Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus user interface is described which presents animated information related to the management of the apparatus. The user interface is provided on a display screen of the apparatus. The animated illustrations can correspond to operational modes, warnings, user instructions, fault conditions, status, menu options, and the like. The animations can include a sequence of images shown in rapid succession which depict moving icons or objects, scrolling text, flashing colors, or any combination of these or the like. The user interface can combine static information along with animations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: Heat exchangers and methods of making heat exchangers are discussed herein. The heat exchangers are unique in that they comprise a plurality of heat exchanger cores mechanically coupled to a structural frame that may be comprised by a distribution header to form an array of heat exchanger cores. In preferred embodiments, each core has one or more mounting interfaces that includes at least one input port and output port and is coupled to the distribution header in a removeable configuration via a face seal. In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger cores are cantilevered from the structural support or distribution header.

Abstract: A plurality of heat exchanger designs with integrated headers are provided. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger matrix with a plurality of flow paths in a first direction wherein the plurality of flow paths are patterned to create a plurality of inputs to the plurality of flow paths on an input surface. The integrated header comprises a primary distribution header and a plurality of distribution header channels that connect to a plurality of feeder tubes that fluidly couple the plurality of distribution header channels with the plurality of matrix inputs such that there is a single feeder tube for each input.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus user interface is described which presents animated information related to the management of the apparatus. The user interface is provided on a display screen of the apparatus. The animated illustrations can correspond to operational modes, warnings, user instructions, fault conditions, status, menu options, and the like. The animations can include a sequence of images shown in rapid succession which depict moving icons or objects, scrolling text, flashing colors, or any combination of these or the like. The user interface can combine static information along with animations.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: Heat exchanger assemblies including turning vanes are taught herein. In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger assembly comprises: an inlet duct; a heat exchanger coupled to the inlet duct and a plurality of turning vanes coupled to the heat exchanger and protruding into the inlet duct. The intake plane of the heat exchanger is at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the primary flow direction of the inlet duct. The plurality of turning vanes comprise: a straight leading edge of length L that is parallel to the primary flow direction of the inlet duct; a convex lower surface that transitions a bottom of the leading edge to an upper wall of a lower channel of the heat exchanger; and a concave upper surface that transitions a distal point of the turning vane to a second channel of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.

Abstract: A technique for controlling access to one or more attractions is achieved using a number of access keys, each being issued to one or more users. An electronic queue management part manages a virtual queue in respect of each attraction and receives electronic requests for attraction access, each request relating to an access key and being for the users associated with it to access a particular attraction. Receipt of each request causes the respective users to be added to a corresponding virtual queue. A time at which each group of users reaches the front of the virtual queue and can access the attraction is determined. The users access the attractions by presenting an access key to an access control part, in communication with the electronic queue management part. Only a user presenting an access key at the correct time for accessing the attraction is allowed access to the attraction.

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermistor), of gases flowing through a heated tube, supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire within the tube.

Abstract: A technique for controlling access to one or more attractions is achieved using a number of access keys, each being issued to one or more users. An electronic queue management part manages a virtual queue in respect of each attraction and receives electronic requests for attraction access, each request relating to an access key and being for the users associated with it to access a particular attraction. Receipt of each request causes the respective users to be added to a corresponding virtual queue. A time at which each group of users reaches the front of the virtual queue and can access the attraction is determined. The users access the attractions by presenting an access key to an access control part, in communication with the electronic queue management part. Only a user presenting an access key at the correct time for accessing the attraction is allowed access to the attraction.

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermistor), of gases flowing through a heated tube, supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire within the tube.

Abstract: A technique for controlling access to one or more attractions is achieved using a number of access keys, each being issued to one or more users. An electronic queue management part manages a virtual queue in respect of each attraction and receives electronic requests for attraction access, each request relating to an access key and being for the users associated with it to access a particular attraction. Receipt of each request causes the respective users to be added to a corresponding virtual queue. A time at which each group of users reaches the front of the virtual queue and can access the attraction is determined. The users access the attractions by presenting an access key to an access control part, in communication with the electronic queue management part. Only a user presenting an access key at the correct time for accessing the attraction is allowed access to the attraction.

Abstract: To substantially eliminate torsional freeplay in a robotic tool changer having a ball-lock coupling mechanism, scallop-like features in the form of cross-contact recesses are formed in at least one of, and preferably both of, a bearing race in a tool assembly at the points of contact of rolling members, and in the opposing inner surfaces of bores containing the rolling members in a master assembly. The cross-contact recesses are sized and shaped to receive a rolling member, but have a central void, or channel, perpendicular to the rolling member's motion in torsional freeplay, which does not contact the rolling member. The cross-contact recess contacts the rolling member at contact areas on either side of the central void.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method of estimating a length of a queue associated with a resource within a venue. Images of the queue may be received, each image corresponding to a segment of the queue. A server may estimate a number of venue guests in the queue by: for each of a first subset of the images, estimating a number of pixels of the image that correspond to venue guests in the queue; and for each of a second subset of the images, detecting and counting individual venue guests visible in the image. A notification including the estimated number of venue guests in the queue, an estimated current wait time, and/or a time at which a venue guest joining the queue is permitted entry to the resource, may be sent to devices corresponding to venue guests.

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.