Modular pressure support system and method

Abstract

A pressure support system that comprises a patient circuit, a docking assembly, and a tank. The patient circuit delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient. The docking assembly has an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas, and is also adapted to be connected with the patient circuit. The tank is constructed and arranged to be removably connected with the docking assembly, and enables the pressurized flow of breathable gas to pass therethrough. The tank is also adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular accessory that selectively interfaces with a gas flow generating system that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to a patient, the modular accessory comprising:
 a delivery system interface that removably connects with the gas flow generating system to place the modular accessory in communication with the gas flow generating system such that information can be transferred from the modular accessory to the gas flow generating system and from the gas flow generating system to the modular accessory via the accessory interface; and   a communication unit that outputs the information transferred from the gas flow generating system to the modular accessory.