U.S. patent application number 11/512065 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for personal gas supply delivery system.
Invention is credited to Joseph E. Coury, John S. Massaad.
Application Number | 20070074723 11/512065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24777649 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070074723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coury; Joseph E. ; et
al. |
April 5, 2007 |
Personal gas supply delivery system
Abstract
A supply of gas such as oxygen is provided to a person in need
of such gas supply. The delivery system includes an alarm to alert
the recipient of the gas or another when and if the gas supply is
disrupted. The alarm system preferably includes a reset and on-off
switch that is recessed sufficiently to prevent accidental
disabling of the alarm system.
Inventors: |
Coury; Joseph E.; (Lakewood,
OH) ; Massaad; John S.; (Lakewood, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FORREST L. COLLINS
POST OFFICE BOX 41040
BRECKSVILLE
OH
44141-1040
US
|
Family ID: |
24777649 |
Appl. No.: |
11/512065 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09691713 |
Oct 18, 2000 |
7096865 |
|
|
11512065 |
Aug 29, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/203.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0051 20130101;
A61M 2205/581 20130101; A61M 2205/583 20130101; A61M 2205/3553
20130101; A61M 16/0672 20140204; Y10S 261/65 20130101; A61M 2205/18
20130101; A61M 16/021 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/203.17 |
International
Class: |
A61M 15/00 20060101
A61M015/00 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A personal gas supply delivery system comprising: a vessel, for
when in use having a moisturizing liquid, to provide a source of
moisture to increase the amount of moisture in an influent gas
passing through the moisturizing liquid to obtain a moisturized
effluent gas, said vessel having a first opening for receiving an
influent gas, said moisturizing vessel having a second opening for
when in use, receiving the moisturized effluent gas, a single first
flexible conduit connected with said second opening, said single
first flexible conduit for when in use, for receiving the
moisturized effluent gas, a gas flow alarm connected with said
single first flexible conduit, and a single second flexible conduit
connected with said gas flow alarm, said second conduit in fluid
communication with said single first flexible conduit, said gas
flow alarm for determining the instantaneous pressure or flow
volume of the moisturized effluent gas; and, said single second
flexible conduit connecting with a pair of spaced apart nasal
fittings.
32. The personal gas supply delivery system according to claim 31
wherein the gas flow alarm is set to alert a recipient of the
effluent gas by an audible signal.
33. The personal gas supply delivery system according to claim 31
wherein the gas flow alarm is set to alert a recipient of the
effluent gas by a visual signal.
34. The personal gas supply delivery system according to claim 31
wherein the gas flow alarm is set to alert the recipient of the
effluent gas by a vibratory signal.
35. The personal gas supply delivery system according to claim 31
further comprising an alarm reset feature located between said
single first flexible conduit and said single second flexible
conduit.
36. The personal gas supply delivery system according to claim 31
further comprising an alarm test feature located between said
single first flexible conduit and said single second flexible
conduit.
37. A method of permitting a recipient of a moisturizing gas from a
personal gas supply delivery system to respond to a condition of an
alarm in the personal gas supply delivery system comprising:
obtaining personal gas supply delivery system having a vessel, said
vessel, for when in use having a moisturizing liquid, to provide a
source of moisture to increase the amount of moisture in an
influent gas passing through the moisturizing liquid to obtain a
moisturized effluent gas, said vessel having a first opening for
receiving an influent gas, said moisturizing vessel having a second
opening, a single first flexible conduit connected with said second
opening, said single first flexible conduit for when in use, for
receiving the moisturized effluent gas, a gas flow alarm connected
with said single first flexible conduit, and a single second
flexible conduit connected with said gas flow alarm, said second
conduit in fluid communication with said single first flexible
conduit, said gas flow alarm for determining the instantaneous
pressure or flow volume of the moisturized effluent gas; said
single second flexible conduit connecting with a pair of spaced
apart nasal fittings and, said gas flow alarm being proximate to
said pair of spaced apart nasal fittings to permit the recipient of
a moisturizing gas to respond to a condition of said alarm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The purpose of this invention is to employ a gas flow alarm
in a personal gas supply delivery system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Art Practices
[0004] Hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices, clinics and a
number of other health care institutions utilize medical gasses in
rendering care to patients. It is well known to administer oxygen,
air, and nitrous oxide to patients for treatment of a variety of
different conditions or during surgical operations.
[0005] A number of medical institutions now employ medical gas
systems which use a central gas supply source for providing a
positive flow of medical gasses. These systems often utilize a
network of conduits or supply lines to deliver the medical gas
remote from the central source of the medical gas. The networks
often include main and branch shut-off valves to enable isolation
of a portion of the network in the event of damage or fire, or to
effect needed repairs.
[0006] The lives of patients may depend on receiving a reliable
source of the medical gas, a real need has developed to ensure that
the medical gas system is functioning properly, and to annunciate
an alarm in the event a malfunction or alarm condition is detected.
Such conditions may occur, for example, when the shut-off valve is
either partially or fully closed. In such circumstances, the
necessary supply of gas may be insufficient or non-existent.
[0007] A further inadvertent interruption of the medical gas supply
may occur when the medical gas is humidified. Commonly employed
humidifying systems utilize a threaded plastic vessel that is
screwed into a threaded plastic cap. If the threads of the threaded
plastic vessel or threaded plastic cap are damaged or misaligned
the medical gas may be lost to the surrounding environment with the
consequent non-delivery of the medical gas to the patient.
[0008] There is a further need to detect other defects in the
system that may impair the medical gas system effectiveness. For
example, usage of the system may eventually result in low pressure
conditions in the supply tank when the supply of gas is nearly
exhausted. There is a further need for early detection of these
problems so that replacement sources of medical gas may be provided
to the patient before the medical gas delivery system becomes
completely inoperative.
[0009] Finally, due to the escalating costs associated with medical
care and the shortage of trained nurses and technicians, monitoring
of the medical gas delivery systems should be easy and capable of
instant recognition of system faults. In particular, the recipient
of the medical gas or a visitor of the patient should be able to
recognize system faults.
[0010] Several methods using various apparatus have been employed
to determine if a supply of a gas is within operating parameters.
Such methods and aparrati are disclosed below.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,022 granted to Laswick, et al., on May
23, 2000 describes an in-line low supply pressure alarm device
powered solely by supply flow of pressurized gas from a gas supply
for providing an alarm signal when supply gas pressure is below a
selected minimum pressure. The alarm device includes a manifold
having an input port for communicating with the supply gas supply,
an output port for conducting the gas downstream and a manifold
chamber disposed therebetween.
[0012] The Laswick, et al., patent utilizes gas powered alarms such
as an audible reed alarm or a visual pneumatic alarm are connected
to the manifold chamber via an alarm supply conduit, and produce an
alarm signal when pressurized gas passes to the alarms. According
to the Laswick, et al., patent a supply gas pressure sensor, in
communication with the manifold chamber, produces an actuating flow
of pressurized gas by activating a pressure switch, in response to
sensing of an supply gas pressure below the selected minimum
pressure.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,022 to Laswick, et al., further provides
a pneumatic alarm output switch, in the alarm supply conduit and in
communication with the pressure sensor and pressure switch via an
actuation conduit, controls gas flow to the alarms in response to
the actuating flow. The Laswick, et al., patent preferably includes
an alarm oscillation system is included for alternating the
direction of the actuating flow to and from the alarm output
switch, to open and close the alarm output switch thereby turning
the alarm on and off in a cyclical fashion.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,321 issued to Joshi on Jun. 23, 1987
describes a leak detector employing an ion-conducting membrane is
disclosed. The Joshi patent describes an oxygen-ion conducting
membrane which employs a high vacuum on one side is used to detect
very small quantities of oxygen flowing through a minute fissure in
a part to be tested for leaks. The Joshi patent further describes
an oxygen-ion conducting membrane which is biased with direct
current voltage to drive oxygen-ions through the membrane away from
the high vacuum side.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,133,997 to Greene issued May 19, 1964
describes a fluid-pressure activated switch Pressure activated
switches are described in the MPL publication available at
mpl@pressureswitch.com 555 SW 12th Avenue Pompano Beach, Fla.
33069. Further disclosures of pressure activated switches are found
at World Magnetics 810 Hastings Street Traverse City, Mich. 49686,
telephone: 231-946-3800 and fax: 231-946-0274 and located on the
web at http://www.worldmagnetics.com.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,822 to Hoffinan issued Oct. 15, 1991
describes a medical gas alarm system is provided which includes a
sensor unit pneumatically connected to a medical gas supply line
and a switch connected to a valve in the supply line for detecting
the open condition of the valve.
[0017] In the Hoffinan patent, in the event either the sensor
detects a high pressure or low pressure condition in the supply
line or closing of the valve activates the switch, an alarm signal
is received by an alarm module and an alarm is activated. The alarm
of the Hoffman patent may be visual, audible or both. During normal
operations, the alarm module of the Hoffman patent displays both a
system on condition and a digital display indicating the pressure
in the supply line.
[0018] The Hoffinan patent also includes a method of monitoring the
condition of a medical gas delivery system which includes sensing
the pressure in the gas supply line, detecting the open condition
of the valve, transmitting an alarm signal to an alarm module in
response to alarm conditions detected either as a result of
improper pressure or valve closure, and generating a humanly
perceptible alarm warning in response to receipt of an alarm
signal.
[0019] Fukui in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,333 issued Oct. 10, 1995
describes a gas sensor comprises a precious metal electrode, a
semiconductor layer entirely or partly covering the precious metal
electrode, a barrier layer having a high potential formed at an
interface between the precious metal electrode and the
semiconductor layer. The Fukui patent recites a gas sensor for use
in a leak detector for detecting a fuel gas such as town gas, the
sensor comprising a precious metal electrode; and a semiconductor
layer at least partly covering said precious metal electrode,
wherein the semiconductor layer includes, as a main component, at
least one substance selected from the group consisting of tin
oxide, zinc oxide and indium oxide. The Fukui patent precious metal
electrode is formed of a substance selected from the group
consisting of platinum, gold, ruthenium, lead, silver, iridium, and
alloys thereof and has a barrier layer having a high potential
formed between said precious metal electrode and said semiconductor
layer and on a surface of said precious metal electrode. The
barrier layer described in the Fukui patent comprises either a
substance formed by electrodeposition and selected from the group
consisting of platinum, palladium, gold and rhodium, or a substance
formed by thermal decomposition and selected from the group
consisting of platinum, palladium and gold, said barrier layer
being capable of enhancing sensitivity to isobutane gas relative to
other gases.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,866 issued to Padula Mar. 15, 1994
provides a description of an indicator device which can be attached
to a standard oxygen flow meter is disclosed. The indicator device
described in the Padula patent has a rod along which a pointer can
be moved and locked into position. The pointer in the Padula patent
can be set at the oxygen flow level prescribed by the physician as
indicated by the scale on the oxygen flow meter. If the oxygen flow
level, as described in the Padula patent, is changed or if oxygen
is discontinued for any period of time, the attendant can then set
the oxygen flow to the prescribed level by controlling the valve on
the oxygen flow meter so that the float, which indicates oxygen
flowing liters per minute is positioned opposite the position of
the pointer. The foregoing mechanism recited in the Padula patent
prevents erroneous or improper setting of oxygen flow levels to
patients after interruption or change of oxygen flow level, which
can be dangerous, and life threatening.
[0021] To the extent that the foregoing references are relevant to
the present invention, they are herein specifically incorporated by
reference. Where temperatures are given, they are in degrees C.
unless otherwise indicated. Pressure measurements are reported in
KPa. Percentages and ratios given herein are by weight unless
otherwise indicated. Measurments herein are stated in degrees of
approximation and where appropriate the word "about" may be
inserted before any measurement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention describes a personal gas supply
delivery system comprising: [0023] a first conduit, for when in use
receiving a supply of a gas at a first pressure from a first gas
supply line, [0024] said first conduit connected with a gas flow
alarm, said gas flow alarm for when in use for determining an
instantaneous difference in the pressure or volume of the gas per
unit of time and the volume of the effluent gas per unit of time,
[0025] a second conduit connected with said gas flow alarm, for
when in use receiving the supply of gas through said gas flow
alarm, [0026] said first conduit having a first connector, for when
in use providing a detachable airtight seal with a compatible
connector on the gas supply line, said first connector located
distally from said gas flow alarm, and [0027] said second conduit
having a second connector, for when in use providing a detachable
airtight seal with a compatible connector on a second gas supply
line, said second connector located distally from said gas flow
alarm
[0028] The present invention further describes a personal gas
supply delivery system comprising: [0029] a moisturizing vessel,
for when in use, having the capability to contain a liquid to
provide a source of moisture to increase the amount of moisture in
a gas passing through the liquid, [0030] said moisturizing vessel
having a first opening for receiving an influent gas, [0031] said
moisturizing vessel having a second opening for an effluent gas,
[0032] a first conduit connected with said second opening, said
first conduit for when in use, for receiving the effluent gas,
[0033] a gas flow alarm connected with said first conduit, and
[0034] a second conduit connected with said gas flow alarm said
second conduit in fluid communication with said first conduit, said
gas flow alarm for determining the instantaneous pressure
differential of the influent gas and the effluent gas.
[0035] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a personal gas
supply delivery system comprising: [0036] a moisturizing vessel,
for when in use, having the capability to contain a liquid to
provide a source of moisture to increase the amount of moisture in
a gas passing through the liquid, [0037] said moisturizing vessel
having a first opening for receiving an influent gas, [0038] said
moisturizing vessel having a second opening for an effluent gas,
[0039] a first conduit connected with said second opening, said
fist conduit for when in use, for receiving the effluent gas,
[0040] a gas flow alarm connected with said first conduit, and
[0041] a second conduit connected with said gas flow alarm, said
second conduit in fluid communication with said first conduit,
[0042] said gas flow alarm for determining an instantaneous
difference in the volume of the influent gas per unit of time and
the volume of the effluent gas per unit of time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The foregoing and other features of the present invention
will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present
invention relates upon consideration of the following description
of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective of a finished product
embodiment according to the invention;
[0045] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective of a part of the finished
product embodiment according to the invention;
[0046] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a part of the finished product
embodiment according to the invention taken along line 3-3;
[0047] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the alarm according to
the invention;
[0048] FIG. 5 is a frontal perspective of a part of the finished
product embodiment according to the invention; and
[0049] FIG. 6 is an anterior view of a part of the finished product
embodiment according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] As best seen in FIG. 1 there is a finished product
embodiment according to the present invention. A personal gas
delivery system 10 includes a hollow flexible tubing 14. The hollow
flexible tubing 14 is conveniently any sufficiently flexible tubing
to permit movement without undue risk of crimping, cracking or
other damage, which may interrupt the flow of a medical gas.
[0051] A suggested hollow flexible tubing 14 is Tygon tubing
available from Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation PO Box
3660, Akron, Ohio 44309. Saint-Gobain may be reached toll free at
800-798-1544 and direct at 330-798-9240 or at
http://www.tygoncom/.
[0052] The hollow flexible tubing 14 is permanently terminated by a
hollow tubing connector 18. The hollow tubing connector 18 is
conveniently forced into a nipple connector 24 extending from the
gas flow alarm 20. The hollow tubing connector 18 is conveniently
detachable from the nipple connector 24 through moderate hand
pressure with a twisting motion. The hollow flexible tubing 14 is
in fluid communication with the hollow tubing connector 18, and the
nipple connector 24.
[0053] In a typical usage, it is not necessary to employ any
lubricant to ensure an airtight fit of the hollow flexible tubing
connector 18 to the nipple connector 24. Similarly, there is no
need for caulking or adhesive to ensure an airtight fit of the
hollow tubing connector 18 to the nipple connector 24.
[0054] The nipple connector 24 is made of a rigid plastic such as
polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate. The nipple connector 24 may also
be made of other suitable rigid plastic materials.
[0055] The nipple connector 24 is affixed at the opposite end
thereof with a gas flow alarm 20. The point of attachment of the
gas flow alarm 20 to the hollow tubing connector 18 is by a nipple
connector 24 extending from the gas flow alarm 20. The nipple
connector 24 is more particularly shown in FIG. 2. The hollow
tubing connector 18 is in fluid communication with the first nipple
connector 24.
[0056] The gas flow alarm 20 is one, which is suitable for low flow
rates and relatively low pressures. Typically, the gas flow alarm
20 is capable of determining the instantaneous pressure
differential of a supply of a medical gas in the range of about
0.005 KPa to about 200 Kpa preferably 0.013 KPa to about 150 Kpa,
(the equivalent of 0.05 in/H.sub.2O as a low end and 550
in/H.sub.2O), above the ambient atmospheric pressure. That is, the
supply of a medical gas will be determined by a flow rate
approximately equal to the ambient pressure with ambient at see
level being 101 KPa (14.7 pounds per square inch).
[0057] The low flow rates and relatively low pressures are utilized
because the system is designed to provide a supplement of a medical
gas to a patient rather than forcing the gas into the lungs of the
patient. The system will work to provide accurate data at
elevations from slightly below sea level to above about three
thousand meters (minus 200 feet mean sea level to about ten
thousand feet).
[0058] As best seen in FIG. 4, a switch 30 suitable for use in the
gas flow alarm 20 has a flexible metallic reed 32. The flexible
metallic reed 32 is connected at an end 34 to an electrical
terminal 36. The electrical terminal 36 is connected to a low
voltage current source. The flexible metallic reed 32 has second
end 40. The second end 40 of the flexible-metallic reed 32 contacts
a second electrical terminal 44 to complete an electrical circuit.
The flexible metallic reed 32 is sufficiently flexible enough to
permit a relatively low flow (consequently low pressure) of a
medical gas to displace (break) the second end 40 of the flexible
metallic reed 32 away from the second electrical terminal 44
thereby interrupting the electrical circuit. The direction of the
flow of the medical gas according to the present invention is shown
in FIG. 4 by the double-headed arrows. A set screw 46 permits the
switch 30 to be variably set to accommodate different sensitivities
for the gas flow alarm 20. The set screw 46 impinges on the second
electrical terminal 44 to place the second electrical terminal 44
in closer proximity to the second end 40 thereby making the switch
30 more sensitive to gas flow.
[0059] Suitable gas flow alarms 20 are described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,133,997 to Greene issued May 19, 1964 that describes a
fluid-pressure activated switch. Pressure activated switches are
described in the MPL publication available at
mpl@pressureswitch.com from Micro Pneumatic Logic Inc., 555 SW 12th
Avenue Pompano Beach, Fla. 33069. Further disclosures of pressure
activated switches are found at World Magnetics 810 Hastings Street
Traverse City, Mich. 49686, telephone: 231-946-3800 and fax:
231-946-0274 and located on the web at
http://www.worldmagnetics.com. The gas flow alarms described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,133,997 to Greene, the MPL publication from Micro
Pneumatic Logic Inc., and the World Magnetics are specifically
incorporated herein by reference.
[0060] As best seen in FIG. 2, the gas flow alarm 20 has protruding
from it a second nipple connector 52. The second nipple connector
52 is similar in construction and design to the first nipple
connector 24. The second nipple connector 52 is in fluid
communication with the gas flow alarm 20.
[0061] A second hollow tubing connector 58 plastic such as PVC or
polycarbonate. The design and construction of the second hollow
tubing connector 58 is similar to that of the hollow tubing
connector 18. The second hollow tubing connector 58 is in fluid
communication with the second nipple connector 52 and accordingly
is in fluid communication with the gas flow alarm 20.
[0062] The second hollow tubing connector 58 is connected with a
second hollow flexible tubing 64. The second tubing connector 58 is
conveniently forced into the second nipple connector 52. The hollow
flexible tubing 64 is in fluid communication with the hollow tubing
connector 58. The second hollow tubing connector 58 is conveniently
detachable from the second nipple connector 52 through moderate
hand pressure with a twisting motion.
[0063] The suggested hollow flexible tubing 64 is Tygon tubing
available form the same source as the hollow flexible tubing 14. As
with the hollow connector tubing 18, the hollow tubing connector 58
it is not necessary to employ any lubricant to ensure an airtight
fit of the hollow tubing connector 58 to the nipple connector 52.
Similarly, there is no need for caulking or adhesive to ensure an
airtight fit of the hollow connector tubing 58 to the nipple
connector 52.
[0064] The second hollow flexible tubing 64 is connected with a gas
distributive device 70. The point of the connection of the hollow
flexible tubing 64 is connected with a gas distributive device 70
is with a unitary to binary connector 74. The unitary to binary
connector 74 connects at the unitary opening 76 to the hollow
flexible tubing 64. The unitary to binary connector 74 is in fluid
communication with the hollow flexible tubing 64. The second hollow
flexible tubing 64 is permanently connected to the unitary to
binary connector 74.
[0065] The unitary to binary connector 74 has a binary opening 78
at the end distal from the unitary opening 76. The binary opening
78 is in fluid communication with the unitary opening 76 and
accordingly with the second hollow flexible tubing 64.
[0066] The unitary to binary connector 74 is formed of a hollow
tube 82 and a second hollow tube 84. The first hollow tube 82 and
the second hollow tube 84 are conveniently obtained as a
co-extruded material. The first hollow tube 82 and the second
hollow tube 84 are typically formed from a flexible material such
as the previously discussed Tygon tubing. The first hollow tube 82
and the second hollow tube 84 are each separately in fluid
communication with the binary opening 78.
[0067] A clip 88 is conveniently utilized to maintain the first
hollow tube 82 and the second hollow tube 84 in close proximity.
The clip 88 is a "C" shaped hard plastic into which the first
hollow tube 82 and the second hollow tube 84 are inserted and held
in place in the interior curvature of the "C" by pressure fitting.
The clip 88 is with moderate effort slideably engaged on the outer
surface of the first hollow tube 82 and the second hollow tube
84.
[0068] The first hollow tube 82 connects with nasal cannula 90 via
a first nasal cannula fitting 92. The second hollow tube 84 with a
second nasal cannula fitting 96. The first nasal cannula fitting 92
is in fluid communication with first hollow tube 82. The nasal
cannula 90 is connected with a second nasal cannula fitting 96. The
second nasal cannula fitting 96 is in fluid communication with
second hollow tube 84.
[0069] The first nasal cannula fitting 92 and the second nasal
cannula fitting 96 are a part of the hollow nasal cannula tube 98.
The first nasal cannula fitting 92 and the second nasal cannula
fitting 96 are both in fluid communication with the hollow nasal
cannula tube 98.
[0070] The nasal cannula tube 98 has protruding from it a pair of
spaced apart nasal fittings 102 and 104. The spaced apart nasal
fittings 102 and 104 are in fluid communication with the hollow
nasal cannula tube 98.
[0071] The spaced apart nasal fittings 102 and 104 have nasal
orifices 108 and 110. The nasal orifices 108 and 110 permit the
flow of a medical gas out of the nasal cannula tube 98 to the
nostrils of a patient in need of the medical gas.
[0072] A retaining strap (not shown) is conveniently connected with
the nasal cannula tube 98. The retaining strap 118 permits the gas
distributive device 70 to be retained around the neck of the
patient while the patient is receiving the medical gas. To avoid
accidental disconnection and the resultant false alarms, it is
suggested that each of the hollow flexible tubing 14 and the hollow
flexible tubing 64 be from 25 centimeters to 2 meters, preferably
30 centimeters to one meter in length.
[0073] The personal gas delivery system 10 permits the hollow
flexible tubing 14 to receive a medical gas, such as oxygen, from a
medical gas supply source (not shown). The hollow flexible tubing
14 receives the medical gas allowing the flow of a medical gas to
the hollow tubing connector 18.
[0074] The medical gas passes through the hollow tubing connector
18 in an uninterrupted flow to the gas flow alarm 20. The medical
gas passes through the gas flow alarm 20. If the flow rate of the
medical gas is below a predetermined point then the alarm is
activated.
[0075] The activation of the alarm may be by an audible signal to
alert at least the patient that the flow rate of the medical gas is
below a predetermined point. As the patient may be suffering from a
hearing impairment it is also possible to utilize a visible light
to alert the patient that the flow rate of the medical gas is below
a predetermined point.
[0076] As the patient may be patient may be suffering from a
hearing impairment and a lack of visual acuity it is also possible
to utilize a vibratory mechanism to alert the patient that the flow
rate of the medical gas has fallen below a predetermined point. The
vibratory mechanism is least favored, as it requires an external
power source to avoid premature discharge of the batteries.
[0077] Each of the alarms, audible, visual and vibratory has
disadvantages. As noted the audible alarm is of limited value with
a hearing impaired patient. The light activated alarm requires a
sighted patient and is of little use when the patient is sleeping
or when the alarm light is hidden beneath a blanket or other
covering. Similarly, the vibratory mechanism as an alarm is of
limited value when the patient is sleeping and may be covered with
a blanket which may absorb the vibrations which are intended to
alert the patient that the flow rate of the medical gas has fallen
below a predetermined point.
[0078] If the system is otherwise operating properly the medical
gas flows through the gas flow alarm 20, through the second nipple
connector 52 and into the second hollow tubing connector 58. The
medical gas then flows from the second hollow tubing connector 58,
into hollow flexible tubing 64, and from there into the gas
distributive device 70.
[0079] The purpose of having the flow of medical gas divided into
two flow paths is important in the present invention. As the gas
flow alarm 20 is upstream from the nasal cannula tube 90 it
possible for any of the components from the gas flow alarm 20
downstream to become non-functional, e.g. blocked. For example, one
of the pair of spaced apart nasal fittings 102 and 104 may become
blocked because of mucous in the opening the affected nasal
fitting.
[0080] Similarly, one of the first hollow tube 82 and a second
hollow tube 84 may be crushed or otherwise blocked. As the present
invention permits having the flow of medical gas divided into two
flow paths at least some of the medical gas passing through one of
the hollow tubes will likely reach the patient. In any other case,
the alarm 20 may be fully functional and the patient would still
not receive an adequate supply of the medical gas.
[0081] Thus, as an additional feature to the alarm aspect of the
present invention is a transmitter 200. The transmitter 200 is
shown in FIG. 6. The transmitter 200, when connected with the gas
flow alarm 20, transmits the fact that the flow rate of the medical
gas has fallen below a predetermined point to a remote receiving
location such as a nursing station. The transmitter 200 is any
conventional low power device that does not interfere with the
operation of the overall system. The transmitter 200 transmits
through an antenna 202.
[0082] A second embodiment of the present invention employs the
feature of moisturizing a medical gas to be supplied to the
patient. As best seen in FIG. 5, is a medical gas supply line 210.
The medical gas supply line 210 is connected with a humidifying
vessel 220. The humidifying vessel 220 comprises a humidify
container 222 and a humming container cap 224.
[0083] The humidifying container 222 has a screw sealing mechanism
at its upper opening. The humidifying container cap 224 has a screw
sealing mechanism. The humidifying container cap 224 has a screw
sealing mechanism is mated to the screw sealing mechanism of the
humidifying container 222. The humidifying container cap 224 has
extending there through a first opening 228. The humidifying
container cap 224 has extending there through a second opening
232.
[0084] A gas delivery conduit 236 extends through the first opening
228 in the humidifying container cap 224. The gas delivery conduit
236 extends into the humidifying container 222, when the
humidifying container cap 224 is screwed onto the humidifying
container 222, to a point just above the humidifying container
lower surface 238. In practice, the gas delivery conduit 236 will
be below the level of the humidifying liquid in the humidifying
container 222.
[0085] A gas receiving conduit 242 extends through the second
opening 232 in the humidifying container cap 224. The gas receiving
conduit 242, extends into the humidifying container 222, when the
humidifying container cap 224 is screwed onto the humidifying
container 222, to a point just below the bottom 244 of the
humidifying container cap 224. When the personal gas delivery
system 10 is in operation the gas receiving conduit 242 will not
extend below the level of the humidifying liquid in the humidifying
container 222.
[0086] A medical gas is introduced to the delivery conduit 236 and
into the humidifying container 222. The humidifying container 222
is filed to a point about 2 centimeters below its top with
distilled water. The gas delivery conduit 236 is below the level of
the humidifying liquid in the humidify container 222. The medical
gas from the gas delivery conduit 236 is humidified in the
humidifying container 222.
[0087] The gas receiving conduit 242 takes up the humidified
medical gas. The double-headed arrows in FIG. 5 show the direction
of gas flow. The medical gas then passes through the gas flow alarm
20 as previously described.
[0088] A third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. In
the last embodiment of he invention there is disclosed a switch 300
for the gas flow alarm 20. The gas flow alarm 20 has an anterior
surface 302. Located on the anterior surface 302 is a light 304 for
alerting the patient that the gas flow alarm 20 has detected a low
pressure or low flow rate of the medical gas.
[0089] To allow the patient to be confident that the gas flow alarm
20 is operating properly there is an alarm test switch 306. A
second switch on the anterior surface of the gas flow alarm 20 is a
reset switch 306. The reset switch 306 is located on the anterior
surface 302 of the gas flow alarm 20. The gas flow alarm 20, when
activated will provide a continuous signal until the alarm is
reset, or the alarm is inactivated, or the batteries are
depleted.
[0090] Accordingly, there is a need to manually reset the alarm
when the alarm is activated. When the medical gas supply is
intentionally interrupted such as to replace the gas supply, to
provide services to the patient such as bathing the patient, or to
replenish the humidifying liquid 242 in the humidifying container
222, it is desirable to turn off the gas flow alarm 20.
Accordingly, the gas flow alarm 20 may also provide an on off
switch (or a test feature) 310.
[0091] Although the above description and accompanying drawings
relate to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated
by the inventors, it will be understood that the invention in its
broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the
elements described and illustrated.
* * * * *
References