CA3101985A1

CA3101985A1 - Filter oxygen method, apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: CA3101985A1
Application number: CA3101985A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Gregory PEPE; Roger Madry
Original assignee: AG Industries LLC
Current assignee: AG Industries LLC
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-29
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: EP3787724A1; EP3787724A4; WO2019232028A1

Abstract

An apparatus and method for concentrating oxygen is provided. The apparatus comprises an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet, at least two absorbent beds, a compressor for receiving air from the atmosphere, compressing the air, and delivering the air into the at least two absorbent beds, a removeable filter coupled to the compressor to filter a flow of air between the air intake and the air outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter, and a processor operable to communicate with the electronic tag to receive the identifying information of the removeable filter.

Description

FILTER OXYGEN METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method, apparatus, and system for =filtration.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a filter system for air and fluids and a method of using such system.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Individuals diagnosed with pulmonary disease, for example, Emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary Hypertension, or Cystic Fibrosis, often need supplemental oxygen. This supplemental oxygen can be delivered by an oxygen concentrator, which compresses filtered air, removes nitrogen., and delivers the concentrated oxygen to the individual through a nasal cannula or other delivery device.
Since air is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases, such as carbon dioxide and argon, removing the nitrogen provides primarily oxygen, with a purity of about 90-95%. Thus, by removing nitrogen from the air, oxygen concentrators are able to process atmospheric air to provide substantially pure oxygen to users. Currently, two different types of oxygen concentrators are available to individuals with pulmonary disease. A
stationary concentrator is typically large and approximately 30- 40 pounds, and is more typically used for individuals that require a high flow rate. Portable oxygen concentrators are typically smaller and lighter. The, portable oxygen concentrator is typically placed on a cart or included within a carrying case. A
battery , such as a lithium ion rechargeable battery, can be used with the portable oxygen.
concentrator.

[0003] Certain individuals that require supplemental oxygen also require continuous positive airway pressure (CPA:1'). For example, an individual with sleep apnea or other breathing issues that also has a pulmonary disease, may require both supplemental oxygen and CPAP. CP.AP
applies continuous positive air pressure on a continuous basis to keep airways open throughout the breathing cycle in an individual able to breathe on their own.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTlON

[0004] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for concentrating oxygen.

[0005] A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus tbr concentrating oxygen. The apparatus includes an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet, an air purifier, a compressor for receiving air from the atmosphere, compressing the air, and delivering the air into the air =purifier, and a removeable filter coupled to the compressor to =filter a flow of air between the air intake and the air outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable, to transmit identifying information of the removable filter. The apparatus further includes a processor operable to communicate with the electronic tag to receive the identifying information of the =removeable filter.

[0006] A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of concentrating oxygen. The method includes providing an oxygen concentrator having an iir intake fluidly connected to an air outlet and a removeable filter between the air intake and the ziir outlet; filtering air passing between the ziir intake and the air outlet during the oxygen concentrating by a removeable filter having an electronic tag in communication with a processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filter; and determining, by the processor, whether the removable filter is operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the identifying information of the =removeable filter from the electronic tag.

[0007] A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of concentrating oxygen, the method including providing an oxygen concentrator having an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet and a removeable filter between the air intake and the ziir outlet; filtering air passing between the ziir intake and the air outlet during the oxygen concentrating by a removeable filter having an electronic tag in communication with a processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filter; and determining, by the processor, whether the removable filter is operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the id.entifying information of the =removeable filter from the electronic tag, and providing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device having an air flow generator including a fluid intake fluidly connected to a fluid outlet and a removeable filter operably maintained within

8 the air flow generator to filter a flow of .fluid between the fluid intake and the fluid outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter, an ziir delivery tube fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, an air delivery element fluidly connected to the air delivery tube, wherein the oxygen concentrator includes a concentrated air delivery tube fluidly connected to the ziir delivery element of the CPAP device, In a further embodiment, the processor is operable to communicate with the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the ("PAP device and the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the oxygen concentrator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE :DRAWING(S) [0008] FIG. 1 presents an exemplary device fbr concentrating oxygen suitable fbr use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 presents an simplified block diagram of devices suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 presents an exemplary device for filtering suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4 presents simplified block diagram of an oxygen concentrator coupled to a CRAP
suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure:.

[0012] FIG. 5 presents an exemplary logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatus for performing exemplary embodiments of this di SCIOSUre.

[0013] FIG. 6 presents an exemplary logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatus for performing exemplary- embodiments of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodim.ents of the present disclosure provide a compressor .for receiving air from the zitmosphere through an air intake, compressing, the air, and delivering the ziir into at least two absorbent beds. The purified, concentrated oxygen may then be delivered to a holding reservoir before being, dispensed through a .fluid outlet and to an individual, wherein the rate of flow through the air outlet and into a nasal cannaa may be controlled by zi flow meter. The oxygen concentrator is operable to maintain zi filter operable to filter the flow of .fluid between the air intake and the air outlet. In_ one configuration, the air intake includes an intake filter having an electronic tag (e.g., a radio frequency identification. (REID), an antenna, a microchip, or a harcode) that is operable to maintain indenting information about the intake filter to a processor.
In another configuration, the compressor also or alternatively includes an intake filter having an electronic tag that is operable to maintain identifying information about the compressor filter to the processor. The processor may he maintained within the housing of the oxygen concentrator.
The processor is operable to determine (based on the identifying information) whether the removeable filter or filters are the appropriate filter for use with the oxygen concentrator. For example, the processor is operable to determine based on the filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and/or filter lifespan_ whether the removeable filter(s) should be replaced. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an oxygen concentrator device with at least one filter that operably notifies the user whether the filter should be replaced.

[0015] Referring to .FIGs. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and FIG.. 2 shows an simplified block diagram of devices suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.
FIG-s. 1 and 2 show an oxygen concentrator apparatus 10 having a housing 12 comprising abase 13 and a lid 15.
Base 13 includes an air intake 14 and air outlet 18. In one configuration, air intake 14 is an open port 16. The port -1_6 may include a grille or perforated covering. In one configuration, the oxygen concentrator 10 also includes a compressor 20 having a fan for drawing air from the atmosphere and delivering the air to absorbent beds 80. The compressor 20 further functions to compress the atmospheric air to a desired pounds per square inch (PSI). The compressor 20 is coupled to a power source, including but not limited to a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a 12V
direct current electric power source, or an AC power supply.

[0016] In one configuration, an air intake filter 22 is disposed between the air intake 14 and the compressor 20. The air intake filter 22 removes extraneous materials and gross particulate matter when the air flows through_ the intake filter 22. The filter may be made of any porous material that allows for the passage of air and removes extraneous materials and gross particulate matter from the air. The air intake filter 22 may be any size and shape that corresponds to the air intake 14. In one configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the air intake filter 22 includes a filter material 24 and a frame 26. The frame 26 provides support to the filter material 24 and may include a support web 28 including bands 30 and ribs 32, 34 extending radially from a center of the filter 22 through the bands 30. The bands 30, in one configuration, are concentric circles.
The ribs 32 terminate along an outer band 36 or, alternatively, at an inner extending portion 38 of the outer band 36. The inner extending portion 38 is contoured around spaced protrusions 40.
These protrusions 40 may house an electronic tag 42. Examples of the electronic tag 42 include a radio frequency identification (REID) tag, an antenna, a microchip, and/or a barcode.
Electronic tag 42 are operable to maintain identifying information about filter 22. Examples of identifying information include filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan, it should be appreciated that other typos of oxygen concentrator devices having removeable filters may be used and these devices are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0017] Oxygen concentrator 10 also includes at least one processor 60 as shown in FIG. 2.
Processor 60 is operable to communicate with electronic tag 42 and to determine based on the identifying information on the electronic tag 42 whether the air intake filter 22 should be replaced. Some embodiments of the oxygen concentrator 10 also include at least one alert system 70. The alert system 70 can include any one or combination of signals (e.g., light, vibration, audible sound, etc.) that notifies the user that the filter 22 should be changed.
Embodiments of alert system 70 are operably to controlled by or communicate with processor 60 and can send an alert based on whether the processor 60 determines that the filter 22 should be replaced.

[0018] Some embodiments of the oxygen concentrator include an electronic reader 62 operable to obtain the identifying information from electronic tag 42 and communicate the obtained identifying information to processor 60. In one embodiment electronic reader 62 is an antenna arranged such that it is operable to communicate with electronic tag 42. In some embodiments oxygen concentrator 10 also includes a memory 64 operable to communicate with processor 60 such that processor 60 can access program 66 stored on memory 64. Program 66, when accessed or run on processor 60, can instruct processor 60 and device 10 to operate or perform operations as described herein.

[OW 91 Processor 60 with memory 64 and program 66 is also operable to calculale and display with display 68 the remaining life of removable filter 22. Embodiments provide that the established or rated filter life of removable filter 22 can be written on to electronic tag 42, along with such information as filter type or name, manufacturer, and manufacturing lot number.
When zi new removable filter 22 is inserted into oxygen concentrator 10, processor 60 (with electronic reader 62) reads and stores the identifying information in memory 64. Some examples of information that can be displayed on display 68 include filter life, which may be based on a particular speed or intake flow rate which is a function of motor speed of the compressor 20, [00201 The oxygen concentrator 10 may alternatively or additionally, include filters in various other locations. In one configuration, a removeable filter 72 is positioned between the compressor 20 and absorbent beads 80. This removeable filter 72 removes extraneous materials and gross particulate matter when the air flows through the removeable filter 72. The filter 72 may be made of any porous material that allows for the passage of air and removes extraneous materials and gross particulate matter from the air. The removeable filter 72 may be any size and shape that corresponds to the fluid opening in the air compressor 20. The removeable filter 72 may additionally, or alternatively include an electronic tag 42 as described supra. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary Skill in the art that the oxygen concentrator 10 may further include additional filters are needed to provide filtered air to a user. Such additional filters may include electronic tags 42 as well. Such electronic tags 42 also communicate with processor 60 to determine, based on the identifying information on the electronic tag 42, whether the filter 72 should be replaced. The alert system 70 may further signal that the user should change filter 72.
Further, an electronic reader 62 is operable to obtain the identifying information from electronic tag 42 and communicate the obtained identifying information to processor 60.
In some embodiments oxygen concentrator 10 also includes a memory 64 operable to communicate with processor 60 such that processor 60 can access program 66 stored on memory 64.
Program 66, when accessed or run on processor 60, can instruct processor 60 and device 10 to operate or perform operations as described herein.
[0021] Processor 60 with memory 64 and program 66 is also operable to calculate and display with display 68 the remaining life of removable filter 72. Embodiments provide that the established or rated filter life of removable filter 72 can be written on to electronic tag 42, along with such information as filter type or name, manufacturer, and manufacturing lot number.
When a new removable filter 72 is inserted into oxygen concentrator 10, processor 60 (with electronic reader 62) reads and stores the identifying information in memory 64. Some examples of information that can be displayed on display 68 include filter life, which may be based on a particular speed or intake flow rate: which is a function of motor speed of the compressor 20.
[00221 The air compressed by the compressor 20 is delivered to an air purifier. in one configuration, the air purifier is adsorbent beds 80, or molecular sieve beds, to remove nitrogen from the atmospheric ziir. Typically, two molecular sieve beds of 'zeolite, a microporous ziluminosilicate mineral which traps nitrogen, are used, wherein a switch valve 92 switches the output of the compressor 20 between the two molecular sieve beds to provide pressure swine adsorption (PSA). The air is compressed into a first molecular sieve bed where the nitrogen is adsorbed. Once the first molecular sieve bed is full of nitrogen (or just before saturation is reached), the switch valve 92 will switch the compressor 20 output to the second molecular sieve bed. During the delivery of the compressor 20 output to the second molecular sieve bed, the first molecular sieve bed will vent the nitrogen into the atmosphere. In one configuration, the substantially purified oxygen is sent to a holding reservoir 94 having a regulator 96 which controls the output of oxygen. For example, the regulator 96 may control and maintain the desired flow rate of oxygen and/or the pressure of oxygen that flows through the air outlet 18 and is delivered to the user. Typically, the user receives the substantially purified oxygen through a delivery system such as a delivery tube 98 with a deb very element, for example, a nasal cannula or a mask.
[0023] The oxygen concentrator 10 may also be coupled to a humidifier and/or a CPAP device 100. Shown in FIG, 4 is device 100 having an air flow generator 102, an air delivery tube 104 and a mask 106. Air flow generator 102 includes a fluid intake 108 and a fluid outlet 110 connected via passage 111. Air flow generator 102 is operable to produce a flow of fluid by pulling air or other fluid through the fluid intake 108 and expelling the flow of fluid or air out of the fluid outlet 110. It should be understood that the flow of fluid may be comprised of liquids, gases, and/or solids. Embodiments of air flow generator 102 include a motor or other similar device operable to produce a flow of fluid.

[0024] Air delivery tube 104 is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet 110 to receive the flow of fluid. Air delivery tube 104 is fluidly connected to mask. 106 such that air flow generator 102, ziir delivery tube 104, and mask. 106 are operable to provide a user with continuous positive airway pressure.
[0025] Air flow generator 102 operably maintains at least one filter 112.
Filter 112 is operable to filter extraneous materials, gross particulate matter and other unwanted particles from the .flow of fluid flowing between the .fluid intake 108 and the fluid outlet 110. Some of the extraneous materials can include visible or microscopic particles, organic, or inorganic matter. Filter 112 is removable and =replaceable from air flow generator 102. Embodim.ents of .filter 112 include an.
electronic tag 114, Examples of electronic tag 114 include a radio frequency identification (REID) tag., an zintenna, a microchip, and/or zi barcode. Electronic tag 114 are operable to maintain identifying information about =filter 112. Examples of identifying information include filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan.
[0026] In one configuration, the oxygen concentrator and the CPAP device form a system. In another configuration, the oxygen concentrator 10 and CPAP device 100 remain separate such that the concentrated oxygen produced by the oxygen concentrator 10 is delivered to the ('PAP
device mask 106 through the delivery tube 98. Thus, device 100 may also include at least one processor 116. In one configuration, processor 116 is operable to communicate with electronic tag 114 and to determine based on the identifying information on the electronic. tag 114 whether filter 112 should be replaced. However, in another configuration, device 100 and oxygen concentrator 10 are integrated into a system such that only one processor communicates with all electronic tags 42, 114 and determines, based on the identifying information on the electronic.
tags 42, 114, whether filters 22, 72, andlor 112 are operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the identifying information of the removeable filters 22, 72, 112 from the electronic tags 42, 114.
[0027] Some embodiments of device 100 also =include at least one alert system 118. The alert system 118 can include any one or combination of signals (e.g., light, vibration, audible sound,.
etc.) that notifies the user that the filter 112 should be changed.
Embodiments of alert system 118 are operably to controlled by or communicate with processor 116 and can send an alert based on whether the processor 116 determines that the filter 112 should be replaced. In an integrated configuration, one alert system either 118 or 70provides notifications to the user for filters 22, 72 and/or 112. Further some embodiments of device 100 may include a display 130, a memory 132, and computer program instructions 134. However, in an integrated configuration, the device 100 and oxygen concentrator 10 may form a system having only one display, processor, and memory with computer instructions, [0028] Referring now to F1Gs. 5 and 6, illustrated is a logic .flow diagram in ziccordance with a method and apparatus for performing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure,.
As shown in FIG. 5, block 200 presents providing an oxygen concentrator having an ziir intake fluidly connected to an air outlet and a removeable filter between the air intake and the air outlet.
Following block 200, block 202 provides filtering air passing between the air intake and the air outlet during the oxygen concentrating by a removeable filter having an electronic tag in communication with a processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filter. Next, block 204 specifies determining, by the processor, whether the removable filter is operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the identifying information of the =removeable filter from the electronic tag. In one configuration, the electronic tag is at least one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an antenna, a microchip, and a barcode.
Further, the identifying information may include at least one of filter type, filter =flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan. In one configuration, the processor is operable to determine based on the identifying information whether the removable filter is compatible with the apparatus.
,Additionally, the oxygen concentrator may include a plurality of removeable filters each having an electronic tag in communication with the processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filters.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, block 300 also presents providing an oxygen concentrator having an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet and a removeable filter between the air intake and the air outlet. Following block 300, block 302 provides filtering air passing between the air intake and the air outlet during the oxygen concentrating by a removeable filter having an electronic tag in communication with a processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filter. Further, block 304 specifies determining, by the processor, whether the removable filter is operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the identifying information of the removeable filter from the electronic tag. In this configurationõ block 306 further includes providing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device having an air flow generator including a fluid intake fluidly connected to a fluid outlet and a removeable filter operably maintained within the air flow generator to filter a flow of fluid between the fluid intake and the fluid outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter, an air delivery tube fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, an air delivery element fluidly connected to the air delivery tube, wherein the oxygen concentrator includes a concentrated air delivery tube fluidly connected to the air delivery element of the CPAP device. In one configuration, the processor is operable to communicate with the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the CPAP device and the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the oxygen concentrator.
[0030] The logic diagram of Fkis. 5 and 6 may be considered to illustrate the operation of a method, a result of execution of computer program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, or the operation of an apparatus. The logic diagram of FICis. 5 and 6 may also be considered a specific manner in which components of a device are configured to operate, whether such a device is an oxygen concentrator, a CPAP device, a system having an oxygen concentrator and a CPAP device, or one or more components thereof [0031] Various embodiments of the computer-readable medium include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including but not limited to semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and the like. Various embodiments of the processor include but are not limited to general purposed computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, and multi-core processors.
[0032] This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention in indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

PCT/US2019/034368

1. An apparatus for concentrating oxygen, the apparatus comprising:
an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet;
an air purifier;
a compressor for receiving air from the atmosphere and delivering the air into the air purifier;
a removeable fiher coupled to at least one of the compressor and the air intake to fiher a flow of air between the air intake and the air outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter;
and.
a regulator for regulating at least one of an air flow rate and an air pressure from the air outlet; and.
a processor operable to communicate with the electronic tag to receive the identifying information of the removeable

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is at least one of a.
radio frequency identification (RPM) tag, an antenna, a microchip, and a barcode.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifyini4 information cornprises at least one of filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to determine based on the identifying information whether the removable filter is compatible with the apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to determine based on the identifying information whether the removable filter should be replaced.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising an alert systern, the alert system operable to signal a user that the removable filter should be replaced.

7. The apparatus according to claim I, wherein the removeable filter is coupled to the air intake and is operable to remove extraneous materials and gross particulate matter from air.

The apparatus according to claim I, wherein the processor is operable to receive the identifying informatim of the removeable filter coupled to the air intake and the removeable filter coupled to the compressor from the electronic tag of the removeable filter coupled to the air intake and the electronic tag of the removeable filter coupled to the compressor, respectively.

The apparatus according to claim I, wherein the electronic tag of the removeable .filter coupled to the air intake filter is at least one of a radio frequency identification (REID) tag, an antenna, a microchip, and a barcode.

10. The apparatus according to claim I, wherein the wherein the identifying information of the removeable filter coupled to the compressor comprises at least one of filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan, and wherein the processor is operable to determine based on the identifying information whether the removable filter coupled th the compressor and the removeablo filter coupled to the air intake filter are each compatible with the apparatus.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising an alert system, the alert system operable to signal a user that either or both of the removable filters should be replaced.

12, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is coupled to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus, the CPAP apparatus having an air flow generator having a fluid intake fluidly connected to a fluid outlet, a removeable filter operably maintained within the air flow generator to filter a flow of fluid between the fluid intake and the fluid outlet, wherein the romoveable filter comprises an electronic tag operable th transmit identifying information of the removable filter, and air delivery tube fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, an air delivery element fluidly connected to the air delivery tUbe.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor is operable to communicate with the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the concentrating oxygen apparatus and the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the CPAP, to receive the identifying information of the removeable .filters.

14. A method of concentrating oxygen, the method comprising:
(a) providing an oxygen concentrator having an air intake fluidly connected to an air outlet and a removeable filter between the air intake and the air outlet;
(b) filtering air passing between the air intake and the air outlet during the oxygen concentrating by a removeable filter having an electronic tag in communication with a processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filter; and (c) determining, by the processor, whether the removable filter is operable with the oxygen concentrator based on the identifying information of the removeable filter from the electronic tag,

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the electronic tag is at least one of a radio frequency identification (1.2.FID) tag, an antenna, a microchip, and a barcode.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the identifying information comprises at least one of filter type, filter flow rates, filter brand, and filter lifespan.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the processor is operable to determine based on the identifying information whether the removable filter is compatible with the apparatus.

18. The method according to claim. 14, wherein the oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of removeable filters each having an electronic tag in communication with the processor and operable to transmit identifying information of the removeable filters.

19. The method according to claim 14, further comprises providing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device having an air flow generator including a fluid intake fluidly connected to a fluid outlet and a removeable filter operably maintained within the air flow generator to .filter a flow of fluid between the fluid intake and the fluid outlet, wherein the removeable filter comprises an electronic tag operable to transmit identifying information of the removable filter, an air delivery tube fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, an air delivery element fluidly connected to the air delivery tube, wherein the oxygen concentrator includes a concentrated air delivery tube fluidly connected to the air delivery element of the CPAP device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the processor is tverable to communicate with the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the CPAP
device and the electronic tag of the removeable filter of the (:)xygen concentrator.