초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for conserving oxygen provided for oxygen therapy. The oxygen conserving delivery system includes a sensor for detecting inspiration efforts, and a microcontroller which is triggered by the sensor to open a valve to allow the flow of oxygen to the patient. The system includes

A method and apparatus for conserving oxygen provided for oxygen therapy. The oxygen conserving delivery system includes a sensor for detecting inspiration efforts, and a microcontroller which is triggered by the sensor to open a valve to allow the flow of oxygen to the patient. The system includes a cross-field excitation/detection inspiration sensor using an adaptive full-wave signal detector/tracer. The system also includes a method for conserving energy by a unique combination of start and sustain drive lines coupled to the valve control. The system is able to compensate for variations in battery condition, inlet gas pressures, variations in valve tolerances, and the absence of gas pressure in a fault condition. Finally, a self-adaptive inspiration depth tracking ability ensures constant oxygen delivery volume even when there are variations in inspiration depths rather than changes in respiration rates. This ability enables the system to provide oxygen at a depth and a rate which is a best fit for a patient's oxygen needs when at rest or at work.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An oxygen conserving delivery system operative to regulate a flow of oxygen during an inspiration event of a respiratory cycle, and comprising:a valve assembly including a valve for receiving oxygen, and having an output port;an inspiration sensor assembly coupled at a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An oxygen conserving delivery system operative to regulate a flow of oxygen during an inspiration event of a respiratory cycle, and comprising:a valve assembly including a valve for receiving oxygen, and having an output port;an inspiration sensor assembly coupled at a first port to the output port of the valve assembly, having a second port;a signal generator for generating a signal on a sensor output line of the inspiration sensor assembly when an inspiration event is detected by the inspiration sensor assembly;a single respiration tube coupled to the second port of the inspiration sensor assembly;a microcontroller for regulating operation of the oxygen conserving delivery system, wherein the microcontroller is coupled to the valve assembly via a start drive line which when actuated provides sufficient power to the valve assembly to initially open the valve, and coupled to the valve assembly via a sustain drive line which when actuated provides less power to the valve assembly suffering only to maintain the valve in an open position, and wherein the microcontroller receives input from the sensor output line when the inspiration event is detected;a power source for providing power to the oxygen conserving delivery system; anda means for regulating a respiration rate of oxygen supplied by the oxygen conserving delivery system between no delivery of oxygen and a maximum delivery rate of oxygen.