CPAP apparatus for switching between operational modes of the CPAP apparatus and a controller and method for doing the same

Abstract

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus having at least two operational modes is provided. The at least two operational modes are selected from the group including a normal mode, a patient hours mode, a pressure set mode and a pressure calibrate mode. The CPAP apparatus includes a controller and a first and second input device being associated with corresponding first and second character displays, respectively. The controller is configured to control illumination of the first character display when the first input device is activated and to control illumination of the second character display when the second input device is activated. Activation of the first and second input devices controls the at least two operational modes of the CPAP apparatus. A method of selecting at least one of the operational modes of a CPAP apparatus and a controller for use with a CPAP apparatus to select at least one of the operational modes of the CPAP apparatus are also provided.

1 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display capable of displaying information generated by operation of the apparatus, including a printed circuit board, a plurality of surface-mounted light emitting diodes arranged in a matrix on the surface of the printed circuit board, means for selectively illuminating said light emitting diodes in response to information generated by operation of the apparatus, display means including a light transmitting display surface and a plurality of elongate light conduit means for transmitting light from a respective portion of said matrix of light emitting diodes to a portion of said display surface, such that said information generated by operation of the apparatus is displayed graphically by said display surface.  
     
     
         2 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 1  wherein the display means includes a respective light conduit means for each of the light emitting diodes.  
     
     
         3 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 2  wherein the graphical display on the display surface is arranged in a like matrix to said matrix of light emitting diodes.  
     
     
         4 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 3  wherein said matrix of light emitting diodes includes seven light emitting diodes arranged so as to reproduce alphanumeric characters upon selective illumination of the light emitting diodes.  
     
     
         5 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 1  wherein the light conduit means is integrally formed with the display means.  
     
     
         6 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 5  wherein each light conduit means includes an elongate projection extending from the rear of the display means.  
     
     
         7 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 5  wherein each light conduit means includes an elongate hole extending within a moulded body of the display means.  
     
     
         8 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 5  wherein the display surface is partially masked by an opaque layer.  
     
     
         9 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 8  wherein a layer of light transmissive material overlies said opaque layer.  
     
     
         10 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 1  wherein the display surface is included in a switch operating member of an electrical switch of the apparatus.  
     
     
         11 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 10  wherein the apparatus further includes means responding to switch operation to cause display of said information by said switch.  
     
     
         12 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 10  wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of such switches, further including means responding to operation of one or more such switches to cause display of said information by another such switch or switches.  
     
     
         13 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is a device for administering continuous positive airway pressure treatment to a patient.  
     
     
         14 . In electrically operated apparatus, a graphical display according to  claim 13  wherein said information includes information on patient usage time, or pressure settings of the apparatus.