NZ762904B2 - Flow Generator Message System - Google Patents

Abstract

flow generator (10) for use in a CPAP or NIPPV system, the flow generator configured to have a peripheral component selectively coupled thereto, the peripheral component being a patient interface (14), air delivery conduit (16) or humidifier. The flow generator comprises a motor (12) configured to generate the supply of breathable gas to the air delivery conduit and a processor (18) configured to, for each peripheral component: determine at least one identifying feature that is incorporated into the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator, each of the plurality of different peripheral components having a different identifying feature able to be determined by the processor; discern the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator out of the plurality of different peripheral components based on the determined at least one identifying feature; generate at least one message that identifies the discerned respective peripheral component; and send the at least one message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator. generate the supply of breathable gas to the air delivery conduit and a processor (18) configured to, for each peripheral component: determine at least one identifying feature that is incorporated into the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator, each of the plurality of different peripheral components having a different identifying feature able to be determined by the processor; discern the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator out of the plurality of different peripheral components based on the determined at least one identifying feature; generate at least one message that identifies the discerned respective peripheral component; and send the at least one message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION FLOW GENERATOR MESSAGE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to flow generators for ventilatory ance and, more particularly, to a flow generator that includes a message system for communicating messages relating to flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient ents, l reminders, and the like. Messages may be delivered to an o nboard display or externally to a service provider, the patient, a physician, or the like.

Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is a form of treatment for breathing disorders which can involve providing a relatively higher pressure of air or other breathable gas to the entrance of a patient's airways via a patient interface (e.g., a mask) during the inspiratory phase of respiration, and providing a vely lower pressure or atmospheric re in the patient mask during the expiratory phase of respiration. In other NIPPV modes the pressure can be made to vary in a complex manner throughout the respiratory cycle. For example, the pressure at the mask during inspiration or expiration can be varied through the period of treatment. uous ve Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment is commonly used to treat breathing disorders including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CPAP treatment continuously provides pressurized air or other breathable gas to the entrance of a patient's airways via a t interface (e.g., a mask) at a pressure elevated above heric re, typically in the range 3-20 cm H2O. CPAP treatment can act as a pneumatic splint of a patient's upper airway.

CPAP treatment can be in a number of forms, ing the maintenance of a constant treatment pressure level, alternating between two different constant levels in synchronism with the atory and expiratory phases of respiration ("bi-level CPAP"), and having an tically adjustable and/or a computer controlled level in accordance with a patient's eutic needs.

Breathable gas supply apparatus used in CPAP and NIPPV treatments broadly comprise a flow tor constituted by a uous source of air or other breathable gas generally in the form of a blower driven by an ic motor. A pressurized supply of air or other breathable gas can also be used. The gas supply is connected to a conduit or tube, which is in turn connected to a patient interface (mask or nasal prong) which incorporates, or has in close proximity, a vent to atmosphere for exhausting exhaled gases, such as carbon dioxide.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Patients using flow generators necessarily ate the devices into their sleeping routine. The devices are used on a daily basis and greatly enhance the quality of life for patients requiring them. It would thus be desirable if the flow generators themselves could communicate with the users to ze system effectiveness and therapy and facilitate use of the device in the patients’ daily lives.

In this context, it is important that the device function and be operated properly, and it is desirable to enable the device to introspectively determine operating concerns or malfunctions. The present invention provides a flow generator that tes messages to facilitate use of the device. The messages may relate to aspects of the flow generator itself or to integrating the system into a patient’s daily e. The messages can be delivered over any suitable medium in any suitable manner, such as for example by written, graphical or audible messages. A related flow generator with a patient reminder system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/533,940, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Patent ation Serial No. 10/533,940 was published as US 2008/0072900 on March 27, 2008.

In an ary embodiment of the invention, a flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The sor is programmed to generate one of time-based messages, event-based messages, or both time- and event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, eral devices and services, patient treatment, and general reminders. The time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and the event-based messages are generated based on s from the operation sensors. The user interface is ured to deliver the messages to at least one of a y, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

The processor is preferably programmed to e a reminder t input, wherein the time-based messages include reminders generated at a time specified in the reminder request input. The user interface may include a wireless communication system that communicates with at least one of a preset telephone number, a cellular phone, a pager, and a call center.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a network ace that delivers the messages via a global network such as the internet. In this context, the event -based messages may comprise messages relating to flow generator parts requiring replacement or repair. Moreover, the system may automatically order at least one of the parts requiring replacement or service for the repair. The network interface is preferably also configured to receive message content via the global network. The message content may comprise information relating to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the flow generator.

The flow generator may additionally e a memory that stores software executed by the processor and data relating to flow tor use and operation.

The processor es the software to generate the messages. In one embodiment, the memory is a data card.

The flow generator may still additionally include peripheral devices providing enhanced functionality. The peripheral devices communicate with the processor, wherein the time-based and based messages relate to use and ion of the peripheral devices.

The time-based messages may be customizable, for example, providing a personal reminder for the patient, a wake-up alarm or the like. The wake-up alarm may be an audio e or may be effected via the delivery of breathable gas to the patient.

The messages may include advertisements generated at predetermined time intervals and/or upon the occurrence of at least one event relating to flow generator use and operation. The messages may relate to helpful user tips and may be ctive with the patient.

The event-based messages may be structured as notice levels ng to flow generator ion, where the notice levels are changed based on a use condition duration detected by the sensors. In one ment, the use condition is a leak, wherein a first notice level es an tion that the leak has been detected, a second notice level provides another indication that the leak has been detected along with user tips to correct the leak, and a third notice level es a communication notifying a service provider or ian of the leak.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a CPAP apparatus includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet; a patient interface engageable with a patient's face to provide a seal; and an air delivery conduit coupled n the flow tor and the patient interface to deliver the supply of pressurized air from the flow generator to the patient interface. The flow generator preferably includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user or communication interface.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an identifier is provided for use with a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet to a patient for treatment. The flow generator includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate time-based and/or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow tor use, patient health, peripheral devices and es, patient treatment, and general reminders, n the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The identifier includes an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a ic peripheral component attachable to the flow generator. The sor discerns the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature. In this context, the time-based and event-based es are generated based on use and operation of the specific peripheral component.

In still r exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for operating a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet to a patient for treatment, the flow generator ing a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The method includes the steps of generating either time-based or event-based es relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, t treatment, and general reminders, the time-based messages being generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and the event-based messages being generated based on signals from the operation sensors; and delivering the messages via the user interface to at least one of a y, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other s and advantages of the t invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus that delivers breathable gas to a patient, the tus ing a recognition system constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating a flow generator incorporating the recognition system shown in Fig. 1, and one of the indicator lights being activated;.

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view similar to Fig. 2 with another of the indicator lights being activated; Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the flow generator shown in Fig. 2 with an adapter of the recognition system removed; Fig. 5 is an enlarged front perspective view of the flow generator shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the flow generator and recognition system shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an adapter of the recognition system shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a perspective view, from a different angle, of the adapter shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a top view of the adapter shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is a chart illustrating various magnitudes of resistance detected by the recognition system shown in Fig. 2 for embodiments of adapters associated with known masks sold by ResMed Ltd.; Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating stacked adapters of the recognition system; Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate schematic side views of adapters/connectors according to further embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an ary flow generator; and Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram of the flow generator operating system and e/alarm functionality ED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Flow Generator The concepts of the t invention are suitable for any flow generator providing NIPPV and/or CPAP treatment, including but not limited to flow generators having motor controlled pressure regulation or valve re regulation. An ary flow generator structure will be bed with reference to for purposes of explanation.

A flow generator 110 includes a motor 112 that provides a supply of pressurized air for the administration of NIPPV and/or CPAP treatment. The pressurized air is delivered to a patient via a patient interface 114. An air delivery conduit 116 is coupled between the flow generator 110 and the t interface 114. The patient interface 114 may have any suitable configuration as is known in the art, e.g., full-face mask, nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc. rmore, the patient interface 114 also encompasses both vented and non-vented masks and dual limb mask systems. A processor 118 controls the operations of the flow generator. The flow generator is provided with a user interface unit or “communication system” 120 (which is generically intended to encompass both input and output s of any suitable structure) to allow information input and a display unit 122 to display output ation.

Communication System With reference to , the processor is coupled with the operation sensors (shown schematically at 134) and communication system 120. The processor is mmed to generate ased or event-based messages relating to one or more of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient ent, and general reminders or the like. The user ace or communications system 120 includes structure that effects ry of the messages. Delivery of messages may be via the display unit 122 or via an external communication device such as a modem or ss logy such as cellular telephony or via the internet through a network interface. With a remote communication system, the flow generator can also deliver es to a physician, a flow generator service provider, the patient, or the like.

Time-Based Messages The messages generated by the sor 118 may be time-based or eventbased or both. Time -based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. Examples of time-based messages include general reminders, where the processor is programmed to receive a reminder request input, and the messages comprise reminders generated at a time specified in the reminder request input. Examples of other time-based messages may include a notice that one or more parts should be ed (after a certain period of use), a reminder concerning timing for a patient to le an tment with their physician, a wake-up alarm, which may be an audible alarm or may be effected via the ry of breathable gas to the patient such as via pulses of air or by pressure variations, and the like. The time-based es may be customizable by the patient for use as a personal reminder. For example, the flow generator may be programmed to remind the patient to take their pills. Advertisements may also be generated at predetermined time intervals, possibly in relation to a time interval when a part such as the mask or filter should be replaced.

The time-based messages may also e l user tips to assist the user in maximizing flow generator functionality. A ar and clock function s use of the system to generate wake-up alarms as well as provide time-based messages based on either time of use or elapsed time. An example of a flow generator including a built in alarm clock is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/703,432 which was made available on or about 1 February 2007 on the USPTO PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) website and the related non-provisional US Patent Application No. 11/491,016, which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/703,432 and which was published as US2007/0023044 on 1 February 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Helpful tips and other use information can thus be provided to the t based on the time of year. For example, the processor may be programmed such that it knows winter months are approaching (i.e., from the calendar) and can remind the patient to utilize their humidifier. In addition, the calendar and clock function can monitor user sleep cycle and awaken the user at non- REM sleep.

Event-Based Messages Event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors 134 and are correlated to particular events or triggers ed by the processor 118 via the sensors 134. For example, the event -based messages may relate to flow generator parts requiring replacement or repair. The processor 118 can determine via the sensors 134 whether a particular part needs replacement or repair. For example, if a leak is detected in the mask, it may be that the mask needs to be replaced. The system may effect automatic ordering of one or more of the parts requiring replacement or generate a request for service or repair, which may be part of a user subscription. In concert with such a determination, the processor 118 may generate helpful tips to assist the user in properly positioning/wearing the mask. The processor 118 may generate advertisements as event-based messages, for example when parts need replacement or as new parts/products become available. In this context, the communication system 120 may be capable of receiving data as message content for example via the global network through the network ace. In this manner, the message content may e information relating to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the flow generator.

Peripheral Devices The flow generator may additionally e peripheral devices ing enhanced functionality. In this context, the peripheral devices may be detected via an identifier including an identifying element ing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator. The processor 118 discerns the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature. This concept is described in detail in ly-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/656,880, which was hed on 8 ber 2006 on the WIPO e in connection with PCT ation No. and the related non-provisional US Patent Application No. 11/794,150, which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/656,880 and which was published as US 2010/0147301 on June 17, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and reproduced below. In this , the es generated by the processor 118 may relate to use and operation of the peripheral devices.

Notice Levels In one ment, the event-based messages include notice levels relating to flow generator operation. The notice levels are d based on a use condition on detected by the sensors 134. For e xample, a use condition may be a leak at the mask. In this context, a first notice level may include an indication that the leak has been detected, a second notice level may e another indication that the leak has been ed along with user tips to t the leak, and a third notice level may include a communication notifying a service provider or physician of the leak.

AHI Threshold A patient’s specific AHI (apnea-hyponea index) threshold may be entered into the device and monitored as an indicator of the effectiveness of the therapy. AHI is a measure of the number of apnea or hypopnea events that occur per hour of sleep, which is used to assess the severity of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Commonly, an AHI of 5 or greater is considered to indicate mild OSA. Thus the AHI will vary amongst different ts, and consequently an AHI threshold will also vary between patients. The AHI threshold may be determined and entered by a clinician for an individual patient. The AHI or AHI threshold is an example of an event that may be monitored and reported on using the messaging system of the present invention. A change in the AHI index may be considered an tor of how effective the therapy has been. For example a decrease in the AHI would indicate that the therapy was having a positive effect.

Monitoring System A remote monitoring system is described in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/934540, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S.

Patent Application Serial No. 10/934,540 was published as US 2005/0114182 on May 26, 2005. This system is not present in the flow generator but is a patient server comprising a se of rules governing t of home care devices and the details for patients and devices. The system monitors when a patient is eligible to e payment for further home care devices and may generate a reminder letter to send to the patient; thus reminding and encouraging patients to update their devices. The system may also be used to monitor drug prescription requirements. This type of er may also be included in the present application such that the reimbursement or payment s for a patient are entered into the device or may be selected from a list, and then in a similar manner the device will remind the patient when they are eligible to purchase further equipment.

Description of the invention of US 60/656,880 Figs. 1-9 illustrate a ition system 10 constructed according to an embodiment of the t invention. The recognition system 10 is structured for use with an apparatus 12 that delivers a supply of pressurized breathable air to a t for treatment, e.g., of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) with CPAP or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV). As best shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus 12 generally includes a flow generator 14, an air ry conduit 16, and a patient interface 18. As discussed in greater detail below, the ition system 10 allows the flow generator 14 to automatically recognize or identify one or more of the peripheral components selected by the patient so that appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator 14 may be automatically selected by the flow generator 14 to coordinate with the ed peripheral components.

The flow generator 14 is structured to generate a supply of pressurized air to be provided to a patient for treatment. The flow generator 14 includes a housing 20 and a blower 22 supported within the housing 20. As is known in the art, the blower 22 is operable to draw a supply of air into the housing 20 through one or more intake openings and provide a pressurized flow of air at an outlet 24 (see Figs. 1, 4, and 5).

The supply of pressurized air is red to the patient via the air delivery conduit 16 that includes one end 26 coupled to the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14 and an opposite end 28 coupled to the patient interface 18, as shown in Fig. 1.

The t interface 18 comfortably engages the patient's face and provides a seal. The patient interface 18 may have any suitable configuration as is known in the art, e.g., ace mask, nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc. Also, any suitable headgear ement 30 may be ed to comfortably support the patient ace 18 in a desired position on the patient's face.

As best shown in Figs. 2-4, the g 20 of the flow generator 14 includes an upper wall 32, a lower wall 34, and side walls 36 that interconnect the upper and lower walls 32, 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 24 is provided in one of the side walls 36. Also, the upper wall 32 incorporates a manual control unit 38 for adjusting one or more parameters of the flow generator 14, e.g., treatment pressure.

However, the outlet 24 and/or control unit 38 may be incorporated into any of the walls of the housing 20. Also, it should be understood that the flow tor 14 may include additional features incorporated into the housing 20, e.g., power supply.

As shown in Fig. 6, the flow generator 14 includes a controller 40 operable to e input signals and to control operation of the blower 22 based on input s. Input signals may be provided by the control unit 38 which has a plurality of control features that can be manually selected by the patient to adjust various parameters of the flow tor 14. For example, the patient may select the type of patient interface 18 being used, e.g., via a menu system of the control unit 38, so that the controller 40 can adjust the blower outlet pressure so that it coordinates with the selected patient interface 18. The controller 40 may include a memory 42 that stores preferred operating parameters for a variety of patient interfaces, e.g., by brand or method of delivery. When the controller 40 receives the input signal regarding the selected patient interface 18 from the control unit 38, the controller 40 can operate the blower 22 based on the stored operating parameters in the memory 42 for the selected patient interface 18.

Alternatively, the preferred operating parameters for a selected patient ace 18 may be entered manually through the control unit 38.

Connector Recognition The ition system 10 is provided to allow the controller 40 of the flow generator 14 to automatically recognize one or more peripheral components, e.g., the patient interface 18, so that the patient does not have to utilize the control unit 38.

Moreover, the recognition system 10 may allow the apparatus 12 to operate more efficiently as the recognition system 10 enables the flow generator 14 to select operating parameters that are specifically zed for the selected peripheral components.

In the rated embodiment, the recognition system 10 includes a first connector portion 44 provided by the flow generator 14 (e.g., see Figs. 4, 5, and 6), and a second connector portion 46 adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion 44 (e.g., see Figs. 2, 3, and 6-9). The second connector portion 46 is associated with a specific peripheral ent, e.g., t interface 18, and includes an identifying feature unique to the specific peripheral ent. The first connector portion 44 includes structure to communicate the fying feature of the second connector portion 46 to the controller 40 so that the ller 40 can recognize the identifying feature and hence the associated peripheral component. The controller 40 can then select appropriate operating parameters of the blower 22, e.g., via memory 42, to coordinate with the associated peripheral component. For example, the blower 22 may be controlled so that the blower outlet pressure is relatively lower for one group of patient interfaces, e.g., nasal, and relatively higher for another group of t interfaces, e.g., nasal and mouth.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 7-9, the second connector portion 46 is provided on an adapter 48 that is adapted to interconnect the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14 and the end 26 of the air delivery conduit 16. Specifically, the adapter 48 is in the form of a t including a first end portion 50 attachable to the outlet 24 and a second end portion 52 attachable to the air delivery conduit 16. As illustrated, first end portion 50 has a greater er than the second end portion 52. However, the end portions 50, 52 may have any suitable arrangement, e.g., similar diameters. Also, a gripping portion 54, in the form of spaced contoured ribs, is provided n the first and second end portions 50, 52 to facilitate connection.

As illustrated, the second tor portion 46 is mounted to the first end portion 50. As a , the second connector portion 46 is able to removably couple with the first connector portion 44 on the flow generator 14 when the adapter 48 is coupled to the outlet 24. In the rated embodiment, the first connector portion 44 is in the form of a first conductor and the second connector portion 46 is in the form of a second conductor. Also, the second conductor 46 is bridged with an identifying element, in the form of a resistor, that provides the identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component.

In use, the r 48 is attached to the outlet 24 so that the second conductor 46 is electrically coupled to the first conductor 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the second conductor includes a metallic pin 56 with an axially extending opening 58 and the first conductor includes a metallic pin 60. The axially extending opening 58 of the metallic pin 56 receives the metallic pin 60 therein to electrically couple the first and second conductors 44, 46. However, the first and second conductors 44, 46 may be electrically coupled in any other suitable manner. Once coupled, the controller 40 can detect the ance provided by the resistor bridged with the second conductor 46. The resistance is unique to a particular peripheral component so the ller 40 can recognize the ic eral component by the resistance. Once recognized, the appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator 14 can be automatically selected by the controller 40 to nate with the specified peripheral component.

For example, Fig. 10 lists three known patient interfaces sold by ResMed Ltd. Each of the patient interfaces is supplied with an adapter 48 having a second connector portion 46 with a unique resistance value. In the illustrated embodiment, the Activa® has a resistor that es resistance of about 1 ohm, the Mirage® has a or that provides resistance of about 2 ohm, and the UltraMirage® has a resistor that provides resistance of about 3 ohm. Accordingly, if the controller 40 detects a 2 ohm resistance when the adapter 48 and second connector portion 46 thereof is engaged with the flow generator 14, the controller 40 will recognize that the Mirage® is coupled to the flow generator 14 and select blower operating ters that are optimized for the Mirage®.

Thus, the recognition system 10 provides a "plug and play" arrangement wherein the patient can simply couple the adapter 48 and second connector portion thereof 46 to the flow generator 14 to automatically configure the flow generator 10 for a particular eral component, e.g., patient interface 18.

It should be understood that more than one peripheral component of the apparatus 12 may be provided with a unique adaptor 48 that automatically configures the flow generator 14 for the associated peripheral component. For example, an r 48 may be provided with each of the patient interface 18, air delivery t 16, and humidifier (not shown) coupled to the flow generator 14. Each adapter 48 would have a unique identifying feature, as bed above, so that the controller 40 can ize which components are coupled to the flow generator 14. Moreover, the controller 40 can optimize operation of the flow generator 14 to take into account the features of each of the patient interface 18, air delivery t 16, humidifier.

In one embodiment, the adapters 48 may be color coded to correspond with particular peripheral components. Moreover, the peripheral ent may have a colored element that matches the color of the corresponding r 48. This allows the adapters 48 to be easily recognized and associated with the respective component. For example, a patient ace 18 may have a purple colored swivel connector that is accompanied by a purple colored r 48. When the purple d adapter 48 is coupled to the flow generator 14, the controller 40 will optimize the flow generator 14 to correspond with the features of the purple colored patient interface 18. In addition, or in the alternative, the connector and/or peripheral component may have a tactile indicator such as shape, e.g., a n, hexagon, etc.

When multiple peripheral components are coupled to the flow generator 14, e.g., patient interface and humidifier, multiple adapters 48 may be stacked to the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14. For example, a purple adapter 48 associated with a patient interface 18 piggybacked to a yellow adapter 48 associated with a humidifier would signal the controller 40 that both a t interface 18 and humidifier are attached to the flow generator 14. When piggybacked, one of the adapters 48A is coupled to the flow generator 14 as discussed above and the second adapter 48B is coupled to the first adapter 48A such that the first end portion 50 of the second adapter 48B is attachable to the second end portion 52 of the first adapter 48A and the second end portion 52 of the second adapter 48B is attachable to the air delivery t 16 as shown in Fig. 11.

Moreover, the conductor 46 of the second adapter 48B is electrically coupled to a rear portion of the conductor 46 of the first r 48A. In one embodiment, the adapter 48B may be structured such that it cannot receive a plug from a downstream connector, rather it can only plug into the adapter 48A closer to the flow generator, so as to impose a limitation on the order of attachment. However, it is red that the adapters can be attached in random order, to facilitate the connector assembly operation.

The piggyback value of two resistor values wired in parallel could be recognized via simple electronics (e.g., 1/R Total = 1/R1 + 1/R2, where R1 is the resistor value associated with the patient interface and R2 is the resistor value associated with the humidifier). The value of (1/R Total) would relate to a blower setting that adjusts the operating parameters to function optimally with the specific features of both the selected patient ace and humidifier. This arrangement ates user intervention to match peripheral components for optimal performance of the connected system.

It should be understood that the recognition system 10 may have any suitable structure to enable the controller 40 to automatically ize selected peripheral components. In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter 48 incorporating an identifiable resistor is utilized to fy the peripheral ent. r, the identifying element may have any le identifiable structure, e.g., impedance (e.g., using holes of various sizes), microswitches, infrared detectors, variable length pins, variable number of pins, variable pin mountings, spring loads, etc. For example, one embodiment may incorporate one or more variable length pins 46.1 on the end of the connector that can either incorporate a microswitch (or series of switches depending on length) or operate a variable resistor whose value is ined by the length of the pin, e.g., how far the pin pushes a lever operating variable resistor. A series of microswitches, e.g., 6 switches, located around the connector could be operated by pins 46.2 to either the on or off on, similar to a remote control. See, e.g., Figs. 13 and 14.

Alternatively, the adaptor and/or a component f such as a pin may include a coded n that encodes the flow generator with the peripheral component.

This is similar to how a camera film housing encodes the camera with the camera film, upon loading of the housing into the camera.

In another embodiment, the second connector portion 46 may be provided as a separate key, separate from the adapter 48, that is engagable with the first connector portion 44 provided on the flow generator 14. Thus, the adapter 48 may be eliminated and the air ry t 16 may t directly to the outlet 24 of the flow generator Also, the controller 40 may identify the peripheral component in any suitable manner. That is, an identifying feature associated with the peripheral component may be communicated to the controller 40 in any suitable manner. For example, the identifying feature may be incorporated into the eral component, e.g., patient interface, itself and be communicated to the controller 40 via a wire extending from the peripheral component to the flow generator 14. Alternatively, the identifying feature may be communicated to the controller 40 wirelessly, e.g., RFID, IR, prismatic, smart card (computer chip). In "wireless" embodiments, the controller 40 would be coupled to a receiver adapted to receive signals transmitted by the identifying ent associated with the peripheral component.

In r embodiment, the peripheral ent may include a bar code with identifying information so that the eral component may be moved past a bar code reader provided on the flow generator 14 that will allow the controller 40 to identify the specific peripheral component being utilized.

Also, other information may be provided by the identifying component, e.g., a log of the patient's use, components used during each use, end of life service indication, etc.

The flow generator 14 may include one or more tor lights to indicate that the peripheral components have been recognized and/or identified. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the flow tor 14 includes a red light 62 that indicates that the component has not yet been recognized (Fig. 2), and a green light 64 that indicates that the adapter 48 is connected and the ated component has been recognized.

Thus, the indicator lights may provide positive feedback ing connection and blower set-up status. The different lights may also indicate ent peripherals and confirm correct alignment, e.g., one light for an Activa® mask, another light for an UltraMirage® Full Face Mask, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 48 must be properly aligned with the outlet 24 and the first connector portion 44 to enable the second connector portion 46 to couple with the first connector n 44. However, the first and second connector portions 44, 46 may be configured and arranged so orientation of the adapter 48 with respect to the outlet 24 does not matter. Moreover, the flow generator will continue to operate even if one or more components of the recognition system are not employed, although the operating characteristics may not be optimized for the particular component in use.

The recognition system 10 is advantageous in that it allows the flow generator 14 to be optimized to function with the ted peripheral components. This minimizes patient intervention to setup the flow generator 14, and therefore improves ease of use. sion The flow generator of the invention includes a message generating capability and communication structure that facilitate and enhance its use. The ability to communicate information to the user will reduce users’ needs to t the physician or product supplier with ons. The system can record events thereby reducing the burden and ore labor and costs for processing insurance coverage. A ar and clock function enables use of the system to generate wake-up alarms as well as provide time-based messages based on either time of use or elapsed time. Sensors enable the system to generate event-based messages. Of course, the examples described herein are exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations of messages may be generated by the flow generator of the invention, and the ion is not necessarily meant to be limited to the described examples.

While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred ments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be d to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words ise," "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

Claims (37)

1. A flow generator for use in a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system or a non-invasive ve pressure ventilation (NIPPV) system configured to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to an air ry conduit for delivery to a patient, wherein the flow generator is configured to have selectively coupled thereto a plurality of different peripheral components, each of the plurality of different eral components being a patient interface, air delivery conduit or humidifier, and wherein the flow tor comprises: a motor configured to te the supply of breathable gas to the air delivery conduit; and a processor configured to, for each peripheral component of the plurality of different eral components able to be coupled to the flow generator: determine at least one identifying e that is incorporated into the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator, each of the plurality of different peripheral components having a different identifying feature able to be determined by the processor; discern the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator out of the plurality of different peripheral components based on the determined at least one identifying feature; generate at least one message that identifies the discerned respective peripheral component; and send the at least one message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

2. The flow generator of claim 1, wherein the sor is configured to generate the at least one message as one or more time-based es at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time.

3. The flow generator of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the processor is ured to generate the at least one message as one or more event-based es based on one or more events detected by the processor.

4. The flow generator of claim 3, wherein one of the one or more events detected by the processor is the respective peripheral component being coupled to the flow generator.

5. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the generated at least one message relates to the use and operation of the discerned respective peripheral component.

6. The flow tor of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generated at least one message includes a notice that the discerned respective peripheral component should be replaced.

7. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 6, n the generated at least one message effects ordering of a replacement peripheral component for the discerned tive peripheral component.

8. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the generated at least one message includes tips for the use of the discerned tive peripheral component.

9. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processor is configured to read data stored on, and provided by, the discerned respective eral component.

10. The flow generator of claim 9, wherein the data includes data indicative of any one or more of: a log of the patient’s use of the discerned respective peripheral component; components used during each use of the discerned respective peripheral component; and information on the condition of the discerned respective peripheral component.

11. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ned tive peripheral component is a patient interface.

12. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the processor is configured to discern the tive peripheral component, at least in part, via wireless communication from the respective peripheral component to a receiver coupled to the processor.

13. A CPAP or NIPPV apparatus comprising: a flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to an outlet; a patient interface engageable with a t's face to provide a seal; and an air delivery conduit coupled between the outlet of the flow generator and the patient ace to deliver the supply of breathable gas from the flow generator to the patient interface.

14. A processor for use in or with a continuous ve airway pressure (CPAP) system or a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) system configured to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to an air delivery conduit for delivery to a t, wherein the CPAP or NIPPV system ses a flow generator configured to have selectively coupled thereto a ity of different peripheral components, each of the plurality of different peripheral components being a patient interface, air delivery conduit or humidifier, and wherein the processor is configured to, for each peripheral component of the plurality of different eral components able to be coupled to the flow generator: determine at least one fying feature that is incorporated into the respective peripheral component that is d to the flow generator, each of the plurality of different peripheral components having a different identifying feature able to be determined by the processor; discern the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator out of the plurality of different peripheral components based on the determined at least one identifying feature; generate at least one message that identifies the discerned respective peripheral component; and send the at least one message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

15. The processor of claim 14, n the sor is configured to generate the at least one message as one or more time-based messages at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or d time.

16. The processor of any one of claims 14-15, wherein the processor is configured to generate the at least one message as one or more event-based messages based on one or more events detected by the processor.

17. The processor of claim 16, wherein one of the one or more events detected by the sor is the respective peripheral component being coupled to the flow generator.

18. The processor of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the generated at least one message relates to the use and operation of the discerned respective peripheral component.

19. The sor of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the generated at least one e includes a notice that the ned respective eral ent should be replaced.

20. The processor of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the generated at least one message effects ordering of a replacement eral component for the discerned respective peripheral component.

21. The processor of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the generated at least one message includes tips for the use of the discerned respective peripheral component.

22. The processor of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the processor is configured to read data stored on, and provided by, the discerned respective peripheral component.

23. The processor of claim 22, wherein the data includes data indicative of any one or more of: a log of the t’s use of the discerned respective peripheral component; components used during each use of the discerned respective peripheral component; and information on the condition of the discerned respective peripheral component.

24. The processor of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the discerned respective peripheral component is a patient interface.

25. The processor of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the processor is configured to discern the respective peripheral component, at least in part, via wireless communication from the respective eral component to a receiver coupled to the processor.

26. A processor-implemented method for identifying a eral component coupled to a flow generator, wherein the method is implemented by a processor, wherein the flow generator is sed as part of a continuous ve airway pressure (CPAP) system or a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) system configured to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to an air ry conduit for ry to a patient, wherein the flow generator is configured to have selectively coupled thereto a plurality of different peripheral components, each of the plurality of different peripheral components being a patient interface, air ry conduit or fier, and wherein the method comprises, for each peripheral component of the plurality of different peripheral components able to be coupled to the flow generator: determining at least one identifying feature that is incorporated into the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator, each of the plurality of different peripheral components having a different identifying feature able to be ined by the processor; discerning the respective peripheral component that is coupled to the flow generator out of the plurality of different peripheral components based on the determined at least one identifying feature; generating at least one message that identifies the ned respective eral component; and sending the at least one message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

27. The processor mented method of claim 26, wherein the method comprises generating the at least one message as one or more time-based messages at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time.

28. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26-27, n the method comprises generating the at least one message as one or more event-based messages based on one or more events detected by the processor.

29. The processor-implemented method of claim 28, wherein one of the one or more events detected by the processor is the respective peripheral component being coupled to the flow tor.

30. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the ted at least one message relates to the use and operation of the discerned respective peripheral component.

31. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the generated at least one e includes a notice that the discerned tive peripheral component should be replaced.

32. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the generated at least one message effects ordering of a replacement peripheral component for the discerned respective peripheral component.

33. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the generated at least one message includes tips for the use of the discerned respective peripheral component.

34. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the method comprises reading data stored on, and provided by, the discerned respective peripheral component.

35. The processor-implemented method of claim 34, n the data includes data indicative of any one or more of: a log of the t’s use of the discerned respective peripheral component; components used during each use of the discerned respective peripheral ent; and information on the condition of the discerned respective peripheral component.

36. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein the discerned respective peripheral ent is a patient interface.

37. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein the method comprises discerning the respective peripheral component, at least in part, via wireless communication from the respective peripheral component to a er coupled to the processor. acoumm 55258 8E: Em Lowomzzoo SEQ; LogoE :co _m=o::oo Mam e Activa® unraMirage®