Flow management system and pod

Abstract

The utility model provides a flow management system. The flow management system comprises a pod of a flow management device arranged in a pod shell, and at least one fluid coupler which is in fluid connection to the flow management device in the shell, a control interface electrically coupled to the flow management device, configured to: change an incremental scale of a flow rate range displayed on a graphical user interface of the pod based on a patient type, and control the flow management device to deliver airflow to the patient according to a flow rate selected within the flow rate range; and a removable fitting for use with the pod, the removable fitting comprising: a body portion having a first side and a second side, at least one fluid coupler arranged on the body portion fluidly connected to the at least one fluid coupler within the housing of the pod according to the removable fitting inserted in the pod, and an outlet, the utility model further provides a pod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following relates to various embodiments for controlling airflow to a patient-worn device according to a customizable flow rate range, and more particularly to embodiments of a pod and flow management system. Background Art

[0002] Conventional suction and oxygen therapy (SOT) in medical facilities involves a wall-mounted flow regulator that delivers medical gas to patients via a connection to a medical device worn by the patient. Each flow regulator has a specific flow rate range that can be adjusted by the flow regulator. If a specific flow rate range is required that cannot be achieved by the wall-mounted flow regulator, the flow regulator must be removed from the wall and replaced with a different flow regulator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect relates to a method that includes controlling a flow management device to deliver gas according to a flow rate range selected from a plurality of different flow rate ranges, displaying the selected flow rate range as a first incremental scale on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the flow management device, in response to selection of a new flow rate, controlling the flow management device to deliver gas according to a new flow rate range selected from the plurality of flow rate ranges, and changing the graphical user interface to display the new flow rate range as a second incremental scale different from the first incremental scale.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of different flow rate ranges includes a low flow rate, a standard flow rate, and a high flow rate.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, the second incremental scale includes smaller increments than the first incremental scale to allow for precise control when increasing or decreasing flow rate within the new flow rate range. Alternatively, the second incremental scale includes larger increments than the first incremental scale.

[0006] Another aspect relates to a method that includes receiving, via a control interface of a pod, a first user-selected flow rate range customized for a first patient type, displaying, via the control interface, the first user-selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface of the pod with a first incremental scale, controlling, via the control interface, a flow management device of the pod to deliver airflow according to the first user-selected flow rate range, receiving, via the control interface, a second user-selected flow rate range customized for a second patient type different from the first patient type, increasing, via the control interface, the graphical user interface to display the second user-selected flow rate range with a second incremental scale different from the first incremental scale, and controlling, via the control interface, the flow management device to deliver airflow according to the second user-selected flow range.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one interactive element is disposed on the graphical user interface that allows a user to gradually adjust the flow rate within a first user-selected flow rate range. In response to the user interacting with the at least one interactive element, the flow rate is adjusted via the control interface. Similarly, at least one interactive element is disposed on the graphical user interface that allows the user to gradually adjust the flow rate within a second user-selected flow rate range. In response to the user interacting with the at least one interactive element, the flow rate is adjusted via the control interface.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the second user-selected flow rate range is smaller than the first user-selected flow rate range, and the second incremental scale has smaller increments than the first incremental scale, thereby allowing more precise control of airflow to a patient requiring the second user-selected flow rate range.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, a first user-selected flow rate range is 0-30 L / min with a first incremental scale in increments of 1 L / min, and a second user-selected flow rate range is 0-2 L / min with a second incremental scale in increments of 0.1 L / min. The ranges and increments can vary depending on the desired operation.

[0010] Another aspect relates to a system comprising: a pod including a flow management device disposed within a pod housing; at least one fluid coupler within the housing fluidically connected to the flow management device; a control interface electrically coupled to the flow management device and configured to change an incremental scale of a flow rate range displayed on a graphical user interface of the pod based on patient type and to control the flow management device to deliver a flow of gas to the patient at a flow rate selected within the flow rate range; and a removable accessory for use with the pod, the removable accessory comprising a main body having a first side and a second side, at least one fluid coupler disposed on the main body and fluidically connected to the at least one fluid coupler within the housing of the pod by being inserted into the pod via the removable accessory.

[0011] Another aspect relates to a pod comprising: a flow management device disposed within a pod housing; at least one fluid coupler within the housing fluidically connected to the flow management device and configured to be fluidically connected to a removable fitting insertable into the pod housing; and a control interface electrically coupled to the flow management device, the control interface configured to: change an incremental scale of a flow rate range displayed on a graphical user interface of the pod based on a patient type, and control the flow management device to deliver a flow of gas to the patient according to a flow rate selected within the flow rate range.

[0012] The above and other features of structure and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like components, and wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 A flow chart showing a method for controlling the flow of gas in a plurality of different flow rate ranges according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 2A An embodiment of a flow management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays multiple selectable flow rate ranges on a graphical user interface;

[0016] Figure 2B An embodiment of a flow management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays a selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface;

[0017] Figure 2C An embodiment of a flow management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays a newly selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface;

[0018] Figure 2D An embodiment of a flow management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays a newly selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface, which has modified the scale from the previously displayed incremental scale;

[0019] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a rough-in assembly with connections to multiple sources according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 The embodiment of the present invention is shown as an insertable Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a pod in a rough-in assembly;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a pod inserted into a rough-in assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a pod with an accessory inserted therein is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a pod with an accessory inserted therein and a cover covering the accessory is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 A pod system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a pod system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Detailed descriptions of the embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method described below are presented herein by way of example, but not limitation, to the accompanying drawings. While certain embodiments have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of this disclosure is in no way limited to the number of components, materials of components, shapes of components, relative arrangements of components, etc., and is disclosed merely as an example of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] As a preface to the detailed description, it is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In short, the SOT solution consists of a medical gas flow controller that attaches to an existing medical gas outlet on the wall of a hospital room. Conventional SOT devices typically come in three different types: a low-flow controller, a standard flow controller, and a high-flow controller. The flow type of controller to be used is determined by the patient's indications / parameters. In the event that the flow controller attached to the wall is a high-flow controller and the patient type requires a low-flow controller, the clinician must detach the high-flow controller from the wall and attach a low-flow controller. In addition to the additional time required for the clinician to replace the existing flow controller on the wall with a new flow controller, the healthcare facility must also store all different types of flow controllers in each room, or at least in an area that is easily accessible to the clinician to locate the new flow controller. Furthermore, swapping flow controllers during the process of attaching and detaching flow controllers can result in accidental damage to the flow controller and requires the clinician to properly store the recently replaced flow controller.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention utilize a flow management device capable of delivering gas according to a fixed flow rate range selected from a plurality of different flow rate ranges, without the need to physically replace a wall-mounted SOT device. A clinician can select a desired flow rate range (e.g., high flow) by interacting with the flow management device's graphical user interface, which is then displayed by the graphical user interface as an incremental scale corresponding to the selected flow range. The flow management device then delivers gas to the patient at the desired flow rate within the selected flow rate range. The clinician can gradually increase or decrease the flow rate according to the incremental scale by interacting with the graphical user interface. If the flow management device is later used with a new patient who is deemed by a medical professional to be a different patient type, the clinician can interact with the graphical user interface to change the flow rate range to a different flow rate range (e.g., standard flow) without having to replace the physical device attached to (or located on) the wall. Thus, embodiments of the present invention combine multiple different types of flow controllers (e.g., high flow, standard flow, low flow) into a single flow management device.

[0031] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for controlling the flow of gas at multiple different flow rate ranges according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Method 1000 can be implemented with a conventional SOT device or with a pod system described below. Step 1001 controls the flow management device 10 to deliver gas according to a fixed flow rate range selected from multiple different flow rate ranges. The gas flow to the patient via a device worn by the patient (e.g., a mask or respirator) is typically established by a conduit connected to the outlet of the SOT device and the device worn by the patient. A mass flow controller coupled to the control interface of the flow management device controls the opening or closing of one or more valves and / or orifices to allow more or less gas to flow to the device worn by the patient at a very precise flow rate within the selected flow rate range.

[0032] Figure 2AAn embodiment of a flow management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays multiple selectable flow rate ranges on a graphical user interface 15. The flow management device 10 is a flow meter, flow regulator, flow controller, flow manager, etc. The flow management device 10 includes a control interface for controlling at least one function of the flow management device 10. For example, the control interface includes a controller and a display for displaying the graphical user interface 15, and can utilize various input methods, such as a touch screen, a button interface, and / or a rotary dial, allowing a clinician to input commands to the flow management device 10 via touch or button presses. The control interface sends instructions / commands to perform at least one function, such as maintaining a certain flow rate, increasing the flow rate, decreasing the flow rate, opening a valve, closing a valve, etc. In this way, a clinician can conveniently control the flow management device 10 via input from the control interface via the graphical user interface 15, such as changing between fixed flow rate ranges. The control interface generally includes a processor, an input device coupled to the processor, an output device coupled to the processor, and multiple memory devices, each coupled to the processor. The input device, output device, and memory device can each be coupled to the processor via a bus. The processor can perform calculations and control the functions of the pod system, including executing instructions included in computer code for tools and programs for implementing a method for automatically controlling a flow management device to deliver an airflow according to a selected flow rate range, wherein the instructions of the computer code can be executed by the processor via a storage device. The computer code can include software program instructions that can implement one or more algorithms for implementing the methods and functions of the pod system, as described in detail above. The processor executes the computer code. The processor can include a single processing unit residing locally within the pod housing, or can be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations (e.g., on a client and a server).

[0033] The control interface's storage device may contain input data, including any input required by the computer code. The output device displays the output of the computer code. The storage device may be used as a computer-usable storage medium (or program storage device) having a computer-readable program embodied therein and / or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer-readable program includes computer code. Generally speaking, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) for a computer system may include the computer-usable storage medium (or the program storage device). The control interface's storage device may include any known computer-readable storage medium. In one embodiment, a cache memory element of the storage device may provide temporary storage of at least some program code to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage when executing computer code instructions. Furthermore, similar to a processor, the storage device may be located in a single physical location, including one or more types of data storage, or may be distributed across multiple physical systems in various forms. Furthermore, the storage device may include data distributed across, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). Furthermore, the storage device may include an operating system.

[0034] Returning to the graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10, a plurality of flow rate ranges are selectable as graphical icons displayed on the graphical user interface 15. Each of the selectable flow rate ranges corresponds to a flow rate range type. For example, selectable flow rate range 1 corresponds to a standard flow rate, which can be a flow rate range of 0-10 L in increments of 1 L / min, selectable flow rate range 2 corresponds to a low flow rate, which can be a flow rate range of 0-1 L in increments of 0.1 L / min, and selectable flow rate range 3 corresponds to a high flow rate, which can be a flow rate range of 0-30 L in increments of 3 L / min. The number of selectable flow rate ranges and their associated ranges and increments can vary and can be programmed according to the desired operation.

[0035] The graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10 includes one or more interactive elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e for adjusting the flow rate within a flow rate range displayed on the graphical user interface 15. Interactive element 14a is a "start" option that starts the flow of gas. Interactive element 14b, "+", allows the clinician to gradually increase the flow rate. Interactive element 14c, "-", allows the clinician to gradually decrease the flow rate. Interactive element 14d is a "stop sign" that allows the clinician to stop the flow of gas. Interactive element 14e is a "home" or "back" button that allows the clinician to return to a screen for selecting a different flow rate range from a plurality of flow rate ranges. Interactive elements 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are touch screen buttons, graphical icons, etc. that, when pressed by the clinician, send a signal to the control interface of the flow management device 10.

[0036] Once a flow rate is selected, Figure 1 Step 1002 of the illustrated method 1000 displays the selected flow rate range as a first incremental scale on the graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10 . Figure 2B One embodiment of a flow management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays a selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface 15. In the illustrated embodiment, "Flow Rate Range 1" is selected, and therefore the flow management device 10 displays an incremental scale 12 with specific increments 13 associated with "Flow Rate Range 1." Scale 12 ranges between 0 L and 10 L, with increments 13 being 1 L per minute. If the clinician interacts with the "+" icon, the flow rate will increase by 1 L / minute and can be increased to 10 L / minute. Similarly, if the clinician interacts with the "-" icon, the flow rate will decrease by 1 L / minute and can be decreased to 0 L / minute. The starting flow rate can be programmed to start at 0 L / minute on scale 12; however, the starting flow rate can also be any flow rate within the selected flow rate range.

[0037] In response to a change in the selectable flow rate (e.g., prompted by a change in patient type), step 1003 controls the flow management device 10 to now deliver gas according to a newly selected flow rate range selected from the plurality of flow rate ranges. Step 1004 changes the graphical user interface 15 to display the new flow rate range with a different incremental scale 12' having different value increments 13'. Figure 2C An embodiment of a flow management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which displays a newly selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface 15. In the illustrated embodiment, "Flow Rate Range 3" is selected, and therefore the flow management device 10 displays an incremental scale 12' with specific increments 13' associated with "Flow Rate Range 3." Increment 13 is greater than increment 13'. Scale 12' is between 0 L and 1 L, and increments 13' are 0.1 L per minute. If the clinician interacts with the "+" icon, the flow rate will increase by 0.1 L / minute and can be increased to 1 L / minute. Similarly, if the clinician interacts with the "-" icon, the flow rate will decrease by 0.1 L / minute and can be decreased to 0 L / minute. The starting flow rate can be programmed to start at 0 L / minute on scale 12'; however, the starting flow rate can also be any flow rate within the selected flow rate range.

[0038] By interacting with the graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10, the flow rate range can be changed to accommodate a variety of different patient types without having to replace the flow controller mounted on or in the wall of the patient room. Furthermore, as the flow rate range is changed, the incremental scale also changes, for example, with smaller increments, to allow for more precise control when increasing or decreasing the flow rate within the new flow rate range. In addition to changing the flow rate range information, the incremental scale displayed on the graphical user interface 15 can also change appearance. For example, the displayed incremental scale can include more or less scale on the incremental scale. Figure 2D An embodiment of a flow management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown displaying a newly selected flow rate range on a graphical user interface 15, which has modified the scale from the previously displayed incremental scale. In the illustrated embodiment, "Flow Rate Range 3" has been selected, and therefore the flow management device 10 displays an incremental scale 12" with specific increments 13" associated with "Flow Rate Range 3." Increment 13 is larger than increment 13", and increment 13" includes more scale, making the appearance of scale 12" significantly different from the previous scale 12. Scale 12" is between 0 L and 1 L, and increment 13" is 0.05 L per minute. If the clinician interacts with the "+" icon, the flow rate will increase by 0.05 L / minute and can be increased to 1 L / minute. Similarly, if the clinician interacts with the "-" icon, the flow rate will decrease by 0.05 L / minute and can be decreased to 0 L / minute. The starting flow rate can be programmed to start at 0 L / minute on scale 12"; however, the starting flow rate can also be any flow rate within the selected flow rate range.

[0039] Reference first Figure 3 , Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating a method 1010 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 1011, the control interface of the flow management device 10 receives a first user-selected flow rate range customized for a first patient type. For example, a clinician (i.e., a user) interacts with the graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10 to select a flow rate range deemed optimal for the patient. In step 1012, the control interface displays the first user-selected flow rate range on the graphical user interface 15 of the flow management device 10 with a first incremental scale. In addition to displaying the first incremental scale, the control interface also provides at least one interactive element on the graphical user interface 15 that allows the user to gradually adjust the flow rate within the first user-selected flow rate range. If the user interacts with the interactive element, the control interface gradually adjusts the flow rate in response to the user interaction with the interactive element. In step 1013, the control interface controls the flow management device 10 to deliver airflow according to the first user-selected flow rate range. Control of the flow rate may begin automatically or wait until the clinician presses a "Start" button on the graphical user interface 15.

[0040] If the flow rate range needs to be changed, as determined by a healthcare professional, then in step 1014, the control interface receives a second user-selected flow rate range customized for a second patient type different from the first patient type. In step 1015, the control interface of the flow management device 10 enlarges the graphical user interface 15 to display the second user-selected flow rate range having a second incremental scale different from the first incremental scale. In addition to enlarging the graphical interface 15 to display the new scale, the control interface also arranges at least one interactive element on the graphical user interface 15 that allows the user to gradually adjust the flow rate within the second user-selected flow rate range. If the user interacts with the interactive element, the control interface gradually adjusts the flow rate in response to the user interaction with the interactive element. In step 1016, the control interface controls the flow management device 10 to deliver airflow according to the second user-selected flow rate range.

[0041] Methods 1000 and 1010 can be implemented using the aforementioned traffic management device 10, which can be any traffic controller equipped with one or more processors and at least one display. Furthermore, methods 1000 and 1010 can be implemented using a pod system described below, which includes one or more pods, each pod having a traffic management device capable of implementing methods 1000 and 1010.

[0042] The pod system includes one or more pods, each having a flow management device capable of implementing methods 1000 and 1010 and capable of receiving removable pod accessories. In one exemplary embodiment, each pod of the pod system includes a flow management device (e.g., oxygen, medical air, vacuum, etc.) mounted within a rough-in enclosure behind a wall. Connections are made within a recess in the wall. The pods have built-in flow management devices (e.g., electronic solenoid valves, mass flow controllers, etc.) for regulating the flow of gas from a source through the pod in both directions. Each pod is recessed into the wall and includes a control unit with a touchscreen that allows the clinician to adjust the flow rate / suction and cycle between different flow rate ranges. The pods also include a portion that allows for mechanical connection to the pod frame and has ports for connecting tubing accessories from the pod to the patient. Various accessories can be removably connected to the pods to establish fluid communication with a remotely located fluid source. For example, the pod housing includes features that facilitate attachment of accessories to the pod, with the accessories being able to slide into the pod housing and lock into place. Accessories include canisters capable of containing a medium such as water or other liquids, which are used to humidify medical gases prior to delivery to a patient, or to store liquids during aspiration operations.

[0043] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a rough-in assembly 7 having connections to a plurality of sources 1, 2, 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rough-in assembly 7 is located behind a finished surface, such as a wall of a hospital room, and is configured to be attached to one or more structures, such as metal or wood wall structural elements, located behind the finished surface. The rough-in assembly 7 is a safety socket for in-wall or covered applications that has an open face to accommodate one or more pods of a pod system, as described in more detail below. The rough-in assembly 7 is sized and dimensioned to allow the pods to fit therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the depth of the rough-in assembly 7 can be large enough so that the pod fits completely within the rough-in assembly 7 so that the front surface of the pod can be flush with or recessed from the finished surface. In another embodiment, the depth of the rough-in assembly 7 can be reduced so that only a portion of the pod fits within the rough-in assembly 7 so that the front surface of the pod protrudes slightly from the finished surface.

[0044] The rough-in assembly 7 accommodates connections to sources 1, 2, 3 located remote from the rough-in assembly 7. For example, the rough-in assembly 7 securely and securely holds the fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b of the sources 1, 2, 3 within the rough-in assembly 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a associated with the first, second, and third sources 1, 2, 3, respectively, enter the rough-in assembly 7 through the rear wall of the rough-in assembly 7; however, the supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a can be routed through any surface of the rough-in assembly 7. The supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a pass through openings that are preformed or created on-site, such as by removing knockouts from the rough-in assembly 7. The fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b are devices configured to couple or connect two fluid channels together. The type and / or size of the fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b depend on the sources 1, 2, 3. Examples of fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b include fittings, connectors, adapters, check valves, hose barbs, elbows, quick-connects, and the like. After installing the rough-in assembly 7 and installing the fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b within the rough-in assembly 7, any of the sources 1, 2, 3 may be accessed, depending on the type of pod inserted into the rough-in assembly 7, as described in more detail below.

[0045] Although Figure 4Three sources are shown, though there may be fewer or more than three sources coarsely housed in the coarse assembly 7. Sources 1, 2, 3 may be tanks, reservoirs, containers, or the like storing gases, fluids, or gas mixtures, having means for delivering the gases, fluids, or mixtures from their remote locations via supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a. A non-exhaustive list of types of sources 1, 2, 3 includes medical air (Med air), carbon dioxide (CO2), helium (He), nitrogen (N2), nitrous oxide (N2O), oxygen (O2), oxygen / carbon dioxide mixtures (O2 / CO2 n%, where n is a % of CO2), medical surgical vacuum (Med Vac), waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD), non-medical air (3-stage gas powered unit), laboratory air, laboratory vacuum, instrument air, and other mixtures having a ratio of Gas A / Gas B in percentages. Furthermore, the term reference to SOT is intended to include gases containing oxygen, but not necessarily oxygen.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In FIG, first source 1 is an oxygen source, second source 2 is a medical air source, and third source 3 is a vacuum source. First source 1 is accessible via supply line 1a through fluid coupling 1b within rough-in assembly 7. Supply line 1a is connected to first source 1 at one end and to fluid coupling 1b at the other end. Similarly, second source 2 is accessible via supply line 2a through fluid coupling 2b within rough-in assembly 7. Supply line 2a is connected to second source 2 at one end and to fluid coupling 2b at the other end. And third source 3 is accessible via supply line 3a through fluid coupling 3b within rough-in assembly 7. Fluid coupling 3b is connected to third source 3 at one end and to fluid coupling 3b at the other end. Supply lines 1a, 2a, and 3a are located behind the finished surface and can have various lengths and intermediate fittings to accommodate routing from the source to rough-in assembly 7. Supply lines 1a, 2a, and 3a terminate at fluid couplings 1b, 2b, and 3b within rough-in assembly 7. It is located at least partially within the outer shell of the pod 100. Alternatively, the supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a terminate on the outside of the rough-in assembly 7, behind the finished surface, with an intermediate connecting line completing the connection from the end of the supply lines 1a, 2a, 3a to the fluid couplers 1b, 2b, 3b within the rough-in assembly 7; the intermediate connecting line can be a flexible tube that provides flexibility in certain construction environments to connect the source to the rough-in assembly 7, where existing piping from the source is connected to the newly installed rough-in assembly 7.

[0047] Because rough-in assembly 7 accommodates fluidic connections to multiple sources 1, 2, 3, any of sources 1, 2 can be accessed at the rough-in assembly 7. The fluidic couplers 1b, 2b, 3b within rough-in assembly 7 are discrete and separate from one another, enabling connection to only one fluidic coupler and not the others; thus, only gas from the source associated with the fluidic coupler having a tight-fitting connection flows through the pod system, while other fluidic couplers without tight-fitting connections prevent gas from flowing from the source into the room environment. Which source 1, 2, 3 is accessed depends on which pod is plugged into rough-in assembly 7.

[0048] Figure 5 The embodiment of the present invention is shown as an insertable Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the pods in the rough-in assembly 7. Each pod is dedicated to a gas type associated with source 1, 2, or 3. For example, pod 100a is specifically designed to manage the gas flow associated with source 1, pod 100b is specifically designed to manage the gas flow associated with source 2, and pod 100c is specifically designed to manage the gas flow associated with source 3. If access to source 1 (e.g., oxygen) is required, pod 100a can be inserted into the rough-in assembly 7. If access to source 2 (e.g., medical air) is required, pod 100b can be inserted into the rough-in assembly 7. If access to source 3 (e.g., vacuum) is required, pod 100c can be inserted into the rough-in assembly 7. Each pod 100a, 100b, 100c is removably inserted into the rough-in assembly 7 so that pod 100a can be removed and exchanged with a different pod 100b or 100c at the same location within the room environment. For example, because the pods can be swapped out, clinicians can access different types of gases at the same location on the wall, making hospital rooms more flexible to meet the diverse needs of medical facilities.

[0049] Figure 6A schematic diagram of a pod 100 inserted into a rough-in assembly 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, pod 100 is assembled within rough-in assembly 7; pod 100 can be pod 100a for source 1, 100b for source 2, or 100c for source 3, or any pod with a specific type of flow management for a specific source. As a function of inserting pod 100 into rough-in assembly 7, one or more fluid couplers on the back of pod 100 mate with one of the corresponding fluid couplers 1b, 2b, or 3b on pod 100. The tight-fitting connection between the one or more fluid couplers on the back of pod 100 and the pod's fluid couplers 1b, 2b, or 3b allows gas to flow to a flow management device 20 of pod 100, which is located within the housing 8 of pod 100. Flow management device 20 is configured to manage, regulate, or otherwise control the flow of gas from one of the multiple sources 1, 2, or 3 through pod 100. An example of a flow management device 20 is a flow meter or flow regulator that includes at least one electronic valve for managing the flow of gas through the pod 100. The specific design and construction of the flow management device 20 depends on the type of gas the pod is designed to regulate. For example, the pod may include a flow management device for managing the flow of oxygen and also include a fluid coupler on the back of the pod for mating with a fluid coupler 1b associated with a first source 1. The pod may include a flow management device for managing the flow of medical air and also include a fluid coupler on the back of the pod for mating with a fluid coupler 2b associated with a second source 2. The pod may include a flow management device for managing the vacuum drawn through the pod and also include a fluid coupler on the back of the pod for mating with a fluid coupler 3b associated with a third source 3. Examples of flow management devices include electronic needle valves and controllers, as well as integrated mass flow control valves.

[0050] A control interface 25, such as that described above, is electrically coupled to the flow management device 20 for controlling at least one function of the flow management device 20. For example, the control interface 25 includes a controller and one or more displays, and can utilize various input methods, such as a touch screen, a button interface, and / or a rotary dial, which allows a clinician to input commands to the flow management device 20 via touch or button presses. The control interface 25 sends instructions / commands to the flow management device 20 to perform at least one function, such as displaying an incremental scale associated with a specific flow rate range customized for a patient type, maintaining a certain flow rate, increasing the flow rate, decreasing the flow rate, opening a valve, closing a valve, etc. In this way, a clinician can conveniently control the flow management device 20 via the control interface 25 to change between various flow rate scales for treating different types of SOT patients as needed.

[0051] Gas, the flow of which is managed or regulated, flows between the control device 20 and at least one fluid coupler 30 located at least partially within the housing 8 of the pod 100. The fluid coupler 30 is fluidically connected to the flow management device 20 and, when the pod 100 is inserted into the rough-in assembly 7, is also fluidically connected to a supply line and source dedicated to the pod 100. Through operation of the flow management device 20, gas flows from the source to the coupler 30 in a controlled manner through the supply line and through the flow management device 20. The at least one fluid coupler 30 is a fitting, connector, adapter, check valve, hose barb, elbow, quick connect, or the like, configured to mate with a fluid coupler, which is a fitting that is insertable into the pod 100. The fitting that is insertable into the pod includes an outlet through which regulated gas can flow into or out of the fitting and to the patient via tubing connected to the outlet.

[0052] Also refer to Figure 6 , accessories can be insertable into the pod 100. The accessories are configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the fluid coupler 30 built into the pod 100 so that gas flows through the accessory and out to the patient. One accessory can be inserted into the pod 100 at a given time, but there are many different accessories that can be used with the pod 100. The accessories are located within the pod housing 8 when inserted or otherwise attached to the pod 100 and can be removed from the pod 100 so that new accessories can be inserted into the pod 100. Figure 6 Three different removable accessories 5, 6, 7 are shown, each of which can be inserted into the pod 100, but many different accessories can be designed to fit in the pod 100. Each accessory 5, 6, 7 includes at least one fluid coupler 5a, 6a, 7a configured to mate with the fluid coupler 30 of the pod 100, and a pressure sensor configured to mate with the receptacle 38 of the pod 100, but each accessory has different functions and / or features that provide flexibility to the clinician.

[0053] Figure 7 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a pod 100 with an accessory 70 inserted therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the pod 100 includes a pod housing 8 that defines an interior area 14 of the pod 100. The housing 8 includes two side walls and a rear surface ( Figure 71 (not shown), and an open face that allows for the insertion of accessories 70 and the installation of a flow management device. The flow management device is located behind the control interface 25, allowing the clinician to interact with the flow management device disposed within the pod 100 using the UI of the control interface 25. The control interface 25 is shown as having multiple graphical icons and / or buttons for the clinician to interact with the pod 100, such as changing between flow rate ranges based on patient type. A fluid coupler 30 is disposed within the interior region 14 and is accessible through the open front of the housing 8 for inserting and removing accessories. Furthermore, the pod 100 includes an accessory receiving mechanism 50 disposed within the housing 8 of the pod 100. The accessory receiving mechanism 50 facilitates the insertion and fluid coupling of accessories within the pod housing 8. The accessory receiving mechanism 50 is positioned within the pod 100 at a height within the housing 8 to align a fluid coupler, such as the fluid couplers 5a, 6a, 7a of accessories 5, 6, 7, within the fluid coupler 30 disposed within the pod housing 8. Thus, the location of the accessory receiving mechanism 50 within the pod 100 can vary between different pod designs and sizes.

[0054] The accessory 70 can be accessory 5, accessory 6, accessory 7, or any accessory with a specific function or structure, and includes a pod engagement mechanism 76 that universally mates with the accessory receiving mechanism 50 of the pod 100. The removable accessory 70 includes a main body 75 having a first side 70a and a second side 70b. The main body 75 can be a cover or lid that is a solid material that can be machined or fabricated to include the coupler 71 and the outlet 73. The accessory 70 includes a pod engagement mechanism 76 disposed on the main body 75. The pod engagement mechanism 76 has a first engagement structure at a first location on the main body 75 and a second engagement structure at a second location on the main body 75 opposite the first location. The first and second engagement structures of the pod engagement mechanism 76 are protrusions or other lips or extensions of the main body 75 that are configured to mate with the accessory receiving mechanism 50 of the pod 100.

[0055] Furthermore, the accessory 70 includes a canister 74 operably attached to the main body 75. The canister 74 can be removably attached to the main body 75, making the accessory 70 further customizable. For example, the canister 74 can be threadedly attached to the main body 75, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced with a canister 74 of a different size or function. The canister 74 can be removably attached to the underside of the main body 75 and can be screwed on or off to replace it with a new canister of the same or different shape / type. The canister 74 is a container or storage device with an interior space that allows gas to flow between the fluid coupling 71, which mates with the fluid coupling 30 of the pod 100, and the outlet 73. The interior space of the main body 74 can store a fluid, such as water, to humidify the gas flowing through the accessory. The interior space of the main body 74 can also store waste liquids / materials drawn into the outlet 73 of the accessory 70.

[0056] like Figure 7 , when the accessory 70 is inserted into the pod 100, the accessory 70 is located within the interior area 14 of the housing 8, and the pod engagement mechanism 76 of the accessory 70 engages the accessory receiving mechanism 50 of the pod 100 to removably secure the accessory 70 within the pod 100. In this position, the fluid coupler of the accessory 70 is fluidly coupled / mates with the fluid coupler 30, allowing managed airflow from the flow management device of the pod 100 to flow through the accessory 70 and out of the outlet 73, or airflow can flow through the accessory 70 and the flow management device of the pod 100 into the outlet 73 to a source (e.g., a suction operation). Tubing is configured to be connected to the outlet 73 for delivery to a device worn by the patient. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a pod 100 is shown having an accessory inserted therein and a cover 60 covering the accessory 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the pod 100 includes a cover 60 configured to cover at least a portion of the inserted accessory 70. The cover 60 can optionally be used to prevent accidental contact with the accessory 70, to prevent non-clinicians from removing the accessory 70, to hide the contents of the accessory 70, etc. The cover 60 has a central opening for quick visual inspection of whether the accessory is inserted into the pod 100. The cover 60 can be permanently attached to the housing 8, such as via a hinged connection, or the cover 60 can be non-permanently attached to the housing 8, such as being configured to snap into place and be detachable from the housing 8.

[0057] Figure 9 A pod system 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 9The pod system 900 shown in the drawing includes a rough-in assembly cover 7' designed with openings to accommodate three pods 100a, 100b, 100c, each with its own touch screen display, and an additional display 69 for displaying the selected flow rate range and the associated incremental scale for the particular pod in use. The display 69 can share the same functionality as the graphical user interface 15 described above. The display 69 optionally also displays various patient-related information, room information, pod and pod system information, location information, etc. The display 69 is also used to gradually increase or decrease the flow rate for the selected pod in use according to the selected flow rate range. The rough-in assembly cover 7' is mounted on the finished surface 64 and mates with / attaches to the rough-in assembly 7 mounted behind the finished surface 64, and the finished surface 64 supports the fluidic connections to the source. Before or after the pods 100a, 100b, 100c are removably inserted into the rough-in assembly, a rough-in assembly cover 7' can be attached to the rough-in assembly 7 behind the wall. As described above, each pod is dedicated to a type of gas associated with a source. For example, pod 100a is specifically designed to manage the flow of gas associated with a first source, pod 100b is specifically designed to manage the flow of gas associated with a second source, and pod 100c is specifically designed to manage the flow of gas associated with a third source. Each pod 100a, 100b, 100c is removably inserted such that each pod 100a, 100b, 100c is substantially recessed within or otherwise positioned behind the finished surface 64. The flow management devices of the pods 100a, 100b, 100c and the accessories installed in the pods 100a, 100b, 100c are positioned behind the finished surface 64.

[0058] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a pod system 900 is shown. Figure 10 The pod system 900 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rough-in assembly cover 7″ designed with openings to accommodate three pods 100a, 100b, and 100c. Figure 9 6. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that there is no additional display 69; each pod has its own display 69a, 69b, 69c arranged on the front side of the pod 100a, 100b, 100c for displaying the selected flow rate range and the associated incremental scale for the respective pod. A rough-in assembly cover 7" is mounted on the finished surface 64 and mates with / is attached to the rough-in assembly 7 mounted behind the finished surface 64, which supports the fluidic connections to the source. The rough-in assembly cover 7" can be attached to the rough-in assembly 7 behind the wall before or after the pod 100a, 100b, 100c is removably inserted into the rough-in assembly 7.

[0059] The clinician can interact with displays 69, 69a, 69b, 69c to select a different flow rate range from a plurality of different flow rate ranges based on the desired flow rate range that is optimal for the patient. Pods 100a, 100b, 100c are located behind a finished wall and are capable of operating at different flow rate ranges, eliminating the need for clinicians to physically replace wall-mounted flow controllers to accommodate multiple patient types, as is required with conventional SOT device setups. The control interface 25 of pods 100a, 100b, 100c controls flow management device 20 to adjust the flow rate in different increments depending on the selected scale, allowing for precise control of smaller increments when increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the flow management device. For example, the same flow management device 20 can be controlled by control interface 25 to allow 0.1 L / minute increments on a 0-1 L scale for a first patient, and in response to clinician input, can be controlled to allow 1 L / minute increments on a 0-10 L scale. The selected scale is displayed to the clinician and can be changed through further interaction with the pod's graphical user interface. In response to the clinician's input, the control interface 25 enlarges the graphical user interface to display the newly selected scale, while also configuring the flow management device 25 to open or close the valve, or to enlarge or reduce the orifice allowing gas to flow through the pod and to the patient. Thus, the pod system can be customized for the patient type with respect to the flow rate range and the degree to which the flow rate changes with each button press by the clinician (e.g., pressing "+" or "-" on the GUI), without having to physically swap out the flow management device.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it will be apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as described above are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of coverage of the present invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.

Claims

1. A traffic management system, characterized in that: It includes: a pod including a flow management device disposed within a pod housing, at least one fluid coupler within the housing fluidly connected to the flow management device; a control interface electrically coupled to the flow management device, configured to: changing the incremental scale of the flow rate range displayed on the graphical user interface of the pod based on patient type, and controlling the flow management device to deliver a flow of gas to the patient at a flow rate selected within the flow rate range; and A removable accessory for use with the pod, the removable accessory comprising: a body portion having a first side and a second side, at least one fluid coupler disposed on the body portion for fluid connection with the at least one fluid coupler within the housing of the pod upon insertion of the removable accessory into the pod, and an outlet.

2. The flow management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control interface is configured as follows: At least one interactive element is arranged on the graphical user interface, the interactive element allowing a user to gradually adjust the flow rate within the flow rate range.

3. The flow management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control interface is configured to adjust the flow rate in response to user interaction with the at least one interactive element.

4. The flow management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incremental scale includes a first incremental scale and a second incremental scale, the flow rate range includes a first user-selected flow rate range and a second user-selected flow rate range, the second user-selected flow rate range is smaller than the first user-selected flow rate range, and the second incremental scale has smaller increments than the first incremental scale, thereby allowing more precise control of airflow to a patient requiring the second user-selected flow rate range.

5. The flow management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flow rate range selected by the first user is 0-30 L / min; the first incremental scale having increments of 1 L / minute; The second user-selected flow rate range is 0-2 L / min; and The second incremental scale has increments of 0.1 L / minute.

6. A pod comprising: a flow management device disposed within the pod housing; at least one fluid coupler within the housing fluidly connected to the flow management device, the at least one fluid coupler being configured to fluidly connect to a removable fitting insertable into the pod housing; and a control interface electrically coupled to the flow management device, configured to: changing the incremental scale of the flow rate range displayed on the graphical user interface of the pod based on patient type, and The flow management device is controlled to deliver a flow of gas to the patient according to a flow rate selected within the flow rate range.

7. The pod according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control interface is configured as follows: At least one interactive element is arranged on the graphical user interface, the interactive element allowing a user to gradually adjust the flow rate within the flow rate range.

8. The pod according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control interface is configured to adjust the flow rate in response to user interaction with the at least one interactive element.

9. The pod according to claim 6, characterized in that: The incremental scale includes a first incremental scale and a second incremental scale, the flow rate range includes a first user-selected flow rate range and a second user-selected flow rate range, the second user-selected flow rate range is smaller than the first user-selected flow rate range, and the second incremental scale has smaller increments than the first incremental scale, thereby allowing more precise control of airflow to a patient requiring the second user-selected flow rate range.

10. The pod according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flow rate range selected by the first user is 0-30 L / min; the first incremental scale having increments of 1 L / minute; The second user-selected flow rate range is 0-2 L / min; and The second incremental scale has increments of 0.1 L / minute.

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