Automatic system for preserving oxygen and other substances

Abstract

A system (10) and method for preserving oxygen and other gases supplied to a receiver. A supply conduit (408) supplies gas from a source (406) to a reservoir (404) that holds a volume of gas at ambient pressure. A conduit (422) supplies gas from the reservoir (404) to the receiver. A charge detection system, such as an electromechanical system or a non-contact system (456), detects when the reservoir (404) is below a charged state and when the reservoir (404) is charged to a charged state. A valve system prevents gas from flowing from the source (406) and into the reservoir (406) when the reservoir (404) is at a predetermined charged state and allows gas to flow from the source (406) and into the reservoir (404) when the reservoir (404) is below the predetermined charged state, so that the reservoir (404) can be continuously replenished without pressurization above ambient pressure.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 056,944, filed July 27, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 068,718, filed October 12, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to the transport of gases from a source to a receiver. More specifically, a system and method are disclosed herein for preserving oxygen and other gases and substances while automatically refilling the oxygen supply reservoir from the source during the transport of oxygen and other gases and substances from the oxygen supply reservoir to the receiver via volume displacement at ambient pressure. In embodiments of the system and method, oxygen and other gases and substances are transferred from the oxygen supply reservoir to the receiver via a pressure difference between them as needed by the receiver, while the oxygen supply reservoir is automatically refilled with gas at ambient pressure. Background Technology

[0004] Oxygen supply is a critical need for hospital patients and others. At the same time, during periods of increased demand everywhere, oxygen shortages and exorbitant costs can severely limit availability and potentially jeopardize the health and safety of patients in need. For example, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at the time of writing, the demand for oxygen has created an urgent need for life-saving gases in hospitals and other care facilities. On June 24, 2020, an Associated Press headline warned: “Scarce Medical Oxygen Worldwide Leaves Many Gasping for Life.” A day later, Reuters observed: “WHO Warns of Oxygen Shortage as COVID Cases Set to Top 10 Min.” The World Health Organization estimated that, based on approximately one million COVID-19 cases globally each week, COVID-19 patients alone would require 620,000 cubic meters of oxygen per day, equivalent to about 88,000 large gas cylinders.

[0005] One way to supply supplemental oxygen to a patient is via a fluid connection, typically an extension tube, between the pressurized oxygen source (such as an oxygen cylinder or canister) and the patient. Regardless of whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling, the pressurized source supplies a constant flow of oxygen to the patient as it continuously travels from the reservoir through the connector tube. As a result, oxygen continues to flow and is wasted even when the patient is exhaling and unable to inhale. In fact, in this continuous pressure supply method, half or more of the continuously supplied oxygen is wasted and released into the atmosphere.

[0006] Therefore, it is obvious that conserving oxygen resources for one patient could save the life of another. Furthermore, conserving oxygen not only reduces the overall demand per patient but also tends to lower the cost per unit of oxygen. At the same time, every patient needs an adequate supply of oxygen. Therefore, the challenge lies in how to provide an adequate supply of oxygen as needed while minimizing waste.

[0007] To understand solutions to this challenge, it is essential to understand what drives the inflow of oxygenated air into the lungs, how the flow between the patient and ambient air is normally initiated and maintained, and how alveolar pressure changes as pleural pressure decreases throughout inspiration. Air (like other fluids) moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. The inflow of air into the lungs requires the establishment of a pressure gradient between the atmosphere and the alveoli. This pressure gradient is driven by the contraction of inspiratory muscles. Contraction of these muscles expands the chest wall, reducing the pressure within the pleural cavity, which in turn lowers the pressure within the pleura and alveoli according to Boyle's law. Muscle contraction leads to a change in pleural volume, resulting in a change in alveolar pressure, which in turn provides the driving pressure for the air to flow into the lungs.

[0008] Normally, the lungs absorb oxygen from the air during respiration. However, certain conditions can prevent a person from receiving enough oxygen. As a result, oxygen therapy is required using oxygen delivery equipment. Patients can receive oxygen therapy from an oxygen source through a tube placed in their nose, through a mask, or through a tube placed in their trachea or throat. Oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen received by the lungs and delivered into the bloodstream. Oxygen therapy can be prescribed when a patient experiences conditions that cause their blood oxygen levels to be too low. Low blood oxygen can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, or confusion, and can potentially harm the patient's health. Oxygen therapy may be temporarily needed (such as due to a treatable respiratory condition) or it may be long-term. Typically, the source of oxygen is a canister of compressed oxygen or liquid.

[0009] Oxygen cylinders must be continuously produced, transported, stored, and refilled. In emergencies, such as during pandemics or outbreaks involving respiratory distress, demand can severely exceed supply. Furthermore, in remote and economically disadvantaged areas, providing adequate oxygen supplies can be costly or even catastrophically impossible. Simultaneously, due to the extreme scarcity of life-saving oxygen supplies and the continuous delivery of oxygen to patients through tubing, at least half of the supplied oxygen is simply released into the atmosphere (including during exhalation, during which all supplied oxygen is wasted).

[0010] In view of the above, the inventors recognized the urgent need for a system and method that can provide patients with a readily available oxygen supply while minimizing or eliminating wasted oxygen, thereby minimizing the needs of individual patients and maximizing the effective supply of oxygen, and providing better patient care and optimal health outcomes in a cost-effective manner, even during public health crises. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Given the known urgent need to supply patients with adequate oxygen, the primary objective of this invention is to save lives.

[0012] The inventors further propose a fundamental objective: to provide a system and method for supplying oxygen and other fluid substances to patients and other recipients in need, thereby reducing wasted oxygen and maximizing the effective use of available oxygen supply.

[0013] Another objective of this invention is to provide a system and method for supplying oxygen and other fluid substances to a receiver, the system and method being able to provide an adequate supply of oxygen as needed while minimizing or eliminating ineffective oxygen loss.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a system and method for supplying oxygen and other fluid substances to a receiver in order to maximize efficiency and minimize supply costs.

[0015] These and further objects, advantages, and details of the invention will be apparent not only to those who read this specification and the accompanying drawings, but also to those who have the opportunity to observe the systems and methods disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that while it is possible, and indeed preferred, to achieve several of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention, not all embodiments will seek or require to achieve every potential advantage and function. Nevertheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0016] It will be clear to the reader that the foregoing discussion provides a general overview of the more important objectives and features of the invention, in order to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better appreciate the inventor's contribution to the art. Before explaining any particular embodiment or aspect therein in detail, it must be clear that the following description of the construction details and inventive concept is merely an example of many possible manifestations of the invention.

[0017] In achieving one or more of the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention can be characterized as a system for storing oxygen supplied to a patient. The system has an expandable and compressible oxygen reservoir having an outer wall, an internal volume, and at least one orifice for holding a volume of oxygen, and the at least one orifice for allowing oxygen to enter and exit the internal volume. As disclosed herein, the oxygen reservoir may include a housing of a flexible material, such as a foil housing. A supply conduit is adapted to receive oxygen from an oxygen source. The supply conduit has a first end and a second end, the first end for supplying oxygen to the oxygen reservoir, the second end for fluid connection to the oxygen source, and an ambient pressure conduit adapted to supply oxygen along a fluid path from the oxygen reservoir to a receiver. An ambient pressure conduit has a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid communication with the oxygen reservoir, such as via a connector, for receiving oxygen from the oxygen reservoir, and the second end for fluid connection to the receiver. An inflation detection system is operable to detect a first condition in which the oxygen reservoir is inflated with oxygen to a predetermined inflation state, and a second condition in which the oxygen reservoir is below the predetermined inflation state. Finally, a valve system is positioned between the oxygen source and the oxygen reservoir. When the oxygen reservoir is in a first condition, the valve system operates in a closed state to prevent oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source into the oxygen reservoir. When the oxygen reservoir is in a second condition, the valve system operates in an open state to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen source into the oxygen reservoir. In this configuration, oxygen can be supplied to the patient from the oxygen reservoir, for example, through a patient breathing mask acting as a receiver, and the oxygen reservoir can be automatically replenished to a predetermined inflation state.

[0018] In practice, the valve system and the inflation detection system are operable to maintain a certain volume of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir substantially at ambient pressure. For example, the oxygen reservoir can be considered to be in a fully inflated condition, and the inflation detection system is operable to detect when the oxygen reservoir is inflated to a predetermined range of the fully inflated condition. Then, when the oxygen reservoir is inflated to the predetermined range of the fully inflated condition, the inflation detection system can detect a first condition, and when the oxygen reservoir is inflated to a range below the predetermined fully inflated condition, the inflation detection system can detect a second condition.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inflation detection system includes an electromechanical system. For example, the inflation detection system may include a switch configured to move from the outer wall of the oxygen reservoir when the oxygen reservoir is inflated to a predetermined inflation state. The switch may be biased toward the oxygen reservoir by means of gravity, by an elastically compressible member, or by any other effective method. The switch may be considered to have an active state and a deactivated state, in which the switch is positioned in an inward position or beyond the internal volume of the oxygen reservoir, and in the deactivated state, the switch is moved outward from the outer wall of the oxygen reservoir when the oxygen volume in the oxygen reservoir reaches the predetermined inflation state. When the switch is in the deactivated state, a valve system is operable to prevent oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source into the oxygen reservoir, and when the switch is in the active state, the valve system is operable to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen source into the oxygen reservoir.

[0020] In a particular form of the system, the switch includes a floating switch. For example, a floating switch may have a contact structure with a collar that is retractable relative to a central post. The collar may then hold a magnet, and the central post may then hold electrical contacts that make electrical contact by approaching the magnet when the switch is in the active state.

[0021] Based on the practice of the system, the valve system can be in the form of a solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to the inflation detection system. When the oxygen supply reservoir is in a first condition, the solenoid valve can be sensed by the inflation detection system to close, preventing oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source to the oxygen supply reservoir. And when the oxygen supply reservoir is in a second condition, the solenoid valve can be sensed by the inflation detection system to open, allowing oxygen to flow from the oxygen source to the oxygen supply reservoir.

[0022] A receiver delivery device (such as a patient breathing mask or another receiver delivery device) can be coupled to a second end of an ambient pressure conduit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the oxygen reservoir can be housed within a housing, which may include a main housing of the system, a sub-housing within the main housing, or some other type of housing. In other practices, the oxygen reservoir may be provided without a housing. When a housing is provided, the inflation detection system may include an electromechanical system with a switch supported by the housing and configured to move from the outer wall of the oxygen reservoir when the oxygen reservoir is inflated to a predetermined inflation state. Even more specifically, the housing may be transparent, allowing the inflation status of the oxygen reservoir to be visually perceived.

[0023] Embodiments of the system may further include a one-way intake valve disposed along a fluid path from the oxygen supply reservoir to the receiver. The one-way intake valve is operable to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen supply reservoir through an ambient pressure conduit to the receiver, but prevents reverse flow of oxygen.

[0024] In alternative practices of the invention, the inflation detection system includes a non-contact detection system. For example, the inflation detection system may take the form of an optical detection system.

[0025] While the present invention is largely described as a means of supplying oxygen to humans or other living patients in a conserved manner, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to conserving and distributing oxygen. In fact, other gases, as well as mixtures of gases and other fluids, are possible within the scope of the invention. To this extent, embodiments of the invention can be more broadly characterized as systems for providing a gas supply. Furthermore, the gas does not necessarily need to be supplied to a patient. Other receivers, except those expressly excluded by the claims, are also within the scope of the invention.

[0026] It will be clear to the reader that the foregoing discussion provides a general overview of the more important objectives and features of the invention, in order to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better appreciate the inventor's contribution to the art. Before explaining any particular embodiment or aspect therein in detail, it must be clear that the following description of the construction details and inventive concept is merely an example of many possible manifestations of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the attached diagram:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic system for gas storage according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram depicting a series of breathing cycles using the automated system for gas preservation disclosed herein;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an automated system for storing gas;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A horizontal perspective view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of the gas filling detection system of an automatic system for storing gas, which is in the ON condition.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a lower perspective view of the inflation detection system that is now in the ON condition;

[0035] Figure 8This is a side view of the inflation detection system in the OFF condition;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a top view of the automated system for gas storage disclosed in this article, with the cover portion removed and the inflation detection system retained;

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A bottom view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a top view of an alternative automatic system for gas storage according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged top view of an automated system for storing gases;

[0040] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A bottom view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0041] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A side view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0042] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 Front perspective view of an automated system for storing gas;

[0043] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the filter and one-way intake valve of an automated system for gas storage;

[0044] Figure 17 Including schematic top and side views of another automated system for gas storage according to the invention; and

[0045] Figure 18 The diagram includes a schematic top view and a side view of yet another automatic system for storing gas according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The automated systems and methods for preserving oxygen and other substances disclosed herein can be implemented in various ways. However, to ensure that those skilled in the art can understand and practice the invention disclosed herein where appropriate, certain preferred embodiments of the invention are described below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Referring more specifically to the accompanying drawings, the structure and operation of the automatic gas storage system 400 according to the present invention can be found in reference to... Figure 1To understand this, as shown and described herein, the automatic gas storage system 400 provides an on-demand supply of oxygen at ambient pressure from an oxygen storage reservoir 404 to a receiver (such as a patient breathing mask 426). The oxygen storage reservoir 404 maintains oxygen at ambient pressure and is continuously supplied with oxygen from an oxygen source 406 (such as a storage tank of compressed or liquid oxygen). With the oxygen storage reservoir 404 maintaining oxygen at ambient pressure, a sufficient supply of oxygen is continuously available for the patient's inhalation. Simultaneously, oxygen loss during the patient's exhalation is substantially eliminated, thus preserving the oxygen supply without compromising the availability of the individual receiver, as the oxygen in the oxygen storage reservoir 404 is automatically replenished.

[0048] The oxygen reservoir 404 in this embodiment includes an expandable and compressible outer shell, sac, or other expandable and compressible body disposed within a housing 402, which may be a main housing or sub-housing within a larger structure. However, the oxygen reservoir 404 does not necessarily have to be within a housing 402 to be within the scope of the invention. The housing 402 defines the boundary of the reservoir 404 such that when the reservoir 404 expands, the outer shell of the reservoir 404 presses against one or more portions of the boundary defined by the housing 402. In this non-limiting example, the housing 402 has: a bottom that defines the lower boundary of the reservoir 404; a top that defines the upper boundary of the reservoir 404; and a distal end that defines the longitudinal boundary of the reservoir 404. Here, the reservoir 404 has a rectangular egg shape, and the housing 402 has a general cubic shape, but other shapes and combinations of shapes are readily achievable and within the scope of the invention, unless expressly limited by the claims. Figure 10 In the embodiment of the automatic gas storage system 400 shown, for example, the lower wall portion of the housing of the reservoir 404 may be adhered to or otherwise secured to the bottom of the housing 402, such as by means of adhesive strip 448 or any other means.

[0049] In this example, the reservoir 404 is defined by a first rectangular panel and a second rectangular panel, which are joined in a sealing manner along their edges to define a housing or outer wall structure having a body portion and a neck. The reservoir 404 is sealed, but has an access opening at the neck of the reservoir 404. The housing is formed of a flexible and substantially airtight material, and many such materials are known to those skilled in the art, each of which is within the scope of the invention. The housing of the reservoir 404 may, for example, be formed of a flexible polymer material with or without a lining layer. The material defining the reservoir 404 may, for example, include: foil formed of one or more layers of polymer material with an aluminum lining. Other configurations of the reservoir 404 are possible and within the scope of the invention. The reservoir 404 may have a combination of: one or more flexible walls, rigid walls, compressible walls, shrinkable walls, expandable walls, thin walls, or other walls capable of retaining a volume of gas inside.

[0050] Preferably, as achieved by the reservoir 404 formed of a lightweight, flexible foil, the reservoir 404, once expanded, substantially maintains its expanded shape and configuration, whether by its own structural integrity or otherwise, even when the reservoir is exposed to ambient pressure (e.g., by means of a fluid connection to the receiver 426 via an ambient pressure tube 422). As taught herein, when expanded, the reservoir 404 in the preferred embodiment does not itself collapse significantly due to the weight of its walls. When filled with oxygen, the reservoir 404 thus temporarily stores a compartmentalized volume of oxygen at ambient pressure awaiting extraction by the receiver 426.

[0051] The fluid connector 418 (in this example, a T-connector) has: a first longitudinal port, which is in fluid communication with the oxygen supply reservoir 404, such as through a hole in the neck of the reservoir 404. The fluid connector 418 has: a second longitudinal port, which is in fluid communication with the ambient pressure line 422, and through this line, with the receiver 426. Finally, the fluid connector 418 has: a third lateral port, which is in fluid communication with the oxygen source 406 between the first and second openings. Fluid communication from the source 406 to the connector 418 can be, for example, through high-pressure lines 408 and 452, with high-pressure line 408 acting as a supply conduit from the oxygen source 406 to the oxygen connector 410 fixed to the housing 402, and high-pressure line 452 from the oxygen connector 410 to the supply valve 412. The first, second, and third ports are in fluid communication with each other within the fluid connector 418.

[0052] Supply valve 412 (in this example, including electromechanical solenoid valve 412) has an open condition and a closed condition. Valve 412 is fluidly located between pressurized oxygen source 406 and reservoir 404. When supply valve 412 is in the open condition, oxygen can flow from oxygen source 406 through pipe 408, through valve 412, through connector 418, and into reservoir 404. When valve 412 is in the closed condition, oxygen is prevented from flowing between oxygen source 406 and reservoir 404.

[0053] A one-way inhalation valve 424 is located between the reservoir 404 and the receiver 426, such as by fluid connection to the second port of a fluid connector 418, and the fluid connector 418 is fluidly connected to the neck of the reservoir 404 through its first port. The one-way inhalation valve 424 is operable to allow gas to flow from the oxygen reservoir 404 through the ambient pressure line 422 and to the receiver 426, but prevents reverse gas flow, such as from the receiver 426 into the oxygen reservoir 404. A gas filter 420 is fluidly located between the receiver 426 and the one-way inhalation valve 424, and thus between the receiver 426 and the oxygen reservoir 404. The filter 420 and the one-way inhalation valve 424 are... Figure 16 The remaining parts of the automatic gas storage system 400 are shown separately.

[0054] As disclosed herein, the volume of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir 404 is maintained substantially at ambient pressure. Ambient pressure can be defined as the pressure of the air surrounding the oxygen reservoir 404. When the receiver undergoes the inhalation phase of breathing, oxygen is drawn from the oxygen reservoir 404 through the ambient pressure tube 422, thus reducing the volume of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir 404. Due to the compressible nature of the oxygen reservoir 404, the reservoir 404 will tend to contract. When it does contract, the oxygen reservoir 404 is automatically replenished with oxygen by the operation of the inflation detection system without pressurizing the reservoir 404, so that the oxygen within the reservoir 404 is maintained substantially at ambient pressure.

[0055] The inflation detection system has a first condition and a second condition, wherein, under the first condition, supplemental oxygen is not supplied to the oxygen supply reservoir 404, and under the second condition, supplemental oxygen is supplied to the oxygen supply reservoir 404. The first condition may be a condition in which the oxygen supply reservoir 404 is inflated with oxygen to a specific predetermined inflation state, and the second condition may be a condition in which the oxygen supply reservoir 404 is inflated with oxygen to a level below the predetermined inflation state. The inflation detection system is operable to detect when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 reaches the predetermined inflation state. The predetermined inflation state can be detected when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 reaches a predetermined size or other inflation conditions of any size or combination of sizes. In embodiments of the invention, the oxygen supply reservoir 404 may be considered to have a fully inflated state, and the inflation detection system detects when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 is inflated to a fully inflated condition or to a predetermined range of a fully inflated condition. As an example and not a limitation, the inflation detection system can detect when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 is inflated with oxygen at or above a threshold inflation level, which may be equal to or less than a full inflation condition.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will recognize several mechanisms that operate as an inflation detection system to detect when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 has been inflated to a predetermined inflation state. Each such mechanism is within the scope of this invention unless it may be expressly limited by the claims. The inflation detection mechanism may include mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, electromechanical, acoustically activated, motion, optical, and any other type of system that effectively detects when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 has been inflated to a predetermined inflation state, again noting that the predetermined inflation state can be achieved when the oxygen in the oxygen supply reservoir 404 is substantially at ambient pressure.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the inflation detection system includes an electromechanical system for detecting when the oxygen reservoir 404 is filled to a predetermined inflation state. The inflation detection system has a contact structure 416 configured to contact, be contacted by, be moved by, or otherwise actuated by the oxygen reservoir 404 when the reservoir 404 reaches the inflation stage. Within the scope of the invention, the position and configuration of the contact structure 416 can vary. For example, in… Figure 1 In some embodiments, the contact structure 416 is configured to protrude from or through the distal wall of the housing 402 and into the internal volume of the housing 402, such that it protrudes toward the distal end of the reservoir 404 and is capable of engaging the distal end of the reservoir 404. However, in Figures 3 to 15In one embodiment, the contact structure 416 is configured to protrude from or through the upper wall of the housing 402 and into the internal volume of the housing 402 to engage the middle portion of the reservoir 404. There, the contact structure 416 is held by a support structure 434 fixed to the upper wall of the housing 402. According to the invention, the contact structure 416 may be held in other ways.

[0058] When the reservoir 404 expands toward the filling condition, the contact structure 416 is positioned to be moved by the oxygen reservoir 404. The contact structure 416 can be pressed down, pivoted, rotated, or otherwise actuated, for example, by the oxygen reservoir 404 (and more specifically, by the expansion of the oxygen reservoir 404). The contact structure 416 operates as a flow switch 414 or operates or actuates the flow switch 414 as a component of the flow switch 414. When the contact structure 416 is actuated by the expansion of the oxygen reservoir 404, it actuates the flow switch 414 between an ON condition (where oxygen is allowed to flow from the oxygen source 406 to the reservoir 404 to replenish and fill the reservoir 404) and an OFF condition (where oxygen is prevented from flowing from the oxygen source 406 to the reservoir 404). The contact structure 416 can be biased toward the oxygen reservoir 404 by means of spring force, gravity, elasticity, or any other biasing method or combination thereof.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the oxygen storage device 404 is disposed within the housing 402. Additionally or alternatively, the oxygen storage device 404 may be disposed within a sub-housing, which in turn may be disposed within the housing 402 or may stand independently. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown, for example, the oxygen reservoir 404 can be installed without a housing or enclosure, in which case the contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414, possibly described further below, can be held in other ways, such as by a wraparound belt, a rigid arm, or another holding structure 454, for contact or other sensing or engagement relative to the oxygen reservoir 404. The contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414 can be held together, potentially as a single unit, or separately. Figure 17 In the process, the contact structure 416 is held by a retaining structure 454, which may be a rigid support arm or any other retaining structure, to engage the oxygen supply reservoir 404, and the flow switch 414 is integrated with the contact structure 416.

[0060] Therefore, the contact structure 416 is held by the housing 402, held by the retaining structure 454, or otherwise contacts the reservoir 404. Without limiting the invention, the contact structure 416 may retain contact with the reservoir 404 by being partially or wholly fixed within the housing 402 or through a hole in the housing 402 or through a hole in a sub-housing of the reservoir 404, or the contact structure 416 may retain contact with an oxygen supply reservoir 404 that is not at all within the housing.

[0061] When the contact structure 416 moves sufficiently inward toward the internal volume of the oxygen reservoir 404 (e.g., by extension, pivoting, or other movement), the flow switch 414 is in an active state, which can be considered an ON condition. When the oxygen volume in the oxygen reservoir 404 drops below a predetermined filling state, the contact structure 416 is allowed to move inward toward the active state in the direction toward the oxygen reservoir 404, such that the outer wall is or can be deflected or moved inward. When the contact structure 416 moves (e.g., by retraction, pivoting, or other movement in the outward direction away from the oxygen reservoir 404), the flow switch 414 is in a deactivated state, which can be considered an OFF condition. When the oxygen volume in the oxygen reservoir 404 reaches a predetermined filling state, the contact structure 416 moves outward to adjust the flow switch 414 to a deactivated state, which is an OFF condition, so that the outer wall of the oxygen reservoir 404 is pushed outward by the expansion of the oxygen reservoir 404. For example, when the contact structure 416 is a push-button switch, the expansion of the oxygen reservoir 404 will press the outer wall or housing of the oxygen reservoir 404 outward to press the contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414 into a deactivated state.

[0062] exist Figures 3 to 10 In this embodiment, the contact structure 416 and the switch 414 are implemented as a floating switch with an actuation frame. See in particular Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen, the actuation frame of the contact structure 416 is maintained to be movable along a vertical axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (and generally to the surface of the oxygen reservoir 404). The actuation frame of the contact structure 416 has a distally flat annular ring 444, which is configured to engage and be engaged with the wall of the reservoir 404. A proximal annular ring 442 is maintained in a parallel and spaced relationship with the distal annular ring 444 by a plurality of rod members 446, and a collar 440 is fixed to move together with the proximal annular ring 442.

[0063] The actuation frame, formed by annular rings 442 and 44, rod member 446, and collar 440, is capable of telescoping relative to the central post 436. An annular plate 438 is fixed along the length of the central post 436 to the distal end of the collar 440 of the actuation frame, such that the annular plate 438 maintains contact with the structure 416 in a floating manner. Figure 7 As shown, when the oxygen reservoir 404 is filled to below a given level, the collar 440 tends to descend under the natural force of gravity until it contacts the annular plate 438.

[0064] The central post 436 houses a magnetic switch 414, such as a reed switch 414, and the floating actuation frame of the contact structure 416 holds the magnet 447 within the collar 440. When the actuation frame... Figure 7 When the oxygen supply reservoir is below the inflation state during the extension, the contact 445 of the reed switch 414 (e.g.) Figure 8 The reed switch 414 (as shown) is attracted to each other to complete the circuit and triggers the switch 414 to the activation condition, which actuates the valve 412 to the ON condition (where oxygen is allowed to flow from the oxygen source 406 to the reservoir 404). When the reservoir 404 is filled to a predetermined inflation state, the magnet 447 within the collar 440 is moved away from the contact 445 of the reed switch 414 to disconnect the circuit and trigger the switch 414 to the deactivation condition, which actuates the valve 412 to the OFF condition (where oxygen is prevented from flowing from the oxygen source 406 to the reservoir 404).

[0065] Due to the biasing of contact structure 416 (which can be biased by any mechanism including gravity, a resiliently compressible or extendable member, or any combination of mechanisms), contact structure 416 automatically moves to an active state to actuate flow switch 414 and valve 412 to an ON condition, allowing oxygen to flow from oxygen source 406 to reservoir 404 when the oxygen volume in oxygen reservoir 404 drops below a predetermined threshold (e.g., below a predetermined inflation state). When the oxygen volume in oxygen reservoir 404 reaches the predetermined threshold (e.g., at or above a predetermined inflation state), contact structure 416 is moved by the wall of oxygen reservoir 404 to a deactivated state, and the switch is set to an OFF condition. In the deactivated state, valve 412 is closed to prevent stored gas from flowing from source 406 to oxygen reservoir 404.

[0066] Therefore, oxygen reservoir 404 can be inflated, such as to or within a given range of its maximum volume, without over-inflating or pressurizing it. This prevents the oxygen within oxygen reservoir 404 from exceeding approximately ambient pressure. However, unless otherwise claimed, embodiments of the invention may calibrate contact structure 416 or flow switch 414, or both, to sense a deactivation state under some other predetermined inflation conditions or pressures, including pressures or inflation conditions potentially exceeding ambient pressure, or some inflation conditions significantly below the maximum volume of oxygen reservoir 404. Flow switch 414 and valve 412 may be electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or otherwise configured and constructed.

[0067] It will again be observed, and those skilled in the art will recognize, that other mechanisms will operate as inflation detection systems to detect when the oxygen supply reservoir 404 has been inflated to a predetermined inflation state, and each such mechanism is within the scope of the invention unless expressly limited by the claims. For example, as in Figure 18 In some embodiments, for example, the inflation detection system may alternatively take the form of a non-contact detection system 456, such as an optical detection system, which may be performed by, for example, a laser detection system, a camera system, an infrared inflation detection system, or any other effective optical or non-contact detection system. Figure 18 In a non-limiting embodiment, for example, the non-contact detection system 456 comprises a light emitter (such as a laser or other light emitter) held on one side of the reservoir 404 and a light receiver disposed on the opposite side of the reservoir 404. With this configuration, the inflation condition of the oxygen reservoir 404 can be sensed non-contactly, such as when the oxygen reservoir 404 is inflated to a condition that prevents light communication from the light emitter to the light receiver, when the reservoir 404 exhibits a predetermined reflectivity value, or in some other non-contact manner.

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 16In an embodiment of the automatic gas storage system 400, the supply valve 412 includes a solenoid valve that is electrically communicated with a flow switch 414, such as via wires in a circuit. As shown, an electrical control system, which may include circuitry, electronic memory, wires, and other electrical control and connection components, cooperates with a filling detection system to open the solenoid supply valve 412 when the flow switch 414 is active, allowing oxygen to flow from the source 406. The electrical control system may receive power from a power source, which may be an AC power source via a power connection 430, a DC power source such as a battery power source, or some other power source. The flow of power from the power source can be controlled by a power switch 432. When the flow switch 414 is deactivated, the solenoid valve 412 is sensed as closed by the filling detection system and the electrical control system to prevent oxygen from flowing from the source 406 to the storage tank 404. Within the scope of this invention, each component referenced herein may be further combined or separated.

[0069] When the circuit is closed by moving or otherwise actuating the flow switch 414 of the inflation detection system to the activation condition, the solenoid valve 412 can be electrically opened. When the circuit is opened by the contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414 is moved to the deactivation condition, the solenoid valve 412 is automatically closed to prevent further filling of the oxygen reservoir 404, which can indicate that the oxygen reservoir 404 is filled to a predetermined inflation state. In an example of the invention (where the contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414 are actuated by pressing or pushing the contact structure 416 outward by the reservoir 404), an open circuit is established when the contact structure 416 is fully pressed outward by the reservoir 404 and the solenoid valve 412 is in the closed position, where no current flows. When the contact structure 416 is fully advanced (e.g., by extending inward toward the reservoir 404), indicating that the reservoir 404 has fallen below the predetermined inflation state, the circuit is closed to allow current to actuate the solenoid valve 412 to the open condition, so that oxygen can flow to fill the oxygen reservoir 404.

[0070] Even when valve 412 is in the open condition, it can be achieved, for example, by means of... Figure 1 The flow-limiting connector 415 shown restricts the flow rate, pressure, or both of oxygen from source 406 to oxygen reservoir 404. The flow-limiting connector 415 can limit the flow rate of oxygen from source 406 to oxygen reservoir 404 to a predetermined rate (such as less than 1 liter / minute) or any other rate. For example, the flow-limiting connector 415 may include a narrow-diameter pipe connector, such as a connector with an inner diameter of 0.02 mm or some other size reduced compared to other conduit connections within the fluid system. Therefore, rapid changes in pressure within oxygen reservoir 404 can be prevented when valve 412 is open.

[0071] See Figure 2 The automated gas preservation system 400 is described as operating during a series of respiratory cycles to provide an on-demand supply to a receiver 426 (such as a mask worn by a human or other living patient in need). In operation of the automated gas preservation system 400, the patient's inhalation will operate to draw oxygen from the oxygen supply reservoir 404 at ambient pressure, thus tending to cause the reservoir 404 to contract. When the reservoir 404 falls between predetermined inflation states, the reservoir 404 is automatically filled to the predetermined inflation state by the oxygen supply from the source 406. Therefore, during the natural inhalation phase of a respiratory cycle, a certain amount of continuously replenished oxygen at ambient pressure is available in the reservoir 404 for drawing through the one-way inhalation valve 424 and the ambient pressure tube 422. When the receiver 426 is not engaged in inhalation, no oxygen is drawn from the reservoir 404. When the oxygen volume in the reservoir 404 drops below a predetermined inflation state, the inflation detection system, formed by the contact structure 416 and the flow switch 414, detects this state and triggers valve 412 to the open condition. Oxygen is then allowed to flow from the oxygen source 406, causing the oxygen reservoir 404 to be filled with oxygen until the predetermined inflation state is reached. When the predetermined inflation state is reached, the inflation detection system detects the inflation state and triggers valve 412 to the close condition to prevent further oxygen supply from the source 406 to the oxygen reservoir 404 until a certain volume of oxygen is drawn from the reservoir 404 during another inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. The oxygen reservoir 404 is thus automatically supplied with oxygen while automatically preventing pressurization of the oxygen in the reservoir 404. In the on-demand volume replacement system, supplemental oxygen is safely and efficiently supplied to the patient at ambient pressure, thereby enabling oxygen transfer throughout the entire inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle while preventing wasteful release of oxygen during the expiratory phase of breathing (effectively, at any phase other than the inspiratory phase).

[0072] Once the reservoir 404 begins to collapse, the oxygen reservoir 404 automatically receives supplemental oxygen from the pressurization source 406 via the high-pressure line 408 and the supply valve 412. This automatic refilling of the reservoir 404 ensures that the oxygen reservoir 404 always maintains an oxygen supply available for the next inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, while the oxygen in the reservoir 404 never exceeds ambient pressure. The oxygen reservoir 404 is visually exposed to an observer, such as through a partially or fully transparent housing 402 or an observation port within the housing 402, providing visual confirmation of its inflation status. The automatic gas preservation system 400 can thus provide synchronized delivery of supplemental oxygen to the receiver 426 because, based on the storage and replenishment of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir 404 at ambient pressure and its automatic termination when the oxygen supply to the oxygen reservoir 404 reaches a predetermined inflation state, the oxygen reservoir 404 and system 400 are generally synchronized with the patient's physiological ventilation.

[0073] Within the scope of this invention, system 400 can measure, record, and analyze a patient's oxygen flow rate and respiratory characteristics. As a non-limiting example, a volumetric flow meter can be connected to oxygen source 406. Additionally or alternatively, one or more flow meters can be held within housing 402 along the airflow path through system 400. For example, a flow meter can be configured to measure oxygen through valve 412. In the depicted embodiments, valve 412 may include a flow meter such that the same flow meter is considered to be shown therein, or the flow meter may be configured otherwise. For example, the flow meter may be further or alternatively configured between reservoir 404 and ambient pressure line 422. Multiple determinations, measurements, and analyses can be performed by measuring the volume of oxygen supplied by system 400 to receiver 426 (e.g., during each inspiratory and expiratory cycle over a given time period or otherwise). For example, the volume of oxygen inhaled by the patient can be determined, and additionally or alternatively, the volume of remaining oxygen in oxygen source 406 can be determined. Through electronic storage and software that operates on or communicates with an electrical system, system 400 can acquire, process, and analyze data based on the use of system 400.

[0074] As frequently shown and described herein, receiver 426 may be a breathing mask for a living patient receiving supplemental oxygen, but other receivers and delivery devices are also possible and within the scope of this invention. When worn by a patient, the patient and the breathing mask or other oxygen delivery device may be collectively referred to as receiver 426. Other receiver delivery devices may include, for example, other respiratory accessories such as, but not limited to, nasal cannulas, laryngeal mask airways (LMAs), endotracheal tubes, tracheostomies, ventilator accessories, CPAP machine connectors, first aid bags, or even delivery devices for recreational oxygen. Automated gas preservation system 400 is not limited to receiver 426 unless expressly claimed in the claims.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the receiver mask 426 may have one or more one-way exhalation valves 428 and may include adjustment mechanisms known in the art for regulating the patient's oxygen supply. If necessary, the oxygen concentration required by the patient, as determined by the physician, can be reliably and predictably diluted and controlled using devices currently in use and within the scope of system 400. By way of example, and not limitation, the number, diameter, or other characteristics of the orifices in the inhalation tubing 422 or receiver mask 426 may be adjusted to allow more or less oxygen to achieve the concentration required by the patient's receiver mask 426, as clinically necessary.

[0076] See further Figure 2This allows for a further understanding of the method of supplying necessary oxygen to the patient receiver 426 and the synchronized operation of the associated automated gas storage system 400. There, the dynamics of the respiratory cycle are described as operating in parallel with the filling and refilling operation of the oxygen storage reservoir 404 of the automated gas storage system 400. To expand the lungs, the inspiratory muscles overcome two key factors: lung compliance and airway resistance, which exists primarily as frictional resistance to the flow of air through the airways. At the onset of inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and descends, expanding the thoracic cavity volume. The descent of the diaphragm compresses the abdominal contents and decompresses the thoracic cavity contents. With the expansion and decompression of the thoracic cavity, both intrapleural pressure and alveolar pressure decrease. Alveolar pressure decreases to below atmospheric pressure, establishing a pressure gradient for airflow into the lungs. When this pressure gradient ceases to exist, air flows into the lungs and lung volume increases until alveolar pressure rises to atmospheric level (0 cm H2O). At the end of quiet inspiration, the intrapleural pressure reaches approximately -8 cm H2O, and the transpulmonary pressure that causes lung expansion increases to 8 cm H2O (PI = Pa - Ppl = 0 - (-8) = 8 cm H2O).

[0077] During quiet exhalation, the cycle is reversed. The inspiratory muscles relax, and the lungs elastically recoil inward, causing air to escape from the lungs. During this exhalation, the lungs and chest wall move as a single unit. The airflow from the lungs stops when the alveolar pressure equals atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure (0 cmH2O).

[0078] According to Boyle's law, in a closed system with a constant number of gas molecules, at any constant temperature, the pressure exerted by the gas is inversely proportional to the volume of the gas. Therefore, as the gas volume increases, the pressure exerted by the gas decreases. Conversely, the pressure increases as the volume decreases.

[0079] Therefore, in the operation and method of this system 400, as the patient breathes during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, a continuous supplemental oxygen flow is introduced from the system 400 into the patient's lungs throughout the entire inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. The flow rate, pressure, and volume vary at different points in the inspiratory phase. Flow begins when the alveolar pressure drops below the ambient pressure within the oxygen reservoir 404, and it is again recognized that the system 400 can operate at pressures higher and lower than ambient pressure, unless otherwise claimed. The oxygen reservoir 404 then supplies unpressurized oxygen at ambient pressure as a continuous flow directly to the patient via the receiver 426, but at varying rates during the inspiratory cycle. Because the oxygen reservoir 404 is maintained at ambient pressure, the flow rate, pressure, volume, and respiratory rate are closely synchronized with the patient. The system 400, which matches the oxygen supplementation to the patient's physiological ventilation at each point in time during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, ensures reliable delivery of a prescribed oxygen concentration via the receiver mask 426 or any other available oxygen delivery device without supplementing less or more oxygen than planned. During the inspiratory phase of the entire respiratory cycle, flow rate, alveolar pressure, and tidal volume can be synchronized at each point, while also identifying that the patient's physiological ventilation values ​​differ at different points during the inspiratory phase.

[0080] Oxygen is continuously supplied to the patient's lungs until the end of the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, when the patient's intrathoracic pressure equals the ambient pressure of the oxygen supply reservoir 404. At this point, oxygen flow to the patient ceases until the start of the next inspiratory phase. During the expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, no oxygen flows from system 400 to the patient, but oxygen from the compressed high-pressure oxygen source 406 is supplied to the oxygen supply reservoir 404 to inflate it until it reaches a predetermined inflation state. Once the reservoir 404 is refilled to the predetermined inflation state and is at ambient pressure, the donor oxygen reservoir 404 is ready to supply supplemental oxygen at the start of the patient's next inspiratory phase. Once the reservoir 404 is full and at ambient pressure, the inflation detection system automatically closes the supply valve 412 to prevent further oxygen flow. Throughout the inspiratory cycle, by placing the oxygen reservoir 404 between the compressed oxygen source 406 and the patient's oxygen delivery equipment (such as a receiver mask 426), it is possible to passively and continuously transfer a reliable volume and concentration of supplemental oxygen from the oxygen reservoir 404 to the patient's lungs.

[0081] Therefore, the automated gas storage system 400 can be used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients in various situations. Furthermore, except where the claims may be explicitly limited, the automated gas storage system 400 is not limited to handling oxygen, and is not necessarily limited to providing gas to patients. In other applications, it is possible to dispense gases or other substances via the automated replenishment reservoir 404.

[0082] Supplemental oxygen may be necessary in many situations. For example, at the time of writing, thousands of patients required supplemental oxygen due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure caused by COVID-19. Other conditions requiring supplemental oxygen include acute severe bronchial asthma and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with COPD typically have chronic hypoxemia, with or without CO2 retention. In such cases, supplemental oxygen is required until the condition is resolved. While in cases of severe hypoxemia, high FiO2 (up to 100%) may initially be administered, it should be rapidly reduced to approximately 50-60%. The goal of supplemental oxygen is to maintain a PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in the artery) of 55-60 mmHg, which corresponds to approximately 90% SpO2. Higher concentrations of oxygen can weaken the driving force for hypoxic ventilation, potentially leading to inadequate lung gas exchange and CO2 retention. Flow-regulating devices, such as ventilation masks, are considered preferable to ensure adequate oxygen delivery. Once the patient's condition stabilizes, a nasal fork can be used, which is more comfortable and easier for most patients to tolerate. Patients with acute severe asthma or status asthmaticus have severe airway obstruction and inflammation. They are usually hypoxemic. Under such conditions, an arterial blood sample should be obtained immediately, and oxygen should be initiated via nasal cannula or preferably via face mask at a flow rate of 4-6 L / min to achieve 35-40% FiO2. Higher flow rates are unlikely to improve oxygenation. Adjust the flow rate to maintain a PaO2 of approximately 80 mm Hg or close to normal. In cases of persistent hypoxemia and / or hypercapnia, assisted ventilation is required.

[0083] These clinical samples demonstrate the importance of providing patients with a reliable supply of FiO2 (inhaled oxygen concentration). However, conventional systems also require a high-flow-rate continuous flow to overcome air entrainment, making it wasteful to directly replenish compressed oxygen from the cylinder to the patient. Furthermore, even when systems deliver compressed oxygen intermittently only during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, such as through pulsed flow (PF) to avoid continuous oxygen delivery, these systems must still provide the patient with pulses of compressed oxygen containing far more oxygen than the patient needs to overcome air entrainment.

[0084] By providing oxygen on demand only during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, this system 400 and method are elegantly efficient in conserving oxygen and reducing oxygen costs without affecting the necessary supply. Since no gas is delivered to the patient during the expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, the oxygen flow from the compressed oxygen source 406 is intermittent only during inspiration, rather than a continuous flow (as required by high-concentration oxygen masks of the prior art), in order to maintain a reliable oxygen concentration and overcome air stagnation, which would otherwise dilute the oxygen concentration and deliver an unreliable concentration to the patient. Oxygen delivery systems using compressed oxygen at a constant flow rate (especially at high flow rates) are wasteful and expensive. Furthermore, the delivery of pressurized oxygen can be complex and difficult, typically requiring sophisticated software, detailed algorithms, and multiple components prone to failure and damage, necessitating maintenance and safety mechanisms, which further increases the cost and complexity of such systems.

[0085] Therefore, a relatively inexpensive oxygen delivery system can be provided in a typical existing system, but it requires a constant pressurized oxygen flow rate, in which half or more of the precious gas is simply released into the environment. Systems that deliver oxygen via a mask or other oxygen delivery device in pulsed flow (PF) do attempt to supply oxygen only during the inspiratory phase, rather than during the expiratory phase, to reduce total oxygen demand. However, such delivery requires expensive equipment and cannot be performed under ambient pressure. Furthermore, providing appropriately timed pulses of supplemental oxygen in perfect synchronization with the patient's breathing can be difficult or impossible, especially when the patient's oxygen demand varies over time.

[0086] The on-demand supply of naturally inhaled oxygen provided by the oxygen reservoir 404 through this automated gas storage system 400 overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations exhibited by prior art systems. For example, to achieve a prescribed inhaled oxygen concentration, many prior art systems rely on the patient's peak inhaled flow rate (PIFR). For instance, using a nasal cannula at a low flow rate may be helpful when the patient requires a low inhaled oxygen concentration, but this practice limits the patient's oxygen only to that low concentration. If the patient's oxygen demand increases significantly, the inspiratory effort to draw more air into the lungs (depending on tidal volume, inspiratory "velocity," and respiratory rate) will cause the PIFR to exceed the flow rate of oxygen or oxygen / air mixture supplied by the nasal cannula or other delivery device. This means that, at PIFR, more or less entrainment of room air will occur, thereby altering the generated FiO2 in unpredictable ways. On the other hand, if the patient requires a high concentration of oxygen, the use of a non-rebreathing mask at a very high oxygen flow rate (10-15 L / min) can ensure reliable delivery of oxygen at the prescribed concentration and relies less on PIFR. However, half or more of the oxygen is wasted in the environment, which increases the cost of supplying it.

[0087] Although compressed gas cylinders are frequently depicted herein and referred to as oxygen source 406, other oxygen sources 406 are possible within the scope of this invention. As a further non-limiting example, the automated gas storage system 400 can provide oxygen to a patient on demand using oxygen supplied by an oxygen concentrator. The oxygen concentrator does not require a storage tank. Instead, it draws in air and removes nitrogen from it, thus leaving oxygen-enriched gas for patients who require medical oxygen. A typical flow rate for this compressed oxygen is 1-5 liters per minute. High-end oxygen concentrators can deliver more than 50 liters per minute, but they require more electricity and more maintenance.

[0088] By placing the automated gas storage system 400 disclosed herein between an oxygen concentrator and a receiver 426 (such as a patient mask or nasal cannula), excess oxygen can be stored at ambient pressure for use if the concentrator does not provide sufficient supply due to flow limitations, volume requirements, or other reasons. For example, if the oxygen concentrator is providing 10 L / min and the patient suddenly requires more oxygen as their saturation level decreases, a certain volume of oxygen available at ambient pressure will be present in the oxygen storage 404. Without the storage 404, the patient would be limited to the flow rate of the concentrator, which itself is finite. Therefore, without the storage 404, if the patient requires more oxygen to survive, the options are: increasing the oxygen flow rate to the mask (which may be impossible), or intubating the patient and using mechanical ventilation (which is something both the doctor and the patient would prefer to avoid).

[0089] When the oxygen source 406 is an oxygen concentrator, an automatic gas storage system 400 can be placed between the oxygen concentrator and the patient mask 426 or other receiver, such that: when oxygen leaves the concentrator, it enters a large reservoir 404, where it is maintained at ambient pressure until the patient inhales. As the patient breathes and draws oxygen from the reservoir 404, the reservoir 404 begins to deplete, and when the oxygen source 406 is turned on, the supply valve 412 from the oxygen concentrator opens to replenish the reservoir 404 with compressed oxygen from the oxygen concentrator. When the patient exhales, no flow occurs between the reservoir 404 and the patient via the receiver mask 426 or other means. During the patient's exhalation phase, instead of wasting the oxygen flowing from the concentrator, this flow is used to replenish the reservoir 404. Once the reservoir 404 is full, the supply valve 412 stops the flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator source 406. When the patient breathes again and the oxygen reservoir 404 contracts below its predetermined inflation level, the valve 412 is opened to replenish the reservoir 404 with oxygen from the oxygen concentrator, and this cycle repeats with each breath. In this way, oxygen not inhaled by the patient during inspiration is stored rather than lost. In one example, a concentrator 406 with an output of 20 L / min is used for a patient who requires only about 5 liters of oxygen concentration during inhalation, leaving 10 liters or more, which extends supply availability. Thus, the oxygen concentrator can be used for its intended purpose with less demand on operating time, power, wear and tear, and maintenance, providing a more useful and reliable investment for the end user. Furthermore, the system 400 and the concentrator, as the oxygen source 406, work together to provide a more reliable oxygen concentration to patients who require higher concentrations.

[0090] As disclosed herein, an automatic gas storage system 400 and method supply gas or a gas mixture from an oxygen supply reservoir 404 to a receiver 426 at ambient pressure. When the pressure in the receiver 426 drops below the pressure in the oxygen supply reservoir 404, gas or a gas mixture at ambient pressure can be drawn from the reservoir 404, and the drawing of ambient pressure gas from the reservoir 404 is immediately stopped once the pressure in the receiver 426 is equalized to the pressure in the reservoir 404. The system 400 can supply gas or a gas mixture from the oxygen supply reservoir 404 to the receiver 426 at ambient pressure and can adjust the percentage of gas in the mixture reaching the receiver 426, such as by adjusting the resistance placed in the conduits of each gas involved in the mixture at ambient pressure.

[0091] System 400 conserves gas from one or more sources 406 by limiting the flow rate of one or more continuously pressurized gases only when a demand for gas arises in receiver 426 by reducing its pressure below the ambient pressure of oxygen reservoir 404. Thus, oxygen reservoir 404 passively allows the transfer of one or more gases from ambient pressure reservoir 404 by making one or more gases available to receiver 426 in a manner that matches the precise volume and rate of demand based on pressure differential control of receiver 426. In embodiments of system 400, oxygen reservoir 404 is not only at ambient pressure, but it is also large enough to accommodate transfer in a completely passive manner without resistance at each point in time during the transfer period (such as the inhalation phase during a respiratory cycle) with a 1:1 ratio of the volume of one or more gases, generated from the start to the end of the flow generated by the pressure differential between receiver 426 and oxygen reservoir 404. In practice, the graphs of the rate, pressure, time, and volume of patient inhalation and gas transfer from oxygen reservoir 404 are equivalent and may be substantially mirror images. The pressure drop in receiver 426 during inspiration is entirely used for volume transfer from reservoir 404. No additional pressure is required to open the pressure check valve and initiate flow, as is the case with oxygen-containing chambers or reservoirs at pressures higher than ambient pressure. System 400 can operate as a closed system, or it can be open to ambient pressure while maintaining ambient pressure. System 400 conserves one or more gases by restricting the flow of one or more gases to receiver 426 only when needed. Because the patient inhales only the supplemental oxygen flowing to their receiver mask 426 during inspiration, the required oxygen volume is significantly reduced, such as by half to one-third, compared to a continuous flow system.

[0092] In practice, system 400 can be used as a source of variable oxygen concentration for a CPAP machine (used to treat sleep apnea and COPD). System 400 can help conserve oxygen from pressurized source 406, for example, by connecting system 400 to the air input of the CPAP machine. System 400 can also be used to provide a reservoir 404 at ambient pressure for an oxygen concentrator, allowing the patient to inhale or absorb a more reliable concentration of oxygen at ambient pressure, particularly when high flow rates are required to treat patients with respiratory insufficiency. Furthermore, system 400 can help the oxygen concentrator, acting as oxygen source 406, to provide the same oxygen concentration to the patient with less required oxygen flow rate, reduced operating time, reduced power consumption, increased machine life, and fewer maintenance and parts. Moreover, under conditions of gas conservation, an oxygen concentrator previously supplied to only one patient can potentially be used for multiple patients, depending on the required supply rate.

[0093] As used herein, references to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or evident from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all separations and connecting combinations of conjunctions, clauses, words, etc., unless the context otherwise indicates or is evident. Thus, for example, the term “or” should generally be understood as “and / or”. Unless otherwise stated herein, references to ranges of values ​​are not intended to be restrictive, but rather to individually refer to any and all values ​​falling within that range, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually referenced herein. Words such as “about,” “approximately,” etc., when used with numerical values, should be interpreted as indicating a deviation as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in order to satisfyably operate for the intended purpose. Similarly, when used when referring to physical characteristics, approximate words such as “approximately” or “basically” should be understood to take into account a range of deviations understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in order to satisfyably operate for the corresponding use, function, or purpose. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein, such as in “such as”, is intended only to better illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the embodiments. None of the language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments. In the specification, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “lower” are convenience terms and should not be construed as restrictive terms.

[0094] This invention discloses certain details and embodiments of an automated system for storing oxygen and other substances. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and additions can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one remembers that the present preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the broader invention disclosed herein. Therefore, it will be clear that those who consider embodiments of the main features of the invention can make embodiments that include these main features but not all of the features included in the preferred embodiments.

[0095] Therefore, the following claims should define the scope of protection of this invention. These claims should be considered to include equivalent constructions as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention. It must be further noted that several of the following claims may express or be construed as expressing certain elements as means of performing a specific function, sometimes without needing to mention a structure or material. As required by law, any such claim should be construed as covering not only the corresponding structures and materials expressly described in this specification, but also all their legally recognized equivalents.

Claims

1. A system (400) for storing oxygen, said oxygen being supplied to a patient, characterized in that, The system (400) includes: An expandable and compressible oxygen storage device (404) has an outer wall, an internal volume, and at least one hole, the internal volume for holding a certain volume of oxygen, and the at least one hole for allowing oxygen to enter and exit the internal volume, wherein the outer wall of the oxygen storage device comprises a shell formed of a lightweight and flexible foil. A supply conduit (408) adapted to receive oxygen from an oxygen source (406), wherein the supply conduit (408) has a first end for supplying oxygen to the oxygen storage device (404) and a second end for fluid connection to the oxygen source (406); An ambient pressure conduit (422) adapted to supply oxygen along a fluid path from the oxygen reservoir (404) to the receiver, wherein the ambient pressure conduit (422) has a first end in fluid communication with the oxygen reservoir (404) for receiving oxygen from the oxygen reservoir (404) and a second end for fluid connection to the receiver; An inflation detection system, operable to detect a first condition and a second condition, wherein, under the first condition, the oxygen supply reservoir (404) is inflated with oxygen to a predetermined inflation state, and under the second condition, the oxygen supply reservoir (404) is below the predetermined inflation state; and A valve system is provided between the oxygen source (406) and the oxygen storage tank (404), wherein, when the oxygen storage tank (404) is in the first condition, the valve system is operable in a closed condition to prevent oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source (406) into the oxygen storage tank (404), and wherein, when the oxygen storage tank (404) is in the second condition, the valve system is operable in an open condition to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen source (406) into the oxygen storage tank (404), wherein the valve system and the inflation detection system are operable to maintain a certain volume of oxygen in the oxygen storage tank (404) substantially at ambient pressure.

2. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank (404) has a fully inflated condition, wherein the inflation detection system is operable to detect when the oxygen storage tank (404) is inflated to a predetermined range of the fully inflated condition, wherein the inflation detection system detects the first condition when the oxygen storage tank (404) is inflated to the predetermined range of the fully inflated condition, and wherein the inflation detection system detects the second condition when the oxygen storage tank (404) is inflated below the predetermined range of the fully inflated condition.

3. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system (400) also includes an oxygen source (406).

4. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes an electromechanical system.

5. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes a switch (414) configured to move from the outer wall of the oxygen supply reservoir (404) when the oxygen supply reservoir (404) is inflated with oxygen to the predetermined inflation state.

6. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The switch (414) is biased toward the oxygen storage device (404).

7. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The switch (414) has an active state and a deactivated state. In the active state, the switch (414) is positioned inward or beyond the internal volume of the oxygen supply reservoir (404). In the deactivated state, when the oxygen volume in the oxygen supply reservoir (404) reaches the predetermined filling state, the switch (414) is moved outward from the outer wall of the oxygen supply reservoir (404). When the switch (414) is in the deactivated state, the valve system is operable to prevent oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source (406) into the oxygen supply reservoir (404). And when the switch is in the active state, the valve system is operable to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen source (406) into the oxygen supply reservoir (404).

8. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The switch (414) includes a float switch (414).

9. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The floating switch (414) includes a contact structure (416) having a collar (440) that is extendable and retractable relative to a central post (436), wherein the collar (440) holds a magnet (447), and wherein the central post (436) holds an electrical contact (445) that, when the switch (414) is in the active state, makes electrical contact by approaching the magnet (447).

10. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve system includes a solenoid valve (412) that is in electrical communication with the inflation detection system.

11. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, When the oxygen storage tank (404) is in the first condition, the solenoid valve (412) is sensed by the inflation detection system to be closed to prevent oxygen from flowing from the oxygen source to the oxygen storage tank (404), and wherein, when the oxygen storage tank (404) is in the second condition, the solenoid valve is sensed by the inflation detection system to be open to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen source to the oxygen storage tank (404).

12. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The system (400) also includes a receiver delivery device (426) coupled to a second end of the ambient pressure conduit.

13. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The receiver delivery device (426) includes a breathing mask.

14. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage device (404) is disposed inside the housing (402).

15. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, A portion of the outer wall of the oxygen storage unit (404) is fixed to the housing, and wherein the inflation detection system includes an electromechanical system having a switch (414) supported by the housing and configured to move from the outer wall of the oxygen storage unit (404) when the oxygen storage unit (404) is inflated with oxygen to the predetermined inflation state.

16. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The housing (402) is transparent, thereby allowing the inflation status of the oxygen storage device (404) to be visually perceived.

17. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The system (400) further includes a one-way intake valve (424) disposed along the fluid path from the oxygen supply reservoir (404) to the receiver, wherein the one-way intake valve (424) is operable to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen supply reservoir (404) through the ambient pressure conduit (422) and to the receiver, but prevents reverse flow of oxygen.

18. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, A portion of the outer wall of the oxygen storage unit (404) is fixed to the housing, and wherein the inflation detection system includes a non-contact detection system (456).

19. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes an optical detection system.

20. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lightweight, flexible foil forming the oxygen storage device (404) comprises a polymer material layer.

21. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The lightweight, flexible foil forming the oxygen storage device (404) includes a lining.

22. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, The lining includes an aluminum lining.

23. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fluid connector (418), wherein the fluid connector (418) has: a first port in fluid communication with the oxygen supply reservoir (404); a second port in fluid communication with the ambient pressure conduit (422) and in fluid communication with a receiver via the ambient pressure conduit (422); and a third port in fluid communication with a supply conduit (408) adapted to receive oxygen from an oxygen source (406), wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are in fluid communication with each other within the fluid connector (418).

24. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes a one-way inhalation valve (424) fluidly connected to a second port of the fluid connector (418), thereby positioning the one-way inhalation valve (424) between the oxygen supply reservoir (404) and the receiver. The one-way inhalation valve (424) is operable to allow oxygen to flow from the oxygen supply reservoir (404) through the ambient pressure conduit (422) and to the receiver, but prevents oxygen from flowing in the reverse direction from the receiver and into the oxygen supply reservoir (404).

25. The system (400) for storing oxygen as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The oxygen reservoir (404) is sealed except for the inlet port in the oxygen reservoir (404), and wherein the first port of the fluid connector (418) is in fluid communication with the inlet port in the oxygen reservoir (404).

26. The system (400) for storing oxygen as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that, The third port of the fluid connector (418) is located between the first port and the second port of the fluid connector (418).

27. A system (400) for providing a gas supply, characterized in that, The system (400) includes: An expandable and compressible reservoir (404) having an outer wall, an internal volume, and at least one hole, the internal volume for holding a volume of gas, and the at least one hole for allowing gas to enter and exit the internal volume, wherein the outer wall of the reservoir comprises a shell formed of a lightweight, flexible foil. A supply conduit (408) adapted to receive gas from a gas source (406), wherein the supply conduit (408) has a first end for supplying gas to the reservoir (404) and a second end for fluid connection to the gas source (406); An ambient pressure conduit (422) adapted to supply gas along a fluid path from the reservoir (404) to the receiver, wherein the ambient pressure conduit (422) has a first end in fluid communication with the reservoir (404) for receiving gas from the reservoir (404) and a second end for fluid connection to the receiver; An inflation detection system operable to detect a first condition and a second condition, wherein, under the first condition, the reservoir (404) is inflated to a predetermined inflation state, and under the second condition, the reservoir (404) is below the predetermined inflation state; and A valve system is provided between the gas source (406) and the reservoir (404), wherein, when the reservoir (404) is in the first condition, the valve system is operable in a closed condition to prevent gas from flowing from the gas source (406) into the reservoir (404), and wherein, when the reservoir (404) is in the second condition, the valve system is operable in an open condition to allow gas to flow from the gas source (406) into the reservoir (404), wherein the valve system and the inflation detection system are operable to maintain the given volume of oxygen in the reservoir (404) substantially at ambient pressure.

28. The system (400) as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The reservoir (404) has a fully inflated condition, wherein the inflation detection system is operable to detect when the reservoir (404) is inflated to a predetermined range of the fully inflated condition, wherein the inflation detection system detects the first condition when the reservoir (404) is inflated to the predetermined range of the fully inflated condition, and wherein the inflation detection system detects the second condition when the reservoir (404) is inflated below the predetermined range of the fully inflated condition.

29. The system (400) as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes a switch (414) configured to move from the outer wall of the reservoir (404) when the reservoir (404) is inflated to the predetermined inflation state.

30. The system (400) as claimed in claim 29, characterized in that, The switch (414) has an active state and a deactivated state. In the active state, the switch (414) is positioned inward or beyond the internal volume of the reservoir (404). In the deactivated state, the switch (414) moves outward from the outer wall of the reservoir (404) when the gas volume in the reservoir (404) reaches the predetermined inflation state. When the switch (414) is in the deactivated state, the valve system is operable to prevent gas from flowing from the gas source (406) into the reservoir (404). When the switch (414) is in the active state, the valve system is operable to allow gas to flow from the gas source (406) into the reservoir (404).

31. The system (400) as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that, The switch (414) includes a float switch (414).

32. The system (400) as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes a non-contact detection system (456).

33. The system (400) as claimed in claim 32, characterized in that, The inflation detection system includes an optical detection system.

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