Breathing assistance apparatus with serviceability features

Abstract

A breathing assistance apparatus is configured with features that improve serviceability of the apparatus. The apparatus can include animations to provide instruction regarding correcting easily-identified fault conditions and to provide instruction regarding routine maintenance routines. The apparatus also can be configured with top level control menus that are obscured in a manner to limit manipulation of the top level control elements by unauthorized users.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A system for providing compliance data for a self-drying high-flow breathing apparatus, the system comprising:
 a controller comprising a microprocessor configured to execute software commands stored in associated memory, the controller configured to determine characteristics of flows and operation of the apparatus;   one or more sensors configured to provide feedback to the controller regarding gas flow;   a display comprising menus, graphics, and text, the display configured to use information from the controller or one or more sensors to show usage time for compliance reporting;   a blower, a humidifier having a heatable water chamber, and a conduit arranged serially and thereby configured to provide humidity-controlled, high flow air through the conduit as controlled by the controller;   the controller configured to cause the system to enter a drying mode and display a mode indication on the display.   
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31 , further configured to enable exporting of compliance data using a wired or wireless protocol. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 31 , further comprising at least one circuit configured to measure gas properties. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is positioned on or about the conduit. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the usage time for compliance reporting is configured to facilitate interaction with a health professional. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is positioned on or about the blower or humidifier in a main body of the system that is upstream from the conduit. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the one or more sensors are configured to provide real time readings of flow rate and oxygen level. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 31 , further comprising a heater plate configured to contact and heat the water chamber to provide humidity control as directed by the controller. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the display is further configured to display the usage time and enter drying mode after therapeutic use of the system. 
     
     
         40 . A high-flow breathing assistance apparatus comprising:
 a flow generator;   a humidifier chamber; and   the flow generator connected to and configured to generate a flow of gases through the humidifier chamber and conduit;   a heater configured to heat water in the humidifier chamber, thereby humidifying the flow of gases in the humidifier chamber; and   a display screen configured to provide visual information to a user, including an indication of usage time;   the apparatus configured to: 
 use the flow generator to cause gases to flow through the humidifier chamber and conduit toward a user, while displaying on the display screen therapy information comprising one or more of humidity, temperature, and flow rate information; and 
 enter a drying mode wherein gases flow during a drying period, while displaying an indication of drying mode on the display screen. 
   
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising a conduit comprising a heater wire, wherein the drying mode causes gases to flow through and dry the conduit during the drying period. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising a power button, the apparatus configured to enter the drying mode after the power button is pressed. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the indication of usage time comprises usage hours compliance data. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the indication of usage time comprises an indication of the average number of hours of usage per day. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the apparatus is configured to facilitate export of the indication of usage time from the apparatus by any suitable technique. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the apparatus is configured to facilitate export of the indication of usage time by USB. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in a reduced power mode. 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 47 , wherein the apparatus is configured to reduce the power used by the heater when the apparatus enters the reduced power mode. 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 47 , wherein the apparatus comprises a motor and wherein the apparatus is configured to reduce the power used by the motor when the apparatus enters the reduced power mode. 
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the apparatus is configured to use the heater to perform a warm-up procedure to heat the water.