Device and method for detecting liquid level in transparent or partially transparent container

Abstract

A trapping bowl is provided for accumulating droplets from a filter as liquid contents. And the trapping bowl comprises a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face forming a vertical transparent surface facing the content of the portion. The face may provide a first total reflection angle when the portion of the content is a gas and a second total reflection angle when the portion of the content is the liquid content. The light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. When the mask has the first total reflection angle, the angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, thereby impacting a light receiver, and when the mask has the second total reflection angle, the angle of incidence results in refraction of the light beam, thereby missing the light receiver.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on a patent application with application date of March 16, 2017, application number 202110183182.0, and invention name “Device and method for detecting liquid level in a transparent or partially transparent container”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 331,117, filed on May 3, 2016, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING LIQUID LEVEL IN A CLEAR OR PARTIALLY CLEAR CONTAINER,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to removing (e.g., filtering) and collecting in a container or trap liquid particles from a sampled inhaled gas stream from a patient breathing circuit attached to a ventilator and / or a therapeutic gas delivery system (e.g., an inhaled nitric oxide gas delivery system). Background Art

[0005] Many patients may benefit from receiving a therapeutic gas (e.g., nitric oxide gas) in an inspiratory respiratory gas flow. The therapeutic gas may be delivered, for example, from a breathing circuit attached to a ventilator (e.g., a constant flow ventilator, a variable flow ventilator, a high frequency ventilator, a bi-level positive airway pressure ventilator or a BiPAP ventilator, etc.). In operation, the therapeutic gas may be injected into the inspiratory respiratory gas flowing in the breathing circuit of the ventilator device. The inspiratory therapeutic gas is typically provided at a constant concentration by a therapeutic gas delivery system, and the constant concentration is provided based on the proportional delivery of the therapeutic gas to the respiratory gas. In addition, a sampling system (e.g., attached to the therapeutic gas delivery system) may continuously introduce the inspiratory respiratory gas flow to at least confirm that a desired dose of the therapeutic gas in the inspiratory respiratory gas flow is being delivered to the patient. Exemplary operations may include a sampling pump aspirating the inspiratory gas flow (e.g., near the patient) to confirm that the desired therapeutic gas concentration is actually being delivered to the patient.

[0006] One such therapeutic gas is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), which can be used as a therapeutic gas that produces vasodilation in patients. When inhaled, iNO plays a role in dilating pulmonary blood vessels, thereby improving blood oxygenation, and, for example, reducing pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, for patients suffering from various lung lesions including but not limited to hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH), nitric oxide is provided in the inspired respiratory gas. The actual administration of iNO is usually carried out by introducing it into the patient's body in the form of a gas together with other normal inhaled gases. For example, iNO can be introduced into the inspiratory flow of the patient's breathing circuit associated with a ventilator from an iNO delivery system.

[0007] Alone and / or in combination with iNO, a patient may receive an inspiratory respiratory gas stream containing liquid particles (e.g., aerosolized medical solutions and suspensions, moisture from humid air, etc.) and / or other particles. However, as described above, an iNO delivery system may include a sampling system to confirm the dose of iNO delivered to the patient. While liquid particles in the inspiratory respiratory stream may provide additional benefits to the patient, they may also contaminate the sampling system (e.g., a gas analyzer). Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to filter the sampled inspiratory respiratory gas stream having liquid particles and / or other particles to mitigate contamination of the gas sampling system.

[0008] In connection with filtering liquid particles from an inspiratory respiratory stream, there is a need to capture the removed liquid particles. Various configurations of such traps and various techniques related to detecting the liquid level in the traps are known. Additional desirable features of liquid level detection may include tolerance for various orientations of the trap, the ability to detect proper installation of the trap, simplicity, and easy adaptability to traps of varying capacities. Therefore, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method for capturing and detecting the accumulated level of liquid particles filtered from an inspiratory respiratory stream provided to a patient in need thereof. Summary of the invention

[0009] In general, aspects of the present disclosure relate to filtration devices and methods for removing liquid particles from a gas stream containing moisture, water vapor, aerosolized liquids, or other liquid components. Particulates may also be removed. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to filtration devices and methods for removing liquid particles and / or particulates from a sampled inspiratory gas stream of a patient breathing circuit attached to a ventilator and / or a therapeutic gas delivery system (e.g., an inhaled nitric oxide gas delivery system).

[0010] One or more disclosed embodiments relate to a filter capture device, which in one aspect may include a capture bowl configured to accumulate droplets from a filter as liquid contents, and may have or provide an associated transparent circumferential prism. In one aspect, the face may form a circumferential inner surface of the capture bowl. According to one or more implementations, the face may provide a first total reflection angle when the gas abuts the circumferential inner surface, and a second total reflection angle when the liquid contents abut the circumferential inner surface. In one aspect, the filter capture device may also include a light source, which may be configured to emit a light beam incident on the face at an incident angle, and may include a light receiver. In one aspect, the optical refractive index of the transparent circumferential prism may be selected so that when the face has a first total reflection angle, the incident angle provides reflection of the light beam so as to strike the light receiver, and when the face has a second total reflection angle, refraction of the light beam may be provided so as to miss the light receiver.

[0011] In one aspect, the filter-trap device may further include a filter. According to further aspects, the filter may include an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and an intermediate channel. In one or more implementations, the filter may be configured to receive a sample of the therapeutic gas at the inlet channel, remove droplets from the therapeutic gas to form filtered therapeutic gas, and transport the droplets through the intermediate channel, and output the filtered therapeutic gas from the gas outlet channel.

[0012] In one aspect, the face can be an upper face, and the circumferential inner surface of the capture bowl can be or can form an upper circumferential inner surface. According to one or more additional aspects, the transparent circumferential prism can also include a lower face, and the lower face can form a lower circumferential inner surface of the capture bowl. In one or more implementations, the upper face and the lower face can form an angle, and in one aspect, the angle can open outward circumferentially around the capture bowl. In another aspect, the upper face and the lower face can intersect at a vertex, which can be circumferential around the capture bowl. In an exemplary aspect, the angle can be arranged symmetrically about a reference bisector, which can in turn extend outward from the vertex.

[0013] According to one or more implementations, the light source can be configured to emit the light beam as a collimated light beam and emit the collimated light beam in a direction substantially parallel to a reference bisector. In one aspect, regardless of the rotational orientation of the capture bowl, when the face has a first total reflection angle, the incident angle causes a reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, and when the face has a second total reflection angle, causes a refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver. In one aspect, the reference bisector can extend in a reference cone that is circumferential around the capture bowl and includes a vertex. Further for one or more implementations, the angle can be approximately 90 degrees. Moreover, in one or more implementations, the angle of incidence can be approximately 45 degrees.

[0014] In one aspect, the transparent circumferential prism may further include a beam receiving surface. In a related aspect, the collimated beam may be incident on the beam receiving surface at an incident point in an arrangement in which a reference plane tangent to the beam receiving surface is perpendicular to the collimated beam at the incident point. In one or more implementations, the beam receiving surface may be an inclined surface extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the capture bowl.

[0015] One or more additional disclosed embodiments also relate to a filter capture device, which in one aspect may include a capture bowl configured to accumulate droplets from a filter as liquid contents. In one aspect, the capture bowl may include a portion extending in a vertical direction and may include a transparent vertical prism. According to one aspect, the transparent vertical prism may include a face that may form a vertical transparent surface, the vertical transparent surface facing the contents of the portion. On the other hand, the face may be configured to provide a first total reflection angle when the contents of the portion are gas, and to provide a second total reflection angle when the contents of the portion are liquid contents. An exemplary filter capture device according to one or more implementations may also include a light source configured to emit a light beam incident on the face at an incident angle, and a light receiver. In one aspect, when the face has a first total reflection angle, certain relationships or ratios of the incident angle and optical refraction may provide reflection of the light beam so as to hit the light receiver, and when the face has a second total reflection angle, provide refraction of the light beam so as to miss the light receiver.

[0016] In one or more implementations, the filter capture device may further include an adjustable transmitter / receiver support, which may include a support element configured to attach to the optical transmitter / receiver. In one aspect, the adjustable transmitter / receiver support may further include a selectively actuated lift support that supports the optical transmitter / receiver at a selective height in the vertical direction.

[0017] In one aspect, the face may be a first face, and the vertical transparent surface may be a first vertical transparent surface. According to another aspect, the transparent vertical prism may further include a second face, and the second face may form a second vertical transparent surface facing the contents of the portion. In one aspect, when the contents of the portion are gas, the second face may also provide a first total reflection angle, and when the contents of the portion are liquid contents, the second face may also provide a second total reflection angle.

[0018] One or more disclosed embodiments relate to a filter capture device, which in one aspect may include a capture bowl configured to accumulate droplets from a filter as liquid contents. In one aspect, the capture bowl may include a transparent circular portion that may extend in a vertical direction. According to one or more aspects, the transparent circular portion may be formed of a material having an optical refractive index. In one implementation, the filter capture device may include an offset light source configured to emit a light beam incident on an outer surface of the transparent circular portion. In one aspect, at the point of incidence, the light beam may include a vector component parallel to a reference line tangential to the point of incidence, and a vector component perpendicular to the reference line at the point of incidence. According to one or more implementations, the filter capture device may include an offset light receiver. As described above, in one or more aspects, the material for the transparent circular portion may be formed of a material having a specially selected optical refractive index. These aspects may include selecting an optical refractive index so that when gaseous contents abut against the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a first path, and when liquid contents abut against the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a second path, wherein the first path is incident on the light receiver and the second path misses the light receiver.

[0019] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1A shows a front cross-sectional view of one implementation of a filter and fill level detection trap assembly including a circumferential prism and an angled beam emitter / detector, and example aspects of return reflection through the circumferential prism in response to an operational fill level, according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A The basis of a part of the catch bowl Figure 1A A front view of a cutting plane projection 2-2 showing an upper prism face of an exemplary circular prism according to one or more embodiments;

[0023] Figure 1C According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1A A filter and fill level detection trap assembly having an exemplary exceeded maximum fill level in the trap bowl and detection by non-returning refraction of an angled light beam;

[0024] Figure 2 Through Figure 1AThe partially exploded view of the same projection shows a capture bowl including a circumferential prism and a Figure 1A An exemplary separation of a filter housing separation;

[0025] Figure 3 An exemplary capture bowl attachment structure according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 1A Front view of the cutting plane projection 1-1;

[0026] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating exemplary operations in administering gas therapy to a patient, including verifying capture trap installation and fill level, in a method of delivering therapeutic gas to a patient according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of one implementation of a filter and catcher assembly including fill level and catch bowl alignment detection by a vertical prism and light beam, and certain features of exemplary return reflections of the light beam in response to operational fill level and properly installed catch bowl, according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary catch bowl with vertical prisms of the filter and catch bowl assembly shown in FIG.

[0029] Figure 7 Shown from Figure 5 Projection 3-3 is a cross-sectional view in which the beam is not depicted;

[0030] Figure 8 Shown from Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of Projection 3-3, where the beam is not depicted, Figure 5 Exemplary aspects of the return reflection of a light beam in response to an operational fill level and a properly installed capture bowl are shown in;

[0031] Fig. 9 From Figure 5 The same front cross-sectional view shows an exemplary overfill state and a corresponding non-return refracted portion of a light beam according to one or more exemplary embodiments;

[0032] Fig.10 Shown from Fig. 9 Projection 4-4 of a projection view of a non-returning refraction of a light beam in response to an exemplary overfill condition of a properly installed capture bowl according to one or more respective embodiments;

[0033] Fig.11A Shown from Figure 5Projection 3-3 is a projection view of one example implementation of a filter and vertical prism catch bowl assembly according to one or more embodiments, the assembly including an offset optical detector for detecting fill level and catch bowl installation. Fig. 11B and 11C From Fig.11A The same projection shows the additional capabilities that can be provided by an offset optical detector;

[0034] Fig.12 Shown from Figure 5 Projection 3-3 is a projection view of another implementation of a filter and trap assembly according to one or more embodiments, the assembly including an offset emitter beam and an offset detector providing refraction-based fill level detection;

[0035] Fig.13 In a method for delivering a therapeutic gas to a patient according to one or more embodiments, Fig.11A , 11B , 11C and Fig.12 A block flow representation of example operations performed in one or more of the implementations of detecting an example capture bowl fill state; and

[0036] Fig.14 Illustratively depict aspects of one exemplary implementation of a filter and level detection trap assembly in a breathing gas supply apparatus according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure generally relates to capturing specific materials suspended in or carried by a gas, which are aggregated into a liquid state after being removed by special filtration and collected in a capture container. The specific materials to be removed and collected in the capture container may include, for example, water vapor, other liquids in a vapor state, other atomized liquids, atomized medical solutions and suspensions, etc. In some embodiments, the removal and capture of materials can be in the case of delivering therapeutic gases to a patient (e.g., a patient receiving respiratory gases from a ventilator circuit, the respiratory gases may include nitric acid and other therapeutic gases). For example, an implementation may include removing such specific materials from a respiratory gas sample passing through an inspiratory limb before passing the sample through a sampling device. The sampling device may be configured to continuously confirm at least dosing (e.g., nitric oxide concentration, etc.) and other parameters (e.g., nitrogen dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, etc.), may be installed between a respiratory gas source and a sampling device, may reduce contamination, for example, improve the operation and / or life of the sampling device.

[0038] The concept of filtering suspended or entrained water vapor or other liquid components before the sample gas reaches the sampling device may sometimes be referred to as a "water trap" or "filter trap." However, the present disclosure relates to some implementations that can remove not only water, but also, for example, various aerosolized drugs.

[0039] The terms liquid particles and / or particles are used herein in their broadest form to include any and all particles, whether liquid or solid, organic or inorganic, that may be in the gas stream, such as, but not limited to, nebulized medical solutions and suspensions, aerosols, moisture from humidified air, or other contaminants present in the patient's breathing circuit resulting from therapy delivered through the breathing circuit. Sometimes, the terms liquid particles, particles, matter, etc. are used alone or to refer to a common group of materials to be removed.

[0040] The terms "filter" and "filtration" are used herein in their broadest sense to include any and all types and degrees of removal or separation of liquids from gases, and may also include removal of other non-liquid particulates that may be present in some cases.

[0041] Figure 1A A front cross-sectional view of one implementation of a filter and fill level detection trap assembly 100 including a circumferential prism and a beam emitter / detector is shown according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1A Additionally shown are example aspects of back reflections of a circumferential prism in response to an operational fill level according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] Reference Figure 1A , the filter and fill level detection trap assembly 100 may include a filter housing 102, the filter housing 102 being shaped and sized to hold a filter, such as an exemplary filter 104, disposed above a catch bowl 106. The operation of the filter 104 may include receiving a therapeutic gas sample through a filter inlet channel 108, then removing liquid in the form of droplets LD from the sample and depositing them in the catch bowl 106, and then discharging the filtered sample gas from a filter outlet channel 110. The filter 104 may include a filter first intermediate channel 112 and a filter second intermediate channel 114, the filter first intermediate channel 112 allowing liquid droplets LD to enter the catch bowl, and the filter second intermediate channel 114 for passing sample gas from the catch bowl 108 and discharging through the filter outlet channel 110. The flow of the exemplary gas through the filter 104 and the associated filling of the catch bowl 106 with droplets LD will be described in more detail later. However, for those skilled in the art, a further detailed description of the internal structure of the filter 104 is not necessary for understanding the concepts of the present disclosure, which are sufficient to make and use examples using one or more embodiments, and therefore this detailed description is omitted.

[0043] It should be understood that Figure 1A The shapes and relative sizes of the filter housing 102 and filter 104 shown are for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure or the manner in which concepts thereof may be implemented.

[0044] refer to Figure 1A In one or more implementations, the catch bowl 106 can include a circumferential prism 116. In a related aspect, at least those portions of the catch bowl 106 that form the circumferential prism 116 can be transparent.

[0045] It should be understood that "transparency" in the context of the capture bowl 106 is not limited to "see-through" visibility to the naked eye. For example, one of ordinary skill will understand that transmittance within the meaning of "transparent" may depend at least in part on factors such as the intensity of the collimated light beam CB, the length of the optical path (determined at least in part by the thickness and size of the capture bowl 106), the cross-sectional size of the circumferential prism 116, and the sensitivity of the light detector portion of the light emitter / receiver 118.

[0046] In one implementation, the circumferential prism 116 may be integrated with the catch bowl 106, for example, as a specific configuration of the outer surface of the catch bowl 106, such as Figure 1A In other implementations, examples of which are described in greater detail later in this disclosure, the circumferential prism 116 can be formed separately and attached to the capture bowl 106 .

[0047] In one aspect, the circumferential prism 116 may include an upper prism face 116U and a lower prism face 116L, which when viewed in cross section may form a V-shaped arrangement of circumferential faces forming an angle θ1 that opens symmetrically about the bisector BL in an outward direction from the vertex 120V.

[0048] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A portion of the catch bowl 106 comes from Figure 1A The front view of the cutting plane projection 2-2 shows the circumferential configuration of the upper prism face 116U and the vertex 116V. Figure 1A From the cutting plane projection 2-2, although the lower prism surface 116L is not clearly visible, it is below and aligned with the upper prism surface 116U.

[0049] Reference Figure 1A, the filter and fill level detection trap assembly 100 may include an optical emitter / receiver 118, which may be configured, for example, to emit a collimated light beam (hereinafter referred to as "CB") and detect the receipt of such light. In one aspect, the optical emitter / receiver 118 may be configured and arranged to emit the CB in a direction parallel or approximately parallel to the bisector BL of the angle θ1 between the upper prism face 116U and the lower prism face 116L. In one aspect, the capture bowl 106 may have an external beam receiving surface 106A for receiving the CB from the transmitter of the optical emitter / receiver 118. The external beam receiving surface 106A may be, for example, a circumferential bevel. The circumferential bevel may be configured to be perpendicular to the bisector BL. Since the CB is parallel or approximately parallel to the bisector BL, the CB will hit the external beam receiving surface 106A (i.e., the circumferential bevel) at normal incidence, which will avoid refraction of the CB. Therefore, the collimated light beam CB will strike the upper prism surface 116U at an incident angle θ2, which is approximately half of the angle θ1.

[0050] An example selection of an optical index of refraction, referred to as “N1”, of a material used to form the transparent portion of the capture bowl 106 through which the CB passes to provide detection of the top surface TSL above the circumferential prism 116 will now be described.

[0051] Reference Figure 1A , until the top surface TSL of the trapped liquid TL reaches the upper prism face 116U, the material within the capture bowl 106 that abuts the upper prism face 116U will be air or another gas without a significant water content. The optical refractive index of dry air or dry gas will be referred to as "N2". For the purposes of this specification, N2 will be approximated as an integer of 1. When the surface TSL of the trapped liquid TL reaches the upper prism face 116U, water or another liquid having an optical refractive index similar to that of water (which will be referred to as "N3") will abut the upper prism face. For the purposes of this specification, assuming that the trapped liquid TL is water, N3 can be approximated as 1.5.

[0052] According to Snell's law, if the incident angle θ2 of CB to the upper prism surface 116U meets or exceeds the total reflection angle "TFA" defined in equation (1) below, CB will be totally reflected from the upper prism surface 116U and will leave as a first totally reflected beam (hereinafter referred to as "CBF"):

[0053] TFA = Sin -1 (N3 / N1) Equation (1)

[0054] For purposes of illustration, an example θ1 value of approximately 90 degrees will be assumed, eg, upper prism face 116U is substantially perpendicular to lower prism face 116L. Thus, assuming CB is aligned with bisector BL, angle of incidence θ2 will be half of θ1, or approximately 45 degrees.

[0055] The necessary value of N3 that will result in total internal reflection of the CB (assuming θ2 is approximately 45 degrees) can be solved by inserting 45 degrees and N1=1 into equation (1) as follows

[0056] 45=Sin -1 (1 / N3)->Sin(45)=1 / N3->N3=1 / Sin(45)≈1 / .707, or 1.41

[0057] Therefore, if the refractive index of the transparent material of the catch bowl 108 through which the CB passes to strike the upper prism face 116U is greater than 1.41, the CB will be totally reflected from the upper prism face 116U.

[0058] For purposes of illustration, a transparent polycarbonate having an optical refractive index of about 1.6 will be used as an exemplary transparent material for the catch bowl 106 through which the CB passes to strike the upper prism surface 116U. Since 1.6 is greater than 1.41, the CB will be totally reflected by the upper prism surface 116U. In fact, plugging N3=1.6 and N1=1 into equation (1) yields the following total reflection angle TFA values:

[0059] Sin -1 (1 / 1.6)≈38.5 degrees.

[0060] As mentioned above, the departure angle of CBF from the upper prism surface 116U is the same as θ2, which is about 45 degrees. Figure 1A In the example of θ2, the upper prism surface 116L and the lower prism surface 116U are perpendicular, so the CBF hits the lower prism surface 116L at the same incident angle as θ2 (i.e., approximately 45 degrees). Assuming that the upper surface TSL of the trapped liquid TL does not reach the lower prism surface 116L, the CBF will be totally reflected by the lower prism surface 116L and leave as a second totally reflected light beam (hereinafter referred to as "CBS"). The departure angle of CBS (visible but not separately labeled) is the same as θ2, i.e., approximately 45 degrees. Therefore, CBS will return and hit the light receiver ( Figure 1A not visible separately).

[0061] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A Filter and fill level detection trap assembly with exemplary exceeding maximum fill level of fluid TL in catch bowl 106, and final refraction path of CB. Figure 1C , in the depicted over-maximum fill state, the substance of the TL against the upper prism face 116U will be water or a similar characteristic fluid, with a refractive index N2 of about 1.5. Continuing to use polycarbonate (with an N3 of about 1.6) as the material forming the transparent region of the catch bowl 110 and replacing N1 with N2, Figure 1CBeyond the maximum state, equation (1) yields the following values ​​of the total reflection angle of CB:

[0062] Total reflection (overfilled state) = Sin -1 (1.5 / 1.6)≈70 degrees.

[0063] Since 45 degrees is less than 70 degrees, CB will not be totally reflected from upper prism surface 116U, but will continue to enter fluid TL as a refracted beam (hereinafter referred to as "CRB", as shown in the figure). Therefore, no beam will return to the light receiver of light emitter / receiver 118.

[0064] In one aspect, the capture bowl 106 with the circumferential prism 116 may be selectively removed from the filter housing 102 for repair or replacement. Figure 2 Removal of the catch bowl 106 from the filter housing 102 is shown through a partially exploded view of the filter and fill level detection trap assembly 100. In one aspect, selective attachment and removal of the catch bowl 106 from the filter housing 102 can be provided, for example, by mechanical mating of a catch bowl attachment feature of the trap housing 102 and an upper attachment portion of the catch bowl 106.

[0065] Reference Figure 1A , 1B and 3 describe an example structure for a catch bowl attachment feature of the filter housing 102, wherein Figure 1C Shows from Figure 1A The front view of the cutting plane projection 2-2. Figure 1A and Figure 3 In one aspect, the catch bowl attachment member 120 can be disposed on a lower portion of the filter housing 102. One implementation of the catch bowl attachment member 120 can include a circular outer wall 122 (centered on CR), such as Figure 1A As shown, it may protrude a distance D1 in a direction DR and may have a radius R1 extending radially from a center CR. The direction DR may be, for example, "downwards", ie towards the earth.

[0066] Reference Figure 1A and 1BIn one aspect, the capture bowl 106 can include an upper attachment portion 106A that can form a circular container 106S having a radius R2 and a depth D2. In one aspect, the mechanical fit of the circular container 106S and the circular outer wall 122 can be provided by setting the radius R2 slightly larger than R1, configuring an external thread on the circular outer wall 122 (not explicitly visible in the figure), and configuring a corresponding internal thread on the circular container 106S. For convenience, the external thread on the circular outer wall 122 and the corresponding internal thread on the circular container surface 106S can be collectively referred to as "capture bowl attachment threads" (not explicitly shown in the figure). Whether the capture bowl attachment threads are "left-handed" or "right-handed" can be application specific and can be, at least in part, a design choice.

[0067] In one aspect, the catch bowl 106 may be removed or separated by rotating the catch bowl 106 in a first rotational direction (ie, counterclockwise or clockwise) until it is separated from the filter housing 102, such as Figure 2 The catch bowl 106 may be replaced by aligning the circular outer wall 122 with the circular receptacle 106S, causing the catch bowl attachment threads to engage, and rotating the catch bowl 106 in the opposite or second rotational direction (ie, clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0068] Reference Figure 1A In one implementation, at least one seal receiving groove (e.g., representative exemplary seal groove 124) may be formed in the circular outer wall 122 or the circular container 106S, or both. The shape and size of the seal groove 124 or equivalent may be designed to provide support for a corresponding liquid-tight sealing member, such as a representative liquid-tight sealing member 126. An exemplary implementation of the liquid-tight sealing member 126 may include a conventional "O-ring".

[0069] As described above, the filter 104 can be configured with a filter inlet passage 108, a filter first intermediate passage 112, a filter second intermediate passage 114, and a filter outlet passage 110. In one or more implementations, the filter housing 102 can include a filter housing inlet passage 128 and a filter housing outlet passage 130. In one aspect, the filter housing 102 and the filter 104 can be configured such that the filter housing inlet passage 128 is substantially aligned with the filter inlet passage 108, and the filter housing outlet passage 130 is substantially aligned with the filter outlet passage 110.

[0070] refer to Figure 1A , an exemplary operation of the filter 104, and the resulting filling of the catch bowl 106, will be described. For convenience, Figure 1AAn overlay diagram with treatment gas flow is shown, with the various portions labeled "GF," "GI," and "GT." Also for ease of description, gas flow portion GF will be referred to as "unfiltered gas GF," gas flow portion GI will be referred to as "intermediate filtered gas GI," and gas flow portion GT will be referred to as "final filtered gas GT." Operation may include unfiltered gas GF entering filter housing inlet passage 128 and passing into filter inlet passage 108, whereby a first operation of filter 104 (which may be accomplished by Figure 1A The structures and operations not explicitly visible in the figure can remove some or all liquid particles from the treatment gas. The resulting intermediate filtered gas GI can then be discharged through the filter first intermediate channel 112 and enter the residual capacity space RC within the capture bowl 106. Droplets LD can fall downward through the filter first intermediate channel 112 and fall onto the top surface TSL, where they are removed from the unfiltered gas GF to obtain the intermediate filtered gas GI. Pushed by the pressure that forces the intermediate filtered gas GI into the residual capacity space RC, the intermediate filtered gas GI can enter the filter second intermediate channel 114. In one aspect, the intermediate filtered gas GI can then pass through the additional filtering structure ( Figure 1A 1 (not visible) to achieve final filtered gas GT, which exits through filter outlet channel 110 and filter housing outlet channel 130. In an alternative implementation, all or substantially all of the liquid removal function of filter 104 can be performed before intermediate filtered gas GI exits filter first intermediate channel 112.

[0071] Figure 4 A block diagram 400 is shown representing exemplary operations in verifying capture bowl installation and fluid level in a method of delivering therapeutic gas to a patient according to one or more embodiments. For convenience, reference will be made to Figures 1A-1C Describes example performance of certain operations in process 400. Figure 4 , the operations in process 400 may begin at a start event 402 and proceed to decision block 404. Examples of a start event may include powering a therapeutic gas delivery system, such as described later in this disclosure. Fig.14 An example system 1400 is described. In one aspect, operations in start event 402 may include, for example, applying power to the transmitter / receiver 118 to emit a collimated light beam CB.

[0072] Process 400 may continue from decision block 404 based on whether a reflected light beam is received. Figure 1AThe optical transmitter / receiver 118 of the embodiment of the present invention may determine whether the reflected CBS beam is received by the optical transmitter / receiver 118. "Yes" indicates that a capture bowl such as the capture bowl 106 is installed and has an operating level of a fluid such as the fluid TL (e.g., from empty to just below the maximum fill level). Then, the process 400 may proceed to 406 and perform an operation such as receiving a sample gas from the therapeutic gas delivered to the patient, and then proceed to 408 to determine whether the reflected light beam is still received. If the answer at 408 is "yes", the process may loop back to 406. It should be understood that the loop arrangement of blocks 406 and 408 does not necessarily mean a sequential loop. For example, blocks 406 and 408 may represent a "continue until" process, for example, continue to receive sample gas until interrupted, for example, due to cessation of receiving the reflected light beam. When a "no" is received or affirmatively detected at 408, the process 400 may proceed to 410 to notify the user or maintenance personnel to empty the capture container, for example, remove the capture bowl 106, empty it and reinstall it. The process 400 may then return to 404 and resume repeating the above operations.

[0073] The above example operation assumes a "yes" at decision box 404. A "no" at 404 indicates that the reflected light beam is not received, for example, the optical transmitter / receiver 118 does not receive the CBS beam. In an exemplary resolution process, the process can proceed to 412 and notify the user or maintenance personnel to check whether the capture bowl is installed. If the user or maintenance personnel observes that the capture bowl is not installed, the process 400 can proceed to 414 and wait for an indication (e.g., pressing a user interface button) that the capture bowl has been installed, whereupon the process 400 can return to 404. If the user or maintenance personnel observes that the capture bowl has been installed (or at least appears to be) at 412, the process 400 can proceed to 416 and notify the user or maintenance personnel to check whether the capture bowl liquid level is too high. For example, the user or maintenance personnel can visually check whether the above-mentioned capture bowl transparent portion is visible and transparent. If the user or maintenance personnel observes that the capture bowl is in an overfilled condition, process 400 may proceed to 418 and await an indication (e.g., pressing another user interface button) that the capture bowl has been emptied and reinstalled, whereupon process 400 may return to 404. If the user or maintenance personnel observes or otherwise determines at 416 that the capture bowl is not in an overfilled condition, upon receiving such observation from the user or maintenance personnel (e.g., pressing another user interface button), process 400 may proceed to 418 and generate a maintenance check notification.

[0074] Figure 5 A front cross-sectional view of one implementation of a filter and trap assembly 500 is shown including a catch bowl 502 with a vertical prism 504 and another optical emitter / receiver 506 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5Example aspects of operating fill level and vertical prism detection of a properly installed catch bowl in accordance with one or more embodiments are also illustrated, in part, by an overlay view of incident and reflected light beams (labeled “ LB1 ”). Figure 6 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary catch bowl 502 having a vertical prism 504 of a filter and catch bowl assembly is shown. Figure 7 from Figure 5 Projection 4 - 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary capture bowl 502 with a vertical prism 504 omitting a visible representation of the light beam from the optical emitter / receiver 506 . Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 , which superimposes a graphical depiction of an exemplary collimated light beam CLB generated by the optical emitter / receiver 506 and subsequently reflected back to the optical emitter / receiver 506, as will be described in more detail later.

[0075] In order to focus on the illustrated aspects and features that differ from the filter and fill level detection trap assembly 100, the filter and trap assembly 500 will be described in the context of the assumptions and references. Figure 1A-3 Similarly, it can be assumed that the catch bowl 502 with the vertical prism 504 can have or provide a structure equivalent to the circular container 106S, for example, with internal threads (in Figure 5 The inner thread is configured as described above on the circular outer wall (in Figure 5 The thread fit on the nut (partially visible but not separately marked).

[0076] In one aspect, the filter and trap assembly 500 may include an adjustable emitter / receiver support 508, which may include a support element 510 configured to attach to the optical emitter / receiver 506. In one implementation, the adjustable emitter / receiver support 508 may include a lead screw 510, and the support element 510 may be a threaded sleeve ( Figure 5 506 and through which the lead screw 510 can pass in threaded engagement. In one aspect, the adjustable transmitter / receiver support 508 may include a selectively actuated lift support ( Figure 5 For example, the selectively actuated lifting support may be a servo motor ( Figure 5 ), or a manually actuated mechanism ( Figure 5506 ′) or both, which are configured to selectively rotate the lead screw 510, as represented by the directional arrow AR. An exemplary operation of the adjustable transmitter / receiver support 508 is illustrated by the lower positioned prosthesis image of the optical transmitter / receiver 506 (labeled 506 ′).

[0077] Reference Figure 6 In one aspect, the vertical prisms 504 can be integral with the catch bowl 502, for example, cast together in an injection mold. In another aspect, the catch bowl 502 can be sequentially formed as a temporary catch bowl without the vertical prisms 504, and then bonded to the catch bowl 502, for example, by a transparent adhesive ( Figure 5 ) is attached to the inner surface of the temporary catch bowl (not clearly visible in Figure 6 middle part is visible but not individually numbered).

[0078] Reference Figure 7 , the vertical prism 504 can be configured with a first vertical prism face 504L and a second vertical prism face 504R, which can be parallel to each other and extend vertically parallel to the vertically extending center axis CVX of the capture bowl 502. In one aspect, the first vertical prism face 504L and the second vertical prism face 504R can be arranged to form an angle θ5 that opens outward from the vertically extending vertex 504V. For purposes of illustration, an example value of the angle θ5 will be selected to be approximately 90 degrees. In one aspect, the first vertical prism face 504L and the second vertical prism face 504R can be configured such that the angle θ5 is symmetrical about the vertical prism bisector BVL. In addition, the first vertical prism face 504L and the second vertical prism face 504R can be configured such that the vertical prism bisector BVL extends radially from the vertically extending center axis CVX of the capture bowl 502.

[0079] Reference Figure 8 In a related aspect, the optical transmitter / receiver 506 can be configured and arranged to transmit a collimated light beam CLB that is aligned parallel or approximately parallel to the vertical prism bisector BVL. Figure 5 , the optical transmitter / receiver 506 may be arranged to direct a collimated light beam (hereinafter referred to as "CLB") in a plane perpendicular to the vertically extending central axis CVX (in Figure 5-8 not explicitly visible in the transmission.

[0080] Continue to refer Figure 8 In one aspect, the transparent material forms at least the region of the capture bowl 502 through which the CLB passes to strike the first vertical prism face 504L, and the regions through which the FLR and SLR pass, as will be further described in the following paragraphs. Alternatively, the entire capture bowl 502 can be formed of a transparent material.

[0081] According to one aspect, the optical emitter / receiver 506 can be arranged so that the collimated light beam CLB strikes the outer surface of the catch bowl 502 in a direction perpendicular to a plane (not explicitly visible in the figure) that is tangent to the outer surface at that point. Thus, assuming (for example) that the angle θ5 is approximately 90 degrees, the CLB will be incident at an angle of 45 degrees ( Figure 8 CB (visible in FIG. 1 but not separately labeled) strikes first vertical prism face 504L. This is substantially the same angle of incidence θ2 as the angle θ2 at which CB strikes upper prism face 116U, namely, an angle θ2 of 45 degrees.

[0082] Figure 5 The upper surface TLS of the liquid filled TL is shown to be below the height at which the CLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L. For the purpose of description, it will be assumed that at least the transparent area of ​​the capture bowl 502 and its vertical prisms 504 are formed of polycarbonate, as assumed in the examples described above. As described above, the optical refractive index of polycarbonate can be approximated as 1.6. Therefore, inserting the value 1.6 into the equation (1) example of Snell's law of total reflection, and using the example incident angle of 45 degrees, the CLB will be totally internally reflected by the first vertical prism face 504L. As a result, this will establish a first lateral reflected light beam FLR, followed by a second lateral reflected light beam SLR, which will return and strike the optical transmitter / receiver 506.

[0083] Fig. 9 From Figure 5 The same projection shows the operation performed in response to the upper surface TLS of the liquid filling TL being at or above the point where the CLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L, according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Assuming a polycarbonate material (N1 equals about 1.6) and referring to equation (1), when the upper surface TLS of the liquid filling TL reaches the point where the CLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L, the total reflection angle will be Sin -1 (1.5 / 1.6), which is about 70 degrees. The angle of incidence, i.e., 45 degrees, is less than 70 degrees. Therefore, the CLB will not be totally reflected from the first vertical prism face 504L. Instead, a large portion of the CLB will continue into the fluid TL as a refracted beam (hereinafter referred to as "RFR", as marked in the figure). Therefore, any portion of the original CLB (if any) that returns to the optical receiver of the optical transmitter / receiver 506 will not be detected as a return.

[0084] Fig.10 from Fig. 9 Projection 5 - 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary capture bowl 502 with a vertical prism 504 , another graphical depiction of an exemplary collimated light beam CLB and a refracted light beam RFR.

[0085] Fig.11A from Figure 5Projection 3-3 of shows a projection view of an exemplary filter and vertical prism capture bowl assembly 1100. The filter and vertical prism capture bowl assembly 1100 may include a filter and vertical prism capture bowl assembly 500 configured with an offset optical receiver 1102 (also labeled "S2") and a diametrically opposed optical receiver 1104 (also labeled "S3"). For purposes of describing the example operation, the receiver element of the optical transmitter / receiver 506 may alternatively be referred to as a "first optical receiver 506", the offset optical receiver 1102 may alternatively be referred to as a "second optical receiver 1102", and the diametrically opposed optical receiver 1104 may alternatively be referred to as a "third optical receiver 1104". According to various aspects, the second optical receiver 1102 and the third optical receiver 1104 may provide additional state detection capabilities. The first example capability is Fig.11A is shown in, and is similar to the above reference Figure 7 and 8 The described capabilities, ie, a properly installed capture bowl 502 (ie, CLB is aligned with the vertical prism bisector BVL of the vertical prism 504), at the operational fill level (ie, the top surface TLS of the liquid contents TL is below the CLB). Fig. 11B A second exemplary capability is shown in , namely, a properly installed but overfilled catch bowl 502. A third exemplary capability can detect and resolve into two conditions, namely, a catch bowl 502 that is not properly installed (eg, rotated) and a missing catch bowl 502.

[0086] Reference Fig.11A , assuming that the above reference Figure 5 and 8 With the example values ​​described, the emitted collimated light beam CLB will strike the first vertical prism face 504L at an incident angle of 45 degrees. Assuming the example optical refractive index of the vertical prism 504 (approximately 1.6), the total reflection angle is approximately 38 degrees. Therefore, with reference to Figure 5 and 8 The reflections described will cause the CLB to essentially return to the optical transmitter / receiver 506.

[0087] Reference Fig. 11B , and continuing to assume that the vertical prism 504 has an optical refractive index (e.g., 1.6) that is close enough to the optical refractive index of water (e.g., 1.5), the 45 degree angle of incidence will be much smaller than the angle of total reflection. Therefore, a significant portion of the CLB will continue into the contents of the capture bowl 502 at a refraction angle θ7 as a first refracted beam RF1. When the first refracted beam RF1 strikes the interface of the capture bowl contents material and the material of the capture bowl 502 at point IFP, it will be refracted again at a refraction angle θ8 and continue as a second refracted beam RF2. Assuming that the offset θ6 is set correctly, the second refracted beam RF2 will strike the offset (or second) optical sensor 1102.

[0088] Reference Fig. 11C As described above, when the capture bowl 502 is properly installed, the optical transmitter / receiver 506 aligns the CLB with the vertical prism bisector BVL. Fig. 11C When the capture bowl 502 is rotated as shown, the CLB will strike the outer surface of the capture bowl 502 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. Therefore, regardless of the interface of different optical refractive index, the CLB will pass through the central axis CVX and thus strike the third optical sensor 1104. However, there may be ambiguity in the state detection. For example, if the capture bowl 502 is missing (not in Figures 11A-11C ), the CLB will also continue its original emission direction and hit the third optical sensor 1104.

[0089] Fig.12 Shown from Figure 5 Projection 3-3 is a projection diagram of another implementation of a filter and catcher assembly, which will be referred to as "offset beam, refraction-based filter and catcher assembly 1200". An exemplary implementation of the offset beam, refraction-based filter and catcher assembly 1200 may include a transparent catcher bowl 1202 (partially in Fig.12 ), an offset optical emitter 1204 and an offset optical detector 1206.

[0090] In one aspect, the offset optical emitter 1204 can be configured to be incident on the outer surface (at an initial impact point IP1) along Fig.12 An offset collimated light beam OCL is emitted in the direction of (visible in the cross section in ). Assuming that the optical refractive index of the capture bowl is, for example, about 1.6, the collimated light beam is refracted and continues to advance as RFA until it hits the interface between the transparent capture bowl 1202 and its contents. For example, assume that the contents of the capture bowl 1202 at the interface are air or another gas with an optical refractive index of about 1. Therefore, the refracted light beam RFA will be refracted again as RFB and continue to advance until it hits the interface from the contents of the capture bowl 1202 to the capture bowl 1202 at IP2. The light beam can then proceed through the refraction of RFC and RFD until it hits the offset light receiver 1206.

[0091] The above sequence of refraction segments, RFA, RFB, RFC, and RFD, may be referred to as a "non-filled optical path". If the contents of the catch bowl 1202 through which the light beam passes were water, each refraction would be less. The resulting segments labeled RXA, RXB, and RXC result in the light beam missing the offset optical receiver 1206. The described segments RXA, RXB, and RXC may be referred to as an "exceeding maximum fill state optical path".

[0092] Reference Fig.12It can be appreciated that one aspect of the OCL is that, at its initial impact point IP1, it is not perpendicular to the outer surface of the capture bowl 1202. In other words, the OCL can have a vector component (labeled "VX") parallel to the tangent line at the initial impact point IP1, and a vector component (labeled "VY") perpendicular to the tangent line.

[0093] Fig.13 A block flow diagram 1300 is shown in a method for delivering a therapeutic gas to a patient according to one or more embodiments, which indicates, for example, Figures 11A-11C Implementation (or having Fig.12 Example operations in a process of detecting an example catch bowl filling state performed on a processor (eg, a processor) and a processor (eg, a processor) of the present invention. Fig.13 Operations in process 1300 may begin at a start event 1302 and proceed to decision block 1304. Examples of a start event may include powering a therapeutic gas delivery system, such as by providing a reference Fig.14 Example system 1400 is described. In one aspect, operations in start event 1302 may include, for example, applying power to optical transmitter / receiver 506 to emit light beam CLB. Flow 1300 may continue from decision block 1304 depending on whether any optical sensor receives a signal. Figures 11A-11C , a failure to receive a signal at any one of the first optical sensor 506, the second optical sensor 1102, or the third optical sensor 1304 may indicate a system failure. Therefore, when a "no" is received at decision block 1304, flow 1300 may proceed to 1306 and notify a user or maintenance personnel that maintenance is required.

[0094] refer to Fig.13 , assuming "yes" at decision box 1304, process 1300 can proceed to decision box 1308. In one aspect, the operation at decision box 1308 may include checking whether more than one optical sensor indicates that a light beam is received. For example, assuming that the optical sensors set are the first optical sensor 506, the second optical sensor 1102, and the third optical sensor 1104, the operation may include checking to determine whether two or more of the group indicate that a light beam is received. If the answer at 1308 is "yes", process 1300 can proceed to 1306 and, for example, notify a user or maintenance personnel that maintenance is required. If the answer at 1308 is "no", process 1300 can proceed to 1310, where the operation can determine whether the first optical sensor (e.g., the optical transmitter / receiver 506) has received the light beam. Refer to Figures 11A-11BIf the answer at 1301 is "yes," then process 1300 has effectively determined that the capture bowl (e.g., capture bowl 502) is properly installed and is at an operational fill level (i.e., has a remaining capacity to receive droplets LD). In response, process 1300 may proceed to 1312 and perform an operation of receiving a sample gas, e.g., receiving a sample gas from a therapeutic gas being delivered to a patient, and then return to 1310 to determine whether a reflected light beam is still being received (e.g., by first optical sensor 506).

[0095] Continue to refer Fig.13 If the initial answer at the answer of 1310 is "no" or becomes "no" during any iteration of the 1310-1312 loop, the process 1300 proceeds to decision block 1314. The operation at 1314 may include determining whether the second optical sensor (e.g., the second optical sensor 1102) is receiving the light beam. Fig. 11B If the answer at 1314 is "yes," process 1300 determines that the catch bowl (e.g., catch bowl 502) is properly installed, but exceeds the maximum fill state. Therefore, process 1300 can proceed to 1316 to notify the user or maintenance personnel to empty the catch container, for example, remove the catch bowl 502, empty it and reinstall it. Process 1300 can then return to 1304 and repeat the above operations.

[0096] However, if the answer at 1314 is "no," flow 1300 may proceed to 1318 and determine whether a light beam is received at a third optical sensor (eg, at third optical sensor 1104). Fig. 11C If the answer at 1318 is "yes," process 1300 determines that the catch bowl (e.g., catch bowl 502) is missing or improperly installed (e.g., Fig. 11C 1300 may then proceed to 1320 and notify the user or maintenance personnel that the catch bowl (e.g., catch bowl 502) is missing or incorrectly installed. For example, the process 1300 may wait for an indication at 1320 (e.g., detection of a user or maintenance personnel pressing an interface button) that the catch bowl has been correctly installed, and the process 1300 may return to 1304.

[0097] Fig.14 Various aspects of an exemplary implementation of a filter and liquid level detection trap assembly in a respiratory gas supply device according to one or more embodiments are illustratively depicted. This exemplary implementation relates to a respiratory device and is not limiting of other various implementations of the filter assembly according to the present invention. Fig.14, the device 1400 is used with a ventilator 1410. A supply 1412 of supplemental or additive gas, such as NO, provides a supply to conduit 1414 and leads to valve 1416, which can also be connected to the ventilator 1410. At any stage of the respiratory gas supply, other additional respiratory materials (such as aerosolized medication) can be provided to the flow traveling via conduit 1420. Controller 1418 can actuate the valve to control the ratio of NO and aerosolized medication of the mixed gas in conduit 1420. The patient inhales the contents of conduit 1420, which can be considered the inspiratory limb. The patient exhales or excess gas can be considered the expiratory limb conduit 1422.

[0098] In this example, conduit 1424 is in fluid communication with the inspiratory limb and may be referred to as a sample gas line. Filter and trap assembly 1426 receives some or all of the sample gas. In one aspect, filter-trap assembly 1426 may correspond to filter and trap assembly 1100 as described above. After being filtered by filter-trap assembly 1326, the gas is passed to gas sampling system 1428 and may be exhausted via exhaust port 1430.

[0099] The foregoing detailed description is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter. For the purpose of explanation, specific terms are set forth to provide a thorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed subject matter. The description of a specific application is provided only as a representative example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the disclosed implementations will be apparent, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The order of operations described herein is merely an example, and the order of operations is not limited to the order of operations set forth herein but may be changed, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, wherein the exception is an operation that must be performed in a particular order. Moreover, in order to increase clarity and simplicity, the description of functions and structures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but to conform to the widest possible range consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0100] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the methods and systems of this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification. Therefore, this specification is intended to include modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0101] It should be understood that any of the steps described may be rearranged, separated and / or combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. For convenience, steps are sometimes presented in order. This is only for convenience and is not meant to be limiting. In addition, it should be understood that any of the elements and / or embodiments of the present invention described may be rearranged, separated and / or combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. For convenience, various elements are sometimes described separately. This is only for convenience and is not meant to be limiting.

[0102] The separation of various system components in the above examples should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated and packaged into multiple systems and / or multiple components in a monomer. It should be understood that various modifications can be made herein, and the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and the teachings can be applied to a variety of applications, only some of which are described herein. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, levels, positions, magnitudes, sizes and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the following claims) are approximate, rather than accurate. They are intended to have a reasonable range, which is consistent with their related functions and consistent with the custom in their respective fields.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the methods and apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0104] In summary, the present invention includes but is not limited to the following technical solutions:

[0105] 1. A filtering and capturing device, comprising:

[0106] a catch bowl configured to accumulate droplets from the filter as liquid contents, the catch bowl comprising a transparent circumferential prism having a face forming a circumferential inner surface of the catch bowl, the face having a first total reflection angle when gas abuts the circumferential inner surface, and the face having a second total reflection angle when the liquid contents abut the circumferential inner surface;

[0107] a light source configured to emit a light beam incident on the face at an incident angle; and

[0108] A light receiver, wherein the incident angle causes reflection of the light beam to hit the light receiver when the surface has the first total reflection angle, and causes refraction of the light beam to miss the light receiver when the surface has the second total reflection angle.

[0109] 2. The filtering and capturing device as described in claim 1 further comprises the filter, wherein the filter comprises an inlet channel, an outlet channel and an intermediate channel, wherein the filter is configured to receive a sample of the therapeutic gas at the inlet channel, remove the droplets from the therapeutic gas to form a filtered therapeutic gas, transport the droplets through the intermediate channel, and output the filtered therapeutic gas from the gas outlet channel.

[0110] 3. A filtering and capturing device as described in claim 1, wherein the surface is an upper surface, wherein the circumferential inner surface of the capturing bowl is an upper circumferential inner surface, wherein the transparent circumferential prism also includes a lower surface, wherein the lower surface forms a lower circumferential inner surface of the capturing bowl, and wherein the upper surface and the lower surface form an angle that opens outward circumferentially around the capturing bowl.

[0111] 4. A filter capture device as described in claim 3, wherein the upper side and the lower side intersect at a vertex, the vertex is circumferential around the capture bowl, and wherein the angles are arranged symmetrically about a reference bisector, the reference bisector extending outward from the vertex.

[0112] 5. The filtering and trapping device of claim 4, wherein the light source is configured to emit the light beam as a collimated light beam, and to emit the collimated light beam in a direction substantially parallel to the reference bisector.

[0113] 6. A filtering capture device as described in claim 5, wherein regardless of the rotational orientation of the capture bowl, when the surface has the first total reflection angle, the incident angle causes reflection of the light beam thereby striking the light receiver, and when the surface has the second total reflection angle, causes refraction of the light beam thereby missing the light receiver.

[0114] 7. A filter capture device as described in claim 5, wherein the reference bisector extends in a reference cone, which is circumferential around the capture bowl and contains the apex.

[0115] 8. The filtration capture device of claim 5, wherein the angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0116] 9. The filter capture device of claim 8, wherein the incident angle is approximately 45 degrees.

[0117] 10. A reference catcher device as described in claim 5, wherein the transparent circular prism also includes a beam receiving surface, wherein the collimated beam is incident on the beam receiving surface at an incident point, and wherein a reference plane tangent to the beam receiving surface at the incident point is perpendicular to the collimated beam.

[0118] 11. The filter capture device of claim 10, wherein the included angle is approximately 90 degrees, the incident angle is approximately 45 degrees, and wherein the beam receiving surface is an inclined surface extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the capture bowl.

[0119] 12. The filtering and capturing device of claim 1, further comprising the filter, wherein the filter comprises an inlet channel, an outlet channel and an intermediate channel, wherein the filter is configured to receive a sample of the therapeutic gas at the inlet channel, remove the droplets from the therapeutic gas to form a filtered therapeutic gas, transport the droplets through the intermediate channel, and output the filtered therapeutic gas from the gas outlet channel.

[0120] 13. A filtering and capturing device, comprising:

[0121] a catch bowl configured to accumulate droplets from the filter as liquid contents, the catch bowl comprising a portion extending in a vertical direction, and a transparent vertical prism comprising a face forming a vertical transparent surface, the vertical transparent surface facing the contents of the portion, the face having a first total reflection angle when the contents of the portion are gas, and having a second total reflection angle when the contents of the portion are the liquid contents;

[0122] a light source configured to emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence; and

[0123] A light receiver, wherein the incident angle causes reflection of the light beam to hit the light receiver when the surface has the first total reflection angle, and causes refraction of the light beam to miss the light receiver when the surface has the second total reflection angle.

[0124] 14. The filter-trap device of item 13, wherein the light receiver is a receiver element of an optical transmitter / receiver and the light source is a transmitter element of the optical transmitter / receiver.

[0125] 15. The filtering and capturing device of claim 14, further comprising an adjustable transmitter / receiver support, the adjustable transmitter / receiver support comprising: a support element configured to be attached to the optical transmitter / receiver; and a selectively actuated lifting support that supports the optical transmitter / receiver at a selective height in the vertical direction.

[0126] 16. A filtering and capturing device as described in item 13, wherein the surface is a first surface and the vertical transparent surface is a first vertical transparent surface, wherein the transparent vertical prism also includes a second surface, wherein the second surface forms a second vertical transparent surface facing the contents of the portion, when the contents of the portion are the gas, the second surface has the first total reflection angle, and when the contents of the portion are the liquid contents, the second surface has the second total reflection angle.

[0127] 17. A filtering capture device as described in claim 16, wherein the first surface and the second surface intersect at a vertex, the vertex is vertical, and wherein the angle is arranged symmetrically about a reference bisector, and the reference bisector extends outward from the vertex in a radial direction.

[0128] 18. The filtering capture device of claim 17, wherein the light source is configured to emit the light beam as a collimated light beam, and to emit the collimated light beam in a direction substantially parallel to the reference bisector.

[0129] 19. A filtering and capturing device, comprising:

[0130] a catch bowl configured to accumulate liquid droplets from the filter as liquid contents, the catch bowl comprising a transparent circular portion extending in a vertical direction, the transparent circular portion being formed of a material having a certain optical refractive index;

[0131] an offset light source configured to emit a light beam incident on the outer surface of the transparent circular portion at an incident point, the light beam having a vector component parallel to a reference line tangential to the incident point and having a vector component perpendicular to the reference line at the incident point; and

[0132] Offset optical receiver,

[0133] The optical refractive index is selected so that when the gaseous contents abut the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a first path, and when the liquid contents abut the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a second path, wherein the first path is incident on the light receiver and the second path misses the light receiver.

[0134] 20. A therapeutic gas inhalation therapy comprising:

[0135] activating a therapeutic gas delivery system and, in response, determining whether the capture bowl is properly installed based on the first optical sensor output;

[0136] After determining that the catch bowl is properly installed, determining whether the catch bowl has a remaining capacity based at least in part on the second optical sensor output; and

[0137] After determining that the capture bowl is properly installed and that the capture bowl has remaining capacity, a sample gas is received, liquid is filtered from the sample gas and the filtered results are delivered via a filtered output.

Claims

1. A filtering and capturing device, comprising: a catch bowl configured to accumulate liquid droplets from the filter as liquid contents, the catch bowl comprising a transparent circular portion extending in a vertical direction; an offset light source configured to emit a light beam incident on the outer surface of the transparent circular portion at an incident point, the light beam having a vector component parallel to a reference line tangential to the incident point and having a vector component perpendicular to the reference line at the incident point; and Offset the optical receiver.

2. The filter-trap device of claim 1, wherein the light source is configured to emit the light beam as a collimated light beam.

3. The filtering and capturing device of claim 1, wherein the transparent circular portion is formed of a material having a certain optical refractive index.

4. A filter capture device as described in claim 3, wherein the optical refractive index is selected so that when the gaseous contents abut against the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a first path, and when the liquid contents abut against the transparent portion, the light beam is refracted along a second path.

5. The filter capture device of claim 4, wherein the first path is incident on the light receiver and the second path misses the light receiver.

Images