Respiratory pressure therapy device

Abstract

To provide medical devices used in the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory disorders having one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.SOLUTION: A respiratory pressure therapy device includes a blower, a user interface, an air inlet, a suspension system arranged to suspend the blower, a seal (gasket), a constraining apparatus, and an enclosure to enclose the blower and the blower suspension system and to form a chamber. A first portion of the enclosure includes a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, and a first intermediate surface located therebetween. A second portion of the enclosure includes a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, and a second intermediate surface located therebetween. The user interface is mounted on the first exterior surface. The seal is arranged to be in compression between the first intermediate surface and the second intermediate surface in use. The constraining apparatus is configured to limit lateral movement of the first portion and the second portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is entitled to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to anyone copying this patent document or the patent disclosure for purposes of disclosure in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyright rights therefor for all other purposes.

[0002] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 108,946, filed November 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 167,747, filed March 30, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 248,554, filed September 27, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] The present technology relates to one or more of screening, diagnosing, monitoring, treating, preventing, and ameliorating respiratory-related disorders. The present technology also relates to medical devices or apparatus, and uses thereof.

[0004] [Description of Related Art] Human Respiratory System and Its Disorders The body's respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to a patient's airways.

[0005] The airways contain a series of branching tubes that become narrower, shorter, and more numerous the deeper they penetrate the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from inhaled air into the venous blood and carbon dioxide to move in the opposite direction. The trachea divides into right and left main bronchi, which further divide into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi constitute the conducting airways and do not participate in gas exchange. The airways further divide into respiratory bronchioles and ultimately into alveoli. The alveolar regions of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs, are called respiratory regions. See Respiratory Physiology by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (9th ed., 2012).

[0006] There are a variety of respiratory disorders, and particular disorders may be characterized by specific events, such as apnea, hypopnea, and hyperpnea.

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

[0008] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by events involving the obstruction or closure of the upper airway during sleep. It results from an abnormally small upper airway combined with the normal loss of muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. When affected, patients' breathing typically stops for periods of 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. This often results in excessive daytime somnolence, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. This syndrome is common, particularly among middle-aged, overweight men, but affected individuals may not be aware of the problem. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0009] A variety of therapies have been used to treat or ameliorate such diseases. Furthermore, otherwise healthy individuals may successfully utilize such treatments to prevent the onset of respiratory disorders. However, at least some of these therapies and / or their implementation may have a number of drawbacks.

[0010] Therapy A variety of respiratory therapies (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and high-flow therapy (HFT)) have been used to treat one or more of the aforementioned respiratory disorders.

[0011] Respiratory pressure therapy Respiratory pressure therapy is the application of an air supply to the entrance to the airways at a controlled target pressure that is nominally positive relative to atmosphere throughout the patient's respiratory cycle (as opposed to negative pressure therapy such as a tank ventilator or positive-negative pressure extracorporeal ventilator (cuirass)).

[0012] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its mechanism of action is that continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint and may prevent closure of the upper airway by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward or backward against the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Because treatment of OSA with CPAP therapy can be voluntary, patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they find the devices used to deliver such therapy to be one or more of the following: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0013] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to a patient through the upper airway to assist the patient in breathing and / or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by performing some or all of the respiratory functions. Ventilatory support is provided through a noninvasive patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR and respiratory failure in forms such as OHS, COPD, NMD, and chest wall disorders. In some forms, it can improve the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments.

[0014] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to patients who are no longer able to breathe effectively on their own and may be provided using a tracheostomy tube. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments may be improved.

[0015] Flow Therapy Not all respiratory therapies aim to deliver a prescribed therapeutic pressure. Some aim to deliver a prescribed respiratory volume by delivering an inspiratory flow profile, perhaps superimposed on a positive baseline pressure, for a targeted duration. In other cases, the interface to the patient's airway is "open" (unsealed), and the respiratory therapy may supplement only the patient's spontaneous breathing with a flow of regulated or enriched gas. In one example, high-flow therapy (HFT) involves providing a continuous, heated, humidified airflow to the entrance to the airway through an unsealed or open patient interface at a "therapeutic flow" that can be maintained nearly constant throughout the respiratory cycle. The therapeutic flow is nominally set to exceed the patient's peak inspiratory flow. HFT has been used to treat OSA, CSR, respiratory failure, COPD, and other respiratory disorders. One mechanism of action is that a high flow of air at the airway entrance improves ventilatory efficiency by flushing or sweeping exhaled CO2 from the patient's anatomical dead space. Therefore, HFT is sometimes called dead space therapy (DST). Other benefits may include increased warmth and humidification (possibly with the benefit of secretion management) and the possibility of a gradual increase in airway pressure. As an alternative to a constant flow rate, the therapeutic flow rate may follow a profile that varies over the respiratory cycle.

[0016] Another form of flow therapy is long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), or supplemental oxygen therapy. A physician may prescribe a continuous flow of oxygen-enriched air at a specific oxygen concentration (the fraction of oxygen in ambient air, from 21% to 100%) delivered to a patient's airways at a specific flow rate (e.g., 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2 LPM, 3 LPM, etc.).

[0017] Respiratory Therapy Systems These respiratory therapies may be provided by respiratory treatment systems or devices. Such systems and devices may also be used to screen, diagnose, or monitor disease without treating it.

[0018] The respiratory therapy system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, an oxygen source, and data management.

[0019] Patient Interface A patient interface can be used to provide a wearer with an interface to a respiratory prosthesis, for example, by providing airflow to an entrance to the airway. Airflow can be provided via a mask to the nose and / or mouth, a tube to the mouth, or a tracheostomy tube to the patient's trachea. Depending on the treatment being applied, the patient interface can facilitate gas delivery at a pressure sufficiently different from ambient pressure, e.g., approximately 10 cmH2O above ambient pressure, by forming a seal with a portion of the patient's face to effectively implement the treatment. For other forms of treatment, such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not provide a sufficient seal to facilitate delivery of a gas supply to the airway at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O. For flow treatments, such as nasal HFT, the patient interface insufflates the nares but is specifically positioned to not seal completely. An example of such a patient interface is a nasal cannula.

[0020] Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices Respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) devices can be used individually or as part of a system to deliver one or more of the numerous therapies described above, such as by operating the device to generate an airflow for delivery to an interface to the airway. The airflow can be pressure-controlled (for respiratory pressure therapy) or flow-controlled (for flow therapy such as HFT). As such, RPT devices can also function as flow therapy devices. Examples of RPT devices include CPAP devices and ventilators.

[0021] Air pressure generators are known for a wide range of applications (e.g., industrial-scale ventilation systems). However, typical air pressure generators and ventilation systems may not be able to provide clinically beneficial respiratory therapy. Additionally, air pressure generators for medical applications have specific requirements that are not met by more typical air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical treatment may have drawbacks related to one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, effectiveness, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0022] One example of a special requirement for certain RPT devices is acoustic noise: if the device makes too much noise, it can lead to poor patient compliance with treatment.

[0023] Table of noise output levels of conventional RPT devices (measured on one sample only at 10 cmH2O in CPAP mode using the test method specified in ISO 3744). [Table 1]

[0024] The above values ​​are in contrast to some reference sound pressure values. [Table 2]

[0025] A known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed Limited. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. Ventilators (e.g., the ResMed Stellar™ series of adult and pediatric ventilators) can provide invasive and non-invasive independent ventilatory support to a variety of patients to treat a number of diseases (including, but not limited to, NMD, OHS, and COPD).

[0026] The ResMed Elis Accent Égtée® 150 ventilator and ResMed VSIII™ ventilators provide invasive and non-invasive support for dependent ventilation suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of conditions. These ventilators offer volumetric and barometric ventilation modes using single-limb or dual-limb circuits. RPT devices typically include a pressure generator (e.g., an electric blower or compressed gas reservoir) and are configured to deliver airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow may be delivered to the patient's airway at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface, as described above.

[0027] A device designer may be presented with a myriad of choices. Often, conflicting design criteria may make certain design choices unconventional or unavoidable. Furthermore, the comfort and effectiveness of a particular implementation may be significantly affected by minor changes in one or more parameters.

[0028] For example, large RPT devices can make it difficult or inconvenient for patients to adhere to treatment at home or while traveling. The ResMed AirMini CPAP device is known as a portable RPT device suitable for travel.

[0029] When a patient uses an RPT device while sleeping, noise generated by the device must be minimized. One challenge with noise reduction is that the miniaturization of devices limits the application of standard noise reduction techniques, such as large sound-deadening chambers and / or cavities filled with large amounts of vibration-damping material, to portable RPT devices.

[0030] Therefore, one of the challenges in producing a portable RPT device for sleep therapy is making the device small and quiet.

[0031] Air circuit An air circuit is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow airflow to travel between two components of a respiratory therapy system (e.g., an RPT device and a patient interface) in use. In some cases, an air circuit may have separate branches for inspiration and expiration. In other cases, a single-limb air circuit is used for both inspiration and expiration.

[0032] humidifier Airflow delivery without humidification can lead to dryness of the airway. When a humidifier is used with an RPT device and patient interface, it produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases comfort in the patient's airway. Also, in cooler climates, warm air applied within the patient interface and to the facial area surrounding the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cool air.

[0033] Data Management For clinical reasons, data may be obtained to determine whether a patient prescribed respiratory treatment is "compliant" (e.g., whether the patient is using their RPT device in accordance with one or more "compliance rules"). An example compliance rule for CPAP treatment may require a patient to use the RPT device for at least four hours per night for at least 21 days out of 30 consecutive days to be considered compliant. To determine patient compliance, a provider of the RPT device (e.g., a healthcare provider) may manually obtain data describing the patient's treatment with the RPT device, calculate usage rates over a given period, and compare this to the compliance rules. If the healthcare provider determines that the patient used their RPT device in accordance with the compliance rules, the healthcare provider may notify a third party that the patient is compliant.

[0034] There may be other aspects of patient care that benefit from communication of treatment data to third parties or external systems.

[0035] Existing processes for communicating and managing such data can be costly, time consuming, and / or error prone.

[0036] Ventilation Technology Some forms of treatment systems may include a vent to push out exhaled carbon dioxide, which may allow gas flow from an interior space of the patient interface (e.g., a plenum chamber) to an exterior of the patient interface (e.g., ambient).

[0037] Screening, diagnostic, and surveillance systems Polysomnography (PSG) is a conventional system for diagnosing and monitoring cardiopulmonary diseases and typically requires specialized clinical staff for system application. PSG typically involves placing 15–20 contact sensors on the patient to record various body signals, including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG), and electromyography (EMG). PSG for sleep-disordered breathing requires the patient to be observed in a clinic for two nights: the first night is purely diagnostic, and the second night is for clinician-assisted titration of treatment parameters. Therefore, PSG is costly and inconvenient. Screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of sleep-disordered breathing are particularly unsuitable for home use.

[0038] In general, screening and diagnosis involve identifying disease through signs and symptoms. Screening typically provides a true / false result indicating whether a patient's SDB is severe enough to warrant further investigation, while diagnosis often provides clinically actionable information. Screening and diagnosis tend to be one-time procedures, whereas monitoring the progression of disease can continue indefinitely. Some screening / diagnostic systems are adapted solely for screening / diagnosis, while some can also be used for monitoring.

[0039] A clinical expert may adequately screen, diagnose, or monitor a patient based on visual observation of the PSG signal. However, there are situations where a clinical expert is unavailable or cannot be paid for. Different clinical experts may have different opinions about a patient's condition. Furthermore, a clinical expert may apply different criteria at different times. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0040] The present technology relates to the provision of medical devices used to screen for, diagnose, monitor, ameliorate, treat or prevent respiratory disorders, having one or more of improved comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0041] A first aspect of the present technology relates to devices used in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, ameliorating, treating or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0042] Another aspect of the present technology relates to methods for use in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, ameliorating, treating or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0043] One aspect of certain forms of the present technology is a medical device that is easy to use, for example, by individuals without medical training, individuals with limited dexterity or acumen, or individuals with limited experience using such medical devices.

[0044] One aspect of one form of the present technology is a portable RPT device that can be carried by a user, for example, around the user's home or while traveling.

[0045] One aspect of the present technology relates to a CPAP system that includes an RPT device configured to generate airflow at positive pressure, a patient interface, and an air line that delivers pressurized air to the patient interface.

[0046] One aspect of the present technology relates to RPT devices that are constructed and arranged to provide a wide range of therapeutic pressures while reducing noise output, e.g., maintaining a relatively small size. Such RPTs can be applied in a variety of environments, such as at home, in a hospital, and / or while traveling (train, bus, car, airplane, etc.).

[0047] One aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device having a housing formed of at least two portions and constructed and arranged to minimize noise transmitted through and / or between the at least two portions.

[0048] Certain forms of the present technology provide an RPT device having a housing formed of at least two parts with a seal in between, which in some cases may be a gasket and / or a sealing bead.

[0049] In certain forms of the present technology, there is provided an RPT device having a housing formed in at least two parts and including a housing wall restraint arrangement.

[0050] In a particular form of the present technology, there is provided an RPT device having a housing formed in at least two parts and respective walls constructed and arranged to limit or reduce relative movement of the walls, for example, to prevent inward bending or sagging of the walls.

[0051] In a particular form of the present technology, there is provided a pneumatic housing comprised of at least two parts providing a compression seal between said at least two parts, wherein the walls of said housing are constrained from lateral movement at the joint between said at least two parts, thereby reducing noise escaping said compression seal.

[0052] One aspect of the present technology is a sealing device including a sealing portion (e.g., a gasket) and a channel. The sealing portion (e.g., the gasket) is constructed and arranged to have a width that is smaller than the width of the channel when not in a compressed state. When the sealing portion (e.g., the gasket) is in a compressed state, its width is expanded. The expanded width can affect the ability to seal with one or both side walls of the channel.

[0053] One aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device that includes a housing at least partially enclosing various components of the RPT device and a noise abatement device constructed and arranged to reduce noise radiated from and / or transmitted through a joint or interface between a first portion and a second portion of the housing when in an assembled configuration. In one example, the noise abatement device includes a wall restraint device that restricts lateral movement of the first portion and the second portion. In one example, the noise abatement device includes a seal (e.g., a gasket) that provides a compressive seal between the first portion and the second portion. In one example, the first and second portions are corresponding portions of a tongue-and-groove device. In a further example, the seal (e.g., a gasket) may include a sealing bead arranged to be compressed between respective faces (e.g., the first and second portions) of the tongue-and-groove device during use. In this case, the compression seal is formed between at least the horizontally (relative to the device's operative configuration) opposing surfaces of the first and second portions and the sealing portion (e.g., gasket), while the restraining device is defined by the vertically (relative to the device's operative configuration) oriented (inner and outer) surfaces of the first and second portions. The interface between the sealing surfaces does not necessarily extend in a horizontal plane and can extend at various angles relative to a horizontal plane defined by the device's operative direction.

[0054] One aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure therapy device including a blower that supplies a predetermined amount of air for respiratory pressure therapy, a user interface, an air inlet, a suspension system arranged to suspend the blower, a seal (e.g., a gasket), a restraint device, and a housing that surrounds the blower and the blower suspension system and forms a chamber. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the housing includes a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first intermediate surface located between the first inner surface and the first outer surface. The second portion of the housing includes a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second intermediate surface located between the second inner surface and the second outer surface. The user interface is mounted on the first outer surface. The seal (e.g., a gasket) is arranged to be in compression between the first intermediate surface and the second intermediate surface during use. The restraint device is configured to limit lateral movement of the first portion and the second portion.

[0055] One aspect of the present technology relates to a noise reduction device for a housing that at least surrounds a blower (e.g., a blower of an RPT device), the housing including at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion, each of the housing portions having a periphery and arranged to engage the other housing portion along the periphery, such that, when in an assembled configuration, lateral movement of the engaged periphery of each housing portion is constrained on both sides along at least a portion of the periphery.

[0056] One aspect of the present technology relates to an enclosure formed of at least two portions that are movable relative to one another. The enclosure may include one or more components for reducing conducted and / or radiated noise transmission between and / or through the two portions. The components may include a seal (e.g., a gasket) or a sealing device formed as part of or between the two portions of the enclosure (e.g., disposed at an interface or joint between the two portions). Lateral movement of the two portions may be inhibited or limited by the seal (e.g., a gasket) or sealing device and / or one or more structural features (e.g., channels and tongues) of the first and / or second portions of the enclosure. The enclosure may be a pneumatic enclosure because at least a portion of the interior of the enclosure may be at a pressure different from the ambient pressure outside the enclosure. A seal (e.g., a gasket) or sealing device may serve to prevent or at least reduce the flow of air or gas surrounding or contained within the housing from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side (i.e., from the exterior to the interior of the housing and / or from the interior to the exterior of the housing) (e.g., through a joint or interface between two parts). In some cases, the housing is part of an RPT device, and at least a portion of the interior of the housing may be exposed to negative pressure. In this case, high pressure at the outlet may be contained in a dedicated pneumatic housing within the main housing. Depending on whether the high pressure is passed directly to the housing outlet, it may or may not interact with the interior walls of the housing. The housing may include a support structure for supporting one or more other components, such as an internal component (e.g., a blower), or one or more muffler components, etc.

[0057]

[0006] One aspect of one form of the present technology relates to an apparatus for providing positive pressure respiratory therapy to a patient breathing through a respiratory cycle including an inhalation portion and an exhalation portion, the apparatus including: a controllable motor-blower configured to generate a volume of air at a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure by rotating one or more impellers at an impeller speed; a housing for holding the motor-blower, the housing including an inlet and a patient connection port, the patient connection port configured in use to communicate the positive pressure air supply from the motor-blower to a patient interface via an air circuit; a sensor for monitoring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the positive pressure air supply and for generating a sensor output; and a controller configured to adjust operating parameters of the motor-blower in accordance with the sensor output to maintain a minimum positive pressure in the patient interface during a therapy session, wherein the minimum positive pressure is maintained by increasing the impeller speed during the inhalation portion of the respiratory cycle and decreasing the impeller speed during the exhalation portion of the respiratory cycle.

[0058] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device including at least one muffler constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output of the RPT device when in use.

[0059] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device including a sound-deadening system including one or more mufflers constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output of the RPT device when in use. In one example, the sound-deadening system may include one or more inlet mufflers located upstream of the blower inlet and / or one or more outlet mufflers located downstream of the blower outlet.

[0060] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device that includes an inlet muffler constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output generated by a blower and emitted from the inlet of the blower in use.

[0061] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device that includes an inlet muffler constructed and arranged to face the inlet of a blower.

[0062] Another aspect of one form of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing including a first portion and a second portion configured to engage the first portion when in an assembled configuration, a blower at least partially enclosed within the housing and providing a predetermined volume of air for respiratory pressure treatment, and an inlet muffler made of noise-damping material constructed and arranged to face the inlet of the blower such that an axis of the inlet passes through a thickness of the noise-damping material, wherein each of the first and second portions of the housing supports and retains at least a portion of the noise-damping material within the housing.

[0063] Another aspect of an aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing; a blower at least partially enclosed within said housing to provide a volume of air for respiratory pressure treatment; and an inlet muffler including a rigid wall constructed and arranged to face an inlet of said blower, said rigid wall supporting and retaining a noise attenuating material.

[0064] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing; a blower at least partially enclosed within the housing and configured to provide a volume of air for respiratory pressure treatment; a plurality of flow tubes at least partially enclosed within the housing and positioned upstream of an inlet of the blower; and an inlet muffler made of noise-damping material, the noise-damping material constructed and arranged to face the inlet of the blower and an opening of at least one of the plurality of flow tubes.

[0065] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device that includes an outlet muffler constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output generated by a blower and emitted from the outlet of the blower in use.

[0066] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device that includes an outlet muffler constructed and arranged to face the outlet of a blower.

[0067] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device comprising: a housing; a blower that supplies a volume of air for respiratory pressure therapy and that is at least partially enclosed within said housing; and an outlet muffler, wherein said outlet muffler is separate and independent from said housing.

[0068] Another aspect of one aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing; a blower at least partially enclosed within the housing and supplying a predetermined amount of air for respiratory pressure treatment; and an outlet muffler including a body forming an outlet chamber located downstream of an outlet of the blower, wherein the body and the outlet chamber of the body are separate and independent from the housing.

[0069] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing; a blower at least partially enclosed within the housing and supplying a predetermined amount of air for respiratory pressure treatment; and an outlet muffler including a main body forming an outlet chamber located downstream of an outlet of the blower, wherein the main body and the outlet chamber of the main body are separate and independent from the housing, the outlet muffler is provided on the main body, and the device further comprises an outlet end suspension device that elastically supports the blower in the vicinity of the outlet of the blower, and the main body is made of a material different from that of the outlet end suspension device.

[0070] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an RPT device comprising: a housing; a blower that supplies a volume of air for respiratory pressure therapy and that is at least partially enclosed within said housing; and an outlet muffler, wherein said outlet muffler is at least partially integrated with said housing.

[0071] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure therapy device comprising a housing forming at least a portion of a device inlet chamber and an outlet chamber; and a blower at least partially enclosed within the device inlet chamber and supplying a predetermined volume of air for respiratory pressure therapy, the outlet chamber being located at the outlet of the blower and including at least a portion of an inlet flow path through which air travels before entering the blower.

[0072] Another aspect of one aspect of the present technology relates to a respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a housing forming at least a portion of a device inlet chamber and an outlet chamber; a blower at least partially enclosed within the device inlet chamber and supplying a predetermined amount of air for respiratory pressure treatment; a first plate assembly including a base plate and an outlet-end suspension, the outlet-end suspension supporting the blower proximate to the outlet of the blower, the base plate forming walls of the device inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; and a second plate assembly including a base plate forming walls of the outlet chamber, the second plate assembly further including at least one inlet tube allowing air to flow into the device inlet chamber and an outlet tube allowing air to flow out of the outlet chamber.

[0073] Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology, and various of the sub-aspects and / or aspects may be combined in various ways to form further aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0074] Other features of the present technology will become apparent in light of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the diagrammatic drawings of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, including:

[0076] [Figure 1]Respiratory Treatment System: Shown is a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, according to an example of the present technology. The system takes the form of nasal pillows and receives air at positive pressure supplied by an RPT device 6000. Air from the RPT device 6000 travels along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. A bed companion 1100 is also shown. The patient is sleeping in a supine sleep position. Patient Interface [Figure 2A] 1 shows a patient interface in the form of a nasal mask in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 2B] 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point, where the curvature at this point has a positive sign and a relatively large magnitude compared to the magnitude of the curvature shown in FIG. [Figure 2C] 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point, where the curvature at this point has a positive sign and a relatively small magnitude compared to the magnitude of the curvature shown in FIG. [Figure 2D] Schematic cross-section of a structure cut at a point, where the outward normal at this point is shown and the curvature value at this point is zero. [Figure 2E] 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point. The curvature at this point has a negative sign and a relatively small magnitude compared to the magnitude of the curvature shown in FIG. 2F. [Figure 2F] 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point. The outward normal at this point is shown. The curvature at this point has a negative sign and a relatively large magnitude compared to the magnitude of the curvature shown in FIG. 2E. RPT device [Figure 3A-1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3A-2] FIG. 3A-2 is another perspective view of the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1. [Figure 3B-1]FIG. 3A-1 is a perspective view showing a dimensional comparison between the ResMed AirSense 10 device and the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1 according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3B-2] FIG. 3A-1 is a side view showing a dimensional comparison between the AirSense 10 device from ResMed and the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1 according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3B-3] FIG. 3A-1 is a perspective view of the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1 held in a user's hand according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3B-4] FIG. 3A-1 is a perspective view of the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1 on an airplane tray table in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 3B-5] FIG. 3A-2 is another perspective view of the RPT device of FIG. 3A-1 on an airplane tray table in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the RPT device of FIG. 3A showing the upper case (6090) and housing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is another perspective view of the housing of FIG. 3D. [Figure 3F] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the housing and internal components of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3G] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the internal components of an RPT device within the lower part of the housing with the top part removed according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3H] FIG. 3H is another perspective view of the internal components of the RPT device within the lower part of the housing of FIG. 3G. [Figure 3I] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the internal components of an RPT device within the lower part of the housing with the top part removed according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3J] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the internal components and lower part of the housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3K] 3E is an end view of the housing of FIG. 3E. The end shown may include an alternative cover. [Figure 3L] FIG. 3L is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3L-3L in FIG. 3K. [Figure 3M] FIG. 3F is a top view of the housing of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3N] FIG. 3N is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3N-3N in FIG. 3M. [Figure 3N-1] FIG. 3N is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 3N, showing in phantom the theoretical interference between the parts. [Figure 3N-2] 3N-1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3N-1, illustrating a possible configuration of a seal (e.g., gasket) in use according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3N-3] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an upper and lower housing assembly according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3N-4] 10A-10C are enlarged cross-sectional views showing possible shapes of grooves and / or groove walls according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3O] FIG. 3F is a top view of the housing of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3P] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3P-3P in FIG. 3O. [Figure 3Q] FIG. 3F is a top view of the housing of FIG. 3E. [Figure 3R] FIG. 3R is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3R-3R in FIG. 3Q. [Figure 3R-1] FIG. 3R is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the housing of FIG. 3R. [Figure 3S]

[0033] FIG. 104 is a perspective view showing an upper and lower housing assembly according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3T] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an upper and lower housing assembly according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3U]

[0033] FIG. 124 is a perspective view showing a top of a housing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 3V] FIG. 3V is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line 3V-3V in FIG. 3U. [Figure 3W] FIG. 3U is an exploded view of the upper part of the housing. [Figure 3X] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a housing according to another example of the present technology. [Figure 3Y] FIG. 3Y is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3Y-3Y in FIG. 3X. [Figure 3Z] FIG. 3Y is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3Y showing another possible shape for a seal (e.g., gasket) according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 4A] 1 shows an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic path of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. Upstream and downstream directions are indicated with reference to the blower and patient interface. Regardless of the actual flow direction at any particular moment, the blower is defined as being upstream of the patient interface, and the patient interface is defined as being downstream of the blower. Items in the pneumatic path between the blower and patient interface are downstream of the blower and upstream of the patient interface. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented within an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4E] 4D in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an RPT device with the top of the housing removed showing the housing, internal components, and sound dampening system according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an end view of the housing of FIG. 5A in an assembled configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5B. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5B is a top view of the housing of FIG. 5A in an assembled configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5E-5E of FIG. 5D. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5B is a top view of the housing of FIG. 5A in an assembled configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5G-5G of FIG. 5F. [Figure 5H] FIG. 5B is a top view of the housing of FIG. 5A in an assembled configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 5I]FIG. 5I is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5I-5I in FIG. 5H. [Figure 5J] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the housing and sound-deadening system of FIG. 5A with internal components removed according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 5K] FIG. 5B is another cross-sectional view showing the bottom of the housing and sound-deadening system of FIG. 5A with internal components removed according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6A] FIG. 106 is a perspective view showing a sub-assembly of an inlet / outlet assembly and a body of an outlet muffler according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is another exploded view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6B is a top view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6F] FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6F-6F in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6G]

[0033] Fig. 134 is an exploded view showing the inlet / outlet assembly, main body and lower part of the housing of an outlet muffler according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6H] FIG. 136 is a perspective view showing an inlet / outlet assembly within a lower portion of a housing and the main body of an outlet muffler according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6I] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6J] FIG. 6J is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 6J-6J of FIG. 6I. [Figure 6K] FIG. 10 is an end view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6L] FIG. 6L is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6L-6L in FIG. 6K. [Figure 6M] FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of FIG. 6L. [Figure 6N] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6O] FIG. 6O is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 6O-6O in FIG. 6N. [Figure 6P] FIG. 106 is a cross section view showing a body and noise dampening material (e.g., foam) of an outlet muffler according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6Q]

[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing mechanical support for a blower within an enclosure according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 6R]

[0033] Fig. 10 is another schematic diagram showing mechanical support of a blower within an enclosure in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7B-7B in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of FIG. 7B. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing of an RPT device according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E is a perspective view taken along line 7E-7E of FIG. 7D. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7C is a top cross-sectional view showing the internal components of the RPT device of FIG. 7B within the lower part of the housing with the upper part removed according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7G] FIG. 7C is a top view of the lower part of the housing of the RPT device of FIG. 7B in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 7H] FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing the inlet / outlet assembly and outlet end suspension assembly of the RPT device of FIG. 7B according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7I] FIG. 13 is a cross section of a multi-lobe seal for a base plate according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7J] FIG. 7J is a cross section view showing the multi-lobe seal of FIG. 7I engaging within a groove in a portion of a housing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7K]

[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing mechanical support for a blower within an enclosure according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 7L] 10 is another schematic diagram showing mechanical support of a blower within an enclosure in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 8A]

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a humidifier in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8B]

[0047] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a humidifier in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 removed from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. [Figure 9] 1 shows a model of a typical breathing waveform for a sleeping person. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] Before describing the present technology in further detail, it is to be understood that the present technology is not limited to particular examples described herein, as such examples may vary, and it is also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the particular examples discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0078] The following description is provided in connection with various examples that may share one or more common characteristics and / or features. It should be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combined with one or more features of another example or other examples. Additionally, any single feature or combination of features in any of these examples may be arranged into additional examples.

[0079] treatment In one form, the present technology includes a method of treating a respiratory disorder comprising applying positive pressure to the entrance of the airways of a patient 1000.

[0080] In a particular example of the present technology, a supply of air at positive pressure is provided to the patient's nasal passages via one or both nostrils.

[0081] In certain instances of the present technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited or prevented.

[0082] Respiratory Therapy Systems In one form, the present technology includes a respiratory therapy system for the treatment of respiratory disorders. The respiratory therapy system may include an RPT device 6000 that delivers airflow to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 and a patient interface 3000 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

[0083] Patient Interface 2A shows a non-invasive patient interface 3000 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, including as functional aspects a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, a vent 3400, a form of connection port 3600 for connection to an air circuit 4170, and a forehead support 3700. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, a single physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is positioned to surround an entrance to the patient's 1000 airway to maintain positive pressure at the entrance to the patient's 1000 airway. As such, the sealed patient interface 3000 is suitable for delivery of positive pressure therapy.

[0084] RPT Device An RPT device 4000, 6000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes mechanical, pneumatic, and / or electrical components and is configured to execute one or more algorithms 4300 (e.g., any of the methods described herein, in whole or in part). The RPT device 4000, 6000 may be configured to generate an airflow for delivery to a patient's airway to treat, for example, one or more of the respiratory ailments described elsewhere herein.

[0085] In one form, the RPT device 4000, 6000 is constructed and arranged to deliver airflow in the range of -20 L / min to +150 L / min while maintaining a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O, or at least 10 cmH2O, or at least 20 cmH2O.

[0086] 4A-4E relate to an RPT device 4000 according to one form of the present technology, including one or more embodiments that can be combined with another example (e.g., RPT device 6000) described herein. That is, RPT device 6000 may include any of the features described for RPT device 4000. Similarly, RPT device 4000 may include any of the features described for RPT device 6000. As shown in FIG. 4A , RPT device 4000 may have an outer housing 4010 formed by two portions, an upper portion 4012 and a lower portion 4014. Further, outer housing 4010 may include one or more panel(s) 4015. RPT device 4000 includes a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal components of RPT device 4000. RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.

[0087] The air pressure path of the RPT device 4000 can include one or more air path components such as an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (e.g., a blower 4142) capable of supplying air at positive pressure, an outlet muffler 4124, and one or more transducers 4270 such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow sensor 4274.

[0088] One or more of the air-path items may be located within a removable, unitary structure called a pneumatic block 4020. The pneumatic block 4020 may be located within the outer housing 4010. In one form, the pneumatic block 4020 is supported by or formed as part of the chassis 4016.

[0089] The RPT device 4000 can have a power supply 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a central controller 4230, a therapy device control device 4240, a pressure generator 4140, one or more protection circuits 4250, a memory 4260, a transducer 4270, a data communication interface 4280, and one or more output devices 4290. The electrical components 4200 can be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202. In the alternative, the RPT device 4000 can include two or more PCBAs 4202.

[0090] 3A-1 and 3A-2 show an RPT device 6000 according to one example of the present technology. As best shown in FIGS. 3B-1 through 3B-5, the RPT device 6000 has been significantly miniaturized compared to prior art RPT devices, including RPT device 4000. Due to the miniaturization, standard noise mitigation techniques may be more difficult to implement in the RPT device 6000. One possible approach to the discussed RPT device 6000 involves modifications to various aspects of the device's housing. As best shown in FIGS. 3C through 3L, the RPT device 6000 includes an enclosure 6100 (also referred to as a housing) that supports and / or at least partially encloses one or more internal components of the RPT device 6000.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the housing 6100 is configured and arranged to at least partially support and / or enclose at least the blower 6010. The housing 6100 may also directly or indirectly support at least partially the blower suspension system (e.g., an inlet-end suspension 6020 that supports the blower 6010 near the inlet, an outlet-end suspension 6030 that supports the blower 6010 near the outlet), an outlet muffler 6040, and / or an inlet / outlet assembly 6050 (see FIG. 3F) including an inlet tube array 6052 and an outlet tube 6054 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3F-3L). However, it should be understood that the housing 6100 may be configured and arranged to support and / or enclose more or fewer internal components than those illustrated in the example.

[0092] In the illustrated example, the inlet tube array 6052 forms inlets leading into the housing 6100, and the outlet tubes 6054 form outlets leading out of the housing 6100. In this example, the inlet tubes 6052 and the outlet tubes 6054 are formed on the same side of the housing. This means that the flow direction of at least a first portion of the air flow path is opposite to the flow direction of a second portion of the air flow path, e.g., the air flow path is substantially U-shaped. However, in alternative examples, the inlets and / or outlets of the housing 6100 may be formed by one or more portions of the housing 6100 itself.

[0093] In one example, at least a portion of the housing 6100 may form a chamber constructed and arranged such that the interior of the housing 6100 is pressurized at a pressure different from ambient pressure. For example, the housing 6100 and internal components of the RPT device 6000 may cooperate to form at least a portion of an air flow path at negative pressure, effectively forming at least a portion of an air pressure block extending from an inlet (e.g., inlet tube array 6052) into the housing 6100 and culminating in the intake of the blower 6010. A positive pressure airflow is generated at the outlet of the blower 6010 and delivered to an outlet (e.g., outlet tube 6054) leading out of the housing 6100. The pneumatically sealed engagement between the outlet and the inlet of the outlet tube 6054 may mean that the housing 6100 is isolated from the high voltage applied by the blower 6010. However, in an alternative configuration characterized by the absence of a direct pneumatic seal between the outlet and the inlet of the outlet tube 6054, each portion of the housing 6100 may actually be exposed to high pressure applied by the blower 6010, for example, the housing 6100 may form at least part of a chamber arranged to direct the pressurized air flow from the outlet to the inlet of the outlet tube 6054.

[0094] The RPT device 6000 is constructed and arranged to reduce noise or audio output while maintaining a relatively small size. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B-3, the RPT device is small and lightweight enough to be held securely in one hand by a user. FIGS. 3B-1 and 3B-2 show a comparison of the size of the ResMed AirSense 10 device with the size of the RPT device 6000, clearly demonstrating that the small, compact size of the RPT device 6000 is advantageous for travel (e.g., see FIGS. 3B-4 and 3B-5, which show the RPT device 6000 on an airplane tray table, illustrating a comparison with the size of a smartphone), portability and use around the home (e.g., usable in a bedroom, as shown in FIG. 1), and ease of operation for navigational positioning / adjustment. In one example, the ResMed AirSense 10 device is relatively quiet when used in a bedroom, but is relatively large and cumbersome when traveling (e.g., difficult and inconvenient to use on an airplane). In contrast, the ResMed AirMini device is small and portable for travel, but is relatively noisy (e.g., compared to the ResMed AirSense 10 device), which can make it difficult for patients to comply with treatment in the bedroom or at the hospital. An RPT device 6000 according to an example of the present technology combines the small, compact size of the ResMed AirMini device with the quietness (due to the noise reduction described herein) similar to the ResMed AirSense 10 device to provide a portable device that can be easily used anywhere, such as in a bedroom or on an airplane. Additionally, when the housing 6100 is pressurized (with positive and / or negative pressure), the RPT device 6000 is arranged to be pneumatically sealed to maintain that pressure. In one example, as shown in FIG. 3L, the interior of the housing 6100 may be subjected to different pressures, for example, ambient pressure at the inlet of the housing 6100, negative pressure (-P) along the internal flow path before the flow reaches the blower 6010 (i.e., negative pressure upstream of the blower), and positive or increased pressure (+P) as the flow is pressurized inside and on the outlet side of the blower 6010 between the outlet and the inlet of the outlet pipe 6054 (i.e., positive pressure downstream of the blower).

[0095] In the illustrated example, the housing 6100 includes a first portion 6110 (upper or top housing portion) and a second portion 6120 (lower or bottom housing portion) that are connected to or assembled together to form an assembled configuration.

[0096] As described in further detail below, the RPT device 6000, in an assembled configuration, includes a noise abatement apparatus at a joint or interface between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100, configured and arranged to reduce noise conducted or escaping through an air passage (or air gap). The noise abatement apparatus may also be configured and arranged to reduce noise radiated by or propagated through one or more walls or joints of the RPT device. While the noise abatement apparatus has been described herein with reference to an RPT device, it should be understood that various aspects of the present technology are applicable to other applications.

[0097] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C , the RPT device 6000 includes a second upper case 6090 connected or assembled to at least partially cover the first portion 6110 and forming the outer top surface of the housing 6100. In the illustrated example, the second portion 6120 (lower or bottom housing portion) of the housing 6100 can function as a bottom case for both the upper portion 6110 and the upper case 6090. Thus, the upper case 6090 and the second portion 6120 can cooperate to form the outer casing or outer housing (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the RPT device 6000. In some examples, the upper portion 6110 has a more rigid structure and can perform various support and sealing functions. In contrast, the upper case 6090 has a less rigid structure and can perform some cosmetic function. In such cases, the upper case 6090 is also referred to as a “fascia.” In one example, the upper case 6090 may also function as at least a secondary acoustic insulator, with or without specific acoustical protection around the periphery of its interface with the housing 6100. For example, the upper case 6090 may include an overmold composed of a relatively flexible material (e.g., a rubber such as TPE or silicone resin) on its interior and / or exterior surfaces to provide specific acoustic damping and / or tactile properties. TPE may have advantages over silicone resin in terms of reducing radiated noise.

[0098] In one example, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and / or one or more user interfaces may be supported within an interior space formed between the upper case 6090 and the first portion 6110 of the housing 6100. That is, the PCBA is located outside the air flow path. In some cases, the PCBA may be attached to and supported by the first portion 6110.

[0099] In alternative examples, there may not be a separate upper case 6090. In such examples, the first portion 6110 (upper or top housing portion) may be the upper case, whereby the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 together form the outer casing or outer housing of the RPT device 6000.

[0100] Mechanical and pneumatic components of RPT devices The RPT device may include one or more of the following components in an integrated unit: In an alternative, one or more of the following components may each be located as separate units.

[0101] chassis In the illustrated example, the first portion 6110 includes one or more first walls 6112, e.g., a top wall, opposing side walls, and end walls, that form one or more portions of the top, side(s), and / or end of the housing 6100 (see, e.g., Figures 3N-3 and 3S-3W).

[0102] As shown, the first wall 6112 of the first portion 6110 of the housing 6100 includes a first inner surface 6114, a first outer surface 6116, and a first intermediate surface 6118 located between the first inner surface 6114 and the first outer surface 6116 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3N-3, 3S-3W). In one example, a PCBA and / or one or more user interfaces (e.g., buttons such as a power button or a wireless connection button, switches, dials, displays) may be attached to or supported by the first portion 6110. For example, the PCBA and / or one or more user interfaces may be supported on the first outer surface 6116 (e.g., outside an air passageway of the housing that is under pressure during use). Alternatively, the PCBA and / or one or more user interfaces may be supported inside the housing and extend through one or more openings in the first portion 6110.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the second portion 6120 includes one or more second walls 6122, e.g., a bottom wall, opposing side walls, and end walls, that form one or more portions of the bottom, sides, and / or ends of the housing 6100 (see, e.g., Figures 3N-3 and 3S-3T).

[0104] As shown, the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100 includes a second inner surface 6124, a second outer surface 6126, and a second intermediate surface 6128 located between the second inner surface 6124 and the second outer surface 6126 (see, for example, Figures 3N-3, 3S-3T).

[0105] In the illustrated example, the first portion 6110 is assembled to the second portion 6120 such that one or more first walls 6112 are assembled adjacent to one or more second walls 6122 in the assembled configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3N-1 and 3N-2). In the assembled configuration, the housing 6100 is provided with a noise abatement device to reduce noise conducted through an air passage (or air gap) at a joint or interface between adjacent first and second walls.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the noise abatement device includes a wall restraint device 6200 and a sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket). As described in further detail below, the wall restraint device 6200 is configured and arranged to restrain or limit lateral movement of the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 (e.g., to restrain lateral movement of the first wall portion 6112 and the second wall portion 6122 when in the assembled configuration (see arrows L, R in FIG. 3P)), and the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) is configured and arranged to form a seal between the mating surfaces of the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 in the assembled configuration. As shown in FIG. 3F, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) can be a separate component. However, the sealing portion (e.g., a gasket) can be overmolded onto either the periphery of the first portion 6110 or the periphery of the second portion 6120. Alternatively, part of the seal (eg, gasket) may be overmolded onto the periphery of the first portion 6110 and part may be overmolded onto the periphery of the second portion 6120 .

[0107] In one example, the walls of the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 each comprise a relatively rigid material (e.g., polypropylene). As described further herein, the seal 6300 (e.g., a gasket) may be made of an elastically flexible or deformable material (e.g., a viscoelastic material, TPE, TPU, TPV). In one example, an overmold made of a relatively flexible material (e.g., TPE or silicone resin) may be provided (e.g., by overmolding) on ​​the interior and / or exterior surfaces of one or more walls of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120 to provide damping properties to attenuate noise radiated from the walls. Additionally, the rigidity or stiffness of the walls of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120 may be controlled to attenuate radiated noise.

[0108] wall restraint device In one example, the wall restraint device 6200 includes a tongue-and-groove engagement device between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 along at least a portion of the engaging or engaged periphery (i.e., along at least a portion of the joint or interface between adjacent first and second wall portions when in an assembled configuration).

[0109] In this example, the first portion 6110 includes the tongue 6210 of a tongue-and-groove engagement device, and the second portion 6120 includes the groove 6220 of a tongue-and-groove engagement device (see, e.g., FIG. 3N-3). However, in alternative examples, the positions of the tongue and groove may be reversed, i.e., the second portion 6120 may include the tongue and the first portion 6110 may include the groove. In further alternative examples, the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 may each include both a tongue and a groove positioned to engage the groove and tongue, respectively, of the opposing portion.

[0110] In the illustrated example, the tongues 6210 are provided along the entire periphery of the first portion 6110, and the grooves 6220 are provided at selected portions along the periphery of the second portion 6120. That is, in the illustrated example, the grooves 6220 do not extend continuously along the periphery of the second portion 6120, but rather are distributed in multiple sections along the periphery (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3L, 3S, and 3T, grooves are provided in each of the opposing side walls and one of the end walls of the second portion 6120). However, it should be understood that the grooves may be distributed along the periphery in other suitable manners. Furthermore, it should be understood that in alternative examples, the grooves may extend continuously along the entire periphery of the second portion 6120. Similarly, it will be appreciated that in alternative examples, the tongues may be provided around the periphery of the first portion in other suitable manners, for example, one or more tongues may be provided around the periphery of the first portion 6110 at selected portions of the first portion 6110.

[0111] When the first part 6110 and the second part 6120 are in an assembled configuration, the tongue 6210 is engaged within the groove 6220, thereby restricting lateral movement of the tongue 6210 on both sides at least along the peripheral engagement portions of the first part 6110 and the second part 6120.

[0112] The tongue 6210 is provided on the periphery or free end of the first portion 6110 and provides a first intermediate surface 6118 between the first inner surface 6114 and the first outer surface 6116 (see, e.g., FIG. 3N-3). The groove 6220 is provided on the periphery or free end of the second portion 6120. The groove 6220 is formed by two side walls 6222, 6224 and provides a second intermediate surface 6128, an inner wall surface 6223 and an outer wall surface 6225 (see, e.g., FIG. 3N-3). In this example, the two intermediate surfaces 6118 and 6128 extend generally horizontally (i.e., these two intermediate surfaces are substantially parallel to the flat, horizontal support surface BP on which the RPT device 6000 is generally disposed in its standard operating configuration (i.e., FIG. 3P)). In contrast, the inner and outer wall surfaces are generally vertical (substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane in which the RPT device 6000 is typically disposed in its standard operating configuration). Because of this orientation, when the first and second portions are fastened together, typically by screws, tightening the screws applies lateral pressure to the interface, causing the first and second portions to abuttingly engage with each other. The seal 6300 (e.g., a gasket) is compressed between the interface surfaces 6118 and 6128, providing a compressive acoustic and / or pneumatic seal between the interface surfaces 6118 and 6128 and between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120.

[0113] In the illustrated example, one of the side walls 6222, 6224 of the groove 6220 can be longer and / or thicker than the other of the side walls 6222, 6224 of the groove 6220. For example, as shown in FIG. 3N-3, the outer wall 6224 can be longer and thicker than the inner wall 6222. Such a configuration can provide improved lateral support. However, it should be understood that the side walls of the groove can include similar lengths and / or thicknesses.

[0114] In the assembled configuration, lateral restraint is achieved by engaging the first outer surface 6116 of the tongue 6210 with the outer wall surface 6225 of the groove 6220 and / or the first inner surface 6114 of the tongue 6210 with the inner wall surface 6223 of the groove 6220 along at least a portion of the engaged periphery (see, e.g., FIGS. 3N-1 and 3N-2). Such engagement bilaterally restrains lateral movement of the tongue and groove, respectively, and the resulting lateral movement of the engaged periphery. Furthermore, friction created by compressing the seal 6300 between surfaces 6128 and 6118 improves lateral restraint. In one example, the tongue 6210 and groove 6220 are configured and dimensioned (e.g., tolerances are tightly controlled) so that, when in the assembled configuration, one or both sides of the tongue directly engage sides of the groove, i.e., the first outer surface 6116 of the tongue 6210 engages the outer wall surface 6225 of the groove 6220 and / or the first inner surface 6114 of the tongue 6210 engages the inner wall surface 6223 of the groove 6220 along at least a portion of the engaged periphery in the assembled configuration.

[0115] In one example, the tongue-and-groove engagement device is characterized in that, in an assembled configuration, at least 1-5 mm (e.g., 2-3 mm) of the tongue 6210 is received within the groove 6220 to provide a depth of overlap between the tongue 6210 and the side walls 6222, 6224 of the groove 6220 sufficient for restraint (see, e.g., overlap length L1 in FIG. 3N-1).

[0116] In one example, the side walls 6222, 6224 of the groove 6220 are sealed against either side of the tongue, with minimal gap and appreciable overlap depth between the tongue and groove creating a tortuous path (no direct line of sight or path for noise) for sound waves to propagate through the tongue and groove engagement device. Additionally, the tight tolerances where the groove side walls surround or overlap the tongue on either side reduce twisting and wall deformation. The rigidity of the tongue and groove engagement device secures the first and second portions 6110, 6120 together (at least laterally), potentially providing a self-retaining, rigid composite structure (which contributes to the stiffness of the case, thereby reducing radiated noise) and reducing the likelihood of rattle due to vibration.

[0117] In one example, one or both side walls of the groove 6220 can include an undercut or inward taper / curvature adapted to engage the tongue 6210. For example, the outer wall surface 6225 of the outer wall 6224 of the groove 6220 can be inverted trapezoidal in shape and / or slightly rounded to increase the engagement force with the tongue 6210. This can improve the rigidity / stiffness of the housing. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3N-4 , the slightly rounded inner surface 6225 of the groove outer wall 6224 provides a spring load that causes the first portion 6110 having the tongue 6210 to bend or crush (or compress) inward to assemble the tongue 6210 into the groove 6220, and the biased tongue-and-groove engagement holds the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 together so that they vibrate together and do not create secondary rattles due to vibrating against each other (i.e., less vibration overall). Thus, in some embodiments, the undercut / taper / curvature ensures that only a limited portion of the surface 6225 abuts and engages the corresponding surface of the tongue 6210 as it is inserted into the tongue 6210. This minimizes friction between the surfaces while ensuring restraint on the tongue-and-groove device.

[0118] In one example, lateral movement may be continuously constrained along the length of the engaged edge. In an alternative example, the constraining of lateral movement may be distributed along the length of the engaged edge, for example, with the tongue and groove arrangement being provided in spaced segments (e.g., spaced teeth engageable in spaced grooves).

[0119] In the illustrated example, the bottom of the housing 6100 (e.g., the bottom wall of the second portion 6120) includes a bottom surface that defines a bottom surface BP that is substantially horizontal when the RPT device 6000 is in its normal operating orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 3P). Referring to FIG. 3P, the tongue-and-groove engagement arrangement is configured and arranged to restrain lateral movement of the first wall of the first portion 6110 and the second wall of the second portion 6120, where such lateral movement refers to movement extending substantially along a direction parallel to the bottom surface BP, i.e., along the left side L and the right side R in FIG. 3P (e.g., laterally or horizontally toward and away from the interior of the housing). Such restraint against lateral movement is not limited to movement extending generally parallel to the bottom surface, but may also be slightly inclined or angled relative to the bottom surface. That is, it should be understood that the tongue-and-groove engagement arrangement is constructed and arranged to restrain movement of the first and second walls in a generally lateral direction when the RPT device 6000 is in its normal operating orientation. Such wall restraint prevents wall flexing that can create air gaps between the walls and, in turn, acoustic leakage. It also increases the overall rigidity of the enclosure, reducing vibrations and transmitted noise emanating from the enclosure.

[0120] gasket In the illustrated example, the sealing portion 6300 may be a gasket that is arranged to be compressed between the first interfacing surface 6118 of the first portion 6110 and the second interfacing surface 6128 of the second portion 6120 in use to form a seal between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 along at least a portion of the engaging or engaged periphery (i.e., along at least a portion of the joint or interface between the adjacent first and second walls when in the assembled configuration). In the illustrated example, the surfaces 6118, 6128 are flat, and the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) is arranged to form a seal between the two flat surfaces 6118, 6128. However, it should be understood that the surface 6118 and / or the surface 6128 may be non-flat, and at least a portion of the surface 6118 and / or the surface 6128 may include a curvature. In this manner, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) can be configured and arranged to form a seal between flat and / or non-flat (e.g., curved) surfaces. In one example, the sealing portion 6300 can be a sealing bead arranged to form a seal between the surfaces 6118, 6128.

[0121] In the illustrated example (see, e.g., FIGS. 3U-3W), the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is provided on or secured to the first interface 6118 of the first portion 6110 (e.g., tongue 6210). The sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is configured and arranged to sealingly engage with the second interface 6128 of the second portion 6120 to form a compression seal in the assembled configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 3N-2). In an alternative example, as shown in FIGS. 3X and 3Y, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is provided on or secured to the second interface 6128 of the second portion 6120. The sealing portion (e.g., gasket) is configured and arranged to sealingly engage with the first interface 6118 of the first portion 6110 to form a compression seal in the assembled configuration. 3Z shows another example of a seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) disposed in the groove 6220. In this example, the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) has some other shape, such as a beaded gasket or a sealing bead having a semicircular cross-section. However, it should be understood that the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) is not necessarily integrally attached to the first or second part, but is provided as a separate structure from the first and second parts and is disposed between the first and second parts in the assembled configuration. In an alternative configuration, each part may have a seal (e.g., gasket) associated therewith.

[0122] In the illustrated example, the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) is provided along the entire periphery of the first portion 6110, i.e., the seal (e.g., gasket) extends continuously along the entire first interface 6118 of the first portion 6110 (e.g., tongue 6210). However, it should be understood that the seal (e.g., gasket) may be provided along the periphery of the first portion 6110 in other suitable manners, for example, along one or more selected portions of the first portion 6110 along the periphery of the first portion 6110.

[0123] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3N-1 through 3N-3, the width (and thickness) of the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is smaller than the width / thickness of the lower interface 6118. Therefore, the width / thickness of the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) may be smaller than the width / thickness of at least one of the interface surfaces 6118, 6128. This may be related to the desired seal configuration (under pressure) or the particular manufacturing process used. The sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is made of an elastically flexible or deformable material (e.g., viscoelastic material, TPE, TPU, TPV). Such a material, under the action of pressure, can seal or fill any air gaps (e.g., due to surface imperfections and / or variations in flatness across the surface) between at least the first interface surface 6118 and the second interface surface 6128. This can prevent conducted noise at the joint or interface between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 from escaping the enclosure when in an assembled configuration. In addition to providing a seal between the first and second interface surfaces 6118, 6128, the seal (e.g., gasket) may also expand laterally (relative to the direction of the applied force) when compressed. This causes the seal to contact at least one of the groove inner walls 6223, 6225, improving the seal and further reducing the potential for noise transmission. As the applied force increases, the lateral deformation also increases until both walls 6223, 6225 contact, at which point the deformation of the seal stops by being limited by all sides 6118, 6128, 6223, 6225. This may be advantageous in preventing overstressing of the seal and / or providing a least-passable path for noise.

[0124] In one example, the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) 6300 may be removably attached (e.g., by overmolding or adhesive) or permanently attached to the first interface 6118 of the first portion 6110 or the second interface 6128 of the second portion.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) has a cross-sectional shape constructed and arranged to improve sealing performance under pressure. For example, the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) 6300 shown in Figures 3V and 3N-3 includes a relatively thick region 6310 that provides a base portion for attachment to the first portion 6110 and a relatively thin region 6320 that provides a free end or engagement surface for engaging the second portion 6120 (e.g., the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) is thicker at the base and center than at the edges). The relatively thin region 6320 at the free end provides a smaller surface area adapted to engage the second interfacing surface 6128 of the second portion 6120, increasing the concentration of force per unit area and improving sealing performance when in the assembled configuration.

[0126] Exemplary shapes of the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) include a substantially D-shaped, a substantially double-chamfered shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially circular or semicircular shape, or a substantially D-ring shape. For example, the free end or engagement surface of the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) can include at least one surface that does not extend parallel to the second intermediate surface 6128 of the second part 6120. That is, at least one surface can be curved or angled, tapering toward the free end of the sealing portion (e.g., gasket).

[0127] In one example, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) has a thickness sufficient to limit appreciable sound propagation, for example, the sealing portion has a thickness of 1-5 mm, such as at least 2-3 mm, and when a relatively thick sealing portion (e.g., a gasket) is inserted into a tongue-and-groove engagement device, the tortuous path at the interface between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 is enhanced, reducing the amount of sound that can transmit and creating a more effective acoustic seal.

[0128] In one example, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) has a length sufficient to collapse or compress between the first interface 6118 and the second interface 6128 in the assembled configuration. That is, in the assembled configuration, the tongue 6210 overlaps the sidewall of the groove 6220 in the space between the first interface 6118 and the second interface 6128. The sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) has a length sufficiently longer than the length of the space between the first interface 6118 and the second interface 6128. This space is where the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) is positioned in the assembled configuration, allowing the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) to deform laterally to form a seal that prevents conducted noise. This can be seen in the hypothetical example shown in FIG. 3N-1. FIG. 3N-1 shows a seal (e.g., a gasket) in a hypothetical assembled configuration, overlapping a second portion without compression or deformation. As shown, the seal (e.g., a gasket) is approximately 1-5 mm longer than the space between the first and second interface surfaces (see, e.g., length L2 in FIG. 3N-1) to ensure sufficient compression or deformation. This collapsible seal design therefore utilizes the principle of volume conservation, allowing the seal (e.g., a gasket) to collapse until restrained by a tongue-and-groove device.

[0129] 3N-2 shows an example of the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) in an assembled configuration when compressed between the first interface 6118 and the second interface 6128. In one example, the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) may compress or collapse such that the deformed sealing portion also engages the outer wall surface 6225 of the groove 6220 and / or the inner wall surface 6223 of the groove 6220. This allows the sealing portion (e.g., gasket) to further fill the space between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120, improving sealing performance and reducing noise propagation. In one example, in the assembled configuration, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) engages at least one of the interface 6128, the outer wall surface 6225 and / or the inner wall surface 6223 of the groove 6220.

[0130] In one example, the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) can be made of a creep-prone material (e.g., TPE, TPU, TPV) that can creep or disintegrate over time until restrained by the tongue-and-groove engagement. That is, the seal (e.g., gasket) deforms to fill or conform to the open space of the tongue-and-groove engagement. This increases the contact area between the seal (e.g., gasket) and the groove, resulting in better sound insulation. It also provides rigid support to the enclosure walls, reducing wall deformation and relative displacement over time. It also prevents the walls from vibrating independently, improving vibration damping and further improving the quality and lifespan of the seal and the acoustic performance of the resulting structure. Even if the seal (e.g., gasket) material does not have a creep tendency, it is generally incompressible but flexible / deformable (e.g., silicone resin or cross-linked rubber) and configured to absorb mechanical pressure.

[0131] In one example, as shown in FIG. 3P, the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) is constructed and arranged to be compressed or extruded in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom surface BP, i.e., a pair of compressive forces U / D are applied when the parts 6110, 6120 are screwed together as part of the assembly process (as shown in FIG. 3P). That is, by applying forces to the top and bottom of the sealing portion (e.g., a gasket) (via first and second interface surfaces), the sealing portion (e.g., a gasket) is compressed to form a seal (e.g., an axial or face seal). The more evenly distributed the compressive force applied along the mating edges, the more uniform the deformation along the length of the sealing portion (e.g., a gasket). In this case, because pressure is provided by tightening screws, it is desirable to use a larger number of evenly distributed attachment points (points where screws are applied). Therefore, instead of connecting the first and second parts with two or three screws, a larger number of screws (e.g., four to eight) can be used, preferably evenly spaced along the attachment perimeter.

[0132] When the RPT device 6000 is in its normal operating orientation, the compression provided by the screws is generally upward / downward (or vertical). In one example, the compression direction may be perpendicular to the direction of lateral restraint provided by the tongue and groove engagement arrangement. However, it should be understood that the compression is not limited to extending only in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom surface BP of FIG. 3P, but may be slightly oblique or angled relative to the bottom surface.

[0133] In one example, the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) is placed under load, but due to the incompressible properties of the material (e.g., TPE), the seal (e.g., gasket) deforms rather than compresses (as the volume of the seal (e.g., gasket) remains substantially constant). This deformation causes the seal to firmly engage at least one of the surfaces 6128, 6225, 6223 of the groove 6220 and may also engage one or both of the sidewall surfaces 6225, 6223 (with an equal lateral force transverse to the direction of the applied load). In one example, when the seal (e.g., gasket) primarily interacts with the interface surface 6128, the force can be concentrated in a smaller area (e.g., in the thin region 6320 of the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket), as shown in FIG. 3N-3). This results in a higher sealing force rather than distributing the load across the entire surface of the groove.

[0134] As described above, the interior and / or exterior surfaces of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120 may include a coating or overmolding composed of a relatively soft material (e.g., TPE or silicone resin) to provide, for example, damping properties for attenuating noise radiated from the wall. In one example, the tongues and / or grooves of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120 may be coated or overmolded (e.g., separately or in conjunction with a coating on the remainder of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120) with a relatively soft material (e.g., TPE or silicone resin) to, for example, improve the sealing, damping, and / or retention of the first portion 6110 and / or the second portion 6120.

[0135] In the illustrated example, the tongue-and-groove engagement device, together with the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket), provides a system for reducing conducted and radiated noise passing through the interface between the first and second portions 6110, 6120 of the housing 6100 when in the assembled configuration. In this case, a compression seal is formed between the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., gasket) and at least the horizontally (generally parallel to the horizontal support plane BP in the operating configuration of the device) opposing surfaces 6118, 6128 of the first and second portions 6110, 6120. In contrast, the suppression device is defined at least in part by the vertically oriented (inner and outer) surfaces 6114, 6116, 6223, 6225 (orthogonal to the horizontal support plane BP in the operating configuration of the device) of the first and second portions 6110, 6120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3N-1 and 3N-2). In the illustrated example, the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) is structured and arranged to provide at least an acoustic seal and may also provide a pneumatic seal between the pressurized housing and the ambient. That is, in the operating configuration of the RPT device, the pressure within the housing adjacent the engagement edge may increase relative to the ambient (i.e., pressure differential across the wall of the housing), and the seal 6300 (e.g., gasket) along the engagement edge may provide both an acoustic (i.e., noise-reducing) seal and a pneumatic seal between the pressurized housing (e.g., one or more air chambers along the flow path) and the ambient. Also, the interior of the housing may experience different pressures, e.g., ambient pressure at the inlet of the housing, negative pressure along the internal flow path before the airflow reaches the blower, and positive or elevated pressure as the airflow is pressurized inside and on the outlet side of the blower.

[0136] In the above example, the seal is achieved by a sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) that is compressed between the sealing surfaces of two mating portions of the housing. In this case, pressure within the housing can effectively push the two portions apart, reducing the quality of the "compressive" seal. In an alternative example, where the seal is achieved by a generally thin flap of gasket material, air pressure within the housing can compress the gasket surface against the corresponding sealing surface, thereby improving the seal between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120.

[0137] As mentioned above, in the illustrated example, the first portion 6110 can be removably secured to the second portion 6120 in an assembled configuration by one or more fasteners 6150 (e.g., one or more screws (see FIG. 3R)). Fasteners of different types and sizes (i.e., lengths) can be used as long as they provide a sufficient load to generate seal (e.g., gasket) compression and seal formation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3S and 3R-1, the second portion 6120 includes one or more bosses 6160 (e.g., four bosses), each including a fastener-receiving hole. The first portion 6110 includes a corresponding number of fastener holes 6165 (e.g., four holes), each including an internal flange 6166 (see FIG. 3R-1). When the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 are assembled together (i.e., tongue within groove), each flange 6166 engages or abuts a corresponding boss 6160, which provides a stop during assembly (see FIG. 3R-1). The stop prevents the tongue 6210 from being inserted further into the groove 6220, indicating that the first and second portions 6110, 6120 have reached a fully assembled configuration. The stop can also ensure that the tongue 6210 has reached a predetermined overlap level with the sidewall of the groove 6220 for restraint (see, e.g., overlap length L1 in FIG. 3N-1 ) and that the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) has reached a predetermined compression level for acoustic and / or pneumatic sealing (see, e.g., length L2 in FIG. 3N-1 ). The first and second portions 6110, 6120 are removably secured by fastener(s) 6150, each of which extends through an aligned fastener hole until the head of the fastener 6150 abuts the flange 6166 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3R and 3R-1 ). It will be appreciated that the stopper device may be modified to adjust the predetermined overlap / compression level, for example, by changing the position of the flange 6166 within the hole or by changing the thickness of the flange 6166.

[0138] It should be understood that one or more aspects of the noise abatement apparatus described for the RPT device 6000 may be incorporated into other examples of RPT devices. For example, the RPT device 4000 of FIG. 4A includes one version of the noise abatement apparatus described herein, e.g., the chassis 4016 surrounding the blower 4142 includes a first portion 6110 having a tongue 6210 and a sealing portion 6300, and a second portion 6120 having a groove 6220. In the assembled configuration, the tongue 6210 is received within the groove 6220 to restrain lateral movement of the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120, and the sealing portion 6300 (e.g., a gasket) forms a compression seal between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120.

[0139] air filter An RPT device 4000, 6000 in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0140] In one form, the inlet air filter 4112 is located upstream of the pressure generator 4140 at the beginning of the air pressure path.

[0141] In one form, the outlet air filter 4114, for example an antibacterial filter, is located between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000.

[0142] muffler An RPT device 4000, 6000 in accordance with one form of the present technology may include a muffler 4120, or multiple mufflers 4120, as shown schematically in, for example, FIG. 4B.

[0143] Inlet muffler In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is located in the pneumatic path upstream of a pressure generator 4140, for example as shown schematically in Figure 4B.

[0144] 5A-5K show an RPT device 6000 including a sound-damping system according to an example of the present technology. The sound-damping system may include one or more inlet mufflers positioned upstream of the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 and / or one or more outlet mufflers positioned downstream of the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. The sound-damping system is constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 6000 during use.

[0145] In the illustrated example, the RPT device 6000 includes two inlet mufflers (i.e., a device inlet muffler 6350 and an inlet muffler 6400) and an outlet muffler 6040. The device inlet muffler 6350 and the inlet muffler 6400 are positioned upstream of the inlet 6012, i.e., along the air flow path between the inlet to the housing 6100 (e.g., the inlet tube array 6052) and the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010. As described below, the inlet muffler 6400 may be constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output generated by the blower 6010 and / or emanating from the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 during use. The inlet muffler 6400 may include one or more components.

[0146] In the illustrated example, the blower 6010 includes a single coaxial inlet 6012 and a single outlet 6014. It should be understood that an RPT device may include a blower (or multiple blowers) having different configurations, such as a blower including multiple inlets and / or multiple outlets arranged in alternative configurations relative to one another (e.g., coaxial and / or axially offset from one another, or angled from one another). It should be understood that sound-deadening systems according to examples of the present technology may be applied to RPT devices having alternative blower configurations, such as an inlet muffler positioned upstream of each of the blower's multiple inlets and / or an outlet muffler positioned downstream of each of the blower's multiple outlets.

[0147] In the illustrated example, the housing 6100 and internal components of the RPT device 6000 cooperate to form two inlet chambers: a first chamber 6001 (also referred to as a main chamber or device inlet chamber) and a second chamber 6002 (also referred to as an inlet chamber), which may be relatively smaller than the first chamber 6001. As shown, a blower 6010 is supported within the device inlet chamber 6001 and receives air from the inlet chamber 6002 at an inlet 6012 (i.e., the inlet 6012 is located downstream of the chambers 6001, 6002). Various components best shown in FIG. 3F , such as the outlet end suspension 6030, outlet muffler 6040, inlet / outlet assembly 6050, and inlet end suspension 6020 (as described above), can form at least some boundaries of the device inlet chamber 6001 ( FIG. 5A ) and / or inlet chamber 6002 ( FIG. 5A ). The inlet end suspension 6020 and outlet end suspension 6030 support the blower 6010 within the device inlet chamber 6001 and separate and seal the airflow passing through the device inlet chamber 6001 from the airflow passing through the interior of the blower 6010. The inlet tube array 6052 of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 forms the inlet to the device inlet chamber 6001, and the flow tube array 6025 is positioned to allow air to flow from the device inlet chamber 6001 to the inlet chamber 6002.

[0148] In the illustrated example, the air flow path of the RPT device 6000 is structured and arranged such that air enters the housing 6100 via the inlet tube array 6052 and passes through the inlet tube array 6052 into the device inlet chamber 6001. The device inlet chamber 6001 receives air from the inlet tube array 6052 and transports the air to the flow tube array 6025 (i.e., the volume forming the device inlet chamber 6001 is at least partially located or defined between the inlet tube array 6052 and the flow tube array 6025). The air passes through the flow tube array 6025 and flows into the inlet chamber 6002. The inlet chamber 6002 receives air from the flow tube array 6025 and transports the air to the inlet 6012 (i.e., the volume forming the inlet chamber 6002 is at least partially located or defined between the flow tube array 6025 and the inlet 6012). Air is pressurized inside the blower 6010 such that a positive airflow is provided at the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. This pressurized air is then directed to an outlet chamber (the space through which the air travels after exiting the outlet, which space forms at least a portion of the outlet muffler 6040) and onto the RPT device outlet (e.g., outlet conduit 6054) for directing out of the housing 6100 (i.e., the volume forming the outlet chamber is at least partially disposed or defined between the outlet 6014 and the device outlet (e.g., outlet conduit 6054)).

[0149] In the illustrated example, the volume of device inlet chamber 6001 forms at least a portion of device inlet muffler 6350, and the volume of inlet chamber 6002 forms at least a portion of inlet muffler 6400. In one example, noise attenuating material (e.g., one or more foam sections or foam sheets, or other sound absorbing material) may also be provided in and / or as part of device inlet chamber 6001 to improve the function or performance of device inlet muffler 6350, and / or noise attenuating material (e.g., one or more foam sections or foam sheets, or other sound absorbing material) may be provided in inlet chamber 6002 to improve the function or performance of inlet muffler 6400. For example, the noise attenuating material (e.g., foam) may provide an absorptive muffler (damping of resonant peaks), and the respective volumes of chambers 6001, 6002 may provide an expansion-type muffler (sound deadening due to expansion of volume) along the air flow path. These two methods of attenuating noise work together to reduce acoustic output and minimize the effects of acoustic resonance. Additionally, one or more walls of the housing 6100 may be reinforced / stiffened and may include the noise abatement devices described above, such as tongues 6210 and grooves 6220, which reduce radiated noise and further enhance the function of the device inlet muffler 6350 and / or inlet muffler 6400. Thus, each of the device inlet muffler 6350 and inlet muffler 6400 includes spatial geometry (i.e., space), structure (i.e., rigid structure), and / or material configured and arranged to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 6000 during use.

[0150] In the illustrated example, the inlet muffler 6400 is positioned between the flow tube array 6025 and the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010. As described below, the inlet muffler 6400 comprises a spatial geometry, structure, and / or material positioned upstream of the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 to attenuate the generated airflow and noise generated by the blower 6010 itself during use. For example, the inlet muffler 6400 comprises a space / volume, a rigid stepped wall structure, and noise attenuating material that absorbs the energy of sound waves exiting the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 during use to attenuate the noise.

[0151] In the illustrated example, the absorbent component of the inlet muffler 6400 comprises one or more foam sections or foam sheets. A further component of the inlet muffler 6400 is associated with stiffening at least a portion of one or more walls of the inlet chamber 6002, particularly the portion in front of the inlet 6012. To this end, an end of the housing 6100 comprises a rigid wall portion 6130 (i.e., a rigid body portion of the housing). In the illustrated example, the rigid wall portion 6130 is configured to house or accommodate one or more foam sheets along the periphery of the inlet chamber 6002. That is, rather than simply providing a flat end wall or angular end of the housing (to form the side walls of the inlet chamber 6002), for example, as shown schematically by dashed line FL ( FIG. 5E ), the housing 6100 includes a rigid wall portion 6130 that protrudes or extends outward from FL to form a space or pocket at the end of the housing 6100 and support and retain the foam adjacent the inlet chamber 6002. In the illustrated example, as described below, the rigid wall portion 6130 includes a non-planar wall structure or profile (e.g., a stepped wall profile or structure) that not only forms a space for the foam but also adds rigidity to the housing, particularly the portion in front of the inlet 6012, to resist deformation. This provides an additional component of the inlet muffler 6400 (e.g., stiffening one or more walls of the inlet chamber 6002 to reduce vibration and therefore noise). Instead of a stepped structure, other non-planar wall profile structures are also possible. In this case, the non-planar nature of the profile (i.e., bent, zigzag, wavy, etc.) provides additional rigidity to resist deformation. Alternative stiffening means (e.g., stiffening ribs or other structures formed in or attached to the wall) can also be used.

[0152] By using structures intended to stiffen the walls, create voids, and / or secure foam sheets (or other similar sound-absorbing components), two or three normally independent sound-absorbing components can be combined to create a synergistic effect. This effect can be further enhanced by adding the sound-absorbing effect of the expansion of the inlet chamber 6002, which is separate from and in addition to the volume added by the chamber created by the rigid, stepped structure. Thus, the overall sound-absorbing effect of the inlet muffler 6400 is created by the combination of its three sound-absorbing components (volume provided by the chamber 6002 and rigid walls, the foam component, and the rigid wall of the rigid wall). However, in the specific case best shown in FIG. 5A , these three components structurally interact. In a specific example, the foam component defines one of the walls 6410 and is part of the volume of the chamber 6002, while at the same time, part of the rigid structure of the chamber's walls is also positioned to secure the foam component. This synergistic interaction between the components is particularly beneficial for very compact devices, such as the device that is the subject of this description.

[0153] In the illustrated example, the rigid wall 6130 is formed by at least one of an end wall of the first portion 6110 (e.g., top) of the housing 6100 and an end wall of the second portion 6120 (e.g., bottom) of the housing 6100. When the rigid wall is formed in part by both end walls, the end wall of the first portion 6110 (e.g., top) forms a first internal slot 6141 (top slot) that can accommodate (or slot into) foam, and the end wall of the second portion 6120 (e.g., bottom) forms a second internal slot 6142 (bottom slot). In this case, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used with reference to the standard operating configuration of the device. When the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 are in an assembled configuration, the first internal slot 6141 and the second internal slot 6142 cooperate to form a space or pocket that supports and retains one or more foam sections or foam sheets within the housing 6100. That is, in this case, the first and second portions 6110, 6120 of the housing 6100 each support and retain at least one or more foam sections or foam sheets of the inlet muffler 6400. In another example, the rigid wall can be formed from only the first portion, only the second portion, or both.

[0154] In the illustrated example, for example, to facilitate assembly, the foam of the inlet muffler 6400 is also divided into two sections or pieces, such as a first foam section or foam sheet F1 and a second foam section or foam sheet F2. For example, the first foam sheet F1 (the upper half of the foam of the inlet muffler 6400) is pre-assembled or inserted into the first internal slot 6141 of the first portion 6110, and the second foam sheet F2 (the lower half of the foam of the inlet muffler 6400) is pre-assembled or inserted into the second internal slot 6142 of the second portion 6120 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). When the first 6110 and second 6120 portions of the housing 6100 are in an assembled configuration, the first foam sheet F1 and the second foam sheet F2 abut (and may be at least partially compressed via a butt joint (where the flat edges of the foam sheets F1, F2 are simply butted against each other) (FIG. 5G) and / or overlap (where the edges of the foam sheets F1, F2 at least partially overlap each other)) and may fill the space formed by the first internal slot 6141 and the second internal slot 6142 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5E, 5G). That is, the first foam sheet F1 and the second foam sheet F2 cooperate to form the entire foam body of the inlet muffler 6400, i.e., the first foam sheet F1 and the second foam sheet F2 cooperate to form a larger foam pad or block.

[0155] In an alternative arrangement, the slots 6141, 6142 may be part of a single body portion, and / or the foam of the inlet muffler 6400 may comprise a single, one-piece foam pad or block that is supported and held within the space formed by the first internal slot 6141 and the second internal slot 6242 of the housing 6100. However, it should be understood that the foam of the inlet muffler 6400 may include any number of foam sheets along the perimeter of the inlet chamber 6002. In this example, the use of the first foam sheet F1 and the second foam sheet F2 may facilitate assembly, for example, because the first foam sheet F1 and the second foam sheet F2 may be simply inserted into the corresponding first and second portions 6110, 6120 before the first and second portions 6110, 6120 are assembled together (see, e.g., FIG. 5A ), and no additional alignment is required when assembling the first and second portions 6110, 6120.

[0156] When the one or more foam sheets of the inlet muffler 6400 are in an assembled configuration within the housing 6100, the one or more foam sheets are positioned to avoid obstructing airflow along the air flow path and to provide sound absorption, such that the main flow path is not obstructed even if some of the peripheral portions of the flow encounter foam along their path.

[0157] As shown, the end walls of the first and second portions 6110, 6120 form the rear, sides, and bottom of the respective slots 6141, 6142 that support the rear, sides, and bottom of the respective foam sheets F1, F2 housed therein. Additionally, the end walls of the first and second portions 6110, 6120 include respective lips 6141L, 6142L that protrude from the sides and / or bottom of the respective slots 6141, 6142 and support the front peripheral edge of the respective foam sheets F1, F2 housed therein. This exposes the front surface 6410 of each foam sheet F1, F2 to the inlet chamber 6002, forming a wall or surface along the boundary of the inlet chamber 6002. Thus, the front surface 6410 is exposed and forms the boundary of the air flow path extending to the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010. In the illustrated example, the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned along the air flow path so that the air flow does not penetrate through the thickness of the foam sheets F1, F2. Rather, the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned at the boundaries of the air flow path to avoid increasing flow impedance.

[0158] At least a portion of the front surface or surface 6410 of the foam sheets F1 and F2 is positioned so as to face directly opposite the intake port 6012 of the blower 6010, thereby placing the foam sheets F1 and F2 in a position that is directly affected by the sound generated by the blower 6010.

[0159] In the illustrated example, the foam sheets F1, F2 of the inlet muffler 6400 are arranged such that the axis 6012ax (see FIG. 5C) of the inlet 6012 penetrates the volume of the inlet chamber 6002 and the thickness of at least one of the foam sheets F1, F2 (see, for example, FIGS. 5C and 5E). Also in the illustrated example, the inlet 6012 has an opening 6012op (i.e., an audio broadcast opening) that forms an area, and the foam sheets F1, F2 are arranged such that the area of ​​the inlet opening 6012op at least partially protrudes into at least one of the foam sheets F1, F2. That is, the area of ​​the inlet opening 6012op has an outer extent that at least partially protrudes into at least one of the foam sheets F1, F2 of the inlet muffler 6400. In one example, the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned such that the entire area of ​​the inlet opening 6012op protrudes into at least one of the foam sheets F1, F2, e.g., the front surface or surface 6410 provided by the foam sheets F1, F2 provides an area that is greater than the protruding area provided by the inlet opening 6012op. In an alternative example, the foam sheets F1, F2 may be positioned such that one or more portions of the foam sheets F1, F2 are at least partially offset and / or blocked (e.g., by one or more walls) from the inlet opening 6012op, such that the inlet opening 6012op may only partially protrude onto the foam sheets F1 and / or F2, or may not protrude at all. In one example, the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned to cover the end wall of the housing 6100 (i.e., the direct impact zone of sound from the inlet 6012) to muffle or attenuate sound emanating from the inlet 6012 toward the end wall of the housing 6100. The remaining side walls of the inlet chamber 6002 may also be lined with foam material to help absorb any scattered and / or reflected sound. Thus, the portion of the inlet chamber 6002 surrounding the inlet opening 6012op may include (a) void, (b) rigid wall, and (c) partially or completely lined with sound absorbing material.

[0160] Also, in the illustrated example, at least a portion of the front surface or surface 6410 of the foam sheets F1, F2 can be positioned to face opposite the flow tube array 6025. For example, the flow tube array 6025 includes a plurality of flow tubes 6026 (arranged in parallel) supported by a base plate 6027, and the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned such that an axis 6026ax of one or more of the flow tubes 6026 penetrates the volume of the inlet chamber 6002 and the thickness of at least one of the foam sheets F1, F2 (see, for example, FIG. 5C ). Also, in the illustrated example, each flow tube 6026 includes an opening 6026op defining an area, and the foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned such that the area of ​​the one or more flow tube openings 6026op at least partially (e.g., entirely) protrudes above the foam sheets F1 and / or F2 (i.e., the foam sheets F1 and / or F2 at least partially face at least one of the flow tube openings). Thus, foam sheets F1, F2 are positioned along the periphery of the air flow path extending from flow tube array 6025 to air inlet 6012 and also provide relatively efficient sound absorption for sound emanating from the flow tubes. In alternative examples, foam sheets F1, F2 may be positioned such that one or more portions of foam sheets F1, F2 are at least partially offset and / or blocked (e.g., by one or more walls) from flow tube array 6025, so that flow tube openings 6026op do not protrude above foam sheets F1 and / or F2.

[0161] In the illustrated example, the blower 6010 includes an axis (i.e., coaxial with the inlet axis 6012ax) that is substantially parallel to the axis 6026ax of each flow tube 6026, but the axis of the blower 6010 (i.e., axis 6012ax) is not coaxial with the axis 6026ax of each flow tube 6026. That is, in the illustrated example, the axis of the blower (i.e., axis 6012ax) is offset or spaced apart from the axis 6026ax of each flow tube 6026. Thus, in the illustrated example, one or more foam sheets of the inlet muffler 6400 include a length L (see, e.g., FIG. 5C ) sufficient to allow the axis of the blower 6010 (i.e., axis 6012ax) and / or the axis 6026ax of at least one (e.g., all) of the flow tubes 6026 in the flow tube array 6025 to pass therethrough. However, it should be understood that the blower and / or flow tube 6026 may include other suitable arrangements, such as, for example, where the axis of the blower 6010 is not parallel to the flow tube 6026, or where the axis of the blower 6010 is coaxial with the flow tube 6026. It should also be understood that the one or more foam sheets of the inlet muffler 6400 may not span the entire distance between the blower 6010 and the flow tube 6026, for example, the one or more foam sheets may span only a protruding portion of the blower 6010.

[0162] In one example, the foam sheets F1, F2 of the inlet muffler 6400 may be displaced or spaced axially from the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 (and the flow tubes 6026 of the flow tube array 6025) by approximately 5-40 mm (e.g., approximately 10-30 mm, approximately 15-25 mm, 19-21 mm), although other suitable distances are possible (e.g., depending on the desired size of the flow width provided by the inlet chamber 6002). For example, the minimum spacing or flow width may be determined by consideration of the impedance to airflow within the inlet chamber 6002. If the spacing is too small, the impedance may be unacceptable for desired performance. If the spacing is too large, the overall size of the device may be undesirably large. That is, practical limitations on impedance will at least partially determine the spacing between the foam sheets F1, F2 and the inlet 6012 used in the device. However, it should be understood that in some instances, for example in devices where power consumption is less of a constraint, a higher impedance (and therefore a smaller flow area) may be acceptable.

[0163] In the illustrated example, the interface between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100 (schematically shown by line IF in FIG. 5G) may extend in a plane that is not necessarily horizontal with respect to the bottom surface BP, which is defined relative to the direction of operation of the device. For example, the interface line IF extends at an angle with respect to the bottom surface BP. Accordingly, each foam sheet F1, F2 may be pre-formed or cut so that contacting or adjacent surfaces of the foam sheets F1, F2 meet and extend along a plane that is approximately parallel to the plane of the interface line IF (see, e.g., FIG. 5G). In an alternative example, the interface IF and / or the interface between the foam sheets F1, F2 may be horizontal (i.e., parallel to the bottom surface BP).

[0164] In the illustrated example, one or more additional foam sheets may be provided within the device inlet chamber 6001 and / or the blower chamber 6002, for example, for sound absorption.

[0165] For example, foam F3 may be provided in the first portion 6110 (e.g., top) of the housing 6100 such that it is disposed along the top and / or sides of the inlet chamber 6002, and / or foam F4 may be provided in the second portion 6120 (e.g., bottom) of the housing 6100 such that it is disposed along the bottom (i.e., floor) and / or sides of the inlet chamber 6002. One or more bulk foam sheets located at least partially within the flow path may be used. However, due to the impedance presented to the airflow, it is preferable to use this additional foam in the form of a wall lining such that one or more walls of the first portion 6110 and / or second portion 6120 forming the inlet chamber 6002 are covered with foam that provides damping properties to attenuate radiated noise while minimizing the impedance effect on the airflow. In an alternative example, one or more foam sheets may be positioned within the flow path, with the one or more foam sheets including one or more holes or passages therethrough, i.e., one or more tunnels or cored pipes through the one or more foam sheets, that allow unimpeded air flow to the inlet.

[0166] Similarly, foam F5 may be provided in the second portion 6120 (e.g., bottom) of the housing 6100 such that it is disposed along the bottom (i.e., floor) and / or sides of the device inlet chamber 6001. In one example, foam F5 may at least partially surround and / or support the blower 6010 within the device inlet chamber 6001, providing sound absorption and suspension (see, e.g., FIG. 5I). Although not shown, in an alternative example, foam may be provided in the first portion 6110 (e.g., top) of the housing 6100 such that it is disposed along the top and / or sides of the device inlet chamber 6001. Thus, one or more walls of the first portion 6110 and / or second portion 6120 forming the device inlet chamber 6001 are covered with foam, which provides damping properties to attenuate radiated noise.

[0167] Thus, in the illustrated example, at least a portion of the air flow path (e.g., under negative pressure) extending from the RPT device inlet (e.g., inlet tube array 6052) into the housing 6100 and to the air inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 is at least partially enclosed by foams F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 to reduce noise. As noted above, the foams, in cooperation with the expansion-type muffler provided by the volume of the chambers 6001, 6002, provide an absorption-type muffler that reduces acoustic power and minimizes the effects of acoustic resonance.

[0168] In one example, each of the foam sheets F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 includes a noise-absorbing foam. Exemplary foaming materials include open-cell foams, such as acoustic-grade polyurethane open-cell foams (e.g., density of about 32 kg / m3), silicone open-cell foams (e.g., density of about 100 kg / m3).

[0169] In one example, each foam sheet has a thickness of approximately 4 to 10 mm (e.g., 6 to 10 mm), although other suitable thicknesses, such as 4 mm or greater, are possible. In one example, foam sheets F1 and F2 may have a thickness of approximately 4 to 10 mm (e.g., 4 to 6 mm), foam sheets F3 and F4 may have a thickness of approximately 4 to 10 mm (e.g., 4 to 6 mm), and foam sheet F5 may have a thickness of approximately 4 to 10 mm (e.g., 5 to 9 mm). In one example, the foam sheets may have similar or different thicknesses compared to each other; for example, foam sheet F2 may be thinner than foam sheet F1 to accommodate the structure of the groove 6220 protruding into slot 6142 (see, e.g., FIG. 5E). In one example, each foam sheet includes a thickness that at least completely fills its corresponding slot. In one example, the thickness and / or volume of each foam sheet F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 may be limited so as not to unduly increase impedance along the air flow path and maintain compactness of the overall device while reducing noise output.

[0170] In one example, foam sheet F5 may comprise a solid foam block (not a sheet of constant thickness) structured and arranged to fill device inlet chamber 6001, with the solid foam block including cored "pipes" (e.g., holes or passages) through its thickness to allow airflow (between inlet tube array 6052 and flow tube array 6025) and to allow attachment of blower 6010 (e.g., blower 6010 supported or surrounded by the foam block). In such an example, an additional benefit arises in that the foam acts as impact protection for blower 6010, for example, if the device is dropped.

[0171] In the illustrated example, each of the foam sheets F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 is pre-formed or cut to the desired shape before being inserted into its corresponding portion in the housing 6100. In an alternative example, the foam may be an injection foam configured to be injected into its corresponding portion in the housing 6100, for example, before or after assembling the housing 6100 and internal components. Alternatively, one or more foam sheets may be thermoformed and / or glued to its corresponding portion in the housing 6100.

[0172] In the illustrated example, the rigid wall portion 6130 (i.e., the rigid body portion of the housing 6100) has been introduced to create space for the foam sheets F1, F2 of the inlet muffler 6400. However, at the same time, the rigid wall portion 6130 represents a structure that increases the stiffness of the housing 6100 to resist deformation in response to an applied load (e.g., pressure fluctuations due to noise from a blower), thereby reducing vibration and therefore noise during use.

[0173] As shown, the walls of the first portion 6110 (e.g., upper portion) and second portion 6120 (e.g., lower portion) of the housing 6100 that form the rigid wall portion 6130 may follow a more complex contour instead of having a simple curved contour. For example, as shown, these walls may cooperate to form a stepped configuration, i.e., a stepped end wall portion that includes at least one step and possibly multiple extending steps. In the illustrated example, the rigid wall portion 6130 includes a first step 6131 that projects inward and outward from the FL and a second step 6133 that projects inward and outward from the first step 6131, thereby forming a stepped extension from the FL of the housing (see, e.g., FIG. 5E ) and culminating in a domed end wall or cap 6135. Each face or wall 6132 of the steps 6131, 6133 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5C, 5E, 5G) may have curvature to enhance stiffness (e.g., the exterior surface of the steps may include a cylindrical region, a dome region, and / or a saddle region). For example, FIG. 3E shows an example region of the step 6133 whose exterior surface includes a cylindrical region. Also, each corner of the stepped end wall may include curvature. For example, FIG. 3E shows an example peripheral transition region or edge 6139 between the steps 6131 and 6133 whose exterior surface includes a saddle region. The number of steps, the width of each step, the wall thickness, and / or the curvature of the walls / corners may be modified to affect stiffness (e.g., the walls may include flat and / or non-flat (e.g., angled and / or curved) geometric shapes with curvature in one or more directions). The stepped extension leads to a domed end wall or cap 6135 of the rigid wall 6130 (e.g., the outer surface of the end wall 6135 includes a domed region as shown in FIG. 3E). It should also be understood that the rigid wall may include other suitable non-planar and / or planar geometric shapes to strengthen / rigidify the end of the housing while providing a foaming space. That is, the transition from the end of the housing to the rigid wall may take a variety of forms, such as the stepped extension and domed end wall shown, but may also include an angled portion or have only a continuous curve (i.e., dome-like) from the end of the housing. In one example, one or more portions of the rigid wall may comprise a structure separate from the housing, such as a stepped extension formed as part of the housing with a domed end wall attached.It should be understood that rigidity can be provided not only by the geometry of the rigid wall (e.g., stepped extensions and dome-shaped end walls), but also by the wall thickness and / or material and structure (i.e., rigid ribs).

[0174] Additionally, in the illustrated example, the end wall or cap 6135 of the rigid wall portion 6130 includes the additional noise reduction devices described above, such as the tongues 6210 and grooves 6220, which further enhance stiffness and therefore reduce radiated noise.

[0175] In the illustrated example, the end of the housing 6100 adjacent the inlet 6012 of the blower 6010 includes several features to reduce noise, such as (1) a stiffened (also called rigid) end wall (a stepped configuration of the rigid wall portion 6130) to reduce vibration due to noise, (2) a tongue and groove engagement arrangement to aid in the stiffness of the case and reduce radiated noise, (3) damping (e.g., foams F1, F2, F3, F4) to absorb noise and reduce sound reflections, and (4) an expanded flow area provided by the inlet chamber 6002. For example, to reduce the wall's ability to reflect sound (i.e., reduce the sound energy that can be broadcast), the broadcast inlet opening 6012 of the blower 6010 faces a housing 6100 in which at least a portion of the wall has been strengthened / stiffened (by two-dimensional curvature (e.g., a dome area), multiple extension steps and / or tongue and groove) and any wall of the housing 6100 facing the broadcast inlet opening 6012 of the blower 6012 is covered with foam F1, F2.

[0176] While it is recommended that the entire surface of the housing 6100 facing the inlet 6012 be covered with one or more foam sheets, even partial coverage (e.g., covering at least one of the areas directly facing the inlet 6012 and the flow tube array 6025) can have a significant damping effect on the generated sound. Furthermore, although the sound absorbing elements will continue to be referred to as foams, other sound absorbing materials (rubber, porous materials (i.e., fibers), etc.) can also be used.

[0177] Exit muffler In one form of the present technology, the outlet muffler 4124 is located in the pneumatic pathway between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000, for example as shown schematically in FIG. 4B.

[0178] As described above, the sound-deadening system of the RPT device 6000 may include one or more outlet mufflers located downstream of the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. In the illustrated example (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3F-3N and 5A-5E), the RPT device 6000 includes a single outlet muffler 6040 located along the airflow path downstream of the outlet 6014, i.e., between the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010 and an outlet (e.g., outlet duct 6054) outside the housing 6100. As described below, the outlet muffler 6040 may be constructed and arranged to reduce the noise output generated by the blower 6010 and / or emanating from the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010 during use. The outlet muffler 6040 may include one or more components and may be formed by other components of the RPT device 6000 or portions of these components.

[0179] In the illustrated example, air is pressurized inside the blower 6010 such that a positive pressure airflow is provided to the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. This pressurized air is then directed to the outlet chamber 6003 (which forms at least a portion of the outlet muffler 6040) and onto the RPT device outlet (e.g., outlet conduit 6054) for discharge outside the housing 6100. That is, the volume forming the outlet chamber 6003 is at least partially disposed or defined between the outlet 6014 and the device outlet (e.g., outlet conduit 6054).

[0180] Separate muffler In the examples shown in Figures 3F-3N, 5A-5E, and 6A-6P, the outlet muffler 6040 includes a body 6042 that defines an outlet chamber 6003. As shown, the body 6042 includes one or more walls or wall portions, such as a central wall portion 6043 and opposing end walls 6045, 6047 as shown in Figures 6C and 6D. In one example, the body 6042 can include a relatively rigid plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, or other suitable polymer). In one example, the body 6042 can be molded integrally or in two or more pieces that are later assembled together.

[0181] In the illustrated example, the body 6042 forming the outlet chamber 6003 comprises a separate and distinct structure from the housing 6100. The body 6042 comprises a separate and distinct housing within the housing 6100 such that the walls of the housing 6100 do not form any boundary or portion of the body 6042 and its outlet chamber 6003. That is, the body 6042 does not share a wall with the housing 6100 to form the outlet chamber 6003; that is, the body 6042 forms a separate and distinct outlet chamber 6003 that is isolated from the housing 6100. However, in alternative examples (see, for example, FIGS. 7A-7L described below), the housing 6100 may be structured and arranged to form one or more boundaries or portions of the outlet chamber 6003; that is, the outlet chamber 6003 may be at least partially integrated with the housing 6100.

[0182] In the illustrated example, the volume of the outlet chamber 6003 forms only a portion of the outlet muffler 6040. As best shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the body 6042 of the outlet muffler 6040 further includes a space that is more closely associated with the inlet path IP of the RPT device, through which inlet air enters the housing (the outlet path OP, through which pressurized air exits the housing, is also shown in FIGS. 6A-6C). In particular, the space is a portion of the body 6042 of the outlet muffler 6040 that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the inlet pipe 6053 (although in different embodiments, the entire length of the inlet pipe may be surrounded). The space around the inlet pipe 6053 also forms a portion of the body 6042 of the outlet muffler 6040. The outlet chamber 6003 therefore surrounds the inlet pipe 6053, and in doing so extends beyond the location of the inlet path IP (which is in the form of the inlet pipe 6053). This allows the space around the inlet pipe 6053 that would not be available as sound-absorbing volume to be utilized, thereby increasing the available sound-absorbing volume and improving the efficiency of the outlet muffler 6040. In another example, the outlet muffler and inlet pipe may be positioned such that the inlet pipe does not penetrate the body of the outlet muffler. Passing the inlet pipe through the outlet muffler is advantageous for reducing the size and flow impedance of the device, while routing the inlet pipe so that it does not consume volume in the muffler is advantageous for maximizing the volume of the muffler (which is related to its effectiveness).

[0183] In one example, to improve the function or performance of the outlet muffler 6040, a noise-damping material (e.g., one or more foam sections or foam sheets or other sound-absorbing materials) may be provided in and / or as part of the outlet chamber 6003. For example, the noise-damping material (e.g., foam) provides absorptive sound deadening (damping of resonance peaks), while the volume of the chamber 6003 provides expansional sound deadening (deadening through volume expansion) along the airflow path. These two methods of noise attenuation work together to reduce acoustic output and minimize the effects of acoustic resonance. Additionally, one or more walls of the body 6042 may be reinforced / stiffened, thereby reducing radiated noise and further enhancing the function of the outlet muffler 6040. Thus, the outlet muffler 6040 may include spatial geometries (i.e., spaces), structures (i.e., rigid walls), and / or materials (i.e., foams) combined and arranged to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 6000 during use.

[0184] In one example, a noise-damping material (e.g., foam) may be provided in the body 6042 such that the foam is disposed along the top, bottom, and / or sides of the outlet chamber 6003. Due to the impedance presented to airflow, it is preferable to use foam in the form of a wall lining such that one or more walls of the body 6042 forming the outlet chamber 6003 are covered with foam. However, because the foam is not disposed in the air path, the foam does not obstruct the flow and the effect of impedance on the airflow is minimized. The wall lining may be in the form of a relatively thin (a few millimeters) foam layer attached to one or more interior walls. Alternatively, a bulk piece of foam may be included in the space, filling essentially the entire volume except for foam-free areas that allow unimpeded airflow. 6P, foam F6 may substantially fill the outlet chamber 6003, but may include holes or passages h1 (cored pipes) therethrough to allow unimpeded airflow from the outlet 6014 to the outlet tubes 6054. Also as shown, foam F6 may include holes or passages h2 therethrough to accommodate the inlet tube array 6052. As noted above, combinations may be used in which one or more portions of the muffler are wall-lined and one or more other portions comprise bulk pieces of foam.

[0185] In the illustrated example, the separate body 6042 of the outlet muffler 6040 is suspended within the housing 6100 by the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 to further enhance the functionality or performance of the outlet muffler 6040 .

[0186] 6C, 6D, 6F, and 6G, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 includes a base plate 6051 that supports an inlet tube array 6052 (including a plurality of inlet tubes 6053 arranged in parallel) and outlet tubes 6054. The inlet ends of the outlet tubes 6054 may include pressure ports 6055. An outlet seal 6060 may be provided at the outlet ends of the outlet tubes 6054. Additionally, a seal assembly 6070 is provided to the base plate 6051, the inlet tube array 6052, and the outlet tubes 6054. In particular, the seal assembly 6070 includes a sealing lip or flange 6072 along the edge or periphery of the base plate 6051, an inlet end seal 6074 along the inlet end of the outlet tube 6054, a port seal 6075 extending from the pressure port 6055, and seals 6076, 6077 along the base plate 6051 surrounding the outlet end of the outlet tube 6054 and the inlet end of the inlet tube array 6052. In an alternative example, the function of the inlet end seal 6074 may be achieved by adhesively bonding, overmolding, or otherwise permanently attaching the base plate 6051 to the body 6042, for example to simplify assembly.

[0187] In one example, the base plate 6051, the inlet tube array 6052, and the outlet tube 6054 may comprise a first portion or base mold comprised of a relatively rigid material (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene), and the outlet seal portion 6060 and the seal assembly 6070 may comprise a second portion or overmold comprised of a relatively soft material (e.g., TPE or silicone) provided on the first portion (e.g., by overmolding).

[0188] In one example, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 can be provided to the body 6042 to form a subassembly (see, eg, FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6E, 6F) before being inserted into the housing 6100.

[0189] 6C and 6D , an end wall 6045 of the body 6042 includes a first opening 6045o1 configured to accommodate an outlet-end suspension 6030 (e.g., a suspension 6030 overmolded to the body 6042 to simplify assembly, reduce parts count, etc.) and a second opening 6045o2 configured to accommodate an inlet tube array 6052, and the other end wall 6047 of the body 6042 includes a tube section 6047t configured to accommodate an outlet tube 6054 and an opening 6047o configured to accommodate the inlet tube array 6052. As shown, the opening 6045o1 and the tube section 6047t are axially aligned with each other, and the openings 6045o2 and 6047o are axially aligned with each other.

[0190] As best shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6L , the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 engages the body 6042 such that the inlet tube array 6052 projects into or through the opening 6047o in the end wall 6047, through the volume or chamber 6003 of the body 6042, and through the opening 6045o2 in the end wall 6045. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , when assembled, the base plate 6051 abuts the end wall 6047 (so as to extend into the device inlet chamber 6001 when the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 is installed in the housing 6100), and the outlet end of the inlet tube array 6052 is located outside the body 6042. As shown, each of the openings 6045o2, 6047o includes a shape corresponding to the shape of the inlet tube array 6052 along its periphery, which holds the inlet tube array 6052 axially in place. In one example, when the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 is assembled to the main body 6042, the base plate 6051 may form one or more walls of the chamber 6003 (e.g., the base plate 6051 may cover one or more openings in the end wall 6047 of the main body 6042).

[0191] 6A, 6B, 6E, 6F, 6J, and 6M, when the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 is assembled to the body 6042, the outlet tube 6054 (and its inlet end seal 6074) engages within the tube section 6047t of the end wall section 6047. The inlet end seal 6074 is disposed between the tube section 6047t and the inlet end of the outlet tube 6054 to form a seal along the air flow path. In the illustrated example, the outlet tube 6054 (and its inlet end seal 6074) and the tube section 6047t include a stepped configuration, for example, to enhance the seal (curved interface). That is, as best shown in Figures 6F and 6M, the inlet end of the outlet tube 6054 (and its inlet end seal portion 6074) includes a stepped configuration, and the tube portion 6047t includes a stepped configuration that are positioned in abutting relation to one another to ensure a frictional seal (side-to-side) and a face-to-face seal (pressure-assisted seal). However, it should be understood that the outlet tube 6054 and the tube portion 6047t of the body 6042 can be configured and engaged with one another in other suitable manners, such as, for example, the outlet tube 6054 being bonded to the tube portion 6047t with an adhesive, the outlet tube 6054 being integrally molded with the tube portion 6047t, or the outlet tube 6054 being overmolded onto the tube portion 6047t, to provide a pneumatic and acoustic seal that enables both delivery of therapeutic air and containment of sonic energy.

[0192] The body 6042 also includes a cutout 6049 to accommodate a port seal 6075 (see FIGS. 6A-6D) extending from the pressure port 6055, thereby allowing the port seal 6075 to interface or connect to a pressure sensor (e.g., on a PCB) to measure the outlet pressure in the outlet chamber 6003. In one example, a noise-damping material (e.g., foam) in the outlet chamber 6003 can be used as a filter for the pressure port 6055.

[0193] In one example, the pressure port 6055 may be located along the top wall of the body 6042 to more directly communicate with the interior of the outlet chamber 6003, which may provide a more accurate measurement of chamber pressure. Such a measurement may be more accurate because turbulence is reduced, for example, the measurement is made outside the flow stream (outside the outlet air path extending from the outlet 6014 to the outlet tube 6054). Also, a noise-damping material (e.g., foam) within the outlet chamber 6003 may shield the opening of the pressure port 6055 from any turbulence. Locating the notch 6049 in the top of the body 6042 allows the port seal 6075 to interface with a pressure sensor on a PCB located above the body when in an operational configuration.

[0194] As discussed earlier in this text in connection with the sound-absorbing efficiency of the outlet muffler, in the illustrated example, the body 6042 extends to surround or encase the outlet pipes 6054 and at least a portion of the inlet pipe array 6052 (rather than trimming the body 6042 to terminate at the outer periphery of the inlet pipe array 6052). Such an arrangement increases the chamber volume of the body 6042 by, for example, about 30% compared to a body trimmed to the outer periphery of the inlet pipe array 6052, while maintaining a compact form. That is, the body 6042 extends substantially the full width of the housing 6100 to maximize the volume of the outlet chamber 6003.

[0195] 6A, 6B, 6E, and 6F show the subassembly of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the body 6042 prior to engagement with the blower 6010 and insertion into the housing 6100. In one example, one or more portions of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 may be glued to the body 6042 to more firmly hold the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 to the body 6042. However, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the body 6042 may include alternative retention devices (e.g., press or snap fit assemblies).

[0196] 3S, 6G, and 6J, an end of the first portion 6110 of the housing 6100 includes a groove 6180, and an end of the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100 includes a groove 6182. When the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 are in an assembled configuration, the base plate 6051 is engaged within the grooves 6180, 6182 (by a sealing lip 6072 along the periphery of the base plate 6051) such that the base plate 6051 is supported and restrained between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100. Thus, the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 support the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 at one end of the housing 6100. The supported inlet / outlet assembly 6050 in turn supports the body 6042 within the housing 6100.

[0197] As shown, the body 6042 is cantilevered and suspended from the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 such that the walls of the body 6042 are spaced apart from the walls of the housing 6100 (i.e., a double-walled arrangement). Even a small gap (e.g., about 0.5 mm to about a few millimeters) or air gap between the body 6042 and the housing 6100 provides sound insulation. That is, the separate body 6042 (which is an independent component including a separate wall distinct from the walls of the housing 6100) is supported at a distance from the housing 6100 such that an air gap along the outer region of the body 6042 isolates radiated noise from the body 6042. This decouples or isolates vibrations of the walls of the body 6042 (due to sound emanating from the air outlet 6014 (e.g., due to a rotating impeller, flow noise, bearings)) from the walls of the housing 6100. Additionally, a sealing lip 6072 along the periphery of the base plate 6051 resiliently supports the base plate 6051 between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120, thereby providing a resilient suspension of the body 6042 and further reducing vibration or radiated noise.

[0198] Additionally, the outlet end suspension 6030 provided on the body 6042 is configured to resiliently support the blower 6010 adjacent to the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. As shown in FIG. 6F , the outlet end suspension 6030 (e.g., made of an elastomeric material such as TPE or silicone) includes an outer portion 6031 provided on (e.g., overmolded with) the first opening 6045o1 of the body 6042, an inner portion 6032 engaged with or fixed to the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010, and a gusset portion 6033 between the outer portion 6031 and the inner portion 6032.

[0199] The inner portion 6032 of the outlet end suspension 6030 may be secured to the blower 6010 in any suitable manner, such as by wrapping around an outlet flange on the outlet 6014, as shown in Figures 6J and 6L. The outlet end suspension 6030 seals the outlet 6014 to the body 6042, sealing the air path and mitigating any leakage of pressurized air exiting the outlet 6014 through the device inlet chamber 6001 and into the outlet chamber 6003. The gusset portion 6033 of the outlet end suspension 6030 also allows flexibility and relative movement to isolate vibrations and provide impact resistance for the blower 6010, for example, the outlet end suspension 6030 is arranged to resiliently support the blower to limit transmission of blower vibrations to at least the body 6042.

[0200] By including a separate body 6042 that forms the outlet chamber 6003, there is less of a direct path for vibrations and noise emanating from the device conducted to the housing 6100; for example, any vibrations from the blower 6010 must travel along the outlet end suspension 6030, along the body 6042, along the base plate 6051 to the sealing lip 6072. That is, the separate body 6042 provides another form of decoupling of vibrations / noise emanating from the blower 6010.

[0201] An outlet seal 6060 (shown in FIG. 6F ) provided at the outlet end of the outlet tube 6054 is structured and configured to form a seal with the end of the air circuit 4170 (e.g., the cuff of an air delivery tube). The outlet seal 6060 (e.g., constructed from an elastomeric material such as TPE or silicone resin) includes an end 6061 provided on (e.g., overmolded onto) the tube portion 8053 and a flexible lip 6062 curved radially inward from the end 6061. The flexible lip 6062 is resiliently flexible and allows the end of the air circuit to engage with the flexible lip 6062 to form a seal, thereby sealing the air passage of pressurized air exiting the outlet tube 6054 into the air circuit.

[0202] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 3L, 6J, 6L, and 6M, the blower 6010 includes an axis 6010ax that is also coaxial with the axis 6054ax of the outlet pipe 6054 (coaxial with at least one or both of the axis of the inlet 6012 and the axis of the outlet 6014 (i.e., when both axes are coaxial, air enters and exits the blower along a common axis)). That is, the outlet end suspension 6030 provided on the body 6042 and the inlet end suspension 6020 provided on the base plate 6027 may be constructed and arranged to resiliently support the blower 6010 such that the blower axis 6010ax is arranged to be substantially coaxial with the outlet pipe axis 6054ax. This arrangement creates a direct outlet air path, i.e., a line of sight to the outlet air path, for the pressurized air exiting the outlet pipe 6054 from the outlet 6014, reducing outlet impedance. In another example, the outlet tube 6054 may be enlarged to a larger diameter (larger inner diameter) than the diameter of the outlet port 6014. This arrangement is advantageous because it provides flexibility in the precise location of the blower 6010 within the housing 6100. As long as the protrusion of the outlet port 6014 fits within the opening of the outlet tube 6054, the position of the blower 6010 can be adjusted without inducing significant additional flow noise, thus maintaining an efficient outlet muffler.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 6L , the inlet tube array 6052 (including a plurality of inlet tubes 6053 arranged in parallel) is structured and arranged to extend from the base plate 6051 through the chamber 6003 of the body 6042, such that the outlet end of the inlet tube array 6052 is located outside the body 6042 and extends into the device inlet chamber 6001 of the housing 6100. The inlet end of the inlet tube array 6052 is located along the outside of the base plate 6051 (opposite the body 6042) and forms an inlet to the housing 6100. In one example, the RPT device 6000 can include an upper case or fascia 6090 that forms the outer casing of the device, and the upper case 6090 can include an inlet opening 6091 (see FIGS. 3A-1 and 3C ) that allows air to enter the inlet tube array 6052 through the upper case 6090. In the illustrated example, each of the inlet pipes 6053 includes an axis that is offset relative to and substantially parallel to the axis 6010ax of the blower 6010.

[0204] In one example, as shown in FIG. 3J, the subassembly of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the main body 6042 (and its outlet end suspension 6030) can be engaged with the outlet end of the blower 6010, and the base plate 6027 (and its inlet end suspension 6020) can be engaged with the inlet end of the blower 6010, thereby forming a blower subassembly that is then assembled into the housing 6100, i.e., a blower subassembly that is inserted into the second part 6120 before the first part 6110 is attached.

[0205] 6Q and 6R are schematic diagrams of the dynamic support and different degrees of freedom of blower 6010 within housing 6100. As shown, inlet-end suspension 6020 provides spring-like resilient support for blower 6010 to base plate 6027, and outlet-end suspension 6030 provides spring-like resilient support for blower 6010 to body 6042 of outlet muffler 6040. Base plate 6027 also includes a sealing lip 6028 along its periphery that provides spring-like resilient support for base plate 6027 to housing 6100, and body 6042 is cantilevered from base plate 6051 that includes a sealing lip 6072 along its periphery that provides spring-like resilient support for body 6042 (and therefore blower 6010) to housing 6100. Thus, the suspensions 6020, 6030 and sealing lips 6072, 6028 cooperate to provide a reinforced (somewhat dual) suspension that resiliently suspends and isolates the blower 6010 from vibration or radiated noise within the housing 6100. Additionally, the use of lip seals 6028, 6072 (which bend or flex easily as opposed to the thicker beads used in compression seals) around the base plates 6027, 6051 minimizes the possibility of such seals preventing proper and complete closure of the first and second portions 6110, 6120 of the housing 6100, i.e., a compression seal is only used between the first and second portions 6110, 6120 of the housing 6100, thereby minimizing the possibility of such seals interfering with assembly of the RPT device.

[0206] Integrated muffler 7A-7L show alternative examples in which the housing 6100 is structured and arranged to form one or more boundaries or portions of the outlet chamber 6003, i.e., the outlet chamber 6003 is at least partially integrated with the housing 6100.

[0207] In this example, the volume forming the outlet chamber 6003 is disposed or defined by the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 (e.g., first plate assembly), the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 (e.g., second plate assembly), and the walls of the housing 6100. That is, in contrast to the example of FIGS. 6A-6R, the walls of the housing 6100 cooperate with the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 to form the outlet chamber 6003. In this example, eliminating the separate housing for the outlet chamber 6003 (i.e., the body 6042) adds extra volume to the outlet chamber 6003, which may improve noise reduction. Additionally, eliminating the separate housing (i.e., the body 6042) may improve manufacturability and ease of assembly and reduce costs. The vibration isolation path is simplified by removing the cantilever support device shown in Figures 6Q and 6R, but the combination of increasing the muffler chamber volume and adjusting the dynamic behavior of the suspension 6030 allows for equivalent overall system performance.

[0208] In the illustrated example, the volume of the outlet chamber 6003 again forms at least a portion of the outlet muffler 6040. In one example, noise dampening material (e.g., one or more foam sections or foam sheets or other sound absorbing materials) may also be provided in and / or as at least a portion of the outlet chamber 6003 to improve the function or performance of the outlet muffler 6040.

[0209] Thus, the structure of the muffler chamber and its sound-deadening operation are similar to the split-type outlet muffler 6040 described above. As with the above example, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 includes a base plate 6051 supporting an inlet tube array 6052 (including a plurality of inlet tubes 6053 arranged in parallel) and outlet tubes 6054. The inlet end of the outlet tubes 6054 may include a port seal 6075 extending from the pressure port. An outlet seal 6060 may be provided at the outlet end of the outlet tubes 6054. Additionally, a sealing lip or flange 6072 may be provided along the edge or periphery of the base plate 6051, and along seals 6076, 6077 along the base plate 6051 surrounding the outlet end of the outlet tubes 6054 and the inlet end of the inlet tube array 6052.

[0210] The outlet end suspension assembly 6080 includes a base plate 6081 and a sealing lip or flange 6082 along the edge or periphery of the base plate 6081. The base plate 6081 includes a first opening 6084o1 configured to accommodate the outlet end suspension 6030 and a second opening 6084o2 configured to accommodate the inlet tube array 6052.

[0211] 7B, 7C, and 7G, the first portion 6110 of the housing 6100 includes a first groove 6180 and a second groove 6181 spaced apart from the first groove 6180, and the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100 includes a first groove 6182 and a second groove 6183 spaced apart from the first groove 6182. When the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 are in an assembled configuration, the base plate 6051 (and a sealing lip 6072 along its periphery) is engaged within the first grooves 6180, 6182 such that the base plate 6051 is supported and restrained between the first portion 6110 and the second portion 6120 of the housing 6100. Similarly, when the first and second parts 6110 and 6120 are in an assembled configuration, the base plate 6081 (and sealing lip 6082 along its periphery) is engaged within the second grooves 6181, 6183 such that the base plate 6081 is supported and restrained between the first and second parts 6110 and 6120 of the housing 6100. Thus, the first and second parts 6110 and 6120 are spaced apart within the housing 6100 to support the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the outlet end suspension assembly 6080, and the base plate 6051, base plate 6081, and adjacent walls of the housing 6100 cooperate to form the outlet chamber 6003.

[0212] 7F and 7H, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 is positioned relative to the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 so that the inlet tube array 6052 protrudes through the second opening 6084o2 in the base plate 6081, positioning the outlet ends of the inlet tube array 6052 outside the outlet chamber 6003 (so that they extend into the device inlet chamber 6001 when assembled to the housing 6100). In the illustrated example, the outlet chamber 6003 surrounds the inlet tube array 6052 (i.e., the outlet chamber 6003 again extends substantially the full width of the housing 6100), thereby maximizing the volume of the outlet chamber 6003.

[0213] The outlet end suspension 6030 provided in the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 is configured to support the blower 6010 adjacent the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010. As best shown in FIG. 7C , the outlet end suspension 6030 (e.g., constructed from an elastomeric material such as TPE or silicone) includes an outer portion 6031 provided in (e.g., overmolded to) the first opening 6084o1 of the base plate 6081, an inner portion 6032 engaged with or secured to (e.g., wrapped around an outlet flange provided on) the outlet 6014 of the blower 6010, and a gusset portion 6033 between the outer portion 6031 and the inner portion 6032 to allow flexibility and relative movement to isolate vibrations of the blower 6010 and provide impact resistance.

[0214] 7H shows an example subassembly of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 prior to engagement with the blower 6010 and insertion into the housing 6100. In one example, the inlet tube array 6052 of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 may be glued to the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 to more firmly hold the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 to the outlet end suspension assembly 6080. However, the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 may include alternative retention devices (e.g., press or snap fit assemblies). Also, in one example, the inlet tube array 6052 of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 may be molded into the base plate 6081 of the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 and arranged to snap lock to the inlet / outlet assembly 6050. In an alternative example, the base plate 6081 of the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 and the base plate 6051, inlet tube array 6052, and outlet tubes 6054 of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 may be integrally molded.

[0215] In one example, the subassembly of the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 and the outlet end suspension assembly 6080 (and its outlet end suspension 6030) can be engaged to the outlet end of the blower 6010, and the base plate 6027 (and its inlet end suspension 6020) can be engaged to the inlet end of the blower 6010, thereby forming a blower subassembly that is then assembled to the housing 6100, i.e., a blower subassembly that is inserted into the second part 6120 before the first part 6110 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7G , for example, the first part 6110 and the second part 6120 of the housing include corresponding grooves 6185 that are constructed and arranged to support and restrain the base plate 6027 (and the sealing lip 6028 along its periphery) when the first part 6110 and the second part 6120 are in the assembled configuration.

[0216] 7B and 7C , the blower 6010 has an axis 6010ax that is coaxial with the axis 6054ax of the outlet pipe 6054 (coaxial with the axis of the inlet 6012 and the axis of the outlet 6014). That is, the outlet end suspension 6030 provided on the base plate 6081 and the inlet end suspension 6020 provided on the base plate 6027 are constructed and arranged to resiliently support the blower 6010 such that the blower axis 6010ax is arranged to be substantially coaxial with the outlet pipe axis 6054ax. This arrangement provides a direct outlet air path for the pressurized air exiting the outlet pipe 6054 from the outlet 6014, reducing outlet impedance.

[0217] As shown, the blower suspensions 6020, 6030 and sealing lips 6028, 6082 cooperate to provide spring-like resilient support for the blower 6010 within the housing 6100 and to isolate vibration or radiated noise.

[0218] In one example, because the base plate 6081 (and its sealing lip 6082) and the base plate 6051 (and its sealing lip 6072) form at least a portion of the outlet chamber 6003 that is exposed to high pressure, a more robust seal than the lip seals 6082, 6072 (which bend or flex easily) may be used to minimize leakage. For example, a thicker bead providing a compression-type seal (e.g., like the compression-type seal 6300 described above) may be provided around the base plates 6081, 6051 (but not the lip seals 6082, 6072) to provide an improved high-pressure seal between the base plates 6081, 6051 and the housing 6100. In another alternative example, a hybrid compression seal may be used in place of a lip seal including a multi-lobular cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7I and 7J, each base plate 6081, 6051 can include a multi-lobe seal 6092 (e.g., constructed of an elastomeric material such as TPE or silicone) including at least one lobe, e.g., two, three, or more lobes. In the illustrated three-lobe example, the multi-lobe seal 6092 includes a body and three lobes 6093 projecting away from the body. Each lobe 6093 can have a tapered shape and a rounded tip. In this arrangement, each lobe 6093 is constructed and arranged to separately press against the inner surfaces of respective grooves in the first and second portions 6110, 6120 of the housing 6100, i.e., grooves 6183, 6182 (in the second portion 6120) and grooves 6181, 6180 (in the first portion 6110), providing compliance for sealing and rigidity for easy assembly and robust groove retention. That is, the illustrated multi-lobe seal 6092 provides a barrier against pressurized air, effectively providing the seal with up to three opportunities to prevent the escape of pressurized air. Additionally, the self-retention of the seal within the groove is advantageous in reducing the tension required on, for example, casing threads in and around high pressure areas.

[0219] Similar to the separate outlet muffler example above, the outlet chamber 6003 of the integrated outlet muffler 6040 also includes a space more closely associated with the inlet pathway of the RPT device through which inlet air enters the housing. In particular, the space is a portion of the outlet chamber 6003 of the outlet muffler 6040 that surrounds at least a portion of the length of the inlet tubes 6053. That is, the space around the inlet tubes 6053 also forms part of the outlet chamber 6003 of the outlet muffler 6040; i.e., the outer surface of the inlet tube array 6053 forms one of the boundaries of the outlet chamber 6003 and cooperates with the wall of the housing 6100, the outlet end suspension assembly 6080, and the inlet / outlet assembly 6050 to form the outlet muffler 6040. Again, the outlet chamber 6003 surrounds the tubes and, in doing so, extends beyond the location of the inlet pathway (in the form of the inlet tubes 6052). This increases the amount of available muffler volume and improves the efficiency of the outlet muffler 6040.

[0220] 7K and 7L show schematic diagrams of the dynamic support of the blower 6010 within the housing 6100 and the different degrees of freedom of the integrated outlet muffler configuration. The inlet end suspension 6020 is similar to the suspension shown in FIGS. 6Q and 6R and provides spring-like resilient support for the blower 6010 to a base plate 6027. The base plate 6027 includes a sealing lip 6028 along the periphery of the base plate 6027, which provides spring-like resilient support for the base plate 6027 to the housing 6100. However, in this integrated outlet muffler configuration, the cantilever 6042 of the outlet muffler 6040 is absent, and the outlet end suspension 6030 provides spring-like resilient support for the blower 6010 directly to the housing 6100 via the base plate 6081. The base plate 6081 includes a sealing lip 6082 along the periphery of the base plate 6081 that provides spring-like resilient support for the base plate 6081 in the housing 6100. The suspensions 6020, 6030 and sealing lips 6028, 6082 thus cooperate to provide a reinforced (to some extent dual) suspension that resiliently suspends the blower 6010 within the housing 6100 and isolates it from vibration or radiated noise. As noted above, it should be understood that a more robust seal than the lip seals 6028 and / or 6082 (e.g., a thicker bead seal or a multi-lobe seal providing a compression-type seal) may be used around the periphery of the base plate, thereby providing a stiffer connection than the spring-like connection shown.

[0221] pressure generator In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000, 6000 may include a pressure generator 4140 that is a controllable blower 4142 for producing an air flow or supply at positive pressure. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 having one or more impellers. The impellers may be arranged in a volute configuration. The blower may be capable of delivering a supply of air at a positive pressure ranging from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O, at a rate of, for example, up to about 120 liters / minute when delivering respiratory pressure therapy. The blower may be one of those described in any one of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,866,944, 8,638,014, 8,636,479, and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013 / 020167, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0222] The pressure generator 4140 can be under the control of the treatment device controller 4240 .

[0223] In other forms, pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high pressure source (eg, a compressed air reservoir), or a bellows.

[0224] Transducer The transducer may be internal to the RPT device 4000, 6000 or external to the RPT device 4000, 6000. An external transducer may, for example, be located on or form part of the air circuit (e.g., the patient interface). The external transducer may take the form of a non-contact sensor, for example, a Doppler radar motion sensor that transmits or transfers data to the RPT device.

[0225] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be located upstream and / or downstream of the pressure generator 4140. The one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to generate a signal representative of a characteristic of the airflow at that point in the pneumatic path, such as flow rate, pressure, or temperature.

[0226] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be located proximate to the patient interface 3000.

[0227] In one form, the signal from the transducer 4270 may be filtered, such as by low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, or band-pass filtering.

[0228] Flow Sensor A flow sensor 4274 according to the present technology may be based on a differential pressure transducer, for example the SDP600 series differential pressure transducer from SENSIRION.

[0229] In one form, a signal generated by the flow sensor 4274 and representative of the flow rate is received by the central controller 4230.

[0230] Pressure Sensor A pressure sensor 4272 according to the present technology is positioned in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. Examples of suitable pressure sensors include transducers from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. Other suitable pressure sensors are sensors from the GE NPA series.

[0231] In one form, a signal generated by the pressure sensor 4272 and representative of the pressure is received by the central controller 4230.

[0232] Motor Speed ​​Converter In one form of the present technology, the motor speed transducer 4276 is used to determine the rotational speed of the motor 4144 and / or blower 4142. A motor speed signal from the motor speed transducer 4276 can be provided to the therapy device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 can be, for example, a speed sensor such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0233] Anti-spillback valve In one form of the present technology, the anti-spillback valve 4160 may be located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-spillback valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing from the humidifier 5000 upstream, for example, towards the motor 4144.

[0234] Electrical components of RPT devices power supply The power supply 4210 may be located inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000, 6000.

[0235] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000, 6000. In another form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000, 6000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0236] Input devices In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000, 6000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dials to allow a person to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical devices or software devices accessible via a touchscreen. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the external housing 4010 in one form, or in another form may communicate wirelessly with a receiver electrically connected to the central controller 4230.

[0237] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0238] Central Controller In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT devices 4000, 6000.

[0239] Suitable processors may include x86 INTEL processors, processors based on ARM® Cortex®-M processors from ARM Holdings (e.g., the STM32 series of microcontrollers from ST MICROELECTRONIC). In certain alternative forms of the present technology, 32-bit RISC CPUs such as the STR9 series of microcontrollers from ST MICROELECTRONICS manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, or 16-bit RISC CPUs such as processors from the MSP430 family of microcontrollers may also be suitable.

[0240] In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0241] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an application specific integrated circuit. In another form, the central controller 4230 includes discrete electronic components.

[0242] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive input signal(s) from one or more transducers 4270, one or more input devices 4220, and the humidifier 5000.

[0243] The central controller 4230 may be arranged to provide output signals to one or more of the output device 4290, the therapy device controller 4240, the data communication interface 4280, and the humidifier 5000.

[0244] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement one or more methodologies described herein, e.g., one or more algorithms 4300, which may be implemented by processor control instructions expressed as a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 4260). In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be integrated into the RPT device 4000, 6000. However, in some forms of the present technology, some methodologies may be performed by a remotely located device. For example, the remotely located device may determine ventilator control settings or detect respiratory-related events through analysis of stored data (e.g., from any of the sensors described herein).

[0245] clock The RPT device 4000, 6000 may include a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230.

[0246] Therapy Device Controller In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a therapy control module 4330 that forms part of the algorithm 4300 executed by the central controller 4230.

[0247] In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one form, the MC33035 brushless DC motor controller manufactured by ONSEMI is used.

[0248] protection circuit The one or more protection circuits 4250 according to the present technology may include electrical protection circuits, temperature and / or pressure safety circuits.

[0249] memory In accordance with one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000, 6000 includes memory 4260, such as non-volatile memory. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include battery-powered static RAM. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.

[0250] Memory 4260 may be located on PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may take the form of EEPROM or NAND flash.

[0251] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000, 6000 includes a removable form of memory 4260, such as a memory card manufactured in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.

[0252] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 functions as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer program instructions that represent one or more methodologies (e.g., one or more algorithms 4300) described herein.

[0253] Data Communication Systems In one form of the present technology, a data communications interface 4280 is provided and connected to the central controller 4230. The data communications interface 4280 may be connectable to a remote external communications network 4282 and / or a local external communications network 4284. The remote external communications network 4282 may be connectable to a remote external device 4286. The local external communications network 4284 may be connectable to a local external device 4288.

[0254] In one form, the data communication interface 4280 is part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the data communication interface 4280 is separate from the central controller 4230 and may include an integrated circuit or processor.

[0255] In one form, remote external communications network 4282 is the Internet. Data communications interface 4280 may use wired communications (e.g., via Ethernet or fiber optics) or wireless protocols (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE) to connect to the Internet.

[0256] In one form, the local external communications network 4284 utilizes one or more communications standards (eg, Bluetooth or consumer infrared protocols).

[0257] In one form, the remote external device 4286 is one or more computers, e.g., a cluster of networked computers. In one form, the remote external device 4286 may be a virtual computer rather than a physical computer. In either case, such a remote external device 4286 may be accessed by appropriately authorized personnel, e.g., a clinician.

[0258] The local external device 4288 may be a personal computer, a cell phone, a tablet or a remote control.

[0259] Optional display and output devices including alarms An RPT device 4000, 6000 according to the present technology may optionally include an output device. The output device 4290 according to the present technology may take the form of one or more of a visual, auditory, and tactile unit. The visual display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0260] Display Driver The display driver 4292 receives as input characters, symbols or images to be displayed on the display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause the display 4294 to display those characters, symbols or images.

[0261] display Display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands received from display driver 4292. For example, display 4294 may be an eight-segment display, in which case display driver 4292 converts each character or symbol (e.g., the digit "0") into eight logic signals indicating whether each of the eight segments should be activated to display the particular character or symbol.

[0262] RPT Device Algorithm As previously mentioned, in some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be configured to implement one or more algorithms 4300 expressed as a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as the memory 4260. The algorithms 4300 are grouped into groups commonly referred to as modules.

[0263] In other forms of the present technology, part or all of the algorithm 4300 may be implemented by a controller of an external device (e.g., a local external device 4288 or a remote external device 4286). In such forms, data representing input signals and / or intermediate algorithm outputs required for the portion of the algorithm 4300 executed on the external device may be communicated to the external device via a local external communications network 4284 or a remote external communications network 4282. In such forms, the portion of the algorithm 4300 executed on the external device may be expressed as a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium accessible to the controller of the external device, with processor control instructions, etc., executed by one or more processors. Such a program configures the controller of the external device to execute the portion of the algorithm 4300.

[0264] In such a configuration, treatment parameters generated by the external device via the treatment engine module 4320 (which in such a configuration are part of the algorithm 4300 executed by the external device) can be communicated to the central controller 4230 for transmission to the treatment control module 4330.

[0265] Pre-processing module A pre-processing module 4310 according to one form of the present technology receives as input a signal from a transducer 4270, e.g., a flow sensor 4274 or a pressure sensor 4272, and performs one or more process steps to calculate one or more output values ​​that are used as input to another module, e.g., a therapy engine module 4320.

[0266] In one form of the present technology, the output values ​​include interface pressure Pm, ventilation flow Qv, respiratory flow Qr, and leak flow Ql.

[0267] In various forms of the present technology, the pre-processing module 4310 includes one or more of an interface pressure estimation algorithm 4312 , a ventilation flow estimation algorithm 4314 , a leak flow estimation algorithm 4316 , and a respiratory flow estimation algorithm 4318 .

[0268] Interface Pressure Estimation In one form of the present technology, an interface pressure estimation algorithm 4312 receives as inputs a signal from a pressure sensor 4272 indicating the pressure in the pneumatic path near the pneumatic block outlet (device pressure Pd) and a signal from a flow sensor 4274 representing the rate of airflow exiting the RPT device 4000 (device flow Qd). The device flow Qd can be used as the total flow Qt in the absence of supplemental gas 4180. The interface pressure estimation algorithm 4312 estimates the pressure drop ΔP through the air circuit 4170. The dependence of the pressure drop ΔP on the total flow Qt may be modeled for a particular air circuit 4170 by a pressure drop characteristic ΔP(Q). The interface pressure estimation algorithm 4312 then provides the estimated pressure Pm as an output to the patient interface 3000. The pressure Pm in the patient interface 3000 may be estimated as the device pressure Pd minus the air circuit pressure drop ΔP.

[0269] Air flow rate estimation In one form of the present technology, an airflow estimation algorithm 4314 takes as input the estimated pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000 from the interface pressure estimation algorithm 4312 and estimates the airflow Qv of air through the vent 3400 at the patient interface 3000. The dependence of the airflow Qv on the interface pressure Pm at the particular vent 3400 in use may be modeled by an airflow characteristic Qv(Pm).

[0270] Leak flow rate estimation In one form of the present technology, a leak flow estimation algorithm 4316 receives as inputs the total flow Qt and the ventilation flow Qv and provides as an output an estimate of the leak flow Ql. In one form, the leak flow estimation algorithm estimates the leak flow Ql by calculating the average value of the difference between the total flow Qt and the ventilation flow Qv over a period of time long enough to include several respiratory cycles (e.g., 10 s).

[0271] Respiratory flow estimation In one form of the present technology, the respiratory flow estimation algorithm 4318 receives as inputs the total flow Qt, the ventilation flow Qv, and the leak flow Ql, and estimates the air respiratory flow Qr for the patient by subtracting the ventilation flow Qv and the leak flow Ql from the total flow Qt.

[0272] Treatment Engine Module In one form of the present technology, the therapy engine module 4320 receives as inputs one or more of the pressure Pm within the patient interface 3000 and the respiratory airflow Qr to the patient and provides one or more therapy parameters as outputs.

[0273] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameter is a treatment pressure Pt.

[0274] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameters are one or more of the amplitude of pressure fluctuations, base pressure, and target ventilation.

[0275] In various embodiments, the therapy engine module 4320 includes one or more of a phase determination algorithm 4321, a waveform determination algorithm 4322, a ventilation determination algorithm 4323, an inspiratory flow limitation determination algorithm 4324, an apnea / hypopnea determination algorithm 4325, a snoring determination algorithm 4326, an airway patency determination algorithm 4327, a target ventilation determination algorithm 4328, and a therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329.

[0276] Waveform determination In one form of the present technology, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 provides a nearly constant therapy pressure throughout the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0277] In another form of the present technology, the therapy control module 4330 controls the pressure generator 4140 to provide a therapy pressure Pt that varies as a function of the phase Φ of the patient's respiratory cycle according to a waveform template Π(Φ).

[0278] Ventilation decision In one form of the present technology, a ventilation determination algorithm 4323 takes as input the respiratory flow Qr and determines a measure Vent that is indicative of the current patient ventilation.

[0279] Inspiratory flow limit determination In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes an inspiratory flow limitation determination algorithm 4324 to determine the degree of inspiratory flow limitation.

[0280] In one form, the inspiratory flow limitation determination algorithm 4324 receives as input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provides as output a measure of the extent to which the inspiratory portion of the breath exhibits inspiratory flow limitation.

[0281] Determining apnea and hypopnea In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes an apnea / hypopnea decision algorithm 4325 to determine the presence of apnea and / or hypopnea.

[0282] In one form, the apnea / hypopnea decision algorithm 4325 receives as an input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provides as an output a flag indicating that an apnea or hypopnea has been detected.

[0283] In one form, apnea is detected when a function of respiratory flow Qr falls below a flow threshold for a predetermined period of time. This function can be a peak flow, a relative short-term average flow, or a flow intermediate between the relative short-term average and peak flow, e.g., RMS flow. The flow threshold can be a relatively long-term measure of flow.

[0284] In one embodiment, hypopnea is detected when a function of respiratory flow Qr falls below a second flow threshold for a predetermined period of time. This function can determine peak flow, relative short-term average flow, or a flow intermediate between the relative short-term average and peak flow, e.g., RMS flow. The second flow threshold can be a relatively long-term measure of flow. The second flow threshold is greater than the flow threshold for detecting apnea.

[0285] Snoring determination In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more snore determination algorithms 4326 to determine the degree of snoring.

[0286] In one form, the snore determination algorithm 4326 receives as an input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provides as an output a measure of the degree of presence of snoring.

[0287] The snore determination algorithm 4326 may include determining the strength of the flow signal in the range of 30-300 Hz. Additionally, the snore determination algorithm 4326 may include filtering the respiratory flow signal Qr to reduce background noise, for example, the sound of airflow in the system from the blower.

[0288] Determining airway patency In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more airway patency determination algorithms 4327 to determine the degree of airway patency.

[0289] Target ventilation determination In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more target ventilation determination algorithms 4328 which take as input the current ventilation measurement, vent, and determine a target value for the ventilation measurement, Vtgt.

[0290] In some forms of the present technology, there is no target ventilation determination algorithm 4328 and the target value Vtgt is predetermined, for example, by being hard-coded into the configuration of the RPT device 4000 or by being manually entered via the input device 4220.

[0291] Determining treatment parameters In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more treatment parameter determination algorithms 4329 to determine one or more treatment parameters using values ​​returned by one or more other algorithms in the treatment engine module 4320.

[0292] Treatment Control Module A therapy control module 4330 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology receives therapy parameters as input from a therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 of the therapy engine module 4320 and controls the pressure generator 4140 to deliver airflow in accordance with the therapy parameters.

[0293] In one form of the present technology, the therapy parameter is a therapy pressure Pt, and the therapy control module 4330 controls the pressure generator 4140 to deliver an airflow such that the interface pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000 is equal to the therapy pressure Pt.

[0294] Detecting a fault condition In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more methods 4340 for detecting a fault condition. The fault condition detected by the one or more methods 4340 may include at least one of the following: Power off (power off or power off insufficiently) Sensor Fault Detection Inability to detect the presence of parts Operating parameters outside recommended ranges (e.g., pressure, flow, temperature, PaO2) The test alarm must not produce a detectable alarm signal.

[0295] When a fault condition is detected, the corresponding algorithm 4340 signals the presence of the fault by one or more of the following signals: Initiating audio, visual, and / or dynamic (e.g., vibration) alarms Sending messages to external devices Event Logging

[0296] Air circuit The air circuit 4170 according to one aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow a flow of pressurized air to travel between two components (e.g., the RPT device 4000, 6000 and the patient interface 3000) during use.

[0297] In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, the circuit may have separate branches for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single branch is used.

[0298] In some forms, the air circuit 4170 may include one or more heating elements configured to heat the air in the air circuit, e.g., to maintain or increase the temperature of the air. The heating elements may take the form of a heated wire circuit and may include one or more transducers, e.g., temperature sensors. In one form, the heated wire circuit may be spirally wound around the axis of the air circuit 4170. The heating elements may be in communication with a controller, e.g., the central controller 4230. An example of an air circuit 4170 including a heated wire circuit is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 8,733,349, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0299] humidifier Humidifier Overview In one form of the present technology, a humidifier 5000 (such as shown in FIG. 8A) is provided for modifying the absolute humidity of air or gas delivered to a patient relative to the ambient air. Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity (relative to ambient air) and increase the temperature of the air stream before delivery to the patient's airways.

[0300] The humidifier 5000 may comprise a humidifier reservoir 5110, a humidifier inlet 5002 for receiving an airflow, and a humidifier outlet 5004 for delivering a humidified airflow. In some forms, the inlet and outlet of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be the humidifier inlet 5002 and the humidifier outlet 5004, respectively, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The humidifier 5000 may further comprise a humidifier base 5006 adapted to house the humidifier reservoir 5110 and which may comprise a heating element 5240.

[0301] respiratory waveform Figure 9 shows a model of a typical breathing waveform for a sleeping human. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents respiratory flow. While parameter values ​​may vary, a typical breath may have approximate values ​​of tidal volume Vt 0.5 L, inspiratory time Ti 1.6 seconds, peak inspiratory flow Qpeak 0.4 L / sec, exhalation time Te 2.4 seconds, and peak expiratory flow Qpeak -0.5 L / sec. The total time of the breath Ttot is approximately 4 seconds. Typically, a person breathes at a rate of approximately 15 breaths per minute (BPM), with a ventilation of approximately 7.5 L / min. A typical duty cycle, the ratio of Ti to Ttot, is approximately 40%.

[0302] Respiratory Therapy Mode A variety of respiratory treatment modes can be implemented by the disclosed respiratory treatment system.

[0303] CPAP therapy In some respiratory pressure therapy embodiments, the central controller 4230, as part of the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329, sets the therapy pressure Pt according to the therapy pressure equation (Pt = AΠ(Φ,t) + P). In one such embodiment, the amplitude A is also zero, so that the therapy pressure Pt (which represents the target value currently achieved by the interface pressure Pm) is the same as the base pressure P0 throughout the respiratory cycle. This embodiment is often categorized under the heading of CPAP therapy. In such an embodiment, there is no need for the therapy engine module 4320 to determine the phase Φ or waveform template Π(Φ).

[0304] In CPAP therapy, the base pressure P0 may be a hard-coded constant value or may be a constant value manually entered into the RPT device 4000, 6000. Alternatively, the central controller 4230 may iteratively calculate the base pressure P0 as a function of indicators or measurements of sleep disordered breathing, such as one or more of flow limitation, apnea, hypopnea, patency, and snoring, returned by corresponding algorithms in the therapy engine module 4320. This alternative therapy is sometimes referred to as APAP therapy.

[0305] FIG. 4E is a flow chart illustrating a method 4500 executed by the central controller 4230 to continuously calculate the base pressure P0 as part of the APAP therapy implementation of the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 when the pressure support A is also zero.

[0306] Method 4500 begins at step 4520, in which the central controller 4230 compares the measured presence or absence of apnea / hypopnea to a first threshold to determine whether the measured presence or absence of apnea / hypopnea exceeds the first threshold for a predetermined period of time, indicating that apnea / hypopnea is occurring. If so, method 4500 proceeds to step 4540; otherwise, method 4500 proceeds to step 4530. In step 4540, the central controller 4230 compares the measured presence or absence of airway to a second threshold. If the measured presence or absence of airway exceeds the second threshold, indicating a patent airway, the detected apnea / hypopnea is deemed to be centrally induced and method 4500 proceeds to step 4560; otherwise, the apnea / hypopnea is deemed to be obstructive and method 4500 proceeds to step 4550.

[0307] In step 4530, the central controller 4230 compares the measured flow limitation to a third threshold. If the measured flow limitation exceeds the third threshold, indicating that inspiratory flow is limited, the method 4500 proceeds to step 4550; otherwise, the method 4500 proceeds to step 4560.

[0308] In step 4550, the central controller 4230 increases the base pressure P by a predetermined pressure increment ΔP, provided that the resulting treatment pressure Pt does not exceed the maximum treatment pressure Pmax. In one embodiment, the predetermined pressure increment ΔP and the maximum treatment pressure Pmax are 1 cmH2O and 25 cmH2O, respectively. In other embodiments, the pressure increment ΔP can be as low as 0.1 cmH2O and as high as 3 cmH2O, or as low as 0.5 cmH2O and as high as 2 cmH2O. In other embodiments, the maximum treatment pressure Pmax can be as low as 15 cmH2O and as high as 35 cmH2O, or as low as 20 cmH2O and as high as 30 cmH2O. The method 4500 then returns to step 4520.

[0309] In step 4560, the central controller 4230 decrements the base pressure P, provided that the decremented base pressure P does not fall below the minimum treatment pressure P. The method 4500 then returns to step 4520. In one embodiment, the decrement is proportional to the value of P minus P, such that the reduction of P to the minimum treatment pressure P is exponential in the absence of a detected event. In one embodiment, the proportionality constant is set so that the time constant τ of the exponential reduction of P is 60 minutes and the minimum treatment pressure P is 4 cmH2O. In other embodiments, the time constant τ can be as low as 1 minute and as high as 300 minutes, or as low as 5 minutes and as high as 180 minutes. In other embodiments, the minimum treatment pressure P can be as low as 0 cmH2O and as high as 8 cmH2O, or as low as 2 cmH2O and as high as 6 cmH2O. Alternatively, the decrement of P can be predetermined so that the reduction of P to the minimum treatment pressure P is linear in the absence of a detected event.

[0310] Bilevel Treatment In other embodiments of this form of the present technology, the value of the amplitude A in the equation (Pt=AΠ(Φ,t)+P0) can be positive. When determining the therapeutic pressure Pt using the equation (Pt=AΠ(Φ,t)+P0) having a positive amplitude A, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 oscillates the therapeutic pressure Pt between two values ​​or levels in synchronization with the spontaneous breathing efforts of the patient 1000, and such an embodiment is referred to as bilevel therapy. That is, based on the exemplary waveform template Π(Φ,t) described above, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 increases the therapeutic pressure Pt to P0+A (referred to as IPAP) at the start of inspiration or during inspiration, and decreases the therapeutic pressure Pt to a base pressure P0 (referred to as EPAP) at the start of inspiration or during inspiration.

[0311] term For purposes of this disclosure, in certain aspects of the technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other aspects of the technology, alternative definitions may apply.

[0312] overview Air: In certain forms of the present technology, air may be considered to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be considered to mean some other combination of breathable gases, such as, for example, oxygen-enriched air.

[0313] Periphery: In certain forms of the present technology, the term periphery is considered to mean (i) external to the treatment system or patient, and (ii) immediately surrounding the treatment system or patient.

[0314] For example, the ambient humidity for a humidifier may be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidifier (e.g., the humidity in the room where the patient is sleeping), which may differ from the humidity outside the room where the patient is sleeping.

[0315] In another example, ambient pressure can be the pressure immediately surrounding the body or pressure outside the body.

[0316] In certain embodiments, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise may be considered the background noise level within the room in which the patient is located, as opposed to, for example, noise generated by the RPT device or emanating from a mask or patient interface. Ambient noise may be generated from sources outside the room.

[0317] Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Therapy: A CPAP therapy that can automatically adjust the therapeutic pressure between minimum and maximum limits, for example, on a breath-by-breath basis, depending on the presence or absence of signs of an SDB event.

[0318] Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: Respiratory pressure therapy in which the therapeutic pressure is nearly constant throughout the patient's respiratory cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways is slightly higher during exhalation and slightly lower during inhalation. In some forms, the pressure varies during different respiratory cycles of the patient, for example, increasing in response to the detection of signs of partial upper airway obstruction and decreasing in the absence of signs of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0319] Flow Rate: The amount (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. Flow rate can refer to an instantaneous quantity. In some cases, a reference to flow rate is to a scalar quantity, i.e., a quantity that has only magnitude. In other cases, a reference to flow rate is to a vector quantity, i.e., a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Flow rate may be given the symbol Q. "Flow rate" may also be written simply as "flow" or "air flow."

[0320] In the example of a patient breath, the flow rate may be nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle and negative for the expiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle. Device flow rate Qd is the flow rate of air leaving the RPT device. Total flow rate Qt is the flow rate of air and any supplemental gases that arrives at the patient interface via the air circuit. Vent flow rate Qv is the flow rate of air leaving the vent to allow for the pushing out of exhaled gases. Leak flow rate Ql is the flow rate of leakage from the patient interface system or elsewhere. Respiratory flow rate Qr is the flow rate of air admitted to the patient's respiratory system.

[0321] Flow Therapy: Respiratory therapy that involves delivering airflow to the entrance of the airways at a controlled flow rate, called the therapeutic flow rate, that is typically positive throughout the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0322] Humidifier: The word humidifier is taken to mean a humidifying device positioned, installed, or physically constructed to provide a therapeutically beneficial amount of water (H2O) vapor to an air stream to improve the medical respiratory condition of a patient.

[0323] Leak: The word leak refers to unintentional airflow. In one example, a leak can occur as a result of an imperfect seal between the mask and the patient's face. In another example, a leak can occur at the swivel elbow around the area.

[0324] Conducted (Acoustic) Noise: Conducted noise, as used herein, refers to noise carried to the patient by pneumatic pathways, such as the air circuit and patient interface, and the air therein. In one form, conducted noise can be quantified by measuring the sound pressure level at the end of the air circuit.

[0325] Radiated (acoustic) noise: Radiated noise herein refers to noise carried to the patient by the surrounding air. In one form, radiated noise can be quantified by measuring the volume / pressure level of the object in question according to ISO 3744.

[0326] Ventilation (acoustic) noise: Ventilation noise herein refers to noise generated by airflow through any vents, such as the vents of a patient interface.

[0327] Oxygen-enriched air: Air with an oxygen concentration greater than atmospheric (21%), such as at least about 50% oxygen, at least about 60% oxygen, at least about 70% oxygen, at least about 80% oxygen, at least about 90% oxygen, at least about 95% oxygen, at least about 98% oxygen, or at least about 99% oxygen. "Oxygen-enriched air" is sometimes referred to as "oxygen" for short.

[0328] Medical Oxygen: Medical oxygen is defined as oxygen-enriched air with an oxygen concentration of 80% or greater.

[0329] Patient: A person, whether or not suffering from a respiratory condition.

[0330] Pressure: Force per unit area. Pressure is measured in cmH2O or gf / cm 2 1 cmH2O can be expressed in a variety of units, including 1 g-f / cm 2 is equal to approximately 0.98 hectopascals (1 hectopascal = 100 Pa = 100 N / m 2 = 1 mbar to 0.001 atm). In this specification, pressures are given in units of cmH2O unless otherwise stated.

[0331] The pressure in the patient interface is given the symbol Pm, and the treatment pressure, which represents the target value achieved by the interface pressure Pm at the current moment, is given the symbol Pt.

[0332] Respiratory pressure therapy: The application of air to the entrance of the airways at a treatment pressure that is typically positive relative to the atmosphere.

[0333] Ventilator: A mechanical device that provides pressure support to a patient and performs some or all of the work of breathing.

[0334] material Silicone or silicone elastomer: Synthetic rubber. References herein to silicone are references to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One commercially available form of LSR is SILASTIC (included within the range of products sold under this trademark) manufactured by Dow Corning. Another LSR manufacturer is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified, exemplary forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about 35 to about 45, as measured by ASTM D2240.

[0335] Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0336] Mechanical properties Resilience: The ability of a material to absorb energy when elastically deformed and to release the energy when the load is removed.

[0337] Resilience: Virtually all of the energy is released when unloaded. Examples include certain silicone and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0338] Hardness: The ability of a material to resist deformation (e.g., expressed by Young's modulus or by the indentation hardness scale measured on a standardized sample size). "Soft" materials may include silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and may easily deform under finger pressure, for example. "Hard" materials may include polycarbonate, polypropylene, steel, or aluminum, and are not easily deformable under finger pressure, for example.

[0339] Stiffness (or rigidity) of a structure or component: The ability of a structure or component to resist deformation in response to an applied load. The load can be a force or a moment (e.g., compression, tension, bending, or torsion). A structure or component may offer different resistance in different directions. The opposite of stiffness is flexibility.

[0340] Floppy structure or component: A structure or component that, when made to support its own weight, changes shape (e.g., bends) within a relatively short period of time (e.g., 1 second).

[0341] Rigid Structure or Component: A structure or component that does not change shape substantially when subjected to loads typically encountered during use. An example of such an application is establishing and maintaining a patient interface in a sealing relationship with the entrance to a patient's airway, e.g., under a pressure load of approximately 20-30 cmH2O.

[0342] As one example, an I-beam may have a different bending stiffness (resistance to bending load) in a first direction compared to a second, orthogonal direction. In another example, a structure or component may be thin in a first direction and stiff in a second direction.

[0343] Structural shape Products of the present technology may include one or more three-dimensional mechanical structures, such as a mask cushion or impeller. The three-dimensional structures may be bounded by two-dimensional surfaces. These surfaces may be distinguished using labels to describe the orientation, location, function, or some other characteristic of the associated surfaces. For example, the structure may include one or more of a front surface, a back surface, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. In another example, the seal-forming structure may include a face-contacting (e.g., exterior) surface and a separate non-face-contacting (e.g., bottom or interior) surface. In another example, the structure may include a first surface and a second surface.

[0344] To facilitate the description of the shape of three-dimensional structures and surfaces, we first consider a cross section across the surface of the structure at point p. Referring to Figures 2B-2F, examples of cross sections at point p on a surface and the resulting planar curves are shown. Figures 2B-2F also show the outward normal vector at p. The outward normal vector at point p points away from the surface. In some examples, we describe the surface from the perspective of a fictitious small person standing upright on the surface.

[0345] Curvature in one dimension The curvature of a plane curve at p can be described as having a sign (eg, positive, negative) and a magnitude (eg, the radius of a circle that touches the curve at 1 / p).

[0346] Positive curvature: If the curve at p bends outward toward the normal, the curvature at that point is considered positive (when a hypothetical little person leaves point p, they have to walk uphill). See Figure 2B (relatively large positive curvature compared to Figure 2C) and Figure 2C (relatively small positive curvature compared to Figure 2B). Such curves are commonly called concave curves.

[0347] Zero curvature: If the curve at p is a straight line, the curvature is considered to be zero (when the virtual little person leaves point p, they can walk horizontally, neither up nor down). See Figure 2D.

[0348] Negative curvature: If the curve at p moves away from the outer normal, the curvature in that direction at that point is considered negative (when a hypothetical little person leaves point p, they have to walk downhill). See Figure 2E (relatively small negative curvature compared to Figure 2F) and Figure 2F (relatively large negative curvature compared to Figure 2E). Such curves are commonly called convex curves.

[0349] Two-dimensional surface curvature A description of a shape at a given point on a two-dimensional surface according to the present technology may include multiple normal cross sections. The multiple cross sections may cut the surface in a plane containing the outward normal (the "normal plane"), and each cross section may be taken in a different direction. Each cross section results in a plane curve with a corresponding curvature. The different curvatures at the point may have the same sign or different signs. Each of the curvatures at the point may have, for example, a relatively small magnitude. The plane curves in Figures 2B-2F may be examples of such multiple cross sections at a particular point.

[0350] Principal curvatures and directions: The directions of the normal plane along which the curvature of a curve reaches its maximum and minimum values ​​are called the principal directions. In the example of Figures 2B-2F, the maximum curvature is in Figure 3B and the minimum curvature is in Figure 2F, so Figures 2B and 2F are cross sections along the principal directions. The principal curvatures at p are the curvatures along the principal directions.

[0351] Surface region: A set of connected points on a surface. A set of points within a region may have similar properties, such as curvature or sign.

[0352] Saddle region: A region where the principal curvatures at each point have opposite signs (i.e., one is positive and the other is negative) (a hypothetical person might walk uphill or downhill depending on which way they are facing).

[0353] Dome region: A region in which the principal curvatures at each point have the same sign (e.g., both positive (a "concave dome"), or both negative (a "convex dome")).

[0354] Cylindrical region: A region in which one principal curvature is zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances) and the other principal curvature is non-zero.

[0355] Planar Region: The region of a surface where both principal curvatures are zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances).

[0356] Surface Edge: The boundary or limit of a surface or area.

[0357] Journey: In certain forms of the present technology, a "journey" is taken to mean a journey in the mathematical-topological sense (e.g., a continuous space curve on a surface from f(0) to f(1)). In certain forms of the present technology, a "journey" may be described, for example, as a route or course that includes a set of points on a surface. (For a hypothetical person, a journey is where they walk on a surface, similar to a garden path.)

[0358] Path Length: In certain forms of the present technology, "path length" is taken to mean the distance along the surface from f(0) to f(1) (i.e., the distance along a path on the surface). There may be more than one path between two points on the surface, and such paths may have different path lengths. (For a hypothetical person, the path length is the distance that person would have to walk along the path on the surface.)

[0359] Straight-line distance: Straight-line distance is the distance between two points on a surface, but independent of the surface. On a planar area, there is a distance on the surface that has the same path length as the straight-line distance between two points on the surface. On a non-planar surface, there cannot be a path that has the same path length as the straight-line distance between two points. (To a hypothetical person, straight-line distance corresponds to the "as the crow flies" distance.)

[0360] space curve Space Curve: Unlike a plane curve, a space curve does not necessarily lie on a particular plane. A space curve can be closed, i.e., it has no endpoint. A space curve can be considered a one-dimensional piece of three-dimensional space. A fictional character walking on a strand of DNA helix would walk along a space curve. A typical human left ear contains a helix that is a left-handed helix. A typical human right ear contains a helix that is a right-handed helix. The edge of a structure (e.g., the edge of a membrane or an impeller) can trace a space curve. In general, a space curve can be described by the curvature and twist at each point on the space curve. Twist is a measure of the way the curve emanates from the plane. Twist has a sign and a magnitude. The twist at a point on a space curve can be characterized by reference to the tangent, normal, and binormal vectors at that point.

[0361] Tangent unit vector (or unit tangent vector): For each point on a curve, the vector at that point specifies the direction and amplitude from that point. A tangent unit vector is a unit vector that points in the same direction as the curve at that point. If a hypothetical person were flying along the curve and fell off the car at a particular point, the direction of the tangent vector would be the direction she was traveling.

[0362] Unit normal vector: As the hypothetical person moves along the curve, this tangent vector itself changes. A unit vector that points in the same direction as the tangent vector is changing is called a unit principal normal vector. It is perpendicular to the tangent vector.

[0363] Binormal unit vector: The binormal unit vector is perpendicular to both the tangent vector and the principal normal vector. Its direction can be determined by either the right-hand rule or the left-hand rule.

[0364] Tangent plane: A plane containing a unit tangent vector and a unit principal normal vector.

[0365] Torsion of a Space Curve: The torsion of a point on a space curve is the magnitude of the rate of change of the binormal unit vector at that point. It measures the degree of deviation of the curve from the tangent plane. A space curve that lies within a plane has zero torsion. If the space curve deviates from the tangent plane by a relatively small amount, the magnitude of torsion of the space curve is relatively small (e.g., a gently sloping spiral path). If the space curve deviates from the tangent plane by a relatively large amount, the magnitude of torsion of the space curve is relatively large (e.g., a steeply sloping spiral path).

[0366] hole A surface may have one-dimensional holes (e.g., holes bounded by a plane or space curve). A thin structure with holes (e.g., a membrane) may be described as having one-dimensional holes.

[0367] A structure may have a two-dimensional hole (e.g., a hole bounded by a surface). For example, an inflatable tire has a two-dimensional hole bounded by the tire's interior surface. In another example, a bladder having a cavity for air or gel may have a two-dimensional hole. In yet another example, a conduit may include a one-dimensional hole (e.g., at its inlet or its outlet) and a two-dimensional hole bounded by the conduit's inner surface.

[0368] Other notes Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, when a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated or intervening value within that range, is encompassed within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges, which may independently be included within an intervening range, are also encompassed within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. When the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also encompassed within the technology.

[0369] Furthermore, when a value or values ​​are described herein as being implemented as part of the present technology, unless otherwise stated, it is understood that such values ​​may be approximate and that such values ​​may be utilized to any suitable significant digit, to the extent that may be tolerated or required in practical technical implementations.

[0370] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this technology belongs.Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, but only a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0371] Although particular materials are described as being preferred for use in the construction of components, obvious alternative materials having similar properties may be substituted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all components described herein are understood to be manufacturable and may therefore be manufactured together or separately.

[0372] It should be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0373] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of the publication.The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application.Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to antedate such publication by prior invention.Furthermore, the publication dates provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0374] The terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be construed as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that a referenced element, component, or step may be present in, utilized with, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not specifically referenced.

[0375] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included for ease of reference only and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout this disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in interpreting the claims or their limitations.

[0376] While the technology herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it should be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, terms and symbols may suggest specific details unnecessary to the practice of the technology. For example, while the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilized to distinguish between separate elements. Furthermore, while process steps in a methodology may be described or illustrated in a sequence, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be changed and / or aspects may occur simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0377] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0378] 1000 patients 1100 Bedmate 3000 Patient Interface 3100 Seal forming structure 3200 Plenum Chamber 3300 stabilizing structure 3400 Ventilation section 3600 connection port 3700 Forehead support 4000 RPT devices 4010 Outer Housing 4012 Upper 4014 Lower 4015 Panel 4016 chassis 4018 Handle 4020 Pneumatic Block 4110 Air Filter 4112 Inlet Air Filter 4114 Outlet air filter 4120 Muffler 4122 Inlet muffler 4124 Exit muffler 4140 Pressure Generator 4142 Blower 4144 Motor 4160 Anti-spillback valve 4170 Air Circuit 4180 Refill Gas 4200 Electrical Parts 4202 Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 4210 Power supply 4220 input devices 4230 Central Controller 4232 Clock 4240 Therapy Device Controller 4250 protection circuit 4260 memory 4270 Transducer 4272 Pressure Sensor 4274 Flow Sensor 4276 Motor Speed ​​Transducer 4280 data communications interface 4282 Remote External Communications Network 4284 Local External Communication Network 4286 Remote External Device 4288 Local Foreign Device 4290 output device 4292 display driver 4294 display 4300 Algorithm 4310 Pretreatment Module 4312 Interface Pressure Algorithm 4314 Airflow Estimation Algorithm 4316 Flow Estimation Algorithm 4318 Respiratory flow estimation algorithm 4320 Treatment Engine Module 4321 Phase Determination Algorithm 4322 Waveform Determination Algorithm 4323 Ventilation Decision Algorithm 4324 Inspiratory Flow Limitation Decision Algorithm 4325 Hypopnea Decision Algorithm 4326 Decision Algorithm 4327 Airway Patency Determination Algorithm 4328 Target ventilation determination algorithm 4329 Treatment parameter determination algorithm 4330 Therapy Control Module 5000 humidifier 5002 Humidifier inlet 5004 Humidifier outlet 5006 Humidifier Base 5110 Humidifier Reservoir 5130 Humidifier Reservoir Dock 5240 Heating Element 6000 RPT devices 6001 Device Entrance Room 6002 Intake chamber 6003 Air outlet chamber 6010 Blower 6010ax blower axis 6012 Intake port 6012ax suction port axis 6012op Intake opening 6014 Air outlet 6020 Inlet end suspension device 6025 Flow Tube Array 6026 Flow tube 6026ax axis 6026op flow tube opening 6027 Base Plate 6028 Seal Lip 6030 Outlet end suspension device 6031 Outer part 6032 Inner part 6033 Gusset part 6040 Outlet muffler 6042 Main unit 6043 Central wall 6045 End wall 6045o1 First opening 6045o2 Second opening 6047 End wall 6047o opening 6047t cylinder part 6050 Outlet Assembly 6051 base plate 6052 Inlet Pipe Array 6053 Inlet pipe 6054 Outlet pipe 6054ax outlet pipe axis 6055 pressure port 6060 Exit seal 6061 End 6062 Flexible Lip 6070 Seal Assembly 6072 Seal lip 6074 Inlet end seal 6075 Port seal part 6076 Seal part 6077 Seal part 6080 Outlet End Suspension Assembly 6081 Base Plate 6082 Seal lip 6084o1 First opening 6084o2 Second opening 6090 Upper Case 6091 Inlet opening 6092 Multi-lobe seal part 6093 Robe 6100 chassis 6110 First part 6112 First wall 6114 First Inner Surface 6116 First outer surface 6118 First intermediate surface 6120 Second Part 6122 Second wall 6124 Second Inner Surface 6126 Second outer surface 6128 Second intermediate surface 6130 Rigid wall 6131 First Staircase 6132 Wall 6133 Second Staircase 6135 End wall 6139 Edge 6141 Slots 6141L Lip 6142 Slots 6142L Lip 6150 Fasteners 6160 Boss 6165 zipper hole 6166 flange 6180 First Groove 6181 Second Groove 6182 First Groove 6183 Second Groove 6185 Groove 6200 Wall restraint device 6220 Groove 6222 Inner wall 6223 Inner wall 6224 Outside wall 6225 Outside wall 6242 Second internal slot 6300 Compression type seal part 6310 area 6320 area 6350 Device inlet muffler 6400 Inlet muffler 6410 Surface 6410 Wall 6410 Front 8053 Pipe section

Claims

1. 1. A respiratory pressure treatment device comprising: a blower for supplying air for respiratory pressure therapy; A housing including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion is configured to engage the first portion in an assembled configuration; the first portion and the second portion are configured to at least partially enclose the blower when in the assembled configuration; the first portion includes a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first intermediate surface located between the first inner surface and the first outer surface; the second portion includes a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second intermediate surface located between the second inner surface and the second outer surface; The housing and a restraining device including inner and outer surfaces of each of the first and second portions configured to abut one another to limit lateral movement of the first and second portions; 1. A respiratory pressure treatment device comprising:

2. Further provided with a sealing portion, the seal portion includes a flexible material; 2. A respiratory pressure treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion is arranged to provide a compression seal between the first and second interface surfaces in use.

3. 3. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 2, wherein a lateral dimension of the seal is less than a corresponding dimension of at least one of the first interface and the second interface.

4. 4. A respiratory pressure treatment device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a compressive force during assembly acts on the seal in a direction generally transverse to the first and second interface surfaces.

5. at least partially enclosed within said housing; The user interface and An intake port, a suspension system arranged to suspend the blower; An exhaust port, 5. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 1, further comprising:

6. 6. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 5, wherein the user interface is attached to the first exterior surface.

7. 7. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 2, wherein the sealing portion has a cross-section that includes a relatively thick region that provides a base for attachment to the first portion and a relatively thin region that provides a free end or engagement surface for engagement with the second portion.

8. 8. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 1, wherein in the assembled configuration, lateral movement of each of the first and second portions on either side of the engaged periphery is continuously restricted by the length of the engaged periphery.

9. 9. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 8, wherein in the assembled configuration, the lateral movement is constrained by engaging a surface along a peripheral surface of one of the first portions with a surface along a peripheral surface of the second portion along at least a portion of the peripheral edge.

10. 10. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 9, wherein in the assembled configuration, surfaces along the respective peripheries of each of the first and second portions engage each other such that the engaging edges of each of the first and second portions on either side restrain lateral movement of the other edge of the first and second portions.

11. 11. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the assembled configuration, the restrained engaged edge extends continuously around the entire circumference of the respiratory pressure treatment device.

12. 12. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the restraining device includes a tongue and groove engagement arrangement between the first and second portions.

13. 13. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 12, wherein the tongue and groove engagement device is configured such that in the assembled configuration, at least a portion of the tongue is received within a groove and the groove is tightly fitted to either side of the tongue, thereby creating a tortuous path for acoustic waves propagating through the tongue and groove engagement device.

14. 14. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the sealing portion comprises a flexible material that engages a sealing arrangement along a periphery of at least one of the first and second portions in the assembled configuration.

15. 15. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 14, wherein in the assembled configuration, the engaged perimeter and sealing portion form a compression seal.

16. 16. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the sealing portion has at least one of the following cross-sectional shapes: a generally triangular shape, a generally circular shape, a generally D-shape, and a generally double chamfered shape.

17. 17. A respiratory pressure treatment device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the sealing portion includes a cross section including a portion having a dimension of at least 1.5 mm in any direction to limit sound intrusion.

18. 18. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the restraining device comprises a tongue and groove device, and the seal is permanently attached to a groove or tongue of the tongue and groove device.

19. 20. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 18, wherein the grooves and / or the tongues are covered with a flexible material.

20. 20. A respiratory pressure treatment device according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the seal is made of a material that has a tendency to creep.

21. 21. The respiratory pressure treatment device of claim 20, wherein the seal comprises TPE, TPU, or TPV.

22. 22. The respiratory pressure treatment device of any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein a seal is overmolded onto a periphery of at least one of the first and second portions.

23. 23. A respiratory pressure treatment device as described in any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein in an operative configuration of the respiratory pressure treatment device, a pressure differential exists between the inside of the housing and the surroundings along at least a portion of the engagement edge, the engagement edge providing both noise attenuation and a pneumatic seal between the pressurized housing and the surroundings.

24. 24. A respiratory pressure therapy device according to any one of claims 2 to 23, wherein the seal is a gasket.

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