Sample gas filter for therapeutic gas delivery device
By designing a sample gas filter with a multi-stage filtration system, the problems of complex manufacturing and easy clogging in the existing technology are solved, and long-term effective use and convenient operation under humidification conditions are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480010579.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing patient gas sample lines and filters are complex to manufacture, inconvenient to use, and prone to clogging, making them difficult to use effectively for a long time under humidified conditions.
A sample gas filter of a multi-stage filtration system is designed, comprising a housing, a first chamber, and a second chamber, each containing a first and a second filter membrane and a liquid storage tank, which can be used in any axial orientation, prevents wicking, and can work effectively for a long time under high humidity.
The manufacturing process is simplified, the convenience of use is improved, and it can be used continuously for at least twelve hours under humidified conditions without replacement, effectively removing water vapor and preventing clogging.
Smart Images
Figure CN120641041A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a patient gas sample line and filter and methods of using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a patient gas sample line and filter comprising a multi-stage filtration system for filtering water vapor from sample gas in a therapeutic gas delivery system. Background Art
[0002] Therapeutic gases can be delivered to a patient via inspired respiratory gas flowing through a breathing circuit associated with a ventilator. For example, therapeutic gases can be injected into inspired respiratory gas flowing through a breathing circuit and subsequently delivered to the patient's airway. One such therapeutic gas is nitric oxide, which can produce a vasodilatory effect on the patient.
[0003] While administering the therapeutic gas, the sampling system can monitor a portion of the inhaled respiratory gas to confirm that the therapeutic gas is being delivered in the inhaled respiratory gas stream at the desired dose. For example, a patient gas sample line and filter can be used to provide sample gas (e.g., a portion of the inhaled respiratory gas stream) to a gas sensor module that monitors the concentration of the therapeutic gas delivered to the patient. In some cases, the breathing circuit that delivers the therapeutic gas to the patient's airway can be humidified. Traditionally, patient gas sample lines and filters involve a complex design for separating liquid from the sample gas. However, these designs can be difficult to manufacture and may require the patient gas sample line and filter to be in a specific orientation during use. In addition, these designs may allow wicking to occur between multiple filtration stages, which may lead to premature clogging.
[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a patient gas sample line and filter that is easier to manufacture, easier to use, and longer lasting. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Various aspects of the present disclosure include a sample gas filter for a therapeutic gas delivery device. The sample gas filter may include a housing, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The housing may have a sample gas inlet and a sample gas outlet, the sample gas inlet being able to receive sample gas from a sample line connected to an intake line of the therapeutic gas delivery device. The first chamber may be located within the housing and may include a first filter membrane and a first reservoir. The first reservoir may be located between the sample gas inlet and the first filter membrane. The second chamber may be located within the housing and may include a second filter membrane and a second reservoir. The second reservoir may be located between the first filter membrane and the sample gas outlet. The first reservoir and the second reservoir may be axially oriented so that the sample gas filter can be used in any axial orientation. The sample gas filter may remove water vapor from the sample gas line and may collect water in the first reservoir and / or the second reservoir.
[0006] In some cases, the first chamber may include a baffle and a fiber membrane. The baffle may be operable to support the first filter membrane on a first side of the first filter membrane, and the fiber membrane may be operable to support the first filter membrane on a second side of the first filter membrane.
[0007] In some cases, the second chamber may include a press-fit baffle and a labyrinth support. The press-fit baffle may support the second filter membrane on a first side of the second filter membrane. The labyrinth support may be located on a wall of the housing having the sample gas outlet. The labyrinth support may support the second filter membrane on a second side of the second filter membrane.
[0008] In some cases, the housing and each of the chambers can have a substantially circular cross-section. In some cases, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane can be substantially circular.
[0009] In some cases, the diameter of the first filter membrane can be larger than the diameter of the second filter membrane. In some cases, the volume of the first reservoir can be larger than the volume of the second reservoir. In some cases, the first reservoir and the second reservoir can be large enough to hold water for twelve hours of continuous use.
[0010] In some cases, the first filter membrane can be a glass fiber filter membrane. In some cases, the second filter membrane can be a 0.22 μm PTFE membrane. In some cases, the fiber membrane can be made of a sintered porous plastic material (in one example, In some cases, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane may be separated to prevent wicking between the membranes.
[0011] Various aspects of the present disclosure include a sample gas filter for a therapeutic gas delivery device. The sample gas filter may include a housing, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The housing may have a sample gas inlet and a sample gas outlet, the sample gas inlet being capable of receiving sample gas from a sample line connected to an inhalation line of the therapeutic gas delivery device. The first chamber may be located within the housing and may include a first filter membrane, a baffle, a fiber membrane, and a first fluid reservoir. The first filter membrane may have a first side and a second side. The baffle may support the first filter membrane on the first side, and the fiber membrane may support the first filter membrane on the second side. The first fluid reservoir may be located between the sample gas inlet and the baffle. The second chamber may be located within the housing and may include a second filter membrane, a press-fit baffle, a labyrinth support, and a second fluid reservoir. The second filter membrane may have a first side and a second side. The press-fit baffle may support the second filter membrane on the first side. The labyrinth support may be located on a wall of the housing having the sample gas outlet, and the labyrinth support may support the second filter membrane on the second side. The second liquid storage tank may be located between the fiber membrane and the press-fit baffle of the first chamber.
[0012] In some cases, the sample gas filter can remove water vapor from the sample gas and collect the water in the first reservoir and / or the second reservoir.
[0013] In some cases, the housing and each of the chambers may have a substantially circular cross-section.
[0014] In some cases, the first reservoir and the second reservoir can be axially oriented such that the sample gas filter can be used in any axial orientation.
[0015] In some cases, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane may be substantially circular.
[0016] In some cases, the diameter of the first filter membrane may be larger than the diameter of the second filter membrane.
[0017] In some cases, the volume of the first reservoir may be greater than the volume of the second reservoir.
[0018] In some cases, the first reservoir and the second reservoir may be large enough to hold water for twelve hours of continuous use.
[0019] In some cases, the first filter membrane can be a glass fiber filter membrane. In some cases, the second filter membrane can be a 0.22 μm PTFE filter membrane. In some cases, the fiber membrane can be made of a sintered porous plastic material (in one example, a course In some cases, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane may be separated to prevent wicking between the membranes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings and data diagrams, which present various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a complete description of the scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that for the purpose of clarity of illustration, some elements in the various drawings may not be drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The principles of this document are described and explained in more detail and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] Figures 1A-1B A therapeutic gas delivery system with a sample gas filter assembly is presented.
[0022] Figures 2A-2F An example of a sample gas filter assembly is shown. Figure 2A It's a perspective drawing. Figure 2B This is the right side view. Figure 2C It is a top view. Figure 2D is a front-side view, and Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the sample gas filter assembly. Figure 2F is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sample gas filter.
[0023] Figures 3A-3D A perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a sample gas filter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of explanation, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated in different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. In addition, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the examples described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the relevant features described. In addition, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate the details and features of the present disclosure.
[0025] Several definitions applicable throughout the above disclosure will now be presented.
[0026] As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. A connection can be such that the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected.
[0027] The term "substantially" is defined as substantially conforming to substantially modified specific dimensions, shapes, or other terms such that the components do not necessarily need to be exact.
[0028] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are meant to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the contents so described.
[0029] The terms "filter" and "filtration" are used herein in their broadest sense to encompass any and all types and degrees of removal or separation of liquids from gases, and in some cases may also include the removal of other non-liquid particles that are present.
[0030] The present disclosure relates to a patient gas sample line and filter (e.g., a sample gas filter assembly), and methods of use thereof. The filter comprises a multi-stage filtration system having a liquid reservoir, which filters liquid from a sample gas containing liquid (e.g., a portion of a mixture of respiratory gas and therapeutic gas). The liquid component can be any removable liquid, such as moisture, water vapor, moisture from humidified air, other liquids in vapor form, aerosolized liquids, aerosolized drug solutions and suspensions, and the like.
[0031] The sample gas filter assembly can be used in a therapeutic gas delivery system that delivers a therapeutic gas (e.g., nitric oxide) to a patient's airway. The therapeutic gas is delivered to the patient by being administered into a breathing circuit, which is typically connected to a mechanical ventilator by a pipeline. A subsystem of the therapeutic gas delivery system contains a gas sensor module having one or more gas sensors that monitors the concentration of the therapeutic gas and / or other gases delivered to the patient. The gas sensor module is connected to the same patient breathing circuit as the therapeutic gas delivery system.
[0032] Typically, breathing circuits are humidified, so the gas sampled by the gas sensor module has a high proportion of water vapor. The present disclosure filters water vapor from the sample gas and collects it in a reservoir, while allowing the remainder of the sample gas to continue to enter one or more gas sensors in the gas sensor module. The sample gas filter assembly disclosed herein allows the device to operate at higher humidity (e.g., when active humidification is used in the breathing circuit) for a longer duration (e.g., twelve hours or more).
[0033] The sample gas filter assembly may be more convenient to use than a conventional patient gas sample line and filter. For example, the sample gas filter assembly may be easier to manufacture (e.g., it may involve only one or two manufacturing steps). Additionally, the sample gas filter assembly may be used in any axial orientation.
[0034] Figures 1A-1B An example of a therapeutic gas delivery system 100 (e.g., a nitric oxide delivery system) is shown. The therapeutic gas delivery system 100 may include a therapeutic gas delivery device 102 and a sample gas filter assembly 104 (e.g., a patient gas sample line). The sample gas filter assembly 104 may include a sample gas filter 106 and a sample line 108. Figure 1A In the example, the sample gas filter assembly 104 is disconnected from the therapeutic gas delivery device 102, and in the example Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the sample gas filter assembly 104 is connected to a therapeutic gas delivery device.
[0035] The therapeutic gas delivery device 102 can deliver a therapeutic gas (e.g., nitric oxide) to the patient's airway. In one embodiment, a gas subsystem (not shown) of the therapeutic gas delivery device 102 can be in fluid communication with an inhalation line 110 (e.g., breathing circuit tubing), thereby establishing a fluid flow path between the gas subsystem and the inhalation line 110. For example, Figure 1B As shown, the gas subsystem can be in fluid communication with a gas injector module 112, and the gas injector module 112 can be in fluid communication with an intake line 110. The intake line 110 can include an upstream end 114 and a downstream end 116, the downstream end being opposite the upstream end 114. The upstream end 114 can be in fluid communication with, for example, a ventilator (not shown). The downstream end 116 can be in fluid communication with, for example, a patient (not shown). Thus, gas can flow from the gas subsystem of the therapeutic gas delivery device 102 into the intake line 110 and into the patient's airway.
[0036] The therapeutic gas delivery device 102 may also include a gas sensor module (not shown). The gas sensor module may include one or more gas sensors (e.g., a nitric oxide sensor, a nitrogen dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor) that can analyze a sample gas (e.g., a portion of the gas delivered to the patient). The sample gas may include, for example, respiratory gases delivered to the patient's airway and a therapeutic gas (e.g., nitric oxide). In one embodiment, the sample gas filter assembly 104 may be in fluid communication with the intake line 110 and the gas sensor module, thereby establishing a fluid flow path between the intake line 110 and the gas sensor module of the therapeutic gas delivery device 102. For example, the sample tee 118 may be in fluid communication with the intake line 110, and the sample tee 118 may be in fluid communication with the intake line 110. The sample tee 118 may be located downstream of the gas injector module 112. The sample gas may flow from the intake line 110 through the sample gas filter assembly 104 and reach the gas sensor module of the therapeutic gas delivery device 102.
[0037] Figures 2A-2F An example of a sample gas filter assembly 104 is shown. Figure 2A As shown in the perspective view of FIG, the sample gas filter assembly 104 can include a sample gas filter 106 and can also include a sample line 108. As previously discussed, the sample gas filter assembly 104 can be used in a therapeutic gas delivery device (not shown). Figures 2A-2F For example, the sample gas filter assembly 104 can be used to establish fluid communication (eg, establish a fluid flow path) between an inhalation line (eg, breathing circuit tubing) and a gas sensor module of a therapeutic gas delivery device.
[0038] Beginning with the sample line 108 of the sample gas filter assembly 104, the sample line 108 (eg, a length of tubing) includes an elongated body 220 having an inlet end 222 and an outlet end 224 opposite the inlet end 222, such as, for example, Figure 2B The elongated body 220 defines a central lumen 226, such as Figures 2E-2F As shown in the cross-sectional view (the cross-sectional view is along Figure 2D ). The central lumen 226 extends along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 220 from the inlet end 222 to the outlet end 224. In other words, the inlet end 222 is in fluid communication with the outlet end 224, thereby establishing a fluid flow path within the central lumen 226 of the elongated body 220 of the sample line 108. The central lumen 226 can transport sample gas through the elongated body 220 (e.g., from the inlet end 222 to the outlet end 224).
[0039] The inlet end 222 of the sample line 108 can receive the sample gas and feed it into the sample line 108. In one example, the inlet end 222 can be fed from a therapeutic gas delivery device (not in the Figures 2A-2F Suction line (not shown) Figures 2A-2F ) receives the sample gas. The inlet end 222 of the sample line 108 may include a connector 228, such as a luer fitting. The connector 228 may be configured to detachably couple the sample line 108 to the suction line (e.g., via a sample tee) to establish fluid communication (e.g., a fluid flow path) between the suction line and the sample gas filter assembly 104.
[0040] For example Figure 2B As shown in the side view of the sample gas filter assembly 104 in FIG, the outlet end 224 of the sample line 108 can exhaust the sample gas from the sample line 108. In one embodiment, the outlet end 224 can be removably coupled to the sample gas inlet 232 of the sample gas filter 106 to establish fluid communication (e.g., a fluid flow path) between the sample line 108 and the sample gas filter 106.
[0041] Turning to the sample gas filter 106 of the sample gas filter assembly 104, the sample gas filter 106 can include a housing 230 having a sample gas inlet 232 and a sample gas outlet 234. The sample gas inlet 232 can be in fluid communication with the sample gas outlet 234, thereby establishing a fluid flow path in the sample gas filter 106 (e.g., from the sample gas inlet 232 to the sample gas outlet 234).
[0042] The sample gas inlet 232 can receive the sample gas and pass it into the sample gas filter 106. In one example, the sample gas inlet 232 can be connected to a therapeutic gas delivery device (not in the Figures 2A-2F The sample gas is received by the sample line 108 of the suction line (shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, the sample gas inlet 232 can be detachably coupled to the sample line 108, which can be detachably coupled to the suction line, thereby establishing fluid communication between the suction line and the sample gas filter 106.
[0043] The sample gas outlet 234 can exhaust the sample gas from the sample gas filter 106. In one example, the sample gas outlet 234 can exhaust the sample gas to a therapeutic gas delivery device (not in FIG. Figures 2A-2F). The sample gas outlet 234 can be configured to be removably coupled to a connector (e.g., a Luer connector). For example, in one embodiment, the sample gas outlet 234 can extend outward from the sample gas filter 106 (e.g., away from the sample gas filter) and can include external threads to be removably coupled to the connector. In another embodiment (not shown), the sample gas outlet 234 can be configured to be removably coupled to a connector (e.g., a Luer connector). Figures 2A-2F ), the sample gas outlet 234 may include internal threads to removably couple to a fitting. The configuration of the sample gas outlet 234 (e.g., external or internal threads) may be opposite to the connector 228 of the sample line 108, such that the sample gas filter assembly 104 is unidirectional.
[0044] The housing 230 may define an outer surface 236 and an inner surface 238 opposite the outer surface 236, such as, for example Figures 2E-2F The thickness of the housing 230 can be defined by the distance between the outer surface 236 and the inner surface 238. The housing 230 can have a substantially circular cross-section, which can define a diameter of the housing 230.
[0045] In one embodiment, the housing 230 can include a first shell 240 and a second shell 242, each of which can define a portion of an outer surface 236 and an inner surface 238 of the housing 230. The first shell 240 can define a first surface 244 opposite the sample gas inlet 232. The second shell 242 can define a second surface 246 opposite the sample gas outlet 234. The first surface 244 of the first shell 240 can be fully or partially aligned with the second surface 246 of the second shell 242 to form a watertight housing 230. In one embodiment, ultrasonic welds 248 can couple the first and second shells 240, 242 together at the first and second surfaces 244, 246.
[0046] The first chamber 250 can be located within the housing 230. In other words, the housing 230 of the sample gas filter 106 can fully or partially define the first chamber 250. In one embodiment, the first chamber 250 is partially defined by the inner surface 238 of the first housing 240. In one embodiment, the first chamber 250 can have a substantially circular cross-section, which can define a diameter of the first chamber 250.
[0047] The second chamber 252 can be located within the housing 230. In other words, the housing 230 of the sample gas filter 106 can fully or partially define the second chamber 252. In one embodiment, the second chamber 252 is partially defined by the inner surface 238 of the second housing 242. In one embodiment, the second chamber 252 can have a substantially circular cross-section, which can define a diameter of the second chamber 252.
[0048] Figures 3A-3D 3D cross-sectional views of one example of a sample gas filter 106 of the sample gas filter assembly 104 are shown. These figures illustrate various internal components that may be included within the sample gas filter 106. For example, Figure 3A As shown, the sample gas filter 106 may include a first filter membrane 354 and a second filter membrane 366 .
[0049] For example Figure 3A As shown in the perspective view of FIG, a first filter membrane 354 (e.g., a first stage of filtration) can be included in the first chamber 250. The first filter membrane 354 can define a first side 356 and a second side 358 opposite the first side 356. In one embodiment, the shape of the first filter membrane 354 can be substantially circular, which can define a diameter of the first filter membrane 354. The first filter membrane 354 can remove vapor from the sample gas (e.g., the sample gas flowing through the first filter membrane 354) and can cause liquid to coalesce and collect in a first reservoir 360 (e.g., a front reservoir), such as, for example Figure 3C In some cases, the first filter membrane 354 can be coalesced into a liquid and have both oleophobic and hydrophobic properties. In one embodiment, the first filter membrane 354 can be a glass fiber filter membrane.
[0050] In some cases, first filter membrane 354 can be held in place (e.g., secured) and / or sealed by the engagement of first surface 244 of first housing 240 with second surface 246 of second housing 242. For example, ultrasonic welds 248 coupling first surface 244 and second surface 246 can secure and / or seal first filter membrane 354.
[0051] For example Figure 3C As shown, a first reservoir 360 can be included in the first chamber 250 (e.g., integrated into the housing 230). In some cases, the first reservoir 360 can be located between the sample gas inlet 232 and the first filter membrane 354. In other cases, the first reservoir 360 can be located between the sample gas inlet 232 and the baffle 362. The sample gas filter 106 can remove water vapor from the sample gas (e.g., through the first filter membrane 354) and collect the water in the first reservoir 360. The first reservoir 360 can be oriented axially along the length of the filter so that the sample gas filter 106 can operate in any orientation during operation (e.g., remove water vapor from the sample gas and collect water). The first reservoir 360 can define a volume and, in some cases, can be configured to hold water for approximately twelve hours of continuous use under humidified conditions without requiring replacement.
[0052] In some cases, a baffle 362 may be included in the first chamber 250, such as, for example Figure 3A In some examples, the baffle 362 can mechanically support the first filter membrane 354 on the first side 356 of the first filter membrane 354 (eg, the front side facing the sample gas flow).
[0053] In some cases, a fiber membrane 364 can be included in the first chamber 250. In some examples, the fiber membrane 364 can mechanically support the first filter membrane 354 on the second side 358 (e.g., the back side) of the first filter membrane 354. In one example, the fiber membrane 364 can be made of a sintered porous plastic material. In one example, the fiber membrane can be a course Fiber membrane.
[0054] For example Figure 3A As shown in the perspective view of FIG, a second filter membrane 366 (e.g., a second stage of filtration) can be included in the second chamber 252. The second filter membrane 366 can define a first side 368 and a second side 370 opposite the first side 368. In one embodiment, the shape of the second filter membrane 366 can be substantially circular, which can define a diameter of the second filter membrane 366. The second filter membrane 366 can remove vapor from the sample gas (e.g., the sample gas flowing through the second filter membrane 366) and cause liquid to coalesce and collect in a second reservoir 372 (e.g., a back reservoir), such as, for example Figure 3C In some cases, the second filter membrane 366 can be a hydrophobic membrane. For example, the second filter membrane 366 can be a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter membrane.
[0055] In some examples, the diameter of the second filter membrane 366 can be smaller than the diameter of the first filter membrane 354. In other words, the diameter of the first filter membrane 354 can be larger than the diameter of the second filter membrane 366, such as Figure 3A shown.
[0056] In some cases, the first filter membrane 354 can be separated from the second filter membrane 366 to prevent wicking between the first filter membrane 354 and the second filter membrane 366. For example, there can be a gap between the first filter membrane 354 and the second filter membrane 366 to prevent wicking, such as Figure 3C shown.
[0057] For example Figure 3CAs shown, a second reservoir 372 can be included in the second chamber 252 (e.g., integrated into the housing 230). In some cases, the second reservoir 372 can be located between the first filter membrane 354 and the sample gas outlet 234. In other cases, the second reservoir 372 can be located between the fiber membrane 364 and the press-fit baffle 374 of the first chamber 250 (discussed below). The sample gas filter 106 can remove water vapor from the sample gas (e.g., through the second filter membrane 366) and collect the water in the second reservoir 372. The second reservoir 372 can be oriented axially along the length of the filter so that the sample gas filter 106 can operate in any orientation during operation (e.g., remove water vapor from the sample gas and collect water). The second reservoir 372 can define a volume and, in some cases, can be configured to hold water for approximately twelve hours of continuous use under humidified conditions without requiring replacement.
[0058] The first reservoir 360 and the second reservoir 372 can be axially oriented so that the sample gas filter 106 can operate in any axial orientation. In some cases, the first reservoir 360 and the second reservoir 372 can be large enough (e.g., have sufficient volume) to hold water for at least twelve hours of continuous use. In some cases, the volume of the second reservoir 372 can be smaller than the volume of the first reservoir 360. In other words, the volume of the first reservoir 360 can be larger than the volume of the second reservoir 372, such as, for example Figure 3C shown.
[0059] In some cases, a press-fit baffle 374 can be included in the second chamber 252. In some examples, the press-fit baffle 374 can mechanically support the second filter membrane 366 on its first side 368 (eg, the front side facing the sample gas flow).
[0060] For example Figure 3D As shown, in some cases, a labyrinth support 376 can be included in the second chamber 252. The labyrinth support 376 can be located on the inner surface 238 of the housing 230 (e.g., the inner surface 238 of the second housing 242) near the sample gas outlet 234. In some examples, the labyrinth support 376 can mechanically support the second filter membrane 366 on the second side 370 (e.g., the back side) of the second filter membrane 366. Additionally, the labyrinth support 376 can facilitate efficient circulation of the sample gas behind the second filter membrane 366.
[0061] The sample gas filter assembly 104, including the sample line 108 and / or sample gas filter 106, can be removed and replaced as needed. In other words, an existing sample line 108 and / or sample gas filter 106 can be removed from the therapeutic gas delivery device, and a new sample line 108 and / or sample gas filter 106 can be connected in its place, as previously described.
[0062] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. Therefore, it will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to devise many systems, arrangements, and methods that, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the present invention and therefore fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. From the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments shown and described are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Reference to details of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0063] Reference to an "embodiment," "aspect," "scenario," or "example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Phrases appearing in various places throughout this specification in an "embodiment," "aspect," "scenario," or "example" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate embodiments or alternatives mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not others.
[0064] In the context of the present disclosure and in the specific context of using each term, the terms used in this specification sheet generally have their ordinary meaning in the art. For any one or more terms in the terms discussed herein, alternative language and synonyms can be used, and no matter whether the terms are described in detail or discussed in this article, special meanings should not be added. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided. The detailed description of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The examples used anywhere in this specification sheet (including the examples of any terms discussed herein) are only illustrative, and are not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the present disclosure or any example terms. Similarly, the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments provided in this specification sheet.
Claims
1. A sample gas filter for a therapeutic gas delivery device, the sample gas filter comprising: a housing having a sample gas inlet and a sample gas outlet, the sample gas inlet being operable to receive sample gas from a sample line connected to an inhalation line of the therapeutic gas delivery device; A first chamber is disposed in the housing, and the first chamber comprises: a first filter membrane; as well as a first liquid storage tank, the first liquid storage tank being disposed between the sample gas inlet and the first filter membrane; and A second chamber is disposed in the housing, the second chamber comprising: a second filter membrane; as well as a second liquid storage tank, the second liquid storage tank being arranged between the first filter membrane and the sample gas outlet, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are axially oriented such that the sample gas filter is operable for use in any axial orientation, and The sample gas filter is operable to remove water vapor from the sample gas and collect the water in the first reservoir and / or the second reservoir.
2. The sample gas filter of claim 1 , wherein the first chamber further comprises: a baffle operable to support the first filter membrane on a first side of the first filter membrane; and A fiber membrane is operable to support the first filter membrane on a second side of the first filter membrane.
3. The sample gas filter of claim 1 , wherein the second chamber further comprises: a press-fit baffle operable to support the second filter membrane on a first side of the second filter membrane; and A labyrinth support is located on a wall of the housing having the sample gas outlet, the labyrinth support being operable to support the second filter membrane on a second side of the second filter membrane.
4. The sample gas filter of claim 1, wherein the housing and each of the chambers have a substantially circular cross-section.
5. The sample gas filter of claim 1, wherein the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane are substantially circular. The sample gas filter according to claim 5 , wherein a diameter of the first filter membrane is larger than a diameter of the second filter membrane. 7 . The sample gas filter according to claim 1 , wherein a volume of the first liquid reservoir is larger than a volume of the second liquid reservoir.
8. The sample gas filter of claim 7, wherein the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir are large enough to hold water for 12 hours of continuous use.
9. The sample gas filter according to claim 1, wherein the first filter membrane is a glass fiber filter membrane.
10. The sample gas filter according to claim 1, wherein the second filter membrane is a 0.22 μm PTFE filter membrane.
11. The sample gas filter according to claim 2, wherein the fiber membrane is a fibrous membrane comprising sintered porous plastic.
12. The sample gas filter of claim 1, wherein the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane are separated to prevent wicking between the membranes.
13. A sample gas filter for a therapeutic gas delivery device, the sample gas filter comprising: a housing having a sample gas inlet and a sample gas outlet, the sample gas inlet being operable to receive sample gas from a sample line connected to an inhalation line of the therapeutic gas delivery device; A first chamber is disposed in the housing, and the first chamber comprises: a first filter membrane having a first side and a second side; a baffle operable to support the first filter membrane on the first side; a fiber membrane operable to support the first filter membrane on the second side; as well as a first liquid storage tank, the first liquid storage tank being disposed between the sample gas inlet and the baffle; as well as A second chamber is disposed in the housing, the second chamber comprising: a second filter membrane having a first side and a second side; a press-fit baffle operable to support the second filter membrane on the first side; a labyrinth support located on a wall of the housing having the sample gas outlet, the labyrinth support being operable to support the second filter membrane on the second side; as well as A second liquid storage tank is provided between the fiber membrane and the press-fit baffle of the first chamber.
14. The sample gas filter of claim 13, wherein the sample gas filter is operable to remove water vapor from the sample gas and collect water in the first reservoir and / or the second reservoir.
15. The sample gas filter of claim 13, wherein the housing and each of the chambers have a substantially circular cross-section.
16. The sample gas filter of claim 15, wherein the first and second reservoirs are axially oriented such that the sample gas filter is operable for use in any axial orientation.
17. The sample gas filter of claim 15, wherein the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane are substantially circular.
18. The sample gas filter of claim 17, wherein a diameter of the first filter membrane is larger than a diameter of the second filter membrane.
19. The sample gas filter according to claim 13, wherein a volume of the first liquid reservoir is greater than a volume of the second liquid reservoir.
20. The sample gas filter of claim 19, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are large enough to hold water for 12 hours of continuous use.
21. The sample gas filter of claim 13, wherein the first filter membrane is a glass fiber filter membrane.
22. The sample gas filter of claim 13, wherein the second filter membrane is a 0.22 μm PTFE filter membrane.
23. The sample gas filter according to claim 13, wherein the fiber membrane is a fibrous fiber membrane comprising a sintered porous plastic material.
24. The sample gas filter of claim 13, wherein the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane are separated to prevent wicking between the membranes.