the water reservoir 6100. As shown, the chassis assembly forming the reservoir dock 6050 includes a recessed opening adapted to receive the heating element 6085 (e.g., a heat generating component (e.g., an electrical resistance heating track)). The recessed opening is at least partially formed by a front ledge 7350 of the chassis assembly at the front or open end of the reservoir dock 6050 and a rear ledge 7360 of the chassis assembly at the rear or inside of the reservoir dock 6050. The heating element 6085 is held in place either securely fixed or via a retainer plate 6095 configured and arranged to sandwich the heating element 6085 against the chassis assembly (e.g., against at least the front ledge 7350 and the rear ledge 7360 of the chassis assembly). In an example, the heating element 6085 may include a gasket 6086 (e.g., a silicone bead) along the perimeter to seal the heating element 6085 within the recessed opening of the chassis assembly.

[0339] The conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 (e.g., a metal plate) may include a stepped arrangement where the conductive portion 6150 extends in more than one plane. In an example (e.g., referring to FIG. 29), the conductive portion 6150 includes a first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 extending in a first plane and a second portion 6150.2 extending in a second plane offset upward from the first plane. Each of the more than one plane may extend in a horizontal plane (with respect to the operating configuration of the water reservoir), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0340] Due to the concave configuration of the reservoir dock 6050 and the water reservoir 6100, the water reservoir 6100 can lower the heating element 6085 to the operating position. Specifically, the guide pins 6250 of the water reservoir 6100 are disposed within the respective guide slots 6060 of the reservoir dock 6050 when the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050 (see, for example, FIGS. 25B and 26A). The generally horizontal portion 6060H of the guide slot 6060 guides the water reservoir into the reservoir dock (i.e., forward). When the water reservoir 6100 is guided along the generally horizontal portion 6060H of the guide slot 6060, the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 of the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 engages the upper guide surface 7355 of the front ledge 7350 that supports the heating element 6085 and slides along the upper guide surface 7355 (see, for example, FIG. 27A). When the water reservoir 6100 reaches the dropdown portion 6060D of the guide slot 6060, the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 of the water reservoir 6100 also passes through the inner edge of the front ledge 7350, so that the water reservoir 6100 and its first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 descend and engage the heating element 6085 (see, for example, FIGS. 25A, 26B, and 27B). That is, the stepped arrangement of the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 is configured such that the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 descends and engages the concave heating element 6085 and the second (usually non-thermally conductive) portion 6150.2 descends and engages the front ledge 7350 (see, for example, FIG. 27B). Such a dropdown engagement configuration effectively locks the water reservoir 6100 in the operating position (i.e., the front ledge 7350 provides the guide surface 7355, and the water reservoir 6100 engages at its rear side to lock the water reservoir 6100 in place and avoid unintentional release (e.g., when the system as a whole is under pressure that could cause the water reservoir to disengage from the operating configuration during treatment)). In the illustrated example, the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 of the water reservoir 6100 is sized to substantially fill the concave space provided by the concave heating element 6085, for example, to avoid all horizontal movement (see, for example, FIG. 27B).

[0341] When the water reservoir 6100 slides across the front ledge 7350 upon engagement, in contrast to along the heating element 6085, the engaging portion on the lower surface of the water reservoir 6100 can include one or both of the heating plate and the remaining portion of the lower wall of the reservoir, and engages over a much smaller surface of the dock bottom, so that the wear and tear possibilities of the water reservoir 6110 (i.e., its conductive portion 6150) and the heater plate are reduced. Further, when the water reservoir 6100 descends onto the heating element 6085 to come to the operating position, in contrast to sliding across the heating element 6085, in some configurations, the heating element 6085 can be provided to protect the heating element 6085 along the upper side or upper surface without a heater plate (for example, also called an abrasion-resistant plate or skid plate formed of a hard metal material). That is, with such an engaging configuration, by directly engaging the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 with the heating element 6085, the heat from the heating element 6085 is directly conducted into the liquid volume in the water reservoir 6100 (i.e., thereby, since there is no need to pass the heat through the heater plate or skid plate, the thermal conductivity is improved). Such an arrangement configuration can also be more cost-effective.

[0342] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 27A and 27B, the upper wall portion of the reservoir dock includes a spring-biased latch 6300 arranged to increase the contact pressure between the water reservoir 6100 and the fixed heating element 6085, for example, for improving thermal contact. As shown, when the water reservoir 6100 reaches the operating position, the spring-biased latch 6300 elastically engages with the upper portion of the water reservoir 6100 and is arranged to bias the water reservoir 6100 downward and move it into the fixed heating element 6085 (for example, refer to FIG. 27B. When removing, the water reservoir 6100 can be forcibly moved in a manner that resists the downward pressure of the spring-biased latch 6300 until it reaches the generally horizontal portion 6060H of the guide slot 6060).

[0343] It should be understood that the downward force on the water reservoir 6100 can also be provided in other suitable manners. For example, the guide slots of the reservoir dock can include springs or other biasing members arranged to provide downward force, for example, on the guide pins of the water reservoir. In another example, the chassis assembly can include a hinged lid adjacent to the reservoir dock. This hinged lid is configured to engage the water reservoir by downward movement after insertion of the water reservoir to provide a downward force. In yet another example, the chassis assembly can include a plunger-type element adjacent to the reservoir dock. This plunger-type element is configured to be pressed after insertion of the water reservoir to engage the water reservoir and thereby provide a downward force.

[0344] In another example, the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050 can be arranged such that the water reservoir 6100 first descends and engages the heating element 6085, and then further slides along the heating element 6085 to engage the spring-biased latch 6300. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 30 to 32B, each guide slot 6060 includes a further generally horizontal portion 6060H2 extending from the dropdown portion 6060D. Also, the size of the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 of the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 can be miniaturized so that the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 does not fill the concave space provided by the concave heating element 6085 (e.g., to allow for horizontal movement). In use, when the water reservoir 6100 reaches the dropdown portion 6060D of the guide slot 6060, the first thermally conductive portion 6150.1 of the water reservoir 6100 passes through the inner edge of the front ledge 7350, descends, and engages the heating element 6085. Next, the water reservoir 6100 can be further slid into the reservoir dock 6050 along the further generally horizontal portion 6060H2 until the water reservoir 6100 slides under the spring-biased latch 6300 and engages the spring-biased latch 6300 (see, for example, FIG. 32B). To remove, the water reservoir 6100 can be moved along the further generally horizontal portion 6060H2 to reach the dropdown portion 6060D and then moved horizontally out of engagement with the spring-biased latch 6300. Thereafter, the water reservoir 6100 can be lifted and removed from the reservoir dock 6050 (without the pressure from the spring-biased latch 6300) along the dropdown portion 6060D and the generally horizontal portion 6060H.

[0345] The guide arrangement configurations shown in FIGS. 80, 81, 91, and 98 - 101 facilitate the insertion, alignment, and engagement of the water reservoir 6100 with the reservoir dock 6050 according to another example of the present technology.

[0346] In the illustrated example, the water reservoir 6100 includes a pair of guide rails or biasing rails 6200. As shown, the pair of guide rails 6200 are respectively provided on opposite side portions of the base 6112 of the water reservoir 6100. When the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, the pair of guide rails 6200 are respectively engaged with a pair of guide slots 6060 provided on opposite side portions of the reservoir dock 6050, and are configured to guide the connection of the water reservoir 6100 to the reservoir dock 6050.

[0347] Each of the pair of guide rails 6200 includes an upper (providing an upwardly directed surface 9300) edge (with respect to the operable direction of the device), and each of the pair of guide slots 6060 includes an upper edge providing a downwardly directed surface 9400 (see FIGS. 81, 98 and 99). When the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, the guide slots 6060 are arranged to receive the rails 6200 and guide the insertion of the water reservoir 6100 into the dock 6050. Apart from this guiding function, an additional biasing function is provided by the guide slots 6060. Specifically, the upwardly directed surface 9300 of the rail 6200 is configured to engage and be pressed or forced downwardly against the downwardly directed surface 9400 of each of the slots 6060 at at least the final portion of the axial movement along the arrow described in FIG. 81. By this downward pressure, the water reservoir 6100 is forced or pressed downwardly to improve the adjacency between the thermally conductive portion 6150 and the heater plate 6080 of the heating assembly 6075 provided at the lower part of the reservoir dock 6050 in the operative configuration (see FIGS. 98 and 99).

[0348] A pair of guide rails 6200 may each include one or more engagement tabs 9315 (e.g., a single engagement tab as shown in FIGS. 81, 82, and 89) extending from an upwardly directed surface 9300 configured to engage a downwardly directed surface 9400 oriented below each slot 6060. This engagement improves the displacement of the water reservoir 6100 towards the heating assembly 6075, thereby improving the adjacency of the heating assembly 6075 to the heater plate 6080. Instead of the upwardly directed surface 9300, the tabs may be disposed on the associated downwardly directed surface 9400. By providing such tabs on one of the engagement surfaces between the rail 6200 and the slot 6060, less friction is ensured only in the region where a single tab mechanically engages the opposing surface, as opposed to the entire surface. This makes the insertion or withdrawal of the water reservoir 6100 in and out of the dock 6050 smoother, leading to an improved user experience.

[0349] In the illustrated example, at the tip or edge of the water reservoir 6100, one or more biasing edges or tabs 9320 (e.g., a pair of biasing tabs as shown in FIG. 80) are also provided. These biasing edges or tabs 9320 are configured to engage the underside of each of one or more abutment edges 9450 (e.g., a pair of abutment edges as shown in FIG. 112) provided on the rear wall of the reservoir dock 6050 (lower chassis outlet 7320 and dock outlet 6090). Such engagement locks the front end of the water reservoir 6100 when fully inserted inside the dock 6050, and biases the water reservoir 6100 downward, improving the adjacency of its conductive portion 6150 to the heater plate 6080 of the heating assembly 6075 provided at the bottom of the reservoir dock 6050 (see FIGS. 100 and 101).

[0350] That is, the downward pressing of the slots 6060 onto each rail 6200 (these rails 6200 are provided from the middle part to the rear part of the water reservoir 6100, and the front end is an end arranged to first engage with the reservoir dock 6050) is complemented by the downward pressing applied onto each biasing tab 9320 from the abutting edge portion 9450 at the front part or the tip side of the water reservoir 6100. When the water reservoir 6100 is almost completely inserted into the reservoir dock 6050, the abutting edge portion 9450 engages with the upwardly directed surface 9325 of each biasing tab 9320 (see FIG. 101) that is near the end of the engagement process. At this point, the pair of biasing tabs 9320 are pressed under each of the abutting edge portions 9450, and these abutting edge portions 9450 are generally horizontally directed. This adjacent engagement is configured and arranged to balance the upward biasing force provided by the heating assembly 6075 provided at the lower part of the reservoir dock 6050 (for example, see FIG. 98). As described in more detail below, the heater plate 6080 of the heating assembly 6075 is suspended on the elastic sealing and support member 9500. The elastic sealing and support member 9500 is structured and arranged to upwardly bias the heater plate 6080 against the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 when the water reservoir 6100 is inserted into the reservoir dock 6050. Thus, the upward biasing force provided by the elastic sealing and support member 9500 provides a pressing force from the lower heater plate 6080, whereby the water reservoir 6100 is pressed, thereby causing the rail 6200 to be adjacent to each slot 6060 and the biasing tab 9320 to be adjacent to each abutting edge portion 9450. With such an arrangement configuration, sufficient contact between the conductive portion 6150 of the water reservoir 6100 and the heater plate 6080 of the water reservoir 6100 is ensured.

[0351] In the illustrated example, the slots 6060 and the abutting edges 9450 are generally arranged horizontally (e.g., generally parallel to the heater plate 6080), and this arrangement allows the water reservoir 6100 to be inserted / removed along a path extending in the lateral direction (i.e., the front-back direction) in and out of the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., by sliding or only pressing / pulling). However, in another example, at least a portion of the slots 6060 and / or the abutting edges 9450 may include an inclined portion, so that at least a portion of the path for insertion / removal may extend in the up-down direction.

[0352] Also, as shown in FIG. 102, on the lid 6114 of the water reservoir 6100, one or more retaining protrusions 6115 (e.g., a pair of retaining protrusions as shown in FIGS. 80 and 85) are provided. These retaining protrusions 6115 are structured and arranged to releasably lock and hold the water reservoir 6100 in the operating position within the reservoir dock 6050 by releasably engaging each dock lock edge or lock recess 6051 in the reservoir dock 6050 (i.e., each protrusion 6115 engages behind the front end forming the recess 6051). These protrusions 6115 may include a tapered portion to facilitate engagement of the protrusions 6115 into each recess 6051. To release, the water reservoir 6100 is compressed (i.e., the lid 6114 is pressed against the base 6112), compressing the deformable seal 6116 and causing the protrusions 6115 to drop or fall below the front end of the recess 6051. Such a locking arrangement ensures that, due to the positive pressure within the assembled RPT device (when in the operating configuration), the water reservoir is not pushed backward and disengaged from the operable engagement with the reservoir dock 6050, ensuring the reliability of the device's operation.

[0353] Retention feature In an example, as shown in FIGS. 33A - 33F, the water reservoir 6100 may include a latch 6400. This latch 6400 is configured to releasably engage with a recessed slot 6055 within the reservoir dock 6050 to releasably hold the water reservoir 6100 in an operating position within the reservoir dock 6050. Such a locking arrangement configuration avoids a situation where the water reservoir is disengaged from the dock, and in some arrangements, such disengagement of the water reservoir can be facilitated by a relatively high operable pressure within the dock during operation of the device.

[0354] In the illustrated example, the latch 6400 is provided as a separate and distinct structure from the water reservoir 6100 and is then fixed to the water reservoir 6100 in the operating position or otherwise provided. For example, the latch 6400 includes a pre - formed structure fixed to the reservoir lid 6114 or to another part of the water reservoir 6100. In an example, the latch 6400 includes plastic or a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0355] As shown in FIGS. 33E and 33F, the latch 6400 includes a lock lever 6402, a lid connector 6404, and a support member 6406 that elastically supports the lock lever 6402 to the lid connector 6404.

[0356] As shown in FIG. 33G, the reservoir lid 6114 includes a recess 6260 for receiving the latch 6400. Rails 6262 are provided on each side of the recess 6260, and a lock tab 6264 is provided at the lower part of the recess. Each rail 6262 forms a slot configured to receive each side portion of the lid connector 6404. The lid connector 6404 is guided into the recess 6260 by the rails 6262 until the slotted end 6405 of the lid connector 6404 engages with the rear side of the lock tab 6264 to fix the latch 6400 in the operating position within the reservoir lid 6114 (see, for example, FIGS. 33C and 33D).

[0357] The lock lever 6402 includes a retaining projection 6403 at one end of the lock lever 6402 and a finger / s thumb grip 6407 at the other end of the lock lever 6402. The lock lever 6402 is supported by an elastic support member 6406 such that the retaining projection 6403 is elastically biased to the locked position.

[0358] When the water reservoir 6100 reaches the operating position within the reservoir dock 6050, the retaining projection 6403 of the latch 6400 is configured and arranged to engage behind the front ledge forming the recessed slot 6055 within the reservoir dock 6050 (see, for example, FIG. 33B). The retaining projection 6403 includes a tapered portion that facilitates engagement of the retaining projection 6403 into the recessed slot 6055. This connection releasably fixes the water reservoir 6100 to the reservoir dock 6050. Manual pressing of the finger / s thumb grip 6407 allows the lock lever 6402 and thus the retaining projection 6403 to be pivoted against the external biasing of the member 6406 and moved to the unlocked position (i.e., by pivoting the retaining projection 6403 out of the recessed slot 6055, the water reservoir 6100 can be removed from the reservoir dock 6050). Air delivery tube to reservoir dock connection

[0359] In an example, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 20A and 23A - 24B, the air delivery tube 4170 includes a tube portion 4500, a dock connector / cuff 4600 (outlet connector) that connects the air delivery tube 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 and / or the water reservoir 6100, and a patient interface connector / cuff 4700 (inlet connector) that connects the air delivery tube 4170 to the patient interface 3000.

[0360] In an example, the dock connector 4600 is structured and arranged to form a mechanical and electrical connection to the reservoir dock 6050 and to form a pneumatic connection with the water reservoir 6100 and / or the reservoir dock 6050. These connections cause the air delivery tube 4170 to be positioned and secured to the reservoir dock 6050 or the water reservoir 6100, and power, information, and control signals to be provided to heating elements and transducers associated with the air delivery tube 4170, enabling humidified pressurized gas to flow from the water reservoir 6100 to the patient interface 3000. During engagement of the air delivery tube 4170 with the water reservoir 6100 and the reservoir dock 6050, these connections may be formed simultaneously or sequentially, for example, such that one of the pneumatic, mechanical, or electrical connections is formed prior to the others.

[0361] The dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 includes a retention feature that provides a fixed non-rotatable connection with the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050.

[0362] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the retention feature of the dock connector 4600 includes a pair of resilient quick-release pinch arms 4610 (i.e., cantilever spring arms or pinch buttons). Each of the spring or pinch arms 4610 may include a cam end or tab structured to provide a snap-fit connection with the dock outlet 6090. In an example, the dock outlet 6090 may include a locking member (e.g., a slot) structured and arranged to receive each cam end of the pinch arms 4610.

[0363] The free end of the dock connector 4600 includes an outwardly extending flange or lip 4620 that surrounds the tube opening. The flange or lip 4620 provides a generally planar contact surface 4625. When the dock connector 4600 is connected to the dock outlet 6090, the free end of the dock connector 4600 and its contact surface 4625 project into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050, for example as shown in FIG. 22C, and can engage with the outlet tube 6130 of the water reservoir 6100.

[0364] In the examples of FIGS. 23A and 23B, the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 includes a longitudinal axis A1 (which can also be, for example, the axis of the tube that can also be the axis of engagement / disengagement with the dock outlet 6090), and a contact surface 4625 arranged along an axis A2 that extends at an angle (for example, 45°) with respect to the longitudinal axis A1. With such an arrangement configuration, the contact surface 4625 is oriented for engagement with the water reservoir 6100 as described below.

[0365] The air delivery tube 4170 shown in FIGS. 20A and 24A - 24B includes a dock connector 4600 according to another example of the present technology. As shown, on each side of the dock connector 4600, retaining protrusions 4615 are provided that are structured to provide a snap - fit connection with the dock outlet 6090.

[0366] In an example, as best shown in FIGS. 20A - 20C, 20K, and 20L, the dock outlet 6090 can include a lock arrangement 6600. This lock arrangement 6600 receives the air delivery tube 4170 and releasably holds it in an operating position within the dock outlet 6090. As shown, the lock arrangement 6600 includes a button portion 6605 and a lock arm 6610 extending from the button portion 6605. Each lock arm 6610 includes a lock tab 6615 arranged to engage with each retaining protrusion 4615 of the dock connector 4600. Since the lock arrangement 6600 is supported adjacent to the dock outlet 6090, the lock arm 6610 and its lock tab 6615 are elastically biased to move to the locked position.

[0367] When the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 is inserted into each dock opening 6091 and reaches the operating position within the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, the retaining protrusions 4615 of the dock connector 4600 are configured and arranged to engage behind each lock tab 6615 of the lock arrangement 6600 (see, for example, FIG. 20K). In some arrangements, to effect this locking engagement with the lock arrangement 6600, it may be necessary to insert and rotate the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 into each dock opening 6091. Each retaining protrusion 4615 and / or each lock tab 6615 may include a tapered portion to facilitate engagement with the locked position. This connection releasably fixes the air delivery conduit 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 (see, for example, FIGS. 20D - 20H). As shown in FIG. 20L, manually pressing the button portion 6605 can elastically deflect the lock arm 6610 and its lock tab 6615 against the bias to move to the unlocked position (i.e., by moving the lock tab 6615 to laterally disengage the engagement with the retaining protrusion 4615 of the dock connector 4600, the air delivery conduit 4170 can be removed from the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050).

[0368] After establishment of this connection, the retaining feature provided by the dock connector 4600 / lock arrangement 6600, and the non - circular engagement provided by the dock opening 6091 (see FIG. 20C) of the dock outlet 6090 and the dock connector 4600, provide a fixed non - rotatable connection of the air delivery conduit 4170 to the dock outlet 6090.

[0369] At the free end of the dock connector 4600, an outwardly extending flange or lip 4620 that surrounds the tube opening is provided (see, for example, FIGS. 20A, 20G, 20I, and 20J). The flange or lip 4620 provides a contact surface 4625. When the dock connector 4600 is connected to the dock outlet 6090, the free end of the dock connector 4600 and its contact surface 4625 project into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050, enabling engagement with the water reservoir 6100 (see, for example, FIGS. 20F - 20H).

[0370] Similar to the above example, the contact surface 4625 of the dock connector 4600 shown in FIGS. 20A and 24A - 24B is arranged along an axis that extends at an angle (e.g., 45°) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0371] Water Reservoir / Air Delivery Tube - Direct Engagement at 45° Downward The direct pneumatic connection between the water reservoir 6100 and the air delivery conduit 4170 has been described above. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 18A and 18B, the water reservoir 6100 includes an axis A1 (aligned, for example, with the insertion / removal direction), and the outer end (or outlet) of the outlet tube 6130 and its outlet seal are arranged along an axis A2 that extends at an angle (e.g., 45°) with respect to axis A1. As described above in connection with FIGS. 23A and 23B, the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 includes an axis A1 (aligned, for example, with the insertion / removal direction of the air delivery tube 4170), and the contact surface 4625 of the dock connector 4600 is arranged along an axis A2 that extends at an angle (e.g., 45°) with respect to axis A1.

[0372] When the air delivery tube 4170 engages with the dock outlet 6090 of the water reservoir 6100 and / or the reservoir dock 6050, the outlet tube 6130 (or outlet) and the outlet seal 6132 of the water reservoir 6100 are structured to sealingly engage or interface with the contact surface 4625 along the free end of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 (see, e.g., FIGS. 21 and 22A - 22C). Such engagement provides a face seal between the water reservoir 6100 and the dock connector 4600, sealing the outlet flow path that enables the flow of humidified air from the water reservoir 6100 and into the air delivery tube 4170 (for delivery to the patient interface 3000).

[0373] By providing the engagement outer shape of the outlet tube 6130 (and the outlet seal 6132) and the contact surface 4625, for example, at 45°, it becomes possible to remove the water reservoir 6100 from the reservoir dock 6050 while the air delivery tube 4170 remains attached to the dock outlet 6090. Similarly, this 45° angle enables the disengagement of the air delivery tube 4170 from the dock, without the need to remove the water reservoir 6100 from the outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050. Thus, the insertion and removal of the water reservoir 6100 can be independent of the connection of the air delivery tube 4170 to the dock outlet 6090 (i.e., the engagement / disengagement of the water reservoir 6100 and the air delivery tube 4170 with the reservoir dock 6050 can be performed independently).

[0374] It should be understood that the outlet tube 6130 (and the outlet seal 6132) and the contact surface 4625 can be arranged at other suitable angles for direct contact with each other.

[0375] In another example, the air delivery tube 4170 may not be in direct contact with the reservoir dock 6050. Instead, a tube adapter for interconnecting the air delivery tube 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 may be provided. This tube adapter may include a dock connector end for connection to the reservoir dock 6050 and a tapered / ISO (standard) end for connection to the air delivery tube 4170. The tube adapter may include a lockout feature to avoid a situation where the air delivery tube 4170 becomes disconnected from the tube adapter when the tube adapter is connected to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050.

[0376] Data collection In one example, the air delivery tube 4170 may include a plurality of wires (e.g., configured to heat the air within the air delivery tube and / or transmit signals from one or more transducers (e.g., temperature sensors, flow sensors) to the controller of the RPT device) spirally wound about the axis of the air delivery tube 4170 (e.g., along the tube portion 4500 of the air delivery conduit 4170).

[0377] In an example, the air delivery tube 4170 may include four wires (e.g., two wires for powering one or more heating elements and two wires for connection of temperature sensors / transducers). However, it should be understood that other numbers of wires may also be used (e.g., two wires, three wires, or five or more wires).

[0378] In an example (see, e.g., FIGS. 23B and 24A), the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 includes a contact assembly 4650 that includes contacts 4655. These contacts 4655 engage with each contact provided in the reservoir dock 6050 during use to form an electrical connection with the reservoir dock at the dock outlet and provide power and / or control signal transmission. In an example, the contacts 4655 of the dock connector 4600 can be joined to each wire extending along the air delivery tube 4170. In another example, at least some of these contacts 4655 are not associated with wires extending along the air delivery tube 4170 but are characterized by their own unique and / or distinct electrical properties (e.g., resistance, conductance). Such unique and / or distinct electrical properties can be used to identify one or more elements of the tube / patient interface system or the properties of these elements.

[0379] In an example, the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 includes a contact assembly 6800 that communicates with power and electrical signal transmission within the reservoir dock (e.g., PCBA 7600). In an example, the contact assembly 6800 includes contacts 6805 that correspond to the number of contacts 4655 provided in the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 (e.g., four contacts as shown in FIGS. 20B, 20C, 20H - 20J). In an example as shown in FIGS. 20H - 20J, each of the contacts 6805 includes a spring - biased pin (e.g., a pogo pin). During use, the spring - biased pin 6805 elastically deflects upon engagement with the dock connector 4600 to maintain contact with each contact 4655 of the dock connector 4600. In the illustrated example (see, e.g., FIG. 20J), the contact assembly 6800 also includes contacts 6810 (e.g., spring - biased pins) arranged to engage with the PCBA 7600. These contacts 6805 and 6810 are supported by a support member 6815 configured to orient the contacts 6805 substantially perpendicular to the contacts 6810.

[0380] Each contact 4655 or combination of contacts within the contact assembly 4650 of the air delivery tube 4170 can have unique electrical characteristics, such that, in an example, the contact assembly 4650 of the air delivery tube 4170 can be used as an identifier of various parameters of the air delivery tube 4170 and / or the patient interface. For example, the contact assembly 4650 can be configured to provide an identification of the type of air delivery tube 4170 (e.g., non-heated tube, heated tube, tube including a heat moisture exchanger (HME), unknown tube), the size of the air delivery tube (e.g., 15 mm, 19 mm), the presence and type of HME, the type of patient interface connected to the tube, etc. Data from the identification can be communicated and utilized by a controller for, e.g., optimization of RPT device, humidifier operation, facilitation of data collection, etc. For example, since the controller can be configured to recognize the unique identification features provided by the contact assembly 4650, the controller can recognize the specific characteristics of the air delivery tube 4170 connected to the reservoir dock 6050, thus enabling the controller to automatically configure the RPT device and / or the humidifier for optimal operation.

[0381] In an example, the dock connector 4600 may include a tapered support protrusion 4630 (e.g., FIGS. 20A, 20M, and 20N). When the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 is connected to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, the tapered support protrusion 4630 is adapted to be disposed adjacent to or in contact with one or more tapered support protrusions 6850 provided at the dock outlet 6090, as best shown in FIGS. 20M and 20N. The tapered support protrusions 4630 and 6850 provide an interface between the dock connector 4600 and the dock outlet 6090, and the dock connector 4600 is maintained in a direction generally perpendicular to the front surface of the dock outlet 6090. For example, the interface prevents the dock connector 4600 from sagging or tilting downwardly away from the dock outlet 6090. For example, the interface between the dock connector 4600 and the dock outlet 6090 can cancel out a force that tends to be applied from the contact assembly 6800 to the dock connector 4600 and force the dock connector 4600 to move downwardly (e.g., the force applied from the spring-biased pin of the contact assembly 6800 is offset from the axis of the dock connector 4600 at a downward angle in a direction away from the dock outlet 6090 and can force the dock connector 4600 to move).

[0382] Bayonet connection and intermediate components Figures 43 to 78 show another example of the connection of the reservoir dock 6050 of the air delivery tube 4170 and the water reservoir 6100. In this example, the intermediate component 6700 is removably connected to the reservoir dock 6050. The intermediate component 6700 is configured to pneumatically connect the water reservoir 6100 to the air delivery tube 4170, thereby enabling a pressurized air flow humidified in the water reservoir 6100 to be delivered from the water reservoir 6100 to the air delivery tube 4170 via the intermediate component 6700. Also, in this example, the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 is structured and arranged to form a bayonet connection with the reservoir dock 6050, whereby the air delivery tube 4170 is mechanically and / or electrically connected to the reservoir dock 6050. That is, the bayonet connection enables the placement and fixation of the air delivery tube 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 and / or the provision of power, information, and control signals to the heating element and converter associated with the air delivery tube 4170.

[0383] Intermediate component As shown in FIGS. 43, 46, 49, 57, and 58, by providing the intermediate component 6700 to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, the water reservoir 6100 is pneumatically connected to the air delivery tube 4170. In the illustrated example, by removably connecting the intermediate component 6700 to the reservoir dock 6050, the intermediate component 6700 can be disassembled for cleaning, sterilization, and / or replacement (e.g., for multi-patient multi-use (MPMU) applications).

[0384] As shown in FIGS. 53-56, the intermediate component 6700 includes a tubular portion 6705. The tubular portion 6705 includes an inlet end 6710 adapted to interface with the water reservoir 6100 and an outlet end 6720 adapted to interface with the air delivery tube 4170. The intermediate component 6700 also includes retention features and alignment features. These retention features and alignment features are structured and arranged to align the intermediate component 6700 with the reservoir dock 6050 and provide a removable non-rotatable connection with the reservoir dock 6050. Additionally, the intermediate component 6700 includes a port 6730 (e.g., a pressure port for insertion of a sensor that measures air pressure at the dock outlet 6090). The port 6730 includes a port seal 6735 that provides a sealing interface between a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and the intermediate component 6700.

[0385] In the illustrated example (see, e.g., FIG. 56), the tubular portion 6705 (including the inlet end 6710 and the outlet end 6720) includes retention features and alignment features and includes a first portion or base mold constructed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PC, ABS)), and the port seal 6735 includes a second portion or overmold constructed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone) provided to the first portion (e.g., by overmolding). Thus, the intermediate component 6700 provides a substantially rigid structure (e.g., for durability for MPMU applications).

[0386] In the illustrated example, the inlet end 6710 is angled with respect to the outlet end 6720. For example, the axis of the inlet end is disposed at approximately 90° with respect to the axis of the outlet end. However, it should be understood that other suitable angles are possible (e.g., the axis of the inlet end is disposed at approximately 45° with respect to the axis of the outlet end).

[0387] The free end of the inlet end 6710 includes a flange or lip 6712 that surrounds the tube opening. The flange or lip 6712 provides a contact surface 6715. When the water reservoir 6100 is connected to the reservoir dock 6050, the outlet seal 6132 of the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 is configured to engage the contact surface 6715 of the inlet end 6710 and provide a face seal to the contact surface 6715 of the inlet end 6710. In another embodiment, the seal between the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 and the contact surface 6715 of the inlet end 6710 may be an integral part of the inlet end 6710, or alternatively, a sealing portion independent of the outlet pipe 6130 or the inlet end 6710. In the illustrated example, the contact surface 6715 includes a tapered portion into the tube opening (e.g., for improving sealing and avoiding leakage).

[0388] The outlet end 6720 may include an ISO tapered portion (e.g., an ISO tapered portion with an outer diameter of 22 mm) for connection to the air delivery conduit 4170.

[0389] Regarding the retention feature and the alignment feature, the intermediate component 6700 includes a pair of resilient pinch arms 6740 (i.e., cantilever spring arms). Each of the spring arms or pinch arms 6740 may include a reverse bend end or tab 6745. The reverse bend end or tab 6745 is configured to provide a snap - fit connection to each locking member (e.g., projection 6750) provided within the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 as shown in FIG. 46. The intermediate component 6700 also includes guide rails 6760. The guide rails 6760 are structured and arranged to assist in the proper alignment and insertion of the intermediate component 6700 into the reservoir dock 6050 by engagement with corresponding guide slots 6755 that extend into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 as shown in FIGS. 46, 50, and 52. Further, the intermediate component 6700 includes a flange 6770 disposed between an inlet end 6710 and an outlet end 6720. This flange 6770 assists in the placement or positioning of the intermediate component 6700 within the reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., by adjacent to a flange or wall portion provided in the reservoir dock 6050; for example, as shown in FIG. 72, the flange functions as a stop during insertion). The flange 6770 of the intermediate component 6700 may include one or more cut - outs or recesses 6772 (e.g., to accommodate fasteners or projections along a flange or wall portion provided in the reservoir dock 6050 as shown in FIGS. 57 and 58).

[0390] When the intermediate component 6700 is inserted into the dock opening 6091 of the reservoir dock 6050, the intermediate component 6700 is oriented to engage its guide rail 6760 with the guide slot 6755. The guide slot 6755 guides the alignment correction and movement of the intermediate component 6700 to its operating position. Also, since the dock opening 6091 and / or the opening 6919 provided by the lock and contact assembly 6900 at the dock opening 6091 includes a non-circular outer shape, the orientation correction of the intermediate component 6700 during insertion is facilitated as shown in FIG. 63. When the intermediate component 6700 reaches its operating position, the spring or the cam end or tab 6745 of the pinch arm 6740 is configured and arranged to engage with the upper side and / or the rear side of each projection 6750 (see, for example, FIG. 46). Each cam end 6745 and / or each projection 6750 may include a tapered portion that facilitates engagement to the operating position. In an example, engagement between the spring or pinch arm 6740 and the projection 6750 may provide a tactile feedback (e.g., an audible click) indicating a correct connection. By this snap-fit connection, the intermediate component 6700 is releasably fixed to the reservoir dock 6050. To disengage the intermediate component 6700, the spring or pinch arms 6740 are manually pressed against each other (e.g., with or without an instrument) to elastically deflect the spring or pinch arms 6740 and their cam ends 6745 against the biasing force and move them to the unlocked position (i.e., by moving the cam ends 6745 out of engagement with the projections 6750, the intermediate component 6700 can be removed from the reservoir dock 6050).

[0391] After the establishment of this connection, the cooperation of the holding feature and the alignment feature obtained by the intermediate component 6700 / reservoir dock 6050 enables a removable non-rotatable connection to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 of the intermediate component 6700. Also, after the connection, the spring or pinch arm 6740 of the intermediate component 6700 is engaged in a locked state within the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 to avoid, for example, the situation where the intermediate component 6700 comes off when the water reservoir 6100 is received within the reservoir dock 6050.

[0392] When the intermediate component 6700 is connected to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, the inlet end 6710 and its contact surface 6715 project into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 to enable engagement with the outlet seal 6132 of the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 (see, for example, FIG. 46). Similarly, the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700 extends into and / or projects from the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 to enable engagement with the air delivery pipe 4170 (see, for example, FIG. 43). Further, as shown in FIG. 57, the port 6730 of the intermediate component 6700 is, for example, directed upward to interface with a sensor associated with the PCBA.

[0393] Bayonet lock and contact assembly As shown in FIGS. 43 to 52, the lock and contact assembly 6900 is provided at the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 to mechanically and electrically connect the reservoir dock 6050 to the air delivery pipe 4170. In the illustrated example, the bayonet-type connection included in the lock and contact assembly 6900 is structured and arranged to effect the placement and fixation of the air delivery pipe 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 and to form mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical (both power signal and control signal) connections.

[0394] As shown in FIGS. 59 to 62, the lock and contact assembly 6900 includes a base 6910, an (electrical) contact assembly 6950 provided on the base, and a cover 6970 provided on the base 6910 so as to enclose at least a part of the contact assembly 6950.

[0395] The rear wall portion 6912 included in the base 6910 is fixed to one or more wall portions surrounding the dock opening 6091, for example, via one or more fasteners, to fix the base 6910 at the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050. As shown in FIG. 63, the rear wall portion 6912 includes, for example, a non-circular opening 6915. By aligning this opening 6915 with the dock opening 6091, it enables the insertion and connection of the intermediate component 6700 as described above (for example, the non-circular opening 6915 is adapted to receive the intermediate component 6700 having a non-circular outer shape). Further, as described above, the rear wall portion 6912 provides a stop portion for the intermediate component 6700 during assembly. For example, at least a part of the flange 6770 of the intermediate component 6700 may be adjacent to the rear wall portion 6912 as shown in FIG. 72.

[0396] The base 6910 includes an annular side wall portion 6920 that protrudes outward from the rear wall portion 6912. When the intermediate component 6700 is connected to the reservoir dock 6050, the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700 and the annular side wall portion 6920 cooperate to form a channel 6780 that receives the air delivery tube 4170. The retaining wall portion 6930 protrudes radially outward from the annular side wall portion 6920 along a part of the periphery of the annular side wall portion (for example, along a part of the upper side of the annular side wall portion). Referring to FIG. 57, a gap is provided in the annular side wall portion 6920 along a part of the periphery of the annular side wall portion, and a recess 6940 that leads to the channel 6780 is formed. This recess 6940 is adjacent to the retaining wall portion 6930 and is arranged counterclockwise from the retaining wall portion 6930. As described below, the configuration and arrangement of the recess 6940 and the retaining wall portion 6930 are such that after a part of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 is inserted into the recess 6940 and rotated clockwise, it moves to the rear side of the retaining wall portion 6930, and a lock engagement is made between the air delivery tube and the dock.

[0397] Additional retaining features and alignment features (e.g., recesses and / or grooves) are provided on the periphery of the annular side wall portion 6920. These retaining features and alignment features (e.g., recesses and / or grooves) are structured and arranged to interact with corresponding features on the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 as described below during engagement.

[0398] As shown in FIGS. 60 to 62, the electrical contact assembly 6950 is supported by a base 6910 adjacent to a retaining wall portion 6930. The contact assembly 6950 communicates with power and electrical signal transmission within a reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., PCBA 7600). As shown, the contact assembly 6950 includes a support member 6952 and a plurality of contacts 6955 (e.g., four contacts) supported by the support member 6952. Each of these contacts 6955 includes a spring arm 6956 (as best shown in FIG. 61). This spring arm 6956 is biased in a direction away from the support member 6952. In use, when the tube engages the dock, the spring arm 6956 elastically deflects upon engagement with the dock connector 4600 to maintain contact with each contact of the dock connector 4600. The contact assembly 6950 also includes an electrical connector 6958 (e.g., a flexible circuit board (FCB), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and / or a flexible flat cable (FFC)) for electrical connection from the contacts 6955 to the PCBA 7600 (see FIG. 62).

[0399] A contact support structure 6960 (FIG. 62) provided on the upper side of the base 6910 is structured and arranged to support and hold the support member 6952 (FIG. 61) of the contact assembly 6950. The support member 6952 (FIG. 61) of the contact assembly 6950 supports the contacts 6955 of the contact assembly 6950 radially outward from the annular side wall portion 6920 and axially inward of the retaining wall portion 6930. A cover 6970 is fixed to the upper side of the base 6910 so as to enclose at least the support member 6952 and the contacts 6955 (see FIG. 60). The electrical connector 6958 projects from the base 6910, for example, through one or more slots in the base, and connects to the PCBA 7600 (FIG. 62).

[0400] Dock connector As shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery pipe 4170 is structured to form a pneumatic connection with the intermediate component 6700 and a mechanical and electrical connection with the lock and contact assembly 6900 provided to the reservoir dock 6050.

[0401] In the illustrated example, the dock connector 4600 includes a tubular base portion 4640 and a lock and contact assembly 4660 provided to the base portion 4640.

[0402] As shown in FIGS. 64 to 68, the tubular base portion 4640 includes a radial lip seal 4645 protruding into the opening of the base portion 4640. Since the radial lip seal 4654 is in a non-deformed shape in the relaxed state, the inner diameter of the radial lip seal 4654 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700 with which the dock connector is pneumatically engaged. For example, the inner diameter provided by the radial lip seal 4645 can be less than about 22 mm (e.g., about 19 to 21 mm or less) when used with an outlet end 6720 including a 22 mm outer diameter ISO taper portion. In use, the radial lip seal 4645 is structured to elastically deform when engaged with the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700, so that a pneumatic connection with the intermediate component 6700 is obtained (e.g., the radial lip seal 4645 forms an airtight seal against the outer surface of the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700). As shown, the radial lip seal 4645 extends at an angle toward the inside of the base portion 4640 to provide a lead-in portion for alignment and engagement between the dock connector 4600 and the intermediate component 6700. Also, a stop surface 4647 (see FIG. 66) within the base portion 4640 provides a stop portion to avoid a situation where the intermediate component 6700 is further inserted into the dock connector 4600.

[0403] The tapered projection 4642 included in the base portion 4640 projects outwardly from a base site 4640 (see FIG. 64) adjacent to the lock and contact assembly 4660. The thumb and / or finger grip provided by the tapered projection 4642 facilitates the manual operation of the dock connector 4600 and the connection to the intermediate component 6700 and the lock and contact assembly 6900 provided to the reservoir dock 6050.

[0404] Furthermore, the base site 4640 includes elastic retaining ridges 4644 along opposing sides. As described below, the retaining ridges 4644 are structured and arranged to interact with retaining features and alignment features (e.g., recesses and / or grooves). These retaining features and alignment features (e.g., recesses and / or grooves) are provided on the base 6910 of the lock and contact assembly 6900 on the reservoir dock 6050 during engagement.

[0405] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 68, the base site 4640 may include a base 4640bs (e.g., including one or more parts) and an overmold 4640ov. The base 4640bs is constructed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS))). The overmold 4640ov is constructed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone) provided to the base 4640bs (e.g., by overmolding). As shown, the relatively rigid base 4640bs may form a structural shape for the tubular base portion 4640 including the tapered projection 4642 and the elastic retaining ridges 4644, and the relatively soft overmold 4640ov forms the exterior for the tubular base portion 4640 and the radial lip seal 4645.

[0406] As shown in FIG. 64, the lock and contact assembly 4660 includes a holding portion 4665, a support arm 4662 that supports the holding portion 4665 while having a spatial relationship with the base portion 4640, and a contact assembly 4666 provided on the holding portion 4665. As described below, the holding portion 4665 is structured and arranged to be rotated to the rear side of a holding wall portion 6930 provided on a lock and contact assembly 6900 on the reservoir dock 6050, and axially locks the dock connector 4600 in the locked position. The contacts 4667 included in the contact assembly 4666 are arranged to engage with respective contacts 6955 provided on the lock and contact assembly 6900 on the reservoir dock 6050 during use, and an electrical signal connection and a control signal connection with the reservoir dock 6050 are formed. These contacts 4667 are arranged along the holding portion 4665 to form electrical and signal connections when the dock connector 4600 is rotated into the locked position. An electrical connector 4668 (e.g., a flexible circuit board (FCB), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and / or a flexible flat cable (FFC)) is electrically connected to each wire along which the contacts 4667 run along the air delivery tube 4170 and / or circuit elements. As shown in FIG. 64, while the dock connector 4600 is being rotated into the lock and contact assembly 6900, the contact track extends in the circumferential direction, enabling the start and maintenance of the electrical connection.

[0407] Engagement between the Dock Connector and the Reservoir Dock Figures 43 to 45 and Figures 69 to 78 show the engagement of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 with the reservoir dock 6050. As shown in Figure 43, the dock connector 4600 is oriented to align the lock and contact assembly 4660 with the recess 6940 provided by the lock and contact assembly 6900 on the reservoir dock 6050. Next, when the dock connector 4600 is pressed towards the reservoir dock 6050, the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700 extends into the opening of the base portion 4640, and the radial lip seal 4645 engages and elastically deforms against the outer surface of the outlet end 6720. When the dock connector 4600 is further pressed towards the reservoir dock 6050 and moves to the unlocked engagement position, the radial lip seal 4645 of the dock connector 4600 engages and slides along the outer surface of the outlet end 6720 of the intermediate component 6700.

[0408] As shown in Figures 44 and 69 to 72, when the dock connector 4600 reaches the unlocked engagement position, the base portion 4640 of the dock connector 4600 is received within the channel 6780 formed by the base 6910 and the intermediate component 6700, and the lock and contact assembly 4660 of the dock connector 4600 is received within the recess 6940. In the example, the front end of the base portion 4640 may engage with the flange 6770 of the intermediate component 6700 and / or the stop surface 4647 within the base portion 4640 may engage with the free end of the outlet end 6720 to prevent the dock connector 4600 from being further inserted into the lock and contact assembly 6900.

[0409] Further, when the dock connector 4600 reaches the unlocked engagement position, the retaining ridges 4644 of the dock connector 4600 are oriented to engage within respective recesses provided in the annular sidewall portion 6920 of the base 6910. For example, one of the ridges 4644 engages within the closed elongated recess 6922 and the other ridge 4644 engages within the open-ended recess 6924. The frictional force that holds the ridges within the engagement grooves can be calibrated to be sufficient to maintain the tube in this engaged state and to maintain the unlocked configuration when the device is under operable pressure. Thus, in this configuration, a fully operable pneumatic engagement can be obtained between the tube and the dock. However, this engagement is mechanically imperfect. Also, in this configuration, the tube and the dock are not in electrical communication.

[0410] As shown in FIGS. 45 and 73 - 78, the dock connector 4600 is rotated in the clockwise direction from the unlocked engagement position to move to the locked position. In this locked position, the dock connector 4600 is locked to the reservoir dock 6050, and electrical signal connections and control signal connections with the reservoir dock 6050 are formed. When the dock connector 4600 reaches the locked position, the retaining portion 4665 is rotated onto the annular sidewall portion 6920 and behind the retaining wall portion 6930 provided on the lock and contact assembly 6900, thereby avoiding a situation where the dock connector 4600 is axially pulled outward from the reservoir dock 6050. Also, the contacts 4667 along the retaining portion 4665 rotate to engage with respective spring arms 6956 of the contacts 6955 provided on the lock and contact assembly 6900 that form electrical signal connections and control signal connections with the reservoir dock 6050.

[0411] Further, when the dock connector 4600 reaches the locked position, one of the raised portions 4644 rotates within the closed elongated recess 6922, and the other raised portion 4644 rotates out of the open end recess 6924 and moves to the adjacent open end recess 6926. By engaging the raised portions 4644 within each recess in this manner, retention is obtained, alignment features are obtained, and tactile feedback during engagement is obtained. Additionally, the lock and contact assembly 6900 may include a stop wall portion 6935 (see FIG. 70) arranged to engage the lock and contact assembly 4660 of the dock connector 4600 when the dock connector 4600 reaches the locked position, thereby preventing further rotation of the dock connector 4600 (see, e.g., FIG. 74).

[0412] In this example, the connection between the dock connector 4600 and the reservoir dock 6050 is configured such that the pneumatic connection is completed before the electrical and mechanical connections. In another example, the formation of the electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical connections may be performed simultaneously as the dock connector rotates to the locked position or by removing the rotational function from the connection.

[0413] To remove the air delivery conduit 4170 from the reservoir dock 6050, the dock connector 4600 may be rotated counterclockwise to move from the locked position to an unlocked engaged position. This causes the lock and contact assembly 4660 of the dock connector 4600 to rotate and move into the recess 6940 provided by the lock and contact assembly 6900. Such rotation electrically disengages the dock connector 4600 from the reservoir dock 6050, and the dock connector 4600 is pulled outwardly away from the reservoir dock 6050 for disengagement.

[0414] Direct Plug-In Connection and Intermediate Components Figures 110 to 133 show another example of the engagement between the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 and the humidification tank 6100. In this arrangement, as best shown in FIGS. 116 to 120, different configurations of the intermediate component 9700 for connecting the air delivery tube 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 and the water reservoir 6100 are used. In this example, the intermediate component 9700 is removably connected to the reservoir dock 6050 and is configured to pneumatically connect the water reservoir 6100 to the air delivery tube 4170, so that the humidified and pressurized air flow in the water reservoir 6100 can be delivered from the water reservoir 6100 to the air delivery tube 4170 via the intermediate component 9700. Also, in this example, the intermediate component 9700 is also configured to be releasably mechanically / locked to the air delivery tube 4170, so that the air delivery tube 4170 is disposed relative to the reservoir dock 6050 and is releasably held. Further, according to this arrangement, while the air delivery tube 4170 is mechanically locked and pneumatically engaged to the intermediate component 9700, an electrical connection with the reservoir dock 6050 can also be formed. By this electrical connection, power signals, information signals and control signals are provided to the heating elements and converters associated with the air delivery tube 4170. Two of each of the locked mechanical engagement, pneumatic engagement and electrical engagement connections can be performed sequentially or substantially simultaneously. When these engagements are performed sequentially, the order in which these engagements are performed can vary. In one example, when connecting the air delivery tube to the intermediate component, the pneumatic engagement can be performed first, and then the mechanical / locked substantially simultaneous engagement and electrical engagement can be performed. In another example, the locked mechanical engagement, pneumatic and electrical engagement can be performed substantially simultaneously with the connection of the air delivery tube to the intermediate component.

[0415] In the example described above in connection with FIGS. 43 to 78, the dock connector 4600 is pneumatically sealed with the intermediate component 6700 and mechanically connected (locked) with the reservoir dock 6050. In contrast to this latter example shown in FIGS. 110 to 133, in the example of FIGS. 110 to 133, both the pneumatic seal with the intermediate component 9700 and the mechanical (locking) connection are formed by the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery pipe 4170. By incorporating the pneumatic connection and the mechanical connection into one component, improvement of dimensional tolerance becomes possible, whereby the reliability of the dock connector 4600 can be enhanced and the manufacturing can be facilitated, and the size of the dock connector 4600 can also be reduced.

[0416] Intermediate component As shown in FIGS. 110, 112, 113 and 115A, the intermediate component 9700 is provided to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 and mechanically engaged with the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, so that the pneumatic connection to the air delivery pipe 4170 of the water reservoir 6100 and the mechanical connection of the air delivery pipe 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 are made. In the illustrated example, by removably connecting the intermediate component 9700 to the reservoir dock 6050, it becomes possible to disassemble the intermediate component 9700 for cleaning, sterilizing and / or replacing (for example, for multi-patient multi-use (MPMU) applications).

[0417] As shown in FIGS. 113 and 116 - 120, in the intermediate component 9700, a tubular portion 9705 including an inlet end 9710 and an outlet end 9720 is provided. At the inlet end 9710, best shown in FIG. 120, an inlet seal 9715 adapted to interface with the water reservoir 6100 and an outlet end 9720 adapted to interface with the air delivery tube 4170 are provided. The tubular portion 9705 also includes retention alignment features and alignment features. These retention alignment features and alignment features are structured and arranged to align the intermediate component 9700 with the reservoir dock 6050 and to provide a removable non - rotatable connection with the reservoir dock 6050. Additionally, the tubular portion 9705 includes a port 9730 (best shown in FIG. 120) for communication with, for example, a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and / or a microphone. In the illustrated example, at the port 9730, a port seal and / or membrane 9735 is provided to provide a sealing interface and / or cover between the port 9730 and a chassis opening 7380 (see FIG. 115C3) associated with the sensor and / or microphone. In another example, the port 9730 may not include a port seal or membrane. Further, the intermediate component 9700 includes retention features structured and arranged to provide a removable connection with the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170.

[0418] In the illustrated example (see, e.g., FIG. 120), the tubular portion 9705 (including an inlet end 9710, an outlet end 9720, and retention and alignment features) includes a first portion or base mold constructed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PC, ABS)), and the inlet seal 9715 and port seal 9735 include a second portion or overmold constructed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone) provided on the first portion (e.g., by overmolding). Although FIG. 120 spatially separates the soft component from the remaining rigid material components of the intermediate component 9700, this is for illustrative purposes only, and in practice, it is possible to permanently attach the soft material component to each rigid component, and the configuration of FIG. 119 could be an integral intermediate component 9700 and not decomposable into the individual components shown in FIG. 120.

[0419] In the illustrated example, the inlet end 9710 and its inlet seal 9715 are angled with respect to the outlet end 9720. For example, the axis of the opening in the inlet seal 9715 is disposed at approximately 90° with respect to the axis of the opening in the outlet end 9720 (see FIG. 119). However, it should be understood that other suitable angles are possible (e.g., the axis of the inlet seal 9715 is disposed at approximately 45° with respect to the axis of the outlet end 9720).

[0420] When the water reservoir 6100 is connected to the reservoir dock 6050, the inlet seal 9715 of the intermediate component 9700 is structured and arranged to engage and provide a face seal against a contact surface along the outlet end of the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 (see FIGS. 131 and 132). Such engagement seals the outlet flow path, enabling humid air to flow out of the water reservoir 6100 and into the intermediate component 9700 for delivery to the air delivery pipe 4170. As shown, the inlet seal 9715 can include a bellows-type arrangement configuration that provides a certain level of decoupling between the intermediate component 9700 and the water reservoir 6100 by elastic compression.

[0421] In another embodiment, the soft and / or flexible material seal between the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 and the intermediate component 9700 can be an integral part of the outlet pipe 6130 or, alternatively, a sealing portion independent of the outlet pipe 6130 or the intermediate component 9700.

[0422] The outlet end 9720 (e.g., see FIG. 115C3) can include an ISO taper section (e.g., an ISO taper section with an outer diameter of 22 mm) for connection to the air delivery conduit 4170.

[0423] For the alignment and retention of the intermediate component 9700 with respect to the reservoir dock 6050, the intermediate component 9700 includes resilient pinch arms 9740 (e.g., FIGS. 116 - 118) (i.e., cantilever spring arms). The spring or pinch arms 9740 may include a reverse barb end or tab 9745 structured to provide a snap - fit connection with a locking member (e.g., crossbar 9750 provided within the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050) (see FIGS. 112 and 114). The intermediate component 9700 may also include guide rails 9760 (along the lower side of the intermediate component 9700) and guide ribs 9761 (along the front upper side of the intermediate component 9700). The guide rails 9760 and guide ribs 9761 are structured and arranged to assist in the correct alignment and insertion of the intermediate component 9700 into the reservoir dock 6050 by engagement with corresponding guide slots 9755 extending into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., see FIGS. 114, 115B, 116, 117).

[0424] Further, the intermediate component 9700 includes a flange 9770 between the inlet end 9710 and the outlet end 9720 to assist in the placement and / or positioning of the intermediate component 9700 and, more particularly, to limit the insertion depth of the intermediate component 9700 into the reservoir dock 6050 (see, e.g., FIG. 116). The flange 9770 does this by adjacent to a wall portion provided to the reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., the flange functions as a stop during insertion as shown in FIGS. 115C3 and 115E). As shown in FIGS. 115D, 115E, and 120, one or more bumpers 9775 (e.g., constructed of thermoplastic elastomer ((TPE) or silicone)) may be provided for buffering the adjacent of the flange 9770 to the dock wall portion during insertion and absorbing vibrations during use. In addition to minimizing the vibrations of the intermediate component 9700, the flexibility of the bumper causes the barbed tab 9745 to be reliably pressed backward by the spring force generated after the bumper is pressed, so that the tab always reliably engages the crossbar 9750 in a locking manner. As a result, the possibility of vibration and disengagement in the locking engagement between the barbed tab 9745 and the crossbar 9750 is minimized. In the illustrated example, the first bumper 9775 is provided on the upper side of the intermediate component 9700, and the second bumper 9775 is provided on the lower side of the intermediate component 9700 (see FIGS. 115D and 115E). In an example, the bumper 9775 may be attached to the dock wall portion or overmolded onto the tubular portion 9705 together with the inlet seal 9715 and the port seal 9735 (see FIG. 120).

[0425] Regarding the retaining feature that holds the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 to the intermediate component 9700, the intermediate component 9700 includes a partial annular side wall portion 9790 (see FIG. 120). The partial annular side wall portion 9790 protrudes outward from the flange 9770 along the outlet end 9720. As shown in FIG. 120, the outlet end 9720 and the partial annular side wall portion 9790 cooperate to form an annular channel 9780 for receiving the air delivery tube 4170. At each of the opposite inner sides of the partial annular side wall portion 9790, holes or recesses 9792 are provided that are adapted to receive each retaining ridge 4644 (see FIG. 123) provided on the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 during engagement. In the illustrated example, by providing a gap within (along its upper side - see FIG. 120) the partial annular side wall portion 9790, accommodation and facilitation of the electrical connection of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 are achieved.

[0426] Also, in the intermediate component 9700, a lower tab 9795 (e.g., FIG. 120) is provided. This lower tab 9795 protrudes outward and downward from the partial annular side wall portion 9790 along a part of the periphery of the partial annular side wall portion 9790 (along its lower side). The lower tab 9795 can function as a finger or a push tab to facilitate insertion or withdrawal of the intermediate component 9700 inside and outside the reservoir dock 6050. Additionally, the lower tab 9795 can be one or more fasteners 9799 (e.g., screws) between the outer shroud and the chassis component of the integrated RPT device and the humidifier 6000 and can be configured and arranged to cover or conceal the edge (see FIGS. 110 and 113).

[0427] When the intermediate component 9700 is inserted into the dock opening 6091 of the reservoir dock 6050, the intermediate component 9700 is oriented to engage its guide rails 9760 and guide ribs 9761 with the respective guide slots 9755. Each guide slot 9755 correctly aligns and guides the intermediate component 9700 to its operating position (see, e.g., FIG. 113). Also, by providing a non-circular outer shape at the dock opening 6091 and the partial annular side wall portion 9790 of the intermediate component 9700, correct orientation of the intermediate component 9700 during insertion is facilitated.

[0428] The dimensions and interactions between the intermediate component 9700 and the reservoir dock 6050 may be arranged such that the cross-section of the dock opening 6091 of the reservoir dock 6050 (which receives the intermediate component 9700) is slightly larger than the cross-section of the intermediate component 9700 (see, for example, FIG. 115C1). However, in the immediate vicinity of the end of the insertion path (see, for example, FIG. 115C2), one or more bumpers (such as bumper 9751 and / or bumper 9752) may be provided, and the inner edge or surface 9758 of the intermediate component 9700 is raised by a raised portion or bumper point(s) (along, for example, the pinch arm 9740 and the guide rail 9760) to raise the entire front end of the intermediate element 9700. This may thereby move the port seal 9735 to engage in a sealing manner with the chassis opening 7380 or prepare for the sealing engagement with the chassis opening 7380. Next, further insertion of the intermediate component enables a part of the intermediate element to be adjacently engaged with each part of the chassis opening, and further insertion is avoided. At this point, the port seal 9735 of the port 9730 is moved to engage in a sealing manner with the chassis opening 7380 (see, for example, FIG. 115C3) or is arranged to maintain the sealing engagement (if such engagement has already been formed). As shown in FIG. 115C, the tab 9795 may include a rib or bumper 9753 that provides a further raised portion or bumper point arranged to interface with the dock. With the above-described arrangement, while ensuring the sealing engagement between the port seal 9735 and the chassis opening 7380 in the engagement configuration, the friction during the insertion of the intermediate element into the dock opening 6091 is minimized. Due to the large forces that may be applied to the intermediate element 9700 during use, more than one bumper point (such as the raised points on bumper 9751 and 9753 or the raised points on bumpers 9751, 9752, and 9753) may be used to improve stability. By providing such a plurality of support / raised points, even if the patient pulls on the tube during treatment, a robust and consistent seal can be supported at 9730.Furthermore, with the strong support of the intermediate element, the attachment and detachment of the attached pipe to the intermediate element become easier.

[0429] When the intermediate component 9700 reaches the operating position, the anti-torsion end or tab 9745 of the spring or pinch arm 9740 is configured and arranged to engage below the crossbar 9750 (see, for example, FIG. 112). The anti-torsion end 9745 and / or the crossbar 9750 may include a tapered portion that facilitates engagement with the operating position. In an example, engagement between the spring or pinch arm 9740 and the crossbar 9750 may provide a tactile feedback (e.g., an audible click) indicating a correct connection. With this snap-fit connection, the intermediate component 9700 is releasably fixed to the reservoir dock 6050. To disengage the intermediate component 9700, the spring or pinch arm 9740 may be manually pressed (e.g., using a tool or without using a tool) towards the rear of the reservoir dock 6050. Such pressure causes the spring or pinch arm 9740 and the anti-torsion end 9745 to elastically deflect and move to a non-locked position (i.e., in this position, the anti-torsion end 9745 is disengaged from the crossbar 9750, allowing the intermediate component 9700 to be removed from the reservoir dock 6050).

[0430] After the intermediate component 9700 is inserted and locked into the dock opening 6091 of the reservoir dock 605, the cooperation of the retaining feature and the alignment feature provided by the intermediate component 9700 / reservoir dock 6050 enables a removable non-rotatable connection of the intermediate component 9700 to the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050. Also, after the connection, by engaging the spring or pinch arm 9740 of the intermediate component 9700 in a locked manner within the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050, situations where the intermediate component 9700 becomes detached (e.g., when the water reservoir 6100 is received within the reservoir dock 6050) are avoided.

[0431] When the intermediate component 9700 is connected to the dock exit 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050, its inlet seal 9715 projects into the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 to enable engagement with the outlet pipe 6130 (or outlet) of the water reservoir 6100 (see FIGS. 112 and 131). Similarly, the outlet end 9720, together with the partial annular side wall portion 9790 and its hole 9792, extends into and / or projects from the cavity of the reservoir dock 6050 to enable engagement with the air delivery pipe 4170 (see, for example, FIGS. 110 and 115A). Further, the port 9730 and its port seal 9735 are directed upward, as shown, for example, in FIG. 115C3, to interface with a chassis opening 7380 associated with a sensor and / or microphone.

[0432] Electrical connection As shown in FIGS. 110, 115A, 121, and 122, the electrical contact assembly 9950 is provided at the dock exit 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 to electrically connect the reservoir dock 6050 to the air delivery pipe 4170 and form an electrical connection (both power and control signals).

[0433] As best shown in FIGS. 121 and 122, the contact assembly 9950 is supported at the dock outlet 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050 along the upper side of the dock opening 6091 by the reservoir dock 6050. The contact assembly 9950 communicates with power and electrical signal transmission within the reservoir dock 6050 (e.g., PCBA 7600). As shown in the figure, the contact assembly 9950 includes a support member 9952 and a plurality of contacts 9955 (e.g., four contacts) supported by the support member 9952. Each of the contacts 9955 may include a spring arm 9956 (as best shown in FIG. 122) biased in a direction away from the support member 9952. In use, when the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 engages the reservoir dock 6050, the spring arm 9956 elastically deflects upon engagement with the dock connector 4600 to maintain contact with each contact 4667 of the dock connector 4600. The contact assembly 9950 also includes an electrical connector 9958 (e.g., a flexible circuit board (FCB), a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and / or a flexible flat cable (FFC)) for electrically connecting the contacts 9955 to the PCBA 7600 (see FIG. 122).

[0434] As shown in FIGS. 110 and 115A, an external housing or outer shroud 8050 (enclosing the chassis assembly 7300 and the reservoir dock 6050) provides a cover or housing for the contact assembly 9950, and a socket or opening 9980 is formed that leads to a contact 9955 (female connector) that engages each contact of the dock connector 4600 (male connector).

[0435] Dock connector As shown in FIGS. 110-111, the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 is structured to form a pneumatic and mechanical connection with an intermediate component 9700 and an electrical connection with a contact assembly 9950 provided in the reservoir dock 6050.

[0436] In the illustrated example, the dock connector 4600 includes a tubular base portion 4640 and a contact assembly 4661 provided on the base portion 4640 (see FIG. 110).

[0437] As shown in FIGS. 123 - 126, the tubular base portion 4640 includes a radial lip seal 4645 that projects into the inlet opening of the base portion 4640. When the radial lip seal 4654 is in a relaxed, non - deformed shape, the inner diameter of the radial lip seal 4654 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outlet end 9720 (FIG. 115A) of the intermediate component 9700 with which the dock connector is pneumatically engaged. For example, the inner diameter provided by the radial lip seal 4645 can be less than about 22 mm (e.g., about 19 - 21 mm or less) when used with an outlet end 9720 that includes an ISO taper portion with a 22 mm outer diameter. In use, the radial lip seal 4645 is elastically deformed upon engagement with the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700 to provide a pneumatic connection with the intermediate component 9700 (e.g., the radial lip seal 4645 forms an airtight seal against and around the outer surface of the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700). As best shown in FIG. 125, the radial lip seal 4645 extends at an angle into the interior of the base portion 4640 to provide a lead - in portion for alignment and engagement of the dock connector 4600 and the intermediate component 9700. Also, a stop surface 4647 (see FIG. 125) within the base portion 4640 provides a stop to prevent further insertion of the intermediate component 9700 into the dock connector 4600.

[0438] The tapered projection 4642 projects outwardly from a base portion 4640 (see FIG. 123) adjacent to the contact assembly 4661. The thumb and / or finger grip provided by the tapered projection 4642 facilitates the manual operation and connection of the dock connector 4600 to the intermediate component 9700 and the contact assembly 9950 provided in the reservoir dock 6050. As shown in FIG. 111, the alignment indicia that may be included in the tapered projection 4642 are configured and arranged to align with alignment indicia provided in the reservoir dock 6050 when the air delivery tube 4170 is connected to the reservoir dock 6050, thus ensuring correct alignment and proper connection of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 to the reservoir dock 6050 during use.

[0439] Further, as best shown in FIG. 123, the base portion 4640 includes resilient retaining ridges 4644 on respective opposing sides of the base portion 4640. As described below, the retaining ridges 4644 are structured and arranged to interact with respective holes 9792 provided in the intermediate component 9700 upon engagement, so that the dock connector 4600 is retained in operative engagement with the intermediate component 9700 (and thus the entire RPT device 6000).

[0440] As shown in FIG. 123, the contact assembly 4661 (lead frame) includes a support portion 4665 and a plurality of contacts 4667 (e.g., four contacts) provided along the front side of the support portion 4665. As shown, the support portion 4665 includes a stepped configuration for supporting the contacts 4667 spaced apart from the base portion 4640. These contacts 4667 are arranged to engage with respective contacts 9955 provided on the contact assembly 9950 on the reservoir dock 6050 to form an electrical signal connection and a control signal connection with the reservoir dock 6050. In the illustrated example, these contacts 4667 are arranged as male connectors configured to form an electrical connection and a signal connection when inserted and engaged with the contacts 9955 arranged as female connectors on the reservoir dock 6050 (i.e., a straight or direct plug-in connection). The support portion 4665 provides an electrical connector for electrically connecting the contacts 4667 to each wire running along the air delivery tube 4170 and / or the circuit elements.

[0441] As shown in FIG. 123, the track of the contacts 4667 is raised (spaced apart from the body of the cuff) and extends axially so that an electrical connection can be initiated and maintained when the dock connector 4600 is inserted into the socket 9980 in which the contacts 9955 are arranged internally. However, it should be understood that the support portion and / or the contacts may have other configurations and arrangements depending on, for example, the interface arrangement or connection mechanism provided at the dock exit 6090 of the reservoir dock 6050.

[0442] In the illustrated example as shown in FIG. 126, the dock connector 4600 may include a base assembly 4680 (including a base 4682 and a cover 4684) that supports a contact assembly 4661 (lead frame). In the example, the contact assembly 4661 may first engage or interlock with the base 4682, and then the cover 4684 may be clipped onto the base 4682 or otherwise engaged with the base 4682 to be securely supported and hold the contact assembly 4661 in the operating position. The base assembly 4680 is constructed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PP, PC, ABS)), and an overmold 4690 constructed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone) is provided to the base assembly 4680 (e.g., by overmolding). As shown, the relatively rigid base assembly 4680 may form a structural shape for a tubular base portion 4640, a tapered protrusion 4642, and an elastic retaining ridge 4644, while the relatively soft overmold 4690 forms a soft outer portion for the tubular base portion 4640 and the tapered protrusion 4642 and forms a radial lip seal 4645.

[0443] Engagement of the Dock Connector and the Reservoir Dock Figures 110-111 and 127-130 show the engagement of the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170 with the reservoir dock 6050. As shown in Figure 110, the dock connector 4600 is oriented to align its contact assembly 4661 with the socket 9980 that leads to the contact assembly 9950 on the reservoir dock 6050. Next, the dock connector 4600 is axially pressed onto the reservoir dock 6050, extending the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700 into the opening of the base portion 4640, and the radial lip seal 4645 engages and elastically deforms against the outer surface of the cylindrical outlet end 9720. When the dock connector 4600 is further pressed onto the reservoir dock 6050 to reach the locked position, the radial lip seal 4645 of the dock connector 4600 engages and slides along the outer surface of the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700. In this locked position, the contact assembly 4661 extends into the socket 9980 and engages the contacts 4667 with each spring arm 9956 of the contacts 9955 to form an electrical signal connection and a control signal connection with the reservoir dock 6050 (see Figures 111 and 129-130).

[0444] Further, when the dock connector 4600 reaches the locked position, the base portion 4640 of the dock connector 4600 is received within the channel 9780 formed by the intermediate component 9700, and the retaining ridges 4644 are configured and arranged to engage within respective holes 9792 provided in the partial annular side wall portion 9790 of the intermediate component 9700, so that the dock connector 4600 is releasably held in the locked position under operable pressure (see Figures 127-128). Such engagement of the retaining ridges 4644 within each hole 9792 can provide tactile feedback during engagement. In the locked position, the dock connector 4600 is pneumatically and mechanically engaged with the intermediate component 9700 and electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the reservoir dock 6050.

[0445] Also, as shown in FIGS. 123, 125, and 126, the dock connector 4600 may include one or more internal ribs 4648. These internal ribs 4648 are configured to engage along the outer surface of the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700 to assist in the placement and alignment of the dock connector 4600 with respect to the intermediate component 9700.

[0446] In an example, the front end of the base portion 4640 may engage the flange 9770 of the intermediate component 9700 and / or the stop surface 9647 within the base portion 4640 may engage the free end of the outlet end 9720 of the intermediate component 9700. This adjacency avoids a situation where the dock connector 4600 is further inserted into the socket 9980 and the intermediate component 9700 and functions as a stop during insertion (see FIGS. 127 - 130).

[0447] In an example, the connection of the dock connector 4600 to the reservoir dock 6050 is configured such that the pneumatic connection is completed before the electrical and mechanical connections. In an example, the electrical and mechanical connections may be formed simultaneously after the pneumatic connection, or alternatively, the electrical and mechanical connections may be formed sequentially after the pneumatic connection. In another example, the pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical connections may be formed simultaneously upon insertion of the dock connector into the locked position.

[0448] To remove the air delivery conduit 4170 from the reservoir dock 6050, the dock connector 4600 may be pulled outwardly in a separating direction from the reservoir dock 6050 with a force sufficient to release the retaining ridges 4644 from each hole 9792.

[0449] Example of Tube Identification FIG. 35A is a schematic diagram of a dock and tube connection according to one form of the present technology. The dock outlet 6090 may include a contact assembly 6800 that can be connected to the corresponding contact assembly 4172 of the tube 4170 via four contacts. The dock outlet 6090 may be mechanically and electrically connected to the tube 4170.

[0450] As shown in FIG. 35A, the contact assembly 6800 includes four contacts connected to a processing circuit mechanism (e.g., PCBA 7600). Two of these contacts (heater + and heater -) are connected to a heater control circuit, and two of these contacts (+ sensor and - sensor) are connected to a sensing circuit. In some examples, the + sensor and - sensor contacts may be connected to an NTC sensor. In some examples, the sensing circuit may also be connected to the contacts (heater + and heater -). The heater control circuit and the sensing circuit may be provided within a humidifier (e.g., PCBA 7600).

[0451] The heater control circuit may supply power to the heating element in the tube 4170 via a switch (e.g., a transistor). The heater control circuit may control the duration, voltage, and / or frequency and / or period of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal supplied to the heating element in the tube 4170.

[0452] The sensing circuit may be configured to receive a signal (s) indicating the operation of the heating element in the tube 4170 from a transducer (e.g., a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor) disposed within the tube 4170. This transducer may be disposed at the mask proximal end of the tube.

[0453] For example, the sensing circuit may measure the voltage and / or current of the transducer to determine the operating characteristics (e.g., temperature) of the heating element. The heater control circuit may perform control of the heating element based on a signal received by the sensing circuit and a set of settings for the heating tube 4170. Other sensors (i.e., humidity sensors) disposed at any location within the tube may also be connected in a similar manner.

[0454] The sensing circuit can automatically identify the type of tube 4170 connected to dock 6050. The determination of the type of tube connected to dock 6050 can be made by the sensing circuit based on the unique electrical characteristic(s) provided by the active and / or passive components within tube 4170 via one or more of the four electrical connectors 6805. Based on the presentation of the type of tube 4170 connected to the dock, the controller can change the operating parameters of the system. For example, different heating control settings can be provided for different tubes (e.g., non-heated tubes, heated tubes, tubes containing heat moisture exchangers (HMEs), unknown tubes). In some examples, these settings can be changed based on the size of the identified air delivery tube (e.g., 15 mm, 19 mm), the presence and type of HME, the type of patient interface connected to the tube, etc. The determination of the type of tube connected to dock 6050 can be made by the sensing circuit via one or more of the four connectors based on the unique electrical characteristic(s) provided by the active and / or passive components within tube 4170.

[0455] As shown in FIG. 35A, tube 4170 includes four contacts for connection to each of the four contacts within contact assembly 6800. These contacts within the tube can be, but are not limited to, solid pins (as shown in FIG. 24A). In some examples, these contacts can be provided, for example, by lead frame terminals. In one example, when tube 4170 is connected to the dock, an internal solid pin of one of the devices is connected to a corresponding pogo pin in the other device (see, for example, FIG. 20J).

[0456] As shown in FIG. 35A, a first circuit element 8022 is connected to two pins within tube 4170, and a second circuit element 8024 is connected to two other pins within tube 4170. Although a single circuit element is illustrated as shown in FIG. 35A, the first and / or circuit element can include multiple active circuit elements and / or passive circuit elements.

[0457] The first circuit element 8022 may include a heater element and / or one or more other elements within the tube 4170. The first circuit element 8022 may represent the resistance to the heater element.

[0458] The second circuit element 8024 may include a sensor in the form of a thermistor formed of a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material. The parameters (e.g., resistance) of the second circuit element 8024 may vary with the change in the tube temperature. The sensing circuit may be configured to sense the temperature of the tube 4170 by monitoring the parameter change of the second circuit element 8024.

[0459] FIG. 35B shows a circuit diagram of the connection of the dock and the tube according to one form of the present technology. The first circuit element 8022 in FIG. 35A may be represented by two resistors 5R (about 5 ohms). These two resistors 5R are connected to the heater + contact and the heater - contact. This is related to the fact that one or more (usually two) copper wires are normally included in the heating wire, and these conductors are sequentially connected to each other and the total resistance is about 10 ohms. The flow of this combination of conductors extends from the dock coupling end of the tube to the mask coupling end of the tube and then returns to the dock coupling end of the tube. The second circuit element 8024 in FIG. 35A may be represented by a thermistor and two resistors 5R connected to the NTC + contact and the NTC - contact. The thermistor in FIG. 35A may be selected based on the type of the air tube. A 10k thermistor may be provided in a 15mm air tube, a 100k thermistor may be provided in a 19mm air tube, and an open circuit may be provided in the passive air tube.

[0460] These heating wires 8022 are usually distributed along the flow of the tube, and the sensor 8024 is usually arranged at the mask end of the tube. Thus, both the heating wire and the sensor for connecting the wires extend the flow of the tube.

[0461] The first circuit element and the second circuit element can be used by a sensing circuit for identifying the type of tube connected to the dock 6050. In some examples, the unique electrical characteristics of one or more connection pins can be used to identify the parameters of the tube. Different resistance values provided by the first circuit element and the second circuit element can enable a control circuit within the humidifier to determine the type of the connected tube and the control parameters used for system operation. The sensing circuit can measure the resistance of the first circuit element and / or the second circuit element to determine the type of the tube. Alternatively, additional electrical pins (in addition to the four pins shown in FIGS. 35 and 36) may be provided within the dock connector 4600 of the air delivery tube 4170. These electrical pins are associated with unique characteristics (e.g., electrical resistance) and can be used to indicate parameters such as type and other characteristics associated with the tube.

[0462] As an example, different types of tubes can include the following: (1) a 4-wire 15 mm heating tube can provide a heater wire resistance of 2x5R, and the NTC resistance value at 25 °C is 10K; (2) a 4-wire 19 mm heating tube can provide a heater wire resistance of 2x5R, and the NTC resistance value at 25 °C is 100K; (3) a passive non-heating tube can include a standard ISO taper section.

[0463] Thus, the detection of the type of the connected tube is performed by measuring the combination of the resistances of the second circuit element (e.g., NTC) and the first circuit element (e.g., heater wire) (in the cases of (1) and (2) above), and the detection of the electrical characteristics of one or more independent pins or a combination of such things or the detection of an open circuit on both connection pairs (in the case of (3) above) is performed.

[0464] The system can also be configured to automatically detect a single fault condition in the connected active tube (e.g., a short circuit or an open circuit on any of the four tube wires and an improper value (partial crack) of the heater wire, or a cross short circuit between the tube wires).

[0465] According to an example of the present technology, not only direct connection of a tube to a dock but also an electrical adapter is made possible. Using such an adapter can enable connection of different types of heat pipes to a dock, but the main purpose of such an adapter is to facilitate connection of a passive air tube that can operate with or without an HME passive humidifier at the proximal end to a dock. The main uses of such an adapter are as follows: (a) providing a mechanical connection of a passive air tube to a dock, and (b) providing a means for passive air tube detection to the system.

[0466] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of a dock and tube connection according to the above-described form of the present technology. In Figure 36, the contact assembly 6800 of the dock can be connected to the passive tube 4170 via the adapter 8020. The adapter 8020 provides an electrical connection to the contact assembly 6800 of the dock that is not generally present in the passive tube 4170. In one example, a mechanical connection can be provided to the dock 6050 by the tube 4170, and an electrical connection can be obtained by the tube adapter 8020. In some examples, the tube adapter 8020 can also be mechanically connected to the dock. Figures 24A - 24B show the mechanical connection of the tube 4170 and the tube adapter 8020 according to one form of the present technology.

[0467] In some examples, the adapter 8020 can be part of the contact assembly. The adapter 8020 can be manufactured as an integral part of the tube 4170 or alternatively can be removable from the tube 4170. In this way, circuit elements can be provided for identifying the type of air tube connected to the dock 6050 for an air tube that does not have electrical components (e.g., heating elements and / or sensors).

[0468] In contrast to FIG. 35A where the first circuit element 8022 and the second circuit 8024 are provided in the tube 4170, in the example shown in FIG. 36, the first circuit element 8022 and the second circuit element 8024 are provided in the adapter. Only in this case, these circuit elements do not represent the resistance of the heater wire and the NTC sensor / converter, but simple resistors that are detected by the controller to identify the connection from the passive tube to the system are provided. As schematically shown in FIGS. 24A-24B, the first circuit element 8022 and the second circuit element 8024 can be provided within a housing including the connection. The first circuit element 8022 and the second circuit element 8024 can be directly connected to the connection provided within the adapter 8020. In one example, in the first circuit element 8022, a single resistor directly connected to two of the connections within the adapter of the tube is provided, and in the second circuit element 8024, a single resistor directly connected to the other two connections within the adapter of the tube is provided. In some examples, the adapter 8020 can be provided outside and / or around the tube. In this example, the first circuit element and the second circuit element are provided on the outer surface of the tube and / or within the tube connector.

[0469] The first and second circuit elements within the adapter enable the sensing circuit within the humidifier to determine the type of tube connected to the dock 6050. This is different from the example in FIG. 35A. In the example of FIG. 35A, the type connected to the system is determined using the characteristics of the circuit mechanism including the heating element and / or sensor (e.g., provided within the tube). Therefore, the values of the first and second circuit elements in this example of the passive tube need to be selected to be outside the range of values expected from the first and second circuit elements of the active tube in FIG. 35A. As described below, in an operating environment where the NTC elements can be distributed over a wide range of values, it is necessary to consider the specific electrical characteristics (i.e., resistance) of the NTC elements.

[0470] FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of the change in the tube NTC resistance at different temperatures for a 100k thermistor (usually used with a 19mm heating tube) and a 10k thermistor (usually used with a 15mm heating tube). The 100k thermistor and the 10k thermistor may correspond to the thermistors that can be provided in the second circuit element 8024 shown in FIG. 35A. The present technology is based on the use of a resistor connected to the NTC terminal of the adapter that is clearly different from the actual NTC resistance in the legitimate operating region. As shown in FIG. 37, since the region of approximately 27 Kohm to 51 K is not used by the 10k and 100k NTCs during normal operation, the resistor used in the tube (or the adapter described below) can be selected to have a value of 36K or close to it. Therefore, when a tube equipped with an adapter having a second circuit element 8024 with a resistance value of 36k is connected, the system can know that the tube is neither a 15mm ...

Claims

1. A water reservoir for use with a medical treatment device for providing pressurized breathable supply air to a patient in a positive pressure range suitable for the treatment of respiratory diseases, comprising a reservoir base having a cavity configured to hold a predetermined amount of water so as to humidify the pressurized breathable supply air, the reservoir base including a thermally conductive portion configured to thermally engage a heating assembly of a water reservoir dock associated with the medical treatment device so as to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the thermally conductive portion, a reservoir base; at least one protrusion protruding outward from one side of the reservoir base, the at least one protrusion configured to be fully inserted into at least one slot on one side of the water reservoir dock, comprising, wherein the at least one protrusion extends only partially along the one side of the reservoir base, the water reservoir including an insertion end and a grippable end opposite the insertion end, the insertion end configured to be inserted into a cavity of the water reservoir dock in an operating position such that at least a portion of the grippable end remains grippable by the patient, at least a portion of the at least one protrusion being tapered downwardly towards the insertion end, the at least one protrusion including a front end spaced rearwardly from a leading edge on the insertion end of the water reservoir, a water reservoir.

2. The water reservoir according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces provided at the leading edge of the water reservoir, the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces configured to engage respectively under a pair of spaced abutting edges provided on a rear wall portion of the water reservoir dock, the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces being configured to engage the pair of spaced abutting edges and be forced downwardly by the abutting edges, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly.

3. The at least one protrusion is one of a pair of guide rails, and each of the guide rails includes an upper edge that provides a surface directed upward, and the surface directed upward of each of the guide rails engages with a surface directed downward of each of a pair of guide slots and is configured to be forced to move downward by the surface, whereby the engagement between the thermally conductive part and the heating assembly is improved. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

4. Each of the guide rails includes one or more engagement tabs extending from the upwardly directed surface configured to engage with an upper edge of each of the guide slots. The water reservoir according to claim 3.

5. The water reservoir further includes a transition shoulder formed along an upper portion and one side of the water reservoir, the transition shoulder is formed between the insertion end and the grippable end, the at least one protrusion has a rear end positioned to extend from the transition shoulder toward the insertion end, and a front end of the at least one protrusion terminates at a central portion of the water reservoir. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

6. The thermally conductive part extends over at least a part of the insertion end and at least a part of the grippable end, the thermally conductive part includes a front end formed on the insertion end and a rear end formed on the grippable end, and in a vertical projection, the at least one protrusion is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the thermally conductive part. The water reservoir according to claim 5.

7. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is horizontally offset from the rear end of the thermally conductive part, and the front end of the at least one protrusion is positioned closer to a front edge of the insertion end compared to the rear end of the thermally conductive part. The water reservoir according to claim 6.

8. The upper portion of the water reservoir includes a second shoulder further away from a front edge side of the insertion end compared to the transition shoulder, and a first horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the second shoulder is greater than a second horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the front end of the at least one protrusion. The water reservoir according to claim 5.

9. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is configured to be fully inserted into the at least one slot when (1) the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening of the water reservoir engages a seal suspended within the cavity of the water reservoir dock, and (2) when the transition shoulder of the water reservoir engages the leading edge of the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The water reservoir according to claim 5.

10. The front end of the at least one protrusion is configured to be inserted into the at least one slot only after the water reservoir has been partially inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

11. The water reservoir further comprises a reservoir lid pivotally connected to the reservoir base, and the at least one protrusion extends horizontally and is positioned at a height aligned with the pivot axis about which the reservoir lid pivots relative to the reservoir base. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

12. The reservoir lid further comprises a retainer configured to releasably engage a recess in the upper inner wall portion of the water reservoir dock in the operating position, and the retainer is vertically aligned with the at least one protrusion. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

13. The water reservoir further comprises one or more engagement tabs on each side of the water reservoir, and each of the one or more engagement tabs is configured to be forced downward by the water reservoir dock, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

14. The reservoir lid further comprises a retainer configured to releasably engage a recess in the water reservoir dock in the operating position, and one of the engagement tabs is substantially aligned with the retainer in a vertical plane when viewed in side elevation. The water reservoir according to claim 13.

15. One of the engagement tabs is configured to engage the water reservoir dock before the at least one protrusion is fully inserted into the at least one slot. The water reservoir according to claim 13.

16. The at least one protrusion is configured to be visible through the at least one slot when the water reservoir is in the operating position. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

17. A water reservoir according to claim 11, further comprising a reservoir lid and a hinge joint for hinge-coupling the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position.

18. The water reservoir according to claim 17, further comprising a latch arrangement for releasably holding the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position, wherein the hinge joint is located at the insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch arrangement is located at the grippable end of the water reservoir located on the opposite side.

19. The water reservoir according to claim 17, wherein the reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to join at a seam in the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed under the seam.

20. The water reservoir according to claim 19, further comprising a seal provided on the reservoir lid, the seal being configured to sealingly engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the seam when the water reservoir is in the closed position.

21. The water reservoir according to claim 17, wherein the at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid.

22. The water reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a first width near the grippable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width.

23. The water reservoir according to claim 22, wherein the grippable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the grippable end at least partially forms a stop configured to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock.

24. The water reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured such that when the water reservoir is in the operating position, a stop is at least partially formed by engagement of the front end of the at least one protrusion with the at least one slot, and the water reservoir is configured to be fully received within the at least one slot so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock.

25. The water reservoir according to claim 2, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces extends in a plane offset from the adjacent surface at the leading edge of the water reservoir.

26. The water reservoir according to claim 2, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces has a height from the thermally conductive portion that is comparable to the height from the thermally conductive portion of the upwardly directed surface of the at least one protrusion.

27. A pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces provided at the leading edge of the water reservoir, configured to engage under each of a pair of spaced-apart abutting edges provided at the rear wall portion of the water reservoir dock, further comprising a pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces, the pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces being configured to engage the pair of spaced-apart abutting edges and be forced downward by the abutting edges, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. The at least one protrusion is one of a pair of guide rails, each of the guide rails includes an upper edge providing an upwardly directed surface, and the upwardly directed surface of each of the guide rails is configured to engage the downwardly directed surface of each of a pair of guide slots and be forced downward by the surface, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. Each of the guide rails includes one or more engagement tabs extending from the upwardly directed surface configured to engage the upper edge of each of the guide slots. Further comprising a reservoir lid and a hinge joint for hinge-coupling the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position. Further comprising a latch arrangement for releasably holding the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position, the hinge joint is located at the insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch arrangement is located at the grippable end of the water reservoir on the opposite side. The reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to join with a seam in the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed under the seam. Further comprising a seal provided on the reservoir lid, the seal being configured to hermetically engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the closing line when the water reservoir is in the closed position. The at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid. The at least one protrusion includes a first width near the graspable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width. The graspable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the graspable end at least partially forms a stop configured to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The at least one protrusion is configured such that when the water reservoir is in the operating position, a stop is at least partially formed by the engagement of the front end of the at least one protrusion with the at least one slot, and the water reservoir is completely received within the at least one slot so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The thermally conductive portion includes a front end near the insertion end and a rear end near the graspable end, and the at least one protrusion is disposed between the front end and the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. Each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces extends in a plane offset from an adjacent surface at the leading edge of the water reservoir. The water reservoir according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces has a height from the thermally conductive portion that is comparable to the height from the thermally conductive portion of the upwardly directed surface of the at least one protrusion.

28. Further comprising a reservoir lid and a hinge joint that hinge-couples the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position. Further comprising a latch arrangement that releasably holds the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position, the hinge joint being located at the insertion end of the water reservoir and the latch arrangement being located at the graspable end of the water reservoir on the opposite side. The reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to be joined with a seam at the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed below the seam. The reservoir lid further includes a seal provided thereon, and the seal is configured to sealingly engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the seam when the water reservoir is in the closed position. The at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid. The at least one protrusion includes a first width near the grippable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width. The grippable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the grippable end at least partially forms a stop configured to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The water reservoir further includes a transition shoulder formed along the upper portion and one side thereof, the transition shoulder is formed between the insertion end and the grippable end, the at least one protrusion has a rear end positioned to extend from the transition shoulder toward the insertion end, and the front end of the at least one protrusion terminates at the central portion of the water reservoir. The thermally conductive portion extends over at least a part of the insertion end and at least a part of the grippable end, the thermally conductive portion includes a front end formed on the insertion end and a rear end formed on the grippable end, and in a vertical downward projection, the at least one protrusion is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is horizontally offset from the rear end of the thermally conductive portion, and the rear end of the at least one protrusion is positioned closer to the front edge of the insertion end compared to the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. The upper portion of the water reservoir includes a second shoulder further away from the front edge side of the insertion end compared to the transition shoulder, and a first horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the second shoulder is greater than a second horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the front end of the at least one protrusion. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is configured to be fully inserted into the at least one slot when (1) the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening of the water reservoir engages a seal suspended within the cavity of the water reservoir dock, and (2) when the transition shoulder of the water reservoir engages the leading edge of the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The front end of the at least one protrusion is configured to be inserted into the at least one slot only after the water reservoir has been partially inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The at least one protrusion extends horizontally and is positioned at a height aligned vertically with a pivot axis about which the reservoir lid pivots relative to the reservoir base. The reservoir lid has a retainer configured to releasably engage a recess in an upper inner wall portion of the water reservoir dock in the operative position, and the retainer is vertically aligned with the at least one protrusion. The water reservoir further comprises one or more engagement tabs on each side thereof, each of the one or more engagement tabs being configured to be forced downwardly by the water reservoir dock, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive site and the heating assembly. One of the engagement tabs is substantially aligned with the retainer in a vertical plane when viewed in side elevation. One of the engagement tabs is configured to engage the water reservoir dock before the at least one protrusion is fully inserted into the at least one slot. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

29. The at least one protrusion is formed as a continuous extension of a portion of the side wall of the grippable end. The water reservoir according to claim 1.

30. A medical treatment device for providing pressurized breathable supply air to a patient in a positive pressure range suitable for the treatment of respiratory diseases, a flow generator configured to pressurize the pressurized breathable supply air to the positive pressure range; the water reservoir according to claim 1; A water reservoir dock including a cavity structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, the water reservoir dock including a heating assembly adapted to thermally engage a thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir in the operating position so as to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the thermally conductive portion. A medical treatment device comprising the above. **Claim 31** A medical treatment device for providing pressurized breathable supply air to a patient in a positive pressure range suitable for the treatment of respiratory diseases, a flow generator configured to pressurize the pressurized breathable supply air to the positive pressure range; a water reservoir including a cavity structured to hold a predetermined amount of water for humidifying the pressurized breathable supply air, the water reservoir including a thermally conductive portion; a water reservoir dock including a cavity structured and arranged to receive the water reservoir in an operating position, the water reservoir dock including a heating assembly adapted to thermally engage the thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir in the operating position so as to enable heat conduction from the heating assembly to the predetermined amount of water; at least one protrusion protruding outward from one side of the water reservoir and at least one slot in one side of the water reservoir dock, the at least one slot being configured to fully receive the at least one protrusion when the water reservoir is fully inserted into the water reservoir dock to the maximum possible extent, the at least one protrusion and the at least one slot; comprising the at least one protrusion extends only partially along the one side of the water reservoir, and the at least one slot extends only partially along the one side of the water reservoir dock, the water reservoir includes an insertion end and a grippable end opposite the insertion end, the insertion end is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock, and at least a portion of the grippable end remains grippable by the patient when the water reservoir is inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock to the maximum possible extent, the at least one protrusion extends from the grippable end, At least a part of the at least one protrusion is tapered downward toward the insertion end. The at least one protrusion includes a front end spaced rearward from a leading edge on the insertion end of the water reservoir, a medical treatment device. **Claim 32** The water reservoir further includes a pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces provided at the leading edge of the water reservoir, and configured to engage under each of a pair of spaced abutting edges provided on a rear wall portion of the water reservoir dock when the water reservoir reaches the operating position. The pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces are configured to engage the pair of spaced abutting edges and be forced downward by the abutting edges, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive part and the heating assembly. The medical treatment device according to claim 31. **Claim 33** The at least one protrusion is one of a pair of guide rails, and the at least one slot is one of a pair of guide slots. Each of the guide rails includes an upper edge providing an upwardly directed surface, and each of the guide slots includes an upper edge providing a downwardly directed surface. The upwardly directed surface of each of the guide rails is configured to engage the downwardly directed surface of each of the guide slots and be forced downward by the surface, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive part and the heating assembly. The medical treatment device according to claim 31. **Claim 34** Each of the guide rails includes one or more engagement tabs extending from the upwardly directed surface so as to engage an upper edge of each of the guide slots. The medical treatment device according to claim 33. **Claim 35** The water reservoir includes a transition shoulder formed along an upper portion and one side of the water reservoir. The transition shoulder is formed between the insertion end and the grippable end. The at least one protrusion has a rear end positioned to extend from the transition shoulder toward the insertion end, and the front end of the at least one protrusion terminates at a central portion of the water reservoir. The medical treatment device according to claim 31. **Claim 36** The heat-conductive portion of the water reservoir extends over at least a part of the insertion end and at least a part of the grippable end, the heat-conductive portion includes a front end formed on the insertion end and a rear end formed on the grippable end, and in a vertical downward projection, the at least one protrusion is located between the front end and the rear end of the heat-conductive portion, the medical treatment device according to claim 35.

37. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is horizontally offset from the rear end of the heat-conductive portion, and the front end of the at least one protrusion is located closer to the leading edge of the insertion end compared to the rear end of the heat-conductive portion, the medical treatment device according to claim 36.

38. The upper portion of the water reservoir includes a second shoulder that is further away from the leading edge side of the insertion end compared to the transition shoulder, and a first horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the second shoulder is greater than a second horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the front end of the at least one protrusion, the medical treatment device according to claim 35.

39. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is fully inserted into the at least one slot when (1) the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening of the water reservoir engages a seal suspended within the cavity of the water reservoir dock, and (2) the transition shoulder of the water reservoir engages the leading edge of the cavity of the water reservoir dock, the medical treatment device according to claim 35.

40. The front end of the at least one protrusion is inserted into the at least one slot only after the water reservoir is partially inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

41. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base and a reservoir lid pivotally connected to the reservoir base, the at least one protrusion extends horizontally and is located at a height aligned in the vertical direction with a pivot axis about which the reservoir lid pivots relative to the reservoir base, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

42. The water reservoir includes a reservoir lid having a retainer that releasably engages a recess in an upper inner wall portion of the water reservoir dock in the operating position, and the retainer is vertically aligned with the at least one protrusion, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

43. The water reservoir further includes one or more engagement tabs on each side thereof, and each of the one or more engagement tabs is configured to be forced downward by the water reservoir dock, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

44. The water reservoir includes a reservoir lid having a retainer that releasably engages a recess in the water reservoir dock in the operating position, and one of the engagement tabs is substantially aligned with the retainer in a vertical plane when viewed in side elevation, the medical treatment device according to claim 43.

45. One of the engagement tabs engages the water reservoir dock before the at least one protrusion is fully inserted into the at least one slot, the medical treatment device according to claim 43.

46. The at least one slot has an open end from the one side such that the at least one protrusion is visible through the at least one slot when the water reservoir is in the operating position, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

47. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base, a reservoir lid, and a hinge joint that hinge-couples the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

48. The medical treatment device according to claim 47 further includes a latch arrangement that releasably holds the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position, the hinge joint is located at the insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch arrangement is located at the grippable end of the water reservoir on the opposite side.

49. The reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to join with a seam in the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed under the seam, the medical treatment device according to claim 47.

50. The medical treatment device according to claim 49, further comprising a seal provided on the reservoir lid, wherein the seal is configured to hermetically engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the closing line when the water reservoir is in the closed position.

51. The medical treatment device according to claim 47, wherein the at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid.

52. The medical treatment device according to claim 31, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a first width near the graspable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width.

53. The medical treatment device according to claim 52, wherein the graspable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the graspable end at least partially forms a stop portion so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock.

54. The medical treatment device according to claim 31, wherein the at least one protrusion is completely received within the at least one slot when the water reservoir is in the operating position, and a stop portion is at least partially formed by the engagement of the front end of the at least one protrusion with the at least one slot so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock.

55. The medical treatment device according to claim 31, wherein the water reservoir is engagable with the water reservoir dock by a horizontal slide.

56. The medical treatment device according to claim 32, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces extends in a plane offset from the adjacent surface at the leading edge of the water reservoir.

57. The medical treatment device according to claim 32, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces is at a height from the thermally conductive portion that is comparable to the height from the thermally conductive portion of the upwardly directed surface of the at least one protrusion.

58. The water reservoir further includes a pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces provided at the leading edge of the water reservoir, which are configured to engage below respective ones of a pair of spaced-apart abutting edges provided on the rear wall portion of the water reservoir dock when the water reservoir reaches the operating position. The pair of upwardly directed and spaced-apart surfaces are configured to engage with the pair of spaced-apart abutting edges and be forced downward by the abutting edges, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. The at least one protrusion is one of a pair of guide rails, and the at least one slot is one of a pair of guide slots. Each of the guide rails includes an upper edge that provides an upwardly directed surface, and each of the guide slots includes an upper edge that provides a downwardly directed surface. The upwardly directed surface of each of the guide rails is configured to engage with the downwardly directed surface of each of the guide slots and be forced downward by the surface, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. Each of the guide rails includes one or more engagement tabs extending from the upwardly directed surface so as to engage with the upper edge of each of the guide slots. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base, a reservoir lid, and a hinge joint for hinge-coupling the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position. The water reservoir further includes a latch arrangement for releasably holding the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position. The hinge joint is located at the insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch arrangement is located at the grippable end of the water reservoir on the opposite side. The reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to join with a closed seam in the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed below the closed seam. The water reservoir further includes a seal provided on the reservoir lid, which is configured to sealingly engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the closed seam when the water reservoir is in the closed position. The at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid. The at least one protrusion includes a first width near the graspable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width. The graspable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the graspable end at least partially forms a stop so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The at least one protrusion is received completely within the at least one slot when the water reservoir is in the operating position, such that a stop is at least partially formed by the engagement of the front end of the at least one protrusion with the at least one slot, so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir includes a front end near the insertion end and a rear end near the graspable end, and the at least one protrusion is disposed between the front end and the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. The water reservoir is engageable with the water reservoir dock by a horizontal slide. Each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces extends in a plane offset from an adjacent surface at the leading edge of the water reservoir. The medical treatment device according to claim 31, wherein each of the pair of upwardly directed and spaced surfaces has a height from the thermally conductive portion that is comparable to the height from the thermally conductive portion of the upwardly directed surface of the at least one protrusion.

59. The water reservoir includes a reservoir base, a reservoir lid, and a hinge joint that hinge-couples the reservoir lid to the reservoir base for hinge-type movement between an open position and a closed position. The water reservoir further includes a latch arrangement that releasably holds the reservoir lid to the reservoir base in the closed position, the hinge joint is located at the insertion end of the water reservoir, and the latch arrangement is located at the graspable end of the water reservoir located on the opposite side. The reservoir lid and the reservoir base are configured to join with a seam in the closed position, and the at least one protrusion is disposed under the seam. Further comprising a seal provided on the reservoir lid, the seal being configured to hermetically engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base along the closing line when the water reservoir is in the closed position. The at least one protrusion is formed on the reservoir base independently of the reservoir lid. The at least one protrusion includes a first width near the grippable end and a second width near the insertion end, and the first width is greater than the second width. The grippable end includes a protrusion adjacent to the first width of the at least one protrusion, and the protrusion of the grippable end at least partially forms a stop portion so as to at least partially limit the insertion depth of the water reservoir into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The water reservoir is engageable with the water reservoir dock by a horizontal slide. The water reservoir includes a transition shoulder formed along the upper part and one side of the water reservoir. The transition shoulder is formed between the insertion end and the grippable end. The at least one protrusion has a rear end positioned to extend from the transition shoulder toward the insertion end, and the front end of the at least one protrusion terminates at the central part of the water reservoir. The thermally conductive portion of the water reservoir extends over at least a part of the insertion end and at least a part of the grippable end. The thermally conductive portion includes a front end formed on the insertion end and a rear end formed on the grippable end. In a vertical downward projection, the at least one protrusion is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is horizontally offset from the rear end of the thermally conductive portion, and the rear end of the at least one protrusion is positioned closer to the front edge of the insertion end compared to the rear end of the thermally conductive portion. The upper part of the water reservoir includes a second shoulder further away from the front edge side of the insertion end compared to the transition shoulder. The first horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the second shoulder is greater than the second horizontal distance between the transition shoulder and the front end of the at least one protrusion. The rear end of the at least one protrusion is completely inserted into the at least one slot when (1) the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening of the water reservoir engages a seal suspended within the cavity of the water reservoir dock, and (2) when the transition shoulder of the water reservoir engages the leading edge of the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The front end of the at least one protrusion is inserted into the at least one slot only after the water reservoir has been partially inserted into the cavity of the water reservoir dock. The at least one protrusion extends horizontally and is positioned at a height aligned vertically with a pivot axis about which the reservoir lid pivots relative to the reservoir base. The reservoir lid has a retainer that releasably engages a recess in an upper inner wall portion of the water reservoir dock in the actuated position, and the retainer is aligned vertically with the at least one protrusion. The water reservoir further includes one or more engagement tabs on each side thereof, and each of the one or more engagement tabs is configured to be forced downward by the water reservoir dock, thereby improving the engagement between the thermally conductive portion and the heating assembly. One of the engagement tabs is substantially aligned with the retainer in a vertical plane when viewed in side elevation. One of the engagement tabs engages the water reservoir dock before the at least one protrusion is completely inserted into the at least one slot, the medical treatment device according to claim 31. **Claim 60** The at least one protrusion is formed as a continuous extension of a portion of a side wall of the grippable end, the medical treatment device according to claim 31.

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