Valve module and filter

Abstract

To provide a filter, a valve module or an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas.SOLUTION: A filter for an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas, includes: a filter body including a main compartment and a sub-compartment at least partly within the main compartment, where the main compartment is in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and the sub-compartment is in fluid communication with a sub-compartment gas inlet; and a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and arranged to filter gases in the main compartment and the sub-compartment or gases exiting therefrom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve module and filter for use in an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory assistance devices are used to deliver a flow of gas to a user or patient in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, medical facilities, home care or domestic environments. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Applicant has identified that replacing valves and servicing other components of respiratory aid devices can be difficult because it typically requires substantial disassembly of the respiratory aid device housing, which risks compromising the device's seals. As a result, the device may be susceptible to ingress of liquids, gases, or solid particles. If oxygen were to enter the device, this could pose a safety risk. If liquids were to enter the device, they could reduce the dielectric strength of electronic components, such as by shorting or corrosion. The ingress of solid particles could be problematic if they were to enter the gas flow path.

[0004] Applicant has also determined that positioning the device with the gas lines connected may be difficult, and the gas lines may interfere with properly positioning the device and / or may be damaged during positioning of the device.

[0005] Applicant has also identified potential problems with entrapment of gas within the filter, which can result in gases mixing within the filter and / or gases backflowing through the gas inlet.

[0006] The applicant has also confirmed the pressure drop within the device that utilizes a filter and a valve, the causes of which are the change in direction, restriction, convergence, divergence, filter medium, and fluid resistance from different frictional characteristics acting on the gas flowing through the components due to the use of different materials for different components.

[0007] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an easily replaceable valve module.

[0008] Furthermore or alternatively, it would be desirable to provide a device having a gas inlet that can be selectively positioned to enable easy positioning of the device.

[0009] Furthermore or alternatively, it would be desirable to provide a filter that aids in the confinement of the gas in a device that delivers the gas flow.

[0010] Furthermore or alternatively, it would be desirable to provide a valve module or a filter that minimizes the pressure drop.

[0011] One or more objectives of the disclosed embodiments are to provide a filter, a valve module, or a device that delivers the gas flow that at least approaches the achievement of one of the above-described desirable results or provides at least beneficial options to the general public and medical professionals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] Therefore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a valve module for a device for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the valve module including a filter for a device for delivering a gas flow, the filter including a filter body having a main compartment and a secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the main compartment being in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and the secondary compartment being in fluid communication with a secondary compartment gas inlet, and filter media associated with both the main compartment and the secondary compartment and arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment.

[0013] In some configurations, the filter is a filter module removably and sealably engagable with a housing of a device for delivering a gas flow.

[0014] In some configurations, the filter includes a seal that sealingly engages the filter within the housing of the device along the outer periphery of the filter.

[0015] In some configurations, the seal includes an O-ring or an integrally formed "wiper" seal.

[0016] In some configurations, the main compartment is defined by at least one main compartment wall that defines a boundary of the main compartment volume.

[0017] In some configurations, the secondary compartment is defined by at least one secondary compartment wall that defines a boundary of the secondary compartment volume at least partially within the main compartment volume.

[0018] In some configurations, the filter includes a second secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet.

[0019] In some configurations, the filter media includes substantially the same material as the filter body.

[0020] In some configurations, the filter body includes a polypropylene material or other suitable polymer material, and the filter media includes spun polypropylene, other suitable polymers or synthetic materials, and / or wool fibers.

[0021] In some configurations, the filter media is ultrasonically welded to at least one main compartment wall and at least one secondary compartment wall.

[0022] In some configurations, at least one main compartment wall and at least one secondary compartment wall are shaped to provide a large ultrasonic welding area.

[0023] In some configurations, the main compartment has a substantially rectangular contour.

[0024] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter top panel attached to or attachable to the filter body.

[0025] In some configurations, the filter top panel is snap - fit attachable to the filter body.

[0026] In some configurations, the filter top panel is arranged to be substantially coplanar with the housing of the device delivering the gas flow when the filter engages with the housing.

[0027] In some configurations, the filter top panel includes a handling mechanism to assist in inserting and removing the filter into and from the housing of the device delivering the gas flow.

[0028] In some configurations, the filter body includes a gas supply line connector in fluid communication with the secondary compartment.

[0029] In some configurations, the gas supply line connector includes a gas supply line holding mechanism at or near the upper end of the gas supply line connector.

[0030] In some configurations, the filter upper panel includes an opening that exposes and surrounds the gas supply line connector to protect it.

[0031] In some configurations, the filter includes a second secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet, and a duct being provided in fluid communication with the second secondary compartment.

[0032] In some configurations, the duct is formed integrally with the filter body or separately from the filter body.

[0033] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a filter for a device for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the filter including a filter body having a main compartment in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and a main compartment gas outlet, the main compartment gas outlet being substantially flat and having a filter medium spread thereon, and the main compartment gas inlet and the main compartment gas outlet being arranged such that the gas flow direction through the inlet forms an angle with the gas flow direction through the outlet.

[0034] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 30° to about 150° with respect to the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas outlet.

[0035] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 60° to 120° with respect to the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas outlet.

[0036] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas outlet.

[0037] In some configurations, the main compartment has a substantially rectangular contour.

[0038] In some configurations, at least a portion of the main compartment is tapered inwardly such that a portion of the main compartment farther from the main compartment gas inlet is smaller than a portion of the main compartment adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet.

[0039] In some configurations, at least a portion of the main compartment is tapered outwardly such that a portion of the main compartment farther from the main compartment gas inlet is larger than a portion of the main compartment adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet.

[0040] In some configurations, the filter body is at least partially within the main compartment and includes a secondary compartment in fluid communication with the secondary compartment gas inlet.

[0041] In some configurations, the secondary compartment includes a secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter medium extends to the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0042] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 30° to 150° with respect to the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0043] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 60° to 120° with respect to the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0044] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction through the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0045] In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the secondary compartment gas inlet to the secondary compartment gas outlet is between about 1:5 and about 1:80, or between about 1:1 and about 1:40, or about 1:20.

[0046] In some configurations, at least a portion of the secondary compartment is tapered inwardly.

[0047] In some configurations, the filter includes a second secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment, and the second secondary compartment is arranged to receive gas from the second secondary compartment gas inlet.

[0048] In some configurations, the second secondary compartment includes a second secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter media extends into the second secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0049] In some configurations, the direction of gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 30° to 150° with respect to the direction of gas flow through the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0050] In some configurations, the direction of gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas inlet is at an angle of about 60° to 120° with respect to the direction of gas flow through the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0051] In some configurations, the direction of gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0052] In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the second secondary compartment gas inlet to the second secondary compartment gas outlet is between about 1:5 and about 1:80, or between about 1:10 and about 1:40, or between about 1:20 and about 1:25.

[0053] In some configurations, at least a portion of the second sub-compartment is inwardly tapered such that a portion of the second sub-compartment further from the second sub-compartment gas inlet is smaller than a portion of the main compartment adjacent the second sub-compartment gas inlet.

[0054] In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the main compartment gas inlet to the area of the main compartment gas outlet is between about 1:10 and about 1:40, or between about 1:15 and about 1:30, or between about 1:20 and about 1:25.

[0055] In some configurations, the filter includes any one or more of the features described above with respect to the first-described embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas is disclosed, the apparatus including: a filter body having a compartment and a compartment filter medium associated with, positioned to filter gas residing in, or exiting the compartment; and an outlet filter medium associated with the gas outlet to prevent or at least substantially inhibit particles from inadvertently entering the filter through the outlet, wherein one of the compartment filter medium and the outlet filter medium is downstream of the other of the compartment filter medium and the outlet filter medium.

[0057] In some configurations, the outlet filter media can be or include a sintered metal filter. Examples of suitable sintered metals include copper, bronze, or steel.

[0058] In some configurations, the device includes an O-ring that seals the outlet filter relative to the outlet filter media. The O-ring can be between the filter extension duct and the filter and / or manifold outlet. Other suitable seals, such as grommet seals or face seals, can be used. Additionally or alternatively, the filter extension duct can seal with the manifold through an interference fit or a tight clearance fit.

[0059] In some configurations, the filter can seal the manifold outlet with an O-ring seal, grommet seal, face seal, and / or any other suitable seal. Alternatively, the lower seal may be omitted.

[0060] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing having a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to a patient, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and an ambient air inlet.

[0061] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a filter for filtering the gas received from the first gas inlet, the second gas inlet, and the ambient air inlet.

[0062] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a blower arranged to receive the gas from the filter and deliver the gas to the gas outlet.

[0063] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a flow control valve arranged to receive the gas from the first gas inlet and deliver the gas to the filter.

[0064] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a valve module removably engagable with the housing, the valve module including a valve and a valve manifold for receiving the gas from the valve, the valve manifold having a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver the gas from the flow control valve to the filter.

[0065] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier substantially housing and supporting the valve and the valve manifold.

[0066] In some configurations, the ambient air inlet is provided within the valve carrier.

[0067] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

[0068] In some configurations, the first gas inlet is arranged to move relative to the housing.

[0069] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter body, which includes a main compartment, a first sub-compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and a second compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and the first gas inlet, the second gas inlet, and the ambient air inlet are each in fluid communication with a respective one of the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment.

[0070] In some configurations, the filter includes filter media associated with all of the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment, and the filter media is arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment.

[0071] In some configurations, the filter includes a main compartment gas outlet, a first sub-compartment gas outlet, and a second sub-compartment gas outlet, and the filter media extends to the main compartment gas outlet, the first sub-compartment gas outlet, and the second sub-compartment gas outlet.

[0072] In some configurations, the filter is removably engagable with the housing.

[0073] In some configurations, the device is a device for nasal high-flow therapy.

[0074] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a valve module for a device for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the valve module including a flow control valve arranged to control the gas flow and a surrounding air flow path passing through the valve module.

[0075] In some configurations, the surrounding air flow path has a surrounding air outlet for delivering surrounding air to other components of the device for delivering the gas flow.

[0076] In some configurations, the surrounding air outlet is adapted to deliver surrounding air to a filter module.

[0077] In some configurations, the surrounding air flow path is adapted to deliver surrounding air so that it passes through one or more temperature sensors of the device for delivering the gas flow.

[0078] In some configurations, the surrounding air flow path passes near or adjacent to the valve.

[0079] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve manifold having a valve manifold gas inlet and a valve manifold gas outlet.

[0080] In some configurations, the valve engages the valve manifold in a sealed manner.

[0081] In some configurations, the valve is arranged to control the gas flow from the valve manifold gas inlet to the valve manifold gas outlet.

[0082] In some configurations, the valve manifold has a shape complementary to the shape of the valve.

[0083] In some configurations, the valve manifold has a substantially cylindrical body and the valve has a substantially cylindrical body.

[0084] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas outlet is radially disposed on the valve manifold.

[0085] In some configurations, the valve manifold includes a plurality of gas outlets radially disposed around the valve manifold.

[0086] In some configurations, the valve module is a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold.

[0087] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a support structure that supports the valve and the valve manifold.

[0088] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a speaker housing and an audio speaker located within the speaker housing.

[0089] In some configurations, the valve module includes one or more sensors on or within the valve carrier. In some configurations, the one or more sensors include an ambient humidity sensor. In some configurations, the one or more sensors include an ambient pressure sensor. In some configurations, the one or more sensors include an ambient temperature sensor.

[0090] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a first valve carrier portion and a second valve carrier portion, and the valve and the valve manifold are fixed in a predetermined position such that they are at least partially located between the first valve carrier portion and the second valve carrier portion.

[0091] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes one or more guards.

[0092] In some configurations, the valve module includes an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection between the valve module and one or more of the other components of the apparatus that delivers the gas flow.

[0093] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board edge connector or a wire.

[0094] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a flexible printed circuit board.

[0095] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a flow guiding structure that is arranged to guide the gas flow from the valve manifold gas outlet to the filter when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing.

[0096] In some configurations, the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet, the gas inlet of the connector is fluidly connectable to a gas supply line, the connector is arranged to provide a fluid connection between the gas supply line and the gas inlet of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet is movable relative to the valve manifold.

[0097] In some configurations, the connector is a swivel connector, the gas inlet is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the swivel connector is arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0098] In some configurations, the connector is a swivel connector, the gas inlet is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the swivel connector is arranged to rotate in substantially any direction relative to the valve manifold via a ball joint mechanism.

[0099] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0100] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the valve manifold is axially located at or towards the end of the valve manifold.

[0101] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector can rotate up to approximately 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0102] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlet extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, is fluidly connected to the gas supply line, and the valve and valve manifold are rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold relative to the valve carrier.

[0103] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0104] In some configurations, the valve and valve manifold are rotatable relative to the valve carrier up to approximately 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0105] In some configurations, the valve module is arranged to be directly coupled to the filter module to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module.

[0106] In some configurations, the valve module is removably engageable with a housing of a device that delivers a flow of gas, whereby the valve module is substantially received within the housing and accessible from outside the housing.

[0107] Furthermore, in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing having a gas outlet for delivering a flow of gas to a patient, the housing defining a recess, and the above-described filter module engaging with the recess.

[0108] In some configurations, the apparatus further includes the valve module described above.

[0109] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

[0110] Furthermore, in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing defining a recess and the above-described valve module removably received in the recess of the housing.

[0111] In some configurations, the valve module is retained within a recess in the housing by fasteners, snap fits, releasable snap fits, or the like.

[0112] In some configurations, the valve module is as described above, wherein the gas inlet fluidly connectable to the gas supply line is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

[0113] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing having a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to a patient, and a connector including a gas inlet for receiving the gas flow from a gas supply line, the gas inlet being fluidly connectable to the gas supply line, receiving gas from the gas supply line, and the gas inlet of the connector being arranged to move relative to the housing.

[0114] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate relative to the housing.

[0115] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is rotatable up to approximately 190 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 180 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 160 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 120 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 90 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 60 degrees relative to the housing, or up to approximately 45 degrees relative to the housing.

[0116] In some configurations, the gas inlet extends substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet.

[0117] In some configurations, the gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet.

[0118] In some configurations, the gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.

[0119] In some configurations, the axis of rotation is the first axis of rotation of the gas inlet of the connector, and the gas inlet of the connector is further arranged to rotate about a second axis transverse to the first axis of rotation.

[0120] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate substantially in any direction relative to the valve manifold via a ball joint mechanism.

[0121] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to cross the housing.

[0122] In some configurations, the device is arranged to receive simultaneously the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air.

[0123] In some configurations, the device is configured such that the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air are dynamically confined / mixed within the device before being delivered to the gas outlet.

[0124] In some configurations, the device includes a valve module and the connector is part of the valve module.

[0125] In some configurations, the valve module is arranged to control the flow of gas from the gas inlet to the device.

[0126] In some configurations, the connector is arranged to receive the gas supply line via the gas supply line connection.

[0127] In some configurations, the gas supply line connection is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

[0128] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a combination is disclosed, the combination comprising a valve module including a flow control valve, the valve being arranged to control the flow of gas, a valve module removably engagable with the housing of the device for delivering the flow of gas, and a filter module removably engagable with the housing of the device for delivering the flow of gas such that the filter module is accessible from outside the housing and arranged to receive the gas from the valve module.

[0129] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter module and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module.

[0130] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve and a valve manifold that receives gas from the valve, and the valve manifold has a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver gas from the flow control valve to the filter module.

[0131] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold.

[0132] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes an ambient air inlet.

[0133] In some configurations, the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet for delivering gas to the valve.

[0134] In some configurations, the filter module includes a filter body having a main compartment and at least one secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and the main compartment and the at least one secondary compartment are arranged to receive gas from respective gas inlets and deliver gas through respective gas outlets.

[0135] In some configurations, the filter module includes filter media associated with the main compartment and the secondary compartment, and the filter media is arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment.

[0136] In some configurations, the filter media extends to the main compartment gas outlet and the first secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0137] In some configurations, the valve module is substantially received within the housing and is accessible from outside the housing.

[0138] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering gas is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing having a gas outlet for delivering a gas flow to a patient, a gas inlet, and a sealed gas path between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, the sealed gas path including a filter for filtering gas received from a first gas inlet, the filter including a filter body, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a filter medium disposed to filter gas within or exiting the filter body.

[0139] In some configurations, the filter is a filter module removably and sealably engagable with the housing.

[0140] In some configurations, the filter module is removable from the housing such that the sealed path is not sealed when the filter module is removed.

[0141] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus including a valve module including a flow control valve, the valve being disposed to control a gas flow, and a filter module disposed to receive gas from the valve module. and including.

[0142] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter module and is disposed to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module.

[0143] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve and a valve manifold for receiving gas from the valve, and the valve manifold has a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver gas from a flow control valve to a filter module.

[0144] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold.

[0145] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes an ambient air inlet.

[0146] In some configurations, the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet for delivering gas to the valve.

[0147] In some configurations, the filter module includes a filter body having a main compartment and at least one secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and the main compartment and the at least one secondary compartment are arranged to receive gas from respective gas inlets and to deliver gas through respective gas outlets.

[0148] In some configurations, the filter module includes filter media associated with the main compartment and the secondary compartment, and the filter media is arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment.

[0149] In some configurations, the filter media extends across the main compartment gas outlet and the first secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0150] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a valve module for a device for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the valve module including a flow control valve, the valve being arranged to control the gas flow, the valve module being removably engagable with a housing of the device for delivering the gas flow, whereby the valve module is substantially received within the housing and is accessible from outside the housing.

[0151] In some configurations, the valve is arranged to control the gas flow entering a part of the device. For example, the valve can be arranged to control the gas flow to a filter. Alternatively, the valve can be arranged to control the gas flow to other parts of the device. The valve and the filter can be arranged upstream of the blower of the device. The valve and the filter can be arranged downstream of the blower of the device.

[0152] In some configurations, a part of the valve module is arranged to be substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing.

[0153] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve manifold having a valve manifold gas inlet and a valve manifold gas outlet. In some configurations, the valve manifold has a plurality of valve manifold gas outlets.

[0154] In some configurations, the valve is in sealing engagement with the valve manifold.

[0155] In some configurations, the valve is arranged to control the gas flow from the valve manifold gas inlet to the valve manifold gas outlet.

[0156] In some configurations, the valve is a solenoid valve, a motor-operated valve, or a piezoelectric valve.

[0157] In some configurations, the valve is a proportional solenoid valve. In some configurations, the range of gas flow through the valve (i.e., the valve aperture) is relative to the amount of current supplied to the valve. In some configurations, the valve can be a different type of electric valve, such as an electric solenoid valve.

[0158] In some configurations, the valve manifold has a shape complementary to the shape of the valve. In some configurations, the valve manifold has a substantially cylindrical body and the valve has a substantially cylindrical body. Alternatively, the valve manifold and the valve can have different shapes.

[0159] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas outlet is located radially on the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve manifold includes a plurality of valve manifold gas outlets located radially around the valve manifold.

[0160] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas outlet is of an aerodynamic acoustic shape to reduce noise. The valve manifold gas outlet can be one of, or a combination of, a through hole, a frustum shape, or a flare shape.

[0161] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve carrier is removably engagable with the housing of the device.

[0162] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a support structure that supports the valve and the valve manifold. In some configurations, the support structure includes one, two, or more supports for supporting the valve and the valve manifold.

[0163] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a speaker housing and an audio speaker located within the speaker housing.

[0164] In some configurations, the temperature sensor is provided on or within the valve carrier. In some configurations, the temperature sensor includes a thermistor, a digital temperature sensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor. In some configurations, the temperature sensor is configured to provide feedback of the ambient temperature to a controller of the device.

[0165] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a first valve carrier portion and a second valve carrier portion, and the valve and the valve manifold are fixed at a predetermined position where at least a part thereof is located between the first valve carrier portion and the second valve carrier portion. In some configurations, the first valve carrier portion includes a lower valve carrier portion, and the second valve carrier portion includes an upper valve carrier portion. Alternatively, the first valve carrier portion can include a first side portion, and the second valve carrier portion can include a second side portion. In some configurations, the valve carrier includes one or more guards.

[0166] In some configurations, the valve module includes an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection between the valve module and a device for delivering a gas flow. In some configurations, the electrical connector is in electrical / electronic communication with the valve, and the electrical connector is arranged or adapted to engage with a complementary connector in the device for delivering the gas flow, for example, by plugging into the complementary connector. In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a wire for providing electrical / electronic communication between the valve and the electrical connector. In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a flexible printed circuit board. In some configurations, the electrical connector can further include a grommet. In some alternative configurations, a printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed within the housing of the device for delivering the gas flow, and the electrical connector within the valve module includes an edge connector that engages with the printed circuit board. In some configurations, the PCB is in electrical / electronic communication with the temperature sensor and the speaker if provided.

[0167] In some configurations, the electrical connector projects from or is disposed on the top, side, or base of the valve carrier. In some configurations, the complementary connector is provided within the valve module receiving aperture of the device delivering the gas flow.

[0168] In some configurations, the valve carrier includes a flow guiding structure, which is arranged to guide the gas flow from the valve manifold gas outlet to the filter when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing. In some configurations, the flow guiding structure includes an annular housing surrounding a plurality of valve manifold gas outlets, and the flow guiding structure includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas inlet of the filter.

[0169] In some configurations, the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet, the gas inlet of the connector being fluidly connectable to a gas supply line, the connector being arranged to provide a fluid connection between the gas supply line and the gas inlet of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the connector being movable relative to the valve manifold. In some configurations, the connector is a swivel connector, the gas inlet being oriented to substantially cross the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the swivel connector being arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector is further arranged to rotate about a second axis substantially crossing the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the swivel connector is arranged to provide both swiveling and translational movement, whereby the gas inlet of the swivel connector can, for example, swivel about one or more axes and also move linearly. In some configurations, the swivel connector includes a ball joint mechanism or the like to enable the gas inlet of the swivel connector to rotate in substantially any direction relative to the valve manifold.

[0170] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the gas inlet can be oriented at a different angle that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0171] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the valve manifold is located axially at or towards the end of the valve manifold.

[0172] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector is rotatable up to about 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0173] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlets extend substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold and are fluidly connectable to a gas supply line, and the valves and valve manifold are rotatable relative to the valve carrier about the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0174] In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlets extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlets can be oriented at different angles that are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0175] In some configurations, the valve and valve manifold are rotatable relative to the valve carrier by up to approximately 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0176] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to translate relative to the valve manifold.

[0177] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

[0178] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing defining a recess and the aforementioned valve module removably received in the recess of the housing.

[0179] In some configurations, the valve module is held in the recess of the housing by a fastener, snap fit, etc.

[0180] In some configurations, the gas inlet fluidly connectable to the gas supply line is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral, front, or rear position. In some configurations, the substantially vertical position is an upper or lower position. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral position and the substantially vertical position is a lower position.

[0181] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus including a housing including a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to a patient, and a connector including a gas inlet for receiving the gas flow from a gas supply line, the gas inlet being fluidly connectable to the gas supply line, receiving gas from the gas supply line, and the gas inlet of the connector being arranged to move relative to the housing.

[0182] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate relative to the housing. In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is rotatable relative to the housing up to a maximum of about 190 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 180 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 160 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 120 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 90 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 60 degrees, or up to a maximum of about 45 degrees relative to the housing.

[0183] In some configurations, the gas inlet extends relative to the housing substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet. Thus, when the gas supply line is fluidly connected to the gas inlet, the gas supply line can extend substantially transverse to the axis of rotation.

[0184] In some configurations, the gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet. In some configurations, the gas inlet can be oriented at different angles substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet.

[0185] In some configurations, the axis of rotation is the first axis of rotation of the gas inlet of the connector, and the gas inlet of the connector is further arranged to rotate about a second axis transverse to the first axis of rotation.

[0186] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate in substantially any direction relative to the valve manifold via a ball joint mechanism.

[0187] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the connector is further or alternatively arranged to cross the housing.

[0188] In some configurations, the device is arranged to receive the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air simultaneously. In some configurations, the device is configured such that the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air flow / mix dynamically within the device before being delivered to the gas outlet. In some configurations, the device includes a blower that transports the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air to the gas outlet via a gas flow path.

[0189] In some configurations, the device is arranged to draw in ambient air by the suction force provided by the blower. In some configurations, the device is arranged to draw in gas from the gas inlet simultaneously. In some alternative configurations, the device is arranged to receive pressurized gas from the gas inlet simultaneously. In some configurations, the pressurized gas is received from a supply source such as a pressurized gas wall supply port, a gas tank.

[0190] In some configurations, the device includes a valve module and the connector is part of the valve module. In some configurations, the valve module is arranged to control the flow of gas from the gas inlet to the device.

[0191] In some configurations, the connector is arranged to receive a gas supply line via a gas supply line connection. In some configurations, the gas supply line connection is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral, front, or rear position. In some configurations, the substantially vertical position is an upper or lower position. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral position and the substantially vertical position is a lower position.

[0192] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a filter for an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the filter comprising: a filter body having a main compartment and a secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the main compartment being in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and the secondary compartment being in fluid communication with a secondary compartment gas inlet; a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the secondary compartment and arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment; and.

[0193] In some configurations, the filter body includes a plurality of secondary compartments at least partially located within the main compartment. In some configurations, the filter body includes one secondary compartment, two secondary compartments, or three or more secondary compartments.

[0194] In some configurations, the secondary compartment is completely located within the main compartment. Alternatively, in some configurations, the secondary compartment is partially located outside the main compartment. In some configurations, at least one secondary compartment is completely located within the main compartment and at least one secondary compartment is partially located outside the main compartment.

[0195] In some configurations, the filter medium covers or extends over the main compartment and the secondary compartment.

[0196] In some configurations, the filter medium is located on the outer surface of the filter body to filter gas exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment. Alternatively, in some configurations, the filter medium is at least partially disposed within the main compartment and the secondary compartment to filter gas within the main compartment and the secondary compartment.

[0197] In some configurations, the filter is a filter module that removably and sealably engages with the housing of the device that delivers the gas flow. In some configurations, the filter includes a seal along the outer perimeter of the filter that sealably engages with the filter within the housing of the device. In some configurations, the filter and the seal are arranged to pass the gas entering the device through the filter before it enters the gas flow path of the device. In some configurations, the seal includes an O-ring or an integrally formed "wiper" seal. The integrally formed wiper seal provides ease of manufacture.

[0198] In some configurations, the main compartment is defined by at least one main compartment wall that defines the boundary of the main compartment volume. In some configurations, the secondary compartment is defined by at least one secondary compartment wall that defines the boundary of the secondary compartment volume that is at least partially within the main compartment volume.

[0199] In some configurations, the main compartment is arranged to receive oxygen (or other gas) from a valve manifold. In some alternative configurations, the main compartment is arranged to receive ambient air.

[0200] In some configurations, the secondary compartment can be arranged to receive oxygen (or other gas) from an alternative supply source above. In some configurations, the secondary compartment can be arranged to receive oxygen (or other gas) from an alternative supply source on the side or at the rear.

[0201] In some configurations, the filter includes a second secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment, and the second secondary compartment is arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet.

[0202] In some configurations, the second secondary compartment can receive ambient air, and in some alternative configurations, the second secondary compartment can receive oxygen (or other gas) from the valve manifold.

[0203] In some configurations, the filter media comprises substantially the same material as the filter body. In some configurations, the filter body comprises a polypropylene material or other suitable polymer material, and the filter media comprises spun polypropylene or other suitable polymer or synthetic material.

[0204] In some configurations, the filter media is ultrasonically welded to at least one primary compartment wall and at least one secondary compartment wall. In some configurations, the at least one primary compartment wall and the at least one secondary compartment wall are shaped to provide a large ultrasonic welding area. In some configurations, the primary compartment wall and the at least one secondary compartment wall include one or more of a flange and / or a substantially flat "n"-shaped wall configuration.

[0205] In some alternative configurations, the filter media can be overmolded onto at least one primary compartment wall and at least one secondary compartment wall. In some alternative configurations, the filter media can be glued or resin-bonded to at least one primary compartment wall and at least one secondary compartment wall.

[0206] In some configurations, the primary compartment has a substantially rectangular contour. In alternative configurations, the primary compartment has a different contour shape, such as round, oval, square, or any other suitable shape.

[0207] In some configurations, the filter has a filter top panel attached to or attachable to the filter body. In some configurations, the filter top panel is attachable to the filter body by snap fit, clip, fastener, or other suitable attachment means.

[0208] In some configurations, the on-filter panel is arranged to be substantially coplanar with the housing of the device that delivers the gas flow when the filter engages with the housing.

[0209] In some configurations, the on-filter panel is made of the same material as the adjacent portion of the housing of the device. In some configurations, the on-filter panel is polycarbonate or other suitable polymeric material.

[0210] In some configurations, the on-filter panel includes a handling mechanism to assist in the insertion and removal of the filter into and from the housing of the device that delivers the gas flow.

[0211] In some configurations, the filter handling mechanism includes ridges, grooves, or grips. In some configurations, the filter handling mechanism is provided around the on-filter panel. In some configurations, the filter handling mechanism is provided at other locations on the on-filter panel. In some configurations, the on-filter panel includes multiple filter handling mechanisms.

[0212] In some configurations, the filter body includes a gas supply line connector that is in fluid communication with a sub-compartment. In some configurations, the gas supply line connector includes a gas supply line retaining mechanism, such as a clip, at or adjacent to the upper end of the gas supply line connector.

[0213] In some configurations, the gas supply line connector can be connectable to an oxygen line for receiving oxygen from an alternative supply source. In some configurations, the on-filter panel includes an opening that surrounds and exposes the gas supply line connector for protection.

[0214] In some configurations, the filter includes a second secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet, and a duct being provided in fluid communication with the second secondary compartment. The duct can be arranged to receive gas from a valve manifold gas outlet, for example via a flow guiding structure on the valve manifold.

[0215] In some configurations, the duct is integrally formed with the filter body or is formed separately from the filter body.

[0216] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a filter for a device for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the filter comprising a filter body having a main compartment in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and a main compartment gas outlet, the main compartment gas outlet being substantially flat and having a filter medium spread thereon, the main compartment gas inlet and the main compartment gas outlet being arranged such that the gas flow direction through the inlet forms an angle with the gas flow direction through the outlet.

[0217] In some configurations, the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas outlet.

[0218] In some configurations, the main compartment has a substantially rectangular contour. In alternative configurations, the main compartment has a different contour shape, such as round, oval, square, or any other suitable shape.

[0219] In some configurations, at least a portion of the main compartment is tapered inwardly such that a portion of the main compartment that is farther from the main compartment gas inlet is smaller than a portion of the main compartment that is adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet. Thereby, the incoming gas can be bent to cross substantially toward and / or through the filter medium.

[0220] In some configurations, substantially the entire main compartment is tapered inwardly. In some configurations, the filter body includes an inclined wall that at least partially defines the main compartment and provides the tapering of the main compartment. The inclined wall can be disposed on a surface of the main compartment opposite the filter medium.

[0221] In some configurations, only a small portion of the main compartment is tapered inwardly.

[0222] In some configurations, the filter body includes a secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment and in fluid communication with the secondary compartment gas inlet. In some configurations, the secondary compartment includes a secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter medium extends to the secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0223] In some configurations, the filter body includes two, three, or more secondary compartments. Each of the secondary compartments can be arranged to deliver a secondary or alternative gas to a device for delivering a gas flow. For example, one of the secondary compartments can be used to deliver oxygen, and one of the secondary compartments can be used to deliver heliox.

[0224] In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the secondary compartment gas inlet to the secondary compartment gas outlet is between about 1:5 and about 1:80, between about 1:10 and about 1:40, or about 1:20.

[0225] In some configurations, the filter body includes a second secondary compartment that is at least partially within the main compartment, and the second secondary compartment is arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet. In some configurations, the second secondary compartment includes a second secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter media extends to the second secondary compartment gas outlet. In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the second secondary compartment gas inlet to the second secondary compartment gas outlet is between about 1:5 and about 1:80, or between about 1:10 and about 1:40, or between about 1:20 and about 1:25.

[0226] In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the main compartment gas inlet to the area of the main compartment gas outlet is between about 1:10 and about 1:40, or between about 1:15 and about 1:30, or between about 1:20 and about 1:25.

[0227] In some configurations, the filter includes any one or more of the features outlined with respect to the other configurations described herein.

[0228] In some configurations, the filter media is provided on two opposing faces of the filter to form two main compartment gas outlets and, depending on the number of secondary compartments, one, two, or more secondary compartment gas outlets. In some configurations, the ratio of the area of the main compartment gas inlet to the total area of the main compartment gas outlets is between about 1:20 and about 1:80, or between about 1:30 and about 1:60, or between about 1:40 and about 1:50. In some configurations having a first secondary compartment gas with two secondary compartment gas outlets, the ratio of the area of the first secondary compartment gas inlet to the total area of the secondary compartment gas outlets is between about 1:10 and about 1:160, or between about 1:20 and about 1:80, or about 1:40. In some configurations having a second secondary compartment with two second secondary compartment gas outlets, the ratio of the area of the second secondary compartment gas inlet to the total area of the second secondary compartment gas outlets is between about 1:10 and about 1:160, or between about 1:20 and about 1:80, or between about 1:40 and about 1:50.

[0229] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a housing having a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to a patient, the housing defining a recess, and the aforementioned filter engaging the recess. comprising.

[0230] In some configurations, the apparatus includes the aforementioned valve module.

[0231] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an apparatus for delivering a gas flow is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a housing having a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to a patient, and a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and an ambient air inlet. comprising.

[0232] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a filter for filtering gases received from a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and an ambient air inlet.

[0233] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a flow control valve arranged to receive gas from the first gas inlet and deliver the gas to the filter.

[0234] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a blower arranged to receive gas from the filter and deliver the gas to a gas outlet.

[0235] In some configurations, the apparatus includes a valve module removably engagable with the housing, the valve module including a valve and a valve manifold for receiving gas from the valve, the valve manifold having a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver gas from the flow control valve to the filter. In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier substantially housing and supporting the valve and the valve manifold. In some configurations, the ambient air inlet is provided in the valve carrier.

[0236] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

[0237] In some configurations, the first gas inlet is arranged to move relative to the housing.

[0238] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter body, the filter body including a main compartment, a first sub-compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and a second sub-compartment at least partially within the main compartment, wherein a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and an ambient air inlet are each in fluid communication with one of the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment, respectively. In some configurations, the filter includes filter media associated with all of the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment, the filter media being arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment, the first sub-compartment, and the second sub-compartment. In some configurations, the filter includes a main compartment gas outlet, a first sub-compartment gas outlet, and a second sub-compartment gas outlet, the filter media extending to the main compartment gas outlet, the first sub-compartment gas outlet, and the second sub-compartment gas outlet.

[0239] In some configurations, the filter is removably engagable with a housing.

[0240] In some configurations, the device is a device for nasal high-flow therapy.

[0241] Furthermore, according to some features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein a valve module including a flow control valve, the valve being arranged to control the flow of gas, the valve module being removably engagable with a housing of a device for delivering the flow of gas, whereby the valve module is received substantially within the housing and is accessible from the outside thereof; a filter module being removably engagable with a housing of a device for delivering the flow of gas, whereby the filter module is accessible from the outside of the housing, the filter module being arranged to receive gas from the valve module; A combination is disclosed.

[0242] In some configurations, the valve module is directly coupled to the filter module and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module.

[0243] In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve and a valve manifold that receives gas from the valve, and the valve manifold has a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver gas from the flow control valve to the filter. In some configurations, the valve module includes a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve carrier includes an ambient air inlet.

[0244] In some configurations, the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet for delivering gas to the valve, and the gas inlet is movable.

[0245] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter body having a main compartment and at least one secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and the main compartment and the at least one secondary compartment are arranged to receive gas from respective gas inlets and to deliver gas through respective gas outlets.

[0246] In some configurations, the filter includes filter media associated with the main and secondary compartments, and the filter media is arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main and secondary compartments. In some configurations, the filter media extends to the main compartment gas outlet and the first secondary compartment gas outlet.

[0247] It will be appreciated that the filters and valve modules described herein can be used separately within an apparatus for delivering a gas flow. Alternatively, the filters and valve modules can be used together to enhance functionality. The filters and valve modules can be provided together to provide a filter-valve assembly.

[0248] Features from one or more embodiments or configurations can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or configurations. Additionally, two or more embodiments can be used in combination during the process of providing respiratory support to a patient.

[0249] As used herein, the term "comprising" means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each description herein that includes the term "comprising", there may be features other than those that come before that term. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" should be interpreted similarly.

[0250] References to ranges of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 - 10) also include references to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), as well as references to any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 - 8, 1.5 - 5.5, and 3.1 - 4.7), and thus all sub-ranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are also explicitly disclosed herein. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and it is to be considered that all possible combinations of numerical values between the recited minimum and maximum values are explicitly stated in the same manner in this application.

[0251] It should be understood that alternative embodiments or configurations can include any or all combinations of two or more of the components, elements, or features exemplified, described, or referred to herein.

[0252] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will envision many structural changes as well as widely different embodiments and applications of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosure and description herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting in any sense. When specific complete entities having known equivalents in the technical field related to the present invention are mentioned herein, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if individually shown. The present invention also broadly speaking can be in parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or shown in the specification of this application, as well as in any and all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, or features.

[0253] Specific embodiments and their modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein with reference to the following figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0255] 1. General Introduction FIG. 1 shows a flow therapy device 10 for delivering a gas flow to a patient. Generally, the device 10 includes a main housing 100, a flow generator 11 in the form of a motor / impeller arrangement, an optional humidifier 12, a controller 13, a user I / O interface 14 (including, for example, a display and input devices such as buttons, touchscreens, etc.), filter modules 1001, 2001 (FIGS. 15 and 16), 3001 (FIGS. 38 - 40), 11001 (FIG. 46), and valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 (FIGS. 17 - 37). The controller 13 is configured or programmed to operate the flow generator 11 to generate a gas flow (gas stream) to be delivered to the patient, operate the humidifier 12 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the generated gas stream, etc., control the components of the device, receive user input from the user interface 14 for reconfiguration and / or user-defined operations of the device 10, and output information to the user (e.g., to the display). The user can be a patient, a medical professional, or another person interested in the use of the device.

[0256] The patient breathing conduit 16 is coupled to the gas outlet port 344 within the housing 100 of the flow therapy device 10, which is coupled to a patient interface 17 such as a nasal cannula with a manifold 19 and nasal prong 18. Additionally or alternatively, the patient breathing conduit 16 can be coupled to a face mask. Additionally or alternatively, the patient breathing conduit can be coupled to a nasal pillow mask and / or a nasal mask and / or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface. The gas flow, which can be humidified, generated by the flow therapy device 10 is delivered to the patient through the cannula 17 via the patient breathing conduit 16. The patient breathing conduit 16 can have a heater wire 16a that heats the gas flow passing therethrough to the patient. The heater wire 16a is controlled by the controller 13. The patient breathing conduit 16 and / or the patient interface 17 can be considered part of the flow therapy device 10 or alternatively a peripheral device thereof. The flow therapy device 10, the breathing conduit 16, and the patient interface 17 together form a flow therapy system.

[0257] The overall operation of the flow therapy breathing device 10 is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and thus need not be described in detail herein. However, generally, the controller 13 controls the flow generator 11 to generate a gas flow of a desired flow rate, controls one or more valves to control the mixing of air and oxygen or other alternative gases, and controls the humidifier 12 (if present) to humidify the gas flow and / or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level. The gas flow is directed through the patient breathing conduit 16 and the cannula 17 and out into the patient's body. The controller 13 can also control the heating element of the humidifier 12 and / or the heating element 16a of the patient breathing conduit 16 to heat the gas to a desired temperature to achieve a desired level of treatment and / or comfort for the patient. The controller 13 can be programmed with a suitable target temperature for the gas flow, or the controller 13 can determine a suitable target temperature for the gas flow.

[0258] At various positions of the flow therapy device 10 and / or the patient breathing conduit 16 and / or the cannula 17, operation sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, and 25 such as a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a pressure sensor can be arranged. The output from the sensors can be received by the controller 13 and can help the controller 13 operate the flow therapy device 10 to provide an optimal treatment. In some configurations, providing an optimal treatment includes meeting the patient's breathing requirements. The device 10 can have a transmitter and / or a receiver 15 such that the controller 13 can receive a signal 8 from the sensors and / or control various components of the flow therapy device 10 including, but not limited to, the flow generator 11, the humidifier 12, and the heater wire 16a, or accessory devices or peripheral devices associated with the flow therapy device 10. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter and / or the receiver 15 can be capable of sending data to a remote server or enabling remote control of the device 10.

[0259] The flow therapy device 10 can be any suitable type of device. In some configurations, it can deliver high gas flow or high-flow therapy (high-flow treatment) to a patient (e.g., air, oxygen, other mixed gases, or some combination thereof) to assist breathing and / or treat respiratory diseases. In some configurations, the gas is oxygen or contains oxygen. In some configurations, the gas contains a mixture of oxygen and ambient air. "High-flow therapy", as used in this disclosure, can refer to delivering gas to an adult patient at a flow rate higher than or equal to about 10 liters per minute (10 LPM), or to a neonatal, infant, or pediatric patient at a flow rate higher than or equal to about 1 liter per minute (1 LPM) or 2 liters per minute (2 LPM). In some configurations, "high-flow therapy" for an adult patient can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate of about 10 LPM to about 100 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. In some configurations, with respect to neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients, "high-flow therapy" can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate between about 1 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and 25 LPM. Thus, a high-flow therapy device for use with either an adult patient or a neonatal, infant, or pediatric patient can deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate between about 1 LPM and about 100 LPM, or at a flow rate within any of the partial ranges outlined above. The gas delivered can contain a certain percentage of oxygen.In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivered gas can be between about 20% and about 100%, or between about 30% and about 100%, or between about 40% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 100%, or between about 80% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.

[0260] High-flow therapy has been found to be effective in meeting or exceeding a patient's respiratory demands, increasing the patient's oxygen delivery, and / or reducing respiratory effort. Additionally, high-flow therapy can create a flushing effect within the nasopharynx, whereby the anatomical dead space of the upper airway is flushed with the incoming high-flow gas stream. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available with each breath, while minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0261] High-flow therapy can be administered into the user's nostrils and / or orally or via a tracheostomy interface. High-flow therapy can deliver gas to the user at a flow rate that meets or exceeds the user's intended peak inspiratory velocity requirements. High-flow therapy can create a flushing effect within the nasopharynx, whereby the anatomical dead space of the upper airway is flushed with the incoming high-flow gas stream. This can create a reservoir of fresh gas available with each breath, while minimizing rebreathing of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0262] The patient interface may be a non-sealing interface that prevents barotrauma (e.g., tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of the respiratory system due to differences in pressure relative to atmospheric pressure). The patient interface may be a nasal cannula with a manifold and nasal prongs, and / or a face mask, and / or a nasal pillows mask, and / or a nasal mask, and / or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface.

[0263] As shown in FIGS. 2A-42 and as described hereinafter, the flow therapy device 10 has various features that are useful for the function, use, and / or construction of the device 10.

[0264] 2. Overview including description of the main housing As shown in FIGS. 2A-6, the flow therapy device 10 includes a main housing 100. The main housing 100 has a main housing upper chassis 102 and a main housing lower chassis 202.

[0265] The main housing has a peripheral wall arrangement. The peripheral wall arrangement defines a humidifier or liquid chamber compartment 108 that receives a removable liquid chamber 300. The removable liquid chamber 300 contains a suitable liquid such as water to humidify the gas delivered to the patient.

[0266] In the illustrated form, the peripheral wall arrangement of the main housing lower chassis 202 includes a substantially vertical left outer wall 210 oriented in the front-rear direction of the main housing 100, a substantially vertical right outer wall 216, and a substantially vertical rear outer wall 222 that extends between and connects walls 210, 216. The bottom wall 230 extends between and connects the lower ends of walls 210, 216, 222 to form a substantially horizontal floor portion 136 of the liquid chamber compartment.

[0267] In the illustrated form, the peripheral wall arrangement of the main housing upper chassis 102 includes a left upper wall 114 that extends in the front-rear direction of the main housing, a right upper wall 120 that extends in the front-rear direction of the main housing, and a laterally extending rear wall 128 that extends between and connects walls 114, 120.

[0268] The floor portion 136 of the liquid chamber compartment 108 has a recess for receiving a heater mechanism for heating the liquid in the liquid chamber 300, such as a heater plate or other suitable heating element, used during the humidification process.

[0269] The liquid chamber compartment 108 further comprises opposing guide mechanisms in the form of a left horizontally extending guide rail 144 and a right horizontally extending guide rail 146, which extend from the left inner wall 112 and the right inner wall 118 towards the center of the compartment 108 and serve to guide the compartment 108 of the liquid chamber 300 into place.

[0270] The main housing lower chassis 202 can be attached to the upper chassis 102 by any suitable fastener or integrated mounting mechanism, such as a clip or the like. When the main housing lower chassis 202 is attached to the main housing upper chassis 102, the lower ends of the left upper wall 114, the right upper wall 120, and the laterally extending rear wall 128 of the upper chassis engage the upper ends of the left outer wall 210, the right outer wall 216, and the rear outer wall 222 of the main housing lower chassis, respectively.

[0271] [[ID=Z]] The device has a labyrinth mechanism between the components of the device to reduce the ingress of water and oxygen into the unit. The device preferably has a labyrinth mechanism between the upper end of the lower chassis wall and the lower end of the upper chassis wall. The labyrinth mechanism provides a substantially continuous liquid / gas flow resistance joint at the periphery of the upper and lower chassis parts 102, 202. For example, the lower chassis wall may be provided with grooves and the upper chassis wall may be provided with complementary lips, which are configured to be at least partially received in the respective grooves when the upper and lower chassis parts are assembled together. The continuous joint preferably extends along at least a majority of the front, side, and rear portions of the chassis part (including around all corners between these faces).

[0272] The configurations and orientations described above are merely examples, and any suitable combination and / or orientation of the labyrinth mechanisms can be used in the device.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 6, the lower chassis 202 has a motor recess 250 for receiving the motor and / or sensor module 400 of the apparatus 10, which is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and will be described in more detail later. The motor and / or sensor module can be either removable or non-removable. The recess opening 251 is provided adjacent to the trailing edge of the bottom wall 230 for receiving the motor / sensor module 400. A continuous gas-impermeable and seamless peripheral wall 252 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 230 of the lower chassis 202 and extends from the periphery of the opening 251. The upper end of the peripheral wall 252 terminates at the ceiling 262. All of the wall and the ceiling 262 are continuous, gas-impermeable and seamless, except for the tube 264 of the ceiling 262 that forms a gas flow path for the gas to exit from the motor and / or sensor module 400, and the opening 208 of the wall 252 for receiving the gas outlets of the gas filter modules 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001. The tube 264 that forms the gas flow path is formed integrally with the ceiling 262, and the ceiling surrounds the tube 264 and extends outward therefrom. Thus, the motor recess 250 is entirely gas-impermeable and seamless except for the gas flow path and the inlet to the filter module gas outlet.

[0274] The tube 264 that forms the gas flow path extends upward through a downward outer extension tube or conduit that is formed integrally with the shelf-like protrusion 132 (FIG. 4) of the upper housing chassis 102. The tube 264 extends at least to the shelf-like protrusion 132 and can extend to a location vertically higher than the shelf-like protrusion 132. A soft seal, such as an O-ring seal (not shown), is positioned between the outside of the gas flow path tube 264 and the inside of the downward outer extension tube to provide a seal between the components when assembled. In other configurations, the gas flow path tube 264 and the downward extension tube can be attached to each other via an interference fit or a press-fit mechanism and still be configured to provide a seal between the components when assembled. Still other configurations are contemplated, including but not limited to latch / catch type fixtures and bayonet type fixtures between the gas flow path tube 264 and the downward extension tube.

[0275] With this configuration, if there is any gas leakage from the motor or the gas flow path following the motor through any seal, the gas is discharged to the surrounding environment rather than entering the interior of the main housing that houses the control board and other electrical components. The electrical components and electronic circuit boards within the housing are air-isolated from the gas flow. The only way for gas to leak into the portion of the main housing 100 that houses the electronic circuit board and other electrical components is when there is a physical crack in the housing 100 or another physical component. The pressure in the motor and / or within the motor of the sensor module 400 upstream of the impeller may be lower than the pressure in the portion of the main housing 100 that houses the electrical / electronic components, which also helps any gas leakage to be discharged to the surrounding environment.

[0276] When the gas flow moves through the system due to the formation of gas turbulence and friction (for example, when the gas moves along the wall defining the gas passage), there is a pressure drop in the gas flow.

[0277] In the motor and / or sensor module 400, the pressure is lower in front / upstream of the motor impeller and higher behind / downstream of the motor impeller. In the region with the lower pressure, an electrical connection is provided to the motor upstream of the motor impeller. If there is a damaged part in the housing near the electrical connection, air is sucked into the low-pressure side.

[0278] In an alternative configuration, the motor recess 250 can be formed separately from the lower chassis 202. The motor assembly including the recess can be insertable into the recess opening 251 and may be attachable to the lower chassis 202. When the motor assembly and the recess are inserted into the lower chassis 202, the gas flow path tube 264 extends through the downward extension tube 133 and is sealed by a soft seal.

[0279] In the illustrated form, the recess 250 has a recess opening in the bottom wall of the housing. Alternatively, the recess opening can be in a different part of the housing, such as the side, front or top of the housing.

[0280] The described configuration provides a chamber shaped to receive and accommodate the motor and / or sensor module 400 of the device 10, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Guide and / or mounting mechanisms can be provided on the inner wall of the recess 250 (including but not limited to a part of the peripheral wall 252) to assist in positioning and / or attaching the module 400 in the recess 250. The motor and / or sensor module 400 is a flow generator and includes a motor 402 with an impeller that operates as a blower to deliver gas to the patient interface 17 via the liquid chamber 300. It will be understood that the shape of the chamber can be changed according to the shape of the motor / sensor module 400. However, in order to isolate the gas flow from the electrical and electronic components within the main housing 100, the chamber is provided with a continuous, gas-impermeable wall and ceiling without breaks.

[0281] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the removable liquid chamber 300 includes an outer housing 302 that defines a liquid reservoir, a liquid chamber gas inlet port 306 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, and a liquid chamber gas outlet port 308 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. A baffle may be provided inside the liquid reservoir to define a gas flow path through the liquid chamber 300. The lower edge of the liquid chamber 300 includes an outwardly extending annular flange 310 that interacts with opposing guide rails 144 within the chamber compartment 108 that position and hold the liquid chamber 300 within the chamber compartment 108. The flange 310 extends outwardly from the base of the peripheral wall of the liquid chamber 300. The bottom wall of the liquid chamber 300 is thermally conductive and is adapted to rest on a heater plate to heat the liquid within the liquid chamber 300.

[0282] Device 10 includes a connection manifold mechanism 320 for fluidly coupling a liquid chamber 300 to the device 10. The liquid chamber 300 can be fluidly coupled to the device 10 by a linear sliding movement in the rearward direction of the liquid chamber 300 into the chamber compartment 108 from a position in front of the housing 100 in a direction toward the rear of the housing 100. The connection manifold mechanism 320 includes a manifold gas outlet port 322 that is in fluid communication with a gas flow path from the motor / impeller unit 402 via a fixed L-shaped elbow 324 (FIG. 8). The lower portion of the elbow 324 that forms the gas inlet port of the elbow extends downwardly inside the gas flow path tube 264, preferably to a position below the lower end of the gas flow path tube 264. A soft seal such as an O-ring seal is provided between the outside of the lower portion of the elbow and the inside of the gas flow path tube 264 to seal between these components.

[0283] The connection manifold mechanism 320 further includes a manifold gas inlet port 340 (humidified gas return) incorporated into a removable elbow 342. The removable elbow 342 is L-shaped and further includes a patient outlet port 344 that couples to the patient breathing conduit 16 to deliver gas to the patient interface 17. The manifold gas outlet port 322, the manifold gas inlet port 340, and the patient outlet port 344 each include a soft seal such as an O-ring seal, a T-seal, etc. that provides a sealed gas passage between the device 10, the liquid chamber 300, and the patient breathing conduit 16.

[0284] The liquid chamber gas inlet port 306 is complementary to the connection manifold gas outlet port 322, and the liquid chamber gas outlet port 308 is complementary to the connection manifold gas inlet port 340. The axes of those ports are preferably parallel so as to allow the liquid chamber 300 to be inserted into the chamber compartment 108 with a linear movement.

[0285] Motor and / or Sensor Module Figures 7 and 8 show a motor and / or sensor module or sub-assembly 400 that can be used as a flow generator in a flow therapy device.

[0286] The motor and / or sensor module or sub-assembly 400 of the device was designed as individual and sealed components. Any seal that is broken allows gas, such as oxygen, to leak into the surrounding environment rather than into the electronic circuitry of the device. Module 400 may be replaceable, so that if a sensor fails, the entire module can be replaced. The module can include only the electronic circuitry related to sensing.

[0287] The motor and / or sensor module 400 comprises a stacked arrangement of three main components, namely a base 403 of the sub-assembly 400, on which a motor 402 with an impeller forming a blower is disposed, an outlet gas flow path and sensing layer 420 disposed above the base 403, and a cover layer 440. The cover layer 440 as well as the outlet gas flow path and sensing layer 420 are typically assembled in use to form the sensing layer. Gas enters the module 400 from a gas inlet, passes through the blower 402, through the gas flow path and sensing layer 420, through a gas outlet port 452, and is delivered via a fixed elbow 324 to a liquid chamber 300a, and then moves through a removable elbow 342 through a patient gas outlet port 344 of the device. An opening formed between the blower 402 and the outlet gas flow path and sensing layer 420 provides an inlet for gas into the module and allows the temperature of the incoming gas to be measured.

[0288] The base 403 comprises a region for receiving the gas blower motor 402. The region can be concave. The diameter of the concave region is selected to match the shape of the lower side of the body of the motor 402. The region guides the gas flow to the blower. In an alternative configuration, the region can be of a different shape, such as a non-concave shape.

[0289] The base 403 is provided with a plurality of flexible mounts 411. The flexible mounts act as a vibration isolation structure. An engagement plate is held by the upper casing of the motor / blower 402 body and provides a slot in which the mounts can slide. The upper ends of the mounts are received in complementary receiving portions such as a cup of the body 422 of the outlet gas flow path and the sensing layer 420.

[0290] Complementary fixing mechanisms 405, 425 for fixing the body 422 to the base 403 are provided in the outlet gas flow path, the base 403 of the sensing layer 420, and the body 422. As an alternative, different fixing methods can also be used. The base 403 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending members such as ports 407. The body 422 can include complementary members for engaging with the member 407 to prevent the body 422 from swinging relative to the member 403. The base 403 and / or the body 422 also include a plurality of positioning pins 412 for guiding the base and the body together during coupling.

[0291] A recess for receiving a soft seal such as an O-ring seal 403C is provided in the peripheral portion 403B of the base 403. The seal 403C seals the module 400 against the housing of the device and prevents the entrapment of ambient air bypassing the filter. In particular, the seal 403C seals between the base 403 and the peripheral wall of the recess 250 of the device housing. The seal 403C also provides a force that must be overcome to remove the module 400 from the housing when the module 40 is removable.

[0292] When gas enters the module 400 through the inlet region, it moves to the blower inlet located in or above the concave portion of the base 403 and below the blower 402. The gas entering the module can act to cool the motor. Then, the gas moves through the blower 402 and exits through the blower gas outlet port. The gas exiting the blower gas outlet port enters a coupling tube or cuff (not shown) that couples the blower gas outlet port to the outlet gas flow path and the gas inlet port of the sensing layer 420. The arcuate body of the cuff directs the gas through an angular change of about 90 degrees from the blower outlet port to the gas inlet port, but over a short horizontal distance, while minimizing the pressure drop.

[0293] It will be appreciated that the cuff can be configured to direct the gas through different angles depending on the required configuration. The inlet and outlet ports of the cuff are sealed to the blower outlet port and the gas inlet port using a suitable sealing mechanism, such as a soft seal like an O-ring seal.

[0294] The cuff is configured to minimize the pressure drop of the gas passing through it and to isolate blower vibrations from the unit's case in tight space constraints. The cuff is made of a soft flexible material and has local regions that act as diaphragms and serve as vibration isolators. Some regions of the cuff can be thinned to provide isolation to prevent or minimize any vibrations from being transmitted to the structural components. This can be achieved by forming relatively thin portions within the cuff. Additionally or alternatively, the cuff can be provided with a concertina portion to help isolate vibrations from the unit's case while allowing for more movement of the module 400 within the housing.

[0295] The gas flow path and the sensing layer 420 include a gas flow path having one or more sensors, and the gas flow path is arranged to deliver gas to the outlet port of the housing.

[0296] The gas flow path and the body 422 of the sensing layer 420 define the lower part of the sensing and gas flow path. The cover layer 440 has a body 442, which defines the upper part of the sensing and gas flow path, and the shapes of the upper and lower parts of the sensing and gas flow path substantially correspond to each other.

[0297] The sensing printed circuit board (PCB) can be provided within the gas flow path and the sensing layer 420. At least a part of the PCB overlaps with the gas flow path passing through the gas flow path and the sensing layer 420. The PCB is sandwiched between the gas flow path and the sensing layer 420 and the cover layer 440. The temperature sensor is disposed in a part of the PCB that is within or overlaps with the gas flow path.

[0298] Soft seals such as O-ring seals can be provided to seal between the upper side of the body 422 and the lower side of the PCB, and between the lower side of the body 442 and the upper side of the PCB. The soft seal seals the high-pressure region of the module when the gas passing through the gas flow path is compressed by the blower. The seal prevents gas from leaking and flowing towards the electronic components of the device. As an alternative, the soft seal can be co-molded with the body, with a soft layer co-molded on a harder body.

[0299] The cover layer 440 can be coupled to the gas flow path and the sensing layer 420 using fasteners such as screws. The fastener sandwiches and couples two parts and provides a compressive force to seal the soft seal against the PCB substrate.

[0300] 7, 3A, and 3B, once the gas passes through the gas flow path and the sensing layer 420, it exits the module 400 through a gas outlet port 452 that couples with the gas inlet elbow 324. A soft seal, such as an O-ring seal 452A, may be provided to seal the gas outlet port 452 of the module 400. The soft seal 452A seals against the inner wall of the lower outer extension tube or conduit of the upper chassis or another portion of the housing. A soft seal, such as an O-ring seal, may be provided to seal between the elbow 324 and the inner wall of the lower extension tube of the upper chassis or another portion of the housing. The soft seal functions to keep the module 400 sealed and reduce the possibility of pressurized gas flowing into the device housing. The soft seals may be provided in the gas outlet port 452 and annular grooves of the gas inlet elbow 324. Alternatively, one of both of the components may have an outwardly facing shoulder to provide a seating surface for the soft seal.

[0301] In alternative configurations, different types of seals can be provided to seal between the gas outlet port 452, the gas inlet elbow 324, and / or the external extension tube. For example, rather than using an O-ring, a face seal, foam, or bellows seal can be used, which allows some relative movement of the components in a direction transverse to the direction of gas flow through the components without breaking the seal. A seal that allows that movement does not unduly constrain the module 400 when in place in the lower chassis, but allows some lateral movement between the gas outlet port 452 and the inlet elbow 324 of the module 400 while still allowing sealing between the top surface of the gas outlet port 452 and the bottom surface of the inlet elbow 324. When a bellows seal is used to seal between the gas outlet port 452 and the inlet elbow 324, it allows both some lateral and some axial movement between the gas outlet port 452 and the inlet elbow 324 of the module 400.

[0302] The connection between the gas outlet port 452 and the gas inlet elbow 324 is formed outside the motor and / or sensor module 400 such that any leakage occurring from this connection is directed outside the housing of the device. The lower chassis extends up to the periphery outside the inlet elbow 324 and is formed as a single integral part including walls and a ceiling that define the recess 250 and the gas flow tube 264. Thus, in case of leakage, the gas follows the path of least resistance, accumulates outside the leakage area, and exits to the ambient air through the outside of the inlet elbow 324. The possibility of the gas flowing into the electronic circuitry of the device through a meandering path inside the housing is very low.

[0303] Device 10 has an air and oxygen (or alternatively, auxiliary gas) inlet that is in fluid communication with the motor 402 and enables the motor 402 to deliver air, oxygen, or a suitable mixture thereof to the liquid chamber 300 and thereby to the patient. In some configurations, the gas includes a mixture of oxygen and ambient air. The air and oxygen (or other alternative auxiliary gas) can be delivered to the motor and / or sensor module 400 via the filter module and / or valve module configurations described below.

[0304] 3. Filter Module As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower chassis 202 has a filter receiving portion 300 that defines holes for receiving filter modules 1001, 2001 (FIGS. 15 and 16), 3001 (FIGS. 38-40), 11001 (FIG. 46). The filter module can be removably and sealably engaged with the main housing of the device by engaging with the filter receiving portion of the housing. The filter module is accessible from outside the main housing. The upper end 302 of the filter receiving portion 300 defines an annular groove 304 for receiving a soft seal 304 such as an O-ring seal. The soft seal 304 is arranged to engage and seal against the surface of the upper chassis 102 of the main housing when the upper and lower chassis are assembled. The lower part of the filter receiving portion 300 opens into a valve module housing 306 to form a recess for receiving valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 (FIGS. 17-37).

[0305] The inner wall of the filter receiving portion 300 defines an opening 208 that is in fluid communication with the gas outlet of the filter modules 1001 (FIGS. 10-14), 2001, 3001. The opening 208 guides the gas to or towards the motor and / or sensor module 400. In one configuration, the opening 208 guides into the motor recess 250 and the gas is received from the motor recess by the motor / impeller 402. In an alternative configuration, the opening 208 can fluidly connect the gas to the gas inlet of the motor and / or sensor module 400 by a fluid coupling such as a conduit.

[0306] The filter receiving portion 300 can be integrally formed with the lower chassis 202, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the filter receiving portion can be formed separately from the lower chassis 202 and attached thereto.

[0307] The filter module 1001 of the first configuration is shown in FIGS. 10 to 14. During use, the filter module is disposed substantially within the casing of the main housing, is modular for ease of manufacture, repair inspection, and replacement, and may be sold as a consumable for resale. The filter module can be configured to be modularly replaceable by the user approximately every three months or at any other suitable interval depending on factors such as the one-day operating time of the device and environmental conditions. Cost effectiveness is provided by replacing only the filter. The filter module 1001 filters all of the incoming gas, including oxygen and ambient air, to prevent or minimize the ingress of bacteria, dust, and particles into the motor and / or sensor module 400.

[0308] The filter module disclosed herein is designed and configured to minimize the pressure drop across the filter. At least one way this is achieved is by increasing the surface area of the gas outlet port through which the gas passes.

[0309] The filter module includes a filter body 1003 which is arranged to be received within the filter receiving portion 300 by vertically inserting the filter body 1003 downward from outside the main housing of the device into the receiving portion. The filter module is disposed within the gas flow path between a valve module (described later) and the motor and / or sensor module 400. The filter body 1003 has a shape complementary to the shape of the filter receiving portion 300. These components are shown as rectangles with substantially arcuate ends in plan view, but alternatively they can be of any other suitable shape such as a square or an ellipse, for example. The filter module advantageously has a narrow lateral width, such that only a narrow filter receiving portion in the main housing of the device is required. Thus, the filter module occupies a minimum of space while maintaining a large surface area through which the gas passes.

[0310] The filter body 1003 has a relatively large main compartment 1005. The main compartment is defined by at least one main compartment wall that defines the boundary of the main compartment volume. In the illustrated form, the main compartment 1005 is defined by two substantially vertical main compartment side walls 1013, 1015, a lower wall 1017, an upper wall 1019, and a rear wall 1021 of the filter body 1003. The main compartment is shown to have a substantially rectangular contour shape. However, any suitable shape can be provided. For example, the main compartment can be round, oval, square, or any other suitable shape. Depending on the shape of the main compartment, the main compartment can be defined by the rear wall and one or more main compartment walls.

[0311] The main compartment 1005 is in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet 1009. In the illustrated form, the main compartment gas inlet 1009 includes an opening in the lower wall 1017 of the filter body. Alternatively, the main compartment can be in fluid communication with a plurality of gas inlets 1009. The main compartment 1005 receives gas through the gas inlet 1009. For example, the main compartment 1005 can receive a main or primary gas, such as oxygen, ambient air, a combination of oxygen and ambient air, or another suitable gas or gas combination through the gas inlet 1009. The main compartment can receive oxygen and / or ambient air, more particularly from valve manifolds 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 which will be described in more detail hereinafter. In some configurations, oxygen passes through the valve manifolds 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 and into the filter, and ambient air passes around the valve / valve manifold and into the filter.

[0312] In addition to defining the main compartment 1005, the main compartment walls 1013, 1015, 1017, and 1019 also define a substantially flat main compartment gas outlet. The gas outlet of the main compartment is provided by an opening between the walls 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019 on the opposite side of the rear wall 1021. The gas inlet 1009 is arranged such that gas enters the main compartment 1005 in a gas flow direction substantially parallel to the side walls 1013, 1015 of the main compartment (along the main compartment gas flow inlet axis), which is indicated by the large arrow adjacent to the gas inlet 1009 in FIG. 10. The gas outlet of the main compartment 1005 is arranged such that gas exits the main compartment 1005 in a gas flow direction that is offset from the gas flow inlet axis (along the main compartment gas flow outlet axis). The gas flow direction through the gas outlet can generally be a direction that crosses the gas flow direction through the gas inlet. In the configuration of the figure, the gas flow direction through the gas flow outlet is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 1021 of the filter body 1003. Alternatively, the gas flow outlet can be provided, for example, on the end wall of the filter body while making an angle with the gas inlet 1009.

[0313] Advantages are obtained by redirecting the flow direction through the filter. The filter module 1001 can be inserted onto and removed from the device, rather than being sandwiched from the sides. When the filter module 1001 is attached to the device, the alternative gas supply inlet 1011 is located on top of the device. A user or healthcare provider can visually confirm that an alternative gas supply source is connected from substantially any location within the room. The filter module 1001 has a relatively small filter volume and physical size. As a result, the time it takes for gas to pass through the filter module and reach the blower and sensor is relatively short. The shorter the flow path, the smaller the deviation between the signal provided to the valve (i.e., to adjust the oxygen:air ratio) and the oxygen:air ratio detected by the sensor.

[0314] The main compartment can include additional walls, baffles, etc. to direct the flow within the main filter compartment.

[0315] The filter body 1003 also has a first relatively small secondary compartment 1007. The secondary compartment 1007 is at least partially located within the main compartment 1005.

[0316] The secondary compartment 1007 is defined by at least one main compartment wall that defines the boundary of the main compartment volume. The secondary compartment 1007 is defined by two substantially vertical secondary compartment side walls 1023, 1025, a bottom wall 1027, and a portion of the rear wall 1021 of the filter body 1003. The secondary compartment is shown as being elongated. However, it can be of any suitable shape. For example, the secondary compartment can be round, oval, square, or any other suitable shape. Depending on the shape of the secondary compartment, the secondary compartment can be defined by the rear wall and one or more secondary compartment walls.

[0317] The secondary compartment 1007 is in fluid communication with a first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 that forms an alternative gas supply inlet. This alternative gas supply inlet can receive a secondary or alternative gas such as oxygen or any other gas from, for example, a tube / line of a wall-mounted supply rotameter in a hospital (or other medical facility), a tube / line from a nearby gas tank, or a tube / line from an oxygen concentrator. By providing a secondary compartment in the filter, it is not necessary to use multiple separate filters. A single replaceable filter module can be used to filter gases from multiple sources.

[0318] By connecting to the alternative gas supply inlet 1011, the gas supply is no longer adjusted by the valve module. This is practical when the user or medical staff wants to manually control the supply of oxygen (or other gas). When not in use, the alternative gas supply inlet can be closed with a cap / cover 1103C that is arranged substantially in the same plane as the panel part 1103 (Figure 50). If nothing is connected to the alternative gas inlet 1011 and it is not closed with a cap / cover, ambient air may also be drawn into the alternative gas supply inlet 1011.

[0319] When the filter module 1001 is attached to the device 10, the alternative gas supply is located above the device. The user or medical staff can visually confirm that the alternative gas supply is connected from substantially any point in the room. Further, for the user, it becomes visually apparent whether the filter is attached to the device or not.

[0320] In an alternative configuration, it should be understood that the alternative gas supply inlet 1011 may be made accessible from the side or the rear of the device.

[0321] In the illustrated form, the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 includes an opening that passes through the upper wall 1019 of the filter body and extends through the inlet connector 1039. Alternatively, the secondary compartment 1007 can be in fluid communication with a plurality of gas inlets 1011. The secondary compartment 1007 can receive gas from an alternative source to that of the main compartment via the gas inlet 1011 and the connector 1039. For example, the secondary compartment 1007 can receive oxygen or another suitable gas or combination of gases. Since the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 may receive gas that does not come from the valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001, the gas received from the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 is not regulated by the device. For example, the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 can receive oxygen from a wall-mounted supply rotameter that can be adjusted manually by the user. If an alternative oxygen supply source is not connected to the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011, ambient air may be drawn into the first secondary compartment gas inlet.

[0322] The secondary compartment may be provided in the upper portion of the filter body or can be provided in a different portion of the filter body, such as a side portion or a lower portion of the filter body.

[0323] In addition to defining the first sub-compartment 1007, the sub-compartment walls 1023, 1025, 1027 also define a substantially flat sub-compartment gas outlet. The gas outlet of the sub-compartment is provided by an opening between the walls 1023, 1025, 1027, 1019 on the side opposite the rear wall 1021. The gas inlet 1011 is arranged such that gas enters the first sub-compartment 1007 in a gas flow direction substantially parallel to the side walls 1023, 1025 of the sub-compartment (along the first sub-compartment gas flow inlet axis), which is indicated by the arrow in the downward direction from top in FIG. 10. The gas outlet of the first sub-compartment 1007 is arranged such that gas exits the sub-compartment 1007 in a gas flow direction angled with respect to the axis of the gas inlet 1011 (along the first sub-compartment gas flow outlet axis). The direction of the gas flow through the gas outlet can generally be made to cross the direction of the gas flow through the gas inlet. In the illustrated configuration, the gas flow direction through the gas outlet of the sub-compartment is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 1021 of the filter body 1003 and substantially parallel to the gas flow direction through the gas outlet of the main compartment. When viewed from the position of FIG. 12A, the gas flow direction is out of the page. FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the direction of the gas flow exiting the filter. FIG. 14 is a fluid model showing the gas flow through the tapered filter module.

[0324] Alternatively, the sub-compartment gas flow outlet can be provided, for example, on the end wall of the filter body while being angled with respect to the first sub-compartment gas flow inlet 1011.

[0325] The secondary compartment walls 1023, 1025, 1027 provide a barrier for guiding all the gas from the gas inlet 1011 through the secondary compartment gas outlet and through the filter medium 1051 (described later). Without the secondary compartment 1007, some of the gas from the first secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 may pass through the main compartment 1005, exit from the inlet 1009 (against the flow of the incoming main compartment gas), and may not pass through the filter medium 1051. With the configuration having the secondary compartment, when the gas passes through the filter medium 1051 from the secondary compartment, in order for these to exit the system, they have no choice but to pass through the filter medium in the reverse direction (against the flow of the gas passing through the filter medium) and exit from the inlets 1009, 1011. Therefore, the secondary compartment 1007 guides all the gas from the secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 to pass through the filter medium, ensuring that all the gas is reliably filtered, thus substantially improving the retention and subsequent confinement of the gas within the system. If the gas entering the system through the secondary compartment gas inlet contains oxygen, this improves the confinement of the gas within the system.

[0326] In some configurations, the filter body 1003 can include a plurality of secondary compartments that are at least partially within the main compartment 1005. In some configurations, the filter body can include one secondary compartment, two secondary compartments, or three or more secondary compartments. In some configurations, the filter body 1003 can have only the main compartment 1005 and not include any secondary compartments. Different secondary compartments can be used to deliver different secondary or alternative gases to the device 10. By way of example only, one of the secondary compartments can deliver oxygen to the device 10 and one of the secondary compartments can deliver heliox to the device 10. Another example is that one of the secondary compartments can deliver oxygen to the device 10 and one of the secondary compartments can deliver ambient air to the device 10.

[0327] As shown for filter 1001 in FIGS. 10 and 11A, in some configurations, the secondary compartment 1007 is fully located within the primary compartment 1005. Alternatively, in some configurations, the secondary compartment 1007 is partially located outside the primary compartment 1005. In some configurations, at least one secondary compartment is fully located within the primary compartment 1005 and at least one secondary compartment is partially located outside the primary compartment 1005.

[0328] The filter module 1001 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the filter body 1003 and sealingly engages with the filter module within the housing of the device. The seal and the filter module 1001 are arranged such that the gas entering the device is forced to pass through the filter before entering the gas flow path of the device (i.e., before passing through the motor and / or the sensor module 400). That is, the housing has a gas outlet for delivering the gas flow to the patient, a gas inlet, and a sealed gas path between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, and the sealed gas path includes a filter for filtering the gas received from the first gas inlet. It will be understood that the filter includes a filter body, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a filter medium arranged to filter the gas within or exiting from the filter body.

[0329] The upper portion of the filter body includes a horizontal upper body portion 1031. The lower surface of the horizontal upper body portion 1031 provides a wall 1019. An annular recess 1032 is provided along the periphery of the upper body portion 1031 and is arranged to receive a soft seal such as an O-ring seal or a "wiper" seal 1033. The wiper seal can be integrally formed with the upper body portion 1031. For example, the wiper seal 1033 can be formed as a flange protruding outside the material of the main body portion of the filter. A thin material provides sufficient flexibility to form the wiper seal. As another example, the upper body portion 1031 may include a flexible material overmolded onto the remaining portion of the filter body, which includes the seal 1033 and optionally components 1037 and 1039. As another example, the seal 1033 can include a flexible material overmolded onto the upper body portion 1031. In some configurations, the wiper seal 1033 may be tapered outwardly, i.e., the outer portion of the wiper seal 1033 can be thinner than the more inner portion of the wiper seal. The soft seal seals between the upper body portion 1031 and the wall of the filter receiving portion 300 when the filter body is disposed within the filter receiving portion 300, providing a sealing engagement between the filter and the filter receiving portion and preventing the intrusion of bacteria into the filter.

[0330] The lower part of the filter body includes a horizontal lower body part 1035. The upper surface of the horizontal lower body part 1035 provides a wall 1017. An annular recess 1036 is provided along the periphery of the lower body part 1035 and is arranged to receive a soft seal such as an O-ring seal or a "wiper" seal. The wiper seal can be integrally formed with the lower body part 1035. For example, the lower wiper seal can be formed as a flange protruding outside the body part material of the filter. A thin material provides sufficient flexibility to form the wiper seal. As another example, the lower body part 1035 may include a flexible material overmolded onto the rest of the filter body, which includes the seal. As another example, the seal can include a flexible material overmolded onto the lower body part 1035. In some configurations, the lower wiper seal can be tapered outwardly, i.e., the outer portion of the lower wiper seal can be thinner than the more inner portion of the wiper seal. The soft seal seals between the lower body part 1035 and the wall of the filter receiving part 300 when the filter body is disposed within the filter receiving part 300, providing a sealed engagement between the filter and the filter receiving part and preventing the entry of bacteria into the filter.

[0331] As can be seen from FIG. 11B, the upper and lower body parts 1031, 1035 are deeper than the part of the body that houses the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007, thereby providing a space between the gas outlet ports of the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007, the filter medium 1051 (described in more detail below), and the wall of the filter receiving part 300. Thereby, gas can flow out from the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007, pass through the filter medium 1051, enter the filter receiving part 300, exit through the opening 208, and be delivered to the motor and / or the sensor module 400.

[0332] The filter module includes a filter module upper panel 1101 having a panel portion 1103. The filter module upper panel is attached to or attachable to the filter body. As shown in FIG. 2A, the left upper wall 114 of the upper chassis 102 of the main housing includes a recess 114R for receiving the panel portion 1103 of the filter module upper panel.

[0333] The upper body portion 1031 includes a plurality of snap-fit connectors 1037 that permanently engage with complementary snap-fit connectors 1105 on the filter module upper panel 1101. The filter body 1003 and the upper panel 1101 are separately molded and then permanently assembled together. The connector 1037 is arranged to be received within the connector 1105 of the upper panel 1101 as shown in FIG. 10, and the snap-fit connectors 1105, 1037 are provided with a mating engagement mechanism such as an annular protrusion and / or recess that enables a snap-fit between the connectors. The snap-fit connector 1105 extends downward from the lower surface of the panel portion 1103 of the upper panel 1101. In some configurations, the filter upper panel is attachable to the filter body by suitable attachment means such as snap-fits, clips, fasteners, etc. Alternatively, the filter upper panel 1101 can be molded integrally with the filter body 1003.

[0334] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the panel portion 1103 of the filter upper panel 1101 is arranged to be substantially coplanar with the main housing of the device, and in particular the left side wall 114, when the filter 1001 engages with the housing.

[0335] The filter upper panel 1101 is made of the same material as an adjacent portion of the housing of the device, such as the left side wall 114 of the upper chassis. In some configurations, the filter upper panel 1101 and the left side wall 114 of the upper chassis are made of polycarbonate or another suitable polymeric material.

[0336] In some configurations, the filter upper panel 1101 includes a handling mechanism for assisting in the insertion and removal of the filter module 1001 into and from the filter receiving portion 300 of the housing of the apparatus, such as when lifting the filter 1001 upward from an engaged state with the filter receiving portion 300. In some configurations, the filter handling mechanism includes protrusions, grooves, or grips. The filter handling mechanism can be provided at the periphery of the panel portion 1103 of the filter upper panel 1101. For example, the filter handling mechanism can be provided at a portion of the panel portion 1103 of the filter upper panel that is adjacent to the diagonal upper chassis surface 130 shown in FIG. 4, so as to enable access to the handling mechanism. However, the filter handling mechanism can be provided at other locations on the filter upper panel 1011. In some configurations, the filter upper panel includes a plurality of filter handling mechanisms.

[0337] The alternative gas supply connector 1039 is in fluid communication with the sub-compartment, protrudes upward from the upper body portion 1031 of the filter body 1003, and provides an alternative gas supply inlet to the filter body 1003.

[0338] That alternative gas supply inlet can receive oxygen or any other gas from, for example, a tube / line of a wall-mounted supply rotameter in a hospital (or other medical facility), a tube / line from a nearby gas tank, or a tube / line from an oxygen concentrator.

[0339] By connecting to the alternative gas supply inlet, the gas supply is no longer adjusted by the valve module. This is practical when the user or medical staff wants to manually control the supply of oxygen or other gas. When not in use, the alternative gas supply inlet can be closed by a closing means such as a cap or lid (not shown).

[0340] If nothing is connected to the alternative gas inlet and it is not closed by a closing means, ambient air may also be drawn into it.

[0341] When the filter module 1001 is attached to the device, the alternative gas supply source is located above the device. A user or healthcare provider can visually confirm that the alternative gas supply source is connected from substantially any location within the room.

[0342] In an alternative configuration, it should be understood that the alternative gas supply inlet can be accessible from the side or rear of the device.

[0343] The connector 1039 includes a through passage that provides a gas inlet 1011 for the first secondary compartment 1007. The alternative gas supply inlet connector 1039 is arranged to be fluidly connected to the alternative gas supply line. In the illustrated form, the connector 1039 is an elongate tapered connector suitable for releasably connecting a semi-rigid gas supply tube without complementary end connectors. Such an elongate tapered connector can include one or more gas supply line retention enhancement mechanisms. For example, the connector can include a barb at or near the upper end of the gas supply line connector. One example is, for instance, a "Christmas tree" type connector having multiple barbs. Alternatively, the connector can be of a different configuration. If the connector 1039 breaks (i.e., due to excessive force being applied to the alternative gas supply line), the filter module 1001 is advantageously replaceable without having to repair the entire device.

[0344] As shown in FIG. 11B, the filter upper panel 1101 includes an annular wall 1107 that extends downwardly from the panel portion 1103 and forms an opening 1109 that exposes and surrounds the gas supply line connector 1039 to protect it.

[0345] As shown in FIG. 41, a filter engagement tab 1071 having a protrusion 1073 extends from the bottom of the filter body 1003. When the filter 1001 engages with the filter receiving portion 300, the engagement tab 1071 engages with a holding block 330, which is integrally formed within the lower chassis 202 as shown in FIG. 41. The filter engagement tab 4071 fixes the filter module at a predetermined position within the device. The fixing is such that the filter module does not unexpectedly come out of the device even when the gas line attached to the alternative gas supply connector 1039 is pulled. By pressing a release tab 4071 having a protrusion 4073 provided on a valve carrier 4051, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, the engagement tab 1071 can be moved from the holding block 330, thereby removing the filter module from the filter receiving portion 300. Thus, the filter module release mechanism can be formed as part of the filter module and the valve module and does not require other components. Referring to FIGS. 53 - 55, the filter is released by pressing a release tab 13048 (also mechanism 4071 in FIG. 41).

[0346] The filter body can be made of polypropylene or any other suitable material.

[0347] Referring to FIGS. 11B and 12, the filter medium 1051 is associated with both the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007 and is arranged to filter the gas within or exiting from the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007. In the form of the figure, the filter medium 1051 covers or spreads over the main compartment 1005 and the secondary compartment 1007. In a configuration having a plurality of secondary compartments, the filter medium can spread over the main compartment and the plurality of secondary compartments.

[0348] In the configuration of the figure, the filter medium 1051 is located on the outer surface of the filter body and filters the gas that exits the main compartment 1005 through the main compartment gas outlet and the gas that exits the sub-compartment 1007 through the sub-compartment gas outlet. Alternatively, in some configurations, the filter medium 1051 is at least partially disposed within the main compartment 1005 and the sub-compartment 1007 and can filter the gas within the main and sub-compartments.

[0349] The filter medium can be an electrostatic filter medium. The electrostatic filter medium can be formed from a synthetic material such as spun polypropylene that generates an electrostatic charge when air / gas passing over the filter fibers causes friction. The electrostatic charge attracts dust, particles, pollen, dust, mold spores, etc., and is particularly suitable for effectively capturing respiratory irritants. Alternatively, other materials for synthetic electrostatic filter media can be used in addition to polypropylene.

[0350] During the ultrasonic welding process, both the filter medium and the filter body fuse together to form a sealed edge. The materials can be the same (i.e., polypropylene), or can have different polymer materials such as polyethylene or polyester filters.

[0351] Alternatively, materials for non-electrostatic filter media can be used. Non-electrostatic filters remove contaminants by a simple mechanical sieving effect, and contaminant particles do not pass through openings smaller than the size of the contaminant particles themselves.

[0352] In some configurations, the filter medium 1051 includes substantially the same material as the filter body 1003. In some configurations, the filter body 1003 includes a polypropylene material or other suitable polymer or synthetic material, and the filter medium 1051 includes spun polypropylene or other suitable polymer or synthetic material.

[0353] In some configurations, the filter medium 1051 includes a material different from that of the filter body 1003. In some configurations, the filter medium 1051 includes wool fibers. Wool can function as the electrostatic filter medium as described above. When using natural fibers such as wool or cotton, the filter medium does not melt, and rather, the filter body mostly melts into the filter medium.

[0354] When a suitable compatible material is used, the filter medium 1051 can be ultrasonically welded to the filter body 1003, which is schematically shown in FIG. 13. The aforementioned examples (spun polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester filter, wool fibers, and cotton fibers) are examples of suitable materials for the filter medium 1051 that can be ultrasonically welded to the filter body 1003. The filter medium is ultrasonically welded to at least one main compartment wall 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019 and at least one sub-compartment wall 1023, 1025, 1027. The main compartment walls 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019 and the sub-compartment walls 1023, 1025, 1027 are in a shape that provides a large ultrasonic welding area for providing a stable base for ultrasonic welding and an increased area for ultrasonic welding, increases the strength of the ultrasonic welding, and eliminates the gap between the filter medium and the filter body. The welding area is larger than the area provided only by the periphery of the filter body. The upper left part of FIG. 13 shows that the filter medium 1051 is ultrasonically welded between the ultrasonic sonotrode 1053 and the anvil 1055 to the substantially flat "n"-shaped wall structures 1023n, 1025n, 1027n of the sub-compartment walls 1023, 1025, 1027. The lower left part of FIG. 13 shows that the filter medium 1051 is ultrasonically welded between the ultrasonic sonotrode 1053 and the anvil 1055 to the flange portions 1013f, 1015f, 1017f, 1019f of the main compartment walls 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019. If the same material is used for the filter medium and the filter body, the bond formed during ultrasonic connection is strong because both bodies have a common molecular structure. Ultrasonic welding is advantageous for closely attaching the filter medium to the filter body without a gap. Also, mechanical clips or fasteners are not required, and the use of adhesives is not required.

[0355] The filter medium can be permanently attached to the filter body by other methods, such as using an adhesive or mechanical fasteners, without being ultrasonically welded to the filter body 1003. Alternatively, the filter medium can be removably attached to the filter body by mechanical fasteners, releasable clips, etc. As another alternative, the filter medium can be overmolded onto the filter body.

[0356] At least a part of the main compartment 1005 is tapered inwardly, and the part of the main compartment farther from the main compartment gas inlet 1009 is smaller than the part of the main compartment adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet 1009. Thereby, the incoming gas may be substantially bent laterally toward and / or through the filter medium 1051. Substantially, the entire main compartment 1051 can be tapered inwardly. For example, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the rear wall 1021 of the filter body 1003 is disposed on the side opposite to the filter medium of the main compartment, inclined at an angle α with respect to the plane of the main compartment gas outlet and the filter medium 1051, to make the main compartment tapered. In some configurations, the angle α may be greater than 0° and up to about 45°, or greater than 0° and up to about 40°, or greater than 0° and up to about 30°, or greater than 0° and up to about 20°, or greater than 0° and up to about 10°, or greater than 0° and up to about 5°, or between about 1° and about 4°, or between about 2° and about 3°. The inclined wall can bend the incoming gas toward the filter medium and assist in evenly dispersing the gas within the filter medium. In an alternative configuration, only a small part of the main compartment is tapered inwardly. For example, in that configuration, a part of the rear wall 1021 may be parallel to the filter medium, and a part of the rear wall can be inclined with respect to the filter medium. In an alternative configuration, the main compartment may not be tapered.

[0357] The rear wall of the main compartment of the filter can optionally slope inwards from bottom to top. The sloping wall bends the incoming oxygen and / or air towards the filter medium.

[0358] Without the sloping rear wall 1021, some of the oxygen and / or air can enter the main compartment 1005 from the inlet 1009, bend around the top and side walls of the main compartment, and recirculate towards the inlet 1009. Thus, the sloping rear wall 1021 can help retain and then confine the gas within the system by reducing or preventing recirculation of the gas from the main compartment 1005 and subsequent losses. The sloping rear wall 1021 can further help guide the incoming air and oxygen evenly across the entire surface area of the filter.

[0359] In one embodiment having a secondary compartment, at least a portion of the secondary compartment that is further away from the secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 can be made smaller than the portion of the secondary compartment adjacent to the secondary compartment gas inlet 1011, and the gas can be bent substantially laterally towards and through the filter medium 1051. When the secondary compartment gas inlet 1011 is located opposite the main compartment gas inlet 1009, the taper angles of the secondary compartment and the main compartment can be opposite to each other. Alternatively, the secondary compartment gas inlet can be arranged such that the rear wall of the secondary compartment can coincide with or be in the same plane as the rear wall of the main housing. The options described above for the main compartment apply to the secondary compartment.

[0360] The filter module 1001 is also configured to minimize pressure drop by having a small gas inlet area to a large gas outlet area; in particular, one or more of a gas inlet and a rounded edge of the main compartment for smoothing the flow around the smallest gas inlet.

[0361] Figures 15 and 16 show the filter module 2001 of the second configuration. Unless otherwise described, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the first configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 1000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0362] The filter module includes a second secondary compartment 2041 that is at least partially within the main compartment 2005. In this configuration, the main compartment 2005 forms a first compartment, the first secondary compartment 2007 forms a second compartment, and the second secondary compartment 2041 forms a third compartment. The second secondary compartment 2041 is arranged to receive gas, such as oxygen from a valve module, from a second secondary compartment gas inlet 2045 within a lower portion 2035 of the filter body 2003. In this configuration, the main compartment 2005 can receive ambient air.

[0363] The walls 2043, 2013, 2017 of the second secondary compartment form a substantially flat gas outlet from the second secondary compartment through which gas can exit the second secondary compartment in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gas flow through the gas outlets of the main compartment 2005 and the first secondary compartment 2007. The filter medium 2051 extends across the gas outlet of the second secondary compartment. The second secondary compartment can have the tapered configuration described with respect to the first secondary compartment.

[0364] The filter module 2001 of the second configuration is suitable for use with a valve module 7001 having an oxygen hood / duct 7063 that is in fluid communication with the gas inlet 2045 in use, such as that shown in FIGS. 28 - 30. The oxygen hood / duct directs substantially all of the oxygen or other gas from the valve manifold outlet 7019 of the valve module 7001 directly into the second secondary compartment, thereby reducing or preventing loss of oxygen and improving the efficiency of confinement.

[0365] The wall 2043 of the second secondary compartment provides a barrier for guiding all of the oxygen or other gases from the oxygen hood / duct 7063 to pass through the filter medium 2051.

[0366] The features, functions, and options related to the second secondary compartment 2041 can be the same as those of the first secondary compartments 1007, 2007.

[0367] Air and oxygen are confined together after passing through the filter medium 2051 that extends into the main compartment 2005, the first secondary compartment 2007, and the second secondary compartment 2041.

[0368] Without the second secondary compartment, a portion of the oxygen from the valve module 7001 may enter the main filter compartment 2005, bend at the top and side walls of the main filter compartment 2005, and recirculate towards the inlet and exit therefrom (against the incoming air flow) without passing through the filter medium 2051. In the illustrated configuration, when oxygen passes through the filter medium 2051 from the second secondary compartment, it can only leak out of the system if it returns through the filter medium (against the gas flow through the filter medium) and exits from the gas inlet.

[0369] Thus, the second secondary compartment substantially improves the retention and subsequent confinement of oxygen within the system by guiding all of the oxygen from the oxygen hood / duct 7063 to pass through the filter medium 2051. Thus, the second secondary compartment improves the reliability and consistency of oxygen confinement.

[0370] The inclination / angle / taper of the rear wall of the second secondary compartment can be made to coincide with that of the rear wall 2021 of the main compartment 2051. Alternatively, the rear wall of the second secondary compartment can be parallel to the filter medium.

[0371] Figures 38 to 40 show the filter module 3001 of the third configuration. Unless otherwise stated below, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the second configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 1000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0372] The filter module 3001 of the third configuration includes all of the features of the second configuration 2001, including a second secondary compartment 3041 within the main filter compartment 3005. The second secondary compartment extends from the base of the filter body 3003 and is in fluid communication with the filter extension duct 3046. The duct 3046 may be integrally formed with the filter body 3003 or formed separately from the filter body 3003. The duct 3046 defines a second secondary compartment gas inlet 3045.

[0373] The filter module 3001 of the third configuration is suitable for use with a valve module 9001 configured to engage the filter extension duct 3046 in a sealed and fluid manner, such as those shown in FIGS. 33 to 37D. The filter extension duct 3046 receives all oxygen or other gases from the valve manifold gas outlet 9019 that seals and engages therewith. In this configuration, the secondary compartment 3041 is sized such that, with respect to the main filter compartment 3005, the area through which ambient air passes through the filter is maximized. Since the valve module 9001 engages the filter extension duct 3046 in a sealed and fluid manner, the area of the secondary compartment 3041 can be made smaller than when the valve module is not in sealed engagement with the filter extension duct.

[0374] The wall 3043 of the second secondary compartment 3041 provides a barrier for guiding all oxygen from the filter extension duct 3046 to pass through the filter medium 3051. The air and oxygen are confined together after passing through the filter medium.

[0375] Without the second secondary compartment 3041, a portion of the oxygen from the valve module 9001 would pass into the main filter compartment, bend around the top and side walls of the main filter compartment, and recirculate back towards the inlet without passing through the filter medium 3051, from where it could exit (against the incoming air flow).

[0376] In the illustrated configuration, when oxygen passes through the filter medium 3051 from the second secondary compartment 3041, it can only leak out of the system if it returns through the filter medium (against the flow of gas passing through the filter medium) and exits at the inlet.

[0377] Accordingly, the second secondary compartment 3041 substantially improves the retention and subsequent confinement of oxygen within the system by guiding all of the oxygen received via the filter extension duct to pass through the filter medium 3051. Accordingly, the second secondary compartment further improves the reliability and consistency of oxygen confinement.

[0378] The slope / angle / taper of the rear wall of the second secondary compartment 3041 can be made to match that of the rear wall 3021 of the main compartment 3005. Alternatively, the rear wall of the third compartment can be parallel to the filter medium.

[0379] [[ID=IS]] This configuration also differs in that snap-fit connectors 3105, 3037 non-permanently attach the filter body 3003 to the filter top panel 3101. In this configuration, snap-fit connector 3037 includes an elastic upstanding portion having an inwardly projecting projection 3037P, which is configured to be received in a complementary recess 3105R. The engagement between snap-fit connectors 3105, 3037 is sufficient to disengage the filter module 3001 from the filter receptacle 300 by lifting via the top panel 3101. However, when the filter module is not engaged with the filter receptacle 300, the upstanding portion can be bent to disconnect the filter body 3003 from the filter top panel 3101, thereby allowing the filter body to be replaced without replacing the filter top panel.

[0380] FIG. 46 shows the filter body 11003 of the filter module of the fourth configuration. Although the other components of the filter module of the fourth configuration are not shown, it includes all of the features of the third configuration. The filter body 11003 of the filter module of the fourth configuration includes all of the features of the filter body 3003 of the filter module 3001 of the third configuration, including a second secondary compartment 11041 within the main filter compartment 11005.

[0381] In this configuration, at least a part of the first sub-compartment 11007 is tapered inwardly, whereby the part of the first sub-compartment 11007 that is farther from the first sub-compartment gas inlet 1111 is smaller than the part of the first sub-compartment 11007 that is adjacent to the first sub-compartment gas inlet 1111. Referring to FIG. 46, the depth of the first sub-compartment 11007 that is farther from the first sub-compartment gas inlet 1111 is shallower than the part of the first sub-compartment 11007 that is adjacent to the first sub-compartment gas inlet 1111. At least a part of the second sub-compartment 11041 is tapered inwardly, whereby the part of the second sub-compartment 11041 that is farther from the second sub-compartment gas inlet 11045 is smaller than the part of the second sub-compartment 11041 that is adjacent to the second sub-compartment gas inlet 11045. Referring to FIG. 46, the depth of the second sub-compartment 11041 that is farther from the second sub-compartment gas inlet 11045 is shallower than the depth of the second sub-compartment 11041 that is adjacent to the second sub-compartment gas inlet 11045. These tapers reduce the pressure drop and noise of the gas (e.g., oxygen) as it flows through the sub-compartments 11007, 11041.

[0382] In this configuration, the snap-fit connector 11037 non-permanently attaches the filter body 11001 to the filter upper panel. In this configuration, the snap-fit connector 11037 includes an elastic upstanding portion having an outwardly projecting protrusion 11037P, and the protrusion is configured to be received in a complementary recess. The engagement of the snap-fit connector 10037 is sufficient to remove the filter module 11001 from the filter receiving portion 300 by lifting it through the upper panel, similar to the third configuration of the filter module.

[0383] Adjacent to each snap-fit connector 11037, there is a spacer 11037S. The spacer 11037S ensures that the position of the filter is correctly and reliably set, and the filter cannot be pressed to one side in a state where the seal is broken or leaking on the opposite side.

[0384] The rear wall 11021 of the filter body 11003 has a pair of protrusions 11090 that provide an area for attaching the filter medium to the filter body 11003. The protrusions are preferably an ultrasonic welding mechanism, which provides an increased surface area for attaching the filter medium 11003. The protrusions 11090 are disposed substantially centrally along the length of the filter body 11003 and are spaced apart from each other across the width of the filter body 11003. The protrusions 11090 are in a cross shape. The protrusions 11090 support the filter medium and help keep the height of the filter constant. The protrusions 11090 are integrally formed with the filter body 11003. The protrusions 11090 may be installed at other locations on the filter body 11003, and there may be only one protrusion formed by molding, or there may be three or more protrusions formed by molding, and the protrusions formed by molding can have other shapes. Other shapes include, for example, a circle or a rectangle. The protrusions have been described as providing features for ultrasonic welding. However, the protrusions can also be used for other mounting mechanisms, such as adhesives.

[0385] As described with respect to the filter module of the first configuration, the filter module of the fourth configuration can have a seal 11033 that includes a flexible material overmolded onto the upper body portion 11031. In some configurations, the wiper seal 11033 is tapered outwardly, i.e., the outer portion of the wiper seal 11033 can be thinner than the more inner portion of the wiper seal. The soft seal seals between the upper body portion 11031 and the wall of the filter receiving portion 300 when the filter body is disposed within the filter receiving portion 300, providing a sealed engagement between the filter and the filter receiving portion and preventing the entry of bacteria into the filter.

[0386] The lower part of the filter body includes a horizontal lower body part 11035. The upper surface of the horizontal lower body part 11035 provides a wall 11017. An annular recess 11036 is provided along the periphery of the lower body part 11035 and is arranged to receive a soft seal such as an O-ring seal or a "wiper" seal. The wiper seal can be formed integrally with the lower body part 11035. For example, the lower wiper seal can be formed as a flange protruding outside the body part material of the filter. A thin material provides sufficient flexibility to form the wiper seal. As another example, the lower body part 11035 may include a flexible material, which is overmolded onto the rest of the filter body and includes a seal. As another example, the seal may include a flexible material, which is overmolded onto the lower body part 11035. In some configurations, the lower wiper seal may be tapered outwardly, i.e., the outer portion of the lower wiper seal can be thinner than the more inner portion of the wiper seal. The soft seal seals between the lower body part 11035 and the wall of the filter receiving part 300 when the filter body is disposed within the filter receiving part 300, provides a sealing engagement between the filter and the filter receiving part, and prevents the intrusion of bacteria into the filter.

[0387] The explicit areas of the gas inlet and the gas outlet of the filter module 3001 of the third configuration will be outlined below with reference to FIG. 40.

[0388] In some configurations, the ratio of the area A of the gas inlet 3011 of the first sub-compartment 3007 to the area B of the first sub-compartment gas outlet may be from about 1:5 to about 1:80, may be from about 1:10 to 1:40, or may be about 1:20. For example, the area A may be 15 square millimeters, the area B may be 75 square millimeters, or the area A may be 4 square millimeters, the area B may be 320 square millimeters, or the area A may be 7 square millimeters, and the area B may be 140 square millimeters.

[0389] In some configurations, the ratio of the area D of the gas inlet 3009 of the main compartment 3005 to the area C of the gas outlet of the main compartment 3005 may be between about 1:10 and about 1:40, may be between about 1:15 and about 1:30, may be between about 1:20 and about 1:25, or may be about 1:22.7. For example, the area D may be 400 square millimeters, the area C may be 4000 square millimeters, or the area D may be 150 square millimeters, the area C may be 6000 square millimeters, or the area D may be 220 square millimeters, the area C may be 5000 square millimeters.

[0390] In some configurations, the ratio of the area F of the gas inlet 3045 of the second sub-compartment 3041 to the area E of the gas outlet of the second sub-compartment 3041 may be between about 1:5 and about 1:80, may be between about 1:10 and about 1:40, may be between about 1:20 and about 1:25, or may be about 1:23.3. For example, the area F may be 12 square millimeters, the area B may be 60 square millimeters, or the area F may be 3 square millimeters, the area E may be 240 square millimeters, or the area F may be 4.5 square millimeters, the area E may be 105 square millimeters.

[0391] These exemplary areas and ratios have been described with respect to the filter module 3001 of the third configuration, but they also apply to the filter modules of other configurations described herein. By providing filters 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001 having a relatively large gas outlet and a relatively small gas inlet, the pressure drop across the filter is minimized.

[0392] In some configurations, the filter may be a double-sided filter, with opposing gas outlets on both sides of the filter body. Filter media is provided on the two opposing sides of the filter to filter gas exiting the compartment / subcompartment through the two opposing gas outlets. Air and / or gas can exit the filter body on opposing sides of the filter module. This increases the filter surface area, further reducing pressure drop and extending filter life. In some configurations, the ratio can be double that described above.

[0393] In the illustrated configuration, a "sheet" of filter media is provided on the face of the filter body. Alternatively, the filter media can be pleated to increase the surface area of the filter media.

[0394] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter body includes a primary compartment and a secondary compartment. The secondary compartment's function is to prevent oxygen from the alternate oxygen supply inlet from exiting the filter body's primary compartment through an inlet at the bottom. The compartment also functions to guide the gas through the filter media, thereby attenuating noise caused by turbulence (i.e., as the gas passes through a valve manifold or filter module inlet, etc.).

[0395] Alternatively, non-enclosed compartments, baffles, barriers, channels, etc., may be used within the main compartment to redirect or recirculate oxygen entering from an alternate supply inlet to produce a similar effect.

[0396] The described filters 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001 are capable of filtering gas from multiple sources, thereby eliminating the need for multiple filters for different sources. Filter configurations having gas inlet ports located on different parts of the filter (e.g., above and below the filter body) provide particular versatility by allowing gas sources to be coupled from above and below the device housing.

[0397] 4. Valve module Figures 2A, 2B, 3B, 4, 6, 10, and 17 - 22 illustrate a valve module 4001 of a first configuration. The valve module 4001 controls the flow of oxygen and / or other gases entering the gas flow path of the device 10, enabling the device 10 to adjust the proportion of oxygen taken into the air stream. The valve module is formed as a modular unit to facilitate manufacturing, assembly, inspection, repair, or replacement in cases such as failure, regular maintenance, or future upgrade / improvement.

[0398] The valve module 4001 is vertically inserted upward into the valve module receiving portion 306 of the lower chassis 202 of the main housing. In an alternative configuration, the valve module can be inserted into the housing in different directions, such as upward, downward, rearward, or laterally. The valve module 4001 is removably engageable with the main housing of the device, such that the valve module 4001 is substantially received within the housing and accessible from outside the housing. A portion of the valve module 4001 is arranged to be substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing.

[0399] Since the valve module is modular and accessible from outside the housing, the valve module can be replaced without significantly disassembling the device 10 or compromising the seal of the device housing. Since the valve module 4001 is substantially received within the housing, when the valve module engages with the housing, it becomes integral with the housing and does not increase the size or bulk of the housing. Further, during use, components of the valve module, such as the valve 4003 and valve manifold 4011 described below, are protected as they are arranged within the valve carrier 4051 and the main housing of the device during use. This configuration significantly reduces the likelihood of damage to the valve module and its components in the event of accidental bumping or dropping of the device 10.

[0400] The valve module includes a flow control valve 4003 arranged to control the flow of gas through the valve manifold 4011. The valve is arranged to control the flow of gas to a part of the device. For example, the valve can be arranged to control the flow of gas to the filter modules 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001. Alternatively, the valve 4003 can be arranged to control the flow of gas to another part of the device. The valve module 4001 and the filter modules 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001 are arranged upstream of the blower 402 and the motor and / or sensor module 400. In some configurations, the valve module 4001 and the filter modules 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001 are arranged downstream of the blower 402.

[0401] The valve 4003 includes a cylindrical body 4005 and a valve member within the body.

[0402] The flow control valve can be, for example, a solenoid valve, a motorized valve, or a piezoelectric valve.

[0403] In a solenoid valve, the valve member is actuated between an open position and a closed position. The solenoid valve can be a proportional valve. The range of gas flow passing through the valve (i.e., depending on the size of the valve opening) is relative to the current supplied to the valve.

[0404] Alternatively, the solenoid valve can be controlled by a modulated input signal, whereby the valve is modulated between an open position and a closed position.

[0405] The valve 4003 can be a needle valve, a plunger valve, a gate valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, etc. The valve can be pressure compensated.

[0406] In some configurations, the valve is a normally closed valve, i.e., the valve is closed when the power is off. This prevents the connected gas supply line from releasing oxygen or other gases when the device's power is off. In some alternative configurations, the valve is a normally open valve.

[0407] In some configurations, the valve 4003 is an electric proportional solenoid valve. For example, the valve may be a μProp valve available from Staiger GmbH & Co. KG, Airichheim, Germany, or an Asco 202 series Preciflow valve available from Emerson / Asco Valves, New Jersey, or any other suitable type of valve.

[0408] The valve can have a coaxial inlet / outlet configuration.

[0409] The valve module 4001 includes a valve manifold 4011 and has a body 4013 that defines a gas flow path 4015 between a valve manifold gas inlet 4017 and one or more valve manifold gas outlets 4019. The valve manifold gas inlet 4017 is located axially at or toward the end of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve manifold 4011 has one gas outlet 4019 that is located radially on the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve manifold 4011 includes multiple valve manifold gas outlets 4019 that are located radially around the valve manifold. The valve manifold outlets 4019 are positioned to deliver gas from the gas manifold gas inlet 4017 to the gas inlets of the filter modules 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001. The radial placement of the outlets 4019 helps direct the oxygen (or other gases) towards the filter modules, minimizing oxygen loss and increasing containment efficiency. Valve 4003 is positioned to control the flow of gas from the valve manifold gas inlet 4017 to the valve manifold gas outlet 4019. When the valve is "closed," gas flow from the gas inlet 4017 to the gas outlet 4019 is prevented. When the valve is "open," gas flow from the gas inlet 4017 to the gas outlet 4019 is permitted.

[0410] An end 4018 of the valve manifold 4011 opposite the gas inlet receives and sealingly engages the valve 4003, thereby placing the valve and the valve manifold in fluid communication. Referring to Figure 20, the end 4018 includes a flange 4023 for attachment to the valve. The flange 4023 has openings 4023A that receive fasteners 4023F to secure the manifold to the valve 4003. An O-ring may be provided along the periphery of the interface between the valve 4003 and the valve manifold 4011 to sealingly engage the valve with the valve manifold.

[0411] The valve manifold 4011 has a shape complementary to the shape of the valves 4003. In some configurations, the valve manifold 4011 has a substantially cylindrical body and the valves 4003 have a substantially cylindrical body. Alternatively, the valve manifold and valves can be different shapes, such as block, square, rectangular, or non-cylindrical. The configuration shown is lighter and less expensive to manufacture than a heavy block-shaped manifold. For example, the substantially cylindrical manifold body can be formed from a continuous cylindrical rod that is fed into an automated manufacturing machine. The valve manifold can be fabricated using any suitable technique, such as, for example, a CNC lathe or milling machine.

[0412] The valve manifold 4011 directs / disperses the oxygen from the valves through radially arranged gas outlets 4019. In some embodiments, one gas outlet 4019 is provided in the valve manifold. As the oxygen passes through the outlet, noise is generated. Because the device may be used in close proximity to patients in medical and / or domestic settings, it is desirable to minimize the noise generated.

[0413] The frequency and magnitude of the sound depend on the shape and number of the oxygen outlets and the relationship between them. The radial valve manifold gas outlets 4019 can be aeroacoustically shaped to reduce noise. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 , the valve manifold gas outlets can be shaped as one or a combination of a cylindrical through-hole 4019A, a truncated cone 4019B, or a flare 4019C. The truncated cone or flare shape can be such that the cross section increases in the direction of gas flow through the outlet 4019.

[0414] Further, or alternatively, in order to reduce noise, a hood, duct, or channel can be formed around, near, or in fluid communication with the valve manifold outlet 4019. Further, and / or alternatively, in order to reduce noise, a foam material or the like can be installed around the valve manifold, near the valve manifold outlet.

[0415] A small filter can be provided inside the inlet of the valve manifold gas inlet 4017 to prevent dust or particles from being introduced into the valve.

[0416] The end of the valve manifold corresponding to the gas inlet 4015 is arranged to receive and be connected to the connector 4031. In the illustrated form, the connector 4031 is a swivel connector. Alternatively, the connector 4031 can be arranged such that the gas inlet 4033 of the connector can move in different ways, such as translational or rotational movement.

[0417] The valve manifold and the swivel connector may be threaded to integrally engage the components. The swivel connector 4031 has a gas inlet 4033, which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold and is in fluid communication with the swivel connector gas outlet 4039 through the gas flow path 4037. The gas inlet 4033 of the swivel connector is in the form of a laterally extending conduit / coupling 4035, which can be fluidly connected to a gas supply line. For example, the conduit / coupling 4035 can be connected to a gas supply line connector to deliver a gas such as oxygen to the valve manifold. The gas supply line connector can be selected according to the country of use. For example, DISS and NIST medical gas connectors will typically be used in the United States and Europe, respectively. The swivel connector 4031 is arranged to fluidly connect between the gas supply line and the gas inlet 4017 of the valve manifold.

[0418] Referring to FIG. 10, among the swivel connectors, the portion having the gas inlet 4033 is arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold 4011 around the portion of the swivel connector having the gas outlet 4039. The swivel structure is built into the swivel connector. Suitable bearings, seals, and openings are provided between these two portions of the swivel connector so that rotation can occur.

[0419] As shown in the figure, the gas inlet 4033 of the swivel connector can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold. Alternatively, the gas inlet 4033 can be oriented at different angles substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold.

[0420] In some configurations, the gas inlet of the swivel connector can rotate up to approximately 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0421] In some configurations, the gas inlet 4033 fluidly connected to the gas supply line is movable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position with respect to the housing. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral, front, or rear position. In some configurations, the substantially vertical position is an upper or lower position. In some configurations, the substantially horizontal position is a lateral position and the substantially vertical position is a lower position.

[0422] For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, when the valve module 4001 is attached to the lower chassis 202, the conduit / coupling 4035 can protrude from the side or below the lower chassis 202, or from any position therebetween. The swivel connector 4031 facilitates positioning of the gas supply line (i.e., when the device 10 is on a medical stand where it is optimal to position the inlet vertically, or on a bench where it is optimal to position the inlet horizontally). As a result, the swivel connector 4031 can prevent the gas supply line from bending. It will be appreciated that the valve module 4001 can also be provided at different parts of the device housing, such as the upper surface, side surface, rear surface, or front surface of the housing, for example.

[0423] The swivel connector further reduces the force applied to the housing of the device by the connected gas supply line. For example, when the device is attached to a pole, the weight of the hanging tube may apply a pulling force to the device. The swivel connector can direct the gas supply line in another direction so that it is fixed to the pole.

[0424] The swivel connector is very likely to rotate before transmitting force to the valve module and the housing if, for example, it suddenly hits the coupling 4035 or gets caught on the gas supply line connected thereto. As a result, the swivel connector helps to avoid damage to the device. Further, the valve carrier can have one or more guards 10085, 10086, 10087 to prevent damage to the main device housing. FIG. 43 shows a valve carrier having three guards 10085, 10086, 10087, which extend along the edge of the valve carrier where the swivel connector would hit and prevent the swivel connector from hitting the main device housing. The guards 10085, 10086, 10087 are shown as an integral mechanism with the valve carrier portion. Alternatively, the guards 10085, 10086, 10087 can be a separate mechanism attached to the valve carrier.

[0425] If the valve module is damaged, the valve module can be replaced without disassembling the entire device.

[0426] The valve module 4001 is located at the starting point of the flow path of the device. If the valve 4003 is blocked (i.e., by dust, particles, etc.) and cannot be kept in the open state, the over-pressurized oxygen or other gas "dumps out" the ambient air inlet opening (for example, the opening shown under the swivel connector in Figure 18) in the valve carrier 4051. This prevents the excessive pressure from reaching the patient. Therefore, the system can be considered to be originally pressure-limited without using a pressure relief valve.

[0427] The valve module 4001 includes a valve carrier 4051 that substantially houses and supports the valve 4003, the valve manifold 4011, and the swivel connector 4031. The valve carrier 4011 is removably engagable with the housing of the device. The outer portion of the valve carrier is arranged to be substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing of the device when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing.

[0428] The valve carrier 4051 can be sacrificial, and in the event of excessive stress, the valve carrier fails before the main housing of the device.

[0429] The valve carrier 4051 includes a first lower valve carrier portion 4053 and, optionally, a second upper valve carrier portion. The valve, valve manifold, and swivel connector are fixed at a predetermined position located at least partially between the first valve carrier portion 4053 and the second valve carrier portion and are fixed relative to the valve carrier (other than the swivel gas inlet 4033). In an alternative configuration, the first valve carrier portion can include a first side portion and the second valve carrier portion can include a second side portion. In an alternative configuration, the valve, valve manifold, and swivel connector are coupled to the lower valve carrier portion 4053 and thereby fixed at a predetermined position.

[0430] The valve carrier 4051 can be held in a recess of the housing by a fastener, a permanent or temporary snap fit, or any other suitable method.

[0431] The valve carrier includes a support structure 4057 for supporting the valve, valve manifold, or swivel connector. The support structure can include one, two, or more support portions for supporting the valve, valve manifold, and swivel connector.

[0432] The valve carrier includes a sleeve 4059 for receiving fasteners for fastening the first and second valve carrier portions 4053 together and / or for fastening the valve carrier to the main housing of the device. In the forms shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, the sleeve also receives the flat surface 4021 of the valve manifold 4011 and prevents rotation of the valve manifold 4011 within the valve carrier that could otherwise occur due to rotation of the swivel connector 4031.

[0433] Additional or alternative support structures, such as integrally molded ribs and / or other mechanisms, can be provided to structurally support the valve carrier, particularly against the movement of an oxygen or gas line or hose connected to the swivel connector.

[0434] An opening 4051O is provided in the valve carrier 4051 to allow ambient air to be drawn into the gas flow path of the device. The ambient air flow path passes near or adjacent to the valve. In the illustrated form, the opening 4051O is located around the gas inlet of the swivel connector. Additionally or alternatively, the opening can be located at other locations on the valve carrier. When the blower motor 402 of the device operates, it generates a suction force through the filter module and the valve module, drawing ambient air into the device. The ambient air flow path passes through the valve module, thereby confining the ambient air with the gas flow from the flow control valve. The ambient air flow path has a gas outlet, which is adapted to deliver the ambient air through one or more temperature sensors of the device that deliver the gas flow.

[0435] The device can simultaneously draw in gas from the gas inlet of the valve manifold and ambient air, or can force the gas through the filter by pressurizing the gas from the gas inlet. The gas exits the valve module and enters the gas inlet of the filter. The device can be configured such that the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air are dynamically confined / mixed within the device before being delivered to the gas outlet of the device.

[0436] The valve module can be configured to minimize the pressure drop in the valve module by having one or more of a large opening 4051O for ambient air located around and / or at other locations on the swivel connector, and rounded / filleted / tilted edges of the flow path (i.e., inside the valve manifold for example) to minimize turbulence and smooth the flow.

[0437] This valve module 4001 and the other valve modules 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 described in this specification are directly coupled to the filters 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001 and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the gas module to the filter. A hose connection between the valve module and the filter module is not required. This minimizes the size of the components and makes it easier to connect and disconnect the modular valve module and filter module.

[0438] Figures 24 and 25 show the valve module 5001 of the second configuration. Unless otherwise stated, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the first valve module configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 1000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0439] The above-described valve module 4001 of the first configuration utilizes a fixed valve manifold 4011 to which a swivel connector 4031 is attached. This valve module 5001 of the second configuration is different in that the valve manifold 5011 pivots / rotates within the valve carrier 5051, the valve 5003 is rotatable with the valve manifold 5011, and the gas supply line can be directly connected to the gas inlet 5015 of the valve manifold. The valve manifold 5011 and the valve 5003 are rotatable within the swivel bearing 5061 provided between the valve and the valve manifold and the valve carrier 5051. Alternatively, the valve manifold 5011 and the valve 5003 can be configured to rotate within the valve carrier 5051 and can be supported and / or held by an integrally formed support mechanism such as ribs therein.

[0440] The valve manifold gas inlet 5015 extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold and is fluidly connectable to the gas supply line, and the valve and the valve manifold are rotatable relative to the valve carrier about the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold 5011.

[0441] The valve manifold gas inlet 5015 can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the valve manifold. In some configurations, the valve manifold gas inlet can be oriented at different angles that substantially cross the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0442] In some configurations, the valve 5003 and the valve manifold 5011 can be rotatable relative to the valve carrier by up to approximately 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to approximately 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold.

[0443] This configuration eliminates the need for a separate swivel connector. Since a separate swivel connector is not required, obstructions in the gas flow path are reduced, for example, at the point where a separate swivel connector connects to the valve manifold. As a result, the rotatable or pivoting valve manifold 5011 provides a simpler flow path inside the valve manifold 5011.

[0444] FIG. 26 shows a valve module 6001 of a third configuration. Unless otherwise stated, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the aforementioned second valve module configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 1000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0445] In this configuration, the valve manifold 6011 rotates / swivels within the valve carrier 6051. The valve 6003 is rotatable together with the valve manifold 6011. The gas supply line can be directly connected to the gas inlet 6015 of the valve manifold. The valve carrier 6051 includes a flow path 6054 near the valve manifold outlet 6019, and guides the flow upward toward a flow path duct in the form of a housing similar to that shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 and described in more detail later.

[0446] The valve manifold 6011 is configured to pivot or rotate within ribs or other integrally formed support mechanisms within the valve carrier 6051, whereby it can be supported and / or held in a predetermined position.

[0447] This configuration eliminates the need for a separate swivel connector. Since a separate swivel connector is not required, obstructions in the gas flow path are reduced, for example, at the point where a separate swivel connector connects to the valve manifold. As a result, the rotating or swiveling manifold provides a simpler flow path inside the valve manifold 6011.

[0448] By means of a flow path that guides oxygen or other gas upward from the manifold gas outlet 6019 toward the filters 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001, the loss of oxygen from the system is reduced or prevented. As a result, the oxygen confinement efficiency is improved.

[0449] The flow path 6054 and the flow path duct are examples of flow guiding structures that can be used in the valve module described herein. The flow guiding structure is arranged to guide the gas flow from the valve manifold gas outlet toward the filter when the valve module is removably engaged with the device housing. In some configurations, the flow guiding structure includes an annular housing surrounding a plurality of valve manifold gas outlets, and the flow guiding structure includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas inlet of the filter.

[0450] Figures 28, 29, and 30 show the valve module 7001 of the fourth configuration. Unless otherwise described below, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the first valve module configuration, and like reference numerals indicate like parts by adding 3000 to each reference numeral.

[0451] With this configuration, the valve manifold 7011 remains fixed in a stationary state, and the gas supply line is connected to the valve manifold 7011 via the swivel connector 7031. The valve carrier includes a flow guiding structure, which is arranged to guide the gas flow from the valve manifold gas outlet towards the filter when the valve module is removably engaged with the device housing. In particular, the flow path 7054 adjacent to the valve manifold outlet 7019 guides the flow upward towards the flow path oxygen hood duct 7063, and guides the oxygen from the flow path upward towards the filter 2001. The flow path 7054 is provided in the lower valve carrier portion 7053, and the duct 7063 is provided separately from the lower valve carrier portion but is coupled to the flow path 7054. In some configurations, the duct 7063 can also be provided within the upper carrier portion of the valve carrier 7051 by the housing. The duct 7063 engages the upper end of the flow path 7054. The upper opening of the flow path duct 7064 abuts or is in close contact with the filter body inlet 2009 during use, guiding substantially all of the oxygen from the valve module 7001 into the filter module 2001. This helps prevent loss of oxygen within the system, resulting in improved oxygen confinement efficiency.

[0452] In this configuration, oxygen confinement within the air flow is improved by the flow path 7054 and the duct 7063 that guide the oxygen flow upward towards the filter.

[0453] Figure 31 shows the valve module 8001 of the fifth configuration. Unless otherwise described below, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the first valve module configuration, and like reference numerals indicate like parts by adding 4000 to each reference numeral.

[0454] In this configuration, the valve manifold 8011 remains stationary within the valve carrier 8051. Compared to the first, second, third, and fourth configurations, the electric valve 8003, the valve manifold 8011, and the swivel connector 8031 are rotated 180°. This is such that when assembled with the device 10, the swivel connector projects from the unit near the point where the device 10 is attached to the pole stand 8601 either integrally formed with the main housing of the device 10 or via a mount 8603 that can be separately formed and attached to the main housing.

[0455] The gas supply line, for example the oxygen supply line, is connected to the valve manifold 8011 via the swivel connector 8031.

[0456] The valve manifold 8011 has one manifold gas outlet. The flow path duct 8063 guides the oxygen from the one manifold gas outlet upward towards the filter 2001. The upper opening of the flow path duct abuts or is in close contact with the filter body inlet 2009 during use, guiding substantially all of the oxygen from the valve module 8001 to the filter module 2001. This helps to prevent loss of oxygen within the system, resulting in improved oxygen confinement efficiency.

[0457] In this configuration, the oxygen confinement in the air flow is improved by the duct 8063 that guides the oxygen flow upward towards the filter 2001. This results in more reliable and consistent oxygen confinement.

[0458] The portion 8035 of the swivel connector 8031 protrudes from near the point where the housing unit of the device 10 is attached to the pole stand 8601. Thus, depending on the position of the swivel connector, the gas supply line can be arranged so that it extends substantially adjacent to the pole of the pole mount. This can prevent the gas supply line from extending to a position substantially away from the pole stand where it could get caught on or obstructed by nearby objects. This can also prevent kinking of the gas supply line. By placing the swivel connector near the pole, the user can also secure the gas supply line to the pole and provide strain relief.

[0459] Figures 33 - 36 and 37 show the valve module 9001 of the sixth configuration. Unless otherwise stated, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the fifth valve module configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 1000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0460] Similar to the first, fourth, and fifth configurations, the valve manifold 9011 remains stationary within the valve carrier 9051. Similar to the sixth configuration, the portion 9035 of the swivel connector protrudes from near the point where the device is attached to the pole stand.

[0461] A gas supply line, such as an oxygen supply line, is connected to the valve manifold 9011 via the swivel connector 9031.

[0462] The valve manifold has one manifold gas outlet 9019. The one manifold gas outlet 9019 receives in a sealed state a filter extension duct 3046 formed integrally with the filter module 3001. Substantially all of the oxygen from the valve assembly is guided into the filter module. This helps prevent loss of oxygen within the system, resulting in improved oxygen confinement efficiency.

[0463] Figures 37A - 37D show exemplary seals that can be used to seal between a single manifold gas outlet 9019 and a filter extension duct, such as an O - ring seal 3046S1 (Figs. 37A and 37B), a grommet seal 3046S2 (Fig. 37C), or a face seal 3046S3 (Fig. 37D).

[0464] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, a filter 10246c can be provided at the manifold outlet 12046 to prevent or at least minimize the entry of bacteria, dust, and particles into the manifold. The situation where substances can enter the manifold is when the filter module is disconnected from the device, the valve module, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, a similar filter can be installed at the manifold inlet for the same purpose.

[0465] In one embodiment, the filter 10246c can be or include a sintered metal filter. Examples of suitable sintered metals include copper, bronze, or steel. Alternatively, the filter can be a ceramic or polymer filter, which can be a sintered filter. Sintered metal filters provide long - term reliability and, being close to the oxygen source, the resulting pressure drop is not significant.

[0466] FIG. 47 shows a seal 12046a in the form of an O - ring between the filter extension duct 12046 and the filter and / or the manifold outlet. Other suitable seals, such as grommet seals or face seals, can be used. Additionally, or alternatively, the filter extension duct can be sealed to the manifold through an interference fit or a tight clearance fit as shown in FIG. 48.

[0467] In addition to any of these embodiments, the filter can be sealed to the manifold outlet by an O - ring seal, a grommet seal, a face seal, and / or any other suitable seal. Alternatively, the lower seal may not be necessary.

[0468] The valve carrier 9051 includes a speaker housing 9065 and a voice speaker 9066 located and held within the speaker housing. The speaker communicates electronically with the control system of the device 10.

[0469] One or more temperature sensors are provided on or within the valve carrier 9051, for example, in the vicinity of the speaker. In some configurations, the temperature sensor includes a thermistor, a digital temperature sensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor. The temperature sensor provides ambient temperature feedback indicating the ambient temperature outside the device 10 to the controller of the device. The temperature sensor is preferably disposed in the gas stream. For example, the temperature sensor can be disposed within the gas ambient air flow path. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor is disposed near the edge of the unit. These positions eliminate or at least reduce the effect of the heat generated within the unit on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, thereby enabling the temperature sensor to detect a temperature close to the ambient temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is near the inlet. Figure 52 shows two options for the position of the sensor, which are indicated by the arrows. The right arrow indicates that the temperature sensor is disposed on an extension 10074 of the flexible PCB 10067 as described below. The device can have one temperature sensor disposed at one location, one temperature sensor at the other location, or two temperature sensors, i.e., one at each of both positions. In other alternatives, one or more sensors can be disposed at other locations on the device.

[0470] The upper valve carrier portion 9055 has the effect of "clamping" the valve 9003, the valve manifold 9011, and the speaker 9066 in place on the valve carrier 9051. Specifically, the upper valve carrier portion 9055 supports the valve 9003, the valve manifold 9011, and the speaker 9066 from above. This helps with the assembly of the valve module 9001 and holding all the components together as a complete module during transportation. The sleeve 9060 is provided on the upper carrier portion to receive the fastener from the sleeve 9059 within the lower carrier portion.

[0471] In some configurations, the upper valve carrier portion 9055 and the lower valve carrier portion 9053 can be integrally formed as a single unit.

[0472] The valve module 9001 has an electrical connector that provides an electrical connection between the valve module and the device 10 for delivering the gas flow in order to make the valve module modular. In some configurations, the electrical connector is in electrical / electronic communication with the valve 9003, and the electrical connector is arranged or adapted to engage, for example, by plugging into a complementary connector in the device 10 for delivering the gas flow. In some configurations, wires provide the electrical / electronic communication between the valve and the electrical connector. In some configurations, the grommet seals between the wire and the opening through which the wire passes and shields the wire from contacting the edge of the opening through which the wire passes. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper valve carrier portion 9055 has an electrical connector, such as a PCB 9067, extending therein. The PCB 9067 is part of the lower chassis 202 of the device 10 and is coupled to a PCB edge connector within the valve carrier 9051, whereby the PCB 9067 is in electronic communication with the valve 9003, the temperature sensor, and the speaker 9066, and thereby the valve module 9001 and the device 10 are in electronic communication. The PCB 9067 is oriented vertically. Alternatively, the PCB 9067 can be provided within the valve module, and the PCB projects from the housing of the valve carrier and engages a complementary edge connector inside the device 10, whereby the valve module 9001 and the control system of the device 10 are in electronic communication.

[0473] Although the electrical connector is shown to be accessible from above the valve carrier, in some configurations, the electrical connector can be located on or accessible from above, the side, or the base of the valve carrier.

[0474] Figures 43 and 45 show alternative configurations of the valve module. Unless otherwise described, all features, functions, options, and advantages are as outlined above with respect to the first valve module configuration, and like reference numerals, incremented by 9000 for each reference numeral, indicate like parts.

[0475] In particular, this alternative embodiment has a flexible PCB 10067. The flexible PCB 10067 is a ribbon having a certain width, a relatively thin depth, and a relatively long length. The flexible PCB 10067 is a flexible plastic substrate such as polyimide and includes a plurality of parallel tracks that are electronically connected to components. The flexible PCB 10067 communicates electronically with the valve 10003, the temperature sensor, and the speaker 10066, thereby enabling electronic communication between the valve module and the device 10.

[0476] The flexible PCB 10067 has two outwardly extending tabs 10068 that are electrically connected to the speaker 10066. The flexible PCB 10067 can have ends of different shapes for connection to the speaker 10066. The shape of the ends of the flexible PCB 10067 is selected or designed according to the shape of the speaker, other components, or the required connections of the flexible PCB.

[0477] The end of the flexible PCB 10067 adjacent to the speaker is oriented such that the width of the ribbon extends horizontally. The flexible PCB 10067 extending from the speaker then twists from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, where now the width of the ribbon is in the vertical orientation. The vertical section of the flexible PCB 10067 is supported by the stands 10076, 10077, and 10078 of the lower valve carrier portion 10053. The flexible PCB 10067 has a shape with two steps and an inclined path between the steps. The shape and orientation of the flexible PCB 10067 reduce the space required for the flexible PCB 10067.

[0478] The following portion 10072 of the flexible PCB 10067 extends vertically, i.e., the ribbon is oriented such that its length extends vertically. This portion 10072 has a slight twist. The end 10073 of the flexible PCB 10067 is electronically connected to the control system of the device 10.

[0479] The flexible PCB 10067 also includes an extension 10074 that is connected to the temperature sensor. The extension 10074 is an L-shaped extension where the width of the ribbon is in a horizontal orientation. The shape and orientation of the extension 10074 are selected or designed according to the relative positions of the components. The extension 10074 is oriented to lie horizontally and is supported by the stand of the lower valve carrier portion 10053.

[0480] The shape and configuration of the flexible PCB 10067 are selected or designed to conform to the surroundings of the other components and ensure that the flexible PCB 10067 is securely supported. It will be understood that the shape and / or configuration can be changed according to the shape, size, and / or orientation of the other components.

[0481] FIG. 43 shows an alternative embodiment of the upper valve carrier portion 10055 having a spacer 10080 that assists in rigidly fixing the speaker 10066. The spacer 10080 contacts the upper component and prevents the upper valve carrier portion 10055 from moving, e.g., bending. In particular, the spacer 10080 extends upward from the upper valve carrier portion 10055. The spacer 10080 prevents or at least substantially suppresses the speaker 10066 from moving relative to other components during transportation.

[0482] In some configurations, depending on the position of the wire or flexible PCB, the grommet will be positioned between the valve module 9001 and the removable battery pack 13089 shown in FIG. 49. Referring to the grommet 10079 of FIG. 44, the grommet 10079 engages the battery cover when assembled. During disassembly, the grommet 10079 is disconnected from the module that was removed first. When the valve module 9001 is removed first, the grommet 10079 is connected to the battery pack 13089. In this case, the wire or flexible PCB is pulled through the grommet 10079. When the device is reassembled, the strip of wire or flexible PCB needs to be pulled through the grommet 10079 again. It is preferred to remove the battery pack 13089 before the valve module 9001. To ensure that it is disassembled in this order, the battery pack 13089 has a lip or small extension on the case that extends over the valve module 9001. The lip prevents the valve module 9001 from being removed before the battery module is removed.

[0483] FIGS. 52 and 56 - 58 show a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 43 - 45. In this embodiment, the swivel connector is a ball joint 14005. As described with respect to other embodiments, the swivel connector is a ball joint for providing rotation in multiple directions. In this embodiment, the ball joint 14005 pivots around one axis of rotation. This arrangement provides an interference fit between the valve carrier and the swivel connector regardless of the position of the swivel connector. This prevents or at least substantially impedes oxygen from leaking to the bottom surface of the device and instead guides it around the swivel connector. The valve carrier has a cup-shaped surface 14006a for receiving the ball of the swivel joint. In this embodiment, ambient air is drawn in through one or more gaps created when the valve carrier is assembled. This is shown in FIG. 57.

[0484] Referring to FIG. 34, the upper panel further includes an intermediate filter clip 9074. When the filter module release tab 9071 on the lower portion 9053 of the valve carrier is pressed, the intermediate filter clip 9074 moves over the protrusion on the filter engagement tab 3071 (FIGS. 38 and 39), thereby allowing the filter 3001 to be pulled out of the device housing.

[0485] The filter module engagement tab 3071 includes an opening therethrough. The intermediate filter clip 9074 (see FIG. 34) includes an opening with an internal protrusion.

[0486] With the intermediate filter clip 9074 pressed, the filter module engagement tab 3071 can be passed through the opening of the intermediate filter clip 9074. When the hand is released from the intermediate filter (i.e., not pressing), the internal protrusion of the intermediate filter clip enters and engages with the opening of the filter module engagement tab 3071.

[0487] This fixes the filter module 9001 in place, thereby preventing it from accidentally coming off when the tube attached to the alternative gas supply connector 1039 / 3039 is pulled.

[0488] In this configuration, the confinement of oxygen into the air stream is improved by a filter extension duct that receives oxygen from the valve assembly.

[0489] The swivel connector portion 9035 protrudes from the device housing at the point where the device 10 is attached to the pole stand. Thus, the position of the swivel connector allows the gas supply line to be arranged such that it extends substantially adjacent to the pole of the pole mount. This can avoid the gas supply line extending substantially far from the pole stand and being caught or obstructed by nearby objects. This can also avoid kinking of the gas supply line.

[0490] The gas inlets 4033, 5015, 6015, 7033, 8033, 9033 of the valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001 are movable relative to the housing of the device 10, so that the device 10 can be installed (e.g., on the surface of a pole mount or bracket) without causing kinking or damage to the connected gas lines that would impair the gas supply to the patient. This increases the flexibility of the positioning of the device.

[0491] The valve modules and filter modules described herein are open systems, and as a result, some oxygen is lost or leaks from the system. The device 10 can advantageously deliver oxygen to the patient at a concentration of approximately 100% as needed. The device 10 using the valve module and filter module can potentially deliver a gas with an oxygen concentration between approximately 21% and approximately 100% to the patient as needed. When the filter is open to the ambient air, the oxygen from the valve manifold moves the air out of the system. For example, the greater the supply of oxygen, the more air is moved, and as a result, a higher percentage of oxygen enters the system.

[0492] The filter modules and valve modules described herein can provide a changing gas flow path for the device. For example, the valve module can control the flow of oxygen entering the gas flow path of the device through the valve module and the filter module. Alternatively, the valve module can be bypassed by directly connecting an alternative oxygen source to the filter module via a first secondary compartment gas inlet (e.g., inlet 1011 in FIG. 10). This is practical in situations where the user wants to manually adjust the oxygen supply (i.e., by means of a wall-mounted supply rotameter, etc.).

[0493] It will be appreciated that the filter modules and valve modules described herein can be used separately within a device that delivers a gas flow. Alternatively, the filter and valve modules can also be used together as a filter-valve assembly, thereby improving the function.

[0494] In the illustrated configuration, apparatus 10 receives oxygen by means of: · via a valve module (for automatic oxygen regulation by the apparatus), or · via an alternative gas inlet provided at the top of the filter (allowing attachment of a manually adjustable oxygen source - i.e., for example, by means of a wall-mounted supply rotameter). at least one of the above.

[0495] A further alternative flow path configuration is envisaged in which either a pressurized oxygen source or a manually adjustable oxygen source is connected to one gas inlet via valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001. As a result, all oxygen supplies pass through the valve module. Such a configuration is schematically shown in FIG. 42.

[0496] In this configuration, a manually adjustable oxygen supply 21 needs to be attached and the apparatus is set to the "manual supply" mode. In this mode, the oxygen valve is inactive, i.e., kept open without adjustment, allowing oxygen to pass freely.

[0497] Alternatively, the valve used within the valve module can be of the "normally open" type. When the apparatus is set to the "manual supply" mode, the valve simply turns off, allowing oxygen to pass freely.

[0498] The manually adjustable oxygen supply 21 can be manually controlled by the user via an external flow controller 22, such as a wall-mounted supply rotameter or a gas tank valve.

[0499] The configuration of FIG. 42 obviates the need for another alternative oxygen inlet bypassing the valve. As a result, the filter body only needs one main chamber and the upper panel can be more easily molded integrally with the filter unit, thereby simplifying manufacture.

[0500] According to this configuration, the apparatus 10 can also close or control the manually adjustable oxygen supply in exceptional or unsafe situations, such as excessive pressure, or when the patient is likely to develop hyperoxia (excessive oxygen in the blood).

[0501] The apparatus 10 can be provided with or without the valve modules 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001. For example, in some home applications, the user may not require supplemental oxygen but may benefit from high-flow therapy. In such applications, a cover through which ambient air can pass (through an opening) or flow around can be provided on the valve module housing 306 of the apparatus 10, or it can be left uncovered. This reduces the overall cost of the apparatus.

[0502] In that configuration, when supplemental manually adjustable oxygen is required, it can be connected via alternative gas supply inlets 1011, 2011, 3011 above the filters 1001, 2001, 3001, 11001.

[0503] The various configurations described are merely exemplary. Any one or more features of any configuration can be used in combination with any one or more features of any other configuration.

[0504] For example, the swivel connector used in the valve module can have another function. In some configurations, the swivel connector can be arranged to pivot around multiple axes and can also have, for example, two adjacent swivel connection parts with pivot axes that cross each other, whereby the gas inlet of the swivel connector can rotate around two axes. In some configurations, the swivel connector includes a ball joint mechanism or the like, making it possible for the gas inlet of the swivel connector to rotate in substantially any direction. In some configurations, the swivel connector can be arranged to provide both pivoting and translational movement, whereby the gas inlet of the swivel connector pivots around one or more axes and can also perform, for example, linear movement. This can be practical for moving the gas inlet from one part of the device to another, for example, from one side of the device to the opposite side of the device. In some configurations, the gas inlet can be arranged to translate rather than rotate.

[0505] For example, although the recesses of the motor and / or sensor subassembly are described as being on the lower side of the main housing, alternatively, they can be on the rear, side, front, or top of the housing. Such variations enable the air and / or oxygen inlets to also be arranged differently as required.

[0506] As another example, instead of being configured such that the liquid chamber and the chamber partition are such that the liquid chamber is inserted into and removed from the chamber partition from the front of the housing, the configuration can be such that the liquid chamber is inserted into and removed from the chamber partition from the side, rear, or top of the housing.

[0507] As another example, although the filter module is described as being inserted into the housing from above and the valve module is described as being inserted into the housing from below, any one or both of these components can be inserted into any suitable location of the housing, for example, the upper, lower, side, front, or rear.

[0508] The valve module can be used as a filter-valve assembly together with the filter module. Alternatively, only the filter module or only the valve module can be used in the device. For example, the valve module may not be used if the user does not require supplemental oxygen but can still benefit from high-flow therapy. The user may still have the option of connecting an external oxygen source by directly connecting to the filter module.

[0509] The filter module and the valve module are described in relation to a flow therapy device capable of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient or user. The device may be suitable for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The device can be configured to deliver gas to a patient interface at a high flow rate (high-flow therapy), particularly for nasal high-flow therapy.

[0510] Alternatively, the filter module and / or the valve module can be used in devices for other purposes. The device can be a high-flow therapy device or a low-flow therapy device. The features can also be provided in a device that provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) capable of delivering gas (humidified or otherwise) at positive pressure.

[0511] The filter module and / or the valve module can alternatively be used in a device where a humidifier is not required and thus the features of the liquid chamber 300 or the chamber section 108 are not required. For example, it will be understood that a configuration that isolates the motor and gas flow path from electrical and electronic components is widely applied in other types of gas delivery devices.

[0512] The term "flow therapy device" is intended to encompass all such variations.

[0513] Any reference in this specification to prior art is not an admission or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world and should not be so construed.

[0514] When reference is made in this specification to terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", etc., those terms refer to the position of the device when in its typical use and are used to indicate and / or describe relative directions or orientations.

[0515] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to several embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, various components can be rearranged as required. Features from any of the described embodiments can be combined with each other and / or the device can include one, more or all of the features of the embodiments described above. Further, not all features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. In a filter for a device for delivering a gas flow, a filter body having a main compartment and a secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the main compartment being in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and the secondary compartment being in fluid communication with a secondary compartment gas inlet; filter media associated with both the main compartment and the secondary compartment and arranged to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the secondary compartment; a filter comprising the above.

2. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the filter is a filter module removably and sealably engageable with a housing of a device for delivering a gas flow.

3. The filter according to claim 2, comprising a seal that sealably engages with the filter within the housing of the device along an outer periphery of the filter.

4. The filter according to claim 3, wherein the seal comprises an O-ring or an integrally formed "wiper" seal.

5. The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main compartment is defined by at least one main compartment wall defining a boundary of a main compartment volume.

6. The filter according to claim 5, wherein the secondary compartment is defined by at least one secondary compartment wall defining a boundary of a secondary compartment volume at least partially within the main compartment volume.

7. The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a second secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet.

8. The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter media comprises substantially the same material as the filter body.

9. The filter according to claim 8, wherein the filter body comprises a polypropylene material or other suitable polymer material, and the filter media comprises spun polypropylene, other suitable polymers or synthetic materials, and / or wool fibers.

10. The filter medium is ultrasonically welded to the at least one main compartment wall and the at least one secondary compartment wall, the filter according to any one of claims 6 to 9 when dependent on claim 1 or 2.

11. The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a filter upper panel attached to or attachable to the filter body.

12. The filter according to claim 11, wherein the filter upper panel is attachable to the filter body by snap fit.

13. The filter according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the filter upper panel is arranged to be substantially in the same plane as the housing of the device for delivering the gas flow when the filter is engaged with the housing.

14. Including a second secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet, and a duct being provided in fluid communication with the second secondary compartment, the filter according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The filter according to claim 14, wherein the duct is integrally formed with the filter body or is formed separately from the filter body.

16. In a filter for a device for delivering a gas flow, Comprising a filter body, the filter body having a main compartment in fluid communication with a main compartment gas inlet and a main compartment gas outlet, the main compartment gas outlet being substantially flat and having a filter medium spread thereon, the main compartment gas inlet and the main compartment gas outlet being arranged such that the gas flow direction through the inlet forms an angle with the gas flow direction through the outlet.

17. The filter according to claim 16, wherein the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction through the main compartment gas outlet.

18. The filter according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the main compartment has a substantially rectangular contour.

19. At least a part of the main compartment is tapered inwardly such that a portion of the main compartment farther from the main compartment gas inlet is smaller than a portion of the main compartment adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet. The filter according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

20. At least a part of the main compartment is tapered outwardly such that a portion of the main compartment farther from the main compartment gas inlet is larger than a portion of the main compartment adjacent to the main compartment gas inlet. The filter according to any one of claims 16 to 19.

21. The filter body is at least partially within the main compartment and includes a secondary compartment in fluid communication with the secondary compartment gas inlet. The filter according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. The secondary compartment includes a secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter medium extends to the secondary compartment gas outlet. The filter according to claim 21.

23. The direction of the gas flow through the secondary compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gas flow through the secondary compartment gas outlet. The method according to claim 16.

24. At least a part of the secondary compartment is tapered inwardly. The filter according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. Including a second secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the second secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from a second secondary compartment gas inlet. The filter according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. The second secondary compartment includes a second secondary compartment gas outlet, and the filter medium extends to the second secondary compartment gas outlet. The filter according to claim 25.

27. The direction of the gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas inlet is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gas flow through the second secondary compartment gas outlet. The filter according to claim 25.

28. At least a part of the second sub-compartment is tapered inwardly such that a portion of the second sub-compartment farther from the second sub-compartment gas inlet is smaller than a portion of the main compartment adjacent to the second sub-compartment gas inlet. The filter according to any one of claims 25 to 27.

29. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a filter body having a compartment and a compartment filter medium arranged to filter gas within or exiting from the compartment associated with the compartment; an outlet filter medium associated with the gas outlet to prevent or at least substantially block particles from unexpectedly entering the filter from the outlet; comprising An apparatus in which one of the compartment filter medium and the outlet filter medium is downstream of the other of the compartment filter medium and the outlet filter medium.

30. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a housing having a gas outlet for delivering a gas flow to a patient, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and an ambient air inlet.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, comprising a filter for filtering the gas received from the first gas inlet, the second gas inlet, and the ambient air inlet.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, comprising a blower arranged to receive gas from the filter and deliver the gas to the gas outlet.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, comprising a flow control valve arranged to receive gas from the first gas inlet and deliver the gas to the filter.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, comprising a valve module removably engagable with the housing, the valve module including a valve and a valve manifold for receiving gas from the valve, the valve manifold having a valve manifold gas outlet arranged to deliver the gas from the flow control valve to the filter.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the valve module includes a valve carrier for substantially housing and supporting the valve and the valve manifold.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the ambient air inlet is provided in the valve carrier.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the valve module is directly coupled to the filter and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the first gas inlet is arranged to move relative to the housing.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the filter is removably engageable with the housing.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein the apparatus is a nasal high-flow therapy device.

41. In a valve module for an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a flow control valve arranged to control the gas flow, and a surrounding air flow path passing through the valve module. A valve module comprising the above.

42. The valve module according to claim 41, wherein the surrounding air flow path has a surrounding air outlet for delivering surrounding air to other components of the apparatus for delivering the gas flow.

43. The valve module according to claim 42, wherein the surrounding air outlet is adapted to deliver surrounding air to a filter module.

44. The valve module according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the surrounding air flow path is adapted to deliver surrounding air so that it passes through one or more sensors of the apparatus for delivering the gas flow.

45. The valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the surrounding air flow path passes near or adjacent to the valve.

46. The valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 45, comprising a valve manifold having a valve manifold gas inlet and a valve manifold gas outlet.

47. The valve module according to claim 46, wherein the valve is in sealing engagement with the valve manifold.

48. The valve module according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the valve is arranged to control the gas flow from the valve manifold gas inlet to the valve manifold gas outlet.

49. The valve module according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the valve manifold has a shape complementary to the shape of the valve.

50. The valve manifold has a substantially cylindrical body, and the valve has a substantially cylindrical body, the valve module according to claim 49.

51. The valve manifold gas outlet is arranged radially on the valve manifold, the valve module according to any one of claims 46 to 50.

52. The valve manifold valve manifold includes a plurality of gas outlets arranged radially around the valve manifold, the valve module according to claim 51.

53. Including a valve carrier that substantially houses and supports the valve and the valve manifold, the valve module according to any one of claims 46 to 52.

54. The valve carrier includes a support structure that supports the valve and the valve manifold, the valve module according to claim 53.

55. The valve carrier includes a speaker housing and a voice speaker disposed within the speaker housing, the valve module according to claim 53 or 54.

56. Including one or more sensors on or in the valve carrier, the valve module according to any one of claims 53 to 55.

57. The valve carrier includes a first valve carrier portion and a second valve carrier portion, and the valve and the valve manifold are fixed in a predetermined position so as to be at least partially located between the first valve carrier portion and the second valve carrier portion, the valve module according to any one of claims 53 to 56.

58. The valve carrier includes one or more guards, the valve module according to any one of claims 53 to 57.

59. Including an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection between the valve module and one or more of the other components of the device for delivering the gas flow, the valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 58.

60. The electrical connector includes a flexible printed circuit board, the valve module according to claim 59.

61. The valve carrier includes a flow guiding structure, and the flow guiding structure is arranged to guide the gas flow from the valve manifold gas outlet to the filter when the valve module is removably engaged with the housing, according to any one of claims 53 to 60.

62. Including a connector having a gas inlet, the gas inlet of the connector being fluidly connectable to a gas supply line, the connector being arranged to provide a fluid connection between the gas supply line and the gas inlet of the valve manifold, the gas inlet being movable relative to the valve manifold, according to any one of claims 46 to 61.

63. The connector is a swivel connector, the gas inlet is directed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the swivel connector is arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, according to claim 62.

64. The connector is a swivel connector, the gas inlet is directed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, and the gas inlet of the swivel connector is arranged to rotate in substantially any direction relative to the valve manifold via a ball joint mechanism, according to claim 62.

65. The gas inlet of the swivel connector extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, according to any one of claims 63 to 67.

66. The gas inlet of the valve manifold is axially located at or towards the end of the valve manifold, according to any one of claims 63 to 65.

67. The gas inlet of the swivel connector is rotatable up to about 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, the valve module according to any one of claims 63 to 66.

68. The valve manifold gas inlet extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold and is fluidly connected to a gas supply line, and the valve and the valve manifold are rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold relative to the valve carrier, the valve module according to any one of claims 53 to 61.

69. The valve manifold gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, the valve module according to claim 68.

70. The valve and the valve manifold are rotatable relative to the valve carrier up to about 190 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 160 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, or up to about 45 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold, the valve module according to claim 68 or 69.

71. The valve module is directly coupled to a filter module and arranged to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module, the valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 70.

72. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow A housing having a gas outlet for delivering a gas flow to a patient, the housing defining a recess, a filter module according to any one of claims 1 to 28 engaged with the recess, and an apparatus comprising the same.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, further comprising a valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 71.

74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the valve module is directly coupled to the filter to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter.

75. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a housing defining a recess, a valve module according to any one of claims 41 to 71 removably received in the recess of the housing, and an apparatus comprising the same.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the valve module is held in the recess of the housing by a fastener, snap fit, releasable snap fit, or the like.

77. The valve module is as described in any one of claims 67 to 70, and the gas inlet fluidly connectable to the gas supply line is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. The apparatus according to claim 75 or 76.

78. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a housing having a gas outlet for delivering a gas flow to a patient, and a connector including a gas inlet for receiving a gas flow from a gas supply line, the gas inlet being fluidly connectable to the gas supply line and receiving gas from the gas supply line, and the gas inlet of the connector being arranged to move relative to the housing.

79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate relative to the housing.

80. The gas inlet of the connector is rotatable relative to the housing up to about 190 degrees, up to about 180 degrees, up to about 160 degrees, up to about 120 degrees, up to about 90 degrees, up to about 60 degrees, or up to about 45 degrees relative to the housing. The apparatus according to claim 79.

81. The apparatus according to claim 79 or 80, wherein the gas inlet extends substantially transversely to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gas inlet.

83. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the gas inlet extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.

84. The axis of rotation is the first axis of rotation of the gas inlet of the connector, and the gas inlet of the connector is further arranged to rotate around a second axis transverse to the first axis of rotation, according to claim 81 or 82. The device described.

85. The gas inlet of the connector is arranged to rotate substantially in any direction with respect to the valve manifold via a ball joint mechanism, according to any one of claims 78 to 84. The device described.

86. The gas inlet of the connector is arranged to cross the housing, according to any one of claims 78 to 85. The device described.

87. The apparatus according to any one of claims 78 to 86, wherein the apparatus is arranged to receive gas from the gas inlet and ambient air simultaneously.

88. The apparatus according to claim 87, wherein the gas from the gas inlet and the ambient air are dynamically confined / mixed within the apparatus before being delivered to the gas outlet.

89. A valve module, wherein the connector is part of the valve module, according to any one of claims 78 to 88. The device described.

90. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the valve module is arranged to control the flow of gas from the gas inlet to the apparatus.

91. The apparatus according to any one of claims 78 to 90, wherein the connector is arranged to receive a gas supply line via a gas supply line connection.

92. The apparatus according to claim 91, wherein the gas supply line connection is movable relative to the housing between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

93. A valve module, comprising a flow control valve, the valve being arranged to control the flow of gas, and a valve module removably engagable with the housing of the apparatus for delivering the flow of gas. A filter module, the housing of an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, and a filter module removably engagable such that the filter module is accessible from outside the housing and disposed to receive gas from the valve module, in combination. **Claim 94** The combination according to claim 93, wherein the valve module is directly coupled to the filter module and is disposed to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module. **Claim 95** The combination according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the valve module includes the valve and a valve manifold for receiving gas from the valve, and the valve manifold has a valve manifold gas outlet disposed to deliver the gas from the flow control valve to the filter module. **Claim 96** The combination according to claim 95, wherein the valve module includes a valve carrier substantially housing and supporting the valve and the valve manifold. **Claim 97** The combination according to claim 96, wherein the valve carrier includes a surrounding air inlet. **Claim 98** The combination according to any one of claims 93 to 97, wherein the valve module includes a connector having a gas inlet for delivering gas to the valve. **Claim 99** The combination according to any one of claims 93 to 98, wherein the filter module includes a filter body having a main compartment and at least one sub-compartment at least partially within the main compartment, and the main compartment and the at least one sub-compartment are each disposed to receive gas from a respective gas inlet and to deliver gas through a respective gas outlet. **Claim 100** The combination according to claim 99, wherein the filter module includes filter media associated with the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and the filter media is disposed to filter gas within or exiting the main compartment and the sub-compartment. **Claim 101** The combination according to claim 100, wherein the filter media extends to the main compartment gas outlet and the first sub-compartment gas outlet. **Claim 102** The valve module is substantially received within the housing and is accessible from outside the housing, the combination according to any one of claims 93 to 101.

103. In an apparatus for delivering gas, comprising a gas outlet for delivering a gas flow to a patient, a gas inlet, and a housing having a sealed gas path between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, the sealed gas path including a filter for filtering gas received from a first gas inlet, the filter including a filter body, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a filter medium disposed to filter gas within or exiting from the filter body.

104. The filter according to claim 103, wherein the filter is a filter module removably and sealably engageable with the housing.

105. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein the filter module is removable from the housing such that the sealed path is not in a sealed state when the filter module is removed.

106. In an apparatus for delivering a gas flow, a valve module including a flow control valve, the valve being disposed to control a gas flow, and a filter module disposed to receive gas from the valve module.

107. The apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the valve module is directly coupled to the filter module and is disposed to provide a gas flow path from the valve module to the filter module.

108. The apparatus according to claim 106 or 107, wherein the valve module includes the valve and a valve manifold for receiving gas from the valve, the valve manifold having a valve manifold gas outlet disposed to deliver gas from the flow control valve to the filter module.

109. The apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the valve module includes a valve carrier substantially housing and supporting the valve and the valve manifold.

110. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the valve carrier includes a surrounding air inlet.

111. ​ The valve module according to any one of claims 106 to 110, the valve module including a connector having a gas inlet for delivering gas to the valve.

112. The filter module includes a filter body, the filter body having a main compartment and at least one secondary compartment at least partially within the main compartment, the main compartment and the at least one secondary compartment being arranged to receive gas from respective gas inlets and to deliver gas through respective gas outlets, the apparatus according to any one of claims 106 to 111.

113. The filter module includes filter media associated with the main compartment and the secondary compartment, the filter media being arranged to filter gas within or exiting from the main compartment and the secondary compartment, the apparatus according to claim 112.

114. The filter media extends to the main compartment gas outlet and the first secondary compartment gas outlet, the apparatus according to claim 113.

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