Demand oxygen controller and respiratory monitor
US4823788A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2016/0039
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for controlling the flow of any breathing gas such as oxygen through a cannula or "mask" to a person (patient, aviator, baby, miner, or diver) can be limited to the portion of the breathing cycle when the person breathes inward. This has the effect of reducing the consumption of breathing gas to at least half and possibly less. The result of this reduction of consumption is an extended life of the gas supply and a reduction of the cost per unit time. A bidirectional dynamic mass flow sensor senses the rate of flow of a gas through it and yields an output voltage proportional to mass flow and direction of gas movement. The measured dynamic flow signal is applied to a system controller which operates a flow controller. The system controller provides for indications of operation such as system failure and apnea, rate of flow, duration of flow, and total consumption; in addition, controls are provided to set the duration of gas flow in each breathing cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.