JP6887442B2 - Detection of nasal cannula burning - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for detecting burning of a nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to a user.

In the field of providing supplemental oxygen gas to patients at home, the risk of nasal cannula has been found to cause ignition and possible damage to the patient and / or damage to the patient's surroundings. Patients often refuse to quit smoking while receiving oxygen therapy, even if patient training and warning labels are used to warn against the danger of fire. In addition, many patients connect a 15 to 30 meter (50 to 100 feet) connector cannula to their oxygen concentrator to allow them to roam their homes freely, and patients , The connector cannula is not necessarily aware of the danger of fire, such as an electric heater, fireplace or other heat source in the patient's home.

For example, there is a solution called a valve that is inserted in series with the nasal cannula (eg BPR Medical Lid. (Http://www.bprmedical.com/)). When the fire from the ignited cannula reaches this valve, the valve shuts off the flow of oxygen gas. This valve helps reduce the risk of the cannula continuing to burn, but damage has already occurred by the time the fire reaches the valve. Moreover, this valve does not consider the most common reasons for a cannula fire, which allows the patient to smoke and the cigarette to come into contact with the nasal area of the cannula. The burning cannula is burning all the way from the end of the cannula's nasal cavity to the valve, which is up to 4 feet or more, before stopping the flow of oxygen. The valve also does not prevent the electric heater from igniting the connector cannula somewhere between the oxygen source and the valve, which is 15 meters (50 feet) or more away from the patient.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an assembly for use on a nasal cannula is shown. The assembly has, for example, a flexible tube configured to transmit oxygen gas to the user, and is further coupled to, for example, the flexible tube, for example, during transmission of oxygen gas to the user, combustion of the flexible tube It has an optical fiber configured to carry light having a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of the light produced by. The optical fiber is covered or coated with a material that is substantially impermeable to light (opark) to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is broken. In an embodiment of such an assembly, the optical fiber includes a side end, which is substantially impervious to light to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. Covered or covered with material. In yet another embodiment of such an assembly, the optical fiber comprises side ends, which are on top of which to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. Has a cap member. In yet another embodiment of such an assembly, the optical fiber extends longitudinally alongside the flexible tube and is secured to the flexible tube in a manner that prevents relative movement between them.

According to an embodiment of the invention, for example, a flexible tube configured to transmit oxygen gas to the user, the light generated by the burning of the nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to the user, eg, coupled to the nasal cannula. Operable with a nasal cannula having an assembly as shown in the first aspect of the invention, the optical fiber having an optical fiber configured to carry light having a frequency spectrum range including at least a frequency spectrum. A system comprising a detector and a valve that are coupled in such a manner and configured to detect light transmitted through the optical fiber is shown. The valve is configured to operate to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas through, for example, the user via the nasal cannula in response to a signal from the detector.

The optical fiber according to the present invention is covered or coated with a material that is substantially impermeable to light in order to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. That is, the optical fiber is practically covered or coated with a light-tight material to shield the optical fiber from the usual ambient light surrounding the optical fiber. The substantially light-tight material covering the optical fiber is configured to prevent light from entering the optical fiber under normal conditions. During burning of the nasal cannula and / or somewhere along the fiber optic, the light from the burning of this nasal cannula immediately enters the fiber optic. The light from the burning of the nasal cannula is then transmitted via fiber optics and immediately detected by the detector. This allows the flow of oxygen to be stopped and allows the burning of the nasal cannula to be extinguished before further damage or damage occurs. Therefore, the sensitivity of the system to detect any combustion of the nasal cannula is increased.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there will be a method of detecting burning of a nasal cannula, for example during transmission of oxygen gas to a user. This method comprises, for example, providing a nasal cannula with a flexible tube configured to transmit oxygen gas to the user, coupled to said nasal cannula and burning the nasal cannula, for example during transmission of oxygen gas to the user. A step of providing an optical fiber configured to transmit light having a frequency spectrum range including at least the frequency spectrum of the light generated by the device, the optical fiber using a detector coupled operably to the optical fiber. It comprises detecting the light transmitted through and operating the valve to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas, eg, to the user, through the nasal cannula in response to a signal from the detector.

Yet another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present patent application is, for example, a means of transmitting oxygen gas to a user, said oxygen gas having a flexible tube configured to transmit oxygen gas to, for example, the user. A means for transmitting the oxygen gas, for example, a means for transmitting light having a frequency spectrum range including at least the frequency spectrum of the light generated by the combustion of the means for transmitting the oxygen gas during transmission of the oxygen gas to the user. A means for transmitting the light coupled to the means for transmitting, a means for detecting the light transmitted through the means for transmitting the light, and detecting the light coupled to the means for transmitting the light so as to be operable. It is to provide a system having means for interrupting transmission of oxygen gas through means for transmitting oxygen gas in response to a signal from the means and means for detecting the light.

German Utility Registration Application No. DE202012009706U1 discloses a system with a nasal cannula, which is coupled with a flexible tube configured to carry oxygen gas, and said flexible tube during the transmission of oxygen gas. The cable has an optical fiber configured to carry light having a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of the light produced by burning the flexible tube. The system is further operably coupled to the optical fiber and configured to detect light transmitted through the optical fiber, and a nasal cannula in response to a signal from the detector. It has a valve configured to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas through.

These and other objectives, features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the manner and function of operation and function of the relevant elements of the component, as well as the combination of manufactured parts and manufacturing economy, are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It becomes clearer in consideration of the description and the accompanying claims, all of which form the present specification. In various drawings, similar reference numbers indicate corresponding parts. However, it should be clearly understood that these drawings are for illustration and illustration purposes only and are not intended to define the boundaries of the invention. As used in the specification and claims, it also includes the existence of a plurality of them, even if they are not stated, unless they are explicitly stated in other meanings in the context.

A system that detects burning of a nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to a user, according to an embodiment of this patent application. Shown is a nasal cannula with flexible tubes, nasal prongs and fiber optics that are coupled to the nasal cannula according to the examples of this patent application. Shown is a configuration in which an optical fiber is coupled to a nasal cannula according to an example of this patent application. Shown is a configuration in which an optical fiber is coupled to a nasal cannula according to an example of this patent application. Shown is a configuration in which an optical fiber is coupled to a nasal cannula according to an example of this patent application. Graph the measurement of the optical spectrum during combustion of the nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to the user, according to an embodiment of this patent application. Graph the measurement of the optical spectrum during combustion of the nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to the user, according to an embodiment of this patent application. Graph the measurement of the color triangle during burning of the nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to the user, according to an embodiment of this patent application. A flowchart illustrating a method of detecting burning of a nasal cannula during transmission of oxygen gas to a user, according to an embodiment of this patent application.

Unless explicitly stated in the context, the specification includes the existence of a plurality of them even if they are not stated to be a plurality. In the specification, the statement that two or more parts or components are "combined" means that these parts are directly or indirectly, that is, one or more intermediate parts or components, as long as they are interlocked. It means that they are joined or work together by either of them. In the specification, "directly combined" means that the two elements are in direct contact with each other. In the specification, "fixed and joined" or "fixed" means that the two components are joined so as to move as one while maintaining a certain direction with respect to each other. doing.

In the specification, the term "unitary" means that a component is made as a single piece or a single unit. That is, a component that contains parts that are made separately and then connected as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body. In the specification, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" with each other means that these parts are directed toward each other or indirectly through one or more intermediate parts or components. It means that it exerts more force on either of them. In the specification, "number" means one or more integers (ie, plural).

In the specification, examples and non-limiting representations of directions are top, bottom, left, right, top, bottom, front, back and their derivatives are particularly clear as they relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings. Does not limit claims unless you tell us.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 that detects combustion of nasal cannula 12 during transmission of oxygen gas to user U. In one embodiment, the system 10 has a nasal with a flexible tube 14 configured to carry oxygen gas to user U and an optical fiber 16 coupled to and through the nasal cannula 12 to transmit light. It comprises a cannula 12, a detector 18 operably coupled to the optical fiber 16 and configured to detect light transmitted through the optical fiber 16, and a valve 20. The light transmitted through the optical fiber 16 has a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of the light produced by the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 during the transmission of oxygen gas to the user U. The valve 20 is configured to operate to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas to the user U via the nasal cannula 12 in response to a signal from the detector 18. In certain embodiments, both the flexible tube 14 and the optical fiber 16 may be referred to as an assembly 22 for use on the nasal cannula 12.

In certain embodiments, the nasal cannula 12 is generally attached to the user U around the user's ears or by an elastic headband. In one embodiment, the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 is configured to transmit oxygen gas to user U. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, one end 502 (split into one or more nozzles) of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 is placed in the nostril of user U. In certain embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the end 502 of the nasal cannula may include one or more nasal prongs 504. In certain embodiments, the optical fiber 16 may be coupled to the nasal prong 504 of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, as will be apparent from the discussion below, the optical fiber 16 coupled to the nasal prong 504 of the nasal cannula 12 will substantially prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. It may be coated with a material that does not allow light to pass through. In one embodiment, the side end of the fiber optic 16 coupled to the nasal prong 504 of the nasal cannula 12 is capped on the end to prevent light from entering the fiber optic 16 unless it is damaged. Has a member or fiber optic connector. In another embodiment, the side ends of the optical fiber 16 coupled to the nasal prong 504 of the nasal cannula 12 are placed on the optical fiber to prevent light from entering the optical fiber 16 unless it is damaged. Has a material that is substantially impermeable to light.

In certain embodiments, the flexible tube 14 and the optical fiber 16 may be provided separately (by themselves) to the user U or the physician. In certain embodiments, the user U or physician can choose a nasal prong for connecting to the flexible tube 14 and / or the optical fiber 16. For example, in one embodiment, the patent application is for use on a nasal cannula 12 and includes an assembly 22 with a flexible tube 14 and an optical fiber 16. In certain embodiments, the assembly 22 may be supplied as a custom tube assembly that is sold separately to a user who wants to use his nasal prong 504.

In one embodiment, the other end 506 of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 is connected to the oxygen gas source / feeder 24. In one embodiment, the oxygen gas source / feeder 24 is a portable oxygen concentrator used to administer oxygen therapy (ie, ancillary oxygen gas) to User U at an oxygen concentration well above the level of ambient air. It may be a vessel or a portable oxygen generator.

In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a cannula barb 34 configured and arranged to connect to a nasal cannula 12 for transmitting oxygen gas to user U. In one embodiment, the cannula lever 34 includes a connector section configured and arranged to be connected to a nasal cannula 12 that transmits or delivers oxygen gas to user U. In one embodiment, the cannula lever 34 comprises a concentrator section configured and arranged to be connected to an oxygen concentrator. In one embodiment, a passage is provided in the cannula lever 34 to allow oxygen to flow through it.

In one embodiment, the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 is made from a plastic material. In one embodiment, the material for nasal cannula 12 is selected to produce a unique spectrum of light during burning of nasal cannula 12. In certain embodiments, the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 may generally be a lightweight tube with a flexible configuration. In one embodiment, the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 has an inner diameter ID of 4 mm and an outer diameter of 5.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the inner diameter ID of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 3.2 to 4.8 mm. In one embodiment, the inner diameter ID of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 3.6 to 4.4 millimeters. In one embodiment, the inner diameter ID of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 3.8 to 4.6 millimeters.

In one embodiment, the outer diameter OD of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 4 to 6 millimeters. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OD of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 millimeters. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OD of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 ranges from 4.75 to 5.25 mm.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1A, the nasal cannula 12 includes a patient cannula 12b and a connector cannula 12c configured to connect the patient cannula 12b to an oxygen gas source / feeder 24.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16b is coupled to the patient cannula 12b. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16b extends longitudinally alongside the patient cannula 12b and is secured to the patient cannula 12b in a manner that prevents relative movement between them.

In one embodiment, the connector cannula 12c is configured and arranged to allow the user U to roam freely in his or her home. In one embodiment, the connector cannula 12c is typically 50 to 100 feet long. In one embodiment, the connector cannula 12c includes standard connectors 500c and 500d at both ends. In one embodiment, the connector 500d of the connector cannula 12c is configured and arranged to connect to the oxygen gas source / feeder 24 either directly or indirectly via another connector. In one embodiment, the connector 500b of the connector cannula 12c is configured and arranged to connect to the connector 500a of the patient cannula 12b either directly or indirectly via another connector 500c.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16c is coupled to connect to the connector cannula 12c. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16c extends longitudinally alongside the connector cannula 12c and is secured to the connector cannula 12c in a manner that prevents relative movement between them.

In one embodiment, the patient cannula 12b is generally 6 or 7 feet long. In certain embodiments, the lengths of the patient cannula 12b and the connector cannula 12c may vary.

In one embodiment, the system 10 includes optical fibers 16b and 16c. In one embodiment, the connector 500c not only pneumatically connects the connector cannula 12c and the patient cannula 12b, but also optically connects the optical fibers 16c and 16b associated with the connector cannula 12c and the patient cannula 12b. , Connector 500c may be configured and arranged.

In another embodiment, the system 10 extends longitudinally alongside both the connector cannula 12c and the patient cannula 12b, and both the connector cannula 12c and the patient cannula 12b in a manner that prevents relative movement between them. Includes only one optical fiber 16 fixed to.

In one embodiment, the system 10 includes an optical fiber 504a coupled to the nasal prong 504. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 504a coupled to the nasal prong 504 is configured to be optically connected to the optical fiber 16b associated with the patient cannula 12b. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 504a coupled to the nasal prong 504 is configured to be optically connected to a single optical fiber 16 associated with both the connector cannula 12c and the patient cannula 12b. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 504a extends longitudinally alongside the nasal prong 504 and is secured to the nasal prong 504 in a manner that prevents relative movement between them.

Optically connecting optical fibers and interfacing procedures for transmitting optical signals between optical fibers are generally known in the art of optical data transmission and will not be described further here. ..

In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is coupled to a portion of the patient cannula 12b of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is coupled to a portion of the connector cannula 12c of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is coupled to a portion of both the patient cannula 12b and the connector cannula 12c of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, a low cost plastic fiber optic is extruded along the connector cannula and the fiber optic stays within the area of the patient cannula, as well as providing a connection between the fiber optic 16 and the detector 18. Thereby, a cannula fire is detected anywhere along the nasal cannula 12. That is, in one embodiment, the use of optical fiber 16 is configured to allow detection of fire along the overall length of the nasal cannula 12.

In one embodiment, the fiber optic 16 has a small diameter and / or a small surface area so that the fiber optic 16 is configured to burn as quickly as the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is made of glass material. In another embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is made from a material that burns easily during burning of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is a low cost plastic optical fiber that is extruded as part of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 made of the glass material is outside the optical fiber 16 made of the plastic material so that the optical fiber of the glass material is configured to burn as quickly as the optical fiber of the plastic material. It has an outer diameter OOD smaller than the diameter OOD.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 has an outer diameter OOD of 1 millimeter. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OOD of the optical fiber 16 ranges from approximately 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OOD of the optical fiber 16 ranges from approximately 0.9 to 1.1 millimeters. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OOD of the optical fiber 16 ranges from approximately 0.95 to 1.05 millimeters.

In certain embodiments, the fiber optics 16 are sufficiently small (ie, having a small diameter) and / or sufficiently flammable (ie, flammable material) to burn at or faster than the tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12. Made from) and arranged.

In one embodiment, the fiber optics 16 are configured and arranged to carry the light from the burning of the nasal cannula 12 (ie, the cannula fire), even if it is burning itself. In one embodiment, the light from burning the nasal cannula 12 (ie, the cannula fire) is still detectable from the fiber optic 16 that is also burning itself.

The optical fiber 16 is covered with a material that is substantially impermeable to light to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. That is, the optical fiber 16 is covered with a material that is substantially impermeable to light in order to shield the optical fiber 16 from the normal ambient light around the optical fiber 16.

The substantially light-tight material that covers the optical fiber 16 is usually configured to prevent light from entering the optical fiber 16. During combustion of the nasal cannula 12 anywhere along the nasal cannula 12 and / or the optical fiber 16, the light from the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 enters the optical fiber 16. The light from the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 is transmitted via the optical fiber 16 and immediately detected by the detector 18, which allows the oxygen flow to be stopped and the nasal cannula 12 before further damage or damage occurs. Allows you to extinguish the burning of.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 includes side ends 36 and 38. In one embodiment, the side ends 36 and 38 of the optical fiber 16 are covered or coated with a material that is substantially impermeable to light to prevent light from entering the optical fiber 16 unless it is damaged. To. In one embodiment, the side ends 36 and 38 of the optical fiber 16 have cap members 40, 42 on these ends to prevent light from entering the optical fiber 16 unless it is damaged. In one embodiment, the cap members 40, 42 are referred to as optical fiber connectors configured to shield the optical fiber 16 from ambient light. In certain embodiments, the cap members 40, 42 may be fiber connectors supplied by 3M.

In certain embodiments, the optical fibers 16 are secured and attached to the nasal cannula 12 in a manner that prevents relative movement between them. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 extends longitudinally alongside the flexible tube 14 and is secured to the flexible tube 15 in a manner that prevents relative movement between them. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the optical fiber 16 is configured and arranged to be extruded along the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12 and / or the nasal cannula 12.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical fiber 16 is configured and arranged to be attached to either the inner wall 30 or the outer wall 32 of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber 16 is configured and arranged to be attached to the outer wall 32 of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber 16 is configured and arranged to be attached to the inner wall 30 of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12. In certain embodiments, it is configured to be attached to either the inner wall 30 or the inner wall 32 of the flexible tube 14 of the nasal cannula 12, using, for example, a thermal welding procedure or any other attachment procedure as understood by those skilled in the art. And distributed.

In certain embodiments, the optical fiber 16 loops with or around the nasal cannula 12 and returns to the oxygen concentrator 24, where the light source and photodetector 18 are placed on or in the oxygen concentrator 24. Enables.

In one embodiment, the detector 18 is positioned at the proximal end of the optical fiber 16. In certain embodiments, the detector 18 is a photodetector, photosensor, ambient light sensor or any other optical fiber sensor detector (eg, sensitive to visible, infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light). is there. In one embodiment, the detector 18 is an OPT 101 monolithic photodiode and single supply transimpedance amplifier supplied by Texas Instruments.

In certain embodiments, the detector 18 includes a photodiode, photoresistor, photocell or phototransistor. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the detector 18 (eg, current, voltage or resistance) vary depending on the amount of light hitting the detector. In one embodiment, the detector 18 is configured to output an analog signal proportional to the amount of light detected. Connection procedures for transmitting an optical signal between a detector and an optical fiber are generally known in the art of optical data transmission.

In one embodiment, the detector 18 is incorporated within the oxygen gas source / supply device 24. In one embodiment, the detector 18 is part of an external detector. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes one or more detectors 18, each configured to be sensitive to different wavelengths.

In one embodiment, the detector 18 is controlledly coupled to the controller 40. In one embodiment, the transmission between the controller and the detector 18 is done wirelessly or by wire. In one embodiment, controller 40 detects the occurrence of combustion on the nasal cannula 12 based on the analysis of the detected light during transmission of oxygen gas to user U and is based on the occurrence of the detected combustion. , A signal is configured to be sent to the valve 20 to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas to the user U via the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to perform a spectral analysis of the detected light.

In one embodiment, the controller 40 is configured to provide information processing capability to the system 10. As such, the controller 40 includes digital processors, analog processors, digital circuits designed to process information, analog circuits designed to process information, state machines and / or information. Includes one or more of the other mechanisms for electronic processing. Even if the controller 40 is shown as a single body in FIG. 1, this is for illustration purposes only. In one embodiment, the controller 40 includes a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically placed in the same device, or may exhibit a processing function consisting of a plurality of devices in which the controller 40 works in cooperation with each other. In one embodiment, the controller 40 is one by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware and / or firmware; and / or other mechanisms for configuring processing power in the controller 40. It is configured to execute the above computer program module.

In one embodiment, the valve 20 is generally positioned within the streamline of oxygen gas. In one embodiment, the valve 20 is normally in the open position to allow the flow of oxygen gas from the oxygen gas source / supply device 24 through the nasal cannula 12 to the user U. In certain embodiments, the valve 20 may be an oxygen delivery valve that opens at a desired frequency (altered by the controller 40) for a desired period of time to provide pulsed delivery. Instead, the controller 40 may keep the valve 20 open to provide continuous delivery rather than pulsed delivery. In this alternative example, the controller 40 may throttle the valve 20 to regulate the volumetric flow rate to the user U. In another embodiment, the valve 20 may be detached and independent of the oxygen delivery valve of the oxygen gas source / supply device 24.

In one embodiment, valve 20 automatically closes when the nasal cannula 12 burns to interrupt the flow of oxygen gas from the oxygen gas source / feeder 24 through the nasal cannula 12 to the user U ( That is, it is configured to move from the normal open position to the closed position). That is, in one embodiment, the valve 20 is, for example, a shut-down valve configured to stop the flow of oxygen gas through the nasal cannula 12 when it detects combustion of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the valve 20 is a ball or butterfly valve that is automatically controlled based on a signal (eg, such as detection of combustion on the nasal cannula 12).

In one embodiment, the valve 20 is configured to be actuated by an actuator and is referred to as an actuating valve. In certain embodiments, the actuator includes a motor driven electric actuator, a spring-loaded pneumatic actuator or a double acting pneumatic actuator. For example, the actuator is configured to control the opening and closing of the valve 20. In one embodiment, the actuator opens and closes the valve 20 based on a signal sent to / received by the actuator.

In certain embodiments, the valve 20 may be an electronic valve operated by the controller 40. For example, the valve 20 may be a normally open pilot solenoid valve configured to be closed by the controller 40 when the controller 40 detects combustion of the nasal cannula 12. However, it should be noted that these examples are not intended to be limiting and that the valve 20 may have other shapes and may take other forms in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the system 10 is configured to provide additional precautions against false positives due to inadvertent cessation of oxygen therapy. For example, in one embodiment, the detector 18 and / or the controller 40 is configured to detect a decrease in light due to a stoppage of oxygen gas. If this reduction in light is synchronized with the outage of oxygen gas, this provides the system 10 with additional feedback that the detected light is due to the burning of the nasal cannula 12 (ie, the cannula fire). That is, in one embodiment, when the valve 20 shuts off the oxygen gas, the detection of a decrease in light is due to an increase in capacity due to this detected light being burned by the nasal cannula 12 (ie, a fire on the cannula). Make it possible to guarantee.

In one embodiment, when the optical fiber 16 is positioned on or in the nasal / oxygen cannula 12, the detector 18 and / or the controller 40 once detects combustion of the nasal cannula 12 (ie, cannula fire). Then, the valve 20 is configured to pulsate. In one embodiment, the detector 18 and / or controller 40 is also configured to detect the resulting "synchronous" light decay, which is due to the burning of the nasal cannula 12 (cannula fire). Further increase confidence that it is occurring.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may be configured to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of a "standard" light source. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes two detectors / optical sensors (each sensitive to different wavelengths) to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of a "standard" light source. In one embodiment, the controller 40 of the system 10 is a value obtained from two detectors / optical sensors to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of a "standard" light source or ordinary ambient light. It is configured to determine the ratio of.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may be configured to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of other open flames (eg, candles, fireplaces, etc.). In one embodiment, the system 10 has three detectors / optics (each sensitive to different wavelengths) to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of other open flames (eg candles, fireplaces, etc.). Use a sensor. In one embodiment, the controller 40 of the system 10 determines the values obtained from three detectors / optical sensors to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 and the spectrum of other open flames (eg candles, fireplaces, etc.). Configured to compare.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may include an alarm 42 configured to warn the user U that a fire / combustion of the cannula of the nasal cannula 12 has been detected and the flow of oxygen gas has been stopped. In one embodiment, the alarm 42 is configured to warn the user that a break has been detected in a substantially light-tight material of the optical fiber 12. In certain embodiments, the alarm 42 may be a visual alarm (eg, a visual indicator or light) configured to warn the user U that the flow of oxygen gas has been stopped. In certain embodiments, the alarm 42 may be an acoustic alarm (eg, making a sound) configured to warn the user U that the flow of oxygen gas has been stopped. In certain embodiments, the alarm 42 may be a tactile alarm (eg, vibrating) configured to warn the user U that the flow of oxygen gas has been stopped. In certain embodiments, the alarm 42 may be a combination of visual, tactile and acoustic alarms.

In certain embodiments, the controller 40 may be operably coupled to a subject interface (not shown), which includes one or more displays and / or input devices. In some embodiments, the subject interface may be a touch screen display. In one embodiment, the subject interface displays information about parameters related to the operation of the portable oxygen concentrator and / or the subject modifies these parameters, eg, turning the portable oxygen concentrator on and off, administration. It is possible to set the amount or change the desired flow rate. In one embodiment, the transmission between the controller 40, the portable oxygen concentrator and / or the subject interface is done wirelessly or by wire. In one embodiment, user U is provided with a visual alarm or display on the subject interface notifying that combustion of the nasal cannula 12 has been detected and the flow of oxygen gas has been stopped.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber of system 10 is also used to transmit data to and from user U. In certain embodiments, visible light may be transmitted via the optical fiber 16 of the system 10 to convey information to or from user U. In certain embodiments, data may be communicated over the optical fiber 16 for remote control of the oxygen source / feeder 24 or as a remote alarm function. In one embodiment, these elements / functions are additional functions to the fire detection function of the optical fiber 16.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may include an optical Time Domain Reflectometer configured to send a pulse of light through an optical fiber 16. In one embodiment, this configuration is used to determine the transmission and the distance to the end of the optical fiber 16. In certain embodiments, this configuration is also used to detect high loss locations along the optical fiber 16 in order to detect damage due to a fire in the cannula or twisting of the cannula 12.

In one embodiment, the system 10 is also configured to send an optical signal through the optical fiber 16 of the nasal cannula 12 and detect the light from this optical signal through the optical fiber 16 of the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the controller 40 and / or the detector 18 is configured to detect this optical signal. If the controller 40 and / or the detector 18 detects that this optical signal is not continuing (or is damaged) for any reason, the controller 40 and / or the detector 18 will use oxygen via the nasal cannula 12. The valve 20 is configured to be closed to stop the gas flow. In certain embodiments, the controller 40 and / or the detector 18 is also configured to activate an alarm 42 to warn the user that damage has been detected on the nasal cannula 12.

5 and 6 graph display measurements of the burning optical spectrum of the nasal cannula 12 during transmission of oxygen gas to User U. The graphs of FIGS. 5 and 6 show the wavelength value on its horizontal x-axis and the spectral irradiance or absolute intensity value on its vertical y-axis. Spectral irradiance values are generally ^{measured at Wm -2} nm ^-1 , and wavelength values are generally measured at nanometers (nm). 5 and 6 show the spectral irradiance of the combustion of the nasal cannula 12 during transmission of oxygen gas to User U.

FIG. 7 graphically displays a burning color triangle of the nasal cannula 12 during transmission of oxygen gas to user U. The graph of FIG. 7 shows the CIE 1931 x, y chromaticity space and shows the measured values of the color temperature during combustion of the nasal cannula 12. Color temperature is generally measured in absolute temperature Kelvin (K). In one embodiment, four color matching temperature lines are drawn on the chromaticity diagram of FIG. 7, each having absolute temperatures of 7000K, 5000K, 4000K and 3000K (in order from the left side of the color triangle). In one example, the burning color correlation temperature (CCT) of the nasal cannula 12 is indicated by point C (small square) shown in FIG. This point C is on the right side of the color matching temperature line of 3000 K in the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of (0.5, 0.42). In one example, burning of nasal cannula 12 has a color correlation of 2291K with a color rendering index (CRI) of 99.5.

In one embodiment, a measuring instrument with an Ocean Optics USB 2000+ spectrometer mounted on a glass fiber optic is used to obtain the data / measurements shown in FIGS. 5-7. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the light spectrum of the burning nasal cannula 12 is generally continuous (small peaks in the light spectrum are due to the light of the fluorescent lamp in the room where the measurements were taken). In one embodiment, the burning of the nasal cannula 12 has a color temperature of approximately 2300 K (reddish white). With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, much of the light spectrum of the burning nasal cannula 12 is generally in the near infrared (IR) range (ie above 760 nm) and is heavily attenuated towards blue (ie 400 nm).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 100 for detecting combustion of the nasal cannula 12 during transmission of oxygen gas to user U. The procedure of method 100 shown below is intended to be exemplary. In certain embodiments, method 100 may be accomplished with one or more additional procedures not described and / or without one or more of the described procedures. In addition, the order in which the procedure of Method 100 is illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below is not intended to be limiting in any case.

In certain embodiments, method 100 is one or more controllers or processors (eg, digital processors, analog processors, digital circuits designed to process information, analogs designed to process information). It is carried out in circuits, state machines and / or other mechanisms for electronic processing of information). The one or more controllers or processing devices may include one or more devices that perform some or all of the procedures of Method 100 in response to instructions electronically stored in an electronic storage medium. These one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured via hardware, firmware and / or software specifically designed to perform one or more of the procedures of Method 100.

In step 102 of method 100, the nasal cannula 12 is provided. In one embodiment, the nasal cannula 12 includes a flexible tube 14 configured to transmit oxygen gas to the user (U).

In step 104 of method 100, the optical fiber 16 is provided. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is coupled to the nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 16 is configured to transmit light through it. During transmission of oxygen gas to User U, the light has a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of the light produced by the combustion of the nasal cannula 12.

In step 106 of method 100, the light transmitted through the optical fiber 16 is detected. In one embodiment, the light transmitted through the optical fiber 16 is detected using a detector 18 operably coupled to the optical fiber 16.

In step 108 of method 100, in response to the signal from the detector 18, valve 20 operates to interrupt the transmission of oxygen gas to user U via the nasal cannula 12.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 of the present patent application may be a stand-alone system configured to be attached to the gas output of any gas source / feeder, such as the oxygen output of an oxygen gas source / feeder 24. In one embodiment, this stand-alone system is configured to allow the attachment of fiber optics 16 and nasal cannula 12. In one embodiment, this stand-alone system includes a detector 18 and a valve 20 configured to stop the flow of oxygen gas through the nasal cannula 12.

Therefore, this patent application will help detect nasal cannula fires, prevent severe burns on the user's face and / or body, and prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding objects in the user's home. Provides a system configured on.

In certain embodiments, the system of this patent application is used with an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen storage device, or any device that supplies a stream of oxygen gas to the user. In another embodiment, the system of the present patent application is used with any device that supplies the user with a stream of any flammable gas or any combustion-promoting gas through a tube with a flammable material.

The dimensions of the various parts and parts of the exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system as shown and described herein are merely exemplary and not limited in any way. Is intended. Various parts of the exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system are drawn to scale according to one embodiment, even if other scales and shapes are used in other embodiments. Dimensions of various components of an exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system are measured in millimeters unless otherwise indicated. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the various components of the exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system, as shown and described herein, are up to 5% larger than those shown and described. Or up to 5% smaller. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the various components of the exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system, as shown and described herein, are up to 10 more than those shown and described. % Large or up to 10% small. In yet another embodiment, the dimensions of the various components of the exemplary nasal cannula assembly and / or system, as shown and described herein, are larger than those shown and described. 20% larger or up to 20% smaller.

In a claim, no reference code placed between parentheses is considered to limit the claim. The word "have" or "include" does not preclude the existence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In a device claim that lists several means, some of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. Even if we do not say that there are multiple, we do not exclude that there are multiple of these elements. In any device claim that lists some means, some of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The mere fact that some elements are listed in different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

While the claims are described in detail for explanatory purposes based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, such details are solely for the purposes described above. It should be understood that this patent application is not limited to the disclosed examples, but rather extends to improvements and equivalent arrangements that are within the scope of the non-compliant claims. is there. For example, it should be understood that the patent application considers, to the extent possible, that one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims (14)

An assembly used on nasal cannula
A flexible tube configured to transmit oxygen gas, and light configured to transmit light having a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of light generated by combustion of the nasal cannula during transmission of the oxygen gas. In an assembly having fibers, the optical fiber is covered or covered with a light-tight material to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. Assembly. The optical fiber includes a side end, which is covered or coated with a light-tight material to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. The assembly according to claim 1. The optical fiber includes a side end portion, and the side end portion has a cap member on the end portion in order to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless the side end portion is damaged. 2. The assembly according to 2. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical fiber extends in the vertical direction along with the flexible tube. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical fiber is fixed to the flexible tube in a manner that prevents relative movement between them. A nasal cannula having the assembly according to any one of claims 1-5.
A detector operably coupled to the optical fiber and configured to detect the light transmitted via the optical fiber, and said via the nasal cannula in response to a signal from the detector. A system with valves configured to act to interrupt the transmission of respiratory gas. It is operably coupled to the detector, and during the transmission of the oxygen gas, it detects the occurrence of combustion of the nasal cannula based on the analysis of the detected light, and of the detected combustion. Based on the occurrence, send the signal to the valve to interrupt the transmission of the respiratory gas through the nasal cannula.
6. The system of claim 6, further comprising a controller configured such as. The system according to claim 7, further comprising an additional detector having a sensitivity in a wavelength range different from that of the detector.
The controller is to determine the ratio of values obtained from the detector and the additional detectors to distinguish between the combustion of the nasal cannula and the spectrum of a standard light source or ordinary ambient light. Further configured system. The system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising an alarm configured to warn the user that the transmission of oxygen gas has been interrupted. In a method of detecting nasal cannula burning during oxygen gas transmission,
Steps to provide a nasal cannula with a flexible tube configured to carry oxygen gas,
A step in which a valve is actuated to interrupt transmission of the oxygen gas through the nasal cannula in response to a signal.
In the step of providing an optical fiber that is coupled to the nasal cannula and is configured to transmit light having a frequency spectrum range that includes at least the frequency spectrum of the light generated by the combustion of the nasal cannula during transmission of the oxygen gas. Yes, the optical fiber is provided with a step of providing the optical fiber, which is covered or covered with a material that does not allow light to pass through, and the steps said A step of detecting light transmitted through an optical fiber using a detector coupled to the optical fiber so that it can operate.
The method, wherein the signal is a signal from the detector. Steps to detect the occurrence of combustion of the nasal cannula based on the analysis of the detected light during transmission of the oxygen gas using a controller coupled to the detector so that it can operate, and said detection. 10. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending a signal to the valve to interrupt transmission of the oxygen gas through the nasal cannula based on the generated occurrence. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the optical fiber is covered with a light- impermeable material to prevent light from entering the optical fiber unless it is damaged. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a step of warning the user that the transmission of the oxygen gas has been interrupted by using an alarm. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein the optical fiber is fixedly attached to the nasal cannula by a method that prevents relative movement between them.

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