Patent Description:
The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of respiratory-related disorders. The present technology also relates to medical devices or apparatus, and their use. The present technology also relates to a fluid connector for use such medical devices or apparatus.

A range of therapies have been used to treat or ameliorate conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR), Obesity Hyperventilation Syndrome (OHS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) or chest wall disorders. Furthermore, otherwise healthy individuals may take advantage of such therapies to prevent respiratory disorders from arising. However, these have a number of shortcomings.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The hypothesis is that continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint and may prevent upper airway occlusion by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA by CPAP therapy may be voluntary, and hence patients may elect not to comply with therapy if they find devices used to provide such therapy one or more of: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive and aesthetically unappealing.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to a patient through the upper airways to assist the patient in taking a full breath and/or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by doing some or all of the work of breathing. The ventilatory support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD and Chest Wall disorders. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these therapies may be improved.

Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to patients that are no longer able to effectively breathe themselves and may be provided using a tracheostomy tube. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these therapies may be improved.

A patient interface may be used to interface respiratory equipment to its wearer, for example by providing a flow of air to an entrance to the airways. The flow of air may be provided via a mask to the nose and/or mouth, a tube to the mouth or a tracheostomy tube to the trachea of a patient. Depending upon the therapy to be applied, the patient interface may form a seal, e.g., with a region of the patient's face, to facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure at sufficient variance with ambient pressure to effect therapy, e.g., at a positive pressure of about <NUM> cmH<NUM>O relative to ambient pressure. For other forms of therapy, such as the delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate delivery to the airways of a supply of gas at a positive pressure of about <NUM> cmH<NUM>O.

Patient interfaces may include a seal-forming portion. A patient interface may be partly characterised according to the design intent of where the seal-forming portion is to engage with the face in use. These different types of patient interfaces may be known by a variety of names by their manufacturer including nasal masks, full-face masks, nasal pillows, nasal puffs and oro-nasal masks.

Some forms of treatment systems may include a vent to allow the washout of exhaled carbon dioxide, such as in a patient interface. The vent may allow a flow of gas from an interior space of the patient interface, e.g., the plenum chamber, to an exterior of the patient interface, e.g., to ambient. The vent may comprise an orifice and gas may flow through the orifice in use of the mask. Many such vents are noisy. Others may become blocked in use and thus provide insufficient washout. Some vents may be disruptive of the sleep of a bed-partner <NUM> of the patient <NUM>, e.g. through noise or focussed airflow.

Air pressure generators are known in a range of applications, e.g. industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, air pressure generators for medical applications have particular requirements not fulfilled by more generalised air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size and weight requirements of medical devices. In addition, even devices designed for medical treatment may suffer from shortcomings, pertaining to one or more of: comfort, noise, ease of use, efficacy, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

An example of the special requirements of certain RPT devices is acoustic noise.

Table of noise output levels of prior RPT devices (one specimen only, measured using test method specified in ISO3744 in CPAP mode at <NUM> cmH<NUM>O).

One known RPT device used for treating sleep disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System, manufactured by ResMed Limited. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator.

RPT devices typically comprise a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to supply a flow of air to the airway of a patient. In some cases, the flow of air may be supplied to the airway of the patient at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface such as those described above.

Delivery of a flow of air without humidification may cause drying of airways. The use of a humidifier with an RPT device and the patient interface produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort.

Medical humidifiers are used to increase humidity and/or temperature of the flow of air in relation to ambient air when required, typically where the patient may be asleep or resting (e.g. at a hospital).

These therapies may be provided by a treatment system or device. Systems and devices may also be used to diagnose a condition without treating it.

CPAP therapy is highly effective to treat certain respiratory disorders, provided patients comply with therapy.

A treatment system may comprise a Respiratory Pressure Therapy Device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, and data management.

One component of a treatment system may be connectable to another component to the system via an industry standard connector. For example, a patient interface may be connectable to an air circuit by a connector defined in ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. In such configurations, however, it may be difficult to determine whether a component is designed such that its optimal use condition is with another component. As a result, a user may not be able to take full advantage of treatment systems wherein components, such as an RPT device, may be specifically designed for use with a particular set of patient interfaces for example.

Furthermore, adoption of a standard connector in a component may constrain the designer, in that the designer must ensure that the component is compatible with all other components connectable via the standard connector. Thus, the designer may be discouraged, or even prevented from making improvements to the component if it may not be backwards compatible with the existing suite of connectable component in the market.

If, indeed, a bespoke connector is used, it is preferably arranged such that accidental, or unintended, connection between a component utilising a bespoke connector and a component utilising another connector can be prevented.

Still further, existing connectors themselves may not be desirable in one or more aspects. For example, a connector engageable purely by interference fit (e.g. as defined in ISO <NUM>-<NUM>) may be difficult to engage and/or disengage as it may require a large force to overcome the friction across a length of the connection. Such a connector may further not provide a clear indication to the user whether the connection has been adequately made or not for provision of therapy.

Thus, a need exists for an improved connector, which is identifiably different from other connectors, and preferably prevents unintended connection to components that utilise standard connectors. Such an improved connector may enable development an improved treatment system comprising components that are designed for use with each other. In turn, improved therapy may be delivered to the patient, as well as achieving an increased rate of compliance with the therapy.

The following fluid connector systems for respiratory therapy are also known in the art, namely <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The invention and preferred embodiments are defined in the appended claims. The present technology is directed towards providing medical devices used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of respiratory disorders having one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

A first aspect of the present technology relates to apparatus used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of a respiratory disorder.

Another aspect of the present technology relates to methods used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of a respiratory disorder.

An aspect of certain forms of the present technology is to provide methods and/or apparatus that improve the compliance of patients with respiratory therapy.

A first form of the present technology includes a connector set with a compliant face seal between a first end and a second end of the connector set and with a retention mechanism that couples the first end and the second end together.

A second form of the present technology comprises a fluid connector system for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the fluid connector system comprising a first end with a first opening for a fluid flow, a seal portion extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a latching portion, and a second end with an inner tube defining a second opening for the fluid flow, a sealing surface extending around a periphery of the second opening and configured to engage the seal portion to form a face seal, and an outer tube comprising a complementary latching portion configured to engage with the latching portion and configured to be depressed into a cavity formed between the inner tube and the outer tube, wherein the face seal forms a seal to breathing gas travelling between the first opening and the second opening, and the engagement between the latching portion and the complementary latching portion secures the first end with the second end.

A third form of the present technology comprises a system for providing respiratory therapy to a patient, the system comprising a respiratory pressure therapy device; an air circuit; a patient interface connected to the air circuit and a means for preventing the respiratory pressure therapy device from being connected to the air circuit with an industry standard connection.

A fourth form of the present technology comprises a method of providing a fluid connection to deliver breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the method comprising engaging a latch between a first end and a second end of the fluid connection; and engaging a face seal around a first opening in the first end and around a second opening in the second end, wherein one of the first end and the second end corresponds to the respiratory pressure therapy device.

A fifth form of the present technology comprises a first part of a fluid connector system for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the first part comprising connector portion with a first opening for a fluid flow, a seal portion extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a latching portion, wherein the seal portion is configured to seal against a sealing surface extending around a periphery of a second opening to form a face seal with a second part of the fluid connector system, and the latching portion is configured to latch with another latching portion of the second part of the fluid connector system.

A sixth form of the present technology comprises a first part of a fluid connector system for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the first part comprising a connector portion with a first opening for a fluid flow, a sealing surface around a periphery of the first opening, and a latching portion, wherein the sealing surface is configured to receive a seal portion extending around a periphery of a second opening to form a face seal with a second part of the fluid connector system, and the latching portion is configured to latch with another latching portion of the second part of the fluid connector system.

A seventh form of the present technology comprises a fluid connector system for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the fluid connector system comprising a first end with a first interior portion for a fluid flow and a first retaining portion, and a second end with a second interior portion for the fluid flow and a complementary retaining portion configured to engage with the retaining portion, wherein the first interior portion and the second interior portion have a first shape in a plane perpendicular to a flow direction, the retaining portion and the complementary retaining portion have a second shape in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction, and the first shape and the second shape are different.

An eighth form of the present technology comprises a system for providing respiratory therapy to a patient, the system comprising a respiratory pressure therapy device; an air circuit; a patient interface connected to the air circuit, the patient interface being adapted to operate with the respiratory pressure therapy device; and a means for ensuring that the patient interface that is adapted to operate with the respiratory pressure therapy device is able to connect to the respiratory pressure therapy device to receive a delivery of breathable gas therefrom while patient interfaces not adapted to operate with the respiratory pressure therapy device are not able to connect to the respiratory pressure therapy device to receive a delivery of breathable gas therefrom.

A ninth form of the present technology comprises afluid connector end for delivering a flow of pressurised air for respiratory therapy to a patient, the fluid connector end comprising: an outer portion comprising a latching portion and an overhang portion, the latching portion comprising a protrusion configured to engage with a complementary recess; and an inner portion comprising a sealing surface, the inner portion defining an air path for delivering the flow of pressurised air, wherein the sealing surface comprises an annular surface for making a face seal to deliver the flow of pressurised air to the air path, and the protrusion is located axially in line with the sealing surface.

In examples of at least one of the first through ninth forms of the present technology, (a) the second end further comprises a stabiliser located between the inner tube and the outer tube; (b) the stabiliser is formed at least in part from an elastomer; (c) the first end is connected to a respiratory pressure therapy device including a blower and the second end is connected to a fluid conduit; (d) the sealing surface is flat; (e) the sealing surface is substantially perpendicular to a direction of the fluid flow from the first end to the second end; (f)the sealing surface extends circumferentially around the second opening; (g) the sealing surface is formed on a flange that extends radially from the inner tube; (h) the flange extends substantially perpendicularly from the inner tube; (i) the inner tube extends beyond the flange in a direction towards the seal portion; (j) the inner tube extends at least partially though the seal portion when the complementary latching portion is engaged with the latching portion; (k) the seal portion is compliant in a direction of engagement between the first end and the second end; (l) the seal portion includes a frustoconical portion; (m) the frustoconical portion contacts the sealing surface to form the face seal when the first end and the second end are connected; (n) the seal portion includes a partial spherical surface; (o) the partial spherical surface contacts the sealing surface to form the face seal when the first end and the second end are connected; (p) the seal portion includes a bellows-shaped or partial bellows-shaped portion; (q) the bellows-shaped or partial bellows-shaped portion contacts the sealing surface to form the face seal when the first end and the second end are connected; (r) when the first end and the second end are connected the seal portion is configured to engage the sealing surface before the latching portion and the complementary latching portion engage; (s) the seal portion is compliant in a direction radial to an axis defined by a direction of engagement between the first end and the second end; (t) the seal portion is configured to expand and engage the sealing surface due to internal pressurization of the first end when a gap exists between the seal portion and the sealing surface in an unpressurized state; (u) contact between the seal portion and the sealing surface causes the seal portion to compress against the sealing and against an airflow direction that is from the first opening to the second opening; (v) compression of the seal portion does not cause significant compressive forces; (w) a force required to compress the seal portion is less than a force required to engage the latching portion with the complementary latching portion; (x) the force required to compress the seal portion is less than half of the force required to engage the latching portion with the complementary latching portion; (y) the force required to compress the seal portion is less than one tenth of the force required to engage the latching portion with the complementary latching portion; (z) at least one of the seal portion and the sealing surface includes sufficient contact area between the seal portion and the sealing surface to form a seal when respective centers of the seal portion and the sealing surface are not aligned with one another; (aa) the second end comprises an inner portion and an outer portion and the inner portion is rotatably coupled to the outer portion; (bb) the inner portion comprises the sealing surface; (cc) the inner portion is rigidly connected to a fluid conduit; (dd) the outer portion comprises the complementary latching portion; (ee) the complementary latching portion comprises a cantilevered portion with a protrusion that is configured to engage the latching portion; (ff) the cantilevered portion is configured to be depressed to engage or disengage the complementary latching portion from the latching portion and allow engagement or disengagement between the first end and the second end; (gg) the first end comprises a travel limit to constrain the second end from moving in a direction of engagement between the first end and the second end; (hh) the travel limit is a flange around the first opening and the second end comprises a stop surface configured to contact the flange; (ii) the latching portion constrains the second end from moving in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement, and the travel limit and latching portion together define a movement distance of the second end when the first end and the second end are engaged; (jj) the seal portion is configured to seal against the sealing surface throughout the movement distance, the movement distance being a non-zero distance; (kk) the seal portion is configured to form a seal with the sealing surface with a worst case manufacturing tolerance and after a predetermined amount of wear and/or creep in the fluid connector; (ll) the fluid connector system is configured to provide negligible pressure drop when air is flowing through the fluid connector system throughout a patient's breathing cycle and at pressures between <NUM> H<NUM>O to <NUM> H<NUM>O; (mm) the first end is a female connection and the second end is a male connection; (nn) the female connection and the male connection have profiles that are non-circular; (oo) the first end includes a port in fluid communication with an interior of the seal portion and separated from the first opening and the second opening; (pp) the first opening and the second opening are interior portions of tubes; (qq) the first end is connected to a respiratory pressure therapy device including a blower and the second end is connected to an adapter for a fluid conduit connector; (rr) the fluid connector further comprises an industry standard fluid connection, wherein the industry standard fluid connection is in fluid communication with the first opening and on an end opposite the seal portion; (ss) the respiratory pressure therapy device comprises a first part of a fluid connector system and the air circuit comprises a second part of the fluid connector system, the first and second parts of the fluid connector system connecting together to connect the patient interface to the air circuit, and wherein one of the first part and second part comprises a non-circular male part and the other of the first part and second part comprises a non-circular female part, the non-circular male part being configured to mate with the non-circular female part when the first and second parts are connected; (tt) the first part comprises the male part and the second part comprises the female part; (uu) the first and second parts are able to be connected together in a plurality of mating orientations; (vv) the first and second parts are able to be connected together in two mating orientations; (ww) the male and female parts each comprise at least one flat portion and at least one curved portion in a plane perpendicular to a direction of air flow from the respiratory pressure therapy device to the air circuit; (xx) the male and female parts each comprise two opposing flat portions and two opposing curved portions in a plane perpendicular to a direction of air flow from the respiratory pressure therapy device to the air circuit; (yy) one of the male and female parts comprises at least one key and the other of the male and female parts comprises at least one slot, the at least one key being configured to mate with the at least one slot when the male part mates with the female part; (zz) the fluid connector further comprises an industry standard fluid connection, wherein the industry standard fluid connection is in fluid communication with the first opening and on an end opposite the sealing surface; (aaa) the first shape is a circle; (bbb)the second shape includes properties of a circle and a square; (ccc) the second shape comprises two opposing flat portions and two opposing curved portions; (ddd) one of the first interior portion and the second interior portion includes a first male portion and the other of the first interior portion and the second interior portion includes a first female portion, the first male portion and the first female portion including the first shape, and one of the retaining portion and the complementary retaining portion includes a second male portion and the other of the retaining portion and the complementary retaining portion includes a second female portion, the second male portion and the second female portion including the second shape; (eee) the inner portion further comprises a radial outer surface configured to limit radial deflection of the latching portion; (fff) the radial outer surface is axially in line with the sealing surface; (ggg) the outer portion further comprises a slot; and/or (iii) the slot is an elongate shape.

An aspect of one form of the present technology is a portable RPT device, including a fluid connector, that may be carried by a person, e.g., around the home of the person.

For example, terms such as first, second and third are included to differentiate similarly described features but a feature indicated as a second feature in the description may be recited in a claim as a first feature.

The following description is provided in relation to various examples which may share one or more common characteristics and/or features.

In one form, the present technology comprises an apparatus or device for treating a respiratory disorder. The apparatus or device may comprise an RPT device <NUM> for supplying pressurised air to the patient <NUM> via an air circuit <NUM> to a patient interface <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>.

A non-invasive patient interface <NUM> (e.g. see <FIG>) in accordance with one aspect of the present technology comprises the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure <NUM>, a plenum chamber <NUM>, a positioning and stabilising structure <NUM> and one form of connection port <NUM> for connection to air circuit <NUM>. In some forms a functional aspect may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use the seal-forming structure <NUM> is arranged to surround an entrance to the airways of the patient so as to facilitate the supply of air at positive pressure to the airways.

In one form, the patient interface <NUM> includes a vent <NUM> constructed and arranged to allow for the washout of exhaled carbon dioxide.

One form of vent <NUM> in accordance with the present technology comprises a plurality of holes, for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM> holes, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> holes, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> holes.

The vent <NUM> may be located in the plenum chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the vent <NUM> is located in a decoupling structure <NUM>, e.g., a swivel <NUM>.

In some forms, one or more vents may be located elsewhere in a treatment system, such as discrete from the patient interface <NUM>.

An RPT device <NUM> in accordance with one aspect of the present technology comprises mechanical and pneumatic components <NUM>, electrical components <NUM> and is configured to execute one or more algorithms <NUM>. The RPT device may have an external housing <NUM>, formed in two parts, an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the external housing <NUM> may include one or more panel(s) <NUM>. The RPT device <NUM> comprises a chassis <NUM> that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device <NUM>. The RPT device <NUM> may include a handle <NUM>.

The pneumatic path of the RPT device <NUM> may comprise one or more air path items, e.g., an inlet air filter <NUM>, an inlet muffler <NUM>, a pressure generator <NUM> capable of supplying air at positive pressure (e.g., a blower <NUM>), an outlet muffler <NUM> and one or more transducers <NUM>, such as pressure sensors <NUM> and flow rate sensors <NUM>.

One or more of the air path items may be located within a removable unitary structure which will be referred to as a pneumatic block <NUM>. The pneumatic block <NUM> may be located within the external housing <NUM>. In one form a pneumatic block <NUM> is supported by, or formed as part of the chassis <NUM>.

The RPT device <NUM> may have an electrical power supply <NUM>, one or more input devices <NUM>, a central controller <NUM>, a therapy device controller <NUM>, a pressure generator <NUM>, one or more protection circuits <NUM>, memory <NUM>, transducers <NUM>, data communication interface <NUM> and one or more output devices <NUM>. Electrical components <NUM> may be mounted on a single Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) <NUM>. In an alternative form, the RPT device <NUM> may include more than one PCBA <NUM>.

Another suitable example of an RPT device is described in United States Provisional Patent Application <CIT>.

An RPT device may comprise one or more of the following components in an integral unit. In an alternative form, one or more of the following components may be located as respective separate units.

In one form of the present technology, a pressure generator <NUM> for producing a flow, or a supply, of air at positive pressure is a controllable blower <NUM>. For example the blower <NUM> may include a brushless DC motor <NUM> with one or more impellers housed in a volute. The blower may be capable of delivering a supply of air, for example at a rate of up to about <NUM> litres/minute, at a positive pressure in a range from about <NUM> cmH<NUM>O to about <NUM> cmH<NUM>O, or in other forms up to about <NUM> cmH<NUM>O. The blower may be as described in any one of the following patents or patent applications:
<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Transducers may be internal of the RPT device, or external of the RPT device. External transducers may be located for example on or form part of the air circuit, e.g., the patient interface. External transducers may be in the form of noncontact sensors such as a Doppler radar movement sensor that transmit or transfer data to the RPT device.

An air circuit <NUM> in accordance with an aspect of the present technology is a conduit or a tube constructed and arranged in use to allow a flow of air to travel between two components such as the pneumatic block <NUM> and the patient interface <NUM>.

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

In some forms, the air circuit <NUM> may comprise one or more heating elements configured to heat air in the air circuit, for example to maintain or raise the temperature of the air. The heating element may be in a form of a heated wire circuit, and may comprise one or more transducers, such as temperature sensors. In one form, the heated wire circuit may be helically wound around the axis of the air circuit <NUM>. The heating element may be in communication with a controller such as a central controller <NUM> or a humidifier controller <NUM>. One example of an air circuit <NUM> comprising a heated wire circuit is described in United States Patent Application No. <CIT>.

In one form of the present technology there is provided a humidifier <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>) to change the absolute humidity of air or gas for delivery to a patient relative to ambient air. Typically, the humidifier <NUM> is used to increase the absolute humidity and increase the temperature of the flow of air (relative to ambient air) before delivery to the patient's airways.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of a fluid connector <NUM> with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> mated with one another. A portion of a fluid conduit <NUM>, which may be part of the air circuit <NUM>, is connected to the second end <NUM>. Instead of the fluid conduit <NUM>, an adaptor or connector to a fluid conduit may be provided. An outlet of an RPT device <NUM> may comprise a second end <NUM> in some forms of the present technology.

The fluid connector <NUM> may be configured to removably form a sealed connection to allow a flow of air to travel therethrough, such as from the RPT device <NUM> to the patient interface <NUM>. The fluid connector <NUM> may comprise a plurality of components, such as a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, which may be releasably connected to each other to make and/or break the sealed connection.

The first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may form a pneumatic path therebetween via complementary sealing portions, and be retained to each other by complementary retaining portions that may be separate portions to the complementary sealing portions. Accordingly, each of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may comprise a separate sealing portion and a retaining portion, as is described in further detail elsewhere in the present document.

Where the sealing function and the retaining function are performed by separate complementary portions, each of the sealing and/or the retaining functions may be more readily optimised, to address one or more of competing design requirements. For example, where one pair of complementary portions function to seal and retain two components, formation of a tight seal may lead to a high frictional force, decreasing ease of connection and/or disconnection of the components.

Furthermore, where the usability of connection/disconnection is improved, the seal may not be as robust, such as in cases where the two components may be subject to forces and/or torques in varying directions and magnitudes. In the cases of a fluid connector such as those described in the present document, a patient wearing a patient interface <NUM> may move about while asleep, or preparing to go to sleep, causing the fluid connector to be pulled and/or twisted in various directions.

Thus, one aspect of the present technology relates to a fluid connector <NUM>, wherein the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are connected, or connectable, to each other by complementary sealing portions and complementary retaining portions.

In one form, the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may comprise complementary sealing portions to form an air seal when connected. The air seal may be configured to form and maintain a sealing engagement to allow a flow of air to travel therethrough. The sealing engagement may be sufficient to allow a pressurised flow of air to travel therethrough, such as at pressures between <NUM> H<NUM>O to <NUM> H<NUM>O to provide respiratory therapies.

In some forms, the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may comprise complementary portions to retain the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The retaining portions may maintain the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> in sealing engagement with each other, such as by preventing accidental disengagement. The retaining portions may comprise latching mechanisms as will be detailed further in the present document.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of the fluid connector <NUM> where the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are not connected to one another. In this view, a seal portion <NUM> is visible. The seal portion <NUM> may be formed from any material that is suitable for forming a seal in an air path of a device that provides breathing gas to a patient, for example, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The seal portion <NUM> extends around a first opening <NUM>, which is illustrated as the interior of a first tube <NUM>. A latching portion <NUM>, which may be in in the form of a recess, is provided in the first end <NUM>. The latching portion <NUM> may be provided on opposed sides as illustrated in <FIG>, on a single side or all around a periphery of the first end <NUM>. As illustrated, the latching portion <NUM> is an undercut that is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the first end <NUM>. Other angles are possible depending on the retention force desired.

The second end <NUM> includes a sealing surface <NUM>. The sealing surface <NUM> may be formed circumferentially around a second opening <NUM> that is illustrated as the interior of a second tube <NUM>. The sealing surface <NUM> is illustrated as a substantially annular surface that extends radially and perpendicularly (i.e., at <NUM>°) away from the second tube <NUM>. This may result in the sealing surface <NUM> being substantially perpendicular to a direction of the fluid flow from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. However, the sealing surface <NUM> could also extend outward at an angle such that the sealing surface <NUM> is beveled. For example, the sealing surface could be at <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>° angle, positive or negative, or any value in between. As can be seen in <FIG>, the second tube <NUM> may comprise an overhang portion <NUM> that extends beyond the sealing surface <NUM> towards the seal portion <NUM>. This may result in the overhang portion <NUM> of the second tube <NUM> extending through the seal portion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. It will be understood that the second tube <NUM> need not comprise an overhang portion in some examples of the present technology.

The overhang portion may be configured to align the first end <NUM> with the second end <NUM> in one or more directions. The overhang portion <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into a guide portion <NUM> on the first end <NUM> to act as a lead-in and align the second end <NUM> with the first end <NUM> in a radial (or transverse) direction. Thus the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> may have a male/female relationship. Additionally, a stop <NUM> may be provided to limit travel of the second tube <NUM>, for example by abutting the overhang portion <NUM> at the limit of travel. Although the overhang portion <NUM> is shown as a tube, the overhang portion may not extend continuously around a circumference of the second end <NUM>, as it would be internal to the seal created by the complementary sealing portions (seal portion <NUM> and sealing surface <NUM>). The overhang portion may extend only partially through the seal portion <NUM>, such as in castellated extensions, tabs, ribs and the like.

With the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the interior flow path of the fluid connector <NUM> defined by the first tube <NUM>, second tube <NUM> and stop <NUM> may have very little flow restriction because the interior flow path is substantially the same as the interior of the fluid conduit <NUM>, for example as evaluated in cross section shape and size. Thus the fluid connector <NUM> may have negligible pressure drop when air is flowing through the fluid connector <NUM> throughout a patient's breathing cycle and therapy pressure (e.g., at pressures between <NUM> H<NUM>O to <NUM> H<NUM>O).

The seal portion <NUM> may include a portion that contacts the sealing surface <NUM> in any form that is suitable for forming a face seal, such as by tangential contact therebetween. As illustrated, the seal portion <NUM> contacts the sealing surface <NUM> with a substantially frustoconical shape, which is similar to a bellows-shape or partial bellows-shape. Alternatively, a partial spherical, or partial toroidal surface may be provided on the seal portion <NUM>. With any of these shapes, the seal portion <NUM> may contact the sealing surface <NUM> before the latching portion <NUM> and complementary latching portion <NUM> are fully or even partially engaged. Alternatively, the seal portion <NUM> and sealing surface <NUM> may be separated by a gap even after the latching portion <NUM> and complementary latching portion <NUM> are fully engaged. In this scenario, internal pressurization may cause the seal portion <NUM> to move into contact with the sealing surface <NUM> and form a seal.

The seal portion <NUM> may comprise a resilient and compliant material such that it may deform under load, while maintaining its original configuration when the load is removed therefrom. The seal portion <NUM> may be configured to be readily deformed under load to form and/or maintain a seal with the sealing surface <NUM>. In some forms, the seal portion <NUM> may comprise a membrane composed of silicone. The silicone membrane seal portion <NUM> may be sufficiently compliant that it would deform to move into contact with the sealing surface <NUM> due to the pressure caused by the air flow. The silicone membrane seal portion <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be sufficiently compliant such that it would maintain a sealing engagement with the sealing surface <NUM> even when compressed from its undeformed configuration.

The proposed configurations of the seal portion <NUM> may provide a seal that is compliant with respect to a mating direction between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> (e.g., leftwards in <FIG>) and/or compliant in a direction radial to an axis defined by a direction of engagement between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> (e.g., up and down in <FIG>).

The force necessary to compress the seal portion <NUM> (e.g. when compression is required to form and/or maintain a seal) may be sufficiently low so as to not be a significant compressive force. For example, the force required to compress the seal portion <NUM> may be less than a force required to engage the latching portion <NUM> with the complementary latching portion <NUM>, such as to overcome any friction in connecting the second end <NUM> and the first end <NUM>. Alternatively, the force required to compress the seal portion <NUM> may be less than half of the force required to engage the latching portion <NUM> with the complementary latching portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the force required to compress the seal portion <NUM> may be less than one tenth of the force required to engage the latching portion <NUM> with the complementary latching portion <NUM>. Thus in a configuration where the seal portion <NUM> contacts the sealing surface <NUM> before the latching portion <NUM> and complementary latching portion <NUM> are fully engaged, a user may not encounter significant force that would be mistaken for full engagement. In some forms, any force caused by a compression of the seal portion <NUM> for connection of the second end <NUM> and the first end <NUM> may be sufficiently small that it is substantially imperceptible to a user. That is, the force perceived by a user in a configuration wherein the seal portion <NUM> is removed from the first end <NUM> may be substantially identical to a configuration where the seal portion <NUM> must be compressed for connection.

The shapes of the seal portion <NUM> according to the present technology may provide a seal that is compliant opposite to a mating direction between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> (e.g., rightwards in <FIG>). This may allow for a seal portion <NUM> that can seal with the sealing surface <NUM> even if a gap exists between seal portion <NUM> and sealing surface <NUM> when the fluid connector <NUM> is unpressurized. When pressure is provided to an interior of the fluid connector <NUM> (e.g., to the first tube <NUM>), the seal portion <NUM> may expand towards and contact the sealing surface <NUM> to form a seal. With this configuration, a user should not encounter any additional force when connecting the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> beyond the force necessary to engage the latching portion <NUM> and complementary latching portion <NUM>.

Thus, the seal portion <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM> may be configured to form a seal while remaining free from retention by each other. As a result, any latching or retaining function in the fluid connector <NUM> may be separated from the sealing function.

Although specific configurations of the seal portion <NUM> are discussed above, other configurations are possible. For example, some forms of the seal portion <NUM> may include an o-ring or a gasket material.

Either the seal portion <NUM> or the sealing surface <NUM> or both may be configured such that misalignment between the seal portion <NUM> and sealing surface <NUM> still results in a seal between the seal portion <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM>. For example, the seal portion <NUM> and/or the sealing surface <NUM> may be configured to form a seal therebetween while allowing for a range of misalignments in radial (or transverse) and/or axial directions.

For example, the sealing surface <NUM> may comprise an annular shape (as shown in <FIG>) configured to form a face seal with a surface of the seal portion <NUM> in a plurality of radial positions. That is, the seal portion <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM> may form a seal therebetween although an axis of the first tube <NUM> and an axis of the second tube <NUM> may be misaligned, for example by <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. In one form, the sealing surface <NUM> may comprise a sufficiently wide annular portion such that the seal portion <NUM> may be able to form a seal thereto.

The second end <NUM> also includes a complementary latching portion <NUM>. The complementary latching portion <NUM> is illustrated as a cantilevered hook including an engagement protrusion that mates or engages with the latching portion <NUM>. As with the latching portion <NUM>, the complementary latching portion <NUM> may be provided on a plurality of (e.g. opposed) sides as illustrated in <FIG> or on a single side. The complementary latching portion <NUM> may be in the form of U-shaped or C-shaped cut-through as illustrated in <FIG>. The complementary latching portion <NUM> may be depressed to engage or disengage the complementary latching portion <NUM> from the latching portion <NUM> and allow engagement or disengagement between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Although providing more than two of the complementary latching portion <NUM> is possible, doing so may make it unnecessarily difficult to disengage the second end <NUM> from the first end <NUM>.

The latching portion <NUM> and the complementary latching portion <NUM> may be configured to provide an audible or haptic feedback to the user when engaged or disengaged.

In combination, the stop <NUM> and latching portion <NUM> may define a predetermined distance (travel) that the second end <NUM> can move with respect to the first end <NUM> while the two ends are connected. For example, if a first axial distance between the stop <NUM> and latching portion <NUM> is greater than a second axial distance between an end of the second tube <NUM> and the engagement protrusion on the complementary latching portion <NUM>, then the difference between the first axial distance and the second axial distance will define a predetermined amount of travel that is non-zero. If the first axial distance and the second axial distance are equal, then no travel will be possible. However, there may be benefits associated with a non-zero travel at least with respect to ease of manufacture because a non-zero travel will allow for manufacturing tolerance that may reduce cost. Thus it may also be beneficial for the seal portion <NUM> to be configured to form a seal with the sealing surface <NUM> with a worst case manufacturing tolerance and after a predetermined amount of wear and/or creep in the fluid connector <NUM>. The shapes for the seal portion <NUM> discussed above may allow for the seal portion <NUM> to account for such a worst case scenario.

As best seen in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> may include an inner portion <NUM> and an outer portion <NUM> that are rotatably coupled to one another at an interface <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may include the seal portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> may include the complementary latching portion <NUM>. As illustrated, the inner portion <NUM> is rigidly or fixedly connected to the fluid conduit <NUM> such that the inner portion <NUM> and the fluid conduit <NUM> may rotate together with respect to the outer portion <NUM>. At least a part of the fluid conduit <NUM> may be overmolded onto the inner portion <NUM> to form the rigid connection therebetween. In other forms, the fluid conduit <NUM> may be friction fit, or interference fit into the inner portion <NUM> so as to form a rigid connection.

The inner portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> may be configured such that one or more cavities, such as annular cavities, may be created when assembled. The cavities may assist the inner portion <NUM> to rotate with respect to the outer portion <NUM> by reducing the friction therebetween. Additionally, the cavities may reduce a weight of the connector, thereby providing an improved user experience. Furthermore, cavities may allow the latching portion <NUM> to be depressed thereinto for engagement/disengagement, while maintaining a sealed air path through the connector.

As best viewed in <FIG>, the outer portion <NUM> may have an outer profile that has four curved sides as well as smaller radii at corners, a combination of which may create a uniquely identifiable outer profile in comparison to a typical circular profile. The first end <NUM> may include a complementarily shaped recess. Thus the first end <NUM> includes a female portion and the second end <NUM> includes a male portion. Including male and female portions in the above form, or any other non-standard shape or configuration, may provide benefits.

First, the fluid connector <NUM> comprising non-standard shapes and/or configurations may not conform to industry standards (e.g., ISO <NUM>-<NUM>), which include use of a circular spigot including a lead-in taper, onto which a cuff (e.g. rubber) is inserted over. Although not confirming to an industry standard may seem counter intuitive, there may be benefits such as addressing shortcomings of the prior art connectors as described elsewhere in the present document.

For example, the fluid connector <NUM> may be used to connect an RPT device and patient interface that are designed to operate optimally together. For example, the RPT device may provide a lower flow rate that can only be taken advantage of by a patient interface that is designed to operate with that lower flow rate (e.g. the patient interface may comprise a proprietary vent). Then, having a fluid connector <NUM> that does not mate with an industry standard will ensure that only the correct RPT device and patient interface are used together. Second, particularly with the illustrated profile, the first end and the second end <NUM> may be mated with one another only in a predetermined number of relative orientations (e.g., four). The present four-sided shape also may provide well-defined sides that are easy to identify and grip for actuation of the complementary latching portion <NUM>. Thirdly, a non-standard shape such as that described herein, or others, may allow a user to readily identify which end of a patient conduit <NUM> may be a complementary connector to another connector, such as an outlet of the RPT device.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a present technology, wherein a port <NUM> is included in the first end <NUM>. The port <NUM> may be used to sense pressure downstream of a blower and outside of a housing of the blower, such as by sensing a pressure downstream of the RPT device. The port <NUM> may be in fluid connection to the second end <NUM> to determine a pressure of the air in the second opening <NUM>.

In one form, the port <NUM> may be in fluid communication with an interior of the second opening <NUM>, such as by forming a fluid connection to an opening in the interior of the seal portion <NUM>. The opening in the interior of the seal portion <NUM> may be in turn in fluid communication with a pressure tap <NUM> to the second opening <NUM>. Thus the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may form two fluid connections therebetween when connected to each other. The port <NUM> may provide an advantage of being able to measure pressure closer to a patient than if pressure is measured in the RPT device. Due to pressure losses inherent in internal fluid flow as well as possible leaks throughout the air path from the blower to the patient, measuring the pressure closer to the patient may provide a more accurate measurement than a pressure measurement carried out further from the patient.

Also, the present arrangement allows for the second end <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the first end <NUM> while still maintaining two fluid connections (i.e. one to deliver the flow of air, another to measure pressure). This may be advantageous for allowing the fluid conduit <NUM> to rotate with respect to the outer portion <NUM>, thus reducing torque imposed on the fluid conduit and/or the outer portion <NUM>. Furthermore, such a configuration may also allow a user to connect the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> in one of a plurality of rotational orientations to each other while maintaining the two fluid connections.

<FIG> illustrates the first end <NUM> integrated into an RPT device <NUM> with the second end <NUM> connected. <FIG> illustrates the first end <NUM> integrated into the RPT device <NUM> with the second end <NUM> disconnected.

Although the preceding description generally describes both halves of a connector system together, e.g., a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, it is to be understood that the description of either half may be considered in isolation.

<FIG> illustrate some alternative or additional aspects of the present technology. Except as set forth hereinafter, like reference numbers are the same as described above and thus repetitive description is omitted.

<FIG> illustrates the first end <NUM> integrated into an RPT device <NUM> with the second end connected. <FIG> is similar except that the second end <NUM> is disconnected, which renders more aspects visible. As best seen in <FIG>, the first end <NUM> differs from that described above in that a key <NUM> and a secondary connector receptacle <NUM> are included. The second end <NUM> differs in that a slot <NUM> and flat <NUM> are included. These and other additional features are described in greater detail below.

The keys <NUM> and slots <NUM> are illustrated on opposed sides (i.e., <NUM>° apart) of the fluid connector <NUM>. With this orientation, the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> may be restricted in that only two mating orientations are possible (e.g., a first orientation and a second orientation where one of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is rotated <NUM>° with respect to the other). If two keys <NUM> and slots <NUM> are provided and separated by an angle less than <NUM>°, then a single mating orientation may be achieved. A single mating orientation may also be achieve by including a single key <NUM> and slot <NUM>. Of course, any number of mating orientations may be achieved by selecting at least the number of slots <NUM>. For example, by including a single key <NUM> and three slots <NUM>, three different mating orientations can be achieved. As will be appreciated, selecting the number and relative orientation (e.g., angles there between) of keys <NUM> and slots <NUM>, numerous, if not infinite, combinations can be achieved, which may be advantageous in that unique fluid connectors may be achieved while maintaining other common components (such as the seal portion <NUM>). Of course, the keys <NUM> and slots <NUM> may be switched, or even intermingled, between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>.

The slots and keys may be in one of a number of possible shapes. In one form, the slots and keys may be an elongate shape as for example akin to a mechanical key such as may be used in rotating machinery for alignment and/or retention.

However, a two-orientation configuration as illustrated may be advantageous at least in some scenarios. For example, a two-orientation configuration may allow for easy alignment for the visually impaired or while leaving lights off so as to not disturb a bed partner. If flats <NUM> are included on opposed sides where a user would naturally grip the second end <NUM> (for example, between a thumb and index finger), the user may readily align the second end <NUM> with the first end <NUM> by feel. For example, if the first end is included in the RPT device <NUM>, which as a configuration that allows a user to discern its orientation by feel, both halves of the fluid connector <NUM> can be oriented by feel. Of course, the flats <NUM> may be omitted and the user may achieve similar effect by grasping the complementary latching portion <NUM>.

In the particular arrangement shown in <FIG>, the two-orientation configuration may ensure that the cantilevered latching portion is placed angularly displaced (e.g. by <NUM> degrees) from the electrical connector <NUM>. As a result, the electrical connector <NUM> may be placed directly adjacent to the fluid connector <NUM> without adversely affecting access thereto for connection and/or disconnection.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner tube <NUM> may extend outwardly to create a cavity in a shape of an annular prism in the first end <NUM>. The annular cavity may comprise the keys <NUM> therein, such as to prevent engagement of other types of connectors that may belong to a component that does not form a part of the intended treatment system. As a result, the user may be prevented from receiving suboptimal therapy, which may result in the user being treated with one or more of: an incorrect pressure, suboptimal flow rates, increased CO<NUM> or others, any of which may result in a suboptimal therapy regime.

Although described herein as flat, the flats <NUM> do not necessarily need to be flat in a strict sense. Instead, the flats <NUM> may be considered to be less curved or rounded than other portions of the second end <NUM> and thus would be more flat or closer to flat than other portions.

The flats <NUM> may provide other advantages. For example, as readily seen in <FIG>, a flat <NUM> may provide room for or access to a secondary connector receptacle <NUM> and/or a main electrical connector <NUM>. A secondary connector receptacle <NUM> may be useful for an electrical connector or fluid connector used in conjunction with the fluid connector <NUM>. For example, if a version of the fluid conduit <NUM> includes electrical components (e.g., a heater and/or a sensor), a flat <NUM> may provide room for an electrical connector at the secondary connector receptacle <NUM> within the same footprint of the fluid connector <NUM> as without the secondary connector <NUM>. Similarly, if secondary fluid connection is desired (e.g., a pressure sense or fluid sampling line), a similar advantage may be achieved. Of course, a combined fluid and electrical connector could be provided in the secondary connector receptacle <NUM>. Similar advantages may be provided for the main electrical connector <NUM>.

Even if the flats <NUM> are omitted, it may be advantageous to maintain the same relative orientation as that illustrated because that orientation will orient the complementary latching portions <NUM> away from the secondary connector <NUM> and electrical connector <NUM> (assuming that one or both of those connectors are provided on the RPT device <NUM>).

<FIG> shows a cross-section of a second end <NUM> according to another example of the present technology. <FIG> shows the outer portion <NUM> to comprise an overhang portion <NUM>. The overhang portion <NUM> may extend from approximately an axial position of the sealing surface <NUM>.

The overhang portion <NUM> may be configured such that in use, it would be inserted into an annular cavity in the first end <NUM>. When engaged with the first end <NUM>, the overhang portion <NUM> may engage an inner surface of the annular cavity to resist relative rotation between the first end <NUM> and the second <NUM>. The distance that overhang portion <NUM> extends forwards of the sealing surface <NUM> in the axial direction may substantially match the distance that inner tube <NUM> and seal portion <NUM> extend outwardly from stop <NUM> so that, when the end of the overhang portion <NUM> abuts stop <NUM>, the sealing surface <NUM> is in sealing contact with seal portion <NUM>. In this position, sealing portion <NUM> may be compressed to ensure a good seal is obtained. The distance that overhang portion <NUM> extends forwards may be selected to be a distance that makes it difficult to connect to first end <NUM> a second end <NUM> that is not specifically designed to connect to first end <NUM> to help ensure that only patient interfaces designed to be used with the RPT device are able to be connected thereto.

<FIG> also shows the complementary latching portion <NUM> to be axially aligned to the sealing surface <NUM>. For example, an engagement protrusion of the complementary latching portion <NUM> may be located axially in line with the sealing surface <NUM>. The engagement protrusion may comprise a lead-in bevel (as shown in <FIG>) to improve ease of insertion of the second end <NUM> into the first end <NUM>.

In some forms the inner portion <NUM> may comprise a radial outer surface <NUM> configured to engage the inner surface of the complementary latching portion <NUM> when depressed. Thus, the radial outer surface <NUM> may provide a stop surface configured to limit radial deflection of the complementary latching portion <NUM>. The radial outer surface <NUM> may be axially in line with the sealing surface and/or the engagement protrusion.

As best seen in <FIG>, the inner portion <NUM> includes the sealing surface <NUM> at a first end. The inner portion <NUM> may be connected to the tube at a second end, such as via an end fitting <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may include a stabiliser <NUM> that maintains a position of the inner portion <NUM> with respect to the outer portion <NUM> (<FIG> illustrates two stabilisers <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates one stabiliser <NUM>). The stabiliser <NUM> may be made of an elastomer (e.g. a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone) such that it is compliant and resilient. The stabiliser <NUM> may be coupled to the inner portion by overmoulding or adhesive. The stabiliser <NUM> may thus allow for some movement and tolerances between the inner portion <NUM> and outer portion <NUM> while maintaining the inner portion <NUM> in position with respect to the outer portion <NUM> and preventing contact between relatively rigid components which could result in an undesirable rattle sound. The stabiliser <NUM> may also include flat portions <NUM> (only one visible in <FIG>) on diametrically opposed sides to rotationally locate the inner portion <NUM> with respect to the outer portion <NUM> (e.g. during assembly). The stabiliser <NUM> may also be radially tapered, such that the stabiliser <NUM> includes thinner wall thicknesses as the radius increases outward.

The outer portion <NUM> and/or the inner portion <NUM> may comprise or consist of a relatively rigid component, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene. Additionally, the inner surface of the annular cavity of the first end <NUM> may further consist of a relatively rigid component. Thus, the engagement between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may be made without incurring cumbersome high friction.

In some forms of the technology the outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> are discrete components that are connected together during assembly of the second end <NUM>. This may require manual assembly of the second end <NUM> but may have the advantage of that outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> are relatively easy to manufacture, e.g. using a moulding process. In alternative forms of the technology, the second end <NUM> may be formed by overmoulding inner portion <NUM> onto the fluid conduit <NUM>. One drawback of this approach is that the fluid conduit <NUM> and the inner portion <NUM> may need to be threaded through the openings in the second end <NUM> during assembly.

The stabiliser <NUM> may be located towards an end of the inner portion <NUM>, such as within <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> from an end of the inner portion <NUM>, or <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of an overall length of inner portion <NUM> from one end thereof.

Use of a stabiliser <NUM> may more readily allow a reduction in weight of the second end <NUM>. That is, the inner portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> may be separated radially by a gap, the size and configuration of which is maintained predictably and stably by the stabiliser <NUM>. Thus, the assembly of the second end <NUM> may reliably form a connection and seal with the first end <NUM>.

The inner portion <NUM> may include a boss <NUM> (illustrated as a circumferential shoulder) at the end adjacent the fluid conduit <NUM>. The boss <NUM> may couple with the outer portion <NUM>. The boss <NUM> is located at an opposite end with respect to the stabiliser <NUM>, such that the inner portion is constrained at two ends. A taper <NUM> may be included adjacent the boss <NUM>. The taper <NUM> may ease assembly with the fluid conduit <NUM> and/or end fitting <NUM>.

The outer portion <NUM> may include an inner surface on which an overmould <NUM> is applied, which may allow relative movement between the complementary latching portion <NUM> and surrounding portions of the outer portion <NUM>. The overmould <NUM> may allow for protection against water or other contaminant ingress and prevent or reduce air leakage and/or noise leakage. The overmould <NUM> may be provided anywhere that there is a potential ingress or egress path for noise and/or contamination. Other noise reduction features may be provided. For example, a circumferential wall (not illustrated) may be provided radially outward from the seal portion <NUM>, which may reduce noise leakage through the seal portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a further difference in that engagement between the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> is limited by the stop 9030a formed by an end of the slot <NUM>. Thus the stop <NUM> as described above may be omitted. However in some forms of the technology stop <NUM> as described above may be present as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, one or more members formed of a non-rigid material may be mounted to stop <NUM>. For example, a ring-shaped member or one or more partial ring-shaped members may extend outwards in a radial direction from stop <NUM>. The ring-shaped members may be made from silicone, for example. Such members mounted to stop <NUM> may help to minimise travel of the second end <NUM> with respect to the first end <NUM> when the two ends are connected and may do so while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. In addition, if the components are configured such that the ring-shaped member(s) need to be compressed in order for latching portion <NUM> to engage with complementary latching portion <NUM> then this may help provide a more detectable engagement indication (for example an audible and/or tactile click) to a user connecting first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>, which may be desirable to assist a user in knowing when the ends have been connected suitably. Altering the extent to which the ring-shaped members extend outwards from stop <NUM> may alter the degree of detectable engagement indication.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative configuration to provide a seal between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, where a conical seal portion 9008a replaces the seal portion <NUM> described above. The conical seal portion 9008a contacts and seals with an inner diameter of the stop <NUM> instead of the sealing surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another alternative configuration to provide a seal between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Here a flat seal portion 9008b is provided between two flanges 9062a, 9062b.

<FIG> illustrate another alternative configuration to provide a seal. Here, an exterior (in that it is outside of the flow path) seal is provided by way of an outer conical seal portion 9008c. Such an outer conical seal portion 9008c may contact, and thus seal, on a portion of the housing <NUM> of the RPT device <NUM> or any other convenient surface outside of the fluid conduit <NUM> and/or flow.

A second end <NUM> as shown in <FIG> (or <FIG>) comprises slots <NUM>, an overhang portion <NUM> extending beyond the sealing surface <NUM>, and an outer profile comprising arcuate portions as well as flat portions. Such combination of features may strongly indicate to the user that the second end <NUM> would not be compatible with a standard ISO connector. Thus, advantageously, the user is prevented from setting up the therapy system with sub-optimal components.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the seal portion <NUM> as discussed above. <FIG> illustrates an optional modification of the seal portion <NUM> where an inner-most boundary <NUM> of the seal portion <NUM> is uneven. A roughly sinusoidal boundary is illustrated, but any uneven boundary may be chosen. For example, a sawtooth, square wave, random, or any other non-circular boundary may be chosen. Each of these boundaries may be functionally equivalent. Such uneven boundaries may be beneficial in that a leak is likely to occur if a tube (such as a standard ISO-taper) is inserted into the seal portion <NUM>. A leak can be detected by the RPT device <NUM> and thus the RPT device <NUM> could detect when the wrong connection is being used an either issue a warning and/or shut down. Alternatively, the leak could be large enough that the incorrect connection will be rendered non-functional. The leak may be enhanced if the peaks 9066a are relatively more rigid and/or have a higher coefficient of friction than adjacent portions.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative leak-inducing feature by way of ribs <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> run under the seal portion <NUM> and/or along an interior portion of the flow passage. Such ribs may provide an alternative or additional leak path to that described above, such as when a user attempts to form a seal with an interior of the first tube <NUM>.

Another way to achieve an intentional leak when attempting to mate one of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is to include a second seal that is intended to fully block an opening. For example, the key <NUM> could include an elastomeric portion (or any material suitable for sealing), where the elastomeric portion covers and/or seals with a hole in the inner portion <NUM>. Thus even if a connection is made that adequately seals with the seal portion <NUM>, a leak would occur that could be detected and cause the RPT device <NUM> to react accordingly.

For each of the leak scenarios related to incorrect connections described above, the leaks may be design to provide an audible warning to a user. Thus instead of or in addition to the RPT device <NUM> reacting to the leak, a user may be provided with an audible indication that the wrong connection is being used.

Another feature to reduce the likelihood of an incorrect connection being made is to extend the pressure tap <NUM> into the center of the flow path similar to a pitot tube. This may partially occlude the flow path such that a tube cannot be inserted far enough to form a seal. Alternatively, the pressure tap <NUM> may be blocked, which could be detected by the RPT device <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

Patient: A person, whether or not they are suffering from a respiratory disease.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) therapy: CPAP therapy in which the treatment pressure is automatically adjustable, e.g. from breath to breath, between minimum and maximum limits, depending on the presence or absence of indications of SDB events.

Vent: (noun) the structure that allows an intentional flow of air from an interior of the mask, or conduit to ambient air, e.g. to allow washout of exhaled gases.

Apnea: According to some definitions, an apnea is said to have occurred when flow falls below a predetermined threshold for a duration, e.g. <NUM> seconds. An obstructive apnea will be said to have occurred when, despite patient effort, some obstruction of the airway does not allow air to flow. A central apnea will be said to have occurred when an apnea is detected that is due to a reduction in breathing effort, or the absence of breathing effort, despite the airway being patent. A mixed apnea occurs when a reduction or absence of breathing effort coincides with an obstructed airway.

Flow rate: The instantaneous volume (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. While flow rate and ventilation have the same dimensions of volume or mass per unit time, flow rate is measured over a much shorter period of time. In some cases, a reference to flow rate will be a reference to a scalar quantity, namely a quantity having magnitude only. In other cases, a reference to flow rate will be a reference to a vector quantity, namely a quantity having both magnitude and direction. Where it is referred to as a signed quantity, a flow rate may be nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of a breathing cycle of a patient, and hence negative for the expiratory portion of the breathing cycle of a patient. Flow rate will be given the symbol Q. 'Flow rate' is sometimes shortened to simply 'flow'. Total flow rate, Qt, is the flow rate of air leaving the RPT device. Vent flow rate, Qv, is the flow rate of air leaving a vent to allow washout of exhaled gases. Leak flow rate, Ql, is the flow rate of leak from a patient interface system. Respiratory flow rate, Qr, is the flow rate of air that is received into the patient's respiratory system.

Leak: The word leak will be taken to be an unintended flow of air. In one example, leak may occur as the result of an incomplete seal between a mask and a patient's face. In another example leak may occur in a swivel elbow to the ambient.

Silicone or Silicone Elastomer: A synthetic rubber. In this specification, a reference to silicone is a reference to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or a compression moulded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark), manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified to the contrary, an exemplary form of LSR has a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> as measured using ASTM D2240.

Polycarbonate: a typically transparent thermoplastic polymer of Bisphenol-A Carbonate.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

The terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between distinct elements. Furthermore, although process steps in the methodologies may be described or illustrated in an order, such an ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and/or aspects thereof may be conducted concurrently or even synchronously.

Claim 1:
A fluid connector system for delivery of a pressurized flow of air at pressures between <NUM> H<NUM>O to <NUM> H<NUM>O to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device comprising a first part and a second part,
the first part comprising a first connector portion with a first opening for the flow of pressurized air, a seal portion extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a first latching portion,
the second part comprising a second connector portion with a second opening for the flow of pressurized air, a sealing surface around a periphery of the second opening, an overhang portion that extends beyond the sealing surface, and a second latching portion,
wherein the seal portion comprises a resilient and compliant material;
wherein the sealing surface extends radially from the second opening;
wherein the sealing surface is configured to receive the seal portion to form a face seal with the first part of the fluid connector system to allow the pressurized flow of air at pressures between <NUM> H<NUM>O to <NUM> H<NUM>O through the first part and the second part; and
wherein the first latching portion is configured to be engaged with the second latching portion.