Conduits for respiratory therapy devices

Abstract

A respiratory conduit apparatus for conducting breathable gas for respiratory therapy may include electrical circuit components to support the therapy. In one example, a delivery conduit for connection to a patient interface and respiratory therapy device may include a cuff with a microcontroller unit. The cuff may be configured with circuit components for accessory identification, therapy control, heating, and gas property detection for communication. In some versions, the delivery conduit may include a controller within a circuit board assembly located at the termination of the delivery conduit. The printed circuit board may be configured to control and power the components on the cuff and communicate with the respiratory therapy device. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] cross reference This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 418,374, filed November 7, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technology field The present technology relates to devices for breathable gas therapy for respiratory conditions (e.g., conditions associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), allergy-induced upper airway obstruction, or early viral infection of the upper airway, among others. More particularly, the present technology relates to improvements related to delivery conduit components for such respiratory therapy devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Technology Background Sleep is important for good health. Frequent sleep disturbance or sleep fragmentation can lead to serious consequences such as daytime sleepiness (and the associated risk of being involved in a car accident), as well as poor mental health, memory problems, depression, and hypertension. For example, if a person with nasal congestion snores to a certain point, it can be disruptive to their quality of sleep. Similarly, a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can disrupt the sleep of their partner. The best form of treatment for OSA patients is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is delivered by a flow generator (e.g., a blower (or compressor)) through a connecting delivery hose using a patient interface.

[0004] CPAP therapy has been used in the treatment of OSA. For example, by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward or backward against the posterior oropharyngeal wall, continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint, which may prevent closure of the upper airway. Because treatment of OSA with CPAP therapy can be voluntary, patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they perceive one or more of the following about the device used to deliver treatment: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0005] 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 OSA, respiratory failure, and periodic breathing. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these treatments can be improved.

[0006] Such positive airway pressure can be delivered in many forms. For example, the positive pressure level can be maintained at a nearly constant level during the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the patient's respiratory cycle. Alternatively, the pressure level can be adjusted to change in sync with the patient's respiratory cycle. For example, for patient comfort, the pressure can be set at one level during inspiration and another, lower level during expiration. Such pressure treatment systems may be referred to as bilevel. Alternatively, the pressure level may be continuously adjusted to smoothly cycle through the patient's respiratory cycle. A lower pressure setting during expiration than during inspiration is commonly referred to as expiratory pressure relief. As described in U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310 to Sullivan, positive airway pressure treatment often involves providing gas under pressure to the patient from a device in the range of 4 to 15 cmH2O, with a flow rate of approximately 120 liters per minute. Some air may escape through a terminal restriction or vent and not be delivered to the patient. These pressure settings can also be adjusted based on the detection of the patient's airway condition. For example, the treatment pressure may be increased in response to the detection of a partial obstruction, apnea, hypopnea, or snoring.

[0007] Other devices for providing respiratory tract therapy are known. For example, Schroeder et al., in U.S. Patent No. 7,314,046, describe an apparatus for delivering heated and humidified air to the respiratory tract of a human patient. Similarly, Genger et al., in U.S. Patent No. 7,080,645, disclose an anti-snoring device comprising a compressor and a nasal air cannula.

[0008] A typical system of the present technology may include a respiratory treatment device such as a respiratory pressure treatment device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, and a patient interface.

[0009] Patient Interface A patient interface may be used to provide a user with an interface to a respiratory appliance, for example, by providing airflow to the airway entrance. Airflow may be provided via a mask to the nose and / or mouth, a tube to the mouth, or a tracheostomy tube to the user's trachea. Depending on the therapy being applied, the patient interface may form a seal with, for example, the patient's facial area, thereby facilitating gas delivery at a pressure (e.g., a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O) with sufficient dispersion with ambient pressure for therapy implementation. In other forms of therapy, such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate delivery of a gas supply to the airways at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O.

[0010] Different types of patient interfaces may be known by various names depending on their manufacturer, such as nasal cannulae, nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, nasal puffs, and oronasal masks.

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

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

[0013] RPT devices typically include a pressure or flow generator (e.g., an electric blower (e.g., an impeller in a volute and servo-controlled motor) or a compressed gas reservoir) and are configured to supply airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow may be supplied 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. Herein, RPT devices may be referred to as respiratory treatment devices.

[0014] humidifier Delivery of airflow without humidification can lead to dryness of the airway. When a humidifier is used with an RPT device and patient interface, humidified gas is produced, minimizing drying of the nasal mucosa and increasing comfort of the patient's airway. Additionally, in cooler climates, the application of warm air to the facial area surrounding the patient interface generally provides more comfort than cool air. A range of artificial humidification devices and systems are known, but they do not meet the specialized requirements of medical humidifiers.

[0015] Respiratory humidifiers are commercially available in a variety of forms and may be standalone devices, connected to an RPT device via an air circuit, integrated with an RPT device, or configured to be directly connected to an associated RPT device.

[0016] It is desirable to improve the exchange of information between components of a respiratory treatment system and between these components and the user, which may result in improved overall operation of the respiratory treatment system and thus improved treatment for the user (e.g., comfort, quality of treatment, and / or compliance).

[0017] Additionally, it may be desirable to introduce additional functionality into a component (e.g., interacting with other components of the respiratory treatment system, a user, or having stand-alone capabilities). Conventional solutions for communication within components of a respiratory treatment system may be inconvenient, difficult to use, or expensive. In some cases, conventional solutions for components of a respiratory treatment system may have limited functionality or may not be configured to take advantage of the particular configuration of the rest of the respiratory treatment system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] Further development of these devices (eg, air circuits or air tube delivery) may be desirable to improve operation between the interconnected components of such respiratory treatment systems. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0021] Some versions of the technology may include such a delivery conduit with control circuitry (eg, one that includes a wireless transceiver).

[0022] Some versions of the present technology may include such a delivery conduit with a governing controller having one or more sensors that detect the condition of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit.

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

[0024] Some versions of the technology may include such a delivery conduit with a governing controller configured to wirelessly receive identification information from an accessory or patient interface attached to the delivery conduit.

[0025] Some versions of the present technology may include a respiratory apparatus for coupling to a patient interface that delivers a flow of breathable gas to a patient and a respiratory treatment device that generates the breathable gas flow. The respiratory apparatus may include a delivery conduit having a gas passageway configured to conduct the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to the patient interface. The delivery conduit may have a respiratory treatment device coupler end and a patient interface coupler end. The delivery conduit may have a length extending from the respiratory treatment device coupler end to the patient interface coupler end. The respiratory apparatus may include a wireless transceiver mounted on the delivery conduit at a point along the length of the delivery conduit closer to the patient interface coupler end than to the respiratory treatment device coupler end.

[0026] In some versions, the wireless transceiver may be configured to detect an accessory identifier transmitted from an accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end. The wireless transceiver may be configured to read one of a radio frequency identification tag and a near field communication identification tag from an accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end. The accessory may be a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas from the delivery conduit to the patient. The wireless transceiver may be connected to a controller and configured to relay data including the identification of the accessory to the controller. The controller may be disposed in the respiratory treatment device. The controller may be disposed on a circuit board on the delivery conduit, and the wireless transceiver may be configured to relay data including the identification of the accessory to the controller via a wired connection. The controller may be configured to relay data including the identification of the accessory to a controller of the respiratory treatment device via the respiratory treatment device. The respiratory apparatus may include two or more wires extending along the length of the delivery conduit. The respiratory apparatus may include a first inductive connector adapted for connection to a power source via the two or more wires of the delivery conduit. The respiratory device may include a second inductive connector connected to the circuit component of the controller to conduct power to the controller of the circuit component, the circuit component of the controller being configured as a cuff adapted to connect to a terminal end of the delivery conduit, and the first inductive connector may be configured to inductively transfer power to the second inductive connector.

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

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

[0029] In some versions, the flexible printed circuit board may include a communication interface. The communication interface may be adapted to connect to one or more wires of a data bus along the delivery conduit. A controller is configured to control the communication interface to transmit data signals on the data bus. The device may include a wireless transceiver attached to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board. The wireless transceiver may be configured to communicate with one or both of a transceiver of a controller of the respiratory treatment device and an identification circuit of a patient interface. The one or more parameters may be characteristics of breathable gas delivered from the respiratory treatment device through the delivery conduit. The one or more parameters may be characteristics of a patient interface connected to a terminal end of the delivery conduit. A controller attached to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board may be configured to communicate a measurement of the characteristics of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit to a controller of the respiratory treatment device for closed-loop control of the characteristics of the breathable gas. The controller attached to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board may be configured to determine the measurement of the characteristics of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit and control the characteristics of the breathable gas. The controlled property of the breathable gas may be temperature, and the controller may be configured to operate a heater element in the delivery conduit.

[0030] In some versions, a controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board may be configured to detect connection and disconnection of the patient interface to the delivery conduit and, based on the detection, generate a data signal to the controller of the respiratory treatment device to control operation of the respiratory treatment device. The flexible printed circuit board may include one or more sensors attached to the surface. The surface of the flexible printed circuit board may include an extension strip that is bent through an aperture at the portion of the delivery conduit into the gas passage of the delivery conduit to extend sensors attached to the extension strip into the gas passage to sense properties of gas in the gas passage of the delivery conduit. The one or more sensors may be adapted to measure at least one or more of the pressure, air flow, temperature, and relative humidity of air delivered through the delivery conduit. The portion of the delivery conduit may include a cylindrical cuff of the delivery conduit adapted for detachable connection to the patient interface. The cylindrical cuff may further include a sheath for enclosing the flexible printed circuit board. The cylindrical cuff may include a gas passage for the delivery conduit, and the gas passage may include a heater element controlled by a controller attached to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board. The controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board may be configured to communicate data and heat the delivery conduit by intermittently switching between heating and data signaling operations through a set of wires. The set of wires may extend along the delivery conduit and may consist of three wire conductors.

[0031] Some versions of the present technology may include a respiratory apparatus. The respiratory apparatus may include a respiratory treatment device that generates a flow of breathable gas. The respiratory apparatus may include a delivery conduit for conducting the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface. The respiratory apparatus may include a first controller disposed on the respiratory treatment device. The respiratory apparatus may include a second controller disposed at or near the patient end of the delivery conduit. The respiratory apparatus may include a set of wires along the delivery conduit connecting the first controller and the second controller. The set of wires may include three wires. The three wires are for both heating the delivery conduit and data communication between the first controller and the second controller. One or both of the first controller and the second controller may be configured to alternately interleave communication and heating operations over the set of wires.

[0032] In some versions, the set of wires may include a first wire, a second wire, and a ground wire. The first wire and the ground wire may enable data communication between the first controller and the second controller. The second wire and the ground wire may provide heat for the delivery conduit using power from a power source of the respiratory treatment device. The respiratory apparatus may include a first switch controlled by the first controller and located on the respiratory treatment device, and a second switch controlled by the second controller and located on the delivery conduit. Closing the first switch and the second switch may control the heating operation. Closing the first switch and opening the second switch may enable control of the communication operation. The communication operation may include transmitting measurements from one or more sensors in the delivery conduit. In some cases, the one or more sensors may be configured to measure at least one of airflow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity in the delivery conduit field. The communication operation may include transmitting an identification of an accessory coupled to the delivery conduit.

[0033] In some versions, the respiratory apparatus may include a cuff and a sheath attached to the patient end of the delivery conduit. The second controller may be disposed on the cuff and covered by the sheath.

[0034] Some versions of the present technology may include a method of controlling a respiratory apparatus. The respiratory apparatus may include a respiratory treatment device that generates a flow of breathable gas, a delivery conduit that conducts the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface, and a set of wires that connect a first controller to a second controller. The set of wires extends along the delivery conduit and separates the first controller and the second controller. The control method may include receiving data at the first controller over the set of wires in a communication operation. The control method may include transmitting data from the second controller over the set of wires in the communication operation. The control method may include heating the set of wires by one or both of the first controller and the second controller in a heating operation to heat the flow of breathable gas through the delivery conduit. The control method may include interleaving the heating operation and the communication operation.

[0035] In some versions, the communicated operational data is indicative of one or more of the flow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity of breathable gas flowing through the delivery conduit. The heating operation may be controlled by a pulse width modulated signal.

[0036] Some versions of the present technology may include a method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly. The delivery conduit assembly may be for conducting a flow of breathable gas from a respiratory treatment device to a patient interface. The delivery conduit may have a cuff connector end. The method may include wrapping and affixing a flexible printed circuit board around an outer surface of the cuff connector end to bend a surface of the flexible printed circuit board into a cylindrical form. The cuff connector end may include a cylindrical gas passage and may have open first and second ends. The method may include attaching an end of a tube to the cuff connector end. The method may include covering the printed circuit board and at least a portion of the cuff connector end with a sheath.

[0037] In some versions, the method may include inserting an extension strip of a flexible printed circuit board into an aperture through the cuff connector end and inserting a sensor mounted on the extension strip into the cylindrical gas passage of the cuff connector end. The method may include capping the ends of the sensor and extension strip with a cap prior to the inserting. The method may include affixing one or more wires of a set of wires of the tubing to terminals on the flexible printed circuit board. The method may include coiling a wire antenna around a communication path at the cuff connector end and affixing wire ends of the wire antenna to terminals on the printed circuit board. The method may include removably coupling the cuff connector end to a patient interface. The method may include removably attaching an end of the tubing to a respiratory treatment device generator using a coupler.

[0038] Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology, and various sub-aspects and / or aspects may be combined in various ways to form further aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0039] 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]

[0040] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals include like elements as follows:

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary respiratory treatment system for respiratory treatment of a patient's airway. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one form of respiratory treatment system shown in FIG. 1 in use by a patient. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a respiratory treatment system including a heating component and a signal transmission component in a delivery conduit having a heated tube, according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a respiratory treatment system including heating and signal transmission components in a delivery conduit as an unheated tubing version according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a respiratory treatment system including heating and signaling components in a delivery conduit with a heated tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10B is another circuit diagram for an example of the present technology including an NTC thermistor in a cuff. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates an exemplary control scheme for the system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is another block diagram of a system having heating and signaling components sharing a common ground wire of a delivery conduit as a heated tubing version in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates an exemplary control scheme for the system shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is another block diagram of a system showing heating and signaling components sharing a common ground wire of a delivery conduit as a heated tubing version in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 10A]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary printed circuit board used in any of the above examples. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary printed circuit board used in any of the above examples. [Figure 11] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary assembly of a delivery conduit for a respiratory treatment system, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of an exemplary modular assembly for a delivery conduit of a respiratory treatment system in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 13A] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13C] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13E] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. [Figure 13F] 13A-13C show sections of the delivery conduit modular assembly of FIG. 12 in various stages of assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Detailed Description An example of the present technology may be discussed in relation to a respiratory treatment system 100 that includes some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1 . Implementation of such components may also be discussed with reference to the illustration of FIG. 2 . For example, respiratory treatment system 100 may include a respiratory treatment device 102. Respiratory treatment device 102 typically includes a flow generator, such as a servo-controlled blower 104. Blower 104 typically includes an air inlet and an impeller driven by a motor (not shown). Optionally, oxygen may be introduced upstream or downstream from the blower to mix with or supplement the breathable gas delivered from the impeller to the user's airway. Additionally, an air filter 103, such as a HEPA filter, may be provided to remove dust or other allergens from the air drawn into the air inlet. The blower may optionally be configured to generate different flows or different pressures associated with the patient's breathing cycle depending on the type of therapy (e.g., CPAP, bilevel, APAP, etc. (e.g., pressures within an exemplary range of 4-40 cmH2O (e.g., 4-15 cmH2O or 4-25 cmH2O))), and may be further adjusted based on the respiratory condition (e.g., apnea, hypopnea, obstruction, etc.) detected by the device.

[0043] The respiratory treatment device 102 may be configured to connect to a breathable gas delivery conduit 106 and a patient interface 108 to deliver a flow of air or breathable gas to the upper airway(s) of a device user or patient. In one example, the patient interface may be a nasal mask or an oral and nasal mask (an example is shown in FIG. 2 ) coupled to the delivery conduit. The delivery conduit 106 may include a pneumatic coupler at each end for coupling with a corresponding coupler on the patient interface 108 and respiratory treatment device 102, respectively (e.g., at the output of a blower or a blower volute or humidifier output).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the humidifier 110 is configured to humidify the air flow from the RPT device 102 as the air flow passes through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the humidifier 110 may be configured to encourage the air flow to travel a tortuous path through the reservoir 112 while the air flow contacts a volume of water in the reservoir 5110.

[0045] Thus, the respiratory treatment device 102 may include a humidifier 110. The humidifier 110 may include a humidifier reservoir 112 and a humidifier heater 111. The humidifier may be configured or controlled to heat and / or humidify breathable gas to a desired temperature and / or humidity. For example, the humidifier may be configured such that breathable gas passes through, or moves into proximity with, a fluid or vapor in the humidifier reservoir 112. The heater 111 may include one or more heating elements and / or heating plates that heat the fluid contained in the humidifier reservoir 112. In one embodiment, the heater may be based on a laminate film heater that may be adhesively attached to the base of a heater plate. The heater element may include a temperature sensor on the heater film. As a further option, the heater 111 may be in contact with the liquid in the humidifier reservoir, but an additional heater not in contact with the liquid in the reservoir may heat the breathable gas from the flow generator that travels through the humidifier. The humidifier may be removably coupled to the respiratory treatment device 102 as shown in Figure 2, or may be integrally constructed with the respiratory treatment device 102.

[0046] The respiratory treatment device may also include a controller 120 that controls any or all of the vapor components (e.g., the blower 104 and the heater 111). For example, the controller may include one or more processors (e.g., a programmable processor or an application-specific integrated chip) and may control the amount of power provided to the controlled components from the power source 114. The power source 114 may include a battery that is integrated with the respiratory treatment device 102 or is housed in a separate module electrically coupled to the respiratory treatment device 102. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 114 may include or be coupled to an AC / DC transformer (e.g., for receiving power from a mains power source). In some cases, the conduit may include its own power source, for example, by including a battery in the delivery conduit 106 (e.g., in its cuff).

[0047] Respiratory treatment system 100 may include one or more sensors. Controller 120 may be coupled to or receive signals from one or more sensors (e.g., a flow (also called a flow rate) sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a relative humidity sensor, etc.) to receive sensor data and determine operational control of respiratory treatment device 102 based on the received sensor data. In some examples, one or more sensors may be configured to sense conditions associated with one or more of blower 104 and humidifier 110 to provide data and / or signals regarding such conditions. For example, flow sensor 132 may be positioned at or near the blower inlet, within the blower, at the blower 104 outlet or blower volute, and temperature sensor 134 and humidity sensor 136 may be positioned at or near humidifier reservoir 112. The temperature and humidity sensors generate temperature or humidity signals for controlling or setting the temperature and / or humidity of the device.

[0048] Several sensors may be positioned to measure ambient conditions. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 142, 144, 145) may be positioned downstream of the delivery conduit 106 (e.g., at or near the patient interface 108). Such sensors in the delivery conduit may be, for example, one or more of a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor. For example, such sensors may be a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0049] Additional components for the respiratory treatment system 100 may be provided on or integrated into the delivery conduit 106, allowing components of the respiratory treatment device 102 or other parts of the system to complement and / or function with other components of the respiratory treatment device 102 or other parts of the system. These additional components may improve communication of information between the respiratory treatment device 102 (e.g., with its controller, humidifier 110, delivery conduit 106, and patient interface 108). The additional devices may also enable providing additional (or improved) functionality to the respiratory treatment system 100. For example, different sets of components (e.g., sensors) may be provided in different versions of the delivery conduit. These sets of components of the delivery conduit may then be used by the controller of the respiratory treatment device 102 when a different / new delivery conduit version is connected to the respiratory treatment device 102. For example, the controller may detect the connection of a new delivery conduit and change operation (e.g., therapy operation) depending on the capabilities of the accessory components of the newly connected delivery conduit. In this regard, the delivery conduit may be configured with components to enable electronic communication (e.g., wired or wireless) between the delivery conduit and the respiratory treatment device 102 (e.g., controller 120). Using a delivery conduit with control circuitry and sensors may allow for easy replacement and upgrade of components to maintain and upgrade the operation of the respiratory treatment device in which the components may be used.

[0050] For example, a wireless transceiver 152 (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or near field communication (NFC) reader) may be provided in or on the delivery conduit to assist in the relay of information between components of the respiratory treatment device 102. The transceiver may be provided, for example, proximal to the patient end or end of the proximal delivery conduit (e.g., closer to the end of the delivery conduit connected to the patient interface 108 than to the end connected to the blower 104) and configured to read data stored on a transmitter 160 or other identification circuit (e.g., an RFID tag or NFC tag on a device coupled to the delivery conduit). For example, when a patient interface 108 with such a transmitter or tag is activated or coupled to the delivery conduit, it may transmit that data to the transceiver on the delivery conduit. Such transmittable data may indicate one or more of the type, model number, date of manufacture, or any other relevant information about the connected device or patient interface 108, information related to the use of the connected device, and information related to the user. In some cases, alternatively or additionally, the wireless transceiver may perform such transmissions using other wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE).

[0051] The wireless transceiver 152 may also communicate information to a control processor (e.g., the controller 120 of the respiratory treatment device 102) or to a second controller 156 (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller) located toward or proximal (patient-end) of the respiratory treatment system (e.g., integrated with the delivery conduit 106 (described in more detail below)). Information communicated to the transceiver may include, for example, sensor data (e.g., from sensors 142, 144, or 145), sensor configuration / type, and / or tag data (e.g., from the tag or transmitter 160). In some cases, the second controller 156 may relay data obtained from the transceiver by sending the data to the controller 120 of the respiratory treatment device 102. The controller 120 can then use the relayed information to customize control actions (e.g., to meet specific preferences or requirements for the patient interface 108 or therapy control). Alternatively or additionally, the controller 120 may use the relayed information to determine the length of time the patient interface has been in use (e.g., based on when the patient interface was first detected by the transceiver, based on the total length of time the patient interface has been detected by the transceiver) and control operation (e.g., generate an alert related to the length of use accordingly). Similarly, the transceiver may also read and relay data stored on other accessories connected to the respiratory treatment device to further customize the operation of the device.

[0052] In some versions, the delivery conduit control circuitry may include a sensor configured to determine the presence or absence of an attachable accessory / component. For example, an inductive proximity sensor may be disposed in the cuff. In some such versions, the sensor may determine the presence of an accessory (e.g., a patient interface) with, for example, a metal (ferromagnetic) ring.

[0053] Information from the delivery conduit sensors (e.g., sensors 142, 144, 145) and / or transceiver 152 may be relayed to controller 120 via wired or wireless signaling or communication. For example, wired communication may be performed via a wired data bus 170 of a set of wires extending along the delivery conduit, which may include two or more wires extending the length of the delivery conduit from the respiratory treatment device 102 to the transceiver. Wireless communication may be performed with transceiver 152 and an optional second transceiver 122 integrated with or coupled to controller 120 within respiratory treatment device 102. Wireless communication from transceiver 152 may be performed via a direct wireless connection between the respiratory treatment device transceiver and the conduit transceiver, or may be performed via any number of intermediate communication links (e.g., via a remote control, smartphone, internet, etc.). Such communication may provide information to controller 120 for adjusting parameters and settings of treatment provided using controller 120, for example. For example, such information from the sensors may serve as input to any control loops executed by the controller 120 in conjunction with the respiratory treatment device (eg, pressure control, temperature control, flow control, humidity control, etc.).

[0054] In some cases, the delivery conduit may also include one or more heaters or heating element(s) (e.g., delivery tube heater 154). These components may be provided in or on the delivery conduit 106 (e.g., substantially along its gas path) to help maintain the temperature of the breathable gas after it travels from the humidifier or flow generator into the delivery conduit. In some versions, one or more heaters or heating element(s) may be isolated at the end (e.g., in the cuff of the delivery conduit). Thus, the delivery conduit may have one or more heating elements along the gas path and / or in the cuff of the delivery conduit. Keeping the delivery conduit warm may reduce or avoid condensation within the delivery conduit as the breathable gas travels across the delivery conduit to the patient. A second controller 156 may be operably coupled to sensors in the delivery conduit and may be responsible for processing information received from the sensors. The second controller 156 may further be operably coupled to an accessory device in the delivery conduit (eg, the heating element or delivery tube heater 154) to regulate the temperature of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit.

[0055] In some versions, the second controller 156 may receive a measurement signal from the humidity sensor 145 indicative of the amount of moisture accumulation in the delivery conduit. Based on the received measurement, the second controller 156 may communicate the received information to the controller 120. The controller 120 is disposed in the blower to provide information for control of the heating of the breathable gas flowing in the delivery conduit. Similar functions may be performed for other parameters of the breathable air passing through the delivery conduit (e.g., temperature, pressure, and / or flow from other sensors in the delivery conduit). In some versions, the second controller 156 may receive the sensed measurement(s) and control the heating of the breathable gas in response to the measurement, for example, by selectively activating / operating a heating element in the delivery conduit. In some such versions, either of the controllers may be operably coupled to a switch for controlling the opening (i.e., break) or closing (i.e., completion) of a heating circuit for the heating element in the delivery conduit.

[0056] The delivery conduit second controller 156 may also receive information (e.g., from a wireless transceiver) indicating whether a patient interface is connected or not to the delivery conduit to detect the connection of the patient interface. Such information may function as a control signal, for example, to allow or prohibit activation of one or more components of the delivery conduit and / or the respiratory treatment device 102. For example, in the absence of a detected patient interface, the second controller 156 may communicate information indicating the absence of a patient interface to the controller 120 of the respiratory treatment device 102. Either controller may control a heating element (e.g., a switch as described above to avoid heating of the delivery conduit, etc. (e.g., in a state where the patient interface is disconnected in an override sense)). Similarly, information regarding the detection of a connected patient interface may function as a control signal and be communicated to the controller 120 to allow activation of a heating element(s) (e.g., an element of the delivery conduit).

[0057] In some versions, the heater 154 may be implemented with a first subset of wires (e.g., two or more wires of a set of wires running along or embedded in the delivery conduit). The wires may be heating elements designed to heat or transfer heat to the moving breathable gas (by applying an electrical current to the wires). The heater 154 may be included in one or more of the tubing of the delivery conduit or a cuff attached to the end of the delivery conduit where the conduit connects to a patient interface. The cuff may function as a coupler for removably connecting the delivery conduit to a corresponding coupler on the patient interface during use.

[0058] Examples of delivery conduits for some versions of respiratory treatment systems are discussed in connection with the block diagrams of Figures 3 and 4. For example, in the diagram of Figure 3, respiratory treatment system 300 of Figure 3 shows a gas path (e.g., a tube or tubing) of conduit section 301 of the delivery conduit (from blower end 312 (distal end) to patient end 314 (proximal end)). A cuff 308 containing delivery conduit control circuitry 303 is provided at the patient end. The gas path of conduit section 301 is heated by heating wires 302 and 304, which may be provided in conduit section 301. Heating wires 302 and 304 may be helically provided around and along the gas path, e.g., on or around a tube. Heating wires 302 and 304 may be electrically and / or thermally insulated, for example, by methods and arrangements known in the art.

[0059] One of the heating wires 302 receives power from a power source at the blower end 312 of the conduit site 301, and the other wire 304 may be grounded at the blower end 312 of the conduit site 301, thereby completing a heating circuit. In the example of FIG. 3 , wires 302 and 304 may be configured to deliver power from a power source (e.g., a power source of a respiratory treatment device) to one or more components of a delivery conduit control circuit 303 at the patient end 314 of the conduit site 301. For example, at a certain point (e.g., an intermediate point in the heating circuit (e.g., at the patient end 314 of the conduit site 301)), wires 302 and 304 may be connected to a converter 325 (e.g., a DC-DC converter) that converts the incoming power signal to a level suitable for operation of the second controller 356 of the delivery conduit control circuit 303. Such a converter may also convert the power provided to power the delivery conduit sensors 344 and 346 and the transceiver 352. In some versions, the converter may convert the supplied 12 volt power signal to a 3 volt power signal. Other power signals / conversions may also be performed. As described in more detail in connection with FIG. 5, an optional switch 332 may be implemented in conjunction with the heating circuit for selective control of the supply of power through the heating circuit.

[0060] Conduit section 301 of respiratory treatment system 300 may also include a data bus having two or more additional data bus wires 371 and 372 for signal relay between components at blower end 312 (e.g., integrated sensors, transceiver, second controller) and components at patient end 314 (e.g., transceiver 352, second controller 356). In the example of FIG. 3, wire 371 carries signals to and from communication interface 380 (e.g., a serial RS232 interface or driver (which may also optionally be powered by a heating wire (not shown in FIG. 3)) that interfaces with second controller 356 by controller 120). Wire 372 serves as a ground wire, thereby completing the signal transmission circuit for communication with interface 380.

[0061] In the example of Figure 4, the delivery conduit circuit components are similar to those in the version of Figure 3. However, in Figure 4, a heating element 407 is added to the cuff 408 of the delivery conduit in the delivery conduit control circuit 403. Thus, in the exemplary respiratory treatment system 400 of Figure 4, breathable gas passing through the cuff can be heated by a heating element 407 (e.g., an inductive heater or other heat sink) located within the heated cuff 408 at the patient end of the conduit. The conduit section 401 also includes wires 402 and 404. Wires 402 and 404 carry power from a power source at the blower end 412 to the heating element(s) 407, but wires 402 and 404 themselves do not dissipate power along the length of the conduit section 401, depending on whether the conduit section includes a heating element.

[0062] 3, wire 402 may provide power to other components included in heated cuff 408, such as components of delivery conduit control circuitry 403 (e.g., transceiver 352, second controller 356, transducer 325, sensors 344 and 346, and / or communication interface 380). Also, similar to the design of respiratory treatment system 300 of FIG. 3, conduit site 401 may include data bus wires 471 and 472 for communicating signals between components on either end of the delivery conduit (e.g., controller 120 and second controller 356).

[0063] While wired power connections are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some versions, powering the delivery conduit control circuit(s) may be accomplished via wireless power transmission. For example, the delivery conduit assembly may include an inductive connector (e.g., at the patient end and / or flow generator end). In one arrangement, the tubing assembly may include a two-wire heating circuit. The circuit may include an end coupler section at the termination of the delivery conduit with a wireless power connector. The wireless power connector may then be connected to an accessory (e.g., a cuff having a delivery conduit control circuit as described in more detail herein), where the accessory includes a (complementary) connector section that receives wireless power from the delivery conduit's wireless power connector. Thus, the accessory or cuff may receive wireless power to power its own operation (e.g., sensing, accessory attachment detection and / or identification, wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth), for communication of data (e.g., with a respiratory treatment device), for example, from its own sensors or component detectors, etc.

[0064] For example, as described above in connection with the wiring of Figures 3 and 4, heating and signaling may be controlled by a controller 120 connected near the blower end of the delivery conduit. In this regard, Figure 5 further illustrates an exemplary control application for system 300 of Figure 3. This control application may be similarly applied to system 400 of Figure 4. In the diagram of Figure 5, the blower end 512 of the conduit may be coupled to respiratory treatment device 102. Respiratory treatment device 102 includes a switch 532 for controlling heating operation through conduit site 501. A controller 520 (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor unit) may be operatively coupled to switch 532 and implemented to control the timing of heating operation.

[0065] 5, an optional load capacitor 540 is coupled to the heating wires 502 and 504 so that it can maintain a charge even when switch 532 is open. Charging of the capacitor can be performed from wire 502 through diode 543. Diode 543 can be positioned so that current flows from wire 502 only in the forward direction of the converter and capacitor. Thus, when switch 532 is open, load capacitor 540 can continuously provide energy (e.g., charge) to DC-DC converter 525 in a direction other than the reverse direction relative to wires 502 and 504 (so that patient-end components (e.g., temperature sensor 544, humidity sensor 546, and RFID reader 552) can be continuously powered). In the illustrated version, optional switch 541 is under the control of controller 520 within the control circuitry of respiratory treatment device 102 and can be selectively controlled to do either of the following: (a) receive communications via a communication interface at controller 520 over wire 572; or (b) receive a sensor signal over wire 572 at controller 520. In this regard, an analog sensor signal proportional to a sensor (e.g., any of the provided sensors, such as a temperature and / or humidity sensor) reading / measurement can be provided on wire 572 from the cuff circuit for sampling by controller 520 in an analog-to-digital (ADC) input sampler(s). Alternatively, a data signal can be provided from the cuff circuit on wire 572 for receipt by a signaling interface of controller 520 (e.g., via an RS232 driver and a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter input of controller 520). According to one embodiment, switch 532 allows for connecting different types of cuff configurations, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A. FIG. 5A shows another exemplary arrangement of the present technology, including an NTC thermistor 590 in the cuff.

[0066] The operation of the circuit of FIG. 5 can be discussed with reference to the signaling graph of FIG. 6. The signaling graph of FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scheme for intermittent control of heating and signaling operations that can be performed by controller 520 (e.g., by selective operation of switch 532). For clarity, the vertical axis represents amplitude and the horizontal axis represents time. Curve 610 illustrates the voltage along heating wire 502 versus time. In effect, this illustrates the operation of switch 532, in which power is periodically provided to and cut off from heating wires 502 and 504. The operation of the first switch can be pulse-width modulation. In pulse-width modulation, controller 520 controls the duty cycle of the switch. Curve 620 illustrates the voltage provided to converter 525 versus time. Converter 525 is partially powered by load capacitor 540 during tube-off cycles. In this regard, the charge from the load capacitor 540 is maintained at a relatively constant level, allowing the converter 525 to maintain a constant output voltage (as shown in curve 630) sufficient for the continuous operation of the patient-end components (e.g., the second controller 554, etc.).

[0067] Curve 640 in Figure 6 shows an exemplary voltage versus time plot of signaling wire 572, which provides data transfer between controller 520 and secondary controller 554. In the example of Figure 6, data can be continuously transmitted from patient-end secondary controller 554 to blower-end controller 520. Thus, wire 572 in this version can be implemented for data communication only. However, in other examples described herein, additional switches can be provided to control when signaling operations occur.

[0068] An example in which it may be advantageous to control the timing of signaling operations is shown in FIG. 7. In this version, the heating and signaling operations may time-share a common wire (e.g., a ground or return wire). Thus, in some versions, fewer wires may be implemented. Alternatively, in the example of FIG. 7, three wires may be implemented for both signaling and heating operations of the conduit, thereby intermittently engaging one of the wires for completion of signaling and heating. In FIG. 7, an exemplary respiratory treatment system 700 includes a respiratory treatment device 702 (e.g., a flow generator with or without a humidifier) ​​that provides breathable gas to a patient (not shown) through a delivery conduit 706. The breathable gas is heated in the delivery conduit by a heating element on wire 707, for example, as described above. The patient end 714 of the delivery conduit 706 also includes a second controller 754. Communication between the second controller 754 and the controller 720 is via data bus wires 708, for example through a switch or multiplexer 721 at the blower end 712 of the delivery conduit 706. A common ground wire 709 is provided in the delivery conduit 706 to alternately complete the heating circuit of the heating wires 707 and the signaling circuit of the data bus wires 708. In this way, only one of the heating and signaling operations can be performed at a given time.

[0069] To control the heating and signaling operations in this version, a first switch 732 and a second switch 739 are provided in the respiratory treatment system 700, respectively. The first switch 732 is provided at the blower end 712 of the delivery conduit within the respiratory treatment device 702, and its activation is selectively controlled by the controller 720. The first switch 732 is similar in operation to the switch 532 of FIG. 5. The first switch 732 operably couples or decouples the wire 707 to the high or positive side of a power source (e.g., 24 volts). The second switch 739 is disposed within the delivery conduit (e.g., within the delivery conduit control circuit 703 of the cuff of the delivery conduit). The activation of the second switch 739 is selectively controlled by the second controller 754. The second switch 739 is operably controlled to couple and decouple the proximal end of the wire 707 to the ground wire 709. When so coupled, heating operation can occur due to completion of the heating circuit when wire 707 is energized. At this time, there is a lack of power to transducer 725, which temporarily denies power to the transducer. When the proximal end of wire 707 and ground wire 709 are decoupled by second switch 739, the heating circuit is broken, and in this state, the transducer can be powered by the power source when wire 707 is energized. In this latter state, the signaling circuit of wires 708 and 709 can be completed for signaling by signaling operation of microcontroller 720.

[0070] Thus, one or both of the controllers 720 and 754 can be configured to interleave heating and signaling operations, for example, alternating between them, such that heating control operations and data communication control operations are alternated to avoid simultaneous operations. Figure 8 shows an exemplary signaling control scheme 800 for such interleaving using the components of Figure 7. The operation of a first switch S1 (e.g., first switch 732 of Figure 7) and a second switch S2 (e.g., second switch 739 of Figure 7) are shown in the figure.

[0071] The interleaving operation may be periodic, but may be considered to begin with a blanking window 802. During the blanking window, the controller 720 controls the operation of a first switch to close, enabling power to be applied to the heating wire 707. During this blanking window 802, the second controller controls the operation of a second switch to open (so as not to complete the heating circuit). During this blanking window, power supplied via the heating wire 707 is applied to the transducer 725, which powers the patient-end sensor and the second controller 754. Furthermore, during this blanking window, the wire 709 is available to complete the signaling circuit, allowing signaling to occur between the patient-end and blower-end sensors and the controller. Thus, the blanking window, allowing signaling, may continue for a predetermined period of time and may be repeated periodically.

[0072] After the blanking window, a heating window 804 may begin. During the heating window, the controller 720 continuously controls the first switch to apply power to wire 707. During the heating window, the second controller 754 also controls the second switch 739 to activate a heating operation, such as decoupling wires 708 and 709 at the second switch 739. In this regard, the second controller 754 may control a desired period for heating by controlling the second switch. For example, when the second switch is closed / on (heating occurs) and when the second switch is open / off (heating is stopped). The longer the second switch is maintained in the closed position, the longer the heating circuit is completed and the more heat is transferred to the breathable gas in the delivery conduit. In other words, when both switch S1 and switch S2 are on, a heating operation occurs. When switch S1 is on and switch S2 is off, information signaling may occur. The controller may operate these switches with a variety of signaling schemes (eg, using pulse width modulation to allow for interleaving of heating and signaling operations).

[0073] For example, the controller 720 may generate a pulse-width modulated signal for control of a first switch to activate heating and signaling cycles. In some cases, the second controller 754 may generate a pulse-width modulated signal for control of a second switch to interleave heating and signaling cycles. Such signals may be repeated continuously. Thus, the interleaving operation may be performed by the second controller at a predetermined fixed frequency. However, in some cases, the interleaving may be performed more dynamically, for example, in relation to conditions detected by the second controller 754 (e.g., in relation to measurements made by one or more of the sensors of the delivery conduit control circuitry and / or decisions made by its transceiver).

[0074] A level detector 772 is used to obtain the state of switch S1 in respiratory treatment device 702. In the exemplary arrangement shown in Figure 7, the level detector allows for synchronization of S2 and S1. It should also be noted that DC / DC converter 725 can be understood as an implementation of diode 543 and capacitor 540 shown in Figure 6 provided in converter 725.

[0075] Another exemplary respiratory treatment system 900 may be considered in connection with FIG. 9 . This example includes components similar to those of the version of FIG. 7 . In this example, the delivery conduit site 901 may optionally omit a heating element. Furthermore, in this version, a heating element may be disposed along with the delivery conduit control circuit 903. The delivery conduit control circuit 903 is disposed within a heated cuff 905 at the patient end of the delivery conduit 906. Thus, breathable gas traversing the delivery conduit may be heated by a heating element 911 (e.g., a radiator) disposed within the heated cuff 905 at the patient end of the delivery conduit 906. As in FIG. 7 , the system includes a controller 920 in the respiratory treatment device 902 and a second controller 954 provided in the cuff 905. These devices may control operations such that heating and signaling operations are interleaved through the conduit site 901 relative to the heating wire 907, the signaling wire 908, and the common wire 909 (ground). An interleaving scheme the same as or similar to that described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 may be used in the system 900 of FIG.

[0076] The exemplary system described above includes several patient-end components of the delivery conduit 106 (e.g., delivery conduit control circuitry). These patient-end components may be formed by separate circuit elements. However, in some versions, the circuit elements may be integrated into a single module (e.g., a printed circuit board). An example of such an integrated circuit board may be considered in connection with the illustration of FIG. 10. In this regard, FIGS. 10A and 10B show opposing surface sides of an exemplary circuit board 1000. The opposing surface sides may be adapted to be flexible so that they can conform to the shape of the exterior surface of the delivery conduit, including the air passage therein. For example, the circuit board 1000 may be configured to bend or curve around a substantially cylindrical (e.g., roughly cylindrical, roughly oval, etc.) delivery conduit. Thus, such a circuit board may be made of a flexible material. Its length may be configured to allow the board to wrap or bend around all or most of the circumference or perimeter of the delivery conduit. In some cases, the circuit layout of the board and its materials allow it to flex along its length axis L and remain rigid along its width axis W. Such a design allows it to fit into a smaller housing while still protecting the board's electrical components.

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

[0078] The circuit board may include a body portion 1001 with a first surface MS on which all or some of the above components are integrated. A pair of mounting tabs 1005 and 1006 may extend across the body portion in the length direction L. Each mounting tab may extend across a majority of the width direction L of the body portion. The circuit board may include an extension strip 1009 on which at least one of the sensors may be mounted. The extension strip 1009 may extend in the length direction L and may further extend to an adjacent mounting tab. The extension strip 1009 may be adapted to extend into an air path defined by a delivery conduit through which breathable gas flows. Thus, the sensor(s) 1016 mounted on the extension strip may be exposed to or positioned near (e.g., separated only by a protective housing) the flow of breathable gas and sense its characteristics (e.g., temperature or relative humidity) from within the gas passage of the delivery conduit. An extension strip 1009 may be disposed on the edge of the circuit board and may be laterally adjacent to the mounting tab.

[0079] The circuit board may also include terminals 1020 to which heating wires, signal transmission wires, and ground wires extending along the delivery conduit may be coupled or attached (e.g., soldered). In one example, the terminals may connect to a data bus port for communicating information between the integrated components of the circuit board and the controller 120 of the respiratory treatment device 102. These terminals may further connect to power lines that receive power for charging the components of the circuit board. The circuit board may also include terminals 1023 for attachment to an antenna (e.g., an RFID antenna). The terminals 1023 may be configured to connect to a transceiver (e.g., an RFID or NFC transceiver (e.g., transceiver 152 described in connection with FIG. 1 )). For example, an RFID coil may be attached to the terminals 1023.

[0080] The circuit board may also include holes or grooves to facilitate securing or fastening the board to the delivery conduit housing when wrapped around a portion of the delivery conduit. For example, such holes may include post structures on the cuff housing of the delivery conduit. In the example of Figures 10A and 10B, tabs 1005 and 1006 include respective holes 1011 and 1012. The main body portion of the circuit may include additional holes 1013 and 1014. These holes 1013 and 1014 may be longitudinally aligned with holes 1011 and 1012.

[0081] 10A and 10B, the outer shape of the body portion of the circuit board is substantially rectangular. However, in other examples, the surface of the body portion may have a different shape. For example, the middle portion of the surface of the body portion may be tapered so that it is narrower than the remainder / ends of the surface of the body portion. Thus, the surface of the circuit board may be hourglass-shaped.

[0082] FIG. 11 shows a portion of one example of such an hourglass-shaped flexible circuit board in conjunction with an exploded view of the components of a delivery conduit assembly. The flexible circuit board 1105 also includes an extension strip 1109. The extension strip 1109 includes a sensor (e.g., a relative humidity and temperature (RHT) sensor 1111) and is configured to be bent and positioned within the path of the breathable gas. For example, the extension strip 1109 may be configured to be bent approximately 90 degrees for insertion into the air passage of the cuff. In this example, the delivery conduit assembly 1100 includes the circuit board 1105. The circuit board 1105 may be wrapped around the delivery conduit at or near the patient end of the delivery conduit. In the example of FIG. 11, the delivery conduit assembly 1100 includes a hollow cylindrical cuff 1140 that may function as a dongle. The cuff 1140 may have one or more structural attachment features (e.g., tabs, protrusions, slots, etc.) (e.g., apertures 1142 through which the extension strips 1109 of the circuit board are received on its outer surface). The attachment features of the cuff may be adapted to align with and face complementary attachment features of the circuit board (e.g., to extend through holes disposed on the circuit board so that the circuit board is affixed to the cuff). The cuff 1140 may be integrally connected to the tube segment 1106 of the delivery conduit, for example, by overmolding, or may be configured to be removably coupled to the tube segment 1106. In one example, the cuff 1140 may include features on its inner surface adapted to receive the tube segment 1106 (e.g., having a complementary shape and size to the tube segment).

[0083] The cuff shown in the example of Figure 11 includes (e.g., is adapted to enclose) a heating element or evaporator 1160 (particularly an evaporator), for example, when the cuff functions as a heated cuff for the delivery conduit. The diameter of the evaporator 1160 (shown as heating element 911 in Figure 9) is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cuff, so that any breathable gas flowing through the cuff from the central flexible hose portion of the delivery conduit 1106 to the patient interface can be heated by the evaporator. In one example, a humidification system, such as that described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / AU2017 / 050912, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be suitable for use with the evaporator 1160 shown in Figure 11.

[0084] In one example, the printed circuit board 1105 may include a set of terminations 1122 for connection to the delivery conduit wires 1004 (e.g., wires 707, 708, and 709 in FIG. 7 ) and a set of terminations 1124 for connection to the vaporizer leads (e.g., high and low) for powering the vaporizer. Another set of terminations 1126 is provided for connection to the RFID coil. As shown in FIG. 11 , the heating / signaling / ground wires of the delivery conduit set of wires are wrapped or molded (e.g., into a spiral rib) around the circumference of the tubing section. In the example of FIG. 11 , the outer diameter of the cuff is approximately in the range of 25 to 35 millimeters (e.g., about 30 millimeters). In some versions, the outer diameter of the cuff may be in the range of about 22 mm to about 25 mm. In other versions, such as dongle designs, an outer diameter of 30 mm has been found to be suitable. Additionally, in the case of a dongle design, an elongated flexible bridge section 1130 may be implemented to allow for different dongle diameters.

[0085] The cuff can thereby function as a coupler for removably connecting the delivery conduit to the patient interface. In some versions, the inner surface of the cuff can define a tubular space through which air flows from the delivery conduit to the patient interface. The outer surface can also be substantially concentric with the inner surface. The cuff can further include a hollow space therebetween, with the printed circuit board (and components mounted thereon) disposed within this hollow space. For example, the cuff can include an outer casing or sheath portion that is molded to form a protective layer (e.g., form a water-resistant seal) over the circuit board to which the cuff is attached, thereby protecting the circuit board (e.g., from human contact or accidental damage) during use. In some such versions, the sheath or outer casing can be a TPE or silicone overmold. The sheath can protect the electrical components of the cuff, but can also function to seal the cuff to eliminate any potential air / gas leakage from within the cuff (e.g., if the cuff contains apertures, slots or other channels to allow for wiring or attachment of circuit boards). The outer sheath section can also provide a convenient high-friction gripping surface for the user.

[0086] In some versions, the cuff may be configured with additional components. For example, the cuff may include a heat and / or moisture exchanger and / or a vent. For example, any of the exchangers described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0305431 may be provided in the cuff. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0283831 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0069428 may be provided in the cuff. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0069428 may be provided in the cuff.

[0087] Another version of an exemplary delivery conduit 106 is shown in FIG. 12 , which is an exploded view of a portion of the conduit along with some of its components. In this version, the delivery conduit includes a hollow tube section 1206. The hollow tube section 1206 has one or more wires 1204 (e.g., wires 707, 708, and 709 in FIG. 7 or wires 302, 304, 371, and 372 in FIG. 3 ) wrapped helically or serpentinely around its circumference. Wires in this configuration, when used in connection with a delivery conduit, may be considered ribs. The assembly also includes a delivery conduit connector end 1210 (or the end of a cuff) adapted to be secured to the end of the hollow tube. The assembly also includes a printed circuit board 1205 (e.g., any of the delivery conduit control circuits described above). In this version, the assembly is adapted to be flexibly wrapped around the outer surface of the delivery conduit connector end 1210 and affixed to the delivery conduit connector end 1210. In this version, the assembly also includes a sensor case 1230. The sensor case protectively covers the sensor. In this regard, the sensor case may cover a printed circuit board sensor that extends through an opening in the delivery conduit connector within the gas passage / path of the delivery conduit connector. Such a sensor may be a sensor on an extension strip 1009 shown in FIG. 10A. Thus, the sensor case 1230 may be disposed within the gas passage of the cuff. The assembly of FIG. 12 also includes a sheath or outer casing 1240, such as an overmold, for housing all or a portion of the above-described assembly components associated with the cuff. In some forms, the outer casing 1240 may include multiple molded components assembled together to house all or a portion of the above-described assembly components associated with the cuff. Advantageously, the use of a flexible circuit board allows the electronic components to be compactly packaged around the delivery conduit 1206 and the flexible circuit board can be easily wrapped by an operator (or an automated process), thereby simplifying the manufacturing process as well as reducing the size of the delivery conduit 1206.

[0088] Assembly of the delivery conduit of Figure 12 may be considered in conjunction with Figures 13A-13F, which show one example of features and steps for integrating components. While these steps are shown in a particular order for purposes of explanation, it is understood that some steps may be omitted, additional steps may be added, and certain steps may be performed simultaneously or in a different order.

[0089] In Figure 13A, hollow tube section 1206 is inserted into delivery conduit connector end 1210. The hollow tube is configured so that ribs 1207 containing wires 1204 can be inserted into slots 1301 in the delivery conduit connector end. For example, each slot can hold one wire. For example, four slots can be provided in the connector end or cuff. These alignment slots position the wires so that their ends can be easily connected to terminals on a circuit board when it is added.

[0090] In Figure 13B, a printed circuit board 1205 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the delivery conduit connector end 1210. Wires 1204 may be soldered / welded to appropriate circuit board terminals (e.g., terminals 1122 in Figure 11 or terminals 1020 in Figure 10A). An antenna (not shown) (e.g., an RFID coil) may also be connected / welded / soldered to the transceiver module of the circuit board. This antenna may be wrapped around the outer periphery of the delivery conduit connector end within antenna slot 1305 between the delivery conduit connector end 1210 and the printed circuit board.

[0091] FIG. 13C shows the printed circuit board and delivery conduit connector end from an opposite side view compared to FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13C, slots 1011 and 1012 (see also FIG. 13D) in the printed circuit board are shown clipping over protrusions 1321 and 1322 on the delivery conduit connector end 1210. Thus, the board can be wrapped or rotated around the delivery conduit connector end to engage the slots and protrusions to secure the board to the cuff. In some versions, during placement, extension strip 1009 (shown in FIG. 13B) on the circuit board is first inserted into the sensor aperture in the delivery conduit connector end, and then the board is flexibly wrapped around the cuff / delivery conduit connector end. Such wrapping causes the extension strip to bend. The sensor aperture allows extension strip 1009 and its sensor to extend through the connector end and into the gas passageway of the delivery conduit connector end.

[0092] The insertion of such flexible extension strip sensors can be seen in relation to Figures 13D and 13E. Figure 13D shows the insertion of a sensor case 1230 over the sensor(s) of the extension strip 1009 of the circuit board 1205 so as to cover the sensor(s) on the printed circuit board. The sensor(s) and case are then inserted through a sensor aperture in the delivery conduit connector end and positioned within the conduit so that the sensor measures one or more properties of the breathable gas (e.g., the temperature or humidity of the gas). In Figure 13E, the covered sensor and its case 1230 can be seen protruding through a sensor aperture 1350 in the delivery conduit connector end 1210. As shown, the sensor case 1230 includes a base portion 1331. The base portion 1331 corresponds to the contours of the sensor aperture and the inner gas passage surface of the connector end to better seal the sensor aperture to the contours of the gas passage surface upon insertion into the aperture. The base also allows for proper orientation of the sensor case within the connector end. In this regard, the sensor case also extends the sensor into the gas passage at the sensor end 1333 of the sensor case. In this version, the sensor end 1333 of the sensor case has an aerodynamic profile to minimize gas flow resistance due to air flow through the gas passage at the delivery conduit connector end as air moves around the sensor end. For example, the sensor end 1333 of the case may have an elliptical profile, as shown in the cross-sectional top view 1335 (also shown in FIG. 13E) of the cuff and the sensor case within the air flow path / passage of the cuff.

[0093] 13F illustrates application of an outer casing 1240. Such a casing or sheath component may be slidably engaged over the hollow tubing section 1206 until it contacts the seat end 1337 of the delivery conduit connector end 1210. The casing 1240 may then be affixed to the delivery conduit connector end 1210, for example, with an ultrasonic welder or other affixing method. The casing may thus seal the electrical components of the delivery conduit connector end internally and may seal the delivery conduit end to prevent air leakage from the passageway within the cuff.

[0094] In one example, the delivery conduit shown in FIG. 13F may include a wireless transceiver as described elsewhere herein and may be configured to communicate with a patient interface. The wireless transceiver may be an NFC reader and may be configured to communicate with an NFC tag located on the patient interface (e.g., when the patient interface is connected to or located proximate to the delivery conduit). The patient interface may include a connector configured to be inserted into the cuff of the delivery conduit. The connector includes an NFC tag. In use, the delivery conduit may generate a signal to the controller 120 indicating some or all of the information obtained from the NFC tag (e.g., the type or age of the patient interface).

[0095] In the above description and the accompanying drawings, specific terms, formulas, and symbols in the drawings are intended to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. In some cases, the terms and symbols may indicate specific details that are not necessary for the practice of the present technology. Although the technology herein has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. Thus, it should be understood that numerous modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments and that other arrangements can be envisioned without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In order to maintain the disclosure of the present application as originally filed, the contents of claims 1 to 47 as originally filed are added below. (Claim 1) 1. A respiratory apparatus for coupling to a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient and a respiratory treatment device for generating the flow of breathable gas, comprising: a delivery conduit having a gas passageway configured to conduct the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to the patient interface, the delivery conduit having a respiratory treatment device coupler end and a patient interface coupler end, a length of the delivery conduit extending from the respiratory treatment device coupler end to the patient interface coupler end; a wireless transceiver mounted on the delivery conduit at a point along the length of the delivery conduit closer to the patient interface coupler end than to the respiratory treatment device coupler end; 10. A breathing apparatus comprising: (Claim 2) 10. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to detect an accessory identifier transmitted from an accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end. (Claim 3) 3. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to read one of a radio frequency identification tag and a near field communication identification tag from an accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end. (Claim 4) 4. The respiratory apparatus of claim 2, wherein the accessory is a patient interface for delivering the flow of breathable gas from the delivery conduit to the patient. (Claim 5) 5. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is coupled to a controller and configured to relay data to the controller, including an identification of the accessory. (Claim 6) The respiratory apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the controller is located in the respiratory treatment device. (Claim 7) 6. The respiratory apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is located on a circuit board on the delivery conduit, and the wireless transceiver is configured to relay data including an identification of the accessory to the controller via a wired connection. (Claim 8) 7. The respiratory apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to relay data including an identification of the accessory to a controller of the respiratory treatment device. (Claim 9) two or more wires extending along the length of the delivery conduit; a first inductive connector adapted to connect to a power source via the two or more wires of the delivery conduit; a second inductive connector connected to a circuit component of the controller to conduct power to the circuit component of the controller, the circuit component of the controller being configured within a cuff adapted to connect to a terminal end of the delivery conduit, the first inductive connector being configured to inductively transfer power to the second inductive connector; 9. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: (Claim 10) 10. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one controller is configured to determine a duration of use of an accessory attached to the patient interface coupler end. (Claim 11) 11. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a respiratory treatment device. (Claim 12) 12. The respiratory apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller in the respiratory treatment device is configured to operate a first switch to power a controller in the patient interface coupler end, and the controller in the patient interface coupler end is configured to operate a second switch to intermittently control heating of the breathable gas flowing in the delivery conduit and data communication between the controllers. (Claim 13) 13. The respiratory apparatus of claim 12, wherein the respiratory treatment device includes a humidifier and a flow generator. (Claim 14) 1. A respiratory apparatus control device comprising: a breathable gas delivery conduit for a respiratory treatment device, the breathable gas delivery conduit adapted to connect to an outlet of an airflow generator of the respiratory treatment device and to a breathable gas inlet of a patient interface; a flexible printed circuit board having a surface bent around a portion of the breathable gas delivery conduit; a controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the controller configured to control determination of one or more parameters of the respiratory treatment device; A respiratory apparatus control device comprising: (Claim 15) 15. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 14, wherein the flexible printed circuit board further includes a communication interface adapted to connect to one or more wires of a data bus along the delivery conduit, and the controller configured to control the communication interface to transmit data signals on the data bus. (Claim 16) Further comprising a wireless transceiver attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the wireless transceiver comprising: a transceiver of the controller of the respiratory treatment device; an identification circuit for the patient interface; 16. The respiratory apparatus control device of any one of claims 14 to 15, configured to communicate with one or both of: (Claim 17) a parameter of the one or more parameters is a characteristic of breathable gas delivered from the respiratory treatment device through the delivery conduit; 17. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16. (Claim 18) a parameter of the one or more parameters is a characteristic of a patient interface coupled to a terminal end of the delivery conduit; 18. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 17. (Claim 19) the controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board is configured to communicate measurements of the properties of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit to a controller of the respiratory treatment device for closed-loop control of the properties of the breathable gas. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 18. (Claim 20) the controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board is configured to determine a measurement of a property of the breathable gas in the delivery conduit and to control the property of the breathable gas. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 18. (Claim 21) the controlled property of the breathable gas is temperature, and the controller is configured to operate a heater element in the delivery conduit. 21. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 20. (Claim 22) the controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board is configured to detect connection and disconnection of a patient interface to the delivery conduit and, based on the detection, generate a data signal to a controller of a respiratory treatment device to control operation of the respiratory treatment device. 22. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 21. (Claim 23) the flexible printed circuit board includes one or more sensors attached to the surface; 23. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 22. (Claim 24) the surface of the flexible printed circuit board includes an extension strip that is bent through an aperture in the portion of the delivery conduit into a gas passage of the delivery conduit to extend a sensor attached to the extension strip into the gas passage for sensing a property of gas in the gas passage of the delivery conduit. 23. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 22. (Claim 25) the one or more sensors are adapted to measure at least one or more of pressure, air flow, temperature, and relative humidity of air delivered through the delivery conduit; 24. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 23. (Claim 26) a portion of the delivery conduit including a cylindrical cuff of the delivery conduit adapted for releasable connection with a patient interface; 26. A breathing apparatus control device according to any one of claims 14 to 25. (Claim 27) the cylindrical cuff further includes a sheath for enclosing the flexible printed circuit board; 27. The respiratory apparatus control device of claim 26. (Claim 28) the cylindrical cuff includes a gas passage for the delivery conduit, the gas passage including a heater element controlled by the controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board; 28. A respiratory apparatus control device according to any one of claims 26 to 27. (Claim 29) 29. The respiratory apparatus control device of any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the controller attached to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board is configured to communicate data and heat the delivery conduit by intermittently switching between heating and data signal transmission operations through a set of wires, the set of wires extending along the delivery conduit and consisting of three wire conductors. (Claim 30) 1. A breathing apparatus comprising: a respiratory treatment device for generating a flow of breathable gas to a patient; a delivery conduit for conducting a flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface; a first controller disposed on the respiratory treatment device; a second controller located at or near the patient end of the delivery conduit; a set of wires along the delivery conduit connecting the first controller and the second controller, the set of wires including three wires for both heating the delivery conduit and data communication between the first controller and the second controller; comprising The respiratory apparatus, wherein one or both of the first controller and second controller are configured to alternately interleave communication and heating operations over the set of wires. (Claim 31) the set of wires includes a first wire, a second wire, and a ground wire, the first wire and ground wire enabling data communication between the first controller and the second controller, and the second wire and ground wire providing heat for the delivery conduit using power from a power source of the respiratory treatment device; 31. The respiratory apparatus of claim 30. (Claim 32) 32. The respiratory apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a first switch disposed on the respiratory treatment device and controlled by the first controller, and a second switch disposed on the delivery conduit and controlled by the second controller. (Claim 33) 33. The respiratory apparatus of claim 32, wherein heating operation is controlled when the first switch and the second switch are each closed. (Claim 34) 34. The breathing apparatus of claim 31, wherein when the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, control of communication operations is enabled. (Claim 35) 34. The respiratory apparatus of claim 33, wherein the communication operation includes transmitting measurements from one or more sensors in the delivery conduit. (Claim 36) 36. The respiratory apparatus of claim 35, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to measure at least one of air flow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity in the delivery conduit field. (Claim 37) 35. The respiratory apparatus of claim 34, wherein the communication operation includes transmitting an identification of an accessory coupled to the delivery conduit. (Claim 38) 38. The respiratory apparatus of any one of claims 30 to 37, further comprising a cuff and sheath attached to the patient end of the delivery conduit, the second controller being positioned on the cuff and covered by the sheath. (Claim 39) 1. A control method for a respiratory apparatus, the respiratory apparatus including a respiratory treatment device that generates a flow of breathable gas, a delivery conduit that conducts the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to a patient interface, and a set of wires that connect a first controller to a second controller, the set of wires extending along the delivery conduit and separating the first controller and the second controller, the control method comprising: receiving data at the first controller over the set of wires in a communication operation; transmitting the data from the second controller over the set of wires in the communication operation; heating the set of wires with one or both of the first and second controllers in a heating operation to heat a flow of breathable gas through the delivery conduit; interleaving the heating operation and the communicating operation; The control method comprises: (Claim 40) 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the data of the communication operation indicates one or more of the flow, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity of the breathable gas flowing within the delivery conduit. (Claim 41) 41. The control method according to claim 39, wherein the heating operation is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal. (Claim 42) 1. A method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly, the delivery conduit assembly conducting a flow of breathable gas from a respiratory treatment device to a patient interface, the delivery conduit having a cuff connector end, the method comprising: wrapping and attaching a flexible printed circuit board around an outer surface of the cuff connector end to bend a surface of the flexible printed circuit board into a cylindrical configuration, the cuff connector end including a cylindrical gas passage and having open first and second ends; attaching an end of a tube to the cuff connector end; covering the printed circuit board and at least a portion of the cuff connector end with a sheath; A method of constructing a delivery conduit assembly comprising: (Claim 43) 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising inserting an extension strip of the flexible printed circuit board through an aperture at the cuff connector end and inserting a sensor mounted on the extension strip into the cylindrical gas passage at the cuff connector end. (Claim 44) 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of capping ends of the sensor and the extension strip prior to the inserting step. (Claim 45) 46. ​​The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, further comprising the step of affixing one or more wires of a set of wires of a tube to a terminal on the flexible printed circuit board. (Claim 46) 46. ​​The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, further comprising the steps of: coiling a wire antenna around a communication path at the end of the cuff connector; and affixing a wire end of the wire antenna to a terminal on the printed circuit board. (Claim 47) releasably coupling the cuff connector end to a patient interface; removably attaching the end of the tube to a respiratory treatment device generator using a coupler; 47. The method of any one of claims 42 to 46, further comprising:

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus combining a respiratory treatment device for generating a flow of breathable gas and a patient interface for delivering the flow of breathable gas to a patient, comprising: a gas passageway configured to direct the generated flow of breathable gas from the respiratory treatment device to the patient interface; a delivery conduit having a respiratory treatment device coupler end and a patient interface coupler end, the delivery conduit having a length from the respiratory treatment device coupler end to the patient interface coupler end; a controller that adjusts parameters of the therapy provided by the respiratory treatment device and that is either (a) integral with the delivery conduit or (b) within the respiratory treatment device and connected to the respiratory treatment device; a wireless transceiver disposed along the length of the delivery conduit closer to the patient interface coupler end than to the respiratory treatment device coupler end, the wireless transceiver mounted (a) in a cuff attached to the delivery conduit or (b) on the delivery conduit, the wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly receive data stored on the patient interface and transmit the data to the controller when the patient interface is connected to the delivery conduit; An apparatus comprising:

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver detects a patient interface identifier or an accessory identifier transmitted from the patient interface or other accessory connected at the patient interface coupler end.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless transceiver reads one of a radio frequency identification tag and a near field communication identification tag from the patient interface connected at the patient interface coupler end.

4. 4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the wireless transceiver wirelessly receives data stored on the patient interface and transmits the data to the controller when the patient interface is connected to the delivery conduit.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is coupled to the controller integral with the delivery conduit and relays data to the controller including an identification of the patient interface.

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the controller integrated with the delivery conduit is located on a circuit board on the delivery conduit, and the wireless transceiver relays data including an identification of the patient interface to the controller via a wired connection.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller integrated with the delivery conduit relays data including an identification of the patient interface to a controller of the respiratory treatment device.

8. two or more wires extending along the length of the delivery conduit; a first inductive connector adapted to connect to a power source via the two or more wires of the delivery conduit; a second inductive connector connected to the circuit component of the controller to conduct power to the circuit component of the controller, the circuit component of the controller being configured within the cuff adapted to connect to the patient interface coupler end of the delivery conduit; and further comprising The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first inductive connector inductively transfers power to the second inductive connector.

9. 9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one controller determines a duration of use of the patient interface or cuff attached to the patient interface coupler end.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a respiratory treatment device.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a first controller in the respiratory treatment device operates a first switch to power a second controller in the patient interface coupler end, and the second controller in the patient interface coupler end operates a second switch to intermittently control heating of the breathable gas flowing in the delivery conduit and data communication between the first controller and the second controller.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the respiratory treatment device includes a humidifier and a flow generator.

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