Oxygen concentrator apparatus and method

Abstract

In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator may include lightweight injection molded housing components coupled to dual-pump diaphragm compressors. The oxygen concentrator may be coupled to a pressure transducer that detects a user's inhalation. The detected inhalation may signal the release of a bolus of oxygen. The sensitivity of the pressure transducer readings may be adjusted based on a detected environment. The user's breathing rate may also be determined to control the number of compressors used for increased efficiency. An ultrasonic sensor and gas flow rate meter may be used to determine an amount of oxygen being delivered to the user. Other components such as step valves and a solar panel may also be used to further conserve battery power. The oxygen concentrator may also incorporate an audio device such as a mobile phone.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 970,371 titled “Oxygen Concentrator Apparatus and Method”, filed on Sep. 6, 2007, whose inventors are William R. Wilkinson, H. David Shockley Jr., and Allan Sten Westersten, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to health equipment and, more specifically, to oxygen concentrators.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Patients (e.g., those suffering with diseases such as emphysema, congestive heart failure, acute or chronic pulmonary insufficiency, etc.) may require supplemental oxygen. Other people (e.g., obese individuals) may also require supplemental oxygen, for example, to maintain elevated activity levels. Doctors may prescribe oxygen concentrators or portable tanks of medical oxygen for these patients. Usual...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In some embodiments, the oxygen concentrator may use a dual lumen (including a first tube and a second tube). The first tube may be used to deliver oxygen to the user's nose and the second tube may extend to the entrance of the user's nose to communicate a change in pressure (e.g., from the start of a breath through the user's nose) from the entry of the user's nose to the oxygen concentrator. In some embodiments, the second tube may have a smaller radius than the first tube to allow for increased sensitivity to pressure changes in the second tube.

Problems solved by technology

Usually a specific oxygen flow rate is prescribed (e.g., 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2 LPM, 3 LPM, etc.) Oxygen concentrators used to provide these flow rates may be bulky and heavy making ordinary ambulatory activities with them difficult and impractical.

Portable tanks of medical oxygen may also be heavy and contain limited amounts of oxygen.

Prior art oxygen concentrators may have several limitations.

In addition, the length of the supply tubing to the nasal cannula or mask from the oxygen concentrator may be limited to 6 to 8 feet.

This limitation may be a problem for users using the device in their sleep.

In addition, time, pressure and orifice size are used to determine a volume of air delivered to a user of an oxygen concentrator (however, this measurement technique may not account for pressure fluctuations).

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