Gas valve and electronic control device for proportional gas mixing

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for proportional gas mixing. A method for mixing gases may include receiving, at a modified ball valve, a first gas via a first gas input port of the modified ball valve and a second gas via a second gas input port of the modified ball valve. The method may also include coupling the motor control with the modified ball valve. The method may also include operating, via the motor control device, the modified ball valve by adjusting a position of the modified ball valve. In addition, the method may include releasing a gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas through a gas output port of the modified ball valve.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 330,234, filed on April 12, 2022. The disclosure of the priority application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Some embodiments may generally relate to gas mixers. More particularly, certain embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for proportional gas mixing. Background Art

[0004] Various types of gas mixers have been provided. The need for efficient gas mixers has been established many years ago, particularly in the medical field. The need to treat patients with oxygen for a number of reasons has been identified and studied since the early 1950s. Examples of such gas mixers include oxygen blender devices, which are used to enrich air streams with oxygen for various medical needs. These devices or apparatuses are developed with the goal of achieving oxygen concentrations ranging from 21% to 100% based on need.

[0005] In early gas mixing technology, the properties of each gas to be mixed can be used in the design of the mixer, and therefore, one device used to mix two gases cannot be used to mix two other gases because the shape and internal components will need to be changed. Other gas mixers can also rely on sensing the concentration of the gas being mixed and provide feedback signals to the controller to adjust the pressure and volume flow rate of the individual gases. However, the use of sensors, regulating valves and controllers will make the product significantly more expensive and complex and prone to instability.

[0006] Other products in the field are highly complex and difficult to install and remove in emergency situations. In addition, previous systems have complex control systems that are prone to failure and long troubleshooting times. Therefore, in emergency situations, they may become unsuitable for use without alternative devices for backup. In addition, they may be extremely expensive. Therefore, a simple and inexpensive device that eliminates the problems with previous mixers described above is needed. Summary of the invention

[0007] Certain embodiments may be directed to a method for mixing gases. The method may include receiving a first gas at a modified ball valve via a first gas input port of the modified ball valve and receiving a second gas via a second gas input port of the modified ball valve. The method may also include coupling a motor control device to the modified ball valve. The method may also include operating the modified ball valve by adjusting a position of the ball valve via the motor control device. Additionally, the method may include releasing a gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas through a gas output port of the modified ball valve.

[0008] Other embodiments may be directed to a gas mixing device. The device may include a modified ball valve. The device may also include a motor control configured to operate the modified ball valve. The device may also include a coupler configured to connect the motor control to the modified ball valve. In certain embodiments, the modified ball valve may include a first gas input port, a second gas input port, a gas output port, and a plate disposed within a hollow space in the modified ball valve. In other embodiments, the motor control may be configured to adjust the position of the modified ball valve to produce a desired amount of gas.

[0009] Other embodiments may be directed to a gas distribution device. The gas distribution device may include a modified ball valve. The gas distribution device may also include a first gas input port located at a first side of the modified ball valve. The gas distribution device may also include a second gas input port located at a second side of the modified ball valve. Additionally, the gas distribution device may include an output port located at a third side of the modified ball valve. Furthermore, the gas distribution device may include a plate disposed inside a hollow space in the modified ball valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 An example schematic diagram of a modified ball valve is shown in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2 An example schematic diagram showing a front view of a system having a modified ball valve according to certain embodiments.

[0013] Figure 3 An example electrical connection diagram of a system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 Example calibration curves according to certain embodiments are shown.

[0015] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 6 An apparatus according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.The following is a detailed description of some embodiments for proportional gas mixing.

[0018] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0019] In addition, if desired, the different functions or steps discussed below can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if desired, one or more of the described functions or steps can be optional or combinable. Thus, the following description should be considered to be merely illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not to be a limitation thereof.

[0020] Certain embodiments may involve a controlled gas proportioning process. For example, certain embodiments may provide an apparatus that can be configured to mix oxygen and air at different concentrations. This can be achieved by incorporating a microcontroller (e.g., an Arduino microcontroller) and a modified three-way ball valve. The modified three-way ball valve can be used in an oxygen or air mixing apparatus, and the apparatus may also include an oxygen input line, an air input line, a servo motor, a potentiometer, and a microcontroller.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, the microcontroller may be configured to use a servo motor to adjust the position of the modified ball valve. In doing so, it may be possible to adjust the percentage of gas in the output flow of the modified ball valve. According to some example embodiments, the servo motor may be a rotary actuator or a linear actuator that allows precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration. The servo motor may include a suitable motor connected to a sensor for position feedback, and may also include a servo drive to complete the system. The drive may use the feedback sensor to accurately control the rotational position of the motor. In addition, the servo motor may operate in series with the microcontroller and be controlled via a variable signal of 0-5VDC from the microcontroller. In some example embodiments, the signal can be adjusted using a potentiometer for a variable percentage. Control of the input voltage variable may be controlled by a remote Or WIFI signal replacement. According to certain embodiments, the ball valve can be adjusted to have two compartments separated by welding a metal plate in the center of the ball valve. In some embodiments, the two compartments can have the same volume.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the modified three-way ball valve can provide a solution for mixing air and oxygen flows used in various medical applications, including, for example, in medical ventilators, to provide the required oxygen percentage per the medical personnel's specifications. In other embodiments, the modified three-way ball valve can be used in applications where the correct amount of gas needs to be mixed and can be modified to perform certain desired or required functions.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a modified three-way ball valve 100 according to certain embodiments is shown. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the modified three-way ball valve 100 may include two input lines / ports 105, 110, an output line / port 115, a valve stem 120, which can be used to adjust the position of the metal plate 125 inside the ball valve 100 to different positions by rotating the valve stem 120 to different angles. In some embodiments, any one of the input lines / ports 105, 110 can be used to supply oxygen and medical air or any other type of air into the modified three-way ball valve 100 by connecting a gas line, hose, or valve to the modified three-way ball valve 100. In other words, the modified three-way ball valve 100 can be connected to an oxygen flow source and an air flow source at the input lines 105, 110, and connected to an output at the output line (a combination of compartments 130 and 135). Once the gases are supplied into the modified three-way ball valve 100, they can be mixed together and released from the modified three-way ball valve 100 through the output line (a combination of compartments 130 and 135). The gas used herein may not be limited to oxygen, and other types of gases may be used in other embodiments.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the modified three-way ball valve 100 may also have a hollow interior space that may be divided into two compartments 130, 135 via a metal plate 125 positioned at the center of the outlet port 115. The compartments, along with other components of the modified three-way ball valve 100, may provide the ability to produce a predictable amount of oxygen ranging from about 21% to about 100%. For example, according to some embodiments, the amount of oxygen may be electromechanically controlled by the rotation of the valve stem 120 through the rotation of the servo motor. In addition, the shaft 255 ( Figure 2 ) can be connected by mechanical connection 225 ( Figure 2 ) and the modified three-way ball valve stem 260 ( Figure 2 ) connection. In other embodiments, a signal ranging from 0-5 VDC may be sent from the microcontroller to adjust the angle of rotation of the valve stem 120, and thus adjust the percentage of oxygen and air in the mixed flow. According to certain embodiments, the oxygen percentage may change parabolically with the rotation angle. For example, if the rotation angle is 0 degrees, the oxygen percentage is 63%, and if the rotation angle is 50 degrees, the oxygen percentage is 100%, and if the rotation angle is 100 degrees, the oxygen percentage is 42%.

[0025] Figure 2 An example schematic diagram showing a front view of a system with a modified three-way ball valve according to certain embodiments. As noted above, in certain embodiments, the system may be Or WIFI wirelessly / remotely operated (e.g., controlling a modified ball valve). Figure 2 As shown in , the system may include a motor control device 200. The motor control device 200 may include a display 205 showing the oxygen / air percentage, a microcontroller 210, and a servo motor 215. In some embodiments, the servo motor 215 may include a control in the form of a potentiometer 220, which is used to control the operation of the servo motor, and thus control the rotation angle of the modified ball valve, and thus control the oxygen / air percentage as indicated by the display. A coupler 225 is connected to the servo motor 215, which couples the modified three-way ball valve 230 to the motor control device 200 by coupling the shaft 255 of the servo motor 215 to the rod 260 of the modified three-way ball valve 230. Similar to Figure 1 , the modified three-way ball valve 230 may include inlet lines / ports 240, 245 and outlet line / port 250. The modified three-way ball valve 230 may also include a metal plate 235, similar to Figure 1 The metal plate 125 is shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing an example electrical connection of a system according to some embodiments. Figure 3As shown in the example schematic diagram of , the microcontroller 300 can be electrically connected to the LCD display 305, the servo motor 310, the adapter 315, and the potentiometer 320. In some embodiments, the adapter 315 can provide 9VDC to the system, and the potentiometer 320 can adjust the voltage between 0-5V.

[0027] Figure 4 An example calibration curve according to certain embodiments is shown. In particular, Figure 4 A calibration curve between the rotation angle of the modified ball valve and the oxygen percentage in the outlet flow is shown. According to certain embodiments, a calibration curve may be established between the rotation angle of the servo motor and the DC voltage value sent from the microcontroller.

[0028] Figure 5 A flow chart showing a method according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, Figure 5 The flowchart can be represented by a flowchart similar to Figure 2 The system shown in the system is implemented.

[0029] According to one embodiment, Figure 5 The method may include, at 500, receiving a first gas at a modified ball valve via a first gas input port of the modified ball valve and receiving a second gas via a second gas input port of the modified ball valve. The method may also include, at 505, coupling a motor control device to the modified ball valve. The method may also include, at 510, operating the modified ball valve by adjusting a position of the modified ball valve via the motor control device. Additionally, the method may include, at 515, releasing a gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas through a gas output port of the modified ball valve.

[0030] According to certain embodiments, the modified ball valve may include a rod and a compartment separator, the motor control device may include a shaft, and the coupling may be performed by mechanically coupling the shaft to the rod via a coupling. According to some embodiments, the method may also include adjusting the position of the modified ball valve via a microcontroller, and receiving a signal from the microcontroller at a servo motor to adjust the angle of rotation of the modified ball valve. According to other embodiments, the method may also include sending a signal ranging from 0 to 5 VDC to the servo motor via the microcontroller.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the method may further include receiving the first gas at the first compartment of the modified ball valve via the first gas input port. In certain embodiments, the method may further include receiving the second gas at the second compartment of the modified ball valve via the second gas input port. In other embodiments, the method may include combining the first gas with the second gas. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the method may include releasing the combined gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas via the gas output port.

[0032] Figure 6 An apparatus according to some embodiments is shown. According to some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be a computing device. As described herein, a computing device may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a computer, a hardware device, a mobile device, etc.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the device 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), and / or a user interface. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the device 10 may include Figure 6 Components or features not shown.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown in the example of , device 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, as examples, processor 12 may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 6 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be used according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain example embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0035] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including Figure 1-5 The process shown in .

[0036] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions executable by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology (such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory). For example, the memory 14 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enable the device 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0037] In embodiments, device 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store programs for execution by processor 12 and / or device 10 to perform Figure 1-5 A computer program or software for any of the methods shown in the method.

[0038] In some embodiments, the device 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving signals and for transmitting from the device 10. The device 10 may also include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of the device 10. In other embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain embodiments, the device 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0039] In an embodiment, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules (such as applications or programs) to provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with other hardware elements described herein via wireless or wired communication links.

[0040] According to certain example embodiments, the processor 12 and the memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit or a control circuit or may form a part of a processing circuit or a control circuit. In addition, in some embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuit or may form a part of a transceiver circuit. As discussed above, according to certain example embodiments, the device 10 may be, for example, a controller. According to certain embodiments, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform functions associated with the example embodiments described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to operate the modified ball valve by adjusting the position of the modified ball valve. The device 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to release a gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas through the gas output port of the modified ball valve.

[0041] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing any of the methods, processes, or variations discussed herein. Examples of means may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of operations.

[0042] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including a device for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, a device for receiving a first gas at a modified ball valve via a first gas input port of the modified ball valve and a second gas via a second gas input port of the modified ball valve. The apparatus may also include a device for coupling a motor control device to the modified ball valve. The apparatus may also include a device for operating the modified ball valve by adjusting a position of the modified ball valve via the motor control device. Additionally, the apparatus may include a device for releasing a gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas through a gas output port of the modified ball valve.

[0043] Certain embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. In some embodiments, it may be possible to eliminate the problems exhibited by previous mixers. According to certain embodiments, the mixing device can be used for any gas combination by controlling an internal modified three-way valve and providing a dedicated volume ratio of each gas to the outlet port. In some embodiments, the mixing device may have a percentage of mixed gas that can be electronically adjusted as needed by rotating the rod of the modified three-way valve.

[0044] As described herein, a computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is running. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functions of some example embodiments may be executable as routines, which may be implemented as added or updated software routines. The software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0045] By way of example, software or computer program code or portions of code may be in source code form, object code form or in some intermediate form and may be stored in a carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium of some kind (which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program). For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or it may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0046] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0047] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a device) or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or as a chipset, which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention as discussed above may be implemented with steps in a different order and / or with hardware elements in configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, although the invention is described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. A gas mixing device comprising: Modified ball valve; a motor control configured to operate the modified ball valve; as well as a coupler configured to couple the motor control device with the ball valve, wherein the modified ball valve comprises a first gas input port, a second gas input port, a gas output port, and a plate disposed inside a hollow space in the ball valve, and Wherein the motor control is configured to adjust the position of the modified ball valve to produce a desired amount of gas.

2. The gas mixing device according to claim 1, in, The modified ball valve includes a stem, Wherein, the motor control device comprises a shaft, and Wherein, the shaft is mechanically coupled to the rod via the coupling.

3. The gas mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor control device comprises: monitor; a microcontroller configured to adjust a position of the modified ball valve; and A servo motor is configured to receive a signal from the microcontroller to adjust an angle of rotation of the modified ball valve.

4. The gas mixing device according to claim 3, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to send a signal ranging from 0 to 5 VDC to the servo motor.

5. The gas mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The modified ball valve comprises: a first compartment configured to contain a first gas received via the first gas input port; and A second compartment is configured to contain a second gas received via the second gas input port.

6. The gas mixing device according to claim 5, in, The gas output port is configured to combine the first gas with the second gas and release a combined gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas.

7. A method for mixing gases, comprising: receiving a first gas at a modified ball valve via a first gas input port of the modified ball valve and receiving a second gas via a second gas input port of the modified ball valve; coupling a motor control device to the modified ball valve; operating the modified ball valve by adjusting a position of the modified ball valve via the motor control; as well as A gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas is released through a gas output port of the modified ball valve.

8. The method for mixing gases according to claim 7, in, The modified ball valve includes a stem and a compartment separator, Wherein, the motor control device comprises a shaft, and Therein, the coupling is performed by mechanically coupling the shaft to the rod via a coupling.

9. The method for mixing gases according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: adjusting a position of the modified ball valve via a microcontroller; as well as A signal from the microcontroller is received at the servo motor to adjust the angle of rotation of the modified ball valve.

10. The method for mixing gases according to claim 9, further comprising: A signal ranging from 0 to 5 VDC is sent to the servo motor via the microcontroller.

11. The method for mixing gases according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: receiving a first gas at a first compartment of the modified ball valve via a first gas input port; as well as A second gas is received at a second compartment of the modified ball valve via a second gas input port.

12. The method for mixing gases according to claim 11, further comprising: combining the first gas with the second gas; as well as A combined gas mixture of the first gas and the second gas is released through the gas output port.

13. A gas distribution device comprising: Modified ball valve; a first gas input port located at a first side of the modified ball valve; a second gas input port located at a second side of the modified ball valve; an output port located at a third side of the modified ball valve; as well as A plate is disposed inside the hollow space in the modified ball valve.

14. The gas distribution device according to claim 13, further comprising: A rod is attached to the coupler.

15. The gas distribution device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The modified ball valve is configured to release a predetermined amount of a gas mixture by changing a position of the modified ball valve, the gas mixture including an amount of the first gas and an amount of the second gas.

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