WO2017106636A1 - Utilisation d'un concentrateur d'oxygène pour thérapie ppc - Google Patents

Utilisation d'un concentrateur d'oxygène pour thérapie ppc Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017106636A1
WO2017106636A1 PCT/US2016/067157 US2016067157W WO2017106636A1 WO 2017106636 A1 WO2017106636 A1 WO 2017106636A1 US 2016067157 W US2016067157 W US 2016067157W WO 2017106636 A1 WO2017106636 A1 WO 2017106636A1
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Prior art keywords
pressure
mask
oxygen
user
enriched gas
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PCT/US2016/067157
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English (en)
Inventor
Dragan Nebrigic
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Inova Labs, Inc.
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Publication of WO2017106636A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017106636A1/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
    • A61M16/101—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement using an oxygen concentrator
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0051—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes with alarm devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
    • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
    • A61M16/024—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
    • A61M16/0666—Nasal cannulas or tubing
    • A61M16/0672—Nasal cannula assemblies for oxygen therapy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/047—Pressure swing adsorption
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
    • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
    • A61M2016/0039—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the inspiratory circuit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
    • A61M2016/102—Measuring a parameter of the content of the delivered gas
    • A61M2016/1025—Measuring a parameter of the content of the delivered gas the O2 concentration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/18—General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/581—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/583—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2256/00—Main component in the product gas stream after treatment
    • B01D2256/12—Oxygen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/10—Single element gases other than halogens
    • B01D2257/102—Nitrogen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/402—Further details for adsorption processes and devices using two beds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4533—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for medical purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4541—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for portable use, e.g. gas masks

Definitions

  • TITLE USE OF AN OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR FOR CPAP THERAPY
  • the present invention relates generally to health equipment and, more specifically, to oxygen concentrators.
  • LTOT Long Term Oxygen Therapy
  • COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Doctors may prescribe oxygen concentrators or portable tanks of medical oxygen for these patients.
  • a specific oxygen flow rate is prescribed (e.g., 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2 LPM, 3 LPM, etc.).
  • LPM liter per minute
  • Experts in this field have also recognized that exercise for these patients provide long term benefits that slow the progression of the disease, improve quality of life and extend patient longevity.
  • Most stationary forms of exercise like tread mills and stationary bicycles, however, are too strenuous for these patients.
  • the need for mobility has long been recognized.
  • this mobility has been facilitated by the use of small compressed oxygen tanks.
  • the disadvantage of these tanks is that they have a finite amount of oxygen and they are heavy, weighing about 50 pounds, when mounted on a cart with dolly wheels.
  • Oxygen concentrators have been in use for about 50 years to supply patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency with supplemental oxygen.
  • Traditional oxygen concentrators used to provide these flow rates have been bulky and heavy making ordinary ambulatory activities with them difficult and impractical.
  • companies that manufacture large stationary home oxygen concentrators began developing portable oxygen concentrators, POCs.
  • POCs concentrators The advantage of POCs concentrators was that they could produce a theoretically endless supply of oxygen. In order to make these devices small for mobility, the various systems necessary for the production of oxygen enriched gas are condensed.
  • Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by having one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour.
  • apnea For moderate to severe sleep apnea, the most common treatment is the use of a positive airway pressure, which helps to maintain an open airway during sleep by means of a flow of pressurized air into the patient's mouth and/or nose.
  • the patient typically wears a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth and which is connected by a flexible tube to a small bedside compressor.
  • Positive pressure therapy relies on the use of pressurized air to assist in maintaining an open airway for the user while sleeping.
  • One technique is known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
  • CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
  • CPAP air is pushed from a flow generator through the tubing to a mask. The air then passes through the nose and/or mouth and into the throat, where the slight pressure keeps the upper airway open.
  • APAP Automatic positive airway pressure
  • APAP is an alternate method of applying pressurized air to a user's airway. In APAP, the positive air pressure applied to the user is continuously adjusted based on the breathing pattern of the patient.
  • the pressure applied to the user may be increased to force the airway open. If the user is having difficulty exhaling or appears to be breathing normally, the pressure may be reduced to make the system more comfortable.
  • Bi-level devices work by providing two different pressures of air to the user. During inhalation, a maximum pressure is provided to the user to ensure that the airway passages remain opened. The pressure is dropped during exhalation to make exhalation more comfortable for the user.
  • an oxygen concentrator apparatus includes: at least two canisters; gas separation adsorbent disposed in at least two canisters, wherein the gas separation adsorbent separates at least some nitrogen from air in the canister to produce oxygen enriched gas; a compression system, wherein the compressor compresses air during operation; an accumulator coupled to one or more of the canisters, wherein oxygen enriched gas produced in one or more of the canisters is passed into the accumulation chamber during use; a first conduit coupling the compression system to a mask coupleable to a face of the user of the oxygen concentrator apparatus; and a second conduit coupling the accumulator to the mask.
  • a method of providing positive pressure therapy to a user through a mask using an oxygen concentrator apparatus includes: coupling a compression system of the oxygen concentrator apparatus to the mask via a first conduit; coupling an accumulator of the oxygen concentrator to the mask via a second conduit; supplying pressurized air from the compression system through the first conduit to the mask after the mask is coupled to a user's face; assessing an onset of inhalation of the user; supplying oxygen enriched gas from the oxygen concentrator to the mask through the second conduit when the onset of inhalation of the user is detected; and increasing the pressure of air provided from the compression system to the user when a sleep apnea episode is detected, wherein the increased pressure is sufficient to force an airway of the user to open.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the components of an oxygen concentrator
  • FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the outlet components of an oxygen concentrator
  • FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an outlet conduit for an oxygen concentrator
  • FIG. 4 depicts various profiles of embodiments for providing oxygen enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator
  • FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of an oxygen concentrator system that provides positive pressure therapy.
  • Coupled means either a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., one or more intervening connections) between one or more objects or components.
  • connected means a direct connection between objects or components such that the objects or components are connected directly to each other.
  • obtaining a device means that the device is either purchased or constructed.
  • Oxygen concentrators take advantage of pressure swing adsorption (PSA).
  • PSA pressure swing adsorption
  • Pressure swing adsorption involves using a compressor to increase gas pressure inside a canister that contains particles of a gas separation adsorbent. As the pressure increases, certain molecules in the gas may become adsorbed onto the gas separation adsorbent. Removal of a portion of the gas in the canister under the pressurized conditions allows separation of the non-adsorbed molecules from the adsorbed molecules. The gas separation adsorbent may be regenerated by reducing the pressure, which reverses the adsorption of molecules from the adsorbent. Further details regarding oxygen concentrators may be found, for example, in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009-0065007, published March 12, 2009, and entitled "Oxygen Concentrator Apparatus and Method", which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Ambient air usually includes approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen with the balance comprised of argon, carbon dioxide, water vapor and other trace elements.
  • a gas mixture such as air, for example, is passed under pressure through a vessel containing a gas separation adsorbent bed that attracts nitrogen more strongly than it does oxygen, part or all of the nitrogen will stay in the bed, and the gas coming out of the vessel will be enriched in oxygen.
  • the bed When the bed reaches the end of its capacity to adsorb nitrogen, it can be regenerated by reducing the pressure, thereby releasing the adsorbed nitrogen. It is then ready for another cycle of producing oxygen enriched air.
  • one canister can be collecting oxygen while the other canister is being purged (resulting in a continuous separation of the oxygen from the nitrogen). In this manner, oxygen can be accumulated out of the air for a variety of uses including providing supplemental oxygen to patients.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an oxygen concentrator 100, according to an embodiment.
  • Oxygen concentrator 100 may concentrate oxygen out of an air stream to provide oxygen enriched gas to a user.
  • oxygen enriched gas is composed of at least about 50% oxygen, at least about 60% oxygen, at least about 70% oxygen, at least about 80% oxygen, at least about 90% oxygen, at least about 95% oxygen, at least about 98% oxygen, or at least about 99% oxygen.
  • Oxygen concentrator 100 may be a portable oxygen concentrator.
  • oxygen concentrator 100 may have a weight and size that allows the oxygen concentrator to be carried by hand and/or in a carrying case.
  • oxygen concentrator 100 has a weight of less than about 20 lbs., less than about 15 lbs., less than about 10 lbs., or less than about 5 lbs.
  • 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 may be collected from ambient air by pressurizing ambient air in canisters 302 and 304, which include a gas separation adsorbent.
  • Gas separation adsorbents useful in an oxygen concentrator are capable of separating at least nitrogen from an air stream to produce oxygen enriched gas.
  • gas separation adsorbents include molecular sieves that are capable of separation of nitrogen from an air stream.
  • adsorbents that may be used in an oxygen concentrator include, but are not limited to, zeolites (natural) or synthetic crystalline aluminosilicates that separate nitrogen from oxygen in an air stream under elevated pressure.
  • Examples of synthetic crystalline aluminosilicates that may be used include, but are not limited to: OXYSIV adsorbents available from UOP LLC, Des Plaines, IW; SYLOBEAD adsorbents available from W. R. Grace & Co, Columbia, MD; SILIPORITE adsorbents available from CECA S.A. of Paris, France; ZEOCHEM adsorbents available from Zeochem AG, Uetikon, Switzerland; and AgLiLSX adsorbent available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.,
  • air may enter the oxygen concentrator through air inlet 106.
  • Air may be drawn into air inlet 106 by compression system 200.
  • Compression system 200 may draw in air from the surroundings of the oxygen concentrator and compress the air, forcing the compressed air into one or both canisters 302 and 304.
  • an inlet muffler 108 may be coupled to air inlet 106 to reduce sound produced by air being pulled into the oxygen generator by compression system 200.
  • inlet muffler 108 may be a moisture and sound absorbing muffler.
  • a water absorbent material such as a polymer water absorbent material or a zeolite material
  • Compression system 200 may include one or more compressors capable of compressing air.
  • compression system may include one, two, three, four, or more compressors.
  • Compression system 200 may include a compressor coupled to a motor. The motor provides an operating force to the compressor to operate the compression mechanism.
  • Pressurized air, produced by compression system 200 may be forced into one or both of the canisters 302 and 304.
  • the ambient air may be pressurized in the canisters to a pressure approximately in a range of 13-20 pounds per square inch (psi). Other pressures may also be used, depending on the type of gas separation adsorbent disposed in the canisters.
  • the compressor may be a piston compressor or a diaphragm compressor.
  • the pressuring device may be a piston compressor that has multiple pistons. During operation, the pistons may be selectively turned on or off.
  • a motor may be coupled to multiple compressors. Each compressor may be selectively turned on or off.
  • controller 400 may determine which compressors or pistons should be operated based on predetermined operating conditions.
  • inlet valves 122/124 and outlet valves 132/134 coupled to each canister 302/304.
  • Inlet valve 122 is coupled to canister 302 and inlet valve 124 is coupled to canister 304.
  • Outlet valve 132 is coupled to canister 302 and outlet valve 134 is coupled to canister 304.
  • Inlet valves 122/124 are used to control the passage of air from compression system 200 to the respective canisters.
  • Outlet valves 132/134 are used to release gas from the respective canisters during a venting process.
  • inlet valves 122/124 and outlet valves 132/134 may be silicon plunger solenoid valves. Other types of valves, however, may be used. Plunger valves offer advantages over other kinds of valves by being quiet and having low slippage.
  • a two-step valve actuation voltage may be used to control inlet valves 122/124 and outlet valves 132/134.
  • a high voltage e.g., 24 V
  • the voltage may then be reduced (e.g., to 7 V) to keep the inlet valve open.
  • Power Voltage * Current). This reduction in voltage minimizes heat buildup and power consumption to extend run time from the battery. When the power is cut off to the valve, it closes by spring action.
  • the voltage may be applied as a function of time that is not necessarily a stepped response (e.g., a curved downward voltage between an initial 24 V and a final 7 V).
  • air may be pulled into the oxygen concentrator through two compressors.
  • air may flow from at least two compressors to canisters 302, 304.
  • one of valves 122 or 124 may be closed (e.g., as signaled by controller 400) resulting in the combined output of both compressors lowing through the other respective valve 122 or 124 into a respective canister 302, 304.
  • valve 122 and valve 124 may alternate to alternately direct the air from the two compressors into respective canisters 302 or 304.
  • pressurized air is sent into one of canisters 302 or 304 while the other canister is being vented.
  • inlet valve 122 is opened while inlet valve 124 is closed.
  • Pressurized air from compression system 200 is forced into canister 302, while being inhibited from entering canister 304 by inlet valve 124.
  • a controller 400 is electrically coupled to valves 122, 124, 132, and 134.
  • Controller 400 includes one or more processors 410 operable to execute program instructions stored in memory 420. The program instructions are operable to perform various predefined methods that are used to operate the oxygen concentrator.
  • Controller 400 may include program instructions for operating inlet valves 122 and 124 out of phase with each other, i.e., when one of inlet valves 122 or 124 is opened, the other valve is closed. During pressurization of canister 302, outlet valve 132 is closed and outlet valve 134 is opened. Similar to the inlet valves, outlet valves 132 and 134 are operated out of phase with each other. In some embodiments, the voltages and the duration of the voltages used to open the input and output valves may be controlled by controller 400.
  • Check valves 142 and 144 are coupled to canisters 302 and 304, respectively.
  • Check valves 142 and 144 are one way valves that are passively operated by the pressure differentials that occur as the canisters are pressurized and vented.
  • Check valves 142 and 144 are coupled to canisters to allow oxygen produced during pressurization of the canister to flow out of the canister, and to inhibit back flow of oxygen or any other gases into the canister. In this manner, check valves 142 and 144 act as one way valves allowing oxygen enriched gas to exit the respective canister during pressurization.
  • check valve refers to a valve that allows flow of a fluid (gas or liquid) in one direction and inhibits back flow of the fluid.
  • Examples of check valves that are suitable for use include, but are not limited to: a ball check valve; a diaphragm check valve; a butterfly check valve; a swing check valve; a duckbill valve; and a lift check valve.
  • the nonadsorbed gas molecules (mainly oxygen) flow out of the pressurized canister when the pressure reaches a point sufficient to overcome the resistance of the check valve coupled to the canister.
  • the pressure drop of the check valve in the forward direction is less than 1 psi.
  • the break pressure in the reverse direction is greater than 100 psi. It should be understood, however, that modification of one or more components would alter the operating parameters of these valves. If the forward flow pressure is increased, there is, generally, a reduction in oxygen enriched gas production. If the break pressure for reverse flow is reduced or set too low, there is, generally, a reduction in oxygen enriched gas pressure.
  • canister 302 is pressurized by compressed air produced in compression system 200 and passed into canister 302.
  • inlet valve 122 is open
  • outlet valve 132 is closed
  • inlet valve 124 is closed
  • outlet valve 134 is open.
  • Outlet valve 134 is opened when outlet valve 132 is closed to allow substantially simultaneous venting of canister 304 while canister 302 is pressurized.
  • Canister 302 is pressurized until the pressure in canister is sufficient to open check valve 142.
  • Oxygen enriched gas produced in canister 302 exits through check valve and, in one embodiment, is collected in accumulator 145.
  • the gas separation adsorbent in canister 302 After some time the gas separation adsorbent will become saturated with nitrogen and will be unable to separate significant amounts of nitrogen from incoming air. This point is usually reached after a predetermined time of oxygen enriched gas production.
  • the inflow of compressed air is stopped and canister 302 is vented to remove nitrogen.
  • inlet valve 122 is closed, and outlet valve 132 is opened.
  • canister 304 While canister 302 is being vented, canister 304 is pressurized to produce oxygen enriched gas in the same manner described above. Pressurization of canister 304 is achieved by closing outlet valve 134 and opening inlet valve 124.
  • the oxygen enriched gas exits canister 304 through check valve 144.
  • outlet valve 132 is opened allowing pressurized gas (mainly nitrogen) to exit the canister through concentrator outlet 130.
  • the vented gases may be directed through muffler 133 to reduce the noise produced by releasing the pressurized gas from the canister.
  • pressure in the canister drops. The drop in pressure may allow the nitrogen to become desorbed from the gas separation adsorbent. The released nitrogen exits the canister through outlet 130, resetting the canister to a state that allows renewed separation of oxygen from an air stream.
  • Muffler 133 may include open cell foam (or another material) to muffle the sound of the gas leaving the oxygen concentrator.
  • the combined muffling components/techniques for the input of air and the output of gas may provide for oxygen concentrator operation at a sound level below 50 decibels.
  • a majority of the nitrogen is removed.
  • at least about 50%, at least about 60%>, at least about 70%, at least about 80%>, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, or substantially all of the nitrogen in a canister is removed before the canister is re-used to separate oxygen from air.
  • a canister may be further purged of nitrogen using an oxygen enriched stream that is introduced into the canister from the other canister.
  • a portion of the oxygen enriched gas may be transferred from canister 302 to canister 304 when canister 304 is being vented of nitrogen. Transfer of oxygen enriched gas from canister 302 to 304, during venting of canister 304, helps to further purge nitrogen (and other gases) from the canister.
  • oxygen enriched gas may travel through flow restrictors 151, 153, and 155 between the two canisters.
  • Flow restrictor 151 may be a trickle flow restrictor.
  • Flow restrictor 151 for example, may be a 0.009D flow restrictor (e.g., the flow restrictor has a radius of 0.009 inches which is less than the diameter of the tube it is inside).
  • Flow restrictors 153 and 155 may be 0.013D flow restrictors. Other flow restrictor types and sizes are also contemplated and may be used depending on the specific configuration and tubing used to couple the canisters.
  • the flow restrictors may be press fit flow restrictors that restrict air flow by introducing a narrower diameter in their respective tube.
  • the press fit flow restrictors may be made of sapphire, metal or plastic (other materials are also contemplated).
  • Flow of oxygen enriched gas is also controlled by use of valve 152 and valve 154.
  • Valves 152 and 154 may be opened for a short duration during the venting process (and may be closed otherwise) to prevent excessive oxygen loss out of the purging canister. Other durations are also contemplated.
  • canister 302 is being vented and it is desirable to purge canister 302 by passing a portion of the oxygen enriched gas being produced in canister 304 into canister 302. A portion of oxygen enriched gas, upon pressurization of canister 304, will pass through flow restrictor 151 into canister 302 during venting of canister 302. Additional oxygen enriched air is passed into canister 302, from canister 304, through valve 154 and flow restrictor 155.
  • Valve 152 may remain closed during the transfer process, or may be opened if additional oxygen enriched gas is needed. The selection of appropriate flow restrictors
  • valve 151 and 155 coupled with controlled opening of valve 154 allows a controlled amount of oxygen enriched gas to be sent from canister 304 to 302.
  • the controlled amount of oxygen enriched gas is an amount sufficient to purge canister 302 and minimize the loss of oxygen enriched gas through venting valve 132 of canister 302. While this embodiment describes venting of canister 302, it should be understood that the same process can be used to vent canister 304 using flow restrictor 151, valve 152 and flow restrictor 153.
  • the pair of equalization/vent valves 152/154 work with flow restrictors 153 and 155 to optimize the air flow balance between the two canisters. This may allow for better flow control for venting the canisters with oxygen enriched gas from the other of the canisters. It may also provide better flow direction between the two canisters. It has been found that, while flow valves 152/154 may be operated as bi-directional valves, the flow rate through such valves varies depending on the direction of fluid flowing through the valve. For example, oxygen enriched gas flowing from canister 304 toward canister 302 has a flow rate faster through valve 152 than the flow rate of oxygen enriched gas flowing from canister 302 toward canister 304 through valve 152.
  • the air pathway may not have restrictors but may instead have a valve with a built in resistance or the air pathway itself may have a narrow radius to provide resistance.
  • oxygen concentrator may be shut down for a period of time.
  • the temperature inside the canisters may drop as a result of the loss of adiabatic heat from the compression system. As the temperature drops, the volume occupied by the gases inside the canisters will drop. Cooling of the canisters may lead to a negative pressure in the canisters. Valves (e.g., valves 122, 124, 132, and 134) leading to and from the canisters are dynamically sealed rather than hermetically sealed. Thus, outside air may enter the canisters after shutdown to accommodate the pressure differential. When outside air enters the canisters, moisture from the outside air may condense inside the canister as the air cools. Condensation of water inside the canisters may lead to gradual degradation of the gas separation adsorbents, steadily reducing ability of the gas separation adsorbents to produce oxygen enriched gas.
  • outside air may be inhibited from entering canisters after the oxygen concentrator is shut down by pressurizing both canisters prior to shut down.
  • the valves By storing the canisters under a positive pressure, the valves may be forced into a hermetically closed position by the internal pressure of the air in the canisters.
  • the pressure in the canisters, at shutdown should be at least greater than ambient pressure.
  • ambient pressure refers to the pressure of the surroundings that the oxygen generator is located (e.g. the pressure inside a room, outside, in a plane, etc.).
  • the pressure in the canisters, at shutdown is at least greater than standard atmospheric pressure (i.e., greater than 760 mmHg (Torr), 1 atm, 101,325 Pa). In an embodiment, the pressure in the canisters, at shutdown, is at least about 1.1 times greater than ambient pressure; is at least about 1.5 times greater than ambient pressure; or is at least about 2 times greater than ambient pressure.
  • pressurization of the canisters may be achieved by directing pressurized air into each canister from the compression system and closing all valves to trap the pressurized air in the canisters.
  • inlet valves 122 and 124 are opened and outlet valves 132 and 134 are closed. Because inlet valves 122 and 124 are joined together by a common conduit, both canisters 302 and 304 may become pressurized as air and or oxygen enriched gas from one canister may be transferred to the other canister. This situation may occur when the pathway between the compression system and the two inlet valves allows such transfer.
  • the oxygen generator operates in an alternating pressurize/venting mode, at least one of the canisters should be in a pressurized state at any given time.
  • the pressure may be increased in each canister by operation of compression system 200.
  • inlet valves 122 and 124 When inlet valves 122 and 124 are opened, pressure between canisters 302 and 304 will equalize, however, the equalized pressure in either canister may not be sufficient to inhibit air from entering the canisters during shutdown.
  • compression system 200 may be operated for a time sufficient to increase the pressure inside both canisters to a level at least greater than ambient pressure.
  • inlet valves 122 and 124 are closed, trapping the pressurized air inside the canisters, which inhibits air from entering the canisters during the shutdown period.
  • An outlet system coupled to one or more of the canisters, includes one or more conduits for providing oxygen enriched gas to a user.
  • oxygen enriched gas produced in either of canisters 302 and 304 is collected in accumulator 145 through check valves 142 and 144, respectively, as depicted schematically in FIG. 1.
  • the oxygen enriched gas leaving the canisters may be collected in oxygen accumulator 145 prior to being provided to a user.
  • a tube may be coupled to accumulator 145 to provide the oxygen enriched gas to the user.
  • Oxygen enriched gas may be provided to the user through an airway delivery device that transfer the oxygen enriched gas to the user's mouth and/or nose.
  • an outlet may include a tube that directs the oxygen toward a user's nose and/or mouth that may not be directly coupled to the user's nose.
  • Supply valve 160 may be coupled to outlet tube to control the release of the oxygen enriched gas from accumulator 145 to the user.
  • supply valve 160 is an electromagnetically actuated plunger valve.
  • Supply valve 160 is actuated by controller 400 to control the delivery of oxygen enriched gas to a user.
  • Actuation of supply valve 160 is not timed or synchronized to the pressure swing adsorption process. Instead, actuation is, in some embodiments, synchronized to the patient's breathing. Additionally, supply valve 160 may have multiple actuations to help establish a clinically effective flow profile for providing oxygen enriched gas.
  • Oxygen enriched gas in accumulator 145 passes through supply valve 160 into expansion chamber 170 as depicted in FIG. 2.
  • expansion chamber may include one or more devices capable of being used to determine an oxygen concentration of gas passing through the chamber.
  • Oxygen enriched gas in expansion chamber 170 builds briefly, through release of gas from accumulator by supply valve 160, and then is bled through small orifice flow restrictor 175 to flow rate sensor 185 and then to particulate filter 187.
  • Flow restrictor 175 may be a 0.025 D flow restrictor. Other flow restrictor types and sizes may be used.
  • the diameter of the air pathway in the housing may be restricted to create restricted air flow.
  • Flow rate sensor 185 may be any sensor capable of assessing the rate of gas flowing through the conduit.
  • Particulate filter 187 may be used to filter bacteria, dust, granule particles, etc. prior to delivery of the oxygen enriched gas to the user.
  • the oxygen enriched gas passes through filter 187 to connector 190 which sends the oxygen enriched gas to the user via conduit 192 and to pressure sensor 194.
  • LPM LPM
  • 33 mL for a prescription of 3 LPM 44 mL for a prescription of 4 LPM
  • 55 mL for a prescription of 5 LPM 55 mL for a prescription of 5 LPM; etc.
  • LPM equivalent may vary between apparatus due to differences in construction design, tubing size, chamber size, etc.
  • Expansion chamber 170 may include one or more oxygen sensors capable of being used to determine an oxygen concentration of gas passing through the chamber.
  • the oxygen concentration of gas passing through expansion chamber 170 is assessed using oxygen sensor 165.
  • An oxygen sensor is a device capable of detecting oxygen in a gas. Examples of oxygen sensors include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic oxygen sensors, electrical oxygen sensors, and optical oxygen sensors.
  • oxygen sensor 165 is an ultrasonic oxygen sensor that includes ultrasonic emitter 166 and ultrasonic receiver 168.
  • ultrasonic emitter 166 may include multiple ultrasonic emitters and ultrasonic receiver 168 may include multiple ultrasonic receivers.
  • the multiple ultrasonic emitters and multiple ultrasonic receivers may be axially aligned (e.g., across the gas mixture flow path which may be perpendicular to the axial alignment).
  • an ultrasonic sound wave (from emitter 166) may be directed through oxygen enriched gas disposed in chamber 170 to receiver 168.
  • Ultrasonic sensor assembly may be based on detecting the speed of sound through the gas mixture to determine the composition of the gas mixture (e.g., the speed of sound is different in nitrogen and oxygen). In a mixture of the two gases, the speed of sound through the mixture may be an intermediate value proportional to the relative amounts of each gas in the mixture.
  • the sound at the receiver 168 is slightly out of phase with the sound sent from emitter 166. This phase shift is due to the relatively slow velocity of sound through a gas medium as compared with the relatively fast speed of the electronic pulse through wire.
  • the phase shift is proportional to the distance between the emitter and the receiver and the speed of sound through the expansion chamber.
  • the density of the gas in the chamber affects the speed of sound through the chamber and the density is proportional to the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the chamber. Therefore, the phase shift can be used to measure the concentration of oxygen in the expansion chamber. In this manner the relative concentration of oxygen in the accumulation chamber may be assessed as a function of one or more properties of a detected sound wave traveling through the accumulation chamber.
  • multiple emitters 166 and receivers 168 may be used.
  • the readings from the emitters 166 and receivers 168 may be averaged to cancel errors that may be inherent in turbulent flow systems.
  • the presence of other gases may also be detected by measuring the transit time and comparing the measured transit time to predetermined transit times for other gases and/or mixtures of gases.
  • the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor system may be increased by increasing the distance between emitter 166 and receiver 168, for example to allow several sound wave cycles to occur between emitter 166 and the receiver 168.
  • the influence of structural changes of the transducer may be reduced by measuring the phase shift relative to a fixed reference at two points in time. If the earlier phase shift is subtracted from the later phase shift, the shift caused by thermal expansion of expansion chamber 170 may be reduced or cancelled.
  • the shift caused by a change of the distance between emitter 166 and receiver 168 may be the approximately the same at the measuring intervals, whereas a change owing to a change in oxygen concentration may be cumulative.
  • the shift measured at a later time may be multiplied by the number of intervening cycles and compared to the shift between two adjacent cycles. Further details regarding sensing of oxygen in the expansion chamber may be found, for example, in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009-0065007, published March 12, 2009, and entitled "Oxygen Concentrator Apparatus and Method, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Flow rate sensor 185 may be used to determine the flow rate of gas flowing through the outlet system.
  • Flow rate sensors that may be used include, but are not limited to: diaphragm/bellows flow meters; rotary flow meters (e.g. Hall Effect flow meters); turbine flow meters; orifice flow meters; and ultrasonic flow meters.
  • Flow rate sensor 185 may be coupled to controller 400.
  • the rate of gas flowing through the outlet system may be an indication of the breathing volume of the user. Changes in the flow rate of gas flowing through the outlet system may also be used to determine a breathing rate of the user.
  • Controller 400 may control actuation of supply valve 160 based on the breathing rate and/or breathing volume of the user, as assessed by flow rate sensor 185
  • ultrasonic sensor system 165 and, for example, flow rate sensor 185 may provide a measurement of an actual amount of oxygen being provided.
  • follow rate sensor 185 may measure a volume of gas (based on flow rate) provided and ultrasonic sensor system 165 may provide the concentration of oxygen of the gas provided. These two measurements together may be used by controller 400 to determine an approximation of the actual amount of oxygen provided to the user.
  • Oxygen enriched gas passes through flow meter 185 to filter 187.
  • Filter 187 removes bacteria, dust, granule particles, etc. prior to providing the oxygen enriched gas to the user.
  • the filtered oxygen enriched gas passes through filter 187 to connector 190.
  • Connector 190 may be a "Y" connector coupling the outlet of filter 187 to pressure sensor 194 and outlet conduit 192.
  • Pressure sensor 194 may be used to monitor the pressure of the gas passing through conduit 192 to the user. Changes in pressure, sensed by pressure sensor 194, may be used to determine a breathing rate of a user, as well as the onset of inhalation.
  • Controller 400 may control actuation of supply valve 160 based on the breathing rate and/or onset of inhalation of the user, as assessed by pressure sensor 194. In an embodiment, controller 400 may control actuation of supply valve 160 based on information provided by flow rate sensor 185 and pressure sensor 194.
  • Oxygen enriched gas may be provided to a user through conduit 192.
  • conduit 192 may be a silicone tube.
  • Conduit 192 may be coupled to a user using an airway coupling member 196, as depicted in FIG. 3.
  • Airway coupling member 196 may be any device capable of providing the oxygen enriched gas to nasal cavities or oral cavities. Examples of airway coupling members include, but are not limited to: nasal masks, nasal pillows, nasal prongs, nasal cannulas, and mouthpieces.
  • a nasal cannula airway delivery device is depicted in FIG. 3.
  • oxygen enriched gas from oxygen concentrator system 100 is provided to the user through conduit 192 and airway coupling member 196.
  • Airway coupling member 196 is positioned proximate to a user's airway (e.g., proximate to the user's mouth and or nose) to allow delivery of the oxygen enriched gas to the user while allowing the user to breath air from the surroundings.
  • a user's airway e.g., proximate to the user's mouth and or nose
  • Controller 400 includes one or more processors 410 and internal memory 420, as depicted in FIG. 1.
  • Methods used to operate and monitor oxygen concentrator system 100 may be implemented by program instructions stored in memory 420 or a carrier medium coupled to controller 400, and executed by one or more processors 410.
  • a non-transitory memory medium may include any of various types of memory devices or storage devices.
  • the term "memory medium” is intended to include an installation medium, e.g., a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), floppy disks, or tape device; a computer system memory or random access memory such as 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 RAM), Rambus Random Access Memory (RAM), etc.; or a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic media, e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage.
  • the memory medium may comprise other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof.
  • the memory medium may be located in a first computer in which the programs are executed, or may be located in a second different computer that connects to the first computer over a network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, the second computer may provide program instructions to the first computer for execution.
  • the term "memory medium" may include two or more memory mediums that may reside in different locations, e.g., in different computers that are connected over a network.
  • controller 400 includes processor 410 that includes, for example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontrollers, etc. included on a circuit board disposed in oxygen concentrator system 100.
  • Processor 410 is capable of executing programming instructions stored in memory 420.
  • programming instructions may be built into processor 410 such that a memory external to the processor may not be separately accessed (i.e., the memory 420 may be internal to the processor 410).
  • Processor 410 may be coupled to various components of oxygen concentrator system 100, including, but not limited to compression system 200, one or more of the valves used to control fluid flow through the system (e.g., valves 122, 124, 132, 134, 152, 154, 160, or combinations thereof), oxygen sensor 165, pressure sensor 194, flow rate monitor 180, temperature sensors, fans, and any other component that may be electrically controlled.
  • a separate processor and/or memory may be coupled to one or more of the components.
  • Controller 400 is programmed to operate oxygen concentrator system 100 and is further programmed to monitor the oxygen concentrator system for malfunction states. For example, in one embodiment, controller 400 is programmed to trigger an alarm if the system is operating and no breathing is detected by the user for a predetermined amount of time. For example, if controller 400 does not detect a breath for a period of 75 seconds, an alarm LED may be lit and/or an audible alarm may be sounded. If the user has truly stopped breathing, for example, during a sleep apnea episode, the alarm may be sufficient to awaken the user, causing the user to resume breathing. The action of breathing may be sufficient for controller 400 to reset this alarm function. Alternatively, if the system is accidently left on when output conduit 192 is removed from the user, the alarm may serve as a reminder for the user to turn oxygen concentrator system 100 off.
  • Controller 400 is further coupled to oxygen sensor 165, and may be programmed for continuous or periodic monitoring of the oxygen concentration of the oxygen enriched gas passing through expansion chamber 170.
  • a minimum oxygen concentration threshold may be programmed into controller 400, such that the controller lights an LED visual alarm and/or an audible alarm to warn the patient of the low concentration of oxygen.
  • Controller 400 is also coupled to internal power supply 180 and is capable of monitoring the level of charge of the internal power supply.
  • a minimum voltage and/or current threshold may be programmed into controller 400, such that the controller lights an LED visual alarm and/or an audible alarm to warn the patient of low power condition. The alarms may be activated intermittently and at an increasing frequency as the battery approaches zero usable charge.
  • controller 400 is described in detail in other sections of this disclosure.
  • a user may have a low breathing rate or depth if relatively inactive (e.g., asleep, sitting, etc.) as assessed by comparing the detected breathing rate or depth to a threshold.
  • the user may have a high breathing rate or depth if relatively active (e.g., walking, exercising, etc.).
  • An active/sleep mode may be assessed automatically. Adjustments made by the oxygen concentrator system in response to activating active mode or sleep mode are described in more detail herein.
  • the main use of an oxygen concentrator system is to provide supplemental oxygen to a user.
  • the amount of supplemental oxygen to be provided is assessed by a physician.
  • Typical prescribed amounts of supplemental oxygen may range from about 1 LPM to up to about 10 LPM. The most commonly prescribed amounts are 1 LPM, 2 LPM, 3 LPM, and 4 LPM.
  • oxygen enriched gas is provided to the use during a breathing cycle to meet the prescription requirement of the user.
  • breathing cycle refers to an inhalation followed by an exhalation of a person.
  • controller 400 may be programmed to time delivery of the oxygen enriched gas with the user's inhalations. Releasing the oxygen enriched gas to the user as the user inhales may prevent unnecessary oxygen generation (further reducing power requirements) by not releasing oxygen, for example, when the user is exhaling. Reducing the amount of oxygen required may effectively reduce the amount of air compressing needed for oxygen concentrator 100 (and subsequently may reduce the power demand from the compressors).
  • Oxygen enriched gas, produced by oxygen concentrator system 100 is stored in an oxygen accumulator 145 and released to the user as the user inhales.
  • the amount of oxygen enriched gas provided by the oxygen concentrator system is controlled, in part, by supply valve 160.
  • supply valve 160 is opened for a sufficient amount of time to provide the appropriate amount of oxygen enriched gas, as assessed by controller 400, to the user.
  • the oxygen enriched gas may be provided in a bolus when a user's inhalation is first detected.
  • the bolus of oxygen enriched gas may be provided in the first few milliseconds of a user's inhalation.
  • pressure sensor 194 and/or flow rate sensor 185 may be used to determine the onset of inhalation by the user.
  • the user's inhalation may be detected by using pressure sensor 194.
  • a conduit for providing oxygen enriched gas is coupled to a user's nose and/or mouth (e.g., using a nasal cannula or a face mask).
  • the user begins to draw air into their body through the nose and/or mouth.
  • a negative pressure is generated at the end of the conduit, due, in part, to the venturi action of the air being drawn across the end of the delivery conduit.
  • Pressure sensor 194 may be operable to create a signal when a drop in pressure is detected, to signal the onset of inhalation. Upon detection of the onset of inhalation, supply valve 160 is controlled to release a bolus of oxygen enriched gas from the accumulator 145.
  • pressure sensor 194 may provide a signal that is proportional to the amount of positive or negative pressure applied to a sensing surface.
  • the amount of the pressure change detected by pressure sensor 194 may be used to refine the amount of oxygen enriched gas being provided to the user. For example, if a large negative pressure change is detected by pressure sensor 194, the volume of oxygen enriched gas provided to the user may be increased to take into account the increased volume of gas being inhaled by the user. If a smaller negative pressure is detected, the volume of oxygen enriched gas provided to the user may be decreased to take into account the decreased volume of gas being inhaled by the user.
  • a positive change in the pressure indicates an exhalation by the user and is generally a time that release of oxygen enriched gas is discontinued. Generally while a positive pressure change is sensed, valve 160 remains closed until the next onset of inhalation.
  • the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 194 may be affected by the physical distance of the pressure sensor 194 from the user, especially if the pressure sensor is located in oxygen concentrator system 100 and the pressure difference is detected through the tubing coupling the oxygen concentrator system to the user.
  • the pressure sensor may be placed in the airway delivery device used to provide the oxygen enriched gas to the user.
  • a signal from the pressure sensor may be provided to controller 400 in the oxygen concentrator 100 electronically via a wire or through telemetry such as through BLUETOOTH® (Bluetooth, SIG, Inc. Kirkland, Washington) or other wireless technology.
  • the user's inhalation may be detected by using flow rate sensor 185.
  • a conduit for providing oxygen enriched gas is coupled to a user's nose and/or mouth (e.g., using a nasal cannula or face mask).
  • the user begins to draw air into their body through the nose and/or mouth.
  • Flow rate sensor 185 may be operable to create a signal when an increase in flow rate is detected, to signal the onset of inhalation.
  • supply valve 160 is controlled to release a bolus of oxygen enriched gas from the accumulator 145.
  • a user breathing at a rate of 30 breaths per minute (BPM) during an active state may consume two and one-half times as much oxygen as a user who is breathing at 12 BPM during a sedentary state (e.g., asleep, sitting, etc.).
  • Pressure sensor 194 and/or flow rate sensor 185 may be used to determine the breathing rate of the user.
  • Controller 400 may process information received from pressure sensor 194 and/or flow rate sensor 185 and determine a breathing rate based on the frequency of the onset of inhalation. The detected breathing rate of the user may be used to adjust the bolus of oxygen enriched gas.
  • the volume of the bolus of oxygen enriched gas may be increased as the users breathing rate increase, and may be decreased as the users breathing rate decreases.
  • Controller 400 may automatically adjust the bolus based on the detected activity state of the user. Alternatively, the user may manually indicate a respective active or sedentary mode by selecting the appropriate option on the control panel of the oxygen concentrator. Alternatively, a user may operate controller 400 from a remote electronic device. For example, a user may operate the controller using a smart phone or tablet device.
  • controller 400 may implement an alarm (e.g., visual and/or audio) to warn the user that the current breathing rate is exceeding the delivery capacity of the oxygen concentrator system.
  • the threshold may be set at 20 breaths per minute.
  • controller 400 may operate the oxygen concentrator based on the change in the inspiration breath pressure threshold. The frequency and/or duration of the provided oxygen enriched gas to the user relative to the current frequency and/or duration may be adjusted based on the change in the inspiration breath pressure threshold. Upon determining that the inspiration breath pressure threshold has been lowered, the controller 400 may switch the oxygen concentrator to a sedentary mode. Controller 400 may switch the oxygen concentrator to an active mode, when the inspiration breath pressure threshold has been raised.
  • the bolus of provided oxygen enriched gas may include two or more pulses.
  • the bolus may include two pulses: a first pulse 556 at approximately 7 cubic centimeters and a second pulse 558 at approximately 3 cubic centimeters.
  • Other delivery rates, pulse sizes, and number of pulses are also contemplated.
  • the first pulse may be approximately 14 cubic centimeters and a second pulse may be approximately 6 cubic centimeters and at 3 LPMs, the first pulse may be approximately 21 cubic centimeters and a second pulse may be approximately 9 cubic centimeters.
  • the larger pulse 556 may be provided when the onset of inhalation is detected (e.g., detected by pressure sensor 194). In some embodiments, the pulses may be provided when the onset of inhalation is detected and/or may be spread time-wise evenly through the breath. In some embodiments, the pulses may be stair-stepped through the duration of the breath. In some embodiments, the pulses may be distributed in a different pattern. Additional pulses may also be used (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc. pulses per breath). While the first pulse 556 is shown to be approximately twice the second pulse 558, in some embodiments, the second pulse 558 may be larger than the first pulse 556.
  • pulse size and length may be controlled by, for example, supply valve 160 which may open and close in a timed sequence to provide the pulses.
  • a bolus with multiple pulses may have a smaller impact on a user than a bolus with a single pulse.
  • the multiple pulses may also result in less drying of a user's nasal passages and less blood oxygen desaturation.
  • the multiple pulses may also result in less oxygen waste.
  • the sensitivity of the oxygen concentrator 100 may be selectively attenuated to reduce false inhalation detections due to movement of air from a different source (e.g., movement of ambient air).
  • the oxygen concentrator 100 may have two selectable modes - an active mode and an inactive mode.
  • the user may manually select a mode (e.g., through a switch or user interface).
  • the mode may be automatically selected by the oxygen concentrator 100 based on a detected breathing rate.
  • the oxygen concentrator 100 may use the pressure sensor 194 to detect a breathing rate of the user. If the breathing rate is above a threshold, the oxygen concentrator 100 may operate in an active mode (otherwise, the oxygen concentrator may operate in an inactive mode).
  • Other modes and thresholds are also contemplated.
  • the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 194 may be mechanically, electronically, or programmatically attenuated. For example, during active mode, controller 400 may look for a greater pressure difference to indicate the start of a user breath (e.g., an elevated threshold may be compared to the detected pressure difference to determine if the bolus of oxygen should be released). In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 194 may be mechanically altered to be less sensitive to pressure differences. In some embodiments, an electronic signal from the pressure sensor may be electronically altered to ignore small pressure differences. This can be useful when in active mode. In some embodiments, during the inactive mode the sensitivity of the pressure sensor may be increased.
  • the controller 400 may look for a smaller pressure difference to indicate the start of a user breath (e.g., a smaller threshold may be compared to the detected pressure difference to determine if the bolus of oxygen should be released).
  • a smaller threshold may be compared to the detected pressure difference to determine if the bolus of oxygen should be released.
  • the response time for providing the bolus of oxygen during the user's inhalation may be reduced.
  • the increased sensitivity and smaller response time may reduce the size of the bolus necessary for a given flow rate equivalence.
  • the reduced bolus size may also reduce the size and power consumption of the oxygen concentrator 100.
  • an inhalation detection sensor e.g., a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor
  • a pulse of oxygen enriched gas may be provided through a structure in the mask such that the bolus is sent directly into the air passages of the user (e.g., the nose or mouth) in spite of the continuous outflow of air from the mask that is an inherent feature of positive pressure treatment.
  • FIG. 5 a positive pressure therapy mask 500 is depicted.
  • Positive pressure therapy mask 500 includes a first conduit port 510 for coupling to a compressed air source and a venting port 520 for allowing a portion of the pressurized air entering the mask to exit.
  • An oxygen concentrator may be coupled to the mask via two conduits.
  • Conduit 195 couples compression system 200 directly to mask 500.
  • Conduit 192 couples accumulator 145 to mask 500.
  • Conduit 192 may pass through the mask through second conduit port 532 and rest near an air passage of the user.
  • a nasal cannula 530 coupled to conduit 192 may be positioned proximate to the nose of the user to allow delivery of pulses of oxygen directly to the nose during use.
  • nasal cannula 530 may be coupled to the second conduit port 532 via conduit 534.
  • a pressure sensor 194 may be coupled to conduit 192 as depicted in FIG. 2.
  • mask refers to any device capable of providing a gas to nasal cavities or oral cavities.
  • masks include, but are not limited to: nasal masks, nasal pillows, nasal prongs, oral masks, full face masks (e.g., masks that cover both the nose and the mouth), total face masks (e.g., masks that cover the mouth, nose, and eyes).
  • mask also includes invasive gas delivery devices such as an endotracheal tube, an oropharyngeal airway, or laryngeal mask.
  • positive therapy mask 500 is depicted as a full face mask (i.e., a mask that covers both nose and mouth) it should be understood that a similar configuration may be used on other kinds of masks including nasal masks, oral masks and total face masks.
  • compression system 200 of the oxygen concentrator produces a compressed air stream which is directed through conduit 195 to mask 500.
  • Controller 200 (not shown in this figure) operates compression system 200 to produce a stream of compressed air that is sufficient to meet the positive pressure therapy requirements of the user, typically producing compressed air having a flow rate of between about 20 LPM to 60 LPM.
  • Controller 200 is further coupled to an inhalation sensor 194.
  • Inhalation sensor 194 is coupled to mask 500 and determines the onset of inhalation for the user by sensing a change in the air flow or pressure inside the mask.
  • inhalation sensor may be a flow rate meter or a pressure sensor.
  • Methods for detecting changes in pressure include methods discussed herein based on pressure changes and/or flow rate changes.
  • controller 200 may active a mechanism of the oxygen concentrator to release a bolus of oxygen directed directly to the user's airway via conduits 192 and 534.
  • controller 200 may active a mechanism of the oxygen concentrator to release a bolus of oxygen directed directly to the user's airway via conduits 192 and 534.
  • a positive pressure i.e. a pressure greater than the ambient pressure
  • the positive pressure creates a condition such that the pressure measured by a pressure sensor coupled to the mask may never become negative.
  • the onset of inhalation may be assessed by a significant drop in pressure, even if the drop in pressure still indicates a pressure in the mask that is above ambient pressure.
  • Controller 200 may therefore be configured to sense this condition and provide the bolus of oxygen enriched gas to user at the onset of inhalation.
  • controller 200 may already be programmed to determine the breathing status of the patient, and make adjustments to the pressure in the mask.
  • controller 200 may be configured to release a bolus of oxygen enriched gas from the oxygen concentrator system in synchronization with the pressure changing algorithm.
  • the positive air pressure applied to the user is continuously adjusted based on the breathing pattern of the patient.
  • an APAP device controller is already programmed to recognize when an increase in positive pressure is required to overcome resistance to breathing.
  • Controller 200 may include an APAP algorithm that is modified to also coordinate the release of an oxygen enriched gas from oxygen concentrator system when pressure is adjusted to stimulate breathing during a sleep apnea episode.
  • Controller 200 may include a bi-level algorithm that is modified to also coordinate the release of an oxygen enriched gas from oxygen concentrator system when pressure is adjusted during inhalation.
  • a positive pressure is created inside the mask that is greater than ambient pressure.
  • a correction pressure is assessed by measuring ambient pressure and comparing ambient pressure to the pressure measured inside the mask.
  • An ambient pressure sensor may be coupled to controller 200 (e.g., ambient pressure sensor 176 in oxygen concentrator) and the ambient pressure measured.
  • a correction pressure may be assessed as a function of the ambient pressure and the pressure inside of mask 500.
  • the correction pressure is the difference between the pressure inside of mask 500 and the ambient pressure.
  • the pressure in the mask may be measured using a mask pressure sensor. During use, the pressure inside the mask may vary due to inhalation and exhalation of the user.
  • a correction pressure may be based on an average mask pressure measured over one or more breathing cycles.
  • a correction pressure may be based on a maximum mask pressure assessed over one or more breathing cycles. In another embodiment, a correction pressure may be based on a pressure in the mask when no breathing events (i.e., inhalation or exhalation) are occurring.
  • operation of the oxygen generation system may be keyed to changes in pressure in the mask.
  • the pressure in the mask is continuously or automatically measured.
  • an adjusted mask pressure is assessed as a function of the measured mask pressure and the correction pressure.
  • the adjusted pressure is the difference between the measured pressure inside the mask and the correction pressure.
  • the onset of inhalation may be signaled by a drop in the adjusted pressure. If the adjusted pressure is less than a predetermined pressure, the system recognizes the onset of inhalation and provides a bolus of oxygen enriched gas to the user. Alternatively, since the adjusted pressure is corrected for ambient pressure, the onset of inhalation may be recognized when the adjusted pressure is less than ambient pressure.
  • the correction pressure may be used by the system to automatically account for different mask pressures. Additionally, many oxygen concentrator systems are programmed to provide oxygen enriched air to the user when a pressure sensor detects a pressure below ambient pressure at the conduit used to provide oxygen enriched gas to the user. By using an adjusted pressure to signal the onset of inhalation, the oxygen concentrator system may need little if any adjustment.
  • a positive pressure is created inside the mask that is greater than ambient pressure.
  • masks used for positive pressure therapy have one or more venting ports 520 built into the mask. This allows excess air to continuously exit the mask and also provides an outlet for exhalation. In one embodiment, a flow rate of air exiting the mask through one or more venting ports is assessed.
  • the flow rate of the gasses exiting the mask will vary.
  • no breathing event i.e., when the patient is neither inhaling nor exhaling
  • the flow rate of gas exiting the mask is substantially constant and represents a baseline flow rate.
  • the flow rate of gas exiting the mask will increase; during inhalation the flow rate of gas exiting the mask will decrease.
  • the flow rate of gas exiting the mask is continuously or automatically measured. If the flow rate drops and is less than a baseline flow rate, the system recognizes the onset of inhalation and provides a bolus of oxygen enriched gas to the user. In an alternate embodiment, the onset of inhalation is recognized when the flow rate exiting the mask drops by a predetermined amount.
  • the delivery flow rate of the oxygen concentrator is reduced.
  • the delivery valve of the oxygen concentrator is adjusted based on the pressure transducer reading of the internal mask pressure. This assures the system is delivering the correct bolus size that would otherwise be reduced by the resisting pressure in the mask.

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un appareil concentrateur d'oxygène et son procédé d'utilisation. La concentration d'oxygène peut comprendre au moins une boîte; un adsorbant séparateur de gaz logé dans ladite boîte, et un système de compression. Le système de compression comprend au moins un compresseur relié à ladite boîte, le compresseur pouvant comprendre un premier rotor présentant au moins deux protubérances et un second rotor présentant au moins deux évidements. Pendant la rotation du premier et second rotor, le gaz se déplace jusqu'à au moins l'une des boîtes par passage à travers le compresseur et dans les boîtes, l'adsorbant séparateur de gaz sépare au moins une partie de l'azote de l'air pour produire un gaz enrichi en oxygène.
PCT/US2016/067157 2015-12-18 2016-12-16 Utilisation d'un concentrateur d'oxygène pour thérapie ppc WO2017106636A1 (fr)

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WO2019119054A1 (fr) * 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 ResMed Pty Ltd Procédés et appareil pour le traitement d'un trouble respiratoire
WO2020037375A1 (fr) * 2018-08-23 2020-02-27 ResMed Pty Ltd Procédés et appareil de commande de thérapie respiratoire au moyen d'oxygène supplémentaire
CN111694382A (zh) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-22 欧姆龙健康医疗(中国)有限公司 供气浓度调节方法、供气浓度调节系统和制氧机
CN115721499A (zh) * 2022-11-15 2023-03-03 金陵科技学院 一种带涡轮增压的微高压氧舱及其使用方法
US11915570B2 (en) 2020-07-16 2024-02-27 Ventec Life Systems, Inc. System and method for concentrating gas
US11918748B2 (en) 2012-04-05 2024-03-05 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited Respiratory assistance apparatus
US11931689B2 (en) 2020-07-16 2024-03-19 Ventec Life Systems, Inc. System and method for concentrating gas

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US11918748B2 (en) 2012-04-05 2024-03-05 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited Respiratory assistance apparatus
WO2019119054A1 (fr) * 2017-12-21 2019-06-27 ResMed Pty Ltd Procédés et appareil pour le traitement d'un trouble respiratoire
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WO2020037375A1 (fr) * 2018-08-23 2020-02-27 ResMed Pty Ltd Procédés et appareil de commande de thérapie respiratoire au moyen d'oxygène supplémentaire
CN111694382A (zh) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-22 欧姆龙健康医疗(中国)有限公司 供气浓度调节方法、供气浓度调节系统和制氧机
US11915570B2 (en) 2020-07-16 2024-02-27 Ventec Life Systems, Inc. System and method for concentrating gas
US11931689B2 (en) 2020-07-16 2024-03-19 Ventec Life Systems, Inc. System and method for concentrating gas
CN115721499A (zh) * 2022-11-15 2023-03-03 金陵科技学院 一种带涡轮增压的微高压氧舱及其使用方法
CN115721499B (zh) * 2022-11-15 2024-04-05 金陵科技学院 一种带涡轮增压的微高压氧舱及其使用方法

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