Fluidic volume-cycled respirator

USH1282H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• James Joyce · Olathe, US
• George Mon · Ladera Ranch, US

Key dates

• Grant date: Feb 1, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A fluidic, volume-cycled respirator circuit comprising a fluidic flowmeter, a tidal volume selection controller and an inlet valve. The flowmeter is connected to the controller through a transmitting means which transmits gas flow frequency signals. Said controller is then connected to the inlet valve, which is connected back to the flowmeter; hence, the respirator circuit is complete. The tidal volume selection controller may operate by either fluidics, electronics, or the combination of the two. The flowmeter facilitates supply of air to the patient. The amount of air supplied is controlled by the tidal volume selection controller which senses inspiration and gas flow frequency. The controller is equipped with a timer back-up system in the event that either the system or the patient fail to respond. The valve is operated at the direction of the tidal volume selection controller. The valve is open during the inspiratory phase and closed during the exhalation phase. The respirator herein overcomes the use of burdensome piston-bellows assemblies, has few moving parts and is relatively small in size. The use of piston-bellows assemblies is avoided by the use of a fluidic oscillator f…