NZ766847B2 - A respiratory pressure treatment system - Google Patents

Abstract

respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for pressurizing air and directing pressurized air to a patient for treatment of a respiratory disorder. The RPT device includes an RPT device inlet opening configured to receive air from externally of the RPT device and a pneumatic block (4020) including a blower (4142) configured to pressurize air and a pneumatic block housing having a first housing portion (4020h1) and a second housing portion (4020h2), the blower being positioned inside of the pneumatic block housing. A pneumatic block inlet tube (4020it) is integrally formed in one piece with the first housing portion. The pneumatic block inlet tube includes a pneumatic block inlet opening (4020in) configured to receive air to be pressurized by the blower during use. A flexible portion (4020ii) constructed from a flexible material pneumatically connects the RPT device inlet opening and the pneumatic block inlet opening. a blower (4142) configured to pressurize air and a pneumatic block housing having a first housing portion (4020h1) and a second housing portion (4020h2), the blower being positioned inside of the pneumatic block housing. A pneumatic block inlet tube (4020it) is integrally formed in one piece with the first housing portion. The pneumatic block inlet tube includes a pneumatic block inlet opening (4020in) configured to receive air to be pressurized by the blower during use. A flexible portion (4020ii) constructed from a flexible material pneumatically connects the RPT device inlet opening and the pneumatic block inlet opening.

Description

A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for pressurizing air and directing pressurized air to a patient for treatment of a respiratory disorder. The RPT device es an RPT device inlet opening configured to receive air from externally of the RPT device and a pneumatic block (4020) including a blower (4142) ured to pressurize air and a pneumatic block housing having a first housing portion (4020h1) and a second g portion (4020h2), the blower being positioned inside of the pneumatic block housing. A pneumatic block inlet tube (4020it) is integrally formed in one piece with the first housing portion. The pneumatic block inlet tube includes a pneumatic block inlet opening (4020in) configured to receive air to be pressurized by the blower during use.

A flexible portion (4020ii) constructed from a flexible al pneumatically connects the RPT device inlet opening and the pneumatic block inlet opening. 505821DIV4/99 TITLE A RESPIRATORY RE TREATMENT SYSTEM 1 REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from Australian ional Patent Applications 2013904923, filed 17 December 2013, AU 2014901998, filed 27 May 2014, AU 2014901999, filed 27 May 2014 and AU 2014901997, filed 27 May 2014, PCT Patent Application , filed 14 Mar 2014 and United States Provisional Patent Application US 61/987245, filed 01 May 2014, the entire contents of each of these applications being incorporated herein by reference. 2 BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY 2.1 FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of respiratory-related disorders. In particular, the t technology relates to medical devices or apparatus, and their use. 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 2.2.1 Human Respiratory System and its Disorders The atory system of the body tates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to the airways of a patient.

The airways include a series of branching tubes, which become narrower, r and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lung. The prime function of the lung is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from the air into the venous blood and carbon dioxide to move out. The trachea divides into right and left main bronchi, which further divide eventually into terminal bronchioles. The i make up the conducting airways, and do not take part in gas exchange. Further divisions of the airways lead to the respiratory bronchioles, and eventually to the alveoli. The alveolated region of the lung is where the gas exchange takes place, and is referred to as the respiratory zone. See "Respiratory Physiology", by John B. West, Lippincott ms & Wilkins, 9th edition published 2011. 505821DIV4/99 A range of respiratory disorders exist. Certain disorders may be characterised by particular events, e.g. apneas, hypopneas, and hyperpneas.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a form of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), is characterized by events including occlusion or obstruction of the upper air passage during sleep. It results from a combination of an abnormally small upper airway and the normal loss of muscle tone in the region of the tongue, soft palate and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. The condition causes the affected patient to stop breathing for periods typically of 30 to 120 s on, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. It often causes excessive daytime somnolence, and it may cause vascular disease and brain damage. The syndrome is a common disorder, particularly in middle aged overweight males, although a person affected may have no awareness of the problem. See US Patent 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of a patient's respiratory controller in which there are rhythmic alternating periods of waxing and waning ventilation known as CSR cycles.

CSR is characterised by repetitive de-oxygenation and re-oxygenation of the al blood. It is possible that CSR is harmful because of the repetitive hypoxia. In some patients CSR is ated with repetitive arousal from sleep, which causes severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic activity, and sed afterload. See US Patent 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

Obesity Hyperventilation Syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and awake chronic hypercapnia, in the absence of other known causes for hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary e (COPD) encompasses any of a group of lower airway diseases that have n teristics in common. These include increased resistance to air movement, extended expiratory phase of ation, and loss of the normal elasticity of the lung. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by c tobacco smoking (primary risk factor), occupational res, air pollution and genetic factors.

Symptoms e: dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough and sputum production. 505821DIV4/99 Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) is a broad term that encompasses many diseases and ts that impair the functioning of the muscles either directly via intrinsic muscle pathology, or indirectly via nerve ogy. Some NMD patients are characterised by progressive muscular impairment leading to loss of ambulation, being wheelchair-bound, swallowing ulties, atory muscle weakness and, eventually, death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular disorders can be divided into rapidly ssive and slowly progressive: (i) Rapidly progressive disorders: Characterised by muscle impairment that worsens over months and results in death within a few years (e.g. Amyotrophic lateral sis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in teenagers); (ii) le or slowly progressive disorders: terised by muscle impairment that worsens over years and only mildly reduces life ancy (e.g. Limb , capulohumeral and Myotonic muscular phy). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include: sing generalised weakness, dysphagia, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, fatigue, sleepiness, morning headache, and difficulties with concentration and mood changes.

Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities that result in inefficient coupling between the respiratory muscles and the thoracic cage. The disorders are usually characterised by a restrictive defect and share the potential of long term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis may cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include: dyspnea on exertion, peripheral oedema, orthopnea, repeated chest infections, morning headaches, fatigue, poor sleep quality and loss of appetite.

A range of therapies have been used to treat or ameliorate such conditions.

Furthermore, otherwise healthy individuals may take advantage of such therapies to prevent respiratory disorders from g. However, these have a number of shortcomings. 2.2.2 Therapy Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The hypothesis is that continuous positive airway re acts as a pneumatic splint and may prevent upper airway occlusion by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA by nasal CPAP therapy may be voluntary, and 505821DIV4/99 hence patients may elect not to comply with therapy if they find devices used to provide such therapy one or more of uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive or aesthetically unappealing.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to a patient through the upper airways to assist the patient in taking a full breath and assist to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by doing some or all of the work of ing. The ventilator y support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD and Chest Wall disorders.

Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to patients that are no longer able to effectively breathe themselves and may be provided using a tracheostomy tube. 2.2.3 Diagnosis and Treatment Systems These therapies may be provided by a treatment system or device. s and devices may also be used to diagnose a condition without treating it.

A treatment system may comprise a Respiratory Pressure Therapy Device (RPT ), an air circuit, a fier, a patient interface, and data ment. 2.2.3.1 Patient Interface A patient interface may be used to interface respiratory equipment to its user, for example by providing a flow of air. The flow of air may be provided via a mask to the nose, the mouth or the nose and the mouth, a tube to the mouth or a ostomy tube to the trachea of the user. Depending upon the therapy to be applied, the patient interface may form a seal, e.g. with a face region of the patient, to facilitate the delivery of gas at a re at sufficient variance with ambient pressure to effect therapy, e.g. a positive pressure of about 10cmH2O. For other forms of therapy, such as the ry of oxygen, the patient interface may not e a seal sufficient to facilitate delivery to the airways of a supply of gas at a positive pressure of about 10cmH2O.

The design of a t ace presents a number of challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of noses varies considerably between individuals. Since the head includes bone, cartilage and soft 505821DIV4/99 tissue, different regions of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The jaw or mandible may move relative to other bones of the skull. The whole head may move during the course of a period of respiratory therapy.

As a uence of these challenges, some masks suffer from being one or more of obtrusive, aesthetically undesirable, costly, poorly fitting, difficult to use, and uncomfortable ally when worn for long periods of time or when a patient is unfamiliar with a system. For example, masks designed solely for aviators, mask designed as part of personal protection equipment (e.g. filter masks), SCUBA masks, or for the administration of anaesthetics may be tolerable for their al application, but nevertheless be undesirably uncomfortable to be worn for extended s of time, e.g. several hours This discomfort may lead to a reduction in patient compliance with therapy. This is even more so if the mask is to be worn during sleep.

Nasal CPAP therapy is highly effective to treat certain respiratory disorders, provided patients comply with therapy. If a mask is uncomfortable, or ult to use a patient may not comply with therapy. Since it is often recommended that a t regularly wash their mask, if a mask is difficult to clean (e.g. difficult to assemble or disassemble), patients may not clean their mask and this may impact on patient compliance.

While a mask for other applications (e.g. aviators) may not be suitable for use in treating sleep disordered ing, a mask designed for use in treating sleep disordered ing may be suitable for other ations.

For these reasons, patient interfaces for ry of nasal CPAP during sleep form a distinct field. 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Device Air pressure generators are known in a range of applications, e.g. industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, air pressure generators for medical applications have particular requirements not fulfilled by more generalised air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size and weight requirements of medical devices. In addition, even devices designed for medical treatment may suffer from shortcomings, including one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, cy, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability. 505821DIV4/99 An e of the special requirements of certain RPT devices is acoustic noise.

Table of noise output levels of prior RPT devices (one specimen only, measured using test method specified in ISO3744 in CPAP mode at 10cmH2O).

RPT Device name A-weighted sound power Year (approx.) level dB(A) C-Series Tango 31.9 2007 C-Series Tango with Humidifier 33.1 2007 S8 Escape II 30.5 2005 S8 Escape II with H4i Humidifier 31.1 2005 S9 t 26.5 2010 S9 AutoSet with H5i Humidifier 28.6 2010 One known RPT device used for treating sleep disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System, manufactured by ResMed. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. ators such as the ResMed Stellar™ Series of Adult and Paediatric ators may provide support for invasive and non-invasive endent ventilation for a range of patients for treating a number of conditions such as but not limited to NMD, OHS and COPD.

The ResMed Elisée™ 150 ventilator and ResMed VS III™ ventilator may provide support for invasive and non-invasive dependent ation suitable for adult or paediatric patients for treating a number of conditions. These ventilators provide volumetric and barometric ventilation modes with a single or double limb circuit.

RPT devices typically comprise a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a compressed gas reservoir, and are ured to supply a flow of air to the airway of a patient. In some cases, the flow of air may be supplied to the airway of the patient at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is ted via an air circuit to a patient interface such as those described above. 2.2.3.3 fier Delivery of a flow of air without humidification may cause drying of airways. The use of a humidifier with an RPT device and the patient interface 505821DIV4/99 produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. In on in cooler climates, warm air applied generally to the face area in and about the patient ace is more comfortable than cold air. A range of artificial humidification devices and systems are known, however they may not fulfil the specialised requirements of a medical fier.

Medical fiers are used to increase humidity, temperature (or both) of the flow of air in relation to ambient air when required, typically where the patient may be asleep or resting (e.g. at a hospital). As a result, a medical humidifier is preferably small for bedside placement, and it is preferably configured to only humidify, heat or humidify and heat the flow of air delivered to the patient without humidifying, heating or humidifying and heating the patient’s surroundings. Roombased systems (e.g. a sauna, an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler), for example, may also fy air that is breathed in by the patient, however they would also humidify, heat or humidify and heat the entire room, which may cause fort to the occupants. Furthermore medical humidifiers may have more stringent safety aints than industrial humidifiers While a number of medical humidifiers are known, they can suffer from one or more omings. Some medical humidifiers may provide inadequate humidification, some are difficult or inconvenient to use by patients. 3 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY The present technology is directed towards providing medical devices used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of respiratory disorders having one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

A first aspect of the present technology relates to an tus for use in treating a respiratory er comprising a housing, a pressure generator within the g and configured to supply a flow of air, a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the flow of air to a patient interface for treating a atory disorder, and a ss data communication interface integrated with the housing, the wireless data communication interface configured to t to another device or a network. 505821DIV4/99 A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus n the wireless data communication interface is configured to connect to one or more of the Internet and a cellular telephone network.

A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the wireless data communication interface uses one or more of CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a consumer infrared ol. ing to a further aspect of the present technology, the wireless data ication ace comprises an antenna within the housing.

According to a further aspect of the present technology, the wireless data communication interface further comprises an antenna ground plane.

A r aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the antenna ground plane is vertically oriented.

A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the antenna ground plane comprises one or more notches.

A r aspect of the present technology s to an apparatus wherein the notches increase an ive total length of the ground plane.

A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus wherein the notches increase the effective total length by more than approximately 25%.

Of , portions of the aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology. Also, various ones of the sub-aspects, aspects or both may be combined in various manners and also constitute additional aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

Other features of the technology will be apparent from consideration of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, gs and claims. 505821DIV4/99 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The t technology is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements including: 4.1 TREATMENT SYSTEMS Fig. 1a shows a system including a t 1000 g a patient interface 3000, in the form of a nasal pillows, receives a supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. A bed partner 1100 is also shown.

Fig. 1b shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, in the form of a nasal mask, receives a supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000.

Fig. 1c shows a system including a patient 1000 g a patient interface 3000, in the form of a ace mask, receives a supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. 4.2 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND FACIAL ANATOMY Fig. 2a shows an overview of a human respiratory system including the nasal and oral cavities, the larynx, vocal folds, oesophagus, trachea, bronchus, lung, ar sacs, heart and diaphragm. 4.3 PATIENT INTERFACE Fig. 3a shows a patient ace in the form of a nasal mask in accordance with one form of the present technology. 4.4 BREATHING WAVEFORMS Fig. 4a shows a model typical breath waveform of a person while sleeping. 505821DIV4/99 4.5 RPT DEVICE AND HUMIDIFIER Fig.5a shows an exploded perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 comprising an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 5c shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000 comprising a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig.5d shows a schematic m of the pneumatic path of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. The directions of upstream and downstream are indicated.

Fig. 5e shows a schematic diagram of the electrical components of an RPT device in ance with one aspect of the present logy.

Fig. 6a shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing the inlet air filter cover 4014fc and the inlet air filter 4112 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 6b shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 including the RPT device inlet 4002 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 6c shows a ctive view of a side panel 4014 showing the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in an open position in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 6d shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing the access covers 4014ac in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 6e shows a perspective view of the access covers 4014ac in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 7a shows a side perspective view of an RPT device 4000 comprising an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 7b shows a side perspective view of an RPT device 4000 showing an outlet muffler 4124 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 7c shows a perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 7d shows another perspective view of an outlet r 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 7e shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 7f shows another ed perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 8a shows a perspective view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 8b shows a perspective view of a chassis 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 8c shows a side ctive view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 8d shows a side perspective view of a chassis 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 8e shows a rear perspective view of a s 4016 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 8f shows a rear perspective view of a chassis 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 8h shows a perspective view of the outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 8f shows an exploded perspective view of the outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 9a shows a front perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 10a shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 ing a data ication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 10b shows an exploded perspective view of a side panel 4014 ing a data ication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 11a shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11b shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11c shows an exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11d shows another exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11e shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2 in phantom.

Fig. 11f shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2 in phantom. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 11g shows an elevation view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross-section taken in Fig. 11h.

Fig. 11h shows a cross-section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology as indicated on Fig. 11g.

Fig. 11i shows an elevation view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, g the cross-section taken in Fig. 11j.

Fig. 11j shows a section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology as indicated on Fig. 11i.

Fig. 11k shows a perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11l shows r perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 11m shows a yet r elevation view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross-section taken in Fig. 11n.

Fig. 11n shows a cross-section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology as indicated on Fig. 11m.

Fig. 11o shows a detailed cross-section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present logy as ted on Fig. 11n.

Fig. 12a shows a front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 12b shows an exploded front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 12c shows a rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 12d shows an exploded rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 13a shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with the front panel 4012 hidden in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 13b shows another perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with the front panel 4012 hidden in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 14a shows a front perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 14b shows a rear perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15a shows a first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 15b shows another first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15c shows a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15d shows another first clinical menu screen 4295m2 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15e shows a selectable sub-menu list 4295o1 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15f shows a selectable sub-menu list 4295o2 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15g shows a report sub-menu list 4295r1 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15h shows a report sub-menu 4295r2 in accordance with one form of the t technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 15i shows a report sub-menu 4295r3 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15j shows a report sub-menu 4295r4 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15k shows a report sub-menu 4295a1 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15l shows a report sub-menu 4295a2 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15m shows a report sub-menu 4295a3 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15n shows a report sub-menu 4295a4 in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 15o shows a report sub-menu 4295a5 in accordance with one form of the present technology Fig. 15p shows a report sub-menu 4295a6 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15m shows a report sub-menu 4295a7 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15n shows a report sub-menu 4295a8 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15s shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s1 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 15t shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s2 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15u shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 15v shows a report sub-menu 4295b1 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15w shows a report sub-menu 4295b2 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15x shows a report sub-menu 4295b3 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 15y shows a report nu 4295b4 in accordance with one form of the present logy.

Fig. 16a shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in ance with one form of the present logy, showing an air circuit 4170 engaged with the RPT device 4000.

Fig. 16b shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing an air circuit 4170 in exploded view.

Fig. 16c shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 16d shows another perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 16e shows a perspective view of a water reservoir lid 5114 and an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 16f shows a perspective view of a water reservoir base 5112 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 16g shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 comprising an integrated humidifier 5000 and a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 16h shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 comprising an ated humidifier 5000 in accordance with one form of the t technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in exploded view.

Fig. 16i shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 comprising an integrated humidifier 5000 in ance with one form of the present technology, not showing the water reservoir 5110.

Fig. 16j shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in a closed uration.

Fig. 16k shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, g the water reservoir 5110 in an open configuration.

Fig. 16l shows a perspective view of an ediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 16m shows a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17a shows a perspective view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17b shows a perspective view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the heating element 5240 in exploded view.

Fig. 17c shows a bottom perspective view of a s 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17d shows a bottom perspective view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the heating element 5240 in exploded view.

Fig. 17e shows a rear perspective view of a chassis 4016 in ance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 17f shows a rear perspective view of a chassis 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the heating element 5240 in exploded view.

Fig. 17g shows a perspective view of a top of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17h shows a perspective view of a bottom a HE seal 5243 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17i shows a perspective view of a top of a HE base cover 5244 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 17j shows a perspective view of a bottom of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the t technology.

Fig. 18a shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18b shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18c shows a side perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18d shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18e shows a top perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18f shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004 and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18g shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004 and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 18h shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004 and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the air circuit 4170 in exploded view.

Fig. 18i shows another perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004 and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18j shows another exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004 and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18k shows a bottom ctive view of a n of an air circuit 4170 and a portion of an outlet tube 4006 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18l shows a bottom ctive view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18m shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector 5058 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18n shows a side view of a female electrical connector 5058 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18o shows a perspective view of an AC electrical tor 4170ec in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18p shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the swivelling disc 5050 at a first position.

Fig. 18q shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in ance with one form of the present technology, showing the swivelling disc 5050 at a second position. 505821DIV4/99 Fig. 18r shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the swivelling disc 5050 at a third position.

Fig. 18s shows a perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18t shows a bottom ctive view of a cable housing 5080 in ance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18u shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18v shows a top perspective view of a swivelling disc 5050 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18w shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 and a cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18x shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080, swivelling disc 5050 and a cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

Fig. 18y shows a bottom perspective view of a swivelling disc 5050 and a cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology.

ED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE TECHNOLOGY Before the t technology is described in further detail, it is to be tood that the technology is not limited to the particular examples described herein, which may vary. It is also to be understood that the ology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the particular examples discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting. .1 THERAPY In one form, the present technology comprises a method for treating a respiratory disorder comprising the step of ng positive pressure to the entrance of the airways of a patient 1000. 505821DIV4/99 In certain embodiments of the present technology, a supply of air at positive pressure is provided to the nasal passages of the patient via one or both nares.

In certain embodiments of the present technology, mouth breathing is limited, restricted or prevented. .2 TREATMENT SYSTEMS In one form, the present technology comprises an apparatus or device for treating a atory disorder. The apparatus or device may comprise an RPT device 4000 for supplying pressurised respiratory gas, such as air, to the patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 to a patient interface 3000. .3 PATIENT INTERFACE 3000 A non-invasive patient interface 3000 in ance with one aspect of the present logy comprises the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a vent 3400, a positioning and stabilising structure 3300 and one form of connection port 3600 for connection to air circuit 4170. The patient interface 3000 may optionally include a ad support structure 3700 that couples with the stabilising structure 3300. In some forms a functional aspect may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical ent may provide one or more functional aspects. In use the sealforming ure 3100 is arranged to nd an ce to the airways of the patient so as to tate the supply of air at positive pressure to the airways. .4 RPT DEVICE 4000 An exploded view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is shown in Fig. 5a. An RPT device 4000 may comprise mechanical and pneumatic ents, electrical components and be configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device may include one or more panel(s) such as a front panel 4012 and a side panel 40144014. The RPT device 4000 may also comprise an outlet muffler 4124 as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. The outlet muffler 4124 may be removable and replaced with a water reservoir 5110 (see Fig. 5c). In such forms, the RPT device 4000 may be considered to include an integrated humidifier 5000. Thus, the RPT device 4000 may be used with or without humidification depending upon whether the water reservoir 5110 or the outlet muffler 4124 505821DIV4/99 respectively is attached. ably the RPT device 4000 comprises a s 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. In one form the RPT device 4000 comprises a pressure generator 4140, which may be housed in a pneumatic block 4020 coupled to the chassis 4016.

The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 (e.g. shown in Fig. 5d) may comprise an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 capable of supplying air at positive pressure (preferably a blower 4142) and an outlet muffler 4124 (or a water reservoir 5110 if humidification is required). One or more transducers 4270, such as pressure sensors 4272 and flow sensors 4274 may be included in the pneumatic path. The pneumatic path may also include anti-spill back valve 4160 to prevent water from the humidifier 5000 spilling back to the ical components of the RPT device 4000.

The RPT device 4000 may se one or more electrical ents which may be mounted on a single Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) such as the main PCBA 4202. In an alternative form, the RPT device 4000 may include more than one PCBAs. .4.1 RPT device components An RPT device may se one or more of the following components in an integral unit. In an alternative form, one or more of the following components may be located as respective separate units. .4.1.1 Air filter(s) 4110 An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110. in one form the tic path may comprise an inlet air filter 4112 (e.g. upstream of a pressure generator 4140) and another air filter 4114 (e.g. downstream of the pressure generator 4140) .such as an cterial filter placed within the pneumatic path at a location between an outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and a patient interface 3000. See Fig. 5d. 505821DIV4/99 .4.1.2 Side panel 4014 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may se a side panel 4014 as shown in Figs. 6a-6c. The side panel 4014 may comprise one or more RPT device inlets 4002 configured to receive a flow of air into the RPT device 4000. As shown in Fig. 6a, the RPT device inlet 4002 may comprise a plurality of apertures configured to allow a flow of air therethrough.

The side panel 4014 (see Fig. 6a) may be configured to house the inlet air filter 4112, and comprise a side panel frame 4014f and an inlet air filter cover 4014fc ured to secure the inlet air filter 4112 relative to the side panel frame 4014f.

The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may be coupled, preferably removably coupled or pivotably coupled, (as shown in Figs. 6b-6c) to the side panel frame 4014f so as to allow replacement of the inlet air filter 4112. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may further se a filter cover handle (e.g. a ) 4014ch for the user to access to open and close the inlet air filter cover 4014fc, and a retaining feature (e.g. a latch, not shown) to secure the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in its closed configuration.

The side panel 4014 may comprise an air filter housing 4014h configured to locate the inlet air filter 4112 therein, for example as a part of the inlet air filter cover 4014fc as shown in Fig. 6c. The air filter housing 4014h ses a plurality of walls 4014w configured to locate the inlet air filter 4112, for example as the inlet air filter cover 4014fc is pivoted relative to the side panel frame 4014f.

The RPT device inlet 4002 may be ured with a plurality of apertures as shown in Figs. 6a-6c. The plurality of aperture may allow a flow of air therethrough in a direction parallel to an inlet of the pneumatic block 4020 as described in further detail below.

The side panel 4014 may further se one or more connection ports 4014cp (e.g. as shown in Fig. 6d) to allow access to removable storage media and accessories such as communication devices or USB ports. Accordingly, the side panel 4014 may comprise one or more access covers 4014ac (e.g. as shown in Fig. 6a, 6c and 6d) for protection of the connection ports 4014cp, from one or more of: ingress of water/dust/contaminants and accidental removal of the removable storage media or accessories. The access covers 4104ac may also be used for aesthetic purposes. 505821DIV4/99 The access cover 4014ac may comprise one or more access cover anchoring portions 4014an which may be used to couple the access cover 4014ac to the side panel frame 4014f (e.g. by insertion into a slot – not shown). The cover portions 4014co may t the connection ports 4014cp, for example by including one or more complementary recesses 4014re to receive any protruding portions of the connection ports 4014cp. The access cover 4014ac may further comprise one or more access cover hinge portions 4014hi. In some forms, the access cover hinge portion 4014hi may be integrally formed with the cover portions 4014co and the anchor portion 4014an of the access cover 4014ac for improved manufacturability and lower cost. .4.1.3 r(s) 4120 In one form of the present technology, an inlet r 4122 is located in the pneumatic path upstream of a pressure generator 4140. See Fig. 5d.

In one form of the t technology, an outlet r 4124 is located in the tic path n the pressure generator 4140 and a t interface 3000.

See Fig. 5d.

The outlet muffler 4124 may be a removable component of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figs. 7a-7b. The RPT device 4000 may comprise a corresponding dock 4130 (described in further detail below) configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 or a water reservoir 5110. Such an arrangement may allow a manufacture of the RPT device 4000 and the integrated humidifier 5000 to easily convert between a first configuration, in which no humidification is ed when the outlet muffler 4124 in located in the dock 4130, to a second configuration that enables humidification, where the water reservoir 5110 is located in the dock 4130 and vice versa. For instance, where humidification is desired, the outlet muffler 4124 may be removed using the muffler lever 4124le to allow the RPT device 4000 to receive a water reservoir 5110. In one form, insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 would allow humidification of the flow of air from the pneumatic block 4020 before ry to the patient 1000 as will be described in further detail below.

The outlet muffler 4124 may comprise an identification element, to allow a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidity controller 5250, to 505821DIV4/99 detect its presence (or absence), for example in the dock 4130. The dock 4130 may comprise a complementary detection t, to detect the presence (or absence) of the outlet muffler 4124. In one form, detection of the presence or e of the outlet muffler 4124 in the reservoir dock 5130 may cause the ller to m one more functions including: switch off/on the heating element 5240, adjust the power output of the heating element 5240, switch off/on a heating element in the air circuit 4170, adjust the power output of the heating element in the air circuit 4170, adjust the pressure drop estimation between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000, e/enable user interface ts relating to operation of the humidifier 5000, or disable/enable data logging/data reporting relating to operation of the humidifier 5000. In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise an identification element (shown in the form of a magnet 5340) ed thereon, such as in an end cap magnet holder 5345. The identification element may be used for detection of the outlet muffler 4124 by the controller via the detection element. For example the detection element may include a Hall Effect sensor (not shown) located in or near the dock 4130 such as on the PCBA 4202.

In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 receives a flow of air from the pneumatic block 4020, and delivers the flow of air to the RPT device outlet 4004.

Thus the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise a muffler entry 4124in and a muffler exit 4124ou. The outlet muffler 4124 may also comprise additional components such as a muffler cap 4124ca, a muffler body 4124bo, a r damper 4124da and a muffler foam 4124fo shown in Figs. 7e-7f.

The outlet muffler 4124 may comprise a muffler lever 4124le for disengaging the outlet muffler 4124 from the rest of the RPT device 4000, for example by releasing a latch. The muffler lever 4124le is configured (in Figs. 7a-7f) to be depressed from above to disengage the outlet muffler 4124, for example by releasing one or more r clips 4124cl from the one or more complementary recesses 4130re in the dock 4130 (shown in Fig. 7b, and in more detail in Fig. 16i). It would be understood that the outlet r 4124 could comprise any number of known means to removably couple the outlet muffler 4124 to the RPT device 4000.

The outlet muffler 4124 may further comprise one or more muffler clips 4124cl with the RPT device 4000, for e comprising a muffler hinge 4124hi. In some forms, 505821DIV4/99 the outlet muffler 4124 may se a muffler travel limiter 4124tl configured to prevent damage to the muffler hinge , which may occur for example due to plastic deformation where the muffler hinge 4124hi is of a ‘living hinge’ configuration. Yet further, the muffler travel limiter 4124tl may be configured to engage with the muffler lever 4124le and deform as the muffler lever 4124le is activated (e.g. sed). In such an arrangement, the travel limiter 4124tl may provide feedback to the user upon engagement of the muffler lever 4124le with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl, and may provide a varying degree of resistance to indicate the extent of deformation occurred.

Similarly, the outlet muffler 4124 may be configured so that the r lever 4124le must be depressed to allow the outlet muffler 4124 to be inserted into the dock 4130. In one form, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl may be configured to interfere with the dock 4130 if the outlet muffler 4124 is ed without depression of the muffler lever 4124le. Upon insertion of the outlet muffler 4124 into the dock 4130, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl moves to engage with the dock 4130 (e.g. by upwards motion), thereby ng the outlet muffler 4124 into the dock 4130.

The outlet muffler 4124 may se one or more acoustic features to reduce the noise output of the RPT device 4000, such as muffler foam 4124fo and a muffler damper 4124da as shown in Figs. 7e-7f. The muffler damper 4124da may be coupled with the muffler cap 4124ca and may be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone, to dampen noise. Furthermore, the outlet muffler 4124 may se a muffler expansion chamber 4124ex formed therein to reduce noise. In the form shown in Fig. 7e, the r expansion chamber 4124ex may be a cavity formed in the muffler body . .4.1.4 Pressure generator 4140 In one form of the present technology, a pressure generator 4140 for producing a flow, or a supply, of air at positive pressure is a controllable blower 4142.

For example the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 with one or more impellers housed in a volute. The blower may be preferably capable of delivering a supply of air, for example at a rate of up to about 120 litres/minute, at a positive pressure in a range from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O. The blower may be as described in any one of the 505821DIV4/99 following patents or patent ations the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety: U.S. patent number 7,866,944; U.S. patent number 8,638,014; U.S.

Patent number 8,636,479; and PCT patent application publication number WO 2013/020167.

The pressure generator 4140may be under the control of the therapy device controller 4240.

In other forms, a pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high pressure source (e.g. compressed air reservoir), or a bellows. .4.1.5 tic block 4020 In one form, a pneumatic block 4020 comprising a pressure generator 4140 (e.g. blower 4142) may form a part of the RPT device 4000. The pneumatic block may for example comprise a uration bed in PCT patent application ation umber herewithin in its entirety by reference.

A pneumatic block 4020 according to one aspect of the present technology is shown in Figs. 11a-11d. The pneumatic block 4020 may se a PB inlet 4020in, a PB outlet 4020ou, and house a blower 4142. According to one aspect of the present technology, the pneumatic block 4020 may provide a compact, enclosed pneumatic path for the air flow while minimising noise and vibration outputs due to the said air flow. rmore, such a pneumatic block 4020 may allow the external housing 4010 to be arranged independently thereof for added flexibility in the aesthetics of the RPT device 4000 in relation to the pneumatic block 4020.

The pneumatic block 4020 may also comprise one or more of a flow plate 4020fp, a blower sleeve 4020bs, one or more sensor ports such as flow sensor port 4020sp4020fs and acoustic foam . The pneumatic block 4020 may include an outer housing, for example including a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2. The PB inlet 4020in and the PB outlet 4020ou may be ed on the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2 respectively. 505821DIV4/99 The flow plate 4020fp may divide the interior of the pneumatic block 4020 into a first chamber 4020c1, a second chamber 4020c2 and the interior of the blower sleeve 4020bs. In one form, the flow of air would be received into the tic block 4020 through the PB inlet 4020in, and enter the PB inlet tube 4020it (shown in Fig. 11d and Fig. 11h). The PB inlet tube 4020it delivers the flow of air to the first chamber 4020c1, from which the flow of air travels to the second chamber 4020c2. In one form, a plurality of flow tubes 4020ft located on the flow plate 4020fp (e.g. as shown in Figs. 11d-11f) may deliver the flow of air from the first r 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2. The flow tubes 4020ft may additionally be used to determine the rate of flow as will be described in further detail below. The second chamber 4020c2 then delivers the flow of air to the blower 4142 through the blower inlet 4142in (see Fig. 11c), wherein the flow of air is pressurised and exits through the blower outlet 4142ou before exiting the pneumatic block 4020 through the PB outlet 4020ou as shown in Fig. 11j.

The PB inlet 4020in may comprise a flexible portion, such as the PB inlet insert 4020ii as shown in Fig. 11h. The flexible portion may help the PB inlet 4020in to be correctly aligned with the RPT device inlet 4002, by for example resiliently conforming to allow for any axial or radial gnment etween. Yet further, the flexible portion may reduce mechanical load or stress on the pneumatic block 4020 while allowing for the axial or radial misalignment, as the s of the le portion may be icantly smaller than that of the housing of the pneumatic block such as the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2. In one form, the flexible n may be constructed from flexible materials such as silicone, and the housing of the pneumatic block, including the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2, may be constructed from a more rigid material such as polypropylene, although it will be understood that a range of other materials may be suitable for both.

The blower sleeve 4020bs (as shown in Figs. 11k and 11l) may be made from a le, resilient material such as silicone. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs may act as a suspension member to reduce noise and vibration output from the blower 4142 which may be transmitted to the patient 1000 (or the bed partner 1100).

The blower sleeve 4020bs may also comprise a chamber configured to receive the 505821DIV4/99 flow of air from the blower outlet 4142ou and deliver the flow air to the PB outlet 4020ou as shown in Fig. 11j. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs is configured to accept the blower 4142, and sealingly engage the flow plate 4020fp for example by one or more sleeve tabs 4020st located on the blower sleeve 4020bs.

The blower sleeve 4020bs may also comprise a sleeve pull tab 4020pt configured to assist in assembly of the blower sleeve 4020bs with other parts of the pneumatic block such as the second PB housing . The sleeve pull tab 4020pt may be configured as an elongated tab suitable for manual gripping, such that a person (or automated device) assembling the pneumatic block 4020 may hold the sleeve pull tab 4020pt, and pull through the PB outlet rim 4020or (as shown in Fig. 11d) to locate the PB outlet 4020ou with respect to the second PB housing 4020h2.

One age of such an arrangement would be reduced assembly time, while another would be te location of the PB outlet 4020ou while achieving desired suspension characteristics of the blower sleeve 4020bs.

The flow sensor ports 4020fs may be ible from an or of the pneumatic block 4020 and fluidly couple to a flow transducer 4274 (not shown). The flow sensor ports 4020fs may also be fluidly coupled to the flow path, such as in the pneumatic block 4020 to allow the flow ucer 4274 to measure the rate of flow through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the flow sensor ports 4020fs may be ted to the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2 so that the flow sensor would measure the drop in pressure between the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2. The flow sensor ports 4020fs may be integrally formed with an enclosure of the pneumatic block 4020 such as the first PB housing 4020h1, or alternatively may be a part of a separate component such as the PB sensor coupler . Some or all of the flow sensor ports 4020fs may be flexibly configured to assist in correctly aligning and engaging the flow transducer 4274 with the pneumatic block 4020.

Introduction of any water onto the flow sensor ports 4020fs may adversely affect operation of the flow transducer 4274, for example by at least partially occluding a port for sensing of air pressure. It is also known that there may be a risk of water ingress into the RPT device 4000, for example when the RPT device 4000 is used with a humidifier 5000, as the RPT device 4000 may be in close proximity to 505821DIV4/99 water, and as the humidifier 5000 may contain water therein. Accordingly, each flow sensor flow path connecting respective flow sensor ports 4020fs to the chambers 4020c1 and 4020c2 may comprise one or more water ingress prevention features, such as a PB water trap 4020wt, or a PB water shield 4020ws (see Fig. 11o).

According to one form, the PB water trap 4020wt may be a recessed portion in the flow sensor flow path configured to hold a predetermine volume of water, while allowing air flow through the flow sensor flow path. A PB water shield 4020ws may comprise a port of small cross section area configured to allow a flow of air therethrough, however prevent ingress of water due to the higher surface tension of water. The PB water shield 4020ws may be formed integrally with the enclosure of the pneumatic block 4020 (e.g. first PB housing 4020h1), or alternatively may be formed tely, to be inserted into the ure (e.g. by erence fit, as shown in Fig. 11n) or connected to the enclosure (e.g. by welding, not shown). Yet r, the flow sensor flow path 4020fp may be configured so that the flow sensor port 4020fs may be located above the height of the corresponding openings of the flow sensor flow path in each chamber 4020c1 and 4020c2. This may further prevent s of water into the flow sensor 4274. .4.1.6 Chassis 4016 The RPT device 4000 may comprise a chassis 4016 as shown in Figs. 8a- 8f, wherein the s 4016 may provide a structural frame for the RPT device 4000.

The chassis 4016 may also locate one or more ents such as the external housing 4010, the pneumatic block 4020, the PCBA 4202, and the outlet muffler 4124 as seen in Fig. 5a.

In one form, the chassis 4016 may comprise a platform 4016pl (see Figs. 8a-8b) configured to support the pneumatic block 4020. The chassis 4016 may comprise a dock 4130 configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 (or the water reservoir 5110), for example into a cavity therein. The dock 4130 may include a dock outlet 4132 configured to deliver a flow of air into the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 when inserted, and a dock inlet 4134 to receive a flow of air from the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 when inserted as shown in Figs 8c-8d. The chassis 4016 may also se an RPT device outlet 4004 as shown in Fig. 8e. The dock outlet 4132 may be ured to fluidly couple with the muffler 505821DIV4/99 entry 4124in or the water reservoir inlet 5118. The dock inlet 4134 may be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler exit 4124ou or the water reservoir outlet 5122.

In one form, the dock inlet 4134 and the dock outlet 4132 may each comprise a bellows type face seal. The seal may be d to abut the complementary portion of the outlet r 4124 (e.g. 4124ou or 4124in as shown in Fig. 7e) or the water oir 5110 (e.g. 5118 or 5222 as shown in Fig. 16d) or as described in US patent number 8,544,465, the entire contents of which is incorporated herewithin by reference. One advantage of such a bellows type face seal may be that it allows for misalignments in axial and radial directions. As such a seal would abut the complementary portion, this configuration may be radially more tolerant to misalignment than an arrangement where for example one male connector is inserted into a female connector. Furthermore, the flexibility of such a seal would allow for axial misalignments to be present without adversely affecting mance of the RPT device 4000 (or the fier 5000).

An outlet tube 4006 may se the RPT device outlet 4004 and the dock inlet 4134, as well as being removably coupled to the dock 4130. In some forms, a separate intermediate tube 4008 may comprise the dock outlet 4132,4134 The intermediate tube 4008 may be configured to couple to the pneumatic block 4020 to receive a flow of air from the pneumatic block 4020 for delivery to the dock 4130.

The intermediate tube 4008 may further se a dock outlet pressure port 4132pp for measuring the air pressure at the dock outlet 4132.

The outlet tube 4006 may comprise an outlet tube latch portion 4006la configured to engage with a mentary feature in the dock 4130, such as the dock outlet slot 4130sl. The outlet tube 4006 may further comprise one or more outlet tube guide portions 4006gu, which may assist in correct insertion of the outlet tube 4006 into the dock 4130 by engagement with one or more corresponding dock guide portions 4130gu.

The outlet end 4006oe may also be formed with an ISO taper, such as a 22 mm outer diameter ISO taper, to allow connection of standard non-heated air circuit.

As seen in Figs. 8g and 8h the outlet tube 4006 may comprise a flow bend, having an internal circular or curved cross-section configured to reduce the 505821DIV4/99 impedance of the air flow through the outlet tube 4006. The outlet tube 4006 may be constructed in two-parts as shown in Fig. 8h, wherein a first portion 4006a is moulded from rigid material such as Bisphenol A (BPA) free polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), and the second portion 4006b comprising at least a part of the flow bend is overmoulded from a compliant material such as silicone. Use of a compliant material to form the second portion 4006b that comprises a portion of the bend may allow withdrawal of a moulding tool that comprises the internal bend from the al cavity at the end of the moulding process by deforming the second portion 4006b.

The outlet tube 4006 may also include a retaining flange 4006fl to assist in at least one of locating or ng the outlet tube 4006 to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000, or a housing or chassis thereof. The retaining flange 4006fl may assist in correctly locating or positioning the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 within the outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 as shown in Fig. 8e. It should be understood that the retaining flange 4006fl may allow for fixed attachment of the outlet tube 4006. The retaining flange 4006fl may, alternatively, allow for ble attachment of the outlet tube 4006 so that it may be cleaned or replaced.

The dock 4130 may comprise one or more features configured to engage a ent (e.g. outlet muffler 4124) which is inserted therein. For example, the dock 4130 may comprise one or more flanges 4130fl as shown in Figs. 8c-8f, the flanges being adapted to engage and guide the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 as they are ed into the dock 4130.

In one form, the dock 4130 may comprise one or more components of a humidifier 5000, where the humidifier 5000 is integrally constructed with the RPT device 4000. For example, a base of the dock 4130 may comprise a heating element 5240 as will be described in greater detail below. .4.1.7 Transducer(s) 4270 Transducers may be internal of the RPT device, or al of the RPT device. External transducers may be located for example on or form part of the air circuit, e.g. the patient interface. External transducers may be in the form of non- 505821DIV4/99 contact sensors such as a Doppler radar movement sensor that transmit or transfer data to the RPT device.

In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to e properties such as a flow rate, a pressure or a temperature at one or more points in the pneumatic path.

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

In one form, a signal from a transducer 4270 may be filtered, such as by low-pass, high-pass or band-pass filtering. .4.1.7.1 Flow transducer 4274 A flow transducer 4274 in accordance with the present technology may be based on a differential pressure ucer, for example, an SDP600 Series differential pressure transducer from SENSIRION.

In one form, a signal representing a flow rate such as a total flow Qt from the flow transducer 4274 is received by the l controller 4230. 7.2 Pressure transducer 4272 A pressure transducer 4272 in accordance with the present technology is located in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. An e of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the ELL ASDX series. An alternative suitable pressure ucer is a sensor from the NPA Series from GENERAL ELECTRIC.

In one form, a signal from the pressure transducer 4272 is received by the central controller 4230. .4.1.7.3 Motor speed transducer 4276 In one form of the present technology a motor speed transducer 4276 is used to determine a rotational velocity, such as of the motor 4144 or the blower 4142.

A motor speed signal from the motor speed ucer 4276 is preferably provided to 505821DIV4/99 the y device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 may, for example, be a speed sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. .4.1.7.4 Ambient light sensor 4278 As the RPT device 4000 is often used in a bedroom environment, for example to be used while the patient 1000 is about to go to sleep, or is asleep, it may be important to ensure that any light-emitting es of the RPT device 4000 is not excessively bright.

In one form of the present technology an ambient light sensor 4278 is used to determine the light level in the ambient area around the RPT device 4000. An ambient light signal from the ambient light sensor 4278 may be ed as an input to the l controller 4230, for example to adjust a brightness of a display or any other light-emitting features, such as a backlight for input devices 4220 or any notification lights.

The ambient light sensor 4278 may be ted to an aperture such as the external housing light port 4010lp as shown in Fig. 9a. In such a configuration, light level ed by the ambient light sensor 4278 would correspond to the light level at or near the aperture. In one form, the external housing light port 4010lp may be located adjacent to the display 4294 such that the brightness of the display 4294 may be adjusted according to the detected light level. The ambient light sensor 4278 may be connected to the aperture by a light well (also referred to as a light pipe) to assist in accurately determining the light level at the aperture.

The display 4294 may be configured to operate at one of a plurality of predetermined ness settings. The brightness setting may be chosen according to a signal output of the ambient light sensor 4278. For instance, the display 4294 may be ured to operate at a lower brightness setting if the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is at or below a threshold (e.g. 10, 15 or 20 lux), and the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a higher brightness setting where the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is above the threshold (e.g. 10, 15 or lux). Thus, in such an ement a lower the level of the ambient light may result in a lower brightness setting. 505821DIV4/99 .4.1.8 Anti-spill back valve 4160 In one form of the present technology, an anti-spill back valve is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-spill back valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk that water will flow am from the humidifier 5000, for example to the motor 4144. .4.1.9 Air circuit 4170 An air circuit 4170 in accordance with an aspect of the present technology is a conduit or a tube constructed and arranged in use to allow a flow of air to travel between two components such as the tic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000.

In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be in fluid connection with the outlet of the tic block and the patient interface. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases there may be separate limbs of the circuit for tion and exhalation. In other cases a single limb is used.

As shown in Fig. 18a, the air circuit 4170 may include an AC tube portion 4170tp and an AC outlet connector 4170oc at one end of the tube portion 4170tp to t the air circuit to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. In one form, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may comprise an AC pre-block 4170pb, an AC overmould 4170om and an AC electrical connector .

The AC tube portion 4170tp may also include a helical coil 4170co to e support for the AC tube portion 4170tp. The air circuit 4170 may also incorporate a heating element to prevent rainout nsation of water vapour, for example, within the AC tube portion 4170tp or the patient interface 3000), which may be provided within the AC helical coil 4170co. When a heating element is provided in the AC helical coil 4170co electrical power or ling or both may be necessary if, for example, the heating element is an electrical resistance heater. In some instances, an electrical connection may be required between the patient interface 3000 and the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 for electrical power or communication therebetween. 505821DIV4/99 The air t 4170 may require both pneumatic and ical connections to be formed to the humidifier 5000 (or the RPT device 4000), as well as a ical connection. These tions may be formed through the AC outlet connector 4170oc to allow the pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, to provide electrical power and signalling to the heating element in the AC helical coil 4170co and to locate and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or the RPT device 4000). These connections may be formed simultaneously or in series such that one of the mechanical, pneumatic or electrical connections is completed before . The air circuit 4170 may se a patient interface connector 4107 to couple to a patient interface 3000 at the opposite end of the tube portion 4170tp. In some forms, the patient interface connector 4107 may be different to the AC outlet tor 4170oc as shown in Fig. 18a.

Figs. 18b-18e depict air circuits or portions thereof according to examples of the present technology. Figs. 18f-18j also depict exemplary air circuits that are connected to an outlet assembly 5004. As can be seen in Fig s. 18a-18b, an AC tube portion 4170tp having an AC helical coil 4170co may be connected to an AC outlet connector 4170oc. The AC helical coil 4170co, as discussed above, may include a g element and it may also function as a support structure for the AC tube portion 4170tp. A n electrical connection may be formed by ing the AC outlet connector 4170oc on the outlet assembly 5004 (to be discussed in greater detail below) so that an AC electrical connector 4170ec comes into electrical contact with electrical ents of the outlet assembly. .4.1.9.1 Formation of pneumatic and electrical connections The AC outlet connector 4170oc may comprise a recess 4170re configured to couple to an electrical connector er 5052 of a swivelling disc 5050 (see Figs. 18i-18j and further discussion below) to aid in releasably securing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the humidifier 5000, for example at the outlet assembly 5004. The electrical connector receiver 5052 may house a female electrical connector 5058 such as that shown in Figs. 18m-18n. The AC outlet connector 4170oc may also include an or 4172 that controls a retention feature 4174.

When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted onto the outlet assembly 5004, the retention feature 4174 may engage with a corresponding notch 5054 of the swivelling 505821DIV4/99 disc 5050 (see Fig. j). The actuator 4172 in conjunction with the notch 5054 may produce an audible sound or provide tactile feedback or both at the or 4172 upon engagement. The actuator 4172 or the retention feature 4174 may be produced with higher wear characteristics than the swivelling disc 5050 to allow wear to occur on the air circuit 4170, which may be a consumable component. This may be achieved by use of a material with lower hardness to form the retention feature 4174 compared to the material from which the swivelling disc 5050 is formed. The retention e 4174 and notch 5054 may engage by a snap-fit and the actuator 4172 may be depressible to bring in the retention feature to release it from the notch 5054. I n some cases, the retention feature 4174 and the notch 5054 may be configured so that when they are not completely engaged, they may be forced into place at commencement of therapy by the therapy pressure, for e by being configured so that the therapy pressure acting on the tab 4176 urges the ion feature 4174 towards the notch 5054. As shown in Figs. 18c-18e, the actuator 4172 and the retention feature 4174 may both be located on an AC tab 4176 such that g the actuator inward also causes the ion feature to be moved inward, thereby freeing it from the notch 5054. An outlet connection region 5056 (as shown in Fig. 18a) may be shaped to correspond with the shape of the swivelling disc 5050, as shown in Fig. 18f-18j, for example.

As shown in Fig. 18d, a travel stop 4178 located at the inner ends of the ribs 4177 may be used in some examples of this technology in order to limit the travel, or level of squeezing, of the actuator 4172 during insertion and removal to t plastic deformation of the surrounding portions, to prevent tear of the AC outlet connector 4170oc in a periphery of the AC tab 4176 or both. The travel stops 4178 extend from the inner ends of the ribs 4177 and are aligned with the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc in the location of the actuator 4172. When the actuator is squeezed or pushed inwards the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc is correspondingly squeezed or pushed s until it contacts the travel stop 4178. The travel stop prev ents further squeezing or pushing of the actuator.

In a further e of the technology, the notch may be replaced with a radial slot that is capable of retaining the outlet connector via the retention feature(s) 505821DIV4/99 but allowing rotation thereof. In such an example the swivelling disc may be fixed relative to the outlet housing or it may be eliminated completely such that the radial slot is located on the housing. Furthermore, it should be understood that such examples would retain the need for a movable electrical connector within the outlet ly such that the electrical tion may be maintained while the outlet connector rotates.

Figs. 18k and 18l show detailed bottom views of examples of the AC outlet connector 4170oc and specifically the outlet connection region 5056. Fig. 18k shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc connected at the outlet connection region 5056 to an outlet end 4006oe of an outlet tube 4006. (shown in Figs. 19xx and discussed r below). The outlet tube 4006 may be formed as a multiple patient multiple user (MPMU) tube that is one or more of removable, replaceable and cleanable. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity the outlet end 4006oe is shown in this view and nce should be made to Figs. 18f-18j for further depiction. The outlet tube 4006 may function as a removable intermediate pneumatic coupling between the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 and the air outlet of RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. 9.2 al ribs of the outlet tor 4170oc Fig. 18k shows a plurality of ribs 4177 disposed around the inner periphery of the outlet connection region 5056 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. In the illustrated example four ribs 4177 are shown but a different number of ribs such as two, three, five or more ribs may be utilised. The ribs 4177 may function to support and position the AC outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006. The ribs 4177 may on to guide the AC outlet connector 4170oc during insertion to couple to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 in the outlet assembly 5004 to form the pneumatic connection. This guidance may also assist in aligning the outlet connection region 5056 to facilitate the electrical connection between the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052 on the ling disc 5050 of the outlet assembly 5004. In this arrangement, although the ion or connection of the air circuit AC outlet connector 4170oc to the RPT device outlet assembly 5004 may be achieved in one movement by the user, the pneumatic connection is formed first and the electrical 505821DIV4/99 connection is formed second. The AC outlet connector 4170oc, the outlet assembly 5004 and the outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that outlet tube 4006 engages the seal 4170se of the AC outlet connector 4170oc prior to the electrical connector receiver 5052 forming an electrical connection with the AC electrical tor 4170ec. Accordingly, during removal or disconnection, the electrical connection is the first to be nected and the pneumatic connection is disconnected second. This may be advantageous to ensure that a pneumatic seal is maintained from the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 to the air circuit 4170 and, more specifically, between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the outlet tube 4006. Furthermore, this may e improved safety, for examples if supplemental oxygen is added to the flow of air delivered by the humidifier 5000, as this arrangement may prevent oxygen from being exposed during connection or nection of the electrical connections.

Fig. 18l shows a similar view to Fig. 18k, however, the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 is not shown to provide a clearer depiction of an example of the ribs 4177.

Both of these views also show the e of the recess 4170re.

In some cases, a non-heated air circuit 4170 may be used that does not incorporate a heating element. ingly, the diameter of the central opening 5092 in the swivelling disc 5050 may be sufficiently large to accept such a ated air circuit 4170. Accordingly, in one example of the t technology, the external diameter of the airflow tube may be approximately 22 mm to allow connection to a standard 22 mm external diameter non-heated air circuit, and the external diameter of the AC outlet tor 4170oc may be approximately 36 mm. However, it is recognised that other external diameter sizes may be utilised.

Internal ribs 4177 may be used to reduce any radial gaps between the interior of the outlet connection region 5056 and the outlet tube 4006. Still further, the ribs 4177 and the outlet tube 4006 may be configured so that the gaps therebetween are relatively smaller than the gap between the exterior of the outlet connection region 5056 and the swivelling disc 5050. This may allow more of the wear from rotation to occur on the outlet tube 4006 in comparison to the swivelling disc 5050, which may be advantageous as the outlet tube 4006 may be more readily replaced than the swivelling disc 5050. 505821DIV4/99 Another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to allow a greater portion of any mechanical load that may result from tilting or non-axial movement to be transferred from the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the outlet tube 4006. This may be advantageous in that this may help wear occur on the consumable components such as the air circuit 4170 and/or the outlet tube 4006 than the non-consumable components of the humidifier 5000, such as the swivelling disc 5050. Yet another advantage of the ribs 4177 may be to maintain or restrict the deformation of the base seal 4170se (as shown in Fig. 18a) during engagement of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the outlet ly 5004 by limiting the maximum axial deformation that the base seal 4170se can undergo towards the or of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. .4.1.9.3 Electrical Connection The AC electrical connector 4170ec may include one or more lead-in features, such as chamfers, or curved radii on its edges on the leading surface in the ion of insertion such as shown in Fig. 18o. This may assist ion of the AC electrical connector 4170ec into the electrical tor receiver 5052 to provide a surface wipe connection and prevents damage to the conductors on the AC electrical connector 4170ec. The thickness of the ical leads 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec may be approximately between 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, for example 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm or 1 mm. The thickness may vary according to a number of parameters such as, the design life of the AC electrical connector 4170ec, al chosen for the electrical leads 4170le and the material chosen for the receiver contact elements 5058ce. One suitable example of material for the ical leads 4170le may be high temper phosphor bronze, that is nickel plated and then gold plated. In some circumstances, an increased amount of conductive material and/or high conductivity g (such as gold and/or platinum) may be used on the electrical leads 4170le.

This may have the advantage of ing wear characteristics and/or dissipating heat from the electrical connector 4170ec. The ical leads 4170le may have exposed conductive surfaces on the lower end of the electrical connector 4170ec to ensure full insertion is required to make the electrical tion.

Another feature provided by the connection of the AC electrical connector 4170ec to the electrical connector receiver 5052 on the swivelling disc 5050 may be that when assembled together, the electrical connector er 5052 is covered by the 505821DIV4/99 AC outlet connector 4170oc as shown in Fig. 18i and Fig. 18j. Fig. 18j shows an exploded view wherein the AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown above the swivelling disc 5050, and Fig. 18i shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc in engagement with the ling disc 5050. When the outlet connector 4170oc is inserted onto the swivelling disc 5050, as shown in Figs. 18g and 18i, the region of the outlet connector that surrounds the AC electrical connector 4170ec may cover over the opening in the electrical connector receiver 5052 to prevent debris and contaminants (such as liquids) from entering into the electrical connector receiver.

As mentioned above, the electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052 are configured so that the electrical connection between them is to be made after the AC outlet connector 4170oc is mechanically engaged with the swivelling disc 5050. This reduces the tion of any deformation or load from misalignment between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the swivelling disc 5050 that is supported by the AC electrical tor 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052. In one example, such an arrangement may be achieved by configuring the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the ling disc 5050 so that during insertion of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the swivelling disc 5050, the outlet tube 4006 and the ribs 4177 engage prior to engagement of the AC ical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receiver 5052. This configuration may also be advantageous in cases where the gas provided via the air circuit 4170 es supplementary , as it may prevent ence of electrical arcing while the pneumatic circuit is not isolated.

A yet another feature of the current technology may be found in the arrangement of the receiver contact elements 5058ce on the female ical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receiver 5052 as shown in Fig. 18m-18n.

The electrical leads 4170le may engage the receiver contact ts 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052 from the top of the connector TS. This engagement may occur via a sliding action in the direction of the arrow ENG shown in Fig. 18a-18b. The receiver contact elements 5058ce may be configured in a sloped, triangular e as shown in Fig. 18n and/or to be compliant in a perpendicular direction PER to the g plane to assist in their engagement with the electrical leads 4170le. 505821DIV4/99 The aforementioned ular profile and/or compliance may allow improved engagement between the electrical leads 4170le on the AC ical connector 4170ec and the er contact elements 5058ce as the AC electrical tor 4170ec is progressively inserted into the electrical connector er 5052.

During engagement with the AC electrical tor 4170ec, as the AC electrical connector 4170ec slides along the length of the female ical connector 5058 the contact elements 5146 may be sed inwards and maintain contact to the electrical leads 4170le. This may allow improved accommodation of mechanical tolerances from such sources as manufacturing variance or in-use deformation.

Still further, the receiver contact elements 5058ce may be biased, so that when deformed from its original configuration (as shown in Fig. 18n) and depressed inwards, the receiver contact elements 5058ce may be biased towards returning to the undeformed position, thereby improving the fidelity of its connection with the electrical leads 4170le. Another advantage of such an arrangement of the female electrical connector 5058 may be that it is self-cleaning. As the female electrical connector 5058 and the AC electrical connector 4170ec may engage each other in a slide-on, slide-off , it may prevent up of contaminants which, if left uncleaned, may affect the fidelity of the electrical connection formed between the two parts.

Any contaminants that have been removed by the wiping action may be prevented from entering the air path, for example by a swivel disc seal 5051. In addition when the female electrical connector 5058 is arranged in a vertical position and the connection is made in a vertical direction any inants that are wiped off the electrical contacts will fall down below the connector. A cavity may be formed below the female electrical connector 5058 within the electrical connector receiver 5052 into which the contaminants may collect. This cavity is not in communication with the pneumatic path of the RPT device or the humidifier 5000. 9.4 Elbow outlet connector By forming the AC outlet connector 4170oc with an elbow, as can be seen in Figs. 18a-18j, the patient may be prevented from inadvertently pulling the air circuit 4170 off of the RPT device 4000 or the fier 5000, because the direction of the tension force vector of the air circuit will be located at an angle (e.g., DIV4/99 perpendicular) to the direction of engagement of the air circuit 4170 with RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. Also, as shown in Figs. 1a-c, the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 may be located on a tand, for example, during treatment such that the patient lying in bed is at substantially the same height as the RPT device or the humidifier. In such a situation, the inclusion of an elbow as part of the AC outlet connector 4170oc may allow the air circuit 4170 to be pointed more directly at the patient such that bend angles of the air circuit may be d, particularly at or near the elbow, which in turn may reduce stress on the air circuit. In one example of the present technology, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an elbow having an angle of about 90°. It should be understood, however, that any number of angles may be possible, such as for example between 0° and 120°, including 20°, 40°, 60°, 80° or 100°. The choice of this angle may be ed by any number of design requirements such as flow impedance, convenience, location of the AC outlet connector 4170oc or noise implications. .4.1.9.5 Rotatable outlet connector As the t may move during treatment, thus pulling the air circuit 4170, it may be advantageous to further reduce the bend angles of the air circuit and reduce stress on the assembly, in particular the air circuit, as well as the connection thereto from the AC outlet connector . This may be accomplished by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate relative to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 while the mechanical, pneumatic and electrical connections are maintained. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the AC outlet tor 4170oc to rotate around the outlet end 4006oe.

As described above, the air circuit 4170 may be connected to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc onto the outlet ly 5004, as shown in Figs. 16a-16b and 18f-18j. Rotatability may be provided by features shown in Figs. 18p-18r for example.

Figs. 18p-18r, 18v and 18w show s views of the swivelling disc 5050 according to various examples of the technology. It has been described above that the swivelling disc 5050 may be the component that receives the AC outlet connector 4170oc when connecting the air circuit 4170 to the RPT device 4000 or the 505821DIV4/99 humidifier 5000. The swivelling disc 5050 may also provide rotatability relative to the RPT device and/or the humidifier.

Fig. 18y shows a perspective view of the bottom of the exemplary swivelling disc 5050 and the cable 5070. In other words, this vi ew depicts features of the swivelling disc 5050 that are located opposite the side to which the AC outlet connector 4170oc may connect. A cable 5070, to be discussed in greater detail below, can be seen extending from an underside of the electrical connector receiver 5052.

The end of the cable 5070 that is inside of the electrical connector receiver 5052 may be in electrical communication with the AC electrical connector 4170ec when the AC outlet connector 4170oc is ed onto the swivelling disc 5050. The free end of the cable 5070 shown may be in electrical communication with at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 (e.g., the central controller 4230, PCBA 4202 or a power supply 4210). It should also be understood that the cable 5070 may be of any sufficient length to perform its connective function, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The swivelling disc 5050 may also incorporate a swivel disc seal 5051 as shown in Fig. 18w-18x-18y that may se a ant material such as TPE. The swivel disc seal 5051 may function to maintain a seal between the swivelling disc 5050 and the outlet tube 4006 to prevent any contaminants from entering the air path, for example by extending around a periphery of the top of the swivelling disc 5050 and towards the base of the swivelling disc 5050 as shown in Figs. 18v and 18y. In one form, the swivel disc seal 5051 may be an overmoulded portion of the swivelling disc 5050.

As bed above, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be releasably coupled to the ling disc 5050 by engagement of the retention features 4174 in corresponding s 5054 and by engagement of the recess 4170re onto the electrical connector receiver 5052. When connected to the ling disc 5050, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be able to rotate in unison with the swivelling disc and relative to the cable housing 5080. 505821DIV4/99 .4.1.9.6 Limited rotation The disc stop surfaces 5060, 5062 (shown in Fig. 18y18x), discussed above, have a pair of complementary housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166 (shown in Fig. 18w18t) that may be located on an inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080. By connecting the swivelling disc 5050 (as shown in Fig. 18v) to and within the inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080 (as shown in Fig. 18w), for example as shown in Fig. 18x, the on of the swivelling disc 5050 relative to the cable housing 5080 may be limited by engagement of the disc stop surfaces 5060, 5062 to corresponding housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166 at or near its extreme positions. Rotation of the swivelling disc 5050, in one example of the technology, may be limited to less than about 360°. Rotation may also be limited to an amount that is r than about 180°. In a further example, rotation may be limited to about 270°. The desired range of rotation of the swivelling disc 5050 may be determined by a number of factors, such as the location of the swivelling disc 5050 with respect to the RPT device 4000 and/or humidifier 5000, the elbow angle of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, and al properties of the components.

The depicted examples show two pairs of complementary stop surfaces, as sed above, that may represent opposite ends or surfaces of one structure. It may be possible to have le stop ures formed on respective components. For e, the stop surfaces on the inner wall of the housing may be provided with two separate protrusions thereon and likewise for the swivelling disc. It is also envisioned that multiple urations of stop es may be provided on a single combination of housing and swivelling disc such that one combination may include a number of available rotational limits.

Fig. 18p shows the swivelling disc 5050 rotated into one extreme position in the counter-clockwise direction relative to the cable g 5080. Fig. 18r shows the swivelling disc 5050 rotated into another extreme on s the other limit of travel in the clockwise direction relative to the cable housing 5080. Fig. 18q shows the swivelling disc 5050 in a position relative to the cable housing 5080 that is between the extreme positions shown in Figs. 18p and 18r. Although the swivelling disc 5050 does not allow the stop surfaces 5060, 5062, 5164, 5166 to be seen in Figs. 18p-18r, it should be understood that when the swivelling disc 5050 is in either 505821DIV4/99 extreme position shown in Figs. 18p and 18r that one of the disc stop surfaces 5060, 5062 is engaged and/or d against a corresponding housing stop surface 5164, 5166.

It should be understood that each AC tab 4176 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc includes a ion feature 4174 that is engaged with a corresponding notch 5054 of the swivelling disc 5050 to releasably connect the substructure to the swivelling disc so that they may rotate in unison relative to the cable housing 5080. .4.1.9.7 Electrical cable connection As discussed above, the cable 5070 may be provided to electrically t the AC electrical connector 4170ec to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The cable 5070 (e.g. shown in Figs. 18v-18y18u- 18x) may be a flexible circuit board (FCB) or a ribbon cable. The cable 5070 may also include multiple wires to provide multiple electrical connections for powering and signalling functions. The cable 5070 may be oriented such that the major or longer side is oriented in parallel to the axis of rotation of the swivelling disc. If an FCB is used as the cable 5070, it may be oriented so that the surface of the FCB where the conductive tracks are located is protected from frictional contact with the cable housing 5080 as it s with the swivelling disc 5050, in order to help prolong the life of the cable 5070. Still further, the contacting surface (away from the conductive ) may comprise a low-friction surface so that when it slides relative to the cable housing 5080 the friction force created is sed. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of wear occurring on the cable 5070, as well as reducing the load imposed on the solder/mounting joints between the cable 5070 and any ical connectors connected o, such as the female electrical connector 5058. An example of such a low-friction surface may be a polyamide substrate. .4.1.9.8 Cable management In ance with an e of the present technology, the cable 5070 may be fixed at one end to the electrical connector receiver 5052 of the swivelling disc 5050. Although not shown, it should be understood that the opposite end of the cable 5070 may be fixedly connected to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000 such as a PCBA 4202 to e power to the cable.

Thus, the cable 5070 may have a fixed length between the connection to the 505821DIV4/99 swivelling disc 5050 and the connection to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000.

The cable 5070, in an example of the present technology shown in Figs. 18p-18r, may also include a slack portion that may be contained within either an annular section, a recess or void 5086 to maintain a substantially fixed length of the cable 5070 within the cable housing 5080. The cable housing 5080 may also include a er 5090, which may help to maintain the cable 5070 in the proper orientation by ng the chance of entanglement or pinching and to prevent the slack portion from being pushed out of the cable housing 5080.

For example, when the swivelling disc 5050 is rotated from the position shown in Fig. 18p to the position shown in Fig. 18r it can be seen that a portion of the cable 5070 is pulled out of the void 5086 and into the annular section 5088. It should be tood that the portion of the cable 5070 shown doubled back in the void 5086 in Fig. 18p, for example, may be considered the slack portion. In other words, the slack portion may be the excess cable that represents a length of the cable beyond what is necessary for direct connection to the swivelling disc 5050. Thus, as the swivelling disc 5050 is rotated from the position shown in Fig. 18p to the on shown in Fig. 18q the slack n may be ssively removed from the void 5086 so that the slack portion of the cable 5070 may be progressively pulled into the annular section 5088 and begin to wrap around the inner wall 5082 as the cable is pulled. As the swivelling disc 5050 is rotated further, from the position shown in Fig. 18q to the position shown in Fig. 18r, the portion of the cable 5070 that is pulled into the annular section 5088 ses and the slack portion may be pulled completely or nearly completely from the void 5086. The recess or void 5086 and the annular n 5088 may be formed on opposing sides of the inner wall 5082.

Rotation of the swivelling disc 5050 in the opposite direction, from the position in Fig. 18r to the position in Fig. 18q to the position in Fig. 18p, may cause the cable 5070 to be progressively pushed from the annular section 5088 and unwrapped from around the inner wall 5082 such that the slack portion in the void 5086 may increase and begin to double back. In an example of the present technology, the maximum slack portion of the cable 5070 may be of a fixed length. In another e, that fixed length may be less than about the circumference of the swivelling 505821DIV4/99 disc 5050 and/or about equal to the distance of an arc swept out by the electrical connector receiver 5052 as the ling disc rotates between extreme positions. It should also be understood that in an example of the present technology when the swivelling disc 5050 is in the position shown in Fig. 18p the largest amount of the slack portion of the cable 5070 is gathered or contained in the void 5086. .4.1.9.9 Cable housing Figs. t depict es of the cable g 5080 according to examples of the present technology. As described above, the cable housing 5080 may include the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 that together may define the void 5086 and the annular section 5088. The inner wall 5082 may define an opening 5092 through which the outlet tube 4006 may extend when the outlet assembly 5004 is assembled onto the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. r facilitating this ly, housing tabs 5094 (see Fig 18t) may be located on the cable housing 5080 to attach the cable housing to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. This may e the cturability and serviceability of the cable housing 5080. The housing tabs 5094 may be ured so that they are, by themselves and/or as a set, able to support the weight of the humidifier 5000 and the RPT device 4000. This may prevent damage from occurring to the humidifier 5000, the RPT device 4000 or the cable housing 5080 when the assembly is accidentally lifted by the air circuit 4170 or the AC outlet tor 4170oc. In some instances, the air circuit 4170 or the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be configured to mechanically fail if the humidifier 5000 and/or the RPT device 4000 is held in place and a force is imposed onto the air circuit 4170 and/or the AC outlet connector 4170oc in the upwards direction.

Returning to the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084, in an example of the present technology, the slack portion of the cable 5070 can be seen (for example, in Fig. 18p) to form a radius in the void 5086. This radius may affect the stress imposed on the cable 5070 (and therefore potentially its operating life) and is defined in part by the distance (VO_W in Fig. 18s) between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 in the void 5086. Therefore, these walls may be separated by a distance in the range of 2mm to 5mm across the void 5086 based on a desired minimum radius of the cable 5070. In one example, the distance is in the range of 4mm to 5mm. It should be understood that the desired minimum radius of the cable 505821DIV4/99 may change as a function of the properties of the cable 5070 and its design parameters such as design life, or usage cases. Similarly, the length (VO_L in Fig. 18s) of the void 5086 may be lengthened or ned according to the maximum slack length of the cable 5070, which may be driven by the maximum rotation of the ling disc 5050.

The width (AN_W in Fig. 18s) of the annular section 5088 between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 may be minimised as the cable 5070 travels therein as the swivelling disc 5050 rotates from one extreme position to the other.

This may have the benefit of reducing noise produced by the cable and preventing buckling of the cable in the r section. The width of the annular section may be between imately 1 mm and 4 mm, such as 2 mm or 3 mm, and it should be understood that the width may depend on various teristics and/or properties of the assembly, such as the characteristics of the cable chosen or the radius of the inner wall 5082. In some arrangements the inner wall 5082 of the annular section 5088 and/or the outer wall 5084 of the annular section 5088 may include dampening material to help improve sound performance when the swivelling disc is rotated. A dampening material may also ensure the cable moves around the inner wall 5082 rather than the outer wall 5084 or vice versa.

In an example of the present technology, the cable housing 5080 may be formed from polypropylene, or polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS). The swivelling disc 5050 may be formed from a combination of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) and a plastic elastomer (TPE). .4.1.10 Oxygen delivery port 4180 In one form of the t technology, one or more oxygen delivery ports 4180 may be used to deliver supplementary oxygen to one or more points in the pneumatic path, such as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020, to the air circuit 4170 or to the patient interface 3000. .4.1.11 Power supply 4210 A power supply 4210 may be d internal or external of the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000. 505821DIV4/99 In one form of the present technology power supply 4210 provides electrical power to the RPT device 4000 only. In another form of the t technology, power supply 4210 provides electrical power to both RPT device 4000 and humidifier 5000. .4.1.12 Central controller 4230 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or a plurality of processors suitable to control an RPT device 4000.

Suitable processors may include an x86 INTEL processor, a processor based on ARM Cortex-M processor from ARM Holdings such as an STM32 series microcontroller from ST MICROELECTRONIC. In n alternative forms of the present technology, a 32-bit RISC CPU, such as an STR9 series ontroller from ST MICROELECTRONICS or a 16-bit RISC CPU such as a processor from the MSP430 family of microcontrollers, manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS may also be suitable.

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

In one form, the l controller 4230 is an application-specific integrated circuit. In r form, the central controller 4230 comprises discrete electronic components.

The central controller 4230 may be configured to e input signal(s) from one or more transducers 4270, and one or more input devices 4220.

The central controller 4230 may be configured to provide output signal(s) to one or more of an output device 4290, a therapy device controller 4240, a data communication interface 4280 and humidifier controller 5250.

In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement the one or more methodologies described herein, such as the one or more algorithms expressed as computer programs stored in a ansitory computer readable storage medium, such as memory 4260. In some forms of the present logy, the central controller 4230 may be integrated with an RPT device 505821DIV4/99 4000. r, in some forms of the present technology, some methodologies may be performed by a remotely located device. For example, the remotely located device may determine control settings for a ventilator or detect respiratory related events by analysis of stored data such as from any of the s described herein. 13 Clock 4232 Preferably RPT device 4000 includes a clock 4232 that is connected to the central controller 4230. .4.1.14 Therapy device controller 4240 In one form of the t technology, therapy device controller 4240 is a control module 4330 that forms part of the algorithms executed by the central controller 4230.

In one form of the present logy, therapy device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one form a MC33035 brushless DC motor controller, manufactured by ONSEMI is used. .4.1.15 Protection circuits 4250 The one or more protection circuits 4250 in accordance with the present technology may comprise an electrical protection circuit, a ature and pressure safety circuit. .4.1.16 Memory 4260 In accordance with one form of the t logy the RPT device 4000 includes memory 4260, preferably non-volatile memory. In some forms, memory 4260 may include battery powered static RAM. In some forms, memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.

Preferably memory 4260 is located on the PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may be in the form of EEPROM, or NAND flash.

Additionally or alternatively, RPT device 4000 includes a removable form of memory 4260, for e a memory card made in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard. 505821DIV4/99 In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 acts as a nontransitory computer readable storage medium on which are stored computer program instructions sing the one or more methodologies described herein, such as the one or more algorithms. 17 Data communication ace 4280 In one preferred form of the present logy, a data communication interface 4280 is provided, and is connected to the central controller 4230. The data ication interface 4280 may allow the RPT device 4000 to connect to another device or a network, such as a remote external communication network 4282, a local external communication network 4284, remote external device 4286 or a local external device 4288. The data communication interface 4280 may communicate data with the other device/network that it is connected to, for example transmitting data from the RPT device 4000 regarding the patient’s 1000 previous night’s sleep, or ing a message.

The remote external communication network 4282or the local external communication network 4284 may be further connectable to another network or device, such as a remote external device 4286 or a local al device 4288 respectively as shown in Fig. 5d.

Examples of the remote external communication network 4282 may include the Internet and cellular telephone ks. The data communication interface 4280 may connect to the remote external communication network 4282 using one or more communication methods (wired or wireless) such as Ethernet, USB, optical fibre, CDMA, GSM, LTE. In some forms, the data communication interface 4280 may connect to a network via another network or device (not shown).

Examples of the local external communication network 4284 may include a home computer network and a hospital computer network. In one form, the local external communication network 4284 utilises one or more communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a consumer infrared ol.

In one form, the data communication ace 4280 may icate with one or more servers containing one or more processors, memory and incorporating with other components typically present in general purpose computing 505821DIV4/99 devices. The data communication interface 4280 may communicate with a server as disclosed in the Australian ional patent applications AU 2014901998, AU 2014901999 and AU 2014901997 the entire ts of which is incorporated herewithin by reference.

In one form, the remote external device 4286 is one or more ers.

Such a remote external device 4286 may be accessible to an appropriately authorised person such as a ian. Examples of local al device 4288may include a personal computer, mobile phone, tablet or remote control.

In one form (shown in Figs. 10a-10b), the data communication interface 4280 may be a wireless communication module located on a separate PCBA to the main PCBA. The data communication interface 4280 may comprise an antenna 4280an, and an a ground plane 4280gp. The antenna ground plane 4280gp in this form may comprise the PCB, and may improve performance of the antenna 4280an (and thus performance of the data ication interface 4280).

The antenna 4280an may receive and transmit signal to allow the data communication interface 4280 to communicate, for example with a server as described above. The antenna 4280an may be an elongate member engaged with the antenna ground plane 4280gp (described in r detail below). The antenna 4280gp may be located towards an outer periphery of the RPT device 4000 so as to improve fidelity and strength of any signal to and from the antenna 4280gp, for example adjacent to an edge of the side panel 4014 as shown in Fig. 10a. In one form, the antenna 4280gp may be arranged so that its major axis is substantially ed vertically for improved efficiency.

The ry (e.g. a length) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the antenna 4280an, may affect a performance level of the ground plane 4280gp (and in turn the antenna 4280an). Typically, an increase to the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be beneficial to its performance. Preferably, an antenna ground plane is arranged in a rectangular shape (not , extending in a direction perpendicular to a major axis of the antenna. The length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is preferably such that a minimum performance requirement of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is met. 505821DIV4/99 Similarly to the antenna 4280an described above, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be arranged substantially vertically, and located toward a periphery of the RPT device 4000, for example engaged with the side panel 4014 as shown in Fig. 10a.

However, in some cases, the configuration of the RPT device 4000 (such as its overall size and arrangement of ents therein) may prevent the antenna ground plane 4280gp from comprising (or exceeding) the length required to meet the m performance requirements without an accompanying increase to a size of the RPT device 4000. Yet further, in some cases the RPT device 4000 may se one or more sources of radiation (such as a motor or others) which may raise the performance level required for the data communication interface 4280 to perform adequately.

According to one aspect of the present technology, the antenna ground plane 4280gp comprises one or more notches ured to increase the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp. In such forms, the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp may be increased by the lengths of each side of the one or more notches. The one or more notches may allow a ground plane 4280gp to be arranged as a more complex geometric shape than a rectangle, such as that shown in Fig. 10b, while improving the performance of the ground plane 4280gp.

The effective total length (Leff) of the ground plane 4280gp may be determined from the length of the antenna ground plate and the length of each side wall of each notch within the antenna ground plane 4280gp. gp. For example as shown in Fig. 10b, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may comprise a notch having a first side 4280n1 and a second side 4280n2. In this configuration, the effective total length (Leff) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is the sum of: the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp (L1), the length of the first side (Ln1), and the length of the second side (Ln2). Thus the ive length (Leff) of the a ground plane 4280gp would be Leff=L1+Ln1+Ln2.

The notches may e a mance of the wireless data communication interface, for example by more than 25% (e.g. by 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%), which may otherwise be achieved through an increase in a size of the antenna ground plane 4280gp. As discussed above, inclusion of notches may thus beneficially 505821DIV4/99 allow a reduction in a size of the RPT device 4000 which may not be ise possible. .4.1.18 Input devices 4220 In one form of the present technology, an RPT device 4000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of s, switches or dials to allow a person to interact with the device. The buttons, switches or dials may be physical devices, or re devices accessible via a touch screen. The buttons, switches or dials may, in one form, be physically connected to the external housing 4010, or may, in another form, be in wireless communication with a receiver that is in electrical connection to the central controller 4230.

In one form the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select a value or a menu option.

In one form as shown in Fig. 9a, the RPT device 4000 may comprise a first button 4222, for example to start or stop therapy, a second button 4224, and a first dial 4226. The first dial 4226 in some forms may be depressible to on as a button. .4.1.19 Output devices including optional display, alarms 4290 An output device 4290 in accordance with the present technology may take the form of one or more of a , audio and haptic unit. A visual display 4294 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) display. .4.1.19.1 Display driver 4292 A display driver 4292 receives as an input the ters, symbols, or images intended for display on the display 4294, and converts them to commands that cause the display 4294 to display those characters, symbols, or images. .4.1.19.2 Display 4294 A display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands ed from the display driver 4292. For example, the display 4294 may be an LCD screen which is located on the front of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Fig. 9a. In another e, the display 4294 may be an 505821DIV4/99 eight-segment display, in which case the display driver 4292 converts each character or , such as the figure "0", to eight logical signals indicating whether the eight respective segments are to be activated to display a particular character or symbol.

In some forms, the display 4294 may be ed separately to the RPT device 4000, or another device such as a smartphone may be used as the display 4294.

In such forms, the y 4294 may be in communication with the RPT device 4000 via the data communication interface 4280. .4.1.20 User Interface Panel 4190 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may comprise a user interface panel 4190, for example as shown in Figs. 12a-12d. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or more of: a shield for the display 4294, actuating isms for the s 4222 and 4224, an external housing light port 4010lp (and a light well 4190lw) for the ambient light sensor 4278 and one or more seals to prevent water ingress into an or the RPT device 4000.

The user interface panel 4190 may comprise a display cover 4294co. The display cover 4294co may be configured to protect the y 4294 from damage while allowing an unobstructed view of the display 4294, for example by being formed from a rigid, transparent material. In one form, the display cover 4294co may be formed with a ure to act as a lens to assist viewing of the display 4294. The user interface panel 4190 may further comprise a resilient al such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone, for example to perform as a seal.

The user interface panel 4190 may provide a dial aperture 4226ap to accept an encoder shaft 4226sh for the dial 4226 (see Figs. 13a-13b). The user interface panel 4190 may comprise one or both of a dial seal 4226se and a dial cover 4226co to prevent ingress of water into the or of the RPT device 4000 (as shown in Figs. 12a-12d). In one form, the dial cover 4226co is configured with a greater height at or near a top of the dial 4226 to encourage any water incident in the area to run downwards without ingress into the RPT device 4000 or even towards the dial seal 4226se. The dial seal 4226se may further prevent water ingress by sealing around the encoder shaft 4226sh for the dial 4226, while allowing rotation thereof. 505821DIV4/99 According to one aspect, the user ace panel 4190 may se a UI base 4190ba and a UI seal 4190se as shown in Fig. 12b and Fig. 12d. The UI base 4190ba may perform one or more of the functions described above, for example as a shield for the display 4294, actuating mechanisms for the buttons 4222 and 4224 and an external housing light port 4010lp for the ambient light sensor 4278. ingly, the UI base 4190ba may be constructed from a transparent material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate material. Such a construction may allow the UI base 4190ba to integrally comprise a light well 4190lw (or a light pipe) configured as described above, in one form as a prism ing from under a first surface of the UI base 4190ba proximate to the ambient light sensor 4278 to above another, opposite surface facing the exterior of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figs 12a-12d. In one form, one end of the light well 4190lw may terminate to form the external housing light port 4010lp.

The UI seal 4190se may seal one or more areas such as n the UI base 4190ba and the external housing 4010, between the encoder shaft 4226sh and the UI base 4190ba, between the display 4294 and the UI base 4190ba, or between the UI base 4190ba and the buttons 4222 and 4224. The UI seal 4190se4 may be engaged with the UI base 4190ba as an overmould, resulting in one integral user interface panel 4190 as shown in Fig. 12a and Figs. 12c for example, onto which buttons 4222 and 4224 may be coupled. The user interface panel 4190 may be then d with the main PCBA 4202 as for example shown in Fig. 5a.

As the RPT device 4000 may be used with a humidifier 5000 ete or integrated), the patient 1000 may often be interacting with the humidifier and the user interface sequentially, for example by filling up a water oir and then starting the RPT device 4000 or navigating a user menu. Accordingly, it may be advantageous for the user interface panel 4190 to effectively prevent or discourage water ingress into the RPT device 4000. Furthermore, constructing the UI base 4190ba from one al, and to perform multiple functions as described above may lead to reduced manufacturing costs. .4.1.21 Front Panel 4012 One e of the front panel 4012 may be configured as shown in Figs. 14a-14b. The front panel 4012 may be removable from the RPT device 4000, for 505821DIV4/99 instance to allow the patient 1000 to customise the visual look of the RPT device 4000, or to differentiate one model of the RPT device 4000 from another, where a plurality of models are available for example. In one form, the front panel 4012 may communicate with the l ller 4230 to customise an aspect of the RPT device 4000, for example to provide one of a plurality of different modes of operation as described in US Patent Application number US 14/204041, the entire contents of which is incorporated herewithin by reference.

The front panel 4012 may se one or more retention features to allow the front panel 4012 to be secured onto the RPT device, such as by engagement with the external housing 4010. In one form, the front panel 4012 may comprise one or more internal shoulders 4012sh (as shown in Fig. 14b) configured to engage with one or more complementary features on the external housing 4010, such as the protrusions 4010pr (as shown in Figs. 13a-13b). The external housing 4010 may se an access point such as a front panel cutout 4010co, configured to accept a finger of the patient 1000 for example to allow the patient 1000 to remove the front panel 4012, such as by levering the front panel 4012 up from the external g 4010. .4.2 RPT device user interface The RPT device 4000 may se a user interface, for example comprising a visual interface shown through the display 4294. The user (e.g. the patient 1000) may interact with the RPT device 4000 using the input devices 4220 as described above. .4.2.1 Visual interface The visual ace may comprise a menu of user-selectable items. The user may interact with the menu by selecting one of a plurality of items presented on the menu using the input devices 4220 such as a dial or by touching areas of a touchscreen. The user may confirm a selection by depressing a button or touching a touchscreen for example. 1.1 First Menu Screens According to one aspect, a first menu screen 4295m1 presented to the user may be configured as shown in Figs. 15a-15b. The first menu screen 4295m1 may 505821DIV4/99 present a limited number of sub-menu options to the user, for example two sub-menu options. According to another aspect, the sub-menu options may be arranged by a particular type of an interaction the user may have with the RPT device 4000. For example, the first menu screen 4295m1 may comprise a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The selectable menu 4295se may substantially se menu items with which a user may interact, and the report menu 4295re may substantially comprise menu items which may report ation to a user.

In some instances, the first menu screen 4295m1 may be the very top level of a menu hierarchy or structure. Accordingly, the first menu screen 4295m1 may advantageously present the user with sub-menu options which are arranged by the particular type of interaction possible.

Figs. d show another example of a first clinical menu screen 4295m2, g a ‘clinical’ menu comprising a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The clinical menu may be ted by a predetermined operation, such as pressing particular user interface buttons in a particular sequence. Similarly to the first menu screen 4295m1, first clinical menu screen 4295m2 may be the very top level of a menu hierarchy or structure for an alternative set of menu items (and submenu options). Although the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 presents different visual icons (and ) to the first menu screen 4295m1, ement of the two submenu s may be advantageously arranged by the particular type of interaction possible therewith, so that the layout of the user interface would remain consistent for improved usability.

The selectable menu 4295se may comprise items which may be individually selected by the user, for example to make s to a behaviour or a onality of the RPT device 4000 (or the humidifier 5000), or to enter a sub-menu item. For example, the selectable menu 4295se may be displayed as shown in Figs. 15a-15d, and once entered may comprise one or more configurable items such as therapy mode, ramp time, humidity level, language, date, units, mask type or pressure . In one example, the user may navigate to the sub-menu of the selectable menu 4295se, and arrive at a selectable sub-menu 4295o1 or 4295o2, depending on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu 505821DIV4/99 screen 4295m2 respectively as shown in Fig. 15e or Fig. 15f. In both cases, however, the user would have arrived at a series of selectable items.

The report menu 4295re may se items which relate to reporting of data. For example, the report menu 4295re (e.g. as shown in Figs. 15a or 15c) once entered may comprise one or more report items such as total usage hours, events per hour, report of mask seal or report of humidifier performance. In another example, while the device is operating, the report menu 4295re (e.g. as shown in Figs. 15b or 15d) once entered may se one or more statuses such as current pressure levels, leak level, remaining ramp time or humidifier status. In one example, the user may navigate to the sub-menu of the report menu 4295re, and arrive at a report sub-menu 4295r1 or 4295r2, ing on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 respectively as shown in Fig. 15g and Fig. 15h. In both cases, however, the user would have arrived at a series of selectable items as shown.

According to another aspect, the visual interface 4295 may be configured so that the items displayed on the first menu screen 4295m1 (or the first clinical menu screen ) may vary according to the context of the ion of the device, while the layout remains consistent, as seen in Figs. 15a-15d. The first menu screen 4295m1 shown in Fig. 15a may change to that shown in Fig. 15b (and from Fig. 15c to Fig. 15d) if the RPT device 4000 is in operation, changing the image displayed for the report menu 4295re.

Similarly, the selectable menu 4295se appear at substantially same location in Figs. 15a and 15c, although the image displayed may vary depending on whether the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295c1 is yed on the visual interface 4295.

A composition of the first menu screen 4295m1 (or the first clinical menu screen ) which es one sub-menu item comprising configurables, and another nu item comprising reports may be beneficial in one or more respects.

In one respect, the user may be able to navigate through the menu items with greater ease, as the structure of the menu would remain consistent despite any variations to the menu according to its operating conditions (e.g. operation of the RPT device 4000, 505821DIV4/99 or differences between a clinical menu and a patient menu). Still further, maintaining a consistency of layout while varying images displayed n may effectively indicate a change in one or more operating conditions of the RPT device to the user without ially causing confusion by a change in a menu structure. .4.2.1.2 Subsequent menu screens Examples of sub-menus for the selectable menu 4295se are shown in Figs. 15e and 15f. It can be seen here that the contents of the able sub-menu 4295o1 and 4295o2 are selectable items, which may be actionable by the user, save for headings. For example, the user may scroll down to contents such as ‘Mask’ as shown in Fig. 15e to change a type of mask that the RPT device 4000 is coupled to, or to ‘Humidity Level’ as shown in Fig. 15f to change a level of desired humidity output of the humidifier 5000.

Examples of sub-menus for the report menu 4295re are shown in Figs. 15g and 15h. The report sub-menus 4295r1 and 4295r2 may be configured so as to display information, in contrast to the ts of the selectable sub-menu 4295o1 or 4295o2 described above.

In one form, the sub-menus such as selectable sub-menu 4295o1 or 4295o2 or the report sub-menu 4295r1 or 4295r2 may se a greater number of items than can be yed on the screen of the RPT device 4000 (or the humidifier 5000). The sub-menus may be thus configured so that a movable portion of the submenu (e.g. window portion 4295w in Figs. 15e-15g) is displayed on the screen by scrolling. Such an arrangement may be ularly useful in an arrangement wherein the user interface may comprise a relatively small screen, to reduce the amount of backwards and ds navigation n different levels of sub-menus.

In one form, the report sub-menus 4295r3 or 4295r4 may display one or more aspects of an operation of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000 as for example shown in Figs. 15i-15j. The one or more aspects may include, for example, a status of the humidifier 5000, a fidelity of connection between the data communication interface 4280 and the other device/network that it is connected to, a ty of leak or one or more settings of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000. 505821DIV4/99 In one form, the report sub-menus 4295a1-4295a8 may display one or more sequential images such as an animated arcurate portion shown in Figs. 15k-15p.

In one form, the report sub-menu may change to indicate a change of a status to the user. For example, the animated arcurate portion shown in Figs. 15k-15p may be yed to the user to te that the RPT device 4000 is in a ‘ramp’ period.

Subsequently, at an end of the ramp period, the report sub-menu may change to one shown in Fig. 15q to indicate an end of the ramp period to the user. .5 HUMIDIFIER 5000 .5.1 Humidifier overview In one form of the present technology there is provided a humidifier 5000 to change the absolute humidity of air or gas for delivery to a patient relative to ambient air. Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the te humidity and increase the temperature of the flow of air ive to ambient air) before delivery to the patient’s airways. In one form, the humidifier 5000 may be a discrete unit that is connectable to an RPT device 4000. In another form, the humidifier 5000 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000, for example as shown in Fig. 5c and as described in further detail below.

A humidifier 5000 may comprise a water reservoir 5110, heating element 5240 and one or more transducers. The fier 5000 may be configured to receive a flow of air from a RPT device 4000 and deliver a flow of humidified air to a patient ace 3000 for example via an air circuit 4170. .5.2 Humidifier components .5.2.1 Water reservoir 5110 ing to one arrangement, the humidifier 5000 may comprise a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold, or retain, a volume of liquid (e.g. water) to be used for humidification of the flow of air. Figs. 16c-16d show one form of a water reservoir 5110, which comprises a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and an intermediate portion 5202 including a compliant portion 5116. The water reservoir 5110 is ured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water in order to provide adequate humidification for at least the duration of respiratory therapy, such 505821DIV4/99 as one evening of sleep. Typically, the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold several hundred millilitres of water, e.g. 300 millilitres (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml or 400 ml. In other forms, the humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive a supply of water from an external water source such as a building’s water supply system. ing to one aspect, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to a flow of air from the RPT device 4000 as the flow of air travels therethrough. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to encourage the flow of air to travel in a tortuous path through the reservoir 5110 while in contact with the volume of water therein.

The reservoir 5110 may also be ured to discourage egress of liquid therefrom, such as when the reservoir 5110 is displaced or rotated from its normal, working orientation, such as h any apertures or in between its sub-components.

As the flow of air to be humidified by the humidifier 5000 is typically pressurised, the reservoir 5110 may also be configured to prevent losses in pneumatic pressure through leak or flow impedance.

The water reservoir 5110 may comprise an inlet 5118 for receiving the flow of air into the reservoir 5110, and an outlet 5122 for delivering a flow of air from the oir 5110. The reservoir 5110 may include to an reservoir inlet tube 5124 and an oir outlet tube 5126 (e.g., see Figs. 16e). In one uration, the inlet 5118 and reservoir inlet tube 5124 are integrally formed as one inlet component and the outlet 5122 and the reservoir outlet tube 5126 are integrally formed as one outlet component. 2 Water reservoir lid 5114 In one form, the water reservoir lid 5114 is pivotably connected to the base 5112 (e.g. by hinges 5158 as shown in Fig. 16e) to allow the reservoir 5110 to be converted between an open uration and a closed uration (see Figs. 16k and 16k). When the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed configuration, the compliant portion 5116 is put into sealing engagement between the base 5112 and the lid 5114 to seal the base 5112 and the lid 5114. The hinges 5158 may couple to complementary hinge recess portions 5159 (shown in Fig. 16f) located in the reservoir base 5112. In one form, the lid 5114 may be constructed from a bio-compatible material, such as a 505821DIV4/99 plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or rbonate material. The pivotable connection may further allow the water reservoir lid 5114 and the base 5112 to be compressed towards each other in ison to their normal operating configuration, for example for insertion of the reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 as will be described in further detail below.

The water reservoir lid 5114 may comprise the inlet 5118, the oir inlet tube 5124, the outlet 5122 and the reservoir outlet tube 5126 in one form as shown in Fig. 16e. The water reservoir lid 5114 may further comprise one or more s configured to direct the air through a us path in the water reservoir 5110.

In one form, the baffle may be coupled to an end of the reservoir inlet tube 5124 as an inlet cap 5125 (as shown in Fig. 16e and Fig. 16k), and in another form, the baffle may be arranged as a plate 5123 (as shown in Fig. 16e and 16k). .5.2.3 Compliant portion 5116 In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in use, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114. The compliant portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or independently of both, for e as part of an ediate portion 5202 (see Figs. 16l-16m). The compliant portion 5116 may be engaged with the reservoir lid 5114 or the reservoir base 5112 by any number of means including, and not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction fitting, gluing or by using an ediate component. .5.2.4 Water reservoir base 5112 According to one ement, the reservoir base 5112 comprises a conductive portion 5120 (such as the base conductor plate 5152, e.g., see Fig. 16f) configured to thermally couple with a heating element 5240 of the humidifier 5000.

The conductive portion 5152 improves efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or a part of the base conductor plate 5152 may be made of a heat conducting material such as aluminium (e.g. approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 3 mm) or another heat conducting material such as metal. In some cases, suitable heat conductivity may be ed with less conductive materials of suitable thickness. 505821DIV4/99 The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a receptacle to retain the given, maximum volume of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may comprise further features such as an overfill prevention feature. .5.2.5 Water reservoir-to-humidifier connection In one form, the water oir 5110 in use receives a flow of air output by the RPT device 4000 at the dock outlet 4132. The water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled with the humidifier 5000, for example configured (as shown in Figs. 16g-16h) to be insertable into the dock 4130. When the water reservoir 5110 is engaged with the dock 4130, the reservoir inlet 5118 may receive the flow of air output by the RPT device 4000, and direct the flow of air into the water reservoir 5110. Humidity (i.e. water vapour) is added to the flow of air as the air travels through the reservoir 5110, and the humidified flow of air exits the reservoir 5110 through the reservoir outlet tube 5126 and to the reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to an air circuit 4170 to deliver the flow of humidified air to the patient 1000.

The double-ended arrows in Figs. 16h show the direction of ve motion, i.e. generally horizontal movement, n the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110 in connection and disconnection with each other in this arrangement. In the arrangement shown in Figs. h, the water reservoir 5110 is ted with the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 in the dock 4130. In this arrangement, the heights and shapes of the cavity in the dock 4130 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that to engage the water reservoir 5110 with the dock 4130 the ant n 5116 is compressed, for example by between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, for example by about 2 mm, about 3 mm or about 4 mm. Thus, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 that is inserted into the dock 4130 is complementary to the shape of the dock cavity 5160 and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when compliant portion 5116 is compressed is slightly less than the height of the dock cavity 5160 to enable the insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160.

In one form, a compressive force is required to sufficiently compress the compliant portion 5116 and allow relative nt (i.e. sliding) between the water 505821DIV4/99 reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130. For example a compression force as measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156 of between about 10 N and about 30 N, or about 20 N, or some other compression force is required to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130. The vertical gap achieved between the water reservoir 5110 and the cavity of the dock 4130 during insertion (or removal) may be between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, for example about 2mm, 3 mm or 4 mm, when this compressive force is d at the handle recesses 5154, 5156 and the water reservoir 5110 is ed into the dock 4130. The water reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130 may be arranged so that the amount of compression in the compliant portion 5116 is reduced once the water oir 5110 is connected with the dock 4130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force. The reduction in compression may be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, for example about 1 mm, 1.5 mm or 2 mm.

In the illustrated arrangement (see Figs. b) the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to the dock inlet 4134, through which the humidified flow of air travels to the humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to the air circuit 4170 as indicated in Fig. 13 by the double-ended dotted arrow (see Fig. 13).

An advantage of such an arrangement is that the water reservoir 5110 can be removed from the dock 4130 while the air circuit 4170 remains attached to the device outlet 4004. Thus the insertion and removal of the water reservoir 5110 is ndent of the connection of the air circuit 4170. A further advantage is that the water reservoir 5110 must be removed from the dock 4130 to fill the water reservoir 5110 with liquid.

In this form, neither of the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122 of the reservoir 5110 are exposed while the oir 5110 is inserted in the humidifier 5000 in an operating uration, while the oir 5110 itself remains accessible to the patient 1000, for example to allow easy removal from the humidifier 5000. This arrangement may reduce the likelihood of the user over-filling the water reservoir 5110 over the predetermined, maximum volume of liquid, as the water reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent over-filling. Still further, as the user is encouraged to remove the water reservoir 5110 to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of spillage of water onto, or into, the humidifier 5000 and/or the RPT device 4000 is d.

The ant portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), TPE polyester, TPE 505821DIV4/99 polyurethane or natural rubber. In ng the material to be used for the compliant portion 5116 it may be advantageous to choose one that does not experience mechanical relaxation across the range of storage and operational temperatures that the compliant n 5116 may be exposed to. One e of a material for the compliant portion 5116 which meets these requirements may be silicone.

A reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110, as shown in Fig. 40, so that when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged, it secures the oir lid 5114 and reservoir base 5112 together. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 from separating and maintain the compliant portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example by compression. In one form, the latch 5186 may be configured to restrict relative nt of the lid 5114 in relation to the base 5112 in one direction only, thus allow further compression of the compliant portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 and the base 5112. This may allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130, and/or allow the compliant portion 5116 to assist thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240 as described elsewhere in this disclosure. .1 Pre-compression for improved thermal contact In the present technology, pre-compression of the water reservoir 5110, for example in engagement with the water reservoir dock 4130, may be used to help improve thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240.

In one arrangement, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured so that in its ing configuration, such as when it is placed in the water reservoir dock 41305130, the ant portion 5116 is compressed as described above. The reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 4130 may be further configured so that a reaction force to the compression of the ant portion 5116 pushes the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heating element 5240 to improve the thermal contact etween.

Thus, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a spring that is biased to push the reservoir base 5112 and/or the oir lid 5114 in a direction perpendicular to the heating element 5240. As the oir 5110 is secured externally, such as 505821DIV4/99 confined within the reservoir dock 4130, the compression of the compliant portion 5116 is reacted by a force that encourages improved thermal engagement with the g element 5240. Fig. 20 illustrates this effect by indicating the distributed forces or pressures that are applied to the lid 5114, compliant portion 5116 and the base 5112 by the arrows shown.

The force required for ssion of the compliant n 5116 when the water reservoir 5110 is connected with the fier 5000 is preferably in the same direction as the normal to a surface of the conductive portion. The direction may be also preferably in the same ion as the direction of thermal engagement. This force is d by the water reservoir dock 4130 at its contacting points and/or surfaces, thereby pushing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240 together.

The magnitude of compression force may be between about 5 N and about N when measured at the heating element 5240 when the water reservoir 5110 is placed in the water reservoir dock 4130. However, it should be understood that different configurations of the water reservoir 5110 may require different magnitudes of compression force. The magnitude of this force may be altered by modifying the design of any or all of the compliant portion 5116, the lid 5114, the base 5112, or the oir dock 4130. For instance, if the compliant portion 5116 was constructed of a material with higher Young’s modulus, it would correspondingly increase the magnitude of the force. It should be noted that Fig. 20 only shows forces and pressures in the vertical direction.

In some cases, the amount of compression of the ant portion 5116 in the reservoir 5110 may be used to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating element 5240. .5.2.6 Conductive portion 5120 According to one arrangement, the reservoir 5110 comprises a conductive portion 5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid in the oir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 may be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may also be suitable.

All or a part of the conductive portion 5120 may be made of a thermally conductive 505821DIV4/99 material such as aluminium (e.g. approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 3 mm), another heat conducting metal or some plastics. In some cases, suitable heat conductivity may be achieved with less conductive materials of suitable geometry. .5.2.7 Humidifier transducer(s) 5210 The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210 instead of, or in addition to, ucers 4270 described above.

Humidifier transducers 5210 may include one or more of an air pressure sensor, an air flow , a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor as shown in Fig. 5c. A humidifier transducer 5210 may produce one or more output signals which may be communicated to a controller such as the central controller 4230 or the humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, a humidifier transducer may be located ally to the humidifier 5000 (such as in the air circuit 4170) while communicating the output signal to the controller. 7.1 Pressure transducer 5212 One or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 in addition to, or instead of, a pressure ucer 4272 provided in the RPT device 4000. .5.2.7.2 Flow transducer 5214 One or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 in addition to, or instead of, a flow transducer 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000. .5.2.7.3 Temperature transducer 5216 The fier 5000 may comprise one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5216 may be configured to e one or more temperatures such as of the g element 5240 or of the flow of air downstream of the water oir outlet 5122. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may further comprise a temperature sensor 5216 to detect the temperature of the ambient air.

DIV4/99 .5.2.7.4 Humidity transducer 5218 In one form, the humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more humidity s 5218 to detect a humidity of a gas, such as the t air. The humidity sensor 5218 may be placed towards an outlet of the humidifier 5000 in some forms to measure a humidity of the gas delivered from the humidifier 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor. .5.2.8 Heating element 5240 A heating element 5240 may be provided to the humidifier 5000 in some cases to provide a heat input to one or more of the volume of water in the water reservoir 5110 or to the flow of air. The heating element 5240 may comprise a heat generating component 5242 (see Fig. 17b) such as an electrically resistive heating track. One suitable example of a heating element 5240 is a layered heating element such as one described in the PCT Patent Application Publication Number WO 2012/171072, the entire document of which is orated herewithin by reference.

In some forms, the heating element 5240 may be ed in the chassis 4016 where heat may be provided to the water reservoir 5110 ily by tion, for example through a HE cover plate 5241 (see Fig. 17b) which may be ed of a conductive material such as a metal (e.g. stainless steel or aluminium).) The heating element 5240 may be supported by a HE seal 5243 as shown in Fig. 17b, configured to t or discourage ingress of any water from the water oir 5110 or the dock 4130 into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 (shown in r detail in Figs. 17g-17h) may seal around the periphery of the heating element 5240, and elevate the heating element 5240 from the base of the RPT device 4000. The HE seal 5243 may comprise one or more resilient portions such as the HE cones 5245 as shown in Fig. 17d and 17h, configured to provide a compressive force to help engage the heating element 5240 with the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the HE seal 5243 and the heating element 5240 may be configured so that when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into and engaged with the dock 4130, the HE cones 5245 are compressed axially to provide an upward force, thereby pushing the heating element 5240 toward 505821DIV4/99 the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110 and improving the thermal contact etween.

The HE seal 5243 may further comprise one or more HE cable ports 5246 to allow a cable (e.g. for electrical power) to travel therethrough, for example from another portion of the chassis 4016 such as outside of the dock 4130 and near the pneumatic block 4020. The one or more HE cable ports 5246 may sealingly engage around a periphery of the cable travelling therethrough to prevent ingress of water into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 may be ucted from a resilient material such as silicone, and comprise integrally formed HE cones 5245 and HE cable ports 5246.

The humidifier 5000 may comprise a HE base cover 5244 as shown in Fig. 17b and in further detail in Figs. 17i and 17j. The HE base cover 5244 may be removably coupled to the chassis 4016 (e.g. by ) to allow access to the heating element 5240, and comprise one or more features configured to support and locate the HE seal 5243. In one form, the HE base cover 5244 may further comprise HE cone slots 52475246 configured to receive HE cones 5245 while allowing a compression thereof. .5.2.8.1 fier controller 5250 According to one arrangement of the present logy, a humidifier 5000 may comprise a humidifier controller 5250 as shown in Fig. 5c. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the humidifier ller 5250 may be a te controller, which may be in communication with the central ller 4230.

In one form, the humidifier ller 5250 may receive as inputs measures of characteristics (such as temperature, humidity, pressure or flow rate), for example of the flow of air, the water in the reservoir 5110 or the humidifier 5000. The fier controller 5250 may also be configured to execute or implement humidifier algorithms or deliver one or more output signals.

As shown in Fig. 5c, the humidifier controller may comprise one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 505821DIV4/99 5254 configured to control the temperature of a heated air circuit or a heating t controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of a hot plate. .6 GLOSSARY For the purposes of the present technology disclosure, in n forms of the present technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other forms of the present technology, alternative definitions may apply. .6.1 General Air: In certain forms of the present technology, air may be taken to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology air may be taken to mean some other combination of breathable gases, e.g. atmospheric air enriched with oxygen.

Ambient: In certain forms of the present logy, the term ambient will be taken to mean (i) external of the treatment system or patient, and (ii) immediately nding the ent system or patient.

For example, ambient humidity with respect to a humidifier may be the humidity of air immediately surrounding the humidifier, e.g. the humidity in the room where a patient is sleeping. Such ambient humidity may be different to the humidity outside the room where a patient is sleeping.

In another example, ambient pressure may be the pressure immediately nding or external to the body.

In certain forms, ambient (e.g. ic) noise may be considered to be the background noise level in the room where a patient is d, other than for example, noise generated by an RPT device or emanating from a mask or patient interface.

Ambient noise may be generated by sources outside the room.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP treatment will be taken to mean the application of a supply of air to the entrance to the airways at a re that is continuously positive with respect to here, and preferably approximately constant through a respiratory cycle of a t. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways will be slightly higher during exhalation, and 505821DIV4/99 slightly lower during inhalation. In some forms, the pressure will vary between different respiratory cycles of the patient, for example being increased in response to detection of indications of partial upper airway ction, and decreased in the absence of indications of l upper airway obstruction.

CDMA: is an abbreviation for Code division multiple access.

GSM: is an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile.

LTE: is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution.

USB: is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. .6.2 als Silicone or Silicone mer: A synthetic rubber. In this specification, a reference to silicone is a reference to liquid ne rubber (LSR) or a compression moulded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark), manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is . Unless otherwise specified to the contrary, a preferred form of LSR has a Shore A (or Type A) indentation ss in the range of about 35 to about 45 as measured using ASTM D2240.

Polycarbonate: a typically transparent thermoplastic polymer of Bisphenol-A Carbonate. .7 OTHER REMARKS A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but ise reserves all copyright rights ever.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise and where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the 505821DIV4/99 lower limit, between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges, which may be independently included in the intervening ranges, are also encompassed within the technology, subject to any ically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the technology.

Furthermore, where a value or values are stated herein as being implemented as part of the technology, it is understood that such values may be approximated, unless otherwise stated, and such values may be utilized to any suitable significant digit to the extent that a practical technical entation may permit or require it.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly tood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Although any methods and als similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present technology, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are bed herein.

When a particular material is identified as being preferably used to construct a component, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, unless specified to the contrary, any and all components herein described are understood to be capable of being manufactured and, as such, may be manufactured er or separately.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended , the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include their plural equivalents, unless the t clearly dictates otherwise.

All ations mentioned herein are incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods, materials (or both) which are the subject of those publications. The publications sed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an ion that the present technology is not entitled to antedate such 505821DIV4/99 publication by virtue of prior invention. r, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

Moreover, in reting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms ises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive , indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

The subject headings used in the detailed description are included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations. gh the logy herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and ations of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between distinct elements. Furthermore, although process steps in the methodologies may be described or illustrated in an order, such an ordering is not required. Those d in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified. Additionally, or atively, aspects thereof may be conducted rently or even synchronously.

It is ore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology. .8 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST Component Reference patient 1000 bed partner 1100 505821DIV4/99 patient interface 3000 seal-forming structure 3100 plenum chamber 3200 ure 3300 connection port 3600 rpt device 4000 rpt device inlet 4002 rpt device outlet 4004 outlet tube 4006 first portion 4006a second portion 4006b flange 4006fl outlet tube guide portion 4006gu outlet tube latch portion 4006la outlet end 4006oe intermediate tube 4008 external housing 4010 front panel cutout 4010co external housing light port 4010lp protrusion 4010pr front panel 4012 internal shoulder 4012sh side panel 4014 access cover 4014ac access cover anchoring portion 4014an recess 4014ch cover portion 4014co connection port 4014cp side panel frame 4014f inlet air filter cover 4014fc air filter housing 4014h access cover hinge portion 4014hi mentary recess 4014re wall 4014w chassis 4016 rm 4016pl pneumatic block 4020 acoustic foam 4020af blower sleeve 4020bs first chamber 4020c1 second chamber 4020c2 flow plate 4020fp flow tube 4020ft first PB housing 4020h1 second PB housing 4020h2 pb inlet 4020in 505821DIV4/99 pb inlet tube 4020it pb outlet rim 4020or pb outlet 4020ou sleeve pull tab 4020pt pb sensor coupler 4020sc flow sensor port 4020sp sleeve tab 4020st pb water shield 4020ws pb water trap 4020wt patient interface connector 4107 air filter 4110 inlet air filter 4112 outlet air filter 4114 muffler 4120 inlet muffler 4122 outlet muffler 4124 muffler body 4124bo muffler cap 4124ca muffler clip 4124cl muffler damper 4124da r expansion chamber 4124ex muffler foam 4124fo muffler hinge 4124hi muffler entry 4124in muffler lever 4124le muffler exit 4124ou muffler travel limiter 4124tl dock 4130 corresponding dock guide portion 4130gu complementary recess 4130re dock outlet slot 4130sl dock outlet 4132 dock outlet re port 4132pp dock inlet 4134 pressure generator 4140 blower 4142 blower inlet 4142in blower outlet 4142ou motor 4144 tab 4148 back valve 4160 air circuit 4170 ac helical coil 4170co ac electrical connector 4170ec electrical lead 4170le ac outlet connector 4170oc 505821DIV4/99 ac uld 4170om block 4170pb recess 4170re base seal 4170se ac tube portion 4170tp actuator 4172 retention feature 4174 AC tab 4176 internal rib 4177 travel stop 4178 oxygen delivery port 4180 user ace panel 4190 ui base 4190ba light well 4190lw ui seal 4190se pcba 4202 power supply 4210 input device 4220 first button 4222 second button 4224 dial 4226 dial re 4226ap dial cover 4226co dial seal 4226se encoder shaft 4226sh central controller 4230 clock 4232 therapy device controller 4240 protection circuit 4250 memory 4260 transducer 4270 pressure transducer 4272 flow transducer 4274 motor speed transducer 4276 ambient light sensor 4278 data communication interface 4280 antenna 4280an antenna ground plane 4280gp first side 4280n1 second side 4280n2 remote external communication network 4282 local external communication network 4284 remote external device 4286 local external device 4288 output device 4290 display driver 4292 505821DIV4/99 display 4294 display cover 4294co visual interface 4295 report sub-menu 4295a1 report sub-menu 4295a2 report sub-menu 4295a3 report nu 4295a4 report sub-menu 4295a5 report sub-menu 4295a6 report sub-menu 4295a7 report sub-menu 4295a8 report sub-menu 4295b1 report sub-menu 4295b2 report sub-menu 4295b3 report sub-menu 4295b4 first clinical menu screen 4295c1 first menu screen 4295m1 first clinical menu screen 4295m2 selectable sub-menu 4295o1 selectable sub-menu 4295o2 report sub-menu 4295r1 report sub-menu 4295r2 report sub-menu 4295r3 report sub-menu 4295r4 report menu 4295re selectable sub-menu 4295s1 able sub-menu 4295s2 selectable sub-menu 4295s3 selectable menu 4295se window portion 4295w l module 4330 humidifier 5000 outlet assembly 5004 ling disc 5050 swivel disc seal 5051 electrical connector receiver 5052 notch 5054 outlet connection region 5056 female electrical connector 5058 receiver contact element 5058ce disc stop surface 5060 disc stop surface 5062 housing stop surface 5064 g stop surface 5066 cable 5070 cable housing 5080 505821DIV4/99 inner wall 5082 outer wall 5084 void 5086 r section 5088 retainer 5090 opening 5092 housing tab 5094 water reservoir 5110 water reservoir base 5112 water reservoir lid 5114 compliant portion 5116 water reservoir inlet 5118 conductive portion 5120 water reservoir outlet 5122 plate 5123 reservoir inlet tube 5124 inlet cap 5125 reservoir outlet tube 5126 contact t 5146 base conductor plate 5152 handle recess 5154 handle recess 5156 hinge 5158 complementary hinge recess portion 5159 dock cavity 5160 humidifier outlet 5172 latch 5186 intermediate portion 5202 humidifier transducer 5210 pressure transducer 5212 flow transducer 5214 temperature transducer 5216 humidity transducer 5218 heating element 5240 he cover plate 5241 heat generating component 5242 he seal 5243 he base cover 5244 he cone 5245 he cable port 5246 he cone slot 5247 humidifier ller 5250 l humidifier controller 5251 heating element controller 5252 air circuit controller 5254 humidifier end cap 5300 DIV4/99 magnet 5340 end cap magnet holder 5345 6

Claims (26)

1. A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for pressurizing air and directing rized air to a patient for treatment of a respiratory er, the RPT device comprising: an RPT device inlet opening ured to e air from externally of the RPT device; and a pneumatic block comprising: a blower configured to pressurize air; a pneumatic block housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the blower being positioned inside of the tic block housing; a pneumatic block inlet tube integrally formed in one piece with the first housing portion, and the pneumatic block inlet tube including a pneumatic block inlet opening configured to receive air to be pressurized by the blower during use; and a flexible portion that is constructed from a flexible material and pneumatically connects the RPT device inlet opening and the pneumatic block inlet opening.

2. The RPT device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion forms a first chamber and the pneumatic block inlet tube extends into the first chamber.

3. The RPT device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible portion is configured to resiliently deform to accommodate misalignment between the RPT device inlet opening and the pneumatic block inlet opening.

4. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the le material is ne.

5. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an external g, the pneumatic block being positioned inside of the external housing, and the RPT device inlet opening being positioned on the external housing.

6. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible n is a tic block insert configured to extend into the pneumatic block inlet tube h the pneumatic block inlet opening.

7. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexible portion comprises a first portion positioned externally of the pneumatic block inlet tube and a second portion positioned internally of the pneumatic block inlet tube.

8. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pneumatic block housing is more rigid than the flexible portion.

9. The RPT device of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pneumatic block further comprises a pneumatic block outlet opening configured to direct pressurized air out of the pneumatic block.

10. The RPT device of claim 9, further comprising a water reservoir dock configured to receive a water reservoir to humidify pressurized air during use, the water oir dock comprising a water reservoir dock outlet opening configured to receive pressurized air from the pneumatic block outlet opening and direct pressurized air to the water reservoir.

11. The RPT device of claim 9, wherein the blower further ses a blower outlet opening, wherein the pneumatic block comprises a blower sleeve that surrounds the blower outlet opening, forms the tic block outlet opening, and is configured to vibrationally isolate the blower during use.

12. The RPT device of claim 11, wherein a portion of the blower sleeve that surrounds the blower outlet opening is positioned inside of the pneumatic block housing.

13. The RPT device of claim 12, wherein the blower sleeve is constructed from a flexible, resilient material.

14. A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for rizing air and directing pressurized air to a patient for treatment of a respiratory er, the RPT device comprising: an RPT device inlet hole configured to receive air from externally of the RPT ; and a blower assembly comprising: a blower configured to pressurize air; a blower assembly housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing n, the blower being positioned inside of the blower assembly housing; a blower assembly inlet tube including a blower assembly inlet hole configured to receive air to be pressurized by the blower during use; and a flexible portion that is constructed from a flexible material and pneumatically connects the RPT device inlet hole and the blower assembly inlet hole, wherein the first housing portion and the blower assembly inlet tube are constructed from a single, homogeneous piece of material.

15. The RPT device of claim 14, wherein the first housing portion forms a first chamber and the blower ly inlet tube extends into the first r.

16. The RPT device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the flexible portion is configured to resiliently deform to accommodate misalignment n the RPT device inlet hole and the blower assembly inlet hole.

17. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the flexible material is silicone.

18. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising an external housing, the blower assembly being positioned inside of the external housing, and the RPT device inlet hole being positioned on the external housing.

19. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the flexible portion is a blower assembly insert configured to extend into the blower assembly inlet tube through the blower assembly inlet hole.

20. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the flexible portion comprises a first portion oned externally of the blower assembly inlet tube and a second portion positioned internally of the blower assembly inlet tube.

21. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the single, homogeneous piece of al is more rigid than the flexible material.

22. The RPT device of one of claims 14 to 21, n the blower assembly further comprises a blower assembly outlet hole configured to direct pressurized air out of the blower assembly.

23. The RPT device of claim 22, further comprising a water reservoir dock configured to receive a water oir to humidify pressurized air during use, the water reservoir dock comprising a water reservoir dock outlet hole configured to receive rized air from the blower assembly outlet hole and direct pressurized air to the water reservoir.

24. The RPT device of claim 22, wherein the blower further comprises a blower outlet hole, wherein the blower ly comprises a blower sleeve that nds the blower outlet hole, forms the blower assembly outlet hole, and is configured to vibrationally isolate the blower during use.

25. The RPT device of claim 24, n a portion of the blower sleeve that surrounds the blower outlet hole is positioned inside of the blower assembly housing.

26. The RPT device of claim 25, wherein the blower sleeve is constructed from a flexible, resilient material. 4000 5000 4170 3000 1000 1000 3000 4170 5000 4000 4000 5000 3000 4170