Systems for the delivery of oxygen enriched gas
12 claims: 12 independent, 0 dependent
- 1酸素濃縮 器で あって、 前記酸素濃縮器のユーザの呼吸圧力を検出するように構成される圧力センサであって、前記圧力センサが、前記ユーザに酸素富化ガスを提供するための導管の流出口に連結される、圧力センサと、 前記圧力センサに動作可能に連結されるプロセッサであって、前記プロセッサが、 複数の連続する呼吸について間隔を測 定し て、圧力の降下が測定され る 時に、呼吸が開始すると判 定し 、 平均呼吸数または平均呼吸間隔を判定するのに最後から2番目の呼吸と最後の呼吸との間隔を使用せずに、 前記連続する呼吸における各呼吸間隔に基づいて 前記 平均呼吸数または 前記 平均呼吸間隔を判 定し、 判 定 された 平均呼吸数または平均呼吸間隔に基づいて、前記圧力センサのために吸気呼吸圧力閾値を設定す る、 ように構成される、プロセッサと、 を含む、酸素濃縮 器。
- 2前記 プロセッサ が 、判 定 された 平均呼吸数が毎分10呼吸超から毎分10呼吸未満に変化 する時に 、前記 吸気呼吸圧力閾値 を下げる ようにさらに構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 3前記 プロセッサ が 、判 定 された 平均呼吸数が毎分15呼吸未満から毎分15呼吸超に変化 する時に 、前記 吸気呼吸圧力閾値 を上げる ようにさらに構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 4前記 プロセッサ が、前記平均呼吸数が毎 分1 0呼吸 および 毎 分1 5呼吸の間である 時に 、前記吸気呼吸圧力閾値を現在の設定値に維持する ようにさらに構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 5前記プロセッサが、 前記平均呼吸数が少なくとも毎分15呼吸を含む 時 に、前記酸素濃縮器を活動モードに切り替える ように さらに 構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 6前記プロセッサが、 前記平均呼吸数が毎分10呼吸未満を含む 時 に、前記酸素濃縮器を安静モードに切り替える ように さらに 構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 7前記プロセッサが、 少なくとも3回の連続する呼吸をそれぞれ含む 呼吸のグループを作 成し 、 前記グループ内 の連 続する呼吸における各呼吸間隔に基づいて、各グループについて平均呼吸数を判定 し 、 前記グループのうち の 2つまたは3つ以上 の判 定 された 平均呼吸数に基づいて、前記圧力センサのために吸気呼吸圧力閾値を設定する 、 ように さらに 構成される 、請求項1に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 8前記 プロセッサ が、2つまたは3つ以上のグループに関す る判 定 された 平均呼吸数が毎分10呼吸超から毎分10呼吸未満に変化 する時に 、前記 吸気呼吸圧力閾値 を下げる ようにさらに構成される 、請求項7に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 9前記 プロセッサ が、2つまたは3つ以上のグループに関す る判 定 された 平均呼吸数が毎分15呼吸未満から毎分15呼吸超に変化 する時に 、前記 吸気呼吸圧力閾値 を上げる ようにさらに構成される 、請求項7に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 10前記 プロセッサ が、2つまたは3つ以上の連続するグループに関し、前記平均呼吸数が毎 分1 0呼吸 および 毎 分1 5呼吸の間 に ある 時に 、前記吸気呼吸圧力閾値を現在の設定値に維持する ようにさらに構成される 、請求項7に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 11前記プロセッサが、 2つまたは3つ以上のグループに関す る平 均呼吸数が少なくとも毎分15呼吸である 時 に、前記酸素濃縮器を活動モードに切り替える ように さらに 構成される 、請求項7に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
- 12前記プロセッサが、 2つまたは3つ以上のグループに関す る平 均呼吸数が毎分10呼吸未満である 時 に、前記酸素濃縮器を安静モードに切り替える ように さらに 構成される 、請求項7に記載の 酸素濃縮器 。
Independent claims12
102 paragraphs, as filed
The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for providing an oxygen-enriched gas to a subject.
There are many patients who require oxygen supplementation as part of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Currently, the majority of patients undergoing LTOT are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the general category of COPD. This general diagnosis includes common illnesses such as chronic asthma, emphysema, congestive heart failure and some other cardiopulmonary conditions. Other people (eg, obese) may also need oxygen supplementation, for example, to maintain high activity levels.
Physicians may prescribe oxygen concentrators or portable tanks of medical oxygen for these patients. Usually, a particular oxygen flow rate is prescribed (eg, 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2LPM, 3LPM, etc.). Experts in the field also recognize that exercise has long-term benefits for these patients, such as slowing disease progression, improving quality of life, and extending patient life. However, most stationary forms of exercise, such as treadmills and stationary bikes, are too intense for these patients. As a result, the need for ease of movement has long been recognized. Until recently, this mobility has been driven by the use of small compressed oxygen tanks. The drawbacks of these tanks are that they have a limited amount of oxygen, and when mounted on a cart with trolley wheels, they weigh about 50 pounds and are heavy.
Oxygen concentrators have been used for about 50 years to provide oxygen supplements to patients suffering from respiratory failure. The conventional oxygen concentrators used to supply these flows are bulky and heavy, making normal walking activities with them difficult and unrealistic. Recently, a company that manufactures large stationary home oxygen concentrators has begun developing a portable oxygen concentrator, the POC. The advantage of POC concentrators was that they could theoretically supply oxygen indefinitely. In order to miniaturize these devices for mobility purposes, the various systems required for the production of oxygen-enriched gases are condensed.
<p num="0005"> Systems and methods for supplying oxygen enriched gases to oxygen concentrator users are described herein.</p>
<p num="0006"> In one embodiment, the method of providing the oxygen enriched gas to the user of the oxygen concentrator is to measure the breathing interval for at least three consecutive breaths, a conduit connecting the user and the oxygen enriched gas source. Using a pressure sensor connected to the outlet of the, when the pressure drop is measured, it is determined that breathing begins, measuring and averaging the average breathing rate based on each breathing interval in continuous breathing. Judgment, the interval between the penultimate breath and the last breath is not used to determine the average breathing rate, the determination and intake for the pressure sensor based on the determined average breathing rate Includes setting respiratory pressure thresholds. In some embodiments, time is measured between 6 consecutive breaths. Adjustment of the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold based on average respiratory rate is automatic in some embodiments. The oxygen-enriched gas source may be an oxygen concentrator system or an oxygen tank.</p><p num="0007"> In some embodiments, the threshold inspiratory pressure is lowered when the determined average respiratory rate changes from more than 10 breaths per minute to less than 10 breaths per minute. In some embodiments, the threshold inspiratory pressure is increased when the determined average respiratory rate changes from less than 15 breaths per minute to more than 15 breaths per minute. If the average respiratory rate is between about 10 breaths per minute and about 15 breaths per minute, the inspiratory pressure threshold is maintained at the current setting.</p><p num="0008"> In some embodiments, the method further comprises switching to active mode, switching to rest mode, or maintaining the current mode, based on average respiratory rate. For example, an active mode can be performed if the average respiratory rate includes at least 15 breaths per minute. Rest mode may be selected if the average respiratory rate includes less than 10 breaths per minute.</p><p num="0009"> In one embodiment, the oxygen concentrator device includes a pressure sensor, a pressure sensor configured to detect the user's breathing pressure, and a processor coupled to the pressure sensor. The processor can execute non-temporary program instructions, which can operate to automatically measure the respiration interval for at least three consecutive breaths, where pressure sensors are used. When the descent is measured, it is determined that breathing begins and it is possible to act to determine the average respiratory rate or average breathing interval based on each breathing interval in continuous breathing, where the penultimate. Do not use the interval between breaths and the last breath to determine the average respiratory rate or average breathing interval, and set an inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold for the pressure sensor based on the determined average respiratory rate or average breathing interval. It is possible to operate as.</p><p num="0010"> In another embodiment, the method of providing the oxygen enriched gas to the user of the oxygen concentrator is to determine the rate of change of absolute pressure during inspiration with respect to the time monitored over at least 3 breaths, with the user. Using a pressure sensor connected to the outlet of the conduit connecting the oxygen-enriched gas source, it is determined that inspiration will start when the pressure drop is measured, and the absolute pressure over time. This includes adjusting the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold of the respiratory pressure sensor based on the rate of change. When determining the rate of change, some embodiments do not use the change in absolute pressure of the last breath to determine the rate of change. The oxygen-enriched gas source may be an oxygen concentrator system or an oxygen tank.</p><p num="0011"> To adjust the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold of the pressure sensor based on the rate of change, if the rate of change is negative, adjust the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold to a lower inspiratory-respiratory pressure than the current inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold. Is included. In one embodiment, adjusting the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold of the pressure sensor based on the rate of change is such that if the rate of change is negative and less than or equal to -0.5, then the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold is set to the current inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold. Includes adjusting to a lower inspiratory threshold for respiratory pressure.</p><p num="0012"> To adjust the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold of the pressure sensor based on the rate of change, if the rate of change is positive, adjust the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold to a higher inspiratory-respiratory pressure than the current inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold. Is included. In one embodiment, adjusting the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold of the pressure sensor based on the rate of change is such that if the rate of change is positive and greater than or equal to -0.5, then the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold is set to the current inspiratory-respiration. It involves adjusting to a higher inspiratory threshold respiratory pressure relative to the pressure threshold.</p><p num="0013"> In some embodiments, the method further comprises switching to active mode, switching to rest mode, or maintaining the current mode, based on average respiratory rate. For example, if the rate of change is positive, the activity mode can be implemented. If the rate of change is negative, the rest mode may be selected.</p><p num="0014"> In certain embodiments, the oxygen concentrator device includes a pressure sensor configured such that the pressure sensor detects the user's respiratory pressure, and a processor coupled to the pressure sensor. The processor can execute non-temporary program instructions, which can operate to determine the rate of change of absolute pressure during inspiration with respect to the time monitored over at least 3 breaths, where the user and oxygen. Using a pressure sensor connected to the outlet of the conduit connecting the enriched gas source, it is determined that inspiration begins when the pressure drop is measured, and based on the rate of change of absolute pressure over time. It can operate to adjust the inspiratory pressure threshold of the respiratory pressure sensor.</p><p num="0015"> In one embodiment, the method of providing the oxygen enriched gas to the user of the oxygen concentrator is to measure the respiration interval for multiple consecutive breaths, the flow of the conduit connecting the user and the oxygen enriched gas source. Using a pressure sensor connected to the outlet, when the drop in pressure is measured, it is determined that breathing begins, measuring and creating groups of breathing, each group having at least 3 Creating, including one consecutive breath, and determining the average breathing rate for each group based on each breathing interval in consecutive breaths within the group, and two or more of the groups. Includes setting an inspiratory respiration pressure threshold for the pressure sensor based on the determined average respiration rate.</p><p num="0016"> The advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the embodiments below and by reference to the accompanying drawings.</p>
<figref num="1">It is the schematic which shows the embodiment of the part of an oxygen concentrator.</figref><figref num="2">It is the schematic which shows the embodiment of the outlet component of an oxygen concentrator.</figref><figref num="3">It is the schematic which shows the embodiment of the outlet conduit for an oxygen concentrator.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view which shows the embodiment of the disassembled canister system.</figref><figref num="5">It is a perspective view which shows the embodiment of the end part of the canister system.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which shows the assembled end of embodiment of the canister system end shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the opposite end of the canister system shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the assembled opposite end of the canister system end shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="9">It is a graph which shows various profiles of embodiment for supplying an oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator.</figref><figref num="10">It is a flow chart which shows the process for adjusting an inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold.</figref>
The present invention allows for various modifications and alternatives, of which particular embodiments are illustrated and described in detail herein. However, these drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed, and conversely, are intended to the extent of the appended claims. It should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that belong to the defined spirit and scope of the invention.
It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular device or method, and these can of course vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment only and are not intended to be limiting. The title is for architectural purposes only and is not used to limit or interpret the scope of the description and claims. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the singular and plural referents unless explicitly stated otherwise. .. In addition, the term "may" is used throughout the application in an acceptable sense (ie, "having the potential to", "being able to"). Has been used and is not used in the required sense (ie, "must"). The word "include" and its variants "include, but are not limited to" but not limited to) ".
As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to a direct or indirect connection (eg, one or more intermediary connections) between one or more objects or parts. ) Means. The phrase "connected" means a direct connection between objects or parts, such that the objects or parts are directly connected to each other. As used herein, the phrase "obtaining" a device means that the device is purchased or built.
The oxygen concentrator utilizes pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Pressure swing adsorption involves using a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas in the canister containing the particles of the gas separation adsorbent. As the pressure rises, certain molecules in the gas can be adsorbed on the gas-separated adsorbent. Removing some of the gas in the canister under pressurized conditions allows the non-adsorbed molecules to separate from the adsorbed molecules. The gas-separated adsorbent can be regenerated by reducing the pressure, which reverses the adsorption of molecules from the adsorbent. Further details regarding the oxygen concentrator can be found, for example, in US Published Patent Application No. 2009-0065007, published March 12, 2009, entitled "Oxygen Concentrator Amplifier and Method". It can be incorporated herein by reference.
The ambient air typically contains about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with the balance consisting of argon, carbon dioxide, water vapor and other trace elements. For example, when a gas mixture such as air is passed under pressure through a container containing a gas separation adsorbent bed that attracts nitrogen more strongly than it does to attract oxygen, some or all of the nitrogen stays on the floor and out of the container. The gas that comes out is rich in oxygen. When the floor reaches its limit of its ability to adsorb nitrogen, it can be regenerated by depressurizing and releasing the adsorbed nitrogen. At that time, the next cycle of producing oxygen-enriched air is ready. By alternating canisters in a system of two canisters, one canister can collect oxygen while the other canister can be purged (resulting in continuous separation of oxygen from nitrogen). In this way, oxygen can be removed from the air and stored for a variety of uses, including supplying oxygen supplements to the patient.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an oxygen concentrator 100 according to an embodiment. The oxygen concentrator 100 can concentrate the oxygen taken out from the air stream and supply the oxygen-enriched gas to the user. As used herein, "oxygen-enriched gas" refers to at least about 50% oxygen, at least about 60% oxygen, at least about 70% oxygen, at least about 80% oxygen, at least about 90%. It contains oxygen, at least about 95% oxygen, at least about 98% oxygen, or at least about 99% oxygen.
The oxygen concentrator 100 can be a portable oxygen concentrator. For example, the oxygen concentrator 100 may have a weight and size that allows the oxygen concentrator to be held by hand and / or carried in a carrying case. In one embodiment, the oxygen concentrator 100 weighs less than about 20 lbs, less than about 15 lbs, less than about 10 lbs, or less than about 5 lbs. In certain embodiments, the oxygen concentrator 100 has a volume of less than about 1000 cubic inches, less than about 750 cubic inches, less than about 500 cubic inches, less than about 250 cubic inches, or less than about 200 cubic inches.
Oxygen can be trapped from the ambient air by pressurizing the ambient air in the canisters 302 and 304 containing the gas separation adsorbent. A gas-separating adsorbent useful for oxygen concentrators can separate at least nitrogen from the air stream to produce an oxygen-enriched gas. Examples of gas separation adsorbents include molecular sieves capable of separating nitrogen from the air stream. Examples of adsorbents that can be used in oxygen concentrators include zeolites (natural) or synthetic crystalline aluminosilicates that can separate nitrogen in the air stream from oxygen under elevated pressure. It is not limited. Examples of synthetic crystalline aluminosilicates that can be used are OXYSIV adsorbents available from UOP LLC in Des Plaines, Illinois, SYLOBEAD adsorbents available from WR Grace & Co in Colombia, Maryland, and CECA SA in Paris, PA. SILIPORITE Adsorbent, ZEOCHEM Adsorbent available from Zeochem AG, Weiticon, PA, and Air Products and in Allentown, PA AgLiLSX adsorbents available from Chemicals, Inc. may be included, but are not limited thereto.
As shown in FIG. 1, air can flow into the oxygen concentrator through the air inlet 106. Air can be drawn into the air inlet 106 by the compression system 200. The compression system 200 may draw air from around the oxygen concentrator, compress the air, and send the compressed air to one or both of the canisters 302 and 304. In certain embodiments, the inlet muffler 108 can be coupled to the air inlet 106 to reduce the noise produced by the air drawn into the oxygen generator by the compression system 200. In certain embodiments, the inflow muffler 108 can be a muffler that absorbs moisture and sound. For example, a water-absorbing material (such as a polymer water-absorbing material or a zeolite material) is used to both remove water from the inflowing air and reduce the noise of air passing into the air inlet 106. obtain.
The compression system 200 may include one or more compressors capable of compressing air. In some embodiments, the compression system may include one, two, three, four, or five or more compressors. A compression system 200 including a compressor 210 and a motor 220 is shown. The motor 220 is connected to the compressor 210 and powers the compressor to operate the compression mechanism. The pressurized air produced by the compression system 200 can be delivered to one or both of the canisters 302 and 304. In some embodiments, the ambient air can be pressurized in the canister to a pressure in the range of about 13-20 lbs (psi) per square inch. Other pressures may also be used, depending on the type of gas separation adsorbent placed in the canister.
In some embodiments, the motor 220 is connected to a pressurizing device (eg, a piston pump or diaphragm pump). The pressurizing device can be a piston pump having a plurality of pistons. During operation, the piston can be selectively turned on or off. In some embodiments, the motor 220 may be coupled to multiple pumps. Each pump can be selectively turned on or off. For example, the controller 400 may determine which pump or piston should be activated based on predetermined operating conditions.
An inlet valve 122/124 and an outlet valve 132/134 are connected to each canister 302/304. As shown in FIG. 1, the inflow valve 122 is connected to the canister 302 and the inflow valve 124 is connected to the canister 304. The outlet valve 132 is connected to the canister 302, and the outlet valve 134 is connected to the canister 304. Inflow valve 122/124 is used to control the passage of air from the compression system 200 to each canister. Outlet valves 132/134 are used to expel gas from each canister during the exhaust process. In some embodiments, the inlet valve 122/124 and the outlet valve 132/134 can be solenoid valves of a silicone plunger. However, other types of valves may be used. Plunger valves offer the advantage of being quieter and less slippery than other types of valves.
In some embodiments, a two-stage valve working voltage may be used to control the inlet valve 122/124 and the outlet valve 132/134. For example, a high voltage (eg, 24V) can be applied to the inlet valve to open the inlet valve. The voltage is then reduced to keep the inlet valve open (eg 7V). If a smaller voltage is used to keep the valve open, less power can be used (power = voltage x current). This reduction in voltage minimizes heat generation and power consumption and extends battery-derived execution time. When the electricity to the valve is turned off, the valve closes due to the action of the spring. In some embodiments, the voltage can be applied as a function of time that is not necessarily a step response (eg, a voltage that bends downward between the initial 24V and the final 7V).
In some embodiments, air can be drawn into the oxygen concentrator through compressors 305, 310. In some embodiments, air can flow from compressors 305, 310 to canisters 302, 304. In some embodiments, one of valves 122 or 124 is closed (eg, when signaled by controller 400) and the combined output of both compressors 305, 310 corresponds to each of the other. Flows through the valves 122 or 124 into the corresponding canisters 302 and 304, respectively. For example, if valve 124 is closed, air from both compressors 305, 310 can flow through valve 122. When valve 122 is closed, air from both compressors 305, 310 can flow through valve 124. In some embodiments, valves 122 and 124 may alternate to direct air from compressors 305, 310 into the respective canisters 302 or 304, respectively.
In one embodiment, pressurized air is pumped into one of the canisters 302 or 304, while the other canister is exhausted. For example, during use, the inlet valve 124 is closed while the inlet valve 122 is open. Pressurized air from the compression system 200 is pumped into the canister 302, during which time the inflow into the canister 304 is blocked by the inflow valve 124. In certain embodiments, the controller 400 is electrically connected to valves 122, 124, 132 and 134. Controller 400 includes one or more processors 410 capable of operating to execute program instructions stored in memory 420. Program instructions can operate to perform various predefined methods used to operate the oxygen concentrator. The controller 400 is a program for operating the inlet valves 122 and 124 so that they are not synchronized with each other, that is, when one of the inlet valves 122 or 124 is open, the other valve is closed. May include instructions. While pressurizing the canister 302, the outlet valve 132 is closed and the outlet valve 134 is open. Like the inlet valve, the outlet valves 132 and 134 are operated so that they are out of sync with each other. In some embodiments, the voltage and duration of voltage used to open the inlet and outlet valves can be controlled by controller 400.
Check valves 142 and 144 are connected to canisters 302 and 304, respectively. Check valves 142 and 144 are one-way valves that are passively operated by the pressure difference generated when the canister is pressurized and exhausted. Check valves 142 and 144 can be coupled to the canister to allow oxygen generated during pressurization of the canister to flow out of the canister and prevent oxygen or any other gas from flowing back into the canister. it can. In this way, the check valves 142 and 144 act as one-way valves that allow the oxygen-enriched gas to flow out of their respective canisters during pressurization.
The term "check valve" as used herein refers to a valve that allows the flow of a fluid (gas or liquid) to be unidirectional and to prevent the backflow of the fluid. Examples of suitable check valves include, but are limited to, ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, butterfly check valves, swing check valves, duckbill valves, and lift check valves. is not it. Under pressure, nitrogen molecules in the pressurized ambient air are adsorbed by the gas separation adsorbent in the pressurized canister. As the pressure rises, more nitrogen is adsorbed until the gas in the canister is oxygen-enriched. When the pressure reaches a point sufficient to overcome the resistance of the check valve connected to the canister, non-adsorbing gas molecules (mainly oxygen) flow out of the pressurized canister. In one embodiment, the forward pressure drop of the check valve is less than 1 psi. The breaking pressure in the reverse direction is greater than 100 psi. However, it should be understood that modifications of one or more parts change the operating parameters of these valves. As the pressure of the forward flow increases, the production of oxygen-enriched gas generally decreases. When the breaking pressure in the reverse flow is reduced or set too low, the pressure of the oxygen enriched gas generally drops.
In an exemplary embodiment, the canister 302 is pressurized by compressed air generated by the compression system 200 and passing through the canister 302. While pressurizing the canister 302, the inlet valve 122 is open, the outlet valve 132 is closed, the inlet valve 124 is closed, and the outlet valve 134 is open. The outlet valve 134 opens when the outlet valve 132 is closed, allowing substantially simultaneous exhaust of the canister 304 while the canister 302 is pressurized. The canister 302 is pressurized until the pressure in the canister is sufficient to open the check valve 142. The oxygen-enriched gas produced in the canister 302 exits through the check valve and, in one embodiment, is collected by the accumulator 106.
After a while, the gas separation adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen, and it becomes impossible to separate a considerable amount of nitrogen from the inflowing air. This condition is usually reached after the oxygen-enriched gas has been produced for a predetermined time. In the above embodiment, when the gas separation adsorbent in the canister 302 reaches this saturation state, the inflow of compressed air is stopped, and the canister 302 is exhausted to remove nitrogen. During exhaust, the inlet valve 122 is closed and the outlet valve 132 is open. While the canister 302 is exhausted, the canister 304 is pressurized to produce an oxygen-enriched gas as described above. Pressurization of the canister 304 is achieved by closing the outlet valve 134 and opening the inlet valve 124. The oxygen-enriched gas exits the canister 304 through the check valve 144.
During the exhaust of the canister 302, the outlet valve 132 opens to allow pressurized gas (mainly nitrogen) to exit the canister through the concentrator outlet 130. In certain embodiments, the exhaust gas is guided through the muffler 133 and can reduce the noise generated by releasing the pressurized gas from the canister. When the gas is released from the canister 302, the pressure inside the canister drops. The pressure drop can allow nitrogen to be desorbed from the gas-separated adsorbent. The released nitrogen exits the canister through the outlet 130, resetting the canister so that oxygen can be newly separated from the air stream. The muffler 133 may include an open-cell foam (or another material) to suppress the sound of gas leaving the oxygen concentrator. In some embodiments, a combination of muffling parts / techniques for air inflow and gas outflow can operate the oxygen concentrator at a volume of less than 50 decibels.
It is advantageous that at least most of the nitrogen is removed in the exhaust of the canister. In some embodiments, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90% of the nitrogen in the canister before the canister is used again to separate oxygen from the air. %, At least about 95%, at least about 98%, or virtually everything is removed. In some embodiments, the canister may further purge nitrogen using an oxygen-enriched stream led from the other canister into the canister.
In an exemplary embodiment, when exhausting nitrogen from the canister 304, some of the oxygen enriched gas may be transferred from the canister 302 to the canister 304. The transfer of oxygen-enriched gas from the canister 302 to the canister 304 in the exhaust of the canister 304 helps to further purge nitrogen (and other gases) from the canister. In certain embodiments, the oxygen-enriched gas can travel through flow limiters 151, 153 and 155 located between the two canisters. The flow rate limiter 151 can be a trickle flow rate limiter. The flow limiter 151 can be, for example, a 0.009D flow limiter (eg, the flow limiter has a radius of 0.009 inches, which is smaller than the diameter of the tube in which it is contained). The flow limiters 153 and 155 can be 0.013D flow limiters. Other types and sizes of flow limiters are also contemplated and may be used depending on the specific configuration and piping used to connect the canisters. In some embodiments, the flow limiter can be a press-fit flow limiter that limits the air flow by introducing a smaller diameter in each of their tubes. In some embodiments, the press-fit flow limiter can be made from sapphire, metal or plastic (other materials are also contemplated).
The flow of oxygen-enriched gas is also controlled using valves 152 and 154. Valves 152 and 154 can be opened (and vice versa) for a short duration during the exhaust process to prevent excessive oxygen loss from the purging canister. Other durations are also planned. In an exemplary embodiment, it is desirable to purge the canister 302 by exhausting the canister 302 and allowing a portion of the oxygen enriched gas produced by the canister 304 to pass through the canister 302. A part of the oxygen-enriched gas travels into the canister 302 through the flow limiter 151 during the exhaust of the canister 302 when the canister 304 is pressurized. Further oxygen-enriched air travels from the canister 304 through the valve 154 and the flow limiter 155 into the canister 302. During the transfer process, valve 152 may remain closed or may be opened if additional oxygen enriched gas is needed. The selection of the appropriate flow limiters 151 and 155, along with the controlled opening of the valve 154, allows a controlled amount of oxygen-enriched gas to be delivered from the canister 304 to the canister 302. In certain embodiments, the controlled amount of oxygen-enriched gas is sufficient to purge the canister 302 and minimize the loss of oxygen-enriched gas through the exhaust valve 132 of the canister 302. Although this embodiment describes the exhaust of the canister 302, it should be understood that the same process can be used to exhaust the canister 304 with the flow limiter 151, valve 152 and flow rate limiter 153. ..
The flow control / exhaust valve 152/154 pair works with the flow limiters 153 and 155 to optimize the balance of airflow between the two canisters. This may allow better flow control for exhausting the canister with the oxygen enriched gas from the other canister. This can also provide better flow guidance between the two canisters. The flow valve 152/154 can be operated as a bidirectional valve, but it has been found that the flow rate through such a valve varies depending on the direction of the fluid flowing through the valve. For example, the oxygen-enriched gas flowing from the canister 304 to the canister 302 has a larger flow rate when passing through the valve 152 than the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas flowing from the canister 302 to the canister 304 through the valve 152. .. When a single valve is used, eventually too much or too little oxygen-enriched gas is sent between the canisters, and over time the canisters begin to produce different amounts of oxygen-enriched gas. The use of opposing valves and flow limiters in parallel air channels can homogenize the oxygen flow pattern between the two canisters. Uniformizing the flow can allow the user to utilize a stable amount of oxygen over multiple cycles and also to utilize a predictable amount of oxygen to purge the other canister. In some embodiments, the air flow path does not have a flow limiter and instead may have a valve with a built-in resistor, or the air flow path itself has a small radius such that it provides a resistor. Can have.
Occasionally, the oxygen concentrator may be shut down for a period of time. If the oxygen concentrator is shut down, the temperature inside the canister can drop as a result of adiabatic heat loss from the compression system. As the temperature drops, so does the volume of gas in the canister. Cooling the canister can create negative pressure inside the canister. The valves leading to and from the canister (eg, valves 122, 124, 132, and 134) are dynamically sealed rather than sealed. Therefore, the outside air can enter the canister after shutdown to adjust the pressure difference. As the outside air enters the canister, moisture from the outside air can condense in the canister as the air cools. Condensation of water in the canister can gradually degrade the gas-separated adsorbent and steadily reduce the oxygen-enriched gas-producing capacity of the gas-separated adsorbent.
In some embodiments, pressurizing both canisters prior to shutdown may prevent outside air from entering the canisters after the oxygen concentrator has been shut down. By storing the canister under positive pressure, the valve can be forced into a closed closed position by the internal pressure of the air in the canister. In certain embodiments, the pressure in the canister during shutdown should be at least greater than the ambient pressure. As used herein, the term "ambient pressure" refers to the pressure of the environment in which the oxygen generator is located (eg, indoor, outdoor, airplane pressure, etc.). In some embodiments, the pressure in the canister at shutdown is at least greater than standard atmospheric pressure (ie, 760 mmHg (Torr), 1 atm, greater than 101,325 Pa). In some embodiments, the pressure in the canister at shutdown is at least about 1.1 times higher than the ambient pressure, at least about 1.5 times higher than the ambient pressure, or at least about 2 times higher than the ambient pressure.
In certain embodiments, canister pressurization can be achieved by guiding pressurized air from the compression system into each canister, closing all valves, and confining the pressurized air within the canister. In an exemplary embodiment, when the shutdown sequence is initiated, the inlet valves 122 and 124 are opened and the outlet valves 132 and 134 are closed. Since the inlet valves 122 and 124 are joined together by a common conduit, both canisters 302 and 304 are pressurized by allowing air or oxygen enriched gas from one canister to be transferred to the other canister. Can come to be. This situation can occur if the path between the compression system and the two inlet valves allows for such transfer. Since the oxygen generator operates in alternating pressure / exhaust mode, at least one of the canisters should be in a pressurized state at any given time. In an alternative embodiment, the operation of the compression system 200 can increase the pressure within each canister. When the inlet valves 122 and 124 are open, the pressure between the canister 302 and the canister 304 is equalized, but the pressure of one of the equalized canisters prevents air from entering the canister during shutdown. It may not be enough to prevent it. To ensure that air is prevented from entering the canister, the compression system 200 may operate for a time sufficient to raise the pressure in both canisters to at least a pressure greater than the ambient pressure. Regardless of how the canister is pressurized, if the canister is pressurized, the inlet valves 122 and 124 are closed to trap the pressurized air in the canister, which allows air to enter the canister during the shutdown period. Prevent entry.
The outlet system connected to one or more of the canisters includes one or more conduits for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas to the user. In one embodiment, the oxygen enriched gas produced by either the canisters 302 and 304 is collected by the accumulator 106 through the check valves 142 and 144, respectively, as schematically shown in FIG. The oxygen-enriched gas leaving the canister can be collected by the oxygen accumulator 106 before being supplied to the user. In some embodiments, the tube may be connected to the accumulator 106 to supply the oxygen-enriched gas to the user. The oxygen-enriched gas may be supplied to the user through an airway delivery device that transfers the oxygen-enriched gas to the user's mouth and / or nose. In some embodiments, the outlet may include a tube that directs oxygen towards the user's nose and / or mouth, which may not be directly linked to the user's nose.
With reference to FIG. 2, a schematic representation of an embodiment of an outlet system for an oxygen concentrator is shown. The supply valve 160 may be connected to an outlet tube to control the release of oxygen-enriched gas from the accumulator 106 to the user. In one embodiment, the supply valve 160 is an electromagnetically actuated plunger type valve. The supply valve 160 is actuated by the controller 400 to control the delivery of the oxygen enriched gas to the user. The operation of the supply valve 160 is not timed or synchronized with the pressure swing suction process. Instead, in some embodiments, the actuation is synchronized with the patient's breathing. In addition, the supply valve 160 may have multiple operations to help establish a clinically effective flow profile for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas.
As shown in FIG. 2, the oxygen enriched gas in the accumulator 106 travels through the supply valve 160 into the expansion chamber 170. In certain embodiments, the expansion chamber may include one or more devices that can be used to determine the oxygen concentration of the gas passing through the chamber. The oxygen-enriched gas in the expansion chamber 170 is temporarily formed by the release of gas from the accumulator by the supply valve 160, then through a small orifice-type flow limiter 175 to the flow sensor 185, and then to the particle filter. It is leaked to 187. The flow limiter 175 can be a 0.025D flow limiter. Other types and sizes of flow limiters may be used. In some embodiments, the diameter of the air flow path within the housing can be limited to produce a limited air flow. The flow rate sensor 185 can be any sensor capable of assessing the flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit. The particle filter 187 can be used to filter bacteria, dust, granules, etc. before delivering the oxygen enriched gas to the user. The oxygen-enriched gas flows through the filter 187 to the connector 190, which sends the oxygen-enriched gas through the conduit 192 to the user and the pressure sensor 194.
The fluid dynamics of the outflow pathway, combined with the programmed operation of the supply valve 160, to the patient's lungs at the correct time and without any excessive flow that creates a wasted backflow from the nose into the atmosphere. A bolus dose of oxygen is delivered in a flow profile that ensures rapid delivery. In our particular system, the total volume of bolus dose required in the formulation is equal to 11 mL per 1 LPM, i.e. 11 mL for the 1 LPM formulation, 22 mL for the 2 LPM formulation, 33 mL for the 3 LPM formulation, 4 LPM. It has been found that the prescription is 44 mL and the 5 LPM prescription is 55 mL. This is commonly referred to as the LPM equivalent. It should be understood that LPM equivalents can vary from device to device due to structural design, tube size, chamber size, etc.
The expansion chamber 170 may include one or more oxygen sensors that can be used to determine the oxygen concentration of the gas passing through the chamber. In one embodiment, the oxygen concentration of the gas passing through the expansion chamber 170 is evaluated using an oxygen sensor 165. An oxygen sensor is a device that can detect oxygen in a gas. Examples of oxygen sensors include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic oxygen sensors, electronic oxygen sensors, and optical oxygen sensors. In one embodiment, the oxygen sensor 165 is an ultrasonic oxygen sensor that includes an ultrasonic radiator 166 and an ultrasonic receiver 168. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic radiator 166 may include a plurality of ultrasonic radiators and the ultrasonic receiver 168 may include a plurality of ultrasonic receivers. In an embodiment having a plurality of radiators / receivers, the plurality of ultrasonic radiators and the plurality of ultrasonic receivers may be axially (eg, perpendicular to axial alignment) a gas mixture flow path. Can be aligned).
In use, ultrasonic waves (from radiator 166) can be directed to receiver 168 through an oxygen-enriched gas located within chamber 170. Ultrasonic sensor assemblies can determine the composition of a gas mixture based on the detection of the speed of sound passing through the gas mixture (eg, the speed of sound differs between nitrogen and oxygen). In a mixture of two gases, the speed of sound passing through the mixture can be an intermediate value proportional to the relative amount of each gas in the mixture. In use, the sound at receiver 168 is slightly out of phase with the sound transmitted from radiator 166. This phase shift is due to the relatively slow speed of sound through the gas medium compared to the relatively fast speed of the electron pulse through the wire. Thus, the phase shift is proportional to the distance between the radiator and the receiver and the speed of sound passing through the expansion chamber. The density of gas in the chamber affects the speed of sound passing through the chamber, which is proportional to the ratio of oxygen in the chamber to nitrogen. Therefore, the phase shift can be used to measure the concentration of oxygen in the expansion chamber. In this way, the relative concentration of oxygen in the storage chamber can be evaluated as a function of one or more properties of the detected sound waves passing through the storage chamber.
In some embodiments, multiple radiators 166 and receivers 168 may be used. Measurements from radiator 166 and receiver 168 can be averaged to counteract errors that may be inherent in the turbulent system. In some embodiments, the presence of other gases is also detected by measuring the elapsed time and comparing the measured elapsed time with the predetermined elapsed time of the other gas and / or gas mixture. obtain.
The sensitivity of ultrasonic sensor systems is increased, for example, by increasing the distance between the radiator 166 and the receiver 168 so that several sound wave cycles can occur between the radiator 166 and the receiver 168. Can be enhanced. In some embodiments, in the presence of at least two sound cycles, the effect of structural changes in the transducer can be reduced by measuring the phase shift with respect to a fixed reference point at two time points. If the earlier phase shift is subtracted from the later phase shift, the shift caused by the thermal expansion of the expansion chamber 170 can be reduced or canceled. The shifts caused by changes in the distance between the radiator 166 and the receiver 168 can be approximately the same at the measurement intervals, but changes due to changes in oxygen concentration can be cumulative. In some embodiments, the shift measured at a later point in time can be multiplied by the number of cycles in between and compared to the shift between two adjacent cycles. Further details regarding the sensing of oxygen in the expansion chamber were published, for example, on March 12, 2009, in the Oxygen Concentrator Appliance and Method. Method) ", US Publication Patent Application No. 2009-0065007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The flow rate sensor 185 can be used to determine the flow rate of gas flowing through the outlet system. Flow sensors that may be used include, but are limited to, diaphragm / bellows flowmeters, rotary flowmeters (eg, Hall effect flowmeters), turbine flowmeters, orifice flowmeters, and ultrasonic flowmeters. is not it. The flow sensor 185 may be coupled to the controller 400. The flow rate of gas flowing through the outlet system can be an indicator of the user's respiratory volume. Changes in the flow rate of gas flowing through the outlet system can also be used to determine the user's respiratory rate. The controller 400 may control the operation of the supply valve 160 based on the user's respiratory rate and / or respiratory rate as assessed by the flow sensor 185.
In some embodiments, an ultrasonic sensor system 165, for example, a flow sensor 185, may provide a measurement of the actual amount of oxygen supplied. For example, a flow rate sensor 185 may measure the volume of gas supplied (based on flow rate), and an ultrasonic sensor system 165 may provide the oxygen concentration of the gas supplied. These two measurements can be used together by the controller 400 to determine an approximation of the actual amount of oxygen supplied to the user.
The oxygen-enriched gas flows through the flow meter 185 to the filter 187. The filter 187 removes bacteria, dust, granules, etc. before supplying the oxygen-enriched gas to the user. The filtered oxygen-enriched gas flows through the filter 187 to the connector 190. The connector 190 can be a "Y" type connector that connects the outlet of the filter 187 to the pressure sensor 194 and the outlet conduit 192. The pressure sensor 194 can be used to monitor the pressure of gas flowing to the user through the conduit 192. The change in pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 194 can determine the user's respiratory rate as well as the start of inspiration. The controller 400 may control the operation of the supply valve 160 based on the user's respiratory rate and / or the start of inspiration as assessed by the pressure sensor 194. In certain embodiments, the controller 400 may control the operation of the supply valve 160 based on the information provided by the flow rate sensor 185 and the pressure sensor 194.
The oxygen enriched gas can be supplied to the user through the conduit 192. In certain embodiments, the conduit 192 can be a silicone tube. As shown in FIG. 3, the conduit 192 can be attached to the user using the airway connecting member 196. The airway connecting member 196 can be any device capable of supplying an oxygen-enriched gas to the nasal cavity or oral cavity. Examples of airway connecting members include, but are not limited to, nasal masks, nasal pillows, nasal prongs, nasal cannulas, and mouthpieces. A nasal cannula-type airway delivery device is shown in Figure 3. During use, the oxygen enriched gas from the oxygen concentrator system 100 is supplied to the user through conduit 192 and airway connecting member 196. The airway connecting member 196 is placed near the user's airway (eg, near the user's mouth and / or nose) to provide the user with oxygen-enriched gas while allowing the user to breathe air from the surroundings. Can be delivered.
Canister system The oxygen concentrator system 100 may include at least two canisters, each canister containing a gas-separated adsorbent. The canister of the oxygen concentrator system 100 may be placed in a molded housing. In one embodiment, the canister system 300 includes two housing parts 310 and 510, as shown in FIG. The housing parts 310 and 510 may be formed separately and then joined together. In some embodiments, housing parts 310 and 510 may be injection molded or compression molded. Housing parts 310 and 510 can be made from thermoplastic polymers such as polycarbonate, methylene carbide, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride. In another embodiment, the housing parts 310 and 510 may be made of thermosetting plastic or metal (such as stainless steel or lightweight aluminum alloy). Lightweight materials can be used to reduce the weight of the oxygen concentrator 100. In some embodiments, the two housings 310 and 510 may be secured together using screws or bolts. Alternatively, the housing parts 310 and 510 can be solvent-bonded together.
As shown, the valve seats 320, 322, 324 and 326 and the air channels 330 and 332 are integrated within the housing component 310 and the sealing connections required throughout the airflow of the oxygen concentrator 100. Can be reduced in number. In various embodiments, the housing parts 310 and 410 of the oxygen concentrator 100 may form a two-part molded plastic frame that defines the two canisters 302 and 304 and the integration chamber 106.
Air channels / piping between different sections within housing parts 310 and 510 can take the form of molded conduits. A conduit in the form of a molded channel for an air flow path can occupy multiple planes within housing parts 310 and 510. For example, molded air conduits can be formed at different depths and different x, y, z positions within housing parts 310 and 510. In some embodiments, most or substantially all of the conduits can be integrated within housing parts 310 and 510 to reduce potential leak locations.
In some embodiments, before connecting the housing parts 310 and 510 together, an O-ring is placed between the various parts of the housing parts 310 and 510 to ensure that the housing parts are properly sealed. Can be. In some embodiments, the parts can be integrated into housing parts 310 and 510 and / or connected separately. For example, pipes, flow limiters (eg, press-fit flow limiters), oxygen sensors, gas separation adsorbents 139, check valves, plugs, processors, power supplies, etc., before and / or housing parts are connected together. Or after that, it may be connected to housing parts 510 and 410.
In some embodiments, devices such as flow limiters can be inserted using openings 337 leading to the outside of housing parts 310 and 410. The openings can also be used to enhance moldability. One or more of the openings can be closed after molding (eg, with a plastic stopper). In some embodiments, the flow limiter can be inserted into the aisle before inserting the plug to seal the aisle. The press-fit flow limiter may have a diameter that allows frictional fitting between the press-fit flow limiter and their respective openings. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the outside of the press-fit flow limiter and, when inserted, may hold the press-fit flow limiter in place. In some embodiments, the stoppers may have a frictional fit with their respective tubes (or may have an adhesive applied to their outer surface). Press-fit flow limiters and / or other parts are inserted and pushed into their respective openings using a fine-tipped tool or rod (eg, with a diameter smaller than the diameter of each opening). It can be. In some embodiments, press-fit flow limiters can be inserted into their respective tubes until they hit a mechanism within the tubes that stops their insertion. For example, the mechanism may include a reduction in radius. Other mechanisms are also contemplated (eg, ridges on the sides of the pipe, threads, etc.). In some embodiments, the press-fit flow limiter can be formed within the housing component (eg, as a thin tube portion).
In some embodiments, the spring baffle 129 may be arranged within the canister receiving portion of each of the housing components 310 and 510 so that the spring side of the baffle 129 faces the outlet of the canister. The spring-loaded baffle 129 applies force to the gas-separated adsorbent 139 in the canister, while further helping to prevent the gas-separated adsorbent 139 from entering the outlet opening. The use of the spring-loaded baffle 129 may keep the gas-separated adsorbent compact while allowing expansion (eg, thermal expansion). Keeping the gas separation and adsorbent 139 compact can prevent the gas separation and absorption agent from being damaged during the movement of the oxygen concentrator system 100.
In some embodiments, pressurized air from the compression system 200 can enter the air inlet 306. The air inlet 306 is connected to the inlet conduit 330. Air enters the housing part 310 through the inlet 306 and reaches the valve seats 322 and 324 through the conduit 330. 5 and 6 show end views of the housing 310. FIG. 5 shows an end view of the housing 310 before the valve is fitted into the housing 310. FIG. 6 shows an end view of the housing 310 with the valve fitted in the housing 310. The valve seats 322 and 324 are configured to receive inflow valves 122 and 124, respectively. The inflow valve 122 is connected to the canister 302, and the inflow valve 124 is connected to the canister 304. The housing 310 also includes valve seats 332 and 334 configured to receive outlet valves 132 and 134, respectively. The outlet valve 132 is connected to the canister 302, and the outlet valve 134 is connected to the canister 304. Inflow valve 122/124 controls the passage of air from conduit 330 to each canister.
In one embodiment, pressurized air is pumped into one of the canisters 302 or 304, while the other canister is exhausted. For example, during use, the inlet valve 124 is closed while the inlet valve 122 is open. Pressurized air from the compression system 200 is pumped into the canister 302, during which time the inflow into the canister 304 is blocked by the inflow valve 124. While pressurizing the canister 302, the outlet valve 132 is closed and the outlet valve 134 is open. Like the inlet valve, the outlet valves 132 and 134 are operated so that they are out of sync with each other. Each inflow valve seat 322 includes an opening 375 that connects to the canister 302 through the housing 310. Similarly, the valve seat 324 includes an opening 325 that leads through the housing 310 to the canister 302. Air from conduit 330 passes through openings 323, or 325 and into the canister if the respective valve (322 or 324) is open.
Check valves 142 and 144 (see FIG. 4) are connected to canisters 302 and 304, respectively. Check valves 142 and 144 are one-way valves that are passively operated by the pressure difference generated when the canister is pressurized and exhausted. The oxygen-enriched gas produced by the canisters 302 and 304 proceeds from the canister to openings 542 and 544 of the housing 410. A route (not shown) connects openings 542 and 544 to conduits 342 and 344, respectively. If the pressure in the canister is sufficient to open the check valve 142, the oxygen enriched gas produced by the canister 302 travels through the opening 542 to the conduit 342. When the check valve 142 is open, the oxygen enriched gas flows through the conduit 342 towards the end of the housing 310. Similarly, if the pressure in the canister is sufficient to open the check valve 144, the oxygen enriched gas produced by the canister 304 travels from the canister through the opening 544 to the conduit 344. When the check valve 144 is open, the oxygen enriched gas flows through the conduit 344 towards the end of the housing 310.
Oxygen enriched gas from either canister also travels through conduit 342 or 344 and enters conduit 346 formed within the housing 310. The conduit 346 includes an opening connecting this conduit to the conduit 342, the conduit 344 and the accumulator 106. Thus, the oxygen-enriched gas produced by the canister 302 or 304 moves into the conduit 346 and into the accumulator 106.
After a while, the gas separation adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen, and it becomes impossible to separate a considerable amount of nitrogen from the inflowing air. When the gas separation adsorbent in the canister reaches this saturation point, the inflow of compressed air is stopped and the canister is exhausted to remove nitrogen. The canister 302 is exhausted by closing the inlet valve 122 and opening the outlet valve 132. The outlet valve 132 discharges the gas exhausted from the canister 302 into the volume defined by the end of the housing 310. The foam material can cover the end of the housing 310 to reduce the noise generated by the release of gas from the canister. Similarly, the canister 304 is exhausted by closing the inlet valve 124 and opening the outlet valve 134. The outlet valve 134 discharges the gas exhausted from the canister 304 into the volume defined by the end of the housing 310.
While the canister 302 is exhausted, the canister 304 is pressurized to produce an oxygen-enriched gas as described above. Pressurization of the canister 304 is achieved by closing the outlet valve 134 and opening the inlet valve 124. The oxygen-enriched gas exits the canister 304 through the check valve 144.
In an exemplary embodiment, when exhausting nitrogen from the canister 304, some of the oxygen enriched gas may be transferred from the canister 302 to the canister 304. The transfer of oxygen-enriched gas from the canister 302 to the canister 304 in the exhaust of the canister 304 helps to further purge nitrogen (and other gases) from the canister. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow of oxygen-enriched gas between canisters is controlled using flow limiters and valves. Three conduits are formed within the housing 510 for use in transferring oxygen-enriched gas between canisters. As shown in FIG. 7, the conduit 530 connects the canister 302 to the canister 304. The flow limiter 151 (not shown) is located in the conduit 530 between the canister 302 and the canister 304 to limit the flow of oxygen-enriched gas in use. The conduit 532 also connects the canister 302 to the canister 304. The conduit 532 is connected to a valve seat 552 that receives the valve 152, as shown in FIG. The flow limiter 153 (not shown) is located in the conduit 532 between the canister 302 and the canister 304. The conduit 534 also connects the canister 302 to the canister 304. The conduit 534 is connected to the valve seat 554 that receives the valve 154, as shown in FIG. The flow limiter 155 (not shown) is located in the conduit 434 between the canister 302 and the canister 304. The flow control / exhaust valve 152/154 pair works with the flow limiters 153 and 155 to optimize the balance of airflow between the two canisters.
The oxygen-enriched gas in the accumulator 106 travels through the supply valve 160 to the expansion chamber 170 formed in the housing 510. An opening in the housing 510 (not shown) connects the accumulator 106 to the supply valve 160. In certain embodiments, the expansion chamber may include one or more devices that can be used to determine the oxygen concentration of the gas passing through the chamber.
Controller system The operation of the oxygen concentrator system 100 may be performed automatically using an internal controller 400 coupled to various components of the oxygen concentrator system, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, controller 400 includes one or more processors 410 and internal memory 420. The method used to operate and monitor the oxygen concentrator system 100 is implemented by program instructions stored on a storage medium attached to memory 420 or controller 400 and executed by one or more processors 410. Can be done. The non-temporary memory medium can include any of various types of memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory medium" refers to installation media such as read-only compact disc memory (CD-ROM), floppy (registered trademark) disks, or tape devices, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data rate random access memory. (DDR RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Extended Data Out Random Access Memory (EDO) It is intended to include computer system memory or random access memory such as RAM), rambus random access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as magnetic media such as hard drives or optical storage devices. The memory medium may similarly comprise other types of memory, or a combination thereof. In addition, the memory medium may be mounted in a first computer in which the program is executed, or in a second different computer connected to the first computer via a network such as the Internet. In the latter case, the second computer may provide the program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term "memory medium" includes two or more memory media that can reside in different locations, eg, on different computers connected by a network.
In some embodiments, the controller 400 includes, for example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a microcontroller, etc., included on a circuit board located within the oxygen concentrator system 100. Includes processor 410. Processor 410 can execute program instructions stored in memory 420. In some embodiments, program instructions may be incorporated within processor 410 to prevent memory outside the processor from being separately accessible (ie, memory 420 may be inside processor 410).
The processor 410 may be connected to various components of the oxygen concentrator system 100, such as the compression system 200, one of the valves used to control the flow of fluid through the system or Two or more (eg, valves 122, 124, 132, 134, 152, 154, 160, or a combination thereof), oxygen sensor 165, pressure sensor 194, fluid monitor 180, temperature sensor, fan, and electrically controlled Includes, but is not limited to, all other possible parts. In some embodiments, separate processors (and / or memory) may be linked to one or more of the components.
The controller 400 is programmed to operate the oxygen concentrator system 100 and is further programmed to monitor the oxygen concentrator system for failure conditions. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 400 is programmed to issue an alarm if the system is operating and the user's breathing is not detected for a predetermined time. For example, if the controller 400 does not detect breathing for 75 seconds, the alarm LED may be lit and / or a sonic alarm may be sounded. For example, if the user really stops breathing during the onset of sleep apnea, the alarm may be sufficient to awaken the user and resume breathing. Breathing motion may be sufficient for the controller 400 to reset this alarm function. Alternatively, if the system is accidentally left on when the output conduit 192 is removed from the user, the alarm can act as a reminder for the user to turn off the oxygen concentrator system 100.
The controller 400 may be further coupled to the oxygen sensor 165 and programmed to continuously or periodically monitor the oxygen concentration of the oxygen enriched gas passing through the expansion chamber 170. A minimum oxygen concentration threshold can be programmed within the controller 400, which causes the controller to issue a visual and / or voice alarm with LEDs to warn the patient of low oxygen levels.
The controller 400 can also be coupled to the internal power supply 180 to monitor the charge level of the internal power supply. The minimum voltage and / or current threshold can be programmed within the controller 400, which causes the controller to issue a visual and / or voice alarm with LEDs to warn the patient of low power status. The alarm can be activated intermittently and more frequently as the available charge of the battery approaches zero.
Further functionality of the controller 400 is described in detail in other sections of this disclosure.
Evaluating the detected respiratory rate or depth of breath by comparing it to a threshold, the user's respiratory rate or depth of breathing can be low if they are relatively inactive (eg, sleeping, sitting, etc.). .. When relatively active (eg, walking, exercising, etc.), the user's respiratory rate or depth of breathing can be high. The activity / sleep mode can be evaluated automatically, and / or the user manually indicates each activity mode or sleep mode by pressing the button for the activity mode and another button for the sleep mode. obtain. In some embodiments, the user may switch from active mode, normal mode, or rest mode. The adjustments made by the oxygen concentrator system in response to activation of active or sleep mode are detailed herein.
Delivery method of oxygen-enriched gas The main use of the oxygen concentrator system is to provide oxygen supplements to the user. Generally, the amount of oxygen supplement provided is assessed by a physician. Typical prescription amounts of oxygen supplementation can range from about 1 LPM to about 10 LPM. The most common prescription amounts are 1LPM, 2LPM, 3LPM, and 4LPM. Generally, the oxygen enriched gas is supplied to the user during the respiratory cycle to meet the user's prescribing requirements. As used herein, the term "breathing cycle" refers to human inspiration, followed by exhalation.
To minimize the amount of oxygen-enriched gas to be produced to meet the prescribed amount, the controller 400 may be programmed to coordinate the delivery time of the oxygen-enriched gas with the user's inspiration. The release of oxygen-enriched gas to the user when the user inhales can prevent unnecessary oxygen production (which can further reduce power requirements), for example by not releasing oxygen when the user exhales. .. By reducing the amount of oxygen required, the amount of air compression required by the oxygen concentrator 100 can be effectively reduced (and thus the power requirement from the compressor).
The oxygen-enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrator system 100 is stored in the oxygen accumulator 106 and released to the user when inhaled by the user. The amount of oxygen-enriched gas supplied by the oxygen concentrator system is partially controlled by the supply valve 160. In one embodiment, the supply valve 160 is opened for a time sufficient to supply the user with an appropriate amount of oxygen-enriched gas as evaluated by the controller 400. To minimize the amount of oxygen required to meet the user's prescribing requirements, the oxygen enriched gas may be delivered in a bolus dose when the user's inspiration is first detected. For example, a bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas can be delivered in the first few milliseconds of the user's inspiration.
In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor 194 and / or the flow rate sensor 185 can be used to determine the start of inspiration by the user. For example, the user's inspiration can be detected using the pressure sensor 194. Upon use, conduits for supplying oxygen-enriched gas are attached to the user's nose and / or mouth (eg, using a nasal cannula or face mask). At the start of inspiration, the user begins to inhale air into the body through the nose and / or mouth. When air is inhaled, negative pressure is created at the ends of the conduit due to the venturi action of the air, which is partially drawn over the ends of the delivery conduit. The pressure sensor 194 may be operational to generate a signal signaling the start of inspiration when it detects a drop in pressure. When the start of inspiration is detected, the supply valve 160 is controlled to release a bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas from the accumulator 106.
In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 194 may provide a signal proportional to the amount of positive or negative pressure applied to the sensing surface. The amount of change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 194 can be used to improve the accuracy of the amount of oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user. For example, if a large negative pressure change is detected by the pressure sensor 194, the volume of oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user can be increased in consideration of the increase in the volume of gas taken in by the user. If a smaller negative pressure change is detected, the volume of oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user may be reduced to account for the decrease in volume of gas taken in by the user. A positive change in pressure indicates exhalation by the user and is generally the time during which the release of oxygen-enriched gas is interrupted. In general, valve 160 remains closed until the start of the next inspiration while a positive pressure change is sensed.
In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 194 can be influenced by the physical distance of the pressure sensor 194 from the user, in particular the pressure sensor is located within the oxygen concentrator system 100 and the pressure difference is This is the case if it is detected through a tube that connects the oxygen concentrator system to the user. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be located within an airway delivery device used to supply the oxygen enriched gas to the user. The signal from the pressure sensor is sent to the controller 400 in the oxygen concentrator 100 via a wire or through remote measurement such as BLUETOOTH® (Bluetooth, SIG, Inc., Kirkland, WA) or other wireless technology. Can be provided electronically.
In certain embodiments, the user's inspiration can be detected by using the flow sensor 185. Upon use, conduits for supplying oxygen-enriched gas are attached to the user's nose and / or mouth (eg, using a nasal cannula or face mask). At the start of inspiration, the user begins to inhale air into the body through the nose and / or mouth. When air is drawn in, the flow of gas through the conduit increases. The flow rate sensor 185 may be operational to generate a signal signaling the start of inspiration when it detects an increase in flow rate. When the start of inspiration is detected, the supply valve 160 is controlled to release a bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas from the accumulator 106.
A user who breathes at a breathing rate of 30 breaths per minute (BPM) during an active state (eg, walking, exercising, etc.) breathes at 12 BPM during a resting state (eg, sleeping, sitting, etc.). Can consume 2.5 times more oxygen than the user who does. The pressure sensor 194 and / or the flow sensor 185 can be used to determine the user's respiratory rate. The controller 400 may process the information received from the pressure sensor 194 and / or the flow sensor 185 to determine the respiratory rate based on the frequency of inspiratory initiation. The detected respiratory rate of the user can be used to adjust the bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas. The volume of the bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas can be increased as the user's respiratory rate increases and can be decreased as the user's respiratory rate decreases. Controller 400 may automatically adjust the bolus dose based on the detected user activity. Alternatively, the user may manually indicate the respective active or resting mode by selecting the appropriate option on the control panel of the oxygen concentrator. Alternatively, the user may operate the controller 400 from a remote electronic device. For example, the user may operate the controller using a smartphone or tablet device.
In some embodiments, the controller 400 alerts (eg, visual and / or voice alerts) if the user's current activity level evaluated using the detected user's respiratory rate exceeds a predetermined threshold. ) Can be issued to warn the user that the current respiratory rate exceeds the delivery capacity of the oxygen concentrator system. For example, this threshold can be set to 20 breaths per minute.
The method for determining the respiratory rate of a user generally calculates the respiratory rate by counting the number of breaths of the user within a predetermined time. When determining a user's respiratory rate, generally all breaths measured during a predetermined time are used to determine the respiratory rate. However, such methods can cause significant errors due to sudden changes in the user's respiratory rate. For example, it is known that during sleep, the breathing interval can vary significantly from individual to individual. Breathing patterns usually change during sleep. During deep sleep, breathing slows and becomes shallower as the body sleeps. During light sleep and REM sleep, breathing may resemble the breathing pattern of an awake person. A period of deep breathing can also occur during a dream. Changes in respiratory rate can occur suddenly while the user is sleeping, and even while awake. If the delivery of the oxygen-enriched gas is not properly adapted to the user's breathing pattern, the oxygen-enriched gas supply may be so long that the oxygen-enriched gas may be wasted or of the oxygen-enriched bus. The supply period may be so short that there may be a shortage of oxygen-enriched gas.
Attempts have been made to take into account the user's irregular breathing. For example, Deane et al., US Pat. No. 7,841,343 ("Deane Patent") describes the use of dead time to compensate for irregular breathing. Specifically, the Deane patent teaches that the controller enters a dead time after delivering a bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas to the user. During this dead time, the controller does not accept any trigger to deliver the oxygen-enriched gas. This time can range from 0.5 to 3 seconds after delivery of the bolus dose. After this dead time elapses, the controller sets the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold to a lower level and gradually increases sensitivity until breathing is detected. According to the Deane patent, this helps to alter the delivery of the bolus dose in response to changes in the user's breathing.
The Deane patented method relies on dead time, when breathing is not detected. Therefore, if the user begins to breathe quickly immediately after delivery of the bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas, the Deane patented method may be slow to respond to changes in breathing. In the worst case, the user may change to a respiratory rate that falls within the dead time every other breath, leading to the false indicator that the user breathes at half the actual respiratory rate. Such a situation can cause a person to become oxygen deficient due to insufficient oxygen supply to the user.
Applicants have devised an improved method of determining respiratory rate and controlling the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold based on the determined breathing. In one embodiment, the controller measures a predetermined number of breaths (at least 3) and determines the respiratory rate based on discarding the last measured breathing information. In this method, the interval between the penultimate breath and the last breath is not used to determine the average respiratory rate. Respiratory rates determined using the information collected from the remaining breaths have been found to more accurately represent the user's current respiratory rate. Such a method also provides a method for considering irregular breathing patterns without having to resort to the extreme means of providing an artificial "dead time" as described in the Deane patent.
Over a period of time, the controller 400 may collect and store the number of breaths. Respiratory rate can be calculated based on the number of breaths over a period of time, or the average breathing interval. In some embodiments, the period is divided into equal time units. The number of breaths, or average breathing interval, is determined at each time unit in a set period. The number of breaths per unit time or the average breathing interval is used to determine the respiratory rate. In some embodiments, the respiratory rate in the last hour unit is not used in the determination if the delivery parameters change. For example, if the period is divided into 5 equal time units, the respiratory rate determined for the last time unit is not used to determine the average respiratory rate (eg, average respiratory rate per minute).
For example, controller 400 may collect the number of breaths over a 5-minute period. For 5 minutes, the user's respiratory rate is 15 breaths per minute ("BPM") in the first minute of the 5 minutes, 10 BPM in the second minute of the 5 minutes, out of 5 minutes. It can be 25 BPM during the 3rd minute, 30 BPM during the 4th minute of the 5 minutes, and 40 BPM during the 5th minute of the 5 minutes. 40 BPM can be ignored and the remaining breaths can be averaged (eg, resulting in an average respiratory rate of 20 BPM). The respiratory rate determined in the last minute of the five minutes can be used for the average of the next five minutes. For example, the last minute of the five minutes can be used as the first minute of the next five minutes. Alternatively, the period of 5 minutes analyzed may be staggered by 1 minute. In this case, the second minute of the five minutes just analyzed becomes the first minute of the next five minutes. The fifth minute (ignored in the first respiratory rate analysis) is the fourth minute of the next respiratory rate analysis. In either case, the last minute is ignored in the respiratory rate analysis.
In another embodiment, the respiratory rate can be determined by monitoring each breathing interval for at least 3 breaths. In some embodiments, the intervals of each of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, or 20th consecutive breaths are measured. To determine the average respiratory rate. In this method, the interval between the penultimate breath and the last breath is ignored, and the respiratory rate is based on the breath interval from the penultimate breath. For example, if five consecutive breaths are used to determine the respiratory rate, the time between the fourth and fifth breaths is discarded when determining the respiratory rate. For example, the next breathing interval: 1st to 2nd: 4.5 seconds, 2nd to 3rd: 4.7 seconds, 3rd to 4th: 4.2 seconds, 4th to 5th: If 5.2 seconds are obtained, the mean breathing interval is determined by averaging the first 3 breaths (4.5 seconds, 4.7 seconds, and 4.2 seconds) and ignoring the last breath (5.2 seconds). This gives an average breathing interval of 4.47 and an average respiratory rate of 13.4 breaths per minute.
Using the average respiratory rate, the inspiratory pressure threshold can be adjusted relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. Controller 400 may determine that the average respiratory rate has changed from less than 15 breaths per minute to more than 15 breaths per minute. The controller 400 may send an electronic signal to the pressure sensor 194 that raises the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. When the determined average respiratory rate changes from more than 10 breaths per minute to less than 10 breaths per minute, the controller 400 sends an electronic signal to the pressure sensor 194 that lowers the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. Can be. The controller 400 may determine that the average respiratory rate is between 10 breaths per minute and 15 breaths per minute so that the current inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold does not have to be changed. If the average respiratory rate is less than 5 breaths per minute, controller 400 may issue an alarm. If the inspiratory-breathing pressure threshold is lowered relative to the current inspiratory-breathing pressure threshold and the inspiratory-breathing pressure is not detected for a period of time (eg, 75 seconds), the controller 400 may issue an alarm.
In another embodiment, changes in the inspiratory pressure threshold can be adjusted by examining changes in respiratory rate over a predetermined period of time. For example, changes in respiratory rate can be monitored by creating contiguous groups of three or four or more breaths. The respiratory rate is determined for each of the groups of three or four or more consecutive breaths (eg, by calculating the respiratory rate based on the average time of each breath in the group). Compare the respiratory rate of each group with the next group to determine how the respiratory rate is changing. The controller may raise the inspiratory pressure threshold if the respiratory rate is increased over three or four or more consecutive groups (eg, increased respiratory rate in at least two of the groups). The controller may lower the inspiratory pressure threshold if the respiratory rate is reduced over three or more consecutive groups (eg, at least two of the groups are reduced).
In one specific example, the interval between each of the 17 consecutive breaths is measured. The breath is then divided into four groups, with each group having an inspiratory time for four consecutive breaths. Then, the group becomes as follows, and the numbers in parentheses indicate the breathing interval. 1 (5.8 seconds) 2 (5.0 seconds) 3 (4.2 seconds) 4 BPM = 12 (4.0 seconds) 5 (3.5 seconds) 6 (3.5 seconds) 7 (3.0 seconds) 8 BPM = 17 (3.0 seconds) 9 (3.4 seconds) 10 (3.6 seconds) 11 (3.5 seconds) 12 BPM = 18 (2.6 seconds) 13 (2.6 seconds) 14 (2.4 seconds) 15 (2.0 seconds) 16 BPM = 25 (2.7 seconds) 17 The last interval (the time between breaths 16 and 17) is not used to determine respiratory rate. In the above example, the first group (breathing 1-4) exhibits a respiratory rate of 12 BPM. The second group shows a respiratory rate of 17 BPM, which indicates that the subject's respiratory rate is increasing. Instead of changing the inspiratory pressure threshold, the controller goes into "watch" mode. In "view" mode, it warns the controller that the inspiratory pressure threshold may need to be changed. As a result, the controller looks in the third group. The third group exhibits a respiratory rate of 18 BPM. If the respiratory rate is within ± 2 of the preceding respiratory rate, it is not considered to have changed. The controller remains in view mode because the respiratory rate has not changed from the second group to the third group (as defined above). The controller then examines the changes between the third and fourth groups. The fourth group exhibits a respiratory rate of 25 BPM. Since the controller has now confirmed a second increase in the four measured groups, the controller raises the inspiratory-respiratory pressure threshold. The controller continues to acquire additional groups (in this example, a group of four consecutive breaths, excluding the last breath taken) to assess whether the inspiratory pressure threshold should be adjusted.
In some embodiments, the last group is ignored rather than the last breath. For example, in the above example, the controller bases the decision to change the inspiratory pressure threshold based on the first three groups and ignoring the last (fourth) group. Under these circumstances, the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold does not change until an additional group is acquired and it is determined whether the increase in respiratory rate continues.
In an alternative embodiment, the controller bases the decision on the actual BPM rather than the change in BPM. For example, if the BPM changes to less than 10 breaths per minute within the group, the controller may be in view mode. If the BPM remains below 10 BPM in one of the following two groups, the controller may send an electronic signal to the pressure sensor that lowers the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. If the BPM is between 10 breaths per minute and 15 breaths per minute, do not change the inspiratory pressure threshold. If the BPM changes to over 15 breaths per minute within the group, the controller may be in view mode. If the BPM remains above 15 BPM in one of the following two groups, the controller may send an electronic signal to the pressure sensor that raises the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. In this embodiment, as described above, the last detected breath or the last measured group can be ignored in determining if the inspiratory pressure threshold changes.
In some embodiments, it is not necessary to calculate the respiratory rate, but instead, the respiratory interval may be used in the decision-making process. A flow diagram of the process of adjusting the inspiratory pressure threshold is shown in FIG. During use, the interval between at least 3 consecutive breaths is measured. For example, if the interval between the 4th and 5th breaths is measured, the controller determines if the inspiratory pressure threshold needs to be changed. The mean breathing interval is determined using the breathing 1 and breathing 2, breathing 2 and breathing 3, and breathing 3 and breathing 4 intervals. The breath 4 and breath 5 intervals are not used to determine the mean breath interval. Then, the average breathing interval of breaths 1 to 4 is compared with the default value. In one embodiment, the subject is considered active if the average breathing interval is less than 4 seconds. It should be understood that other intervals can be used. Thus, the process involves comparing the subject's average breathing interval with a defined active state interval. If the subject's average breathing interval is less than the active interval, the controller sets the inspiratory pressure threshold to a high pressure.
If the subject's average breathing interval exceeds the active interval, the controller compares the inspiratory pressure threshold with the inactive interval. In one embodiment, the subject is considered inactive if the average breathing interval exceeds 6 seconds. It should be understood that other intervals can be used. If the subject's average breathing interval exceeds 6 seconds, the controller sets the inspiratory pressure threshold to a low pressure. If the subject's average breathing interval is between 4 and 6 seconds, the controller does not change the inspiratory pressure threshold.
As shown in FIG. 10, when respiration 6 is acquired, the process repeats, where the average is based on the interval between respiration 2 and respiration 5. Once the mean breathing interval between breaths 2-5 is determined, should the inspiratory pressure threshold be changed using the same process as described above, and if so, should it be set to a higher pressure (activity)? Determine if low pressure (inactive) should be set. This process can continue as long as oxygen is supplied to the user.
In some embodiments, the controller 400 may send a signal to the pressure sensor 194 to adjust the threshold inspiratory respiratory pressure based on the rate of change in absolute pressure over a period of time monitored over at least three breaths. In some embodiments, the change in absolute pressure for each interval of four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen or twenty consecutive breaths is measured. Use to determine the rate of change of absolute pressure over time. The controller 400 can determine the rate of change of absolute pressure over time based on a respiratory period and store the information in a non-temporary medium. Based on the determined rate of change of absolute pressure over time, the controller 400 may send an electronic signal to the respiratory pressure sensor 194 that adjusts the inspiratory pressure threshold. If the rate of change is negative and evaluates to less than or equal to -0.5, the controller 400 may send an electronic signal to the respiratory pressure sensor 194 that lowers the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. For example, if the rate of change evaluates from about -1.5 to about -0.5 (ie, less than or equal to -0.5), the controller 400 lowers the inspiratory pressure threshold to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. A signal may be sent to the respiratory pressure sensor 194. If the rate of change evaluates to be slightly positive or slightly negative (ie, -0.5 to 0.5), the controller 400 produces an electronic signal that keeps the inspiratory pressure threshold the same as the current inspiratory pressure threshold. Can be sent to. If the rate of change is positive and, for example, greater than or equal to +0.5, the controller 400 may send an electronic signal to the respiratory pressure sensor 194 that raises the inspiratory pressure threshold relative to the current inspiratory pressure threshold. ..
In some embodiments, the controller 400 may operate the oxygen concentrator based on changes in the inspiratory pressure threshold. The frequency and / or duration of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user relative to the current frequency and / or duration can be adjusted based on changes in the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold. The controller 400 may switch the oxygen concentrator to rest mode if it determines that the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold has been lowered. Controller 400 may switch the oxygen concentrator to active mode when the inspiratory respiratory pressure threshold is raised.
In some embodiments, the bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas supplied may include two or more pulses, as shown in FIG. For example, at a delivery rate of 1 liter (LPM) per minute, the bolus dose may include two pulses, a first pulse 556 of about 7 cubic centimeters and a second pulse 558 of about 3 cubic centimeters. Other delivery volumes, pulse sizes, and pulse numbers are also contemplated. For example, in 2LPM the first pulse can be about 14 cubic centimeters, the second pulse can be about 6 cubic centimeters, in 3LPM the first pulse can be about 21 cubic centimeters, the second The pulse can be about 9 cubic centimeters. In some embodiments, a larger pulse 556 may be provided when the start of inspiration is detected (eg, detected by the pressure sensor 194). In some embodiments, the pulse can be delivered when the onset of inspiration is detected and / or can be evenly distributed over time throughout the breath. In some embodiments, the pulse can be stepped throughout the duration of breathing. In some embodiments, the pulses can be dispersed in various patterns. Additional pulses can also be used (eg, 3 pulses, 4 pulses, 5 pulses per breath). The first pulse 556 is shown as about twice the second pulse 558, but in some embodiments the second pulse 558 may be larger than the first pulse 556. In some embodiments, the size and length of the pulse can be controlled, for example, by the supply valve 160, which can be opened and closed in a timed sequence to provide the pulse. A bolus dose with multiple pulses can have less impact on the user than a bolus dose with a single pulse. Multiple pulses can also reduce the dryness of the user's nasal passages and oxygen desaturation of the blood. Multiple pulses can also reduce the amount of oxygen discarded.
In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the oxygen concentrator 100 can be selectively attenuated to reduce false inspiratory detection due to movement of air from different sources (eg, movement of ambient air). For example, the oxygen concentrator 100 may have two selectable modes: active mode and inactive mode. In some embodiments, the user may manually select the mode (eg, through a switch or user interface). In some embodiments, the mode may be automatically selected by the oxygen concentrator 100 based on the detected respiratory rate. For example, the oxygen concentrator 100 may use a pressure sensor 194 to detect the user's respiratory rate. If the respiratory rate exceeds the threshold, the oxygen concentrator 100 can be operated in active mode (otherwise, the oxygen concentrator can be operated in inactive mode). Other modes and thresholds are also contemplated.
In some embodiments, in active mode, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 194 can be attenuated mechanically, electronically, or programmatically. For example, during active mode, the controller 400 may look for a larger pressure difference that indicates the start of the user's breathing (eg, a higher threshold releases oxygen in the bolus dose compared to the detected pressure difference). It can be determined whether it should be issued). In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 194 can be mechanically modified to reduce its sensitivity to pressure differences. In some embodiments, the electronic signal from the pressure sensor can be electronically modified to ignore small pressure differences. This can be useful when in active mode. In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor may be increased during the inactive mode. For example, the controller 400 may look for a smaller pressure difference that indicates the start of the user's breathing (eg, a smaller threshold is compared to the detected pressure difference to determine if a bolus dose of oxygen should be released. Can be). In some embodiments, the response time for supplying a bolus dose of oxygen may be reduced during the user's inspiration with increased sensitivity. High sensitivity and low response time can reduce the bolus dose required for a given flow equivalent. Small bolus doses can also reduce the size and power consumption of the oxygen concentrator 100.
Bolus dose supply based on inspiratory profile In certain embodiments, the bolus dose profile may be designed to match the profile of a particular user. To do so, an intake profile can be generated based on the information gathered from the pressure sensor 194 and the flow sensor 185. The inspiratory profile can be evaluated based on one or more of the following parameters: the user's respiratory rate, the user's inspiratory volume, the user's expiratory volume, the user's inspiratory flow rate, and the user's expiratory flow rate. .. The user's respiratory rate can be evaluated by detecting the onset of inspiration using a pressure sensor 194 or a flow rate sensor 185, as described above. The inspiratory volume can be evaluated by measuring the pressure change during inspiration, calculating the inspiratory volume based on the pressure change, and empirically evaluating it. Alternatively, the inspiratory volume can be evaluated by measuring the inspiratory flow rate and calculating or empirically evaluating the inspiratory volume based on the inspiratory flow rate and length. Expiratory volume can be similarly assessed using either positive pressure changes during exhalation, or flow rate and expiratory time. The user's inspiratory flow rate is measured immediately after the start of inspiration. Detection of the end of intake can be based on a pressure sensor or flow rate sensor. If the start of inspiration is detected by a pressure sensor, the start is characterized by a pressure drop. When the pressure begins to rise, the inspiration is considered complete. If the start of inspiration is detected by the flow sensor, the start is characterized by an increase in flow. When the flow rate begins to decrease, the inspiration is considered complete.
There is a minimum amount of oxygen that humans need to stay conscious. People who breathe fast take in a small amount of air with each breath, and therefore require less oxygen-enriched gas for each inspiration. Although there are some differences from patient to patient, this relationship can be used to mathematically establish the mean flow rate per breath. By taking measurements of a large number of patients, a profile of relative flow rates from the onset of inspiration to the onset of exhalation can be established. Using this flow profile as a template, the actual flow rate calculated based on the respiratory rate can be mathematically adjusted to the calculated actual flow rate profile. This profile can be used to coordinate the opening and closing of delivery valves to create an ideal profile for a patient based on the patient's respiratory rate. Inspiratory profile data collected from a population of users can be used to generate algorithms that make appropriate adjustments based on the detected inspiratory profile. Alternatively, a look-up table can be used to control valve activation duration and pulse volume based on the detected inspiratory profile.
Measurement of the patient's inspiratory profile provides a more accurate measure for controlling the bolus dose of oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the patient. For example, delivering an oxygen-enriched gas based on the initiation of inspiration may not take into account differences between individual users. For example, people with similar respiratory rates may have different inspiratory / expiratory volumes and inspiratory / expiratory flow rates, which may result in different bolus dose requirements to produce the prescribed amount of oxygen. In one embodiment, the inspiratory profile is generated based on the flow rate of air during inspiration and the duration of inspiration. As a result, the inspiratory profile can be used to predict the amount of air inhaled by a particular user during inspiration. In this way, the inspiratory profile information can be used to modify the amount of oxygen-enriched air supplied to the user to ensure that a prescribed level of oxygen is received. The amount of oxygen supplied to the user can be adjusted by modifying the frequency and / or duration of oxygen-enriched gas release from the accumulator with the supply valve 160. By tracing the patient's inspiratory profile, the controller adjusts the operation of the delivery supply valve to ideally profile the bolus dose to provide maximum oxygen without causing unnecessary regurgitation. And.
Specific U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other literature (eg, articles) are incorporated by reference in this patent application. Provided, however, that the text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other literature is limited to the extent that there is no conflict between such text and the other statements and drawings described herein. Incorporated by reference. In the event of such inconsistency, any such inconsistent text in US patents, US patent applications, and other literature incorporated by such reference will not be incorporated by reference in this patent application in particular.
Reading this description will reveal to those skilled in the art further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention. Therefore, this description should be construed as an example only and is intended to teach those skilled in the art general techniques for carrying out the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein should be construed as embodiments. Elements and materials may be replaced, parts and processes may be replaced with respect to those illustrated and described herein, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from this description of the invention. Specific features of the present invention may be utilized independently. Modifications may be made to the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below.
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| JP2023138851A | Japan | A | |
| EP4249104A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| US2024024610A1 | United States of America | A1 |
15 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation because of no payment of annual feesLAPS | LAPS | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Decision of grant or rejection writtenTRDD | TRDD | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Report on retrievalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007A977 | A977 | |
| Written request for application examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621A621 | A621 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 6321663
- Publication, DOCDB
- 6321663
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP6321663B
- Application
- 2015536979
- Application, DOCDB
- 2015536979
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20150536979
Titles2
- Japanese
- 酸素富化ガス送達のための方法およびシステム
- English
- Methods and systems for oxygen-enriched gas delivery
Classification
- CPC, 26
- A61M16/101
- A61M2016/0039
- A61M2202/0208
- A61M2205/581
- A61M2205/583
- B01D53/047
- B01D2256/12
- B01D2257/102
- B01D2259/4533
- A61M16/1055
- A61M16/107
- A61M16/024
- A61M16/0063
- A61M16/0051
- A61M16/0666
- A61M16/12
- A61M16/208
- A61B5/0816
- A61B5/082
- A61B5/4839
- A61M16/202
- A61M16/0816
- A61M2016/0027
- A61M2016/1025
- A61M2205/3331
- A61M2230/42
- IPC, 2
- A61M16 10
- A61M16 00
