NZ629662B2 - Flow generator - Google Patents

Abstract

flow generator includes a housing, a blower structured to generate a flow of pressurized breathable air, and a suspension device to support the blower within the housing and provide a pressure seal between low and high pressure sides of the blower. The suspension device includes a bellows-like portion provided along the perimeter of the blower to absorb shock applied at least radially to the blower and one or more cones provided along upper and/or lower sides of the blower to absorb shock applied at least axially to the blower. tion provided along the perimeter of the blower to absorb shock applied at least radially to the blower and one or more cones provided along upper and/or lower sides of the blower to absorb shock applied at least axially to the blower.

Description

FLOW GENERATOR CROSSQREFERENCE TO APPLJCATIQN mm This appiicatien ciaims the benefit of US Prm-isional Ap‘plieatien N0. 51,3691in flied March 6, ‘20 12, which is incorperated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECI—INULOGY {(33in The presen 1: logy relates in a. flaw generator fm‘ generating a flaw of breaihahie gas; to be deii’vered m a patient. In an exasmpie, the flaw ter may he used in a pas-hive airway pressure {PAP} device used for the w of amry therapy m a patient.

ExampEes ef' such therapies are Continuaus Positive Airway Pressure. {CPAP} treatment New invasive Positive Pressure V’enfilafiun {NIPPV}, Variable Positive Airway Pressure (VPAP), am? BiaLevel Positive Airway 'e. The y is used fm‘ Regiment 0f variants reepirawry iens ineimiing Sieep Dismdered Breathing {$38) and mere paxtieuiaxly Obsmxctive Sleep Apnea (USA).

SACKGROUND {I} F 'I’ECHNOLOG ‘1" {30%} Flow generators are used to generate a. flow of‘brearhabie gas for treatment of various» respiratm'}: eonditiens The flow generamr may be mnfigured m be cennected to a patient intefihcefi for ple a mask, m deiiver the flaw of breathable gas tax} ‘ihe pafi e111" 3 airways. {0004} A Newer is pmvided in the flaw genex‘a’tm' to generate the flew 0.i"'b;.‘eatha.bie gas.

A biewer may mmprise a meter eonmrising a ting pew inciudimg fer exampie, a shaft havi 11g an impeliefljs) meunted 1th ereon? and a tum-rotating pan. The operatien 0f the meter may generate neise and vibratien‘ XS the therapy may he deiivered m the patient during sieepj the generation ofneise and vibratien may reduce the effeetiveness 0f the therapy.

SUMMARY OF TECHNULDGY {0005} An . of the osed technology relates to 3. t1ow generator including a suspension device structured to support a. blower within the housing and provide a re seal between low and high pressure sidee ot‘the blower-r {nears} .Anotliet‘ aspect. oftlte disclosed technology relates to a flow tor including a. suspension device structured to support a blower within the ltoosiog to allow operation. of the flow generator in any rn‘ieotatirm. [(36%] Another aspect of the disclosed technology relates to a flow generator including a. suspertsiot‘l device structured to support a. blower withio the ltousirtg and absorb Shock. applied radially and axially to the blower In an example the suspension device may include a bellowe— like portion ed along the ter oftlte blower to 3mm shook applied at: least: raciieily to the blower and one or more cones provided along upper aodfor lower sides of the blower to absorb shock applied, at least axially to the blower: {13003} :‘itl'lflil‘lfll‘ aspect of the disclosed technology relates to a flow generator including a housing having a blower ohember to Support a blower; the blower oltamber including at least one opeoi mg to allow air to enter the blower on the low pressure side thereof and at least one opening to allow air to exit the blower chamber on the high. pressure side thereof {30%)} Another aspect of the sed technology relates to a flow generator including a hoesing structured to receive and support a PCB outside the air flow path, {0010i Another aspect ot‘ the (lieoloeed technology s to a flow generator including a housing having one or name ribs along the perimeter ofits side wail, eg. to reduce turboleneerliigh frequency r1 oi se during air intake. for aesthetics, to hide or otherwise blend an air filter at the inlet, {3011} Another aspect: of the disclosed technology relates to a Row generator in. which the power cord connection es a, lead wire extending, directly from the PCB to outside the housi mg. {0012} Another aspect of the sed technology relates to a. flow generator including a housing having an interface button movably mounted, eg, by a living hinge to the top cover of the housing to allow the button to activate a SWltCl‘l provident to the PCB enclosed within the top CUVGT. {0013} Another aspect. of the disclosed technology relates to a. flow generator ing a blower having magnet wire directly eonneeted to the PCR reg, rather than using. a lead wt re. {0131' 4} innother aspect. of the disclosed technology relates to a flow generator including an at r l}ow path providing orosseefiiorral areas ol’ a suitable sire to prevent ent airflow: {titlISl Another aspect. of the disclosed technology relates to a. flow generator ineluding an at r '8ow path providing reflective surfaces to reduce noise. {little} Another . of the disclosed technology relates to a. flow generator ineluding a removable sir tiller at the inlet to filter incoming air. [$617] :hnother asneet ol’the disclosed technology relates to a flow generator ing one or more foam pieces along the air tiow path to direct oi r and provide sound ab sorption. {til}! 8} Another aspect. of the disclosed teehnr‘rlog}! s to a flow generatrn ing a housing a blower structural to generate a tiow of pressurized breathable air, and a suspension device to support the blower within the housing and provide a pressure seal between low and high re sides of the blower. The Suspension device mas include a hollows—lilo: portion provided along the perimeter of the blower to ah sorb shock applied at least ly to the hlower and one or more eones ed along upper endr'or lower sides ot‘the blower to absorb shock applied at least axially to the blower. {0019i Another aspect of the disclosed technology relates to a flow generator ing a housing including an inlet and an outlet and a blower provided to the hon sing and structured to te a flow ofpressuriaetl breathable air. The housing ineludes an air flow path from the inlet to the outlet providing crosseeetion al areas along its length oi’n sufficient size to prevent turbulent airflow. 'l‘he oresseeetional areas may he of soli‘ieieut sir-1e to provide a flow rate less than it} me e.g., a flow rate of about: San rut-""5. {0023} Another . oi" the disclosed technology relates to a. flow generator including a housing, including an inlet: and an outlet and a hlotver provided to the housing and ured to generate a flow of pressurized breathable air. The housing includes an air flow path from the inlet to the outlet pros-riding one or more reflective surfaces along its length to reduce noise The housing may include one or more air t] on; vanes including the reflective surfaces to provide a. noise barrier for the blower endi'or reflect noise from the hlower so as to prevent noise emitted 2012/070857 back h the inlet. The em: or more air flew vanes may be prcwided adjacent the irtiet to . ineomi 13g air it0W item the iniet. {0132.1} tenether aspect-t. ef the disdased teehnelegy relates te a flow generator ineiuding a. haunting, a, hiewer structured 10 generate a flaw m“ pressurized abie air, and e. suspensien device configured m, at teest in part; support the biewer within the harming te aliew ererattion {eg fer dermal patient therapy) ef the flow generator in any or Substantiaiiy any art entatien. {will} Anether aspect: of the disclosed teeitmitlogy relates to it flew generater inciuding a heueing including an iniet and an eutlet, a biewer ed 1:0 or within the housing and stmetured te generate a t}ew et‘ pressufized breathable air, and an air fitter eartridge egg previded to the iniet, to fitter air drawn true the musing by the blewer. The air filter cartridge may include a cartridge bed}; and 21 fitter supperted by the cartridge hedy. The cartridge body may include structure to at. ieaet peril}; t airfl0w away item a blower inlet et‘the blame-er. {3023 Other aspects, features. and advantages et‘titis reehnoiegy Witt beeeme apparent {mm the t‘eiiewirrg deteiied description when taken in eertjmtctien with the accompanying drawings, which are a part ei‘ this diseiosure and which iiiustrate, by way ofexampiefi ptineipies 0f thi s trachea]age BRIE-F DESCRIPTICM OF THE DRAWENGS {3024} The aemmpenying drawings feeiiitate an understanding ef the s exampies (if this technelogy In Site-it drawings: [0025'] Fig. i is a tap perspective View (31‘ a. fimv generator ing to an exempie ef the present teehneiegy; {0026} Fig. 2 is a perspective View et‘ the flow gettereter et‘Fig 1 with. the top «sever Si'IUWIt translucem; {002?} Fig. '3 is a perspective View of the flow genereter g. 1 with the top CQVBT d to Show the PCB; [0028'] Fig. 413 a perspective View et‘tire flow generator ut‘Fig. 1 with the top cover and PCB removed; {0029} Fig. 5 is an other perspective view of the t‘i OW tor nti Fig. 'l with the rep enver shown translucent; {01330} Figt 6 is another perspective view of the 1‘] 0w generater pf Fig. ’1. with the tap carver remeved in shew the PCB; {$331} Fig, 7 is an ether perspective view (if the ti0w tor pf fig. ’1, with the top cps-er and PCB ved; {$333} Fig, 8 is a. bettem perspective View rat the flow generator of Fig; i; [$633] Figs 9 is a. m. perspective view at" the flew ter tit" Fig, i with the hettnm cps-er remeveti in Show the bipwer and suspension ties-"ice; {$934} Fig, it! is number perspective View of the itow generator of Fig. l: with the top cover and PCB rmneved; {MES} Fig, ”it is a perspective view pfthe batten; sever, {nerves and suspension device Ofihe flew generate!" pt‘Fig. i', {(3336} Fig. '12 is a perspective view eftjhe batten} cover ofthe flew generatm‘ 0f Fig. 3.; {$037} Fig, '13 is a perspective View pf the chassis e flew generattir ot‘Fig. 1; [$638] Figs 14 is emitter perspective View at the chassis pt’the flew genersmr at" Fig. 1; {$339} Figs. 35—22 are varinns press—sections} views pt“ the flow generator of Fig. 1; {M40} Figs. 33*] te 2‘3 J? shew various views of a. flaw generator according to pamper e of the present teehnetpgy; {“1341 _} Figs. 24—] and Edi—2‘ straw press-sections} views pt" 3. ft pvt generstpr incittding a suspension device. according to slimmer essmpie at" the present teetmpipgy; {$642.} Figs. 35* i te 254 i straw varipus views eta flow generator awarding to another exempts: of the present teehnptogy; [M43] Figs. 36*] te 2643 shew various views of a. flaw tor according to pamper s: of the present teehnptogy; {(3344} Figs. 27“] it: 2‘?~3 show varinus views at a fine: generator awarding to another exempts: of the present teehnptogy; {fifl45i Fig 28 is a schematic view of a flow generator awarding m antither exempts 0f the present techrml 05y; £114 2012/070857 {00461 F105 29 1 to 29‘331‘161‘11’311‘10US Views nt 111 generawr aneording to 111121 exemp1e 011116: present teehno1ngy; {0114?} F1g, 311 shows 3 1101-11" generator assuming In another exam pie. 01‘ the. 919.111.2111 [2finniofiy; {1311481 1313.5333 — 1311(13 1——.-; 111111111; varieus views 0111 110w generator acenrding to another examp1e 1111116 present 1ee11nn1ngy; {(113491 Figs. 32—1 to ‘32- 33110111 Van 011:5 V16“.5 0:1 a 111m:generater according to anniher p1e 11111112 present teehno10gy; [111151)] Fig, 333.1101Vs a 110w veneratm 11113111111111:n110115111g 131113 11 11111111 acem111110" to an eV 1111113115: 01311115: present teehmflegy {13115.11 Figs 3441mm 34u23110VV Various 11161115 11172111th generarim‘ aeeerdit 11g 10 r exan‘1p1e 1111111: present tee11no10gy; {1313521 Figs 3'5 1 and 352 V110VV‘ s V1€WS 0.1":11‘10W generator ng, 1111 another exnn‘1p1e 12 present teehno10gy; [(1653] Figs, 3641 11:1 35~L3 grime-113110113 Views 01a 11011 generater awarding: 10 another examp1e 0111112- present rechec1ogy; Fig, 37 shews a 110W' generator according 11:1 another e. {if the preaent. 1.121211110113113; {(111551 Fig 38 shews 33111111,! tar according 10 1111111111321" 6112111111112 131711113 present 11812111101031}: 11111561 F111;, 39 31101er 2111an generator according to another exarnp'ie nfthe present 1.131311110103131"; 31 Figg 41) re 47 are schematic Views 01711an generators 131111 115;}; to aiterna’rive examp1es nfthe t tee11ne1ngy; 11111581 Figg 434 13:11 52—2 Showinterfacebuttons111121.110wgeneratorarenrdingio alternative examples of the present teehnobgy; 1110591 Figs 5311157 snexV-ra1ternat,11r‘e arrangements for mounting a. microphene within a flow generator according to aiternative examp1es 01‘ the present technelngy; {0060} Figs, 58 to Tl show alternative housing auditor suspension arrangements for a flow generator according to alternative examples oftlte t technology; 1} Flg1 72 shows a tint-v generator accoroing to another exam ple of the preaent technology; {Niall-l Fig, 73 shows a tiow generator accoroing to another exam ple of the present techno}Ogy; {e053} Fig, 74 shows a tiow tor accoroing to another exam ple of the present logy; [$664] Figr 3’5 shows a flow genera tor accoroing to another exam ple of the prenent technology; {(3665} Figs. 36 to 3’9 are schematic views offlow generators incl urii 11g air flow paths accordh‘lg to alternative earnnnies ol’the t technology; {fifléfil Figs. 80* l to 8843 Show a flow generator according to another example ofthe present technoi 0343-3 [(3667] Figs, 8 1 ml to 8143 Show a flow generator according to r example ot‘the present technology, [(3663] Figs, 82* l to 824.3 Show a flow aenerator according to another example ot‘the5.— present logy, wean; Fina 834 to 83—3 Show a flow tor according to another example ot‘tlieon present technologg; were; Figs 84 to 86 Show alternative examples for activating features provided on the PCB of a flow generator according to attemative examples of the present. technology; {($671} Fig 8? is a schematic ViEW‘ showing clearance dimensions for a. flow generator according to an example after: present technology; {($73} Figs‘ 83 to 9‘] Show alternative shapes anti positions ot‘a H38 for a flow generator according to alternative es ot‘the present techno‘iogy; “3073} Figs. 92-! to 95 3130““ air filter arrangements for a flow generator according to alternative examples of the t reclmoiogy; {0074} Figs, 91:} to 1300 Show alternative ements fer muting a lead wire or sabre from the PCB to mltside the hanging, oi‘a flow generator according to aitemarive exampies er‘ihe present teehnek‘rgy; {M75} Figs 1032*}. to ELLE r arrow various views; Ufa flow generator ing, in an exampie of the present technology; [M76] Figs. 3 02*}. to 'i_{1‘2»9 ShQW varimus Views of an air filter aemrdirrg to an example. of the present iogy‘, {NEW} Figs. 103% 1.0 1636 ShOW various views afar: air friter arrangement 1131‘ a Row generatm according to an exampie of the present reehrmh‘gy; 8] Figs, 3 0343! m 183*?! shew perspeciive views: 01“ an air: filter 0f the air: filter ement shown in Figs 1034 1:0 $0349); anti {(3679} F71g; W4 is a perspective View showing a flew generator cemrmmicai‘ed with a patient interface 01' mask via an air delivery conduit arc-carding to an e thhe present: teehtmiagy.

DETAKLED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EXAMPLES {(3330} The folkm-‘ing descrip’iien is ed in relation to severe} exampies (most 0‘? which are iiiush‘ated, some efwhieh may net) which may share cmmnon characteristics ami features. it is; ’10 be understeud that one or mere features efany rme exan‘rpie may be mmbinable wi :11 one or more features of the other examples. in additiem any single feature er cembination in“ features in any exampie or exampies may constitute ab‘ie subje": matter. {13081} In this specificatiom the word “emngrising” is to be understand in its “open” sense, that is; 7m the Sense effinciuding", and thus not fimited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense gimeoneisiing 011%y of“. A mrrespending meaning is to be attributed £01116 carresponding words “emnprise”, “cempriged” and “emupriees” where the}: appear. [0032'] The {emit ”air” will be taken to inelude breathable I *rsesV fer exampie air withw memml (my-gen, i . PAP System {0083} A PA? system typically includes a flaw generator or PAP dcvi Ge. lfincluding a Newer for generating air at poairive re)? an air dalivery conduit [alga referred. {a as a tube or tubing}, and a patient interface (rag, mask}. in. use? the {low generator generates a supply 0f pressurized air (jag: 2‘30 cm i-ligfi) that is delivered in tin‘: patient interface via the air delivery conduit. Tilt: patient interface or mark may have suitable configuralimis as is known. in rim art e.g._ ace mask, nasai mask rim-nasal mask, mouth mask riiizzies, nasal girongs, nasal pillawg cannula? etc A130,, headgear may be utilized to comfortably gupperr the. patient iriterihte iii a. d pasiricm on the t’s face—i {0084} Certain examples relate to PAP systems in which {lie rl 3w generatcsr is adapted in be warn on the patient’s head? is built into or incorporated into ihe patient interface or mask is wearable or carried by the patient, is pair-able, is d in size or wmbinarimns tlieregsf. in certain Exampleh‘, the PAP gslram may be inl‘lfl type bed in PCT Appiicatiom NUS.

PIIITKAUEO'l,0,50%1G3l aiiil,=’m‘ PCTEAUEGI @001 iinn each of which is oraimd lierei :1 ii}; rel‘arerice iri ihei r errii retry. [0085'] in anri‘iher example, the PAP sys’rmri may be Ul‘ lire wearable type described in {ES Provisional Application Nos. {Eli‘ilSflEBfi filed February if), 30 l l, and {ili’élfilfifiii filed lune; 2. l Bill 11 each ofwiiicli is incorpm‘ared herein by reference in its enliraty. 2. Flow Generator {3086} Figs, 1—22 illustrate a flow generatcir ll} awarding ta an exampla ol’tlw present: technelagy. As illustrated} the flow generator ll) includes a g 2?} that encloses and. suppcrts a biower 30 for ting a supply of pressurized air, Airing with the. blower 30, the homing s or otherwise suppm‘ts Luther internal components, eg a suspensirm device. 40, a printed t board (PCB) 50 fur emirrrilling the blower, andfor em air filter in“). The flew aaneratrir may include. a pmrer supply 0r prefarably is: coupled in an external pmver via a. power cord. '23 l i-limising {0087} The fl ew generater (F6) housing ’30 ineiudee a. chassis or main housing '22., a first or top cover 24 provided to one side ot‘the chassis, and a. second or tmttem cover 26 provided to the eppesite side tithe ehassis. A5 iilustrated, the PG litiusing 20 has a. generally rectangular shape with ably curved edges or earners and has a relatively low profile, i,.t3., the first 0r top ctwer 24 and the second (if hottem Getter 26 have reiativeiy larger su.t‘t‘a.ee areas eempared to each et‘the tWt‘) side surfaces and the two end Surfaces. Howevei; the EC} lieueing 20 may be farmed in a, variety at ent Shapes; {($988} In an example; the chaseie 22 top cover 24, and bettom server ‘24 may be termed leg meided} ot‘a plastic. material. However, it should be appreciated that ether suitable materials are pessibie. {0889i As illustrated, the Chassis 2'2 and bettom eever 2.6 cooperate te define a. blower chamber 25 adapted to receive and Support the biewer 39 within the PG hanging ‘20 are described in mere detail ’beiewx The blower chamber 25. includes at least one opening to allow air :0 enter the twine-er 0n the 30w pressure side thereof and at ieest tine opening in anew air to exit the biewer chamber 25 en the high: pressure side therettf. {00.90} The hiewer 30 is red t0 generate a flow of presem‘iaed breathable ail; elg‘, in, the range (if albeitt 2~3ll em . In an eatatntaiiaz the Newer ‘30 may be Ui‘tite type ed in US. Previsienal Applicatien Nos, ell45?,526, filed April 18, 2.011% and 61%39320, flied December '22? em it each of which is ineerpei'ated herein by reference in its entirety. However, it Sheets} be appreciated that the g may be stmetured to e and Suppfli’t other suitabie biewers. {009M Air is; drawn into the PG heusing 20 hi; the biewer 3t} threugh an air flow inlet 27 {and air fiiter 70 at the airflow inlet 27} into an iniet chamber 33 and the supply of pressurized air exits the PG g 2C: titrtmgh an air flew eutiet 29. As described belt)“; the blewer 30 is supperted within the blower chamber 25 by a suspension er support device 40 {e..e constmcted of a flexibie nerie material such as silicone}, which resiliently Supperts the blower and prevides a. seal (egg, 36f)“ seal} n the iewer pressure side, inlet side er inlet 32 and the high pressure side, eutiet Side or outlet 34 ot‘tlie blower 39 {see Figs 9 and ‘16} The him-yer chamber 25 retains the blower and suspension device 40 within the EC} housing 20. In an WO 33889 e, the suspension deeice may he cens'irueted M a flexible material that is able to flex“, hearth ceirrpressfi mullet expand but ently sti‘l’fand resilient. to maintain structural integrity during use. {(3392} Alsrx as shown in Figs. 5 3%, the chassis 2‘2 and rep cover 24 enumerate re receive and Sllppfifi {he printed Circuit heard (PCB) 50. As illustrated, the PCB 50 is Supported {amide the air flmv path 30 air flow dives not flow over the electmnies.

Lew I’rofile {0093} Figs. 1 0 l —i m 101—} l rate a flaw generator 65 l {'3 according to an example 01“ the present teehnelogy, Such example is r to the flaw generamr it). In eentrast, this example shows furiliier deiails ei’an plary blower (describerl in US; Pi'm-‘leimnal Appiiearien N03. 6‘35‘45Z526; filed April 181 20‘] l, and filiifiBOSZi}, filed December 22-3, 2011,. each of‘vvhieh is incarporaierl herein by reference in its entirety} skews weather example if an air filter or filter cartridge at, {he mm, opening? and skews exemplary peeitmning of aeousiie foam, for example. {00.94} in the illustrated examples, the flow generators if}, 6510 are vely small ami flat; 1.3.3 30w profile configuration In an example as Shawn in. Fig. 10 id? the flaw generator may have a length L ul‘abeut 1384 50 mm (eg, 139 mm), a width W «of abeut 90-110 mm {eg- 102 mm}, and a, height H of abflut 40-60 mm (rig.a SQ mm), Hewever‘ it sheulrl be appreciated that other Suitable dimensiens are pessible, {0095} Exemplary aspects by which the flaw generator is made smallerfflatrer is ed beige-a Fer exanmie; 21.3 best slmwn in Figs m} as and. mm, the Newer 6530 irriegrates the meter comp(merits into the same plane as the impeller, is: 311mm same portien of one or mere oftlre meter C=l')l‘1']],‘)0ll€i’lli§ is nested wiilrin the impeller, As illustraierl, the impeller 65m is pesitiened . the 311019113502 {including a swim cumpanenr 6502»! and , magnet 65028, rarer cap ). A bearing—housing ure or diffuser 65133 directs air drawn into the blewer inlet 6532 fmm the impeller {3501 to the blewer outlet 6534 '-\=5; illustrated the blower inlet 65312 and the blower outlet 6534 may be an axial inlet. and an axial outlet. The bearing—housing srmeture 6503 arise supperts a. bearing cartridge 6506 with mimiarure bearings to simplify the hiewer desig1} and t0 aet a5 a. cenneetion pom: hetween the stater component 65014 thief aseemhiy (£01m cap SSU‘Eml magnet 65028, and rater 6507} and the hlewer housing 65133. {01396} The flat hiewer 65:0 is heated within a. suspension. 0r support device 65-40 which. has clearances between the hiewer inlet 6532 and blewer huflel 6534 and {he nt walls of the hiewer housing. The snspensiun device 6540 is preferably emshucted 017a flexible eric material such as ne. In an example, this clearance or spacing distance is about '10 mm) as described in mere detail heilmiv‘ The eio‘n device includes comer? 6548 that are used as sheeh ers in the axial directien, whiie a radiai beliews‘iike portion £1546 acts as a shock absorber in the radial direction as described in greater detail below. The suspensien device 6540 is structured in be symmehie so that the flew generater 6510 may he operaied in any Orientation. {0097} Aceustic foam 6535 is need as noise ahsm‘ptinn adiaeent the blower 6530. As illnsi‘raied, a piece of aceus’iic foam 6535 is pmvided along the F6 housing {3330 adjacent ihe hiower iniet 6532 and a piece ()l’ammslic [hem 6535 is pi‘mided airing the FC} housing 632.0 nt the hiewei‘ eutlet 6534. ii—loies are (3th in each piece ofachusiiie foam :0 alien? fin appropriate nce for ai 1' flow. Heweven in an alternative example the aeeustie foam pieces may cover the entire PG hanging surface adjacent the blower inlet (3532 and blower cutie: 6534.

In an exampie, each piece 0f aeeustie fham 65.35 induces a thickness ofahout 5 mm r ether ie esses are possible, eg, 5 mm er more, greater than .10 mm. {00%} The flew generator 6510 has an inlet chamber 6533 which prevides an air {liter 65730? acoueiic foam 6535 fer ece'ustic noihe ahsorptiom and a semi~terim‘ous path to reduce radiated noise (eg, see Figs. .101 Ll 0 and m; a} ‘l ), as described in mere detail helew.

{M99} The printed circuit heard (PCB) 6550 contains the majwhy or ah the hardware for the hiewer central and {15f}? inierlTaC-e. The PCB 6550 is located outside the flaw generator air path :0 aliew maximum sire with minimai nce en {he air flow and neise i‘edueiien features.

As deecrihed abeve? the flow generator (FG) housing 652C? includes a chassis 6522, a top eever 6524 provided to one side of the chassis 65.22, and a hotnfsm cheer (5:526 provided :0 the eppueite side ofthe chassis 6522. {00100} The power suppiy is teeztteti Outside the flow gemereter to minimize flow generator size {013101} The suspension tieeiee 6541‘} was designed. te be symmetric so that. the flew generator may be operated in any erientetien (right “side up: upside downs Oblique and-“er on. edge, eta-.1 eg as the flew geneteter fiSiO may i £1in be located in the herd with the user and cmtsequehtty may be humped or tmived during the night. A button rim {if}? 80~'1. (e_g.._ see Figs. 101—} , 101-3} wae ted around the button 65% for the uset‘ interface in reduce chance inadve-ztent aetivatieh er deeetivatien in case the flow generater was rotted onto it}; the user in the bed during use. The user interface eise includes a “deuhte=ctiek“" vation fime’tien er the li ke, such that the user must intentionaiiy vate the flow generater and the ftow generater is less likety to be deactivated in ease the user or bed partner to“ ever the flew getteretm‘ in their steep. {90132} The air ti on; inlet 6527 is ieeated on the center section efthe flew generator 65K) to decrease the chance at” the air ti0w iniet being bieeked when in the bed, and in. pertieuier the air flew iniet is net heated en the largest sides of the flee; generater which are likely to be the surfaces that the flow genemttir tests en. 't‘he air flow outlet 6529 may he ieeeted en en epeesittg side et‘the flew tor €35 ti 0 as ehewn er on any side ofthe flew generatet {3510 including the same side as the air flow inlet 652? (not shown). {@0193} The email, tow pmfiie flew tor 6:3. i 0 includes several Raise i‘eduetimt features, The main noise reduction started at the neise seuree Let. the him-yer. For €X.&t‘£}}3ie.. the diametet ef the blah-“er iniet 6532 was tuned to minimize radiated noise from the hiewer 6530, The height at the chimney et’the blower inlet 6543 was 51.1 ee tuned to reduce the air volume resonance efthe biewer. .As noted above, aeeustie noise tion them was used in the blower Chafi‘lbet‘ {3525 end in the iniet ehetritter 6533 (ii the flow generator housing and structured to ineiude lower iimiis (if siee but still previde effective neise teduetien A thicker air Fitter media 657% wee used, in conjenctien with the air filter 657%} that s the air away t‘rem the biower iniet 652?, and then through a number at vanes (35 7? whi eh act :15 ds to reduce the tutbu‘ieec.e through the hi ewer.

WO 33889 231.1 Chaseie {1211104} Raft-311111521111 figs. 1-14, the chassis 22 inetudes 1111111111 chassis 111111 62 and a side 1111111 63 extending 110111 the .11 chassis 11-1111 62101113111111 11111111155111 interior 641 The 11 chassis 11.12111 62 includes an interior Side 621 (see F 113;. 111) that (11311111151118 chassis interim 111111 1111 exterior side 622 {1113105} 133113113111? receptacles (17941 are 11111311 within the 6111111113 1111611111 111111 1301111 gured to receive ers adapted to secure 11161101110111 CUVEI‘ 213113 the chassis 22 {eg see81313.31, 9 and 14}. Also, fastener reeeptecies 69-2 are 11.1'0111de11 11.3 the chassis and configured to e fasteners adapted to secure the 11:1}: cover 24 to the chassis (cg.., see Figs. 11'} 111111 13'). 01111111 11301116} Refining to Figs, 1 22, 1:11 11 111111011 131111131 29 is pmvided 1131111: 111111 1112111 63 and d to be connected to 1m 1111 delivery tube 01‘ {5011111111 5 fer ‘61’3’ of 11 13111111.1112 .5213111 11 patient intefiace As 11111511111311 the 2111 11111112915 offset 111' asytnetetriea1 with meme-1’10 11 111110111111111111 axis 111 the PG 111111111111 20 1101111311111; 11 5111111111113 appreciated 1111111111: 111113011: 111111121 29 111113- 1111 1111'1111get111111111131 11111111111: 1311 11111.net?” 11g 11561111111 01‘ symmetn? 1:111 outlet. {0010?} Fig. 104 11111111 1111 exam-pie Gt‘the flow generater 161 icated wi 111 3.111111th interface 111' mas-11 7 11111111 detivety conduit 5. 111 the 11111111311311 exa111p1e, the 11at1'e111111tert‘ace 1111;111:1115 11111111111 1110111; ass1611111111, as disciesed 111 US. Patent 12111111112111.011 \(1 113—2009: 1104481118 11111111113; inmmomted heft->111a31:13; 1111111111 in its entirety. 11111111311111“, it 311011111 be appreciated 11111111113 patient interface 01111311111111}? have other 511111111111 cont1g11ratiens 11s is known 11 are 11.15; 1‘1111—111.111: 11111511 11115111 1111131: 0111—1111511! 111.1514 1111011111 11111511 111132105 112111211 prongs , 11113111 1311101111 1111111111111, 1211:. 111181 {(113108} '1‘111: 311111011: inlet 2'? 111 d 101.111: side watt 63. As 1111151111121 the 1111 111111: iniet 22’ is provided 1111 a 11 de offite 111131331"1111 22 11111101111: 11:1 the 1111 1111111 Outlet252. The at? 1‘ flow iniet 27 receives 01 0111131111133 5111111111113 the 311 111161” 7’0 11011131111 13111111161 be appreciate-.111the 131C 111113011111131"?3 1111131 be 11112111ng in 11131111" suitabie 1111213. 311 1111 e the 1111' flew iniei' is HHLCI 111C115111C131111i1 1311C51111131CC11111C 3130Cke13ch.. 3131‘ bed sheets. C112. in uee 11513113 flew genemmr 31" be located 113131311 the bed or under bedding. {(333309} 33‘ 111 e\5111111iC.}*ige 23 11 37333113111113 213311-11. ge11C1111111 230111 which the 11.31“ 130111 1113131 2‘? and 11.711" 13111121 3’33 s1111per1ed therewilhin axe previded 1111 3318 same side 01‘131CFC} heming 220 as the aii i311w01113e1 29. 31113115 63(83331‘336 131eF(.131011'1111g. 2.233i116311des 1.113111311111113 lewei' 31111133 11g 11311121 2243 2'36 131211: seeperate 111 support 1.31e31lewe1 33.3 11.1113 suspensi 1111 device 40.

Alec. 131C. hiewer '30 and suspension device 430 are positi 13 along one sicie oi‘the FG housing :20 {1111313112 PCB 50is positioned 1130111: the ether side 63‘ the F6 311.1115ng 223.3 {130110} Figs. 25-1 11:1 25—1 '3 531011111 13CW generator 3 ‘1 0 1111001131 115.; 113 6111133318? example (11‘ the present technology. 311 131111 13111111113311, 131C 33131111131 330313 10111113 111131311 the housing 320 1.11. an angle 11111331 131111 the biewer inlet J 32313 miCmed {2111-1111 1111111 13111 i113e1i327 03" the housing. 3701‘ p3e, as beei 1131011111 311 Figs, 2&3 and 25.4, the ($111133 axis: A 113‘ 3318 31301-161 1113111" be angled by 11.111331: 11 1'31“ 113111111 5‘20" {Cg Si". 313"", 3.5"", 2 3"} 111131.1‘ng1CC1 10 a 1‘61‘1313113' axis V 111‘ 1311:. flow geilerami'. {00.3.11} The1'11‘1131113111‘111 3163111111-‘181 31111131332 as weil as 1.3113111111111113 1 ai1‘p11131 provided by the 3333} 3111111113113; 320 makes 311110.111 difficult fer noise 111 11211113 back 11111 11313113 2111‘ 1131211 327. 311 11113133131311, 13113313011161“ 111111121 334 is a11g3ed towards the Cir 33 13w 11 329 01‘ the FG 1111115ng 320 11.1 131131 11 more 131163151 3111111151131 3111111 131e31lewer 11111381 334 111 131C 1131" flow 01111131329. Cg. see Fig. 25—3. {00112} .As 51111th the air flow i113C1‘32-7 a11dthe 331 How 01113111329 are pioxidecl 011 the Same side 011311: IFG housing 3‘20, which arrangmn 11111 111 113-“ 311231) 111111111111 the 21.111301151113131 32'? from 13113 11g 11301;de when 3-111 1131 deiivery‘ tube is 21.111110311113111 the air flow Cutie: 329. AC. 1113131 Ci 1‘ flow vane 368 111 previded adjac-Cni the air flow 3113121 3233., which may be 1110111111312 1.11 1113311311316 1103111111: 011‘ 131C inlet 2311111131121 333. A3110 as 53101111111 Fig25 l. 3. 21C11L111’1ic 311111111 .135 1113.1 31113 11111113151116} within the 3113131 13315111113181333 1131111111316 1111611331311. 1111.131. eg . 11:1 113111be 30111111 {(3333 .33} In 1111 ex21111113C as 531131111111 {*31g 2541'. the 6 gerierai‘ei 3'30 111.21}! have a. 3C11g131 1. 11321310111 33134330111111 {eg._. 3533 111111). 11111313131331" 111‘1131011190~'1333111m {eg 300 111.111). and a height .11 01111101114060 111.111 (Lg 51'} 111111). '1-‘eve1; i1 3111111111 be appreciated 11121.1 111111521 1111111111112 11.111113115111113 are 1511116. {0111.14} Fig. 111 1111111er exampk 111111111111 3.113111131111111” 44111111611111111g a blower 44311 5111111011811 1113111111 471} 1111115111113, £1421) 111 an angle. A 31151111119011.4441} {eg 1'1\:e1'1111'1111ed 11.101111 0.11111: 111111111 11g parts} 11111311 31111110111111: blower 4431'} 111111.111 1.11:: 11111113111311111111113.1'4425, An 111131. cap 4468 ing 1 11211135111111 he 11111111de to 1111:. 1111111 51 111:. 01‘1111: 11101111114430, Aise, one 111'11'101'e pieces 13171100113110 1'1321111 4435 (e.g.., wedge—11% 11311111 pieces} may he preside-d 11:1 1111131: and 01111213111118 of the blower, eg 10 111113121111111’ 111111 preside 113111;- a'ad. 3110131»: 11113013311011. 1011115} F11gs 26 l 111 213—3511111111 a L1e11e1'a101 410 according 11:1 r example 111' the present1111:111101111111. 11111115 example, 11111111111 1113111313161 4.10 111131 1111113 11 1761 housi 11g 420 111111g1111.1111 flew 0111161 429111111 two air 1111111 1111L1a a1. '211'L111. 111L111111115,1..L., 11.11131 1111131 427* 1 presided 611 1111131111111 51 1111 01'" 11111 1101151111; 11311111 e111le1429 and 11 second 11711111. 4272 provided. an a s1dL 01‘ 111L11L111sii1g 11111101111L1L11he 111111L1429 1111151: 111113 111' the 3.111L1s 427 1 427211.3 1110611611 11.11’{e.g., 11}! a La11)511'111111 only : 1111131111 11111113, W111 1:11 allows 111.11 11a1ie1111111e 1111111131 111 se1eet an 1111111 10011111111. 1111 113131111111 vane 468— 1, 4684‘: 111 fly be presided adjacent: regeeetive 111112113 427~ 1, 42121 1701111161111ng 1111' 110111. 0111': 1111111111 111 eees of acoustic foam may be provided 111 51113110111116 blewer 1130 1111111111 the housing 420 111111 1111111111: 511111111 a11501'11111111 and 31151161131011.

Fer 13111111111111; as 3111111111 111 F1gs 213—2 and 26-3, an annular L11“ curved. foam piece 431 5—1 may 3111111611 1111-: base 011116 11101-11111" within 11111110113111g and foam 1110131111 4.15»: {eg ‘3 4, 5 11111111111 foam 1110131111) may suppert sides 0111111 blower 1111111111 1111-: housing. Each 0111111 two air 11 ow 1sf3;7,-1 42713 may be 11111011111611 111 51111111111 111133113131316 11111111131 1.111111171111111 {1101' 31101-1111) as described 111111011: detai1 11111131 11.

Figs 2'1“] 1.1)..»"7~3 1111011111110111 1111111.:111111” 10 {LoU. battery d} according 111 1111011112; 1311111111116 111' 1116 11113311111 '1ec11wn11111g1 111111111 13111111111111 11 1111111:..1.11311111111181110'11161111191"14"! 527 11.1"111e111'111sing 5120', eg 1:11pre11e111 access 111 11.113 fil1e1 suppefied 11.11 1:11.111 the housing prevent 131‘s fingers from 11111111111, 1111111112 111111111 .1111, 1111111111 t 1: 11111111131111. from be sucked. 111111 the 111111111111; h the 1111111. A 15.111ght Sshaped 51111111111311111: 11111111 568 is; provided within the Imaging11111111311111 1111311119; 52? to e a neise barrier 1'61 111e 11111111131531) a11111’1111'e11ect noise 17111111 1111: blower 530 1'0 prevent/113111111113 1111151: emitted 1111.131111'11'1111g11 1111: 1nle1. 52 a»,1' . The 1111111111 baffle waII 568 aIsa directs incmning airflow as sound wan-"es are reflected 0r bouncmi back off the baffle walI. Cameo} Mam-Ir baffle walls 569 ara 3350. pnwided to the housing and adapted I0 surround the blower 530 I’m guiding air In the blower inlet. fine 01' more pieces ofi'bam (fig siIiche ups-.11 ceil Imam) may be pImided to suppmt theh"'IDWe: 530 with the housing and pmxids sr’aund absmpiim and suspensim es of Imam bIoek‘33 p Elm suppmt the baitnm afihe bIawer and curved foam pica.‘ 5'33 -I to support the tag of the bIGWCI‘ and. guide. air {Cs the. {flower mist 'Ihe I’CI3 550 incIudes a tI'Iangular configuration andIS suppmted within the housing adjacent the blower. {00117} In an aItarIIaiIIe exampIe. as shownIn Figs 103 I IOIII33—” .the F6 musing 7020 iIIcIuIIes a air flow (IIIIII-II 7029 and IWC! air flow inIeIs, a first mm 7027- I and ascend iniet 7027- 2 extending 33mg respeciive Gamers oI’tIIe housing Oppmsite In the mafia? 7029. Each QI'IIIe first and sswnd InIets 7027-] 20272 receives or otihex‘wise suppm‘t's a respective first and seems} air IIIIer 7020-}. 7I370-2. {00113} The duai II‘II‘EI‘ arrangement Ies two air III'Iw iniets, each at“ which. is smaIleI (6.31, smaIler II} than the SIIIgIe iIIIet of a single. Inlet aI‘I‘aIIgeIIIeIII, 3g. conmared IQ air flow inietIII 21g Sand 6. The smaIIeI air II(M inIet provides a smaller source far eIIIiIting misc from the ‘blmver, {00119} A150. the: twa III 1' flow InIeIs are wasted anng Opposite COI‘IIEI‘S III“ the. g. which es, an arrangsmem t0 t misc radiated fmm the biawer, III. miss ted from smaIIer air 13cm iniets 33mg mum's (If the Imus-mg and net ly out a Iaz‘ger air flcw iniet aI (mg a centmi szIl secIiun ufihe housing. In an example, acoustic noise radiated fmm the mo air flow inIeIS ma}. bi? Igwex at the low and find. I'quuenmas (I,eg, about 'lIIIZ-LIOQ Hz. and 70?}- I 7’00 Hz} comparI-Id m a. single Inlet II: same fowl area. {(33120} In addiI‘imI, Ike dug} Inlet III‘I‘IIIIgeIIIeIII pl‘fWII‘IES two air flaw iIIIeIs I'm oppnsite GOI‘IIIII‘S QI’IIIE: hanging. which decreases the“ Chance (If the air IIow inlat’ being blacked when in the bed. 2g one (if the air flow inie’zs may be ive even Ifthe (Ither air flow inlet is Hacked. {agw II}; bedding}. } in an alternative example, the {‘WG air flow inlets may be located. along apposite. sides ot‘t’he homing. rather than apposite. comma. In an example, the twe air flow inlets may be spaced at ieast 54ft cm apart Hum amther, tag, at. least. 5 cm apart... at least 8 cm apart.

{M3122} In an ative example the. musing may pf‘OVlt‘lt} a. single elongated air flat-v intet along a. corner at the ;ng such that the alt flaw inlet ds altmg twtt agljacetti Sick-33 01‘ the sing. Such lgen‘tent may decrease the chance ttt‘the air flaw inlet hang bloc-tied when in the had, 8.5%.. a partisan at? the air 1“th inlet along mite side ofthe housing may he, ive even if the remaining portion 0f the air flow inlet. an the adjacent side tiafthe housing is blacked. {($123} in the illustrated exampla, each of the. first and second air fitters 797%} l5 ?{}?)—2 is in the farm Bf an air filter cartridge stmctured to be. ble mounted within the. tespmtive first and ascend inlets ?037»},9 T0212 ofthe FG housing Wilt), 8.?” ts al'lttw cleaning. attdfor ement Ufl’ht‘) fitter. As best shown in. Figs. '2 03—4 and Wit-5* each at“ the first and secmttl air filter cartridges T303114} “M'T’Uuz es a mattrittge batty ”503’2 that supperta a filter to filter air drawn into the Ft} hauaittg WES by tilt: blower. {00124} As itlusttated, the cartridge had}; 70?? includes a grill-like t‘tont‘. pattien mi grate 70?}: fine-Ending hm‘imnially attending walls 703 that define inlet (matings ?O73-l inm the: air filter cartridge “mm-l 7070—2, 3 rear portion with an mutate—shaped. fitter air attracting wali 31015., and end walla F3769] ?{}?6«3 each inctudtng structure to retain the cartridge 1306:; within the inlet apening 0f the PG heustttg V020. The mutate—shaped air ing. watt 7W5 inatudes a generally macaw surface T071514 along with a plurality of filter air directing vanes “2081(eg. "3 vanes illustrated hawevet less than 2 vanes, such. as l vanes, UT mum than 2 vanea, such. as ‘3, 41 hr more are possible) t0 direct air flew. r details if auch arrangement along with exettlplaty {that mafia. 65% 21W described in futther detail hetmt-v' with respect. m the air filter 65370 SthQ'Wfl, in Figs. 1‘32?! It) 132*? {(33125} in the ill‘usttated matttpia, each end wall 703’64L ”36%in Uftha cartridge bod}; WE intimates an, eiangated cartridge til) 37079 adapted to httatlack m {athetwise engage along respeuttve sidas at‘the inlet Opening (tag. with a. snap fit. ii'lawever, it Shfluld be appreciated that the air tiiter cartridge may be memfled within me intet eperting in other suitabie manners, eg. mounting arrangement shown in Figs. 1024 to i024}.

Si de Waii Rim ] in the iiiusti‘ateti exempie. see Figs. '§.3~122, the side we” 63 includes; One or mere ribs 63-} that extend amend the ter efthe side walls earl..-"et the end waits or pertiena thereef, i.e., airing Side *waii portions n the air flow inlet. ‘3? and the air flew eutiet 29.

Such wait ribs 611-1 may help to reduce turbuienceflhigh frequency 110i 5e during air intake tiu‘eugh the air flow ieiet. A338, such wait ribs 63»: may be provided fer aesthetics teg aliede to “feided” layers} and to hide or otherwise blend the air filter 70 at the air it0w imiet 27 into the PG housing 20. teeming the air t] ow iniet 37 within the side wali ribs 63% decreases the risk 0f the air flew iniet bei 11g hie-skeet when the flew generator 11’} is tecated within {he bed as the flow generator i0 is mere likeiy te be pesitiened en one e‘fthe iatgei‘ first cover '24 er aeeend cover 26 es when within the bed. More partieuiariyg the air flew inlet may be teamed en one 01“ the end surfaces tn“ the 146 musing 2U.

Biewer Chamber {00127} As; Seen in Figs. 9‘22 a first blower chamber wait 65 is provided. to the main eheseie wait 62, and defines a pertien ei’the blewer chamber 25 eeiitigured to receive the emu-“er.

The first, biewer chamber wait 65 gen ereiiy has an ammiar shape to hold the hiewer but the shape may vary in accen‘itmflate other shaped biewera. One er more apertures 65“} are prefided to the first hiewer chamber wait 65 {e.g., twe. three. or more epeniega} to alimv air to flew from the biewer eutlet 34 te the air flew outlet ‘29 0f the FG— heuaing 20. fine dividing waits (56 are provided on respective sides of the res 65-1 te direct er guide air towards the air flow e1.ztlet29(e.g «see Figs. tit and :12 .

Air New Vance } One or mere inter. air flow vanes 68 are provided adjacent the air flew inlet 2? to direct or guide air inwards the biewer inie‘i 3'3. In the iiiusttateti exam pie, a pair of air t3ew WO 33889 vanes is provided, and each: vane includes a. generally unwed or eenteuretl prefiie. I-iowever, it d be appreciated that Other suitable number ei‘eir flow vanes they be provided (eg '3 3.. 4 or mere- ttir tinw vanes), and the air flew vanes may include other Sttitahie shapes 01‘ profiles fer ing flow. In use, the air fl0w vat-nee may pie-swirl the incoming air and may also assist. in reducing radiated 110i see item the air flow ittiet 2?.

Wire Guide {00129} The chassis also includes a support stmetttte er wire guide. e? to route, guitie 0t ethetwise suppett pewet teed wire tit} fer the power earn comtect‘inn extending directly frnm the.

PCB it"; in Uttteide the housing {egw see Figs. L‘lt 61 T, 10, l3 l4, anti 22). Such arrangement heipt‘. to prevent a tteer item. knocking out the eerti, eg if flow generator l0 is need in the bed and user lies en the tlow tor l0 during steep. {00138} The pOWBi‘ lead wire 01‘ power -l 60 may he muted item the PCB St? to eutside the PG .htttusittg 20 in other suitable tttttttners. For exatttple, Figs. 96 to 101’) shmv alternative arrangements for routing the power lead wire 60, e.5.5 on centerline between tap and hettem covet {Ft g. 96), et‘t‘set towards the. we meet (Figs 97 tel WU).

PCB Suppert {00131} The exterior side 62—«2 (3f the main chassis wall 6?. is structured to suppett the PCB 50 outside the chassis interim and Outaide the air flow path. As best shown in 13“ng '3, £15 6? "I", it}, and ill a plurality 0f pegs {e.g 3, 4 or more pegs) are {JI‘OVidCd t0 the s well anti adapted to engage within iC‘xI‘LLiML Openings tied t0 the PCB 50 t0 suppert. and aiigtt the PCB en the cl‘taeeis wall. in an pie, the pegs may he arranged to allow uni}; (me peseihte mounting position of the PCB en the chassis wail [(30133] A150. as shown in Figs. 4, 7. 13. and 33?. an opening 6?.«3 is prewidecl through the met :1 chassie wall 62 tn allnw magnet. wire 59 hem the blower 3.0 within the chassis interior in he tiy cenneeted to the PCB 5%], ie, rather than using lead wires, ‘Tt‘his arrangement. may reduce eests and is facilitated by the sham distance hem-teen the him-vet 30 and. PCB 50.

} The PCB 50 may include attematit-“e shapes and may be provided tn the FG hanging 210 in ether suitable peaitions with. respect to the PG naming 20 andfnr blower 30. For example, Fig. 88 ShUWS PCB 50 snppnrted horizenttnly akmg a. rear portion nftite housing 2!} and blnwer '30. Fig. 39 ShOWS an et‘l PCB 5ft supported heriznntail} ainng a side and fn‘mt pet‘tion 0f the F6 hanging 20 and blewet‘ 3U. Fig. 90 shows an arrangement similar in Fig. 89 with the PCB 50 snppmted at an angle with respect to lmriznntai. and. Fig. ‘31 shnws PCB 50 supported hen Zt‘mtaily abnve or m2 er the 'blnwer 30. The shape wafer nning of the PCB 50 may be selected in View of air inlet area. y positioning, disp‘ia}; aestheticg space for noise dampening. miemphenefibuttm pnsitiening, housing thickness. cable exit. r heat (ii Ssipntien, fer exampie. {$01.34} in an example. the new generator '10 nt’ Fig. 8‘8 may have a. iength 0i" tibnut l 20* {40 mm (eg... ‘1 2'9 mm). a width {.15 album 36400 mm (cg. 9} min}. and a height 0f about 30$!) mm (egg, 43 mm}. in an example, the flew generator it} of Fig. ‘89 may have t1 length 01“ about 130~'l_5t}nm1(eg.140mm). (italat‘iut904.1%mtn.(e.g.. ltflnim). andaheigntnt‘abeut ~50 mm (63.3., 43 min}, In an example, the flow tor 10 offig 901113;»? have a length of aimut EEG—340 mm (63;, 129 mm). a width of almnt 80-100 mm (eg, 93 mm}, and a. height of abnnt 49—60 mm (eg £18 mm}. In an example, the flow generatnt it} of Fig E} i. may have a length Ofttbnut 130—350 mm (eg... 139 mm), a Width of abnut 90—} l 0 mm (cg. l0: mm), and a height t 40*60 mm (egg. 5% mm}.in. Ll-inwever, it should be appreeiated that ether suitable dimensinns are pettsible. 2‘.. l .2 "Pop Cover [(30135] The tap Cflk’éfl‘ 24 is secured to the chassis 22‘; to enelnse the PCB 50 within the PG haunting; 20. One or more fastener openings 244 (egg. see Fig. l) are previdetl in the tap saver to receive fasteners that engage respective ,t‘astet'ier receptacles 69—2 (egg. see Figs. l0 and 13) provided in the chassis 132 m secure the top cover 24 to the chassis 22. Hex-vex-‘er, the mp sever 224 may be secured tea the s 221 in other suitable manners. {00136} in an alternative example. as shewn in Fig. 33 the top cover 24 may include a ’PCB hood or removable partisan 2‘4 provided to the top cnver 24 that may be Opened to aliew 2012/070857 sic-seas to the PCB 501 Fig. 33 else shows biewet‘ leail wire 33 passing from the blower 38 1'9 the PCB 50. ace Button [(30137] An interface button 80 i3 previded 1'0 the top cover '24 and adapted to align with a display 5?. (egg, numeric display) provided in the PCB 50. Tl‘he Imam ‘39 may be translucent, clear, or etherwise structured te allow the diSplay :32 to be visible thwugli the beam} Si}, l’ref‘erahiy, the ace button 88 is recessed in the top emit-2.124 er is surrounded by a button rim {eg see rim 6580—1 in Figs fill—l and lOl—S'} to reduce the chance ol‘inadvei‘tem pressing of the button 81"} if the device were located within the bed fey use; for example m prevent the. button 81‘} being pressed should the user mil mm the device in the bed in. use. Furihemwre: the interface button 80 may require a “(flexible—click” deactivation. andim activation funeliim to ensure the user must infen 1i emaily {leacliwue andfor aetiaai'e the device {'0 preveni accidental deactivation andfor activation oftlie device in use, The “flexible-click may be required within a limited lime periei such as; less; than i, '2 01‘3 seemde {0013M As best Shown in Fig, EU, the button Si} is nmvably mounted. m a. top cover wall 24-“: ofthe top cover 24 to allew the button to activate a switch S4 pmvided m the PCB 56. A gap 81 is provided between the button and the trap cover wall 244a and. a living hinge. 82 interconnects the button 80 will] the top never wall 2449.2, which arrangement allews the button. 80 to flex with respect top cover wall Bil—w. A Stop emmmm 24 —2 is provided ta the top cover wail $1me e a hard step and limit the yange i3’l”,i1iiwenieii*l ml“ the button 801711 use. in. use, the button : be depressed in activate {he swileh 54 pn‘wii‘led underneath the infirm Ell). A. gmeve 83 um}: be provided It} the underside ul’lhe button 80 {in e and align the switch 54 with file button 80. {3:31:59} E'Eiewever, it slmuld be appreciated that {he interface button. fill may lie mavably mounted, 0r ethem-i 3e previeled to the top cover '24 in other le arrangements, Fer example, Fi gs 48-4 and 4&2. shew anmher example of a bumm 2.580 mevabiy meunted to the top carver 252:} by a. living hinge $2582. “in this e the Opening in the tap cover 2534 adjacent the free end of the . 0pm5ite the living hinge 2582 includes a tapered surface 2595 (eg‘: (I: l> ’7‘ '7 90‘”). The tapered surface 2595 allcws mcwcment of the btttttm 2580 but also ldflS a. step t0 [SICK-“dill further deflection i132 tapered surfacc allcws travel. ct‘ the button 2583 up it) a cartain distance- at which poi t] t the free and Hf the buttcn 2580 contacts the. d e 2:395 to pt‘e‘sr‘ent further daflectien. [(30140] Fig 49 shows an example in which the tap cover 2624 is spaced sufficiently away fmm the PCB 265.0 m accumimdate display 265?. provided. t0 a. center fifths PCB 2650‘, J-‘is illustrated, the tap cover 2624 may include a thinned Cl'OSS—SeC-tlm} t0 allcw dispiay t0 shine itrough. {00141} Fig. 520 shows an example in which the PCB 2750 includes a display 275?. in the. farm of an LED array :2?53, In the ittugtt‘atsd exampiei the LED array 2753 may be {1101111th t0 rear cftlte PCB with the PCB ing an Opening t0 allcw the LED array 23’53 to shine. h to the. button 278% on the. top cover 2731' . {30142} Fig. Si sham-'5‘ another example of a button 2880 movably mounted to the tap cover 28:24 by a living hinge 28812.. in this example, the upsetting iii the. cover adjacent the free end {if the button tc tin-1 hinge inciudes a stop structure 28244 t0 ptcvcnt timber deflection cfthe buttt‘n‘t. in an example, the stop structtu‘e may be prisitioncd t0 allaw the buttcn abettt {333- {3.3mm 8.3%., 3111}, vel. {00143} Figs. 52-1 and 52% Si‘IUW anotiliet example of a buttcn 2980 ptm-‘ided within an opening in the top cover 2924. tn F ig 52'1. the button includes a buttcn recess 29884 31011 :3, MS perimeter adapted to receive a cover pmtmsion 2924-!) extending from the (waning in the tap cover it} an alternative. e, as sheik-m in Fig. 52—23 the button 3930 includes a butttm prott‘ucitm “2980*2 at 0315.; his perimeter adapted to engage within a cover recess; 2924»R pint-ideal to the tipening in the mp ccvct. The buttcsn tcccss 2980—1 and the saver recess 2924~R provided to the button and tap CUVEY opening respectively ate sufti cierttiy wide t0 provide the buttan 2980 with a range. of mtwement. {(33144} Figs. 34 if} 86 illusttate alternative examples far activating features 5556 provided by the PCB 555th sag i’tiiCtdSt-Vitd} 5556 (Fig. 34}: resistive film 5656 (Fig. 85), m“ capacitive sensor 5256 (Fig. 86}.

HI “:4i 2012/070857 2. i .3 Bottom, Cover {flab-45} The bottom cover 26 is secured to the chassis 22 to enciose the chassis interior 624 and support. and retain the blower 30 . the chassis interior {324. One or more fastener openings 26ml (eg see Figs. 8 and 12) are provided in the bottom cover 26 to receive fasteners that engage respective fastener receptacies 694 (eggs see Figs. 9 and '14} pi'ovidod within me chassis interior to secure the honors cover 26 to the chassis 212. Hifi’i’fl's-“el‘f, the bottom cover 26 may be secured to the chassis in other sui'taiiie i'iiamiers.

W31 46} The bottom cover :26 inciudes a second blower chamber wali 85 that defines a portion ofthe biowei‘ chamber ‘25 configureé to receive the blower 30. The second blower chamber wail 65 gsnemily has an annular shape to hoid the biGVV-“BF 30 but the: shape may vary to accommodate other shaped . The first and second biower chamber walls 65.. 35 oi’iiie chassis 212, and bottom cover 26 cooperate and aiign to define the blower Chalflbel’ 35. The second blower r wail 85 of the bottom cover 26 imeiudes one or iiioi‘e openiiigs BS~ .i to allow air to flow from the air '8ow iiilei 2'7 of {he FG housing iii} to the biowei‘ iiilei 32. {0014?} The [wit-om cover 26 inoiudes bou'om dividing waiis 86 {eg see Fig '12} that Ci'iopersi‘e and aiigi‘i with the top dividing, waiis 66 Mike chassis :2 ‘io direct or guide air: towards the air flow outiei 29. A330) the bottom cover '26 inciudes one or iiioi'e bol’iom air flow vanes 8% that cooperate and aiigii with the inlet air flow vanes 68 of the Chassis 2?. to direct or guide air h the openings SS—«l in the biower chamber wall 85 and towards the bios-"er iiiiot is 22 Suspension Device {06148} The suspension device 40 (2.5;, constmcied oi‘olasiomer maieiiisi such. as siiicone} is supported or otherwise captured within the blower chamber 2.5 between the chassis 232 and bottom cover 26 {see Figs. 9, l L MERE, The suspension device 40 keeps the x '30 out of t with the PG housing 20 and aiiows iiioveii‘iem offlie blower 30 with respeci io the F6 housing mm use? eg acis like a spring to e vibration, The blower 30 is nested within the suspension device 439, which retains and supports the blower 3G to ailow ion of the flow generator 10 in any ation. Preferably, the susoension device 40 has a. substantialiy symmetrical shape to assist in aiiowing the flow generator ii} to operate in any orientation. In 2012/070857 addition the suspension. device 40 ads as a pressure seal between low and high pressure sides of the blower 3i}. {0&1‘49} As illustrated, the seepeiision device 40 includes an overall exterior shape that substantially matches the shape ol‘ the wer 30, led a. generally cylindrical shape or disk shaped. l-lo‘weven the suspension {lei-rice may include other suitable shapes their may not pond to the blower Lillehape, cg, suapensioo device includes shape oorreseonding to shape of housing or olzaseie interior, 'l‘lie suspension device 40 surrounds ihe blower 30 lo substantially enclose or encase the blower without blocking the blower inlet 3'2 or b‘lox-ver outlet 34. The suspension (lei-ice 40 may include clearances around the blower inlet 31 blower outlet 3.4 and the adjacent walls ol‘ilie blower: for example clearances of about l mm to about 2f.) mm eg about .5 mm: about ll") mm} or about l 5 mm. l-lowever, it is to be understood lhei. clearances of other sizes may he used {00158} As illusl‘i‘aierl iii Fig! 18$ the sion device 40 includes opposing, Suspensirm welle 42, 44 that woman the blower etween and 21o.annolerauppi'irlmember46 extending from the suspension walls 421) 44 The support member 46 has a support: end portioo46~1 sandwiched or oilieiwise supported n the first blower chamber wall 65 ol‘tlie chassis 22. and second blower chamber walls 85 oftlie bottom cover 26 defining, the blower chamber 25.

The support member 46 also includes a. generally S-shaped or bellOWS—lllx'e support portion ale—2 n the support. end poriion 464 and llie suspension. walls 42‘ 44 ured to resiliently support the blower 30 within the FG housing 20 and absorb shock applied to sides of the FE} housing 20 as well as. too and bottom offlie g, eg, ah SOI'l) impact shook applied boll} axially and radially. Suspeneiori apertures 42~L 444 are provided to respective walls 4'2.“ 44 to accommodate the blower inlet 32 and blower outlet. 34 of the lilower 30. {(33151} in addition, each suspension wall 42, 44 es multiple flexible feel, pegs: or cones 48 (eg 3., 4, 5. or more cones} adapted to extend towards upper and lower walls ol’lhe chassis interior 624 and am; as shoal: absor'here to absorb shock applied to top and bottom of the F6 g 30, eg ah soils impact shook. applied axially. In an example the pegs or cones 48 may not be in contact with adjacent walls at all timesg le, only (lining shock. The pegs or cones 48 may be relatiiseiy sharp or painted te reduce stiffness. The pegs m cones 43 are arranged eeneentfieeily, however other eene arrangements are possible. {013152} in an exempie, one Dr more suspension siits 49 {eg '3 siits} may be {BYOVide to at least one o'i'the walls t1“: faciiitate assembly at the hiewet 30 within the suspensien device 40 n the (teeming suspeneiet‘t walls =12, 461i (cg. see Fig. 9). Each euspeileitm slit 49 may extend radieily fmm the Opening in the. suspeneion wali 42,, 44, liewever «other Suitable suspension slit: arrangements are possibie W31 53} The suppori device 40 (3130 referred to as a r seal) susptendef‘suppm‘ts the biewer 30 in the F13 lieusing 20 and divides 0t seals the iniet side 3'2 et’ the hlewer from the eutlet side 34 0f the Newer tie; divides er separates iow and high pressure sides), age it) eveid the need for a summation tube that directs i‘iew [awards the Outlet of the hetising, $0154} The support device 40 provides an arrangement that amide the need fer inlet and 01,31:th Seais adjacent the biewet inlet 32 and biewer nutiet 34 of the blower In additien, the support device is eied ohm elasten'ieric material that iselates {eg vibratien iseiateii) muls‘bi‘ serves as a suspension between {he blower 38 and the FE} homing 30. The annular support. member 46 and multiple pegs or cones 48 previt‘led to the top, imitate, and sides ei‘ {he Newer 30 support the blower 30 within the FG housing 30 so that. the FG heusing 23(1) and the blew-er '30 may be eriented in any {fire-mien, egi, FG housing 2.9 may be pesitiencd en its side rather than verticeliy, {00155} In an e, the sien device 40 (egw constructed at siiicene) is sufficiently te maintain structural integrity and siieck I‘eaistamce and Sufti cieni‘ly cempiiant to produce a low teemiani ii‘equency m isoiate iei‘i (eg resetiimtt frequency for the blower in sitm device may be n abuut 20—80 H21 cg 25-40 Hz). [0615M in an fiive example, the auspensieti device 40 may provide one at mere flew pageages fer directing air thi‘eugh the F6 heusi 11g 20 eg. in asdditien to entire}? in lieu of flow passages provided by the FE} licensing 20. Such ne flew passages pt‘m’idei‘l by the suspensien device 4% itiay pmviiie Vibratien and sound is‘elatien.

Housing, 5683 and Exterier Grip {00157} in an example, as shown in Fig. 24—1 the suspemsien device 40 may Kle e portien adapted te extend euteide the F6 housing 20 anti along a side well {if the FE} g 213 m prawide an or decorative detail in the {if} housing 20 as well as provide grie re the PG heusing 20 when l‘ielding llie device? eg to prevent Slipping. [(36158] in the illustrated example. the suspension device 240 {e5made lime siiiemie which may be clean or colored) es eppesing isien weell 242‘ 244 ti 1154 Mower 54imped er hellDW.44like suspension 'peiiion 2464:) m absmb shock suepensien suppoxt member 245, and suspeiieimi exterior poriien 247, {(443159} the suspensien support member 245 is sandwiched between my: and bottem bruising parts 22" 3‘26 (eg, consti'ueized {if plastic} and includes a. suspensien heed detail er ig suspeneiee beads 245 1 adapted it) e1154.54) within cenespending heusiw15 rrelesses 22’4— R, 226~R in the lmusing parts 2214, 2.2.6.111 an altemative example, as shown in Fig '3 —2, the suspeesien supper: member 245 may include opposing suspeiisiim recesses 2453’ adapted. in engage respective beetle er bead detail 22448, 233643 previded ie the g parts 224‘ 2226.

The hedd delaii pievidies 3; Seal n the lmusingparts to piti‘i’enl. air fiem leaking out of. the housing. l-leweveig, ii Should be appreciai‘ed that i‘il'liei' suiiable structures may be previded 1'0 'ihe Suepeiisien suppefi member to prm'ide a. seal between the lwusi‘ng parts. In addition; the sien deuce provides a seal between low and high pieS4uie 4icies {at the iiiiewe1 44 described abeve. {00159} The silicone sion exterior pertien 247 along the side wall oftl'ie FG housing 22:? includes {me or more wall ribs 263—1. As described above Such wail ribs along the heusing side wall may be provided for aeslheiies and to hide 04' eiherwiee blend the air filter at the inlet epening into the heusing. in additieni such silicone suspensien exteii or penien 24? with its. siiieone wall ribs 336341 provide grip in the PG blaming “2.20 when liaiidiing the device. 2.3 Air Fiiter {(36161} In the illustrated example. {be air filter 70 may be in the form at.” an air filter cartridge structured. in be ble meumed within the air flew inlilei 2? iii the l(i iieusin15 2t”. egw to ailew deeming andfor replacement of the fi liter. The air filter camiidge 70 includes a WO 33889 cartridge body 72 that supperte a. filter media’i’a to filter air drawn mate the PG hanging 20 by the blower 3i}. {0&162} res best Shawn: in. Figs‘ 9 and 22, we end ef the Cartridge burly '72. includes a resilient. clip portion 76 adapted in engage the side wall nding the air flew inlet '2? with a snap fit, in use: the end {if the air filter cartridge ii} unpasite the clip pertinn V6 is ock or otherwise engaged within rhe air flew inlet '27 and. then pivoted into the air flow inlet 3? until the clip pnrtien 76 enily deflects into engagement with the FG housing 2i}, and a. leaking perrien or simulder prnvided in the clip pertion 3’6 reaches a lacking positien with respect. :0 the musing side wail adjacent the air flew inlet '27. {130163} The air filter Til) may be mmmted or etherwise provided in the flow generater If} adgacent the air flew iniet 27 e PG amusing 20 in ether suitable s. For example, Figs 92*} and 932 altnws a. PC} hanging 5820 with a slidably rerrnwable rep never 5824 it) expese a ale: the: releasably supports an air lilrer 5870‘ adjacent the air flew inletfiSL-E? Because the air fiiler 70 is eon‘ipletei}; hidden... it may be made of relatively inexpensive materials. [001641 Figs 93~l and 93% shew an air filter 5970 arrangement including a filier media. 59"?4 and a cartridge {may 5972 having a. pivotal deer structure to enelese {he filter media within the PG hensing 5920. The filter media 59?4 includes a filter pail—tab 59‘?4~l that: des through the deer structure tr: allew the user to pull the filter pullstab 59174—1 t0 pivet Open the deer armature fer remevalfretiilaeemeerie-leaning (if the filter media SW4 The filter pull-amt} 59734—1 may be structured in change colors to indicate that filter sheuld be cleanedi’replaeech eg- ainactivated nulietab iltat. s color based or: length of expesure.

} Figs. 94*] and Eula} almwe an air filter 2507f} arrangement including a filter media. 6011 that is releasably supperted within a slot prm-‘irled t0 the side of the imaging 6020. The filter media provides part. eftlie enter surface r12“ the FG g so it is easily accessible and easily visible to determine Cleaningt'replanement egw filter media. may be slmeiured to Change color er may be visibly dirty. {(36166} Fig: 95 si’rews an air filter {ml 70 arrangement including a. filter meriia til 74 (eg constructed efelastmnerie material such as 'l’l’E}. 'lT‘he filter media. includes a filter media ring peninn 6i 74—3 adapted to atrach to the air flew outlet; 6139‘ of the FE heusing 6130 and a filter media 6665- IIIII 6i 74~2 IIIIIIiIIiIIII II I sIIIIeIIIII: adapted Io WIIIp (Wm and GUII31 Ihe air flow iIIIeI I‘ IIII: FG homing 6120. Iieh 'iiIIeI media pImiIIes Inn of. {he QIIieI surIaCI: 0i IIII: FG‘ housing 6126* so ii is 635in accessibie and 6&5in IG II: dewi‘mine c].eaIIiIIgfI6pIIIIJeIIIeIII, 8.31., IiIIeI visibly dirIy.

Figs, 302?}. III 1624? shew an IIII‘ filter CIII‘IIing: 657i} a.I:-I:I;IIIIi.IIg I0 IIIIOIIIeI e of Ike present technaiogy. Figs. 101-1 Io IOI-Il ShOW sue-II air fliter cartridge 6570 prisitioned within the inIeI I‘Ipeniiig of'IIIe flow geIIeI‘IIIIiII hanging 6520 in. use. {66168} The air IiIIer camidge 6570 inciudfis a chridge body 65 7'2 that suppens an air fiIter 6574. As iIIuSII‘aIeII the cartridge bad} 6572IncIIIIIeS a Cfll’il‘idfljfl IIOIII pIIIIiOI‘I 65:3 XVIII] a grill—like stmeture III grate, a (semidge rear portion 6525 6461 an aI‘CLIaIE—Silfli3ed caIIIidge air diIeCIiIIg waii 65754.1 and end 'W’IIIIS 6575»; 65756 each including structure I6 retain Ihe CIIII'IIIIIII: bed}: 652261611 II III'e. air IIIIw inlet 6522M IIII: IIIIII UIIIIIII'IIIOI iIIII 6520 {60mm The inII—iike III grate: from pIIIIIIJII 6523 ineiudes III‘II‘i zIIIIIaII}; and veIIicaIIy extending IIIIIIs IhaI' IIIIIIIII: I‘fliGI Openings I55 P”)j 3.~—I iIIIII the air filter CIIII‘I‘ICIgQ 6570. Such aI‘I'IIIIgeIIIeIII' prevents access III the IilIer .media 65‘?" SIIppIII‘Ied wiIhiII the air I'IIIeI cartridge 6520, prevent user’s fingers fi'm‘n poking into the FG hanging 6526 aIII‘II’III‘ prevents Iai‘ge particies Imm be sucked mm the}(1" housing, 65.26 Ibmusgh Ihe iIIIeI Opening3(5"?34 {00176} The aI'IIuaIe—siiaped dge air IIiIecIIIIg wall 6525—} provide: a geIIeIaIiIr macaw surface 657541 II: direc: air flow (see Fig. I627). AISU, a pluraiity of cartridge air (Erecting vanes 65?? am provide along the wail, 6g ‘4 vanes- iIlIIstrated however Iess than 4 vanes er mare than 4 vanes are possibie. As shown in Figs. 161-46, IOH I, 1628 and 102—9, IIIe IIlIeI camidge6526i13 sIIIICIIIIed to diIecI IIII: aiIIIOI-I away IIIIIII the blower chamberIII}.eI. and 6111:6in IIII: IIin III" eaI‘m‘ Iige air directing III:116::65 ”I"? then act as maniieids II) reduce IuIIILIience within the hiO‘WIflI‘ 6536. {66173} .As Shawn in Fig 302—3one of thecaIIIicIIII: emi IIIIlIs 65’?a 5-2 iIIcIIIIIeII Im slang-gated ridge 65”.?8 adapted III iII'IeIII'IcII 01' othenwise engage aimig 66:: side. of the air flew iIIIeI and {he (RITE! III {he end walls 6517643 includes III: elmigaIeIl (:in am: 65”79 adapted to lDeI: 01' ise engage the either side of the air flew Inlet 6527, eg, ‘i‘idge end ci within one side of the air flow inlet and then the air IiIIeI dge 65.?I.U is pivoted into the {III flew inlet until the clip arm 653’?) reeiliently deflects inte engagement with the other side ol’tlte air flow inlet 652? with a snap fit. A cartridge pull~teb 6590 protrudee fmm the fmnl pertimt ml} acent the clip arm Side tr} ellriw the user tr) pull the cartridge pull-43b 6590 tr} pivot open the air filter cartridge 65 7U fer retrievalfreplacementfeleanirig et‘tlie media filter 657:1, [(391721 The ai r filter 65"?6 irtcludec a filter mettle 651M deeigrted in filter the incettiing air. in an example. the filter media 65M may include Acouscrb Feam (Air Safety d: Grade ASMSBMG). which is; a trelmriiriate Sheet composite {3.5.}. :1 polyether rethane e feam cure for scuml abserptien, a pelypmpylene sheet backing provided to one side cf the feam care fer structural stiffness, and a. pelyurethane film provident re the other side. [if the them mere fer Smiling resistance) structured for noise absorptien in metiical applications. However. it slieuld be appreciated that (filter suitable foams or filter media may be used. {@0173} The filter media 652M is designed to be thieker to assisst in reducing noise radiatetl back through, the air inlet. iln an example, the filter media {55?4 may inclurle a thickness 01'" about SM 5 mm. egg :3 mm, '10 mm. in an e, as slum-r1 in Fig. ll‘lEu? and 102$}, twc 5' mm pieces Qf tiller media {35%; may be corribiried it) provide a ll) mm thick filter media. In an e, 5. mm pieces 0f smelt filter media 6574 may be used fer the pieces cfaccustic than] 6535 provided, along, the housing adjacent the blewer inlet 6532 and the blower outlet 6.53.4 described abeve (egg see Figs. 101-5, 181—6. 101—8, anal 101—9). 2.4 Air Flew Path [031741 Fair is drawn mm the PG lteusing 20 by the blewer ‘30 thmwgh the air flew inlet 27, passes through. the air tiller "1‘ ‘4 til at the air ll0w inlet 27",. 22.1 (mg the irilet air flow vanes 68 and helium air llow vanes 88, and in to the law pressure Side of the blcwer chamber 25 via. Openings 854 in the second blower chamber wall 85. Air is drawn into the liltiwer inlet 32 cl’the blcwer and a supply {If rieerl air exits the blower 30 at: the blewer outlet: 34 and passes; lute the high pressure side (if the blower r 35 The pressurized air exits the blower charttber 35 via. apertures 65—l in the. first r cltamber wall 65 and passes theugh the. air flow outlet 2?} fer delivery to the. patient. {a} O 2012/070857 Alternative Ai 1‘ Flow Paths {($175} it shetiitl be appreciated that the PG g 2!} amii’er suspensien device. 40 may include emifm support. exitemative structures. eg, to provide alternative Eitii‘ fl 0w paths. to support the PCB 50:, signifier to absorb gamut etc. [(30176] For example Figs 29*] it) 293 Show 3 fl 0w generator 3’10 11ng in r exan‘lple of’the present logy. In this example, the air flew inlet 3’27 and the air flew eutiet “2’29 are pi'siwicled an the same Side ut‘tiie PG housing fit}. The blower 7’30 is Stippm‘teci within the liiiiwer chamber ".3215 by the suspensien device Hf} which pith-rides a seal between the iew pressure side and the high pressure side oftlie blower. A U—sliapeci iniet air flow vane 768 (ea... constructed. at“ silicone) is provided to the PG hanging 720 andfier sion. device 7’40 33mg the 10w re side it: direct or guide air fmm the inlet ttiwards the Mower inlet 4-w- l 3' 32. The inlet air flow vane 763 previdee a relatively king inie'i flow path with many surfaces ta reflect sound and reduce noise back through the inlet". An arcuete Ut’ (Imsliéiped piece ut‘acoustic ibam "F35 may be pi‘i‘wided to suppurt the biowei' ”.339 and provide seund tion and suspension. As shown in Figs. 29—2 and 2&3 the suepe'nsion device 3’40 may be include symmeti‘ical top and buttem ans te support the biewer 3’30 substzmtiaiiy within the middie Oftlie EC} hanging 7205 e.5: tap and bettem edges of the suspensien device equidistant {mm transverse axis ef the blower. {00177 E Fig. 3.0 shows a flow generator 810 according in» another exampie ofthe present teclmelegy. in this example, the air flew iniet 827‘ and the air flew outlet 825%? are previded on opposite sides 0f the FE: hanging 820. A i er emulate inlet air fl0w vane 863 directs air from the air flow inlet 827 tewm‘de the blewer inlet 833,. and provides a. relatively long inlet flow path te reflect sound and reduee neise back. through the inlet. A piece 0f acouetic than}. 835 is provided almtg the inlet air flaw vane 868 and an {imitate wall 01‘ blower baffle wall 869 {eg constructed of silicmie) is. prmided adjacent to and at least partialiy sun‘eunds the bimvet‘ inlet 83.2. ‘ii‘iie iniet air flaw vane 868 may be canstmcteci Of a hard (8.55.3 plastic} 01‘ 3; siiicene} iiiaiei'iei. In an aitemative example? a. piece at“ .acmistic foam 335 alone max- lve used as the air flaw vane, i.e._., air flew vane net pron-idea? Lt} rm {00178} The erttss—Seetieiiai aieas Al, x 1,, g 3, and. A4 in Fig. 30 ineiude e suitabie size to prevent turbulent airflow around the blower. Fei‘ exampie, such eross~setienai areas are of a sufficient size te previde it flew rate iess than it) mfs, ee. about. 5~6 mi‘e {$3179} Figs 3L] and 3 iu'Z-i‘ SilQ‘W it flew gettei‘atmr 910 aeceniing to r example of the prettettt teehimlegy. {it this GXELi'Iipififi the air flew inlet 92'? and the air flow eutiei 9139 are ed on the same side lf: 13G housing 920, The iiiewet 936 is suppertetl within the emitter chamber 925 by the suspension device 940 which provides a ‘seei between the 30w pi‘ESSut‘éi‘. eide and the high pressure side of the biewer, A siiieeee wail 95318—1 {eig which may be an extended sec-time et‘the Siispeiisien device} is provided. te seal the air path item the PCB 950..

The PCB 950 may be attached to the iie weii 949—1 {'e,g., heat staking}, and the silicone wail 9404 may include an end pertien. positioned between tep 'ittmsing 924i anti bettem housing 8.326 part5 to provide it seal between the imaging parts and preeicie a sealed outiet f0!“ m‘ res tram the PCB. A eemiwigidi iniei air t‘lew vane 96S (:13 emtsti'ueted of silietme and may he (aptietiaiiy maided as part (tithe suepensien device) directs air from the air flew ittiet 92? tewai‘ds the tiiewet iniet 932. The itiiet air flew vane 968 may be at ieast {tardy ti exibiy te aiiew the vane to at least parity flex tinting use, egi, as indicated by meitipie eutiines of the vane in d times. A piece of aeeustit: foam 935 may he provided te an end (if the PG housiitU 920 to direct air and previde setmd ebsorptien. {00180} The flew tei‘ 9 i0 ptevides Sufficient nce fer air leaving the air flew outlet 9295 i.e., choke points have iem crees—sectieit ai‘ea‘ Aisog the crass—section area A i. oi’tlie region prim to the exit flow Outlet 929 is iai‘get than the outlet diameter t0 prevent ttirbuient flew at this point.

{MESH Figs. 32—] to 32-3 shew a flow generator 1010 aceertiing to another exampie of the i‘lt technology. 'lTiiie exertipie shew-s an aitemative cylint‘il‘iCfli biewet chamber i025 with at. ieast one openi 21g i885?! t0 aliew air to enter the blower en the 10w pressure side and at. least we aperture 1065-} fer the air tit exit the biewet r 1025 en the high pressure side.

The eien device 1040 provides the sea} between the itiw and high preseute Sidee eftiie biewei chamber. {00182} Figs. 34—1 and fiat-=2 Show a flow generator t1 it} according to another exarnpie of the preterit technology. In this example, an aromatic or U-shapetl piece ot‘attoustie foam i 135 is ed adjacent to title blewer outlet l 3.34 and at iettst partiaily surrounds the biota-“er ontiet 3,134 to direct air tin-wards the air flow outiet i 129 and provide sound absorption. [$6183] Figs, 35ml anti 358; Show a tiow generaler i 2 l 0 ing it) another examine oi‘ the preeent technology. In this e the blower i230 may be suspended within the Ft} g 32.30 by biower wali member 1321. Also, air flow through the PG g 122i.) may heip to suepend the biower i338 within the PG housing; i320. One or more straight er curved. iniet airflow vanes 1258 may be provided to direct air from the air flow iniet ill? to the blewer iniet ’l232 ot‘the blower i230. {08134} Figs. 36-1 to 36—3 Show a flow generator 1310 according to r example of the present teehnelogy, In this example inlet air flow vanes andfor internal welie 1.368 are pier-idea to direct air from the air flow inter 1327 towards the blower iniet 't 33;. in addition, outlet air ti ow vanes i 390 are provided adiaeent the air {'1 ow outlet 1339 to direct air from the biower outlet 1334 tut-Wires the air flow outiet 13:29. A settiing cover 1308 provided to the top cover 13.24 or suspension device Brit} eneioses and seals the PCB 1350 from the air flex-v path. [001851 Fig. '3'? shows a flow generator iiiiO ineiuding sound ttbserbitig material or aceuetie bani 1435. prerided to the air flow path bemreen the airflow iniet 143? and the blower intet 1433. {30186} Fig. '38 shows a flow genet‘ater 1530 including an areuate inlet air flow vane 1568 to direct ai r from the air flow inlet ‘1527 towarde the blower infiet 15.33. {00187} Figs. 40 to 437 Show airernetive examples ot‘t‘inw generators including weiis antlfor pieces of acoustic. foam for directing air flow and ebserbing sound. {0018M For exempie, Fig, 4% shows a, flow generator i 71.0 in which the high re side ineiucles an annular waii or first blewer chamber wall Wei srm‘ounding the biewer outlet :34 t0 direct air towards the outlet ’3 72%“. In addition, an arcuate or (IT—shaped piece of aenustie foam 1735 may be provided to t the biower W303 provide sound absmption and suspension, and direct air towards the air flow outlet i729.

Li} M) {00189} Fig. ell shows a flow generater lSlD according re another example Gfthe present techtmlegy. in this example the low re side includes an r wall or first blewer chamber wall 3865 Surreurlrlirig the blower inlet lSSZ. One 0r mere apertureg 1365»l are prrn-ideel in the first hirwer cherriher wall lSSS m allew air to flew lime {he air flow inlet ‘2327 to the blower inlet 183 2 An es inlet air flew vane lSEiS is provided {'0 direct air from the air flew inlet :82? rewards the blower inlet 1832. in an example; the inlet air flew vane 1868 may he seminrigid leg eenslmcted of 60—30 Share A. (luremeler silieene) {in allew seine flexibility fer i 11g air l‘lem eg, the locatien and. shape ef the air ll ew vane may he modified re accommodate flew. Also, pieees ei‘aeeustie t‘eam l835 may be previrlerl along the air flow path in ab serh sound and direct. air rewards the blower inlet l 832. {$01.90} Fig. 42 Shows a. flew generaler E1330 according to enmher example ofthe present logy. In this exan’iple, the low pressure Side includes pieees (if aeeustle team 1935 aleng the air flew pail] to abserb smiled and t0 direei air fmm the air flow inlet NZ? rewards {he bl ewer ini el 193 ‘2. [001911 Fig. 43 shows a flew generator Bill 0 aecerding t0 anelher example ofthe present teehneiogy. in this e, {he low pressure side includes an annular wall 0r first blower chamber wall EOfiS surrounding the blower inlet 2032. (Zine Ol‘ mere apertures 20654 are provided in the first blower chamber wall was it) allow air to flew from the air flow inlet 202? tn the blew-er inlet 203.2. inlet air flew vanes 2068 {egg 2. vanes illustrated, but l_., 3, 4, or mere vanes are possible) are previded to direct air from the air fl0w inlet 2%? awards the apertures 20654 in the first biewer r well 2865. The shape ei‘ihe inlet. air flow vanes may vary in provide different flew path designs. Also, pieces 0f aemletic {earn SUBS may he provided {0 abserb Sound and (lireei air rewards {he air flow inlet 202?. {(33192} Fig. 44 shows a flew generator 213.0 ing to another example of the present teclrnelegy In this example, the law pressure side includes an annular wall 01' first hiewer chamber wall 216:3 surrounding the blower inlet 2132.. One er mere apertures 13 l eS—l are previder} in the first him-yer r wall El 65 m allew air In flow {mm the air flow inlei 21:27 to the blower inlet 2132, Pieces ef acetistie foam 2 l ‘35 are provided. airing the air ll ew earl] to abserb sound and :0 direct air {rem the air flow inlet 2127‘ rewards the 'hlewer inlet 2132..

Li} 4):. {1101931 Fig. £15 shows 111113131111“ 611111111311: of a 11011? generatm 1101111311111 11.11 alternative arrangement of pieces 11f 11130115111; 3.1111111 2235 111mg 1111-: 2111‘ flaw 1311131 10 1111 5011‘) 311111113 211111111 11:11."th 11111191111311:11111011111121. 2227 10111111133 the bl 01.11111" 111.1111 “2232. 41 Fig «36 511.01% 11 31011 <m11cr<1101330 similar to 131111. \l1m111 111 F111. 43 111 51 11111111113313. one 111‘ 1111:1112 1111121 1111‘ flow 1111115 -368 may 1111 {11011111211 adjacent the 1111131111; 1113111232? 111 addition to 111 as £1.11 1111311111111: 101.1113 11112115111: blowet 111113111 2369 Fig. 47 51101215 11111113113111.11111111118 10111 12111111111101 3410 1.11Glt1131ng 1111‘ flaw vanes 2463 11111.11613111‘1111‘2 inlet and? 1111 11116111311111: arra11ge111e111 1'11‘piece3 1'11“ acoustic 31111111 2435 11111111"; 1111: 2111331111 1121111 111 11115011) sound and 111 direct 1111 1111111 the 2111 11011 1113111 243? {awards the 3111111161“ 11131:: 2-432. 33.111196} F113 58 311131113 amthe: exammie 111 11311111- m 33301111331111.1111: a ducted 1111 11111-1: 111161 3‘22? towards 1.1111 NDWCT inlet 3232 111‘ the 1110111111 3230. 31111197} F111 59 311131113 21110121161 €113,111 pie 113‘ 21.331111? 5113118111101 3310 111531113111}; 21 ducted 1111‘ 1101110111361 3322911111111 the blower 011131;: 3.1‘ 34 of the 1113330. {133.1198} Fig {13.1 shaws 1111011161 111111111 pie of a flaw 1.1131111111101- 34311 11123111311115; a pressure seat 3441 11311: perimeter 1111.311: r 3430 111 saparate 1011' and 311gh pressure 311163. {1331199} Fig {11 shaws 1111011161 1111111 of 11 flew 33.131313303' 33 '31} incl 11131 11.5.; 11 FOB chamber 3533 1 within the 11111151111111111111111 (11g , 211111111 11 Side 111 the. blower) 11.111111: PC'83 551). 33102130} Fig. 13.2 shaws 2111013161 1311111111111: (11‘ 111311115 11131113111101 '36 31'} 11“; 111131311 11101111131111.1111 wires 363837111111 the blower 31530 extend thmugh 11111 3115111111111 1:111 device36401111311: PCB '31 6513, fig. lead wires extend thratsgh pegs 01‘ 121111135 3648 01" the 31151121151011 device. 1} Fig. (5'3 Shows 11.11. example. Ufa 11.1.1111 generator» “3’10 11111111511 1‘11 F1 [:1 62.111 (“1111112111 13111-311111 11116111111111“; 111111125 17158 1111: provided 1013111 111011111 1115..11171111110111613) 111 direct 1111111111 the 1111111161 inlet. 3233.2 0.3"1311‘: 1110111611 3731'). [002023 F1 1;. 64 shows 111101111511 1111311: (11‘1113011' 13111101 3811} 111 which 11111 31131381151011 device 3840 1.0111113 blower 3830 1111231113133 11 ducted 2111‘ flow 3111M 382'710111‘111‘133 13161110111121.111161 3832 of the Maw-913830., 111111331 anangement puwides 11 11611311111368 11111111133181.1113?«3 311N118 PCB . 31111181162111 wires. 3838110111 1118113111161331131111a§- extend’u‘} 3318.3)(213 3850 through Lt} U1 the wall of the dusted ai r flow inlet 3827 similar through the side wali of the suspension device 3 Salt} supporting the bitm-‘er '3 840. {013203} Fig, 65 shows another example oi‘a flow generator 39l i} in which the sion device 394i) supports the FCB 3950 adjacent to the blower 3930. As iiiilSiTEliEt‘L the PCB 3950 may include one or more pass through holes to e support members 3946 ot‘liie suspension device 3946. {($204} Figs. {31"} and 6? show examples for renting a. power cord 4016 from the PCB 4050 to outside the PG housing . e.g._. along a cone 4948 of the suspension device 4940 and through a wall et‘ihe FG- housing 4020 (Fig. 66) or along a support member 4046 of the suspension device 4048 and through the wall of the PG housing dime {Fig 6?). {08205} Fig. {‘38 shows an example of s. hitching post 41 l 7 for routing blower lead wires 4138 from the blower “30, along the suspension device 4140 to the PCB iii 50 outside the PG housing 4120. [$0206] Fig. (39 shows another e of a flow generator iii-Elli in which the suspension device 4240 supports the PCB £2250 adjacent to the blower 423%. [$0207] Fig. if} shows another example of a. t}ow generator iii-Elli including a dotted inlet 4225? and suspension device 4240 which provides a sealed chamber for the PCB 4250. {00208} Fig. ”fl shows another example of a tint-v generator 43 l ll ing a suspension device 4340 to t the blower 4330 within the Ft} housing 4320 at appropriate clearing from housing walls for pnemnaties and noise attenuation. Also, acoustic foam 4235 may he ed along the suspension device 4340 {egg aiong the cones 4348 earlier support rile-meat 4346i ot‘the sion device 4340)., leg to absorb sound. {302%} Fig. ”i3 shows another example ofa flow generator 45 i ii ineiociiog pieces; of acoustic foam 4535 that define an air flow inlet 452.? path to the blower 453i}, define an air flow outlet £35129 path from the blower 4530, and t the blower . while absorbing sound. {00210} Fig. 74 shows another example ot‘a flow generator 46 l i} ineioding pieces of acoustic. foam or silicone «Cl-635 that define an air flow inlet 4627 path to the blower 463. 0? while absorbing sound. Pieces of acoustic foam or silicone 4636 may also be provided to top and bottom portions of the F8 housing 4620, eg for absorbing shock and. sound. in an alternative {a} GE example, as shown in Fig. ‘75, a muffler #655 (eg tube with lone er more openings along its ) may be pl‘fl‘v‘lfléi‘i within the inlet ll ow path 462‘? between the foam or silicone pieces £1635, eg, it: enhance sound absm‘ptim}.

:} Fig, "i6 is a schematic View el‘ an air flew path, arranged to reduce conducted noise. As illustrated, the w path is defined by concentric inner and outer circular lobes 47m, 4709 ing an air flow inlet 472.? along the sitle wall ofthe enter tube 4W4 and. an air flow eutlet 41329 prom-rifled by the inner tube 47309 {@212} Fig, 77 is a schematic VlEW of a. flow tor 4810 including an air flow inlet. 4827 and air flow outlet 4829 of the FG housing 482*} taxi al 1}; aligned with the blower 4830. {($2.13} Fig “2’8 is a schematic view {if a flow generator 4910 inelucling an air flew outlet 4929 of the PG housing 4920 axially aligned with the blewer 4930 and an annular air flow inlet 4927 arranged concentrically outwerdly from the r 4930 such that the air flow inlet paths extend along sides of the blower 4930. [$0214] Fig. "'59 is a tic View of a. flew generator 5810 including a blower 5030 and an inlet chamber 5033, The inlet chamber 5033 includes air flow inlet 5027 to allow air into the inlet eltetttber 5033, and an inlet tube 5031 extends from the ‘ inlet 5032 and at least partially into lllElfiiElCila.il71l3€21‘5l333 l‘er (liree'ii 11g air into the blower inlet: An outlet tube 5936 extends fmm the blew-er eutlet 5034 to euteicle the blower cltamljet 5(3’35. Acoustic. foam $03 5 (eg, silicmte foam) is provided within the inlet chamber 5033:, egg“ to: absorb sewed. {30215} Figs, 80—1 to 8&5 shew a llow generator 5 l. ll} aceettlieg to aimtlter example of the present technology In this example, the air flow inlet 5 l2? and the airflow outlet 5 l 39 are previded on the same side eftlie PG lteusing S l 2'0. The PCB 5150 fer centrelling the blower 5130 is provided to a rear wall of the FE housing 51:30 with the display and centrols 0f the FEB 515i} visible along a rear side el’ the flow generater 5 l l0 apposite to the side of the air llow inlet 512?“ and air flow outlet 5 l 29; In an example as shown in Fig. 8‘04 flow generator 5130 , the may have a length l, of about 85405 mm fag, 9"? rtth 8. width W of about 3254,35 mm (ego, 88 mm; and a height H of about Sill-50 mm (egg 401nm} l'lowevei; it should be appreciated that other suitable dimeneims‘ are possible.

Li} “‘J {002115} Figs. 8 1—1 to SI ‘5 $110.11" a I] 11w generamr 5210 awe-fling to another example of the 11161311111. 11213111114010.3132}; I11 this example Ihe air flow Inlet 5227 and the air flow outlet 5229 are pmvided 1.111 the same 1.1(11:: of 1I1e 115311 31; 5220. The PCB 5250 fer centreIIing the Newer 5231'}1s 911111111301 111 a 11111 waII 1"1I Ihe I4(1 I111113'I111g 52 20 with the dispiay and e1111t1'1'1111 11I‘II1eiPCB 5251.3 1isibIe along 11 11111 side 11f the I‘Imx genetaIm 5210.111 a.11ex£1111pie. as shn‘wn1.11 1.33.0814. the -1ge11e1‘11101'52I0 may have 11 Iength L. 111“ about SS—I 05 111111 (eg. 1837 111111}. 11 W17 {IIII W 01“ about 254115 111111 (113.3,,0 88 111.111} and a height II OI" about III—(11') 111111 {eg 4.9 111111) , Ilo11e1e1 .iI ShouId be appreciated that ether suit'abIe dimensiens are possible. {00217} Figs. 825-1 111 82—3 shew a I‘l 0w generator 5310 according 11:1 another example (If the present 16131111010111 In this exampie. the 11I1 flee 1311Ile15329 DI the F6 housing">5320IS a.11.iaI'I y aiigned WI 111 II'Ie blower 53 31’} and the air flow inlet 5327 ineIudes 1111 511111111511 array 111' i11IeI apertures S127~I that 111L 11111111111111 111e11tr111aII31 111111111112» Item the 3&1 flew eutiet Sf29 The PG housing S320 prevides an annular inIet cI1.a.111I1e1" S33 3 that s 1111 1111121. 2111 IIOW path 11111113131 sides 11I‘II112 blower 5330. [002131 In 1111 exan'lpie. as Shown in Fig. 8.24 Il1e flow gemerater SI 10 11133" have 11 diametm I) III" about 20 111111 (eg. “)4 111111) and 2111131311111 I-I 1'1I about “10430 111111. {e311 -44 ). I'I1i1111'ever. 1'11 shouid be apprecIaIzed that ether 11111111111 dimensifms are pesgibIe. {00219} III1gs. 81‘1- 1 to 833- shew-11710121 generatm' 54'13acce1‘di11g10 1121111 exampie of the present technology. 111 1I1Is. e. the air flow outlet 5429 111? 11113 FG l1o113i11g 8421'} '15 y eIigned with the bilewer 5-430 and the air flow-1 Inlet S42? incIudes s11 111111111111“ array 11f i 11Iet apertures 5422—3 that are 11111111ged concentrieaIIy oquardeg-P from the air flow cutie: 5429.

The 1.115131111331111 device 5441’} I'm" the bIewer S430 pan-"ides 21.11 1.11111 1111;11' inieI. er 5433 II1111 provides 1111 i11Ie1 air flow 1:1th .31] 1mg sides of the {flower 5439.

] In an 131111111 pIe, as shown £11 Fig. 834. {he II‘1111'ge11e1'aI01' 5410 may have a diameter D of about 9041213 111111 (11.11.. 300 mm) and 11 I193gm. II oI‘abouI 39—60 111111 (eg, 48 111111). iIEIowex-m‘. II 5I11'111I1I be appreciated 1I1at 111I1er 3111‘ 1:11I1Ie 1Ii111ensio1111 are pessibie. b) 1:“law Seawater with iI'Jv'lexibIe IIeusi 11g L») (713 2012/070857 {00221} Fig. 28 shows a ti0w generater ti '1 0 awarding to another exampie ot‘the t teclmelegy. in this example the flew tor 610 ineiudes a bag—iike FIE} housing 620, eg flexible heuaing een att‘ueteti rat.” fabric, plastic, er metal wire sheieten. The blower 630 is supported within the PG housing 620 by a suspensiert device 64f}, eg constructed of an eiaatemet material. Pieces (if aeeuatie team or '{ihei‘ 635 are $11.30 provided within the ES housing 620 to Summit the tilewer 630‘ and provide mend ahsergatiee and etispeneien. "the air flow iaiet {"327 and the air flow eutlet 6‘29 (iew provided te an outlet imaging 623:} may he prevideci by perferated elaetemer ns provided to the PG hanging 6330. An air filter em may be: provided. adjacent. the air flow iniet 62?. {130222} in use, the shape of the flow generater 6 it! may he changed item generaiiy cyiimirieal m Spherical er eltipseidal, which may shift the air flew ieiet {$27 and air flow outlet 629 axiatiy. in an exan'tple, the maximum iength in the lengitudieai diteet‘ien may be reduced er: the enlist side. A150, the central axis (tithe blower 630 may be oriented generally perpendicular to a vertieei axis of the FG houairtg 620 (as shown in Fig. 28)? er the blewer {330 may be oriented at an angle t0 the vertical axis. at. Flow Generator with Aitemative Chamber Design {00223} Fig. 39‘ shows a flow generator N310 aeeerding in another exampie et‘the present teehnelegy. in this example, the flow tor itiiQ includes different chambers? each chamber providing a specific purpose for the air flow path. For exampte, the flew generate-i 1.610 inciudes an, air inlet r ”3.633 to direct air item. the air flow inlet s the blewet inlet, a biewet chamber "1.625 to {support the blower (not. Shawn) an air outlet r 163? it) direct air ii‘em the blower eutiet tewat‘tis the air flow tJu'tlet, and a» PCB Chamber 1639 to suppen‘ the PCB.

. Microphene Suppert {@224} In an exampie a. micrephene may be provided te the PCB 5th 550., 950, ’i 350, 1650) RGSQ 2750, 305th '3 i 50., 3350, 355%, 36505 3350, 3950, 40503 4159, 42.50? 5130; 525th 5558 to meniter the patient’s breathing and neises imparted while the patient. steeps (erg; g); which int‘eimatieri may be used to determine a seere er ‘tien ef the patient. {a} £2- Further details of such estimation are tiisoiosed in. US Provisional Application Nos. 61,:"457‘523: fried February 16. 203.1, and GIMSVISSE, filed June :2} 20‘]. i1 each of which. is orated herein h}! reference in its entirety. {(33225} Figs. 5'3 to 5’? show aiterriati've ements for mounting or otherwise supporting a. microphone .3095 with the housing of the flow generator. For essmpiev Fig. 53 shows a flow tor housing 3020 with top cover 3024, chassis 302.2, and bottom wiser 3026.

The PCB 3050 supports the itiierophone 3(3ij such that is positioned in. the air flow path provided by the chassis 3022. {00226} Fig. 54 shows PCB 3150 supporting microphone 3196 within the high pressure side air path. As iiiustratedfi the microphone 3 3 96 extends through an. opening in the chassis 3122 and an arcuate wait 31224 extends {YURI the chassis '3 3.22 to protect the microphone 31% as air flow from the blower 3150 to the air tiow cutie: 3129. Foam '3 i335 is provided within the opening defined by the arcuate chassis wail 31224 that eoimmmicates with the air flow path, eg, to t the iiiiorophorie 3 l 96 but allow trionitorihg h}! the microphone. Additional foam pieces 3135a may he provided with the chassis 3122:, e.gm .t’ot sound absorption. {00227} Fig. .35 shows PCB 325i) supporting riiiorophoiie 3296 within the high pressure side air path. As iliustrated the itiim‘i‘iphone 3296 extends through. an opening in the chassis 3222 and a chassis wzi'li 32212-1 surrounds the opening to t the microphone 33%. Foam "323 )‘l ~. may he ed 293ng the utiper wait of the chassis "3122 and around the chassis wail , eg for sound absorption. {00228} Fig. 56‘ shows PCB 3350 supporting microphone 3396 within the high re sitie air path. As iliustrated, the microphone 3396 extends through an. opening in the chassis 332:?! and a chassis wait snug-l summnds the opening to protect the microphone 33% Foamwon, 3335 covers the opening olefineo by the chassis wall 33231, exCM to protect the microphone 3396 but ailow itioiiiioiing by the itiiet‘ophmie 3396. {(33229} Fig. 57' shows an e simiiar to Fig. Sit and indicated with similar reference is. This s shows exemplary positioning ot’the microphone 3196 with respect to e cones 3148 ot‘ths Suspension device '3 i 40 that supports the blower 3130 as described above, is... no mechanicai contact hetween microphone "3196 and blower 31.30. 6. Blawm‘ Clearance {06230} in an exampie, the him-set 30330 4‘30 3,6301 736, 930g 123O 1630,3130 323:3, 33367 343014 3633)} 3236, 33330, 39361 4130:, 4230, 43302 4430? 4536, 46363:, 43303 49361 5030, S330, 5230? 5330, 54.303 6530 is supported within the interim“ afihe PG hanging, 463 240, 6433 740 9433. 3040 3140 3646, 36840.. 3940, 4046,. 4340? 4246, 4340? 4440, 5440, 6540 such Ihat Ihehimxet‘ iniet 32,, 332 73;,5..) 8.32 E332 ,, ,, H32, 1432, .3532, 163238321932, 2433 2, 2332 2232243132325032 6532 ,blowm‘outlet34,334 734 834 3134 1334 3634 3734,. 3334 5634, 6534, and sides fifthe blower are sufi'zcientiy spaced from the walls the housing, eg for air flow; acoustics. For 1336.. as Shawn in Fig 82.. the Mower inlet 32 and Mower matter '34 are spaced hum Imp and bottom “ally; of the FG 116133365223my distances D3, D2 or about 52 mm (leg) 8 mm, 30 mm) and the Sides 0f the btewer 30 are spaced fi‘om side wa‘lis Qt‘t‘he PG lmusing 20 by di 31311063 133, D4 {1341130113 5420 mm (eg, 30 mm? 32 mm). ifiuweven it should be appreciated that other suitahie ciearances are possihiefi eg depanding on air flow paths, 13 Further aspects ofthe teclmulngy include the t‘allcwing: {00232} '1. 3. flaw genet‘att'm cmmprising: a housing; a Mam-er structured to generate tfi‘p.1‘f:ssu1'.izedIn‘fiathabte air to be ed {(3 an air flaw path; and 3 Suspension device to suypol’t the. film-(er within the Musing and previde a pressure 3633 between law and high presmre Sides Ot‘the blox-ver, wherein. the Suspensim} device indudes 3. 66130653446 pmfiom pmvided along a perimeter {3f the blmarer t6 absm'b shack appliefi at ieast radian}: t6 this flower and one or more canes pmvidad 33mg upper anClfiw lower sides 63" tha ‘ to 863613) shock appiied at 18331 3312133363 the blower, {69233} 2. A flow generator according m aspect I, wherein the suspensian device Ix cmstmcted ofan elastomeric material, {00234} 3. A flow generator according to any one of aspects i ‘2‘ wherein the suspension device es an overaii exterior shape that subsiamiaiiy matches the shape oi‘the {($235} 61. A flow generator according to any one of aspects 143. wherein the suspension device includes a generaily rioal shape. [($23fi} S. A flow generator according to any one of aspects Hi. wherein the suspension device includes ng walls that support. rile hiower rhei'eberween and an r support member extending from the weiis. {($237} 6. A flow gerreraior according to aspect 5, wherein the support. member iiieiiides the heiiows—iike portion and arr end portion supported by the g. {($238} '7. A flow aior according to any one of aspects $43? wherei r1 each waii inc-hides the one or more cones. {(iil239} S. A flow generator according to any one of s if}, wherein the cones are arranged concenrrieaiiy. {$1240} 9. A flow generator according to any one of aspects '1. 4%, wherein the housing inc-hides a hiower chamber to retain the blower and suspensiea device within the g. {(iil24i} iii, A flow generator according to aspect 93 wherein the biower chamber inc-hides at least one opening to allow air to enter the hiower on the iow pressure side thereof and at least one aperture to aiiow air to exit the biower chamber on the high pregame aide thereof. {130242} 11. A flow generator according to any one ofaspecrs i—m, wherein the housing is stoic-tured to receive and support a PCB outside the air flow path. {($243} i '2. A flow generator according to any one ets i—l 1', wherein the housing includes an air flow iniet and air flow outiet provided on opposite sides thereof. {($244} i 3. A flow generator according to aspect '13.. further eompri sing an air fiher provided to the air flow inlet. {$0245} 14. A. flow generator according to any one oi‘aspecra i »1 3 n the housing includes one or more wall ribS along a perimeter of its side wali. {00246} 15. A flow generator according to any {me of aspects 1414, further minimising a PCB to central the Newer, wherein the PCB is ted within the harassing and includes a pewer iead Wire for {newer that extends directly from the PCB to e the g.

{M3247} if]. A flew generarm‘ according :0 any one {if aspects 141 5 further minimising a PCB 10 control The Mower; wherei :1 the {flower includes magnet Wire directly simmered re the PCB. [(30248] W. A flaw generai‘er according to any one 0f aspects 1416, fim‘her comprising one 01‘ more pieces ei’acousric foam airing the air flow path to: direct air and pmvide 30mm} abserpfim. {($249} 38, A flaw generaim; comprising: a housing including an air flow hire: and an air flow Outlet; and a biower previded to the harming and structured tr) generate a flaw [If pressurized breathable air, wherein the. harming mummies an air .i'iew path {mm the air fl0w inlet to the air 2‘} ow eurier pmviding ci‘ess-Sesctjomi areas slicing its length Ufa sufficiem Size to prevent turbuim’r ai ri’i0w. {30250} W A flew generami‘ awarding to aepeet ’18.. wherein the cross—sectienai areas are of sum ciem‘ size to rie a. firm rate iess their '1 0 rib-”:3. {06251} 2U, -\ flow generamr according to any one Of aspecte 18—193 wherein fire Cirrissnssectimml areas are (if sufii cierit size to e a '30w rare {if alum: 5~6 miss. {00252} 21. 5% flow generarrir} crimpiising: a housing including an air flow iniei and an air flaw outlet; and a hiewer provided to the housing and structureci to generate El flow Bf pressurized breathable aii; wherein the Musing incindes an air flew path from the air flew inlet :0 the air 1?0w cutie: previding one 01‘ more. refl active surfaces 213mg its iengrh t0 reduce noise. {00253} 2.2. A, flew generater according {as expect ‘2. i, Wherei n the imaging ineiudes one or mm > air flew vanes including the ive es In e a Home barrier for the flower 4:". K4) WO 33889 andr‘er ret‘l eel neiee from the Newer so as to prevent mise erriitred back through. the air i'l ow inlet. {0&254} 23. A flow generater according to aspect 22 wherein the me or more air fiOW vanes are prrwirlerl nt the inlet tr} direct incoming air flow from the inlet: [(30255] 24. A flew generate; comprising: a housing, a blewer structured to generate :1 flew of pressurized breathable air; and a sueperision device configured re» supper: the blower within the housing t0 ailew Operation at“ the 3“! 0w generator in any ori enterien. {($256} 2.5, A flew generater awarding to aspect: 243 wherein the suepensiem device encases the blewer and cieerances are previderl around an inlet and an Butler m“ the him-vet. $0257} 26, A flew generater awarding it) an}? (me ets 24—25., wherein the suspensien device has a, substantiaily symmetricai shame. {00258} 2?, A flew generater according to any arm Df'aspeers , wherein the suspensien device further provides a re seal bemeen larva-r and high pressure sides et‘rhe biower. {30259} 33 A flew generater eccerding to any one ofespertts 24-2? wherein the 511 spermimr device includes a b‘elm‘wefiiike portirm prmrided airing a perimeter of the bier-«fer t0 abeerb shack. applied at least radialiy m the blewer and one er more cones ed along, upper mrrlr-W lewer sides attire blower in alumni) shriek. applied at least. axially tr} the blew-er. {00268} 29. 5% flow gerrerarrir awarding to an}: erre- of aspects ? n. the suspension device is maneuvered of an elastem erie material [002611 38, A. flew generater, compr’i sing: a liaising including an air flow inter and an air flow eutlet; a Newer provided to the housing and structured to generate a flaw Of pres d breathable air; anti an air filter earrrirlge prrwirled t0 the air flew inlet to filter air drawn. into the housing by the r the air filter cartridge irtg a eartritige burly and a. filter m edia supported by the cariridge body, wherein. the cariri (lg-:2 body includes structure in direct airflcw away from a blower inlet ei’ihc blower. {0&262} 3 l. A flow tnr according to aspect '30, wherein the cartridge lied); includes a grilHike frnni prirtien er grate that defines inlet openings into the air filter cartridge. [(30263] ‘32. A flew generatnr according to any one 0f aspects 306 l, tw'lierein the cartridge bed}: includes an arcuate~sliapcd air directing wall that les a generally cane-ave surface te direct air flew. {(33264} '33. A flew generator awarding to aspect '32., n the air .iiilter cartridge is provided to the ai r flow inlet cf the housing, such that the emulate-shaped air i 11g wall is arranged to direct airficw away from the blower inlet of the blcwer. littiZfi'S} 34. A tinw generator according m any one Of aspects 323-33, wherein the ic—«shaped air directing wall includes a plurality cf air ing, vanes that act as manifelds to reduce mrbulence. {00266} 3 5. A flew tcr according to any Cine cfaspects 30—34, wherein the cartridge bed}? includes an elengated ridge along one end wall d in interleclr er etherwise engage along one side cf the air '3nw inlet, and an elnngated. clip arm airing the other end well. adapted to interlock er ntherwise engage the other side el‘tlie air flow inlet with a snap fit. {00267} 36. A. flew generater according in aspect ‘35.. n the eartridge bed}? includes a pnll~tab structured to allow a user re remove the air filter cartridge item the housing. {£10263} '3 3. A flew generater accerding to any (me nf‘aspecte 30-3 ti wherein the filter media includes a thickness el’about 5“} 5 mm. {0026.9} 38. it flew generatrir accnrding to an}! ene of aspects 3037? wherein. the lmusing includes twn air flew inlets? each inlet structured t0 support a respective air filter cartridge. {00238} 39. A. flow generatcr according to aspecte 38, wherein the air flew inlets extend al 0119, respective corners nt" the housing opposite in the air flew outlet. {00271} While the technology has been bed in ec-ticn with l examples, it is it} be untlerstocd that the techneingy is net to be limited In the disclosed examples? but on the contrary, is intended m cever var}ens imidificaiiens and equivaient arrangements included \iiiihin the spirit and scape (if the iechneiogfifi Also, the variants es described abeve may be enied in conjunction with either exaiiipies, eg, one {if mei‘e aspects: (if one e may be combined with aspects an“ smother exam-pie to reaiize yet other examples. Earthen each independent feature er ent of any given assembly may can‘s’iituize an additional exampie. in acidified}, whiie the technologr has particular asppiieation ten paiiente who suffer from GSA, it is to be appreciated that patients who suffer from other illnesses (egg congestive heart faiinre‘ diabetes‘ morbid Libesity, stroke: bariaii’ie surgery, etc} can dei'i ve benefit From the above teachings, Moreewr, the abeve teachings have appiieabiiiiy with patients and nervqnfiients alike i n, nemm edieai app? i eaii ens. item. N’Lln'lber 3345, 7'33. 835. 935, 1:35 3435,, 733 1835‘ 193%. 2033 2135, 22-35. 3435, 321351, 3235 .3335, 4235, 4435. 4535. acoustic foam 5935, 64535 Activat‘ing 374321112423, micrw . resistixa fl im, capacitive sensor 5556 Additional foam pieces air“ deiivery tube or cunduit air '5 l 7624‘ ‘70.470.587o, 5272 4070 44796 27,327,427,5273427,727?227,227, 1227327 1427,4527,1227,' 20h}7 2727,2227,2427.2227; 4:27 427 4627 4724827.492. 50273777:5227 5427 5427 522t air {10W iniat 376‘;x ”-4 3‘29 429 7:39 829 9:39 3129 ‘4 f} 1329 1:329 34292439 4529 4729 air '90w {Juliet 229.i329 6329 43529 7029 iii r 3‘? 0w 4‘anE annuiar faam piece 2111117427 inief chamber apertures 65«1,1065«1.3865~1,2065~3 bearing, cartridge 6524 beatingmousing ure (44 di 4‘24524‘ 0‘4 u: ,. 442 .130, .330 4310, 530 6.30 236 9.)0, 321’0, 33.3{3.3 2.30, 3.3”"..3. .3436 36.30, 3733’}, 383333, 3930 4339 4230, 4330 4433} b3DW‘eii‘ 3653i} bi ower 33am e wail s {flower (:3: amber bigwer g 63 away iniet biowm‘ {ear} wile {flower outlet bi away W223! member {mitom air 1“! 0w vanes bottum dividing walk; bottmn 03758001363 cover ‘26, 3365, 65326 button 80, "2580, 2780, 2883}. 2980, 6580 buiwn protrusion 28130—2 buttml recess 2.9864 buttwn rim 6580l. cartridge. air directing vanes 165?? cartridge air directing x «all 6575—1 cartridgs body 22, 7072 camidge and wails; 65 3’5—2 65?S—3 cartridge from portion 637-.1 J saiddga puliwtah 6590 cartridge rear portion cartri dig»: rib chassis :31? main housing Chassis. axter‘im‘ chassis or s interim chassis waii clip arm clip portion Cumsm: surface cover [JI‘OHHSiOB 2924~P «:iispiay 52§2652,2?52 elongated ridge 66573 and waif s ?0?6w]§?fi?642 Fastefler Dpeni 11g ‘34-1,26-i Fastener :‘esepiacle 69~L 69-2 Ether air directing vane-s $08i ii iter air di met} 11g waii ‘70?5 filter media 74,$9?4,6074,5174,6574 fiitei‘ madi a body portion 6} "34% fiiter media ring n Filter puii tab first air fiiter ’5 rs“: liiuwer chamber wail First iniet ‘427mi,7027«1, fiexibie feet, pcga 0r CQHGS 481 3148? 3648, 4043A. 4348, 654KB 122mgnym2fi2222fl22w, 92221210,2122,1212,2220,2212: 1516,1620;1718,381021910,3016, 2212, 222022312,2412,321253322, 3412, 3522;3212‘3722932103912, 4212, 432024410,4520,461054816, 4912, 5222,5212?52:0,521215422, 66w generamr 2:12, 22 22222 422222 222 222 222 922 122.2 3222 4222 2122 4322 82w generatar housing 22 PG 4420,463024820,5120,522055322, housi 1252 5426,582092020‘6130,6522,2222 27621122 61603: ASS—2,535:3 grate groove himhi 225;; post horimmaliy ing wails 12mm12head 1262332152 (62633 i m pal} er .8,368,?68868 968 2568 18681 iniet air 6 cw vanes 68 2468 3’ 768 iniet apertures iniet cap iniei r iniet openings iniet tuba UT (2‘ 2012/070857 imlm‘ concentric tube 4739 led army 23753 living hinge 32, 25.82, 2382 magnet 6582—2 magaet wins: 59 main chassis wall 62 micmphome 3096: 3196, 32% motor @502 muffler 4355 Opening SELL 1085-1, 5385-1 outer 60118611 trlc- tube 4704 outlet air flaw vanes 139:1} Gull el chamber 1 63 7 outlet. homing 623 Dull at: tube 5033 patient ace ’? PCB chamber 353391 38334 PCB hand 61' I‘emm‘abls partisan :18 pegs 6'3. puwer card 4015 pQwe-r lead wire or power cable“ 6:”) pressure 5:231 34% 50, $50} 950, ESQ, 2630 375%} 3050, 31:“:(1 3350, 355A. 3650. 3350, 395a, printed circuit beard (PCB) 405%: 4150, 4250, 5150 525.0, 5556 radial belluws-lilce portllm 6546 ridge (353’8 rotm‘ 653? I‘fltm’ cap 6502~3 sealing cover 130 I secend air filter ’R‘O‘M—E secund blows!“ chamber wail . iniet side wali "3 siiicmze wail 940—] Snshaped 0r beilows—iike support n 46—2 Stator component 65324 step structure 2434!. supper: end portion 46—1 support membm‘ 46, 3.945, 4046: 4346 suppurting nficmphune 133967; 32%, 3396 suspensien apertures 42—1,44m: suspeusmn bead 245-; suspensi m1 extefi or pension 24? 40§24G,640,740‘940?i040,314fl, 840:3940,4040,42405424G, suspension or suppmi device 4340,4440,5440,6540 suspension recass ‘ssssz suspansim slits suspension suppmrt member suspension was? i s switch 54 tapered, surface 3595 top cover \ 22 is] 2.44% 1.)}I'd WO 33889 top dividing WMS 66 26L "2524, 262.4% 3124, 2834? 2924> top or f; rs: sever 3024, 5824, 65114 wail, rib 634, 2.634 wire guide: 6?

Claims (21)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A flow generator, comprising: a housing; a blower structured to te a flow of pressurized breathable air to be provided to an air flow path, the blower including an inlet along a low pressure side thereof and an outlet along a high pressure side thereof; and a suspension device to support the blower within the housing and provide a pressure seal between the low and high pressure sides of the blower, wherein the suspension device surrounds the blower to enclose or encase the blower, and the suspension device includes opposing sion walls with respective suspension apertures to accommodate the inlet and the outlet of the blower, and wherein the suspension device includes a bellows-like portion ed along a perimeter of the blower to absorb shock applied at least radially to the blower and one or more cones provided along upper and/or lower sides of the blower to absorb shock applied at least axially to the blower.

2. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the suspension device is constructed of an elastomeric material.

3. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the suspension device es an overall exterior shape that substantially matches the shape of the blower.

4. A flow generator according any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suspension device includes a generally rical shape.

5. A flow tor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suspension device es an annular support member extending from the opposing suspension walls.

6. A flow generator according to claim 5 wherein the annular support member includes the bellows-like portion and an end portion ted by the housing, and wherein each of the opposing suspension walls includes the one or more cones.

7. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cones are arranged concentrically.

8. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing includes a blower chamber to retain the blower and suspension device within the g.

9. A flow generator ing to claim 8 wherein the blower chamber includes at least one opening to allow air to enter the blower on the low pressure side thereof and at least one aperture to allow air to exit the blower chamber on the high re side thereof.

10. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing is structured to e and support a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) outside the air flow path.

11. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing includes an air flow inlet and air flow outlet provided on opposite sides thereof.

12. A flow generator ing to claim 11 further comprising an air filter provided to the air flow inlet.

13. A flow generator ing to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the air flow path from the air flow inlet to the air flow outlet provides a cross-sectional area along its length of a sufficient size to prevent turbulent airflow.

14. A flow generator according to claim 13 wherein the cross-sectional areas are of sufficient size to provide a flow rate less than 10 m/s.

15. A flow generator according to claim 13 wherein the cross-sectional areas are of sufficient size to provide a flow rate of about 5-6 m/s.

16. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the g includes one or more wall ribs along a perimeter of its side wall.

17. A flow generator ing to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) to control the blower, wherein the PCB is supported within the housing and includes a power lead wire for power that extends directly from the PCB to outside the housing, and wherein the blower includes magnet wire directly connected to the PCB.

18. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the air flow path further es one or more of the following: (i) one or more pieces of acoustic foam along the air flow path to direct air and provide sound absorption; and (ii) one or more reflective surfaces along a length of the air flow path to reduce noise.

19. A flow generator according to claim 18, wherein the housing includes one or more air flow vanes including the one or more reflective surfaces to provide a noise barrier for the blower and/or reflect noise from the blower so as to prevent noise emitted back through an air flow inlet of the housing.

20. A flow generator according to claim 19, wherein the one or more air flow vanes are provided adjacent the air flow inlet to direct incoming air flow from the air flow inlet.

21. A flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 20, n the sion device is configured to t the blower within the housing to allow operation of the flow tor in any orientation. 3333333 333333