Container for pressurised fluid with electronic device carrying out a correction of the temperature and pressure measurements

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container (1), in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a fluid dispensing valve (3) equipped with an electronic device (7) including pressure and temperature measurement means; data processing means (5) comprising at least one microprocessor (15) for processing all or part of the measurements; and display means (6) for displaying a fluid volume, a fluid pressure, and / or fluid autonomy. The pressure and temperature measurement means measure a raw pressure (P1) and a raw temperature (T1). The data processing means (5) correct these values ​​(P1, T1) using a pre-recorded correction to obtain corrected pressure (P2) and corrected temperature (T2) values, which are then used to determine a reference pressure (P3) and / or a fluid volume and / or a fluid autonomy calculated using the reference pressure (P3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, equipped with a fluid dispensing tap comprising an electronic device including one or more pressure and temperature sensors, said electronic device being configured to determine and then display the fluid pressure, the fluid volume or the fluid autonomy available in the pressurized fluid container, taking into account the characteristics of the pressure and temperature sensor(s) to apply a correction to the measured pressure and temperature values.

[0002] Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, NO / N 2 , N 2 O / O 2 , He / O 2 mixtures, medical air or other, are generally packaged in pressurized gas containers, in particular gas cylinders or canisters, which are equipped with a distribution tap, with (RDI) or without an integrated pressure reduction system, used to supply the medical gas and a needle pressure gauge or an electronic device with a digital display used to display the residual gas pressure or gas autonomy.

[0003] Thus, EP-A-2918892 proposes a gas cylinder equipped with an integrated pressure reducing valve (IRV) and an electronic device with a digital display screen. In general, a rigid protective cover, also called a "cap", is used to protect the valve and its equipment against impacts, falls, dirt, etc. The electronic device includes in particular one or more pressure and temperature sensors, as well as a processor and a display screen making it possible to calculate and display in particular the volume of gas, the gas pressure and / or a gas autonomy, in particular as a function of the gas flow rate delivered by the valve.

[0004] However, when a fluid container, such as a gas cylinder, is located in a location and the surrounding temperature changes suddenly or significantly, the volume displayed by the electronic device on the digital display screen may vary due to thermal phenomena and the displayed indications may be erroneous. Thus, the volume displayed by a full gas cylinder may be, for example, 1000 L when it is located in a room at 20°C, whereas after storage outside at a temperature of 0°C, for example in winter, the displayed volume of available gas is only 950 L, which suggests that the gas cylinder is not full when in reality, no gas has been drawn off.

[0005] A similar phenomenon can occur during use of the gas cylinder because the withdrawal of gas causes a reduction in its pressure, i.e. a gas expansion in the RDI expansion means fitted to the gas cylinder, which reduces the gas temperature and creates an additional fictitious drop in the measured gas pressure, having the effect of distorting the calculation of the autonomy. The autonomy and / or pressure values displayed are then inaccurate because they are lower than the actual values.

[0006] It is understood that displaying incorrect values of volume, autonomy or gas pressure is not acceptable to the user.

[0007] Furthermore, US-A-2010 / 245098 teaches a gas level display controller calculating the weight of gas in a container at successive times. It displays the quantity of residual gas in the container, obtained from the weights that have been determined. This makes it possible to avoid display errors, such as the display of an increase in the gas level in the container when no gas has been added.

[0008] Furthermore, FR-A-3087870 proposes a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas container provided with a residual pressure tap equipped with a device for determining the autonomy comprising means for measuring pressure and ambient temperature, and electronic microprocessor processing means configured to filter the pressure measurements and estimate the gas temperature from the variations in gas pressure and ambient temperature, and calculate a gas autonomy from the pressure and ambient temperature measurements.

[0009] The problem is therefore to be able to carry out a more precise calculation and a more exact display on the digital display screen of the volume, pressure and / or remaining autonomy of a gas cylinder equipped with a gas distribution tap and an electronic device with a digital display screen.

[0010] The solution of the invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a gas bottle, comprising a fluid dispensing tap equipped with an electronic device comprising: ▪ pressure and temperature measuring means for measuring the pressure and temperature of the fluid contained in the internal volume of the fluid container, ▪ data processing means comprising at least one microprocessor for processing all or part of the measurements made by the pressure and temperature measuring means and deducing therefrom a fluid volume, a fluid pressure and / or a fluid autonomy, and ▪ display means for displaying a fluid volume, a fluid pressure and / or a fluid autonomy, characterized in that: the pressure and temperature measuring means are configured to: i) measure a raw pressure (P1) and a raw temperature (T1) of the fluid and ii) provide the data processing means with said at least one raw pressure value (P1) (i.e. a digital value or a signal corresponding to a digital value) and at least one raw temperature value (T1) of the fluid (i.e.a digital value or a signal corresponding to a digital value), the data processing means are configured to: a) correct the raw pressure (P1) and raw temperature (T1) values using at least one pre-recorded correction and obtain a corrected pressure (P2) and a corrected temperature (T2), and b) determine a reference pressure (P3) from the corrected pressure (P2), the corrected temperature (T2) and a stored reference temperature (T3), and the display means for displaying the reference pressure (P3) and / or a fluid volume and / or a fluid autonomy calculated using said reference pressure (P3).

[0011] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container, in particular a gas bottle, according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: the pre-recorded correction comprises one or more correspondence tables or one or more calculation formulas. the pre-recorded correction comprises one or more correspondence tables or one or more calculation formulas relating to the pressure and temperature measurement means used to carry out the measurements of raw pressure (P1) and raw temperature (T1) of the fluid. the pre-recorded correction comprises one or more calculation formulas taking into account parameters of the sensor, in particular one or more corrective coefficients and / or a reference temperature (Tr) of the sensor. the parameters of the sensor are incorporated in the sensor. the data processing means are configured to retrieve (i.e. recover) the parameters of the sensor within said sensor and use these parameters to carry out one or more corrective calculations.the calculation formula(s) are stored by the data processing means, typically by a microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller. the stored reference temperature (T3) corresponds to a temperature indicated in a regulatory document, typically in an AMM relating to the fluid. the stored reference temperature (T3) is between 0 and 30°C, preferably between 10 and 25°C. the stored reference temperature (T3) is equal to 15°C and / or the fluid is oxygen. the stored reference temperature (T3) is equal to approximately 21°C. the pressure and temperature measuring means comprise a single pressure and temperature sensor configured to carry out both raw pressure and raw temperature measurements of the fluid.alternatively, the pressure and temperature measuring means comprise a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, respectively, configured to carry out measurements of the gross pressure and the gross temperature of the fluid, respectively. the pressure and temperature sensor(s) is / are in fluid communication with an internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to carry out the gross pressure and the gross temperature measurements therein. the display means comprise a digital display screen. the container comprises an internal fluid storage volume of between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), preferably between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent). the internal volume of the fluid container is stored by the data processing means, in particular by the microprocessor or storage means, for example an EEPROM type memory or the like.the container further comprises a flow rate selection member capable of adopting several distinct positions, each corresponding to a given fluid flow rate of between 0 and 30 L / min. the flow rate selection member can be manipulated by a user to select a desired flow rate. the flow rate selection member is a rotary handwheel or the like, for example a rotary wheel or a rotary knob. the container further comprises at least one position sensor configured to detect a position of the flow rate adjustment member. the data processing means comprising at least one microprocessor are configured to process the position of the flow rate selection member determined by said at least one position sensor in order to deduce therefrom the fluid flow rate selected by the user.the display means are configured to display the fluid autonomy calculated by the data processing means from: ▪ either the position of the flow rate selection member, the pressure and temperature values of the fluid and the internal volume of the fluid container; ▪ or several successive pressure values measured successively during a sliding time window of given duration. the data processing means comprise a time counter. the sensor(s) is / are electrically connected to the data processing means to provide measurements (i.e. signals) of pressure and temperature of the fluid to said data processing means. the sensor(s) is / are configured to measure temperatures between -40°C and +70°C.the single pressure and temperature sensor comprises a sensor body crossed by an internal passage for measuring pressure and temperature, i.e. constituting a single pressure and temperature tapping. the data processing means comprise one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms. the electronic device comprises the electronic card. the electronic card carries the microprocessor(s). the microprocessor(s) are configured to process the pressure and temperature measurements provided by the pressure and temperature sensor(s). the data processing means comprise the electronic card. the data processing means comprise at least one microprocessor integrated in the form of a microcontroller.the microprocessor(s), in particular the microcontroller(s), is configured to record data, in particular within dedicated software or algorithm. the internal passage of the fluid distribution valve within which the fluid pressure and temperature measurements are made is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the gas container where the pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, is stored. the data processing means and the display means are powered by an electric current source. the sensor(s) are powered by an electric current source. the electric current source comprises one or more rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries or cells. the single pressure and temperature sensor comprises on-board electronics for determining the pressure and temperature of the gas.the single pressure and temperature sensor comprises on-board electronics comprising membrane means for determining the gas pressure and temperature probe means for measuring the gas temperature. the membrane means and the temperature probe means are arranged so as to be in contact with the gas carried by the internal passage of the sensor body, i.e. a single gas conduit. the on-board electronics of the single pressure and temperature sensor are electrically connected to the data processing means to communicate to them signals and / or measured pressure and temperature values. the on-board electronics of the single pressure and temperature sensor comprise one (or more) additional microprocessors.the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to display the fluid pressure, the volume of fluid in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the tap and also the gas autonomy, i.e. duration of use relative to the quantity of residual fluid in the container and / or the gas supply rate by the tap. the display means of the electronic device comprise a digital display, i.e. such as a digital display screen, for example an LCD type display screen. the fluid distribution tap comprises a flow outlet connector or nozzle for delivering the fluid at the desired flow rate, typically a gas, in particular a medical gas.the fluid dispensing valve comprises a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow the entry of pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the fluid container into the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve. the fluid inlet port of the fluid dispensing valve is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the fluid container. the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve fluidically connects the fluid inlet port of the dispensing valve to the outlet connector of the dispensing valve, in particular the flow outlet connector to which a device using or conveying the fluid, for example a medical device or a flexible conduit, is connected. the fluid dispensing valve comprises a threaded attachment tip, ie an expansion, of truncated cone or cylindrical shape.the threaded attachment end piece carries the fluid inlet orifice. the gas cylinder comprises a neck carrying the fluid outlet orifice fluid communication with the interior of the gas cylinder, i.e. with the internal volume containing the pressurized gas. the fluid outlet orifice of the gas cylinder is threaded. the threaded attachment end piece of the fluid dispensing valve is screwed into the threaded neck of the gas cylinder. the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve is arranged, for example drilled, in the body of the fluid dispensing valve. the flow outlet connector of the fluid dispensing valve is configured to be fluidically connected to a flexible gas line or another device using the fluid, such as a medical device or appliance. the data processing means are arranged in a rigid housing of the electronic device.the flow rate selection device comprises a rotary handwheel configured to move between several positions angularly offset from each other, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate value. the flow rate selection device allows the selection of desired gas flow rates preferably between 0 and 25 L / min. the flow rate selection device comprises markings corresponding to the selectable desired gas flow rates. the flow rate selection device further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the body of the valve in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value. the flow rate adjustment device comprises a calibrated orifice disc arranged on the gas path in the body of the valve. the gas outlet connection is arranged in the center of the rotary handwheel, i.e. they are arranged coaxially with each other.the digital display of the electronic device is configured to display various information useful to the user, in particular a gas autonomy, a gas pressure, a gas volume, a gas flow rate or even an alert icon, for example an autonomy alert or a hose clamping alert, or other information or graphic representations, for example a bar graph or the like. the data processing means are configured to trigger an audible alert and a visual alert in the event of triggering an alert, in particular a clamping alert or an autonomy alert. the electronic device further comprises data storage means. the data storage means comprise a read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or the like. the data storage means are arranged on an electronic card, preferably on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor.the electronic device is fixed to the body of the gas distribution valve, in particular by screwing or by a pin system. the electrical energy source electrically supplies the electrical card, the microprocessor(s), and all components operating with electric current, such as the digital display, the pressure and temperature sensor and / or an alert LED. the fluid distribution valve is protected by a protective cover comprising a rigid cover body arranged around said fluid distribution valve. the electrical current source is arranged in a compartment of the protective cover. the housing of the electronic device comprising the digital display is housed in an opening provided in the cover body. the cover body defines an internal spacing sized to house the gas distribution valve. the cover body is made of polymer material, metal or combinations thereof.the cover body comprises one (or more) carrying handles, preferably the carrying handle is arranged so as to surmount the cover, that is to say it is located substantially above the cover. the gas distribution valve is an integrated pressure reducing valve or RDI, that is to say a valve including a fluid pressure reducing system arranged on the internal circuit conveying the fluid from the container to the outlet connection. gas pressure reducing means are arranged on the internal gas circuit. the gas pressure reducing means comprise a pressure reducing valve and a valve seat. They make it possible to reduce the gas pressure from the high pressure of the gas stored in the container, typically several tens to hundreds of bar, to a lower pre-set operating pressure, typically a few bar, for example from 2 to 5 bar abs. the fluid distribution valve is made of a copper alloy, such as brass.the cover body further comprises a hooking system designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like. the cover body further comprises a movable, preferably pivoting, hooking system. the fluid container contains, when full, a gas at a pressure of at least 130 to 200 bar abs, typically more than 200 bar abs, or even at least 300 bar abs. the container has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular an ogive shape, made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or of composite material(s). the fluid container contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N 2 , O 2 / N 2 O or He / O 2 mixture, air or another medical gas.

[0012] The invention also relates to a use of a container according to the invention for storing or supplying a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gas mixture N 2 O / O 2 , NO / N 2 or He / O 2 , or medical air.

[0013] The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figure, namely: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid container equipped with a gas distribution valve with an electronic device according to the invention, and Fig. 2 represents an embodiment of a fluid container of the pressurized gas cylinder type according to the invention.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized fluid container 1 according to the invention, whereas the Fig. 2represents an embodiment of such a fluid container 1, namely here a pressurized gas cylinder of axis AA.

[0015] The fluid container 1 comprises an internal volume 2 for storing pressurized gas, for example more than 200 bar abs (full pressure), and is equipped with a fluid distribution valve 3, such as an RDI, crossed by an internal fluid passage or circuit (not shown) in fluid communication with the internal volume 2 of the container 1 so as to convey the fluid, namely here gas, such as oxygen, within the body of the gas distribution valve 3 to a flow outlet connection 11 to which is fluidically connected for example a flexible gas pipe (not shown) or another device using the delivered gas.

[0016] The bottle or container 1 of pressurized gas of axis AA of the Fig. 2comprises a cylindrical body and a neck, i.e. it is ogive-shaped. The cylindrical body defines the internal volume 2 for storing pressurized gas, typically a maximum pressure between 130 and 300 bar abs, or even beyond 300 bar abs. The neck comprises a fluid inlet / outlet orifice communicating with the internal volume 2 and allowing gas to be withdrawn from the internal volume 2 or, conversely, to be filled when it is empty. The gas distribution valve 3 is mounted, typically screwed, at the orifice of the neck of the gas cylinder.

[0017] The container 1 has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or composite material(s). It contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N 2 , O 2 / N 2 O or He / O 2 mixture, air or any other medical gas.

[0018] The gas distribution tap 3, which is here an RDI including internal expansion means, is aimed, via an expansion or a threaded fixing end, at the neck of the gas bottle, that is to say that it is screwed into the fluid inlet / outlet orifice which has an additional thread.

[0019] The gas distribution tap 3 further comprises a gas distribution connector or end piece, called a flow outlet connector 11, to which a flexible gas line, such as a flexible plastic pipe, can be connected, for example, for conveying the gas to a medical apparatus or device using the gas supplied by the tap 3, for example a breathing mask distributing gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a doctor or the like corresponding to a treatment to be followed. The tap body is preferably made of brass or stainless steel.

[0020] Furthermore, the gas distribution valve 3 comprises either a separate pressure sensor and a separate temperature sensor, or a single pressure and temperature sensor 4 used to measure the pressure and temperature of the gas, within the internal gas passage and / or in the internal volume 2 of the container 1, and to provide pressure measurements (i.e. a digital value or a signal corresponding to a digital value) to data processing means 5 with a microprocessor 15. Preferably, as shown diagrammatically here, a single pressure and temperature sensor 4 is used because this type of sensor makes it possible to simplify the overall architecture of the valve by reducing the number of tappings or drillings necessary to carry out the measurements, which also reduces the risk of leaks.

[0021] The data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15 are or comprise a device or a data processing unit comprising one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms, for example an electronic card carrying one (or more) microprocessors 15 implementing one or more calculation algorithms or others, preferably one (or more) microcontroller. The data processing means 5 are also called control means, control electronics or the like.

[0022] When a single pressure and temperature sensor 4 is used, it may comprise a sensor body crossed by an internal passage, for example an axial passage, i.e. a single conduit or tapping. The internal passage of the sensor is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve 3 so that a portion of the pressurized gas conveyed by the internal gas circuit passing through the body of the distribution valve 3 fills this internal passage of the sensor so as to enable the desired pressure and temperature measurements to be made. To do this, membrane means and temperature probe means connected to electronics embedded in the single pressure and temperature sensor 4 may be used.For example, a membrane may be provided in contact with the gas conveyed by the internal passage to measure the pressure of the gas and a temperature probe may be arranged, for example behind the membrane, to measure the temperature of the gas supplied by the internal passage. The pressure and temperature measurements are processed by the on-board electronics, for example an internal microprocessor electronic card, then sent to the data processing means 5 comprising the microprocessor 15 in order to be used there to determine the gas autonomy.

[0023] Furthermore, the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15 are configured to process the raw pressure and raw temperature measurements provided by the pressure and temperature sensor(s). They are preferably arranged in the housing of the electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, fixed to the fluid distribution tap 3, which also comprises a digital display 6, such as an LCD screen or the like, used to display the autonomy or other parameters.

[0024] Further provided is a user-operable flow rate selection device 12, such as a rotary handwheel, for selecting a desired gas flow rate to be delivered from the outlet connection 11 as a flow rate, for example to meet a doctor's prescription or the like. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the flow rate selection device 12 may be a rotary handwheel capable of moving in rotation between several angular positions, offset from each other, which each correspond to a given flow rate value, namely typically selectable gas flow rate values between 0 L / min and 30 L / min, preferably between 0 and 25 L / min.

[0025] For example, the selectable flow rate values may be as follows: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L / min, or any other value. The desired flow rate value selected by the user by actuating the flow rate selection device 12, i.e. rotary handwheel, appears in a reading window 14 located above the flow rate selection device 12, for example a cutout provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the tap 3 and serving to protect it against impacts or other external aggressions.

[0026] The flow rate selection device 12 further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the valve body 3 in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value, for example the flow rate adjustment device may be a calibrated orifice disc arranged on the gas path in the valve body 3. Such an arrangement is known per se. Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow rate selection device 12, for example the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined using one or more position sensors. Knowing the angular position of the rotary handwheel then allows the data processing means 5 to know the desired gas flow rate value having been selected.

[0027] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, the flow outlet connection 11 is arranged centrally and coaxially with the flow selection rotary handwheel 12; however, they could also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown).

[0028] Furthermore, the pressure and temperature sensor(s) 4 is configured and arranged to measure the raw pressure and the raw temperature of the gas in the cylinder 1, i.e. coming from the internal volume 2, and then provide the raw pressure and / or raw temperature measurements made to the data processing means 5 (i.e. digital values or signals corresponding to digital values).

[0029] The raw pressure and temperature measurements made and transmitted by the sensor(s) 4 are, for example, signals which represent either raw pressure and / or raw temperature values, or other quantities, such as voltage or current values, corresponding to raw pressure and / or raw temperature values. These raw pressure and / or raw temperature measurements are processed, as explained below, by the data processing means 5 to determine various information, namely the autonomy, the volume of gas in the container 1, the gas pressure in the container 1 or other.

[0030] This information can be displayed on the display 6 for a user, typically a healthcare worker, such as a doctor or a nurse.

[0031] A time counter is also provided, for example internal to the data processing means 5, in order to allow duration calculations or other time monitoring, as explained below.

[0032] The internal volume 2 of the container 1 (in water equivalent) is a known value which can be stored by storage means 9 either directly in software implemented by the microprocessor 15, or in a computer memory of the EEPROM type or the like, of the electronic device 7. The computer memory can be arranged on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor 15 and electrically connected to the latter. For example, gas cylinders equipped with this type used to distribute medical oxygen (i.e. medical grade) typically have internal volumes 2 of between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), typically between 2 L and 15 L, for example, depending on the cylinder considered, the volume can be of the order of 2 L, 3.5 L, 4.6 L, 5 L, 7 L, 10 L, 11 L or 15 L.

[0033] The storage means 9 can also record other data, such as for example the time elapsing between successive instants, pressure and / or temperature measurements, etc., or other parameters, such as the position of the selector, the configuration of the bottle, the filling pressure, alerts, etc.

[0034] More generally, the electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, which comprises the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15, such as an electronic card, is housed in an opening or housing provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the fluid distribution tap 3 and serving to protect it against impacts or other possible damage, for example a rigid cover made of polymer and / or metal, as illustrated in Fig. 2 .

[0035] The body 10 of the cover 13 defines a volume or housing sized to house the gas distribution valve, namely here a valve with integrated pressure regulator or RDI. It also comprises one (or more) carrying handles 16 arranged here so as to surmount the cover 13, that is to say that it is located substantially above the body 10 of the cover 13, being connected to the body 10 by here two support uprights 17 projecting substantially upwards.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the cover body 10 may further comprise a hooking system 18 (not completely visible), preferably a pivoting hook, designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like.

[0037] The digital display 6 of the electronic device 7 comprises a digital screen, i.e. digital, for example liquid crystal (LCD) or other, carried by the rigid casing, in particular the front face, of the electronic device 7, as illustrated in Fig. 2 It can be displayed in color or black and white.

[0038] The digital display 6 is electrically powered by an electrical energy source (not visible) arranged in the cover 13, for example one or more batteries or cells arranged in a battery compartment arranged in the wall of the cover body and closed by a removable hatch or the like. The electrical energy source also serves to power the other components of the electronic device 7 requiring electrical current to operate, in particular the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15.

[0039] As already explained, the digital display 6 of the electronic device 7 makes it possible to display all the information useful to the user, such as for example pressure values, gas volume, autonomy (in hours and minutes) or other information or data, for example the value of the desired or actual gas flow rate (in L / min or in another unit), or the gas autonomy (in hours and minutes) can also be represented by a bar graph. For example, the digital display 6 comprises a screen with a height of between approximately 29 and 37 mm and a width of, for example, between approximately 39 and 43 mm.

[0040] The data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15, typically an electronic card, are also configured to control audible alert means and / or visual alert means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible alert and / or one visual alert, preferably both, in the event of detection of a malfunction, in particular a clamping, or of a quantity of gas or autonomy that is too low.

[0041] According to the invention, the data processing means 5 are configured to perform a more precise calculation of the volume, pressure and / or remaining autonomy of the gas cylinder, even when the cylinder and the valve undergo a large variation in temperature, such as the transition from storage in a cold outdoor environment (for example at 0°C in winter) to use in a room heated to 20°C, or vice versa,

[0042] To do this, the data processing means 5, typically the microprocessor / microcontroller 15, are programmed to correct the raw pressure (P1) and raw temperature (T1) values provided by the pressure and temperature measuring means, such as a pressure and temperature sensor 4, using at least one pre-recorded correction and to obtain corrected pressure (P2) and corrected temperature (T2) values.

[0043] The pre-recorded correction is advantageously a correspondence table, one or more calculation formulas or others coming for example from a technical sheet (i.e. data sheet) of the pressure and temperature sensor 4 used.

[0044] Indeed, a pressure and temperature sensor 4 has technical characteristics specific to it and which should be taken into account to reduce calculation errors when using the measurements made by this (these) sensor in these calculations. These technical characteristics are incorporated into the sensor, during the production of the sensor, for example via a calibration process or the like.

[0045] The data processing means are configured to retrieve, i.e. recover, the sensor parameters which are incorporated, i.e. stored, within said sensor and use them to carry out corrective calculations.

[0046] The calculation formulas used to carry out the corrective calculations are stored by the data processing means, i.e. by a microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller.

[0047] For illustration purposes, Table 1 below gives calculation formulas for determining, from the raw values P1, T1 and the technical characteristics of the sensor (Tr, C1-C4), the corrected pressure (P2) and corrected temperature (T2) values to be taken into account, instead of the raw measured values, in order to carry out the calculations because these values P2, T2 are more representative of the pressure and temperature of the fluid than the raw values from the sensor.

[0048] The reference temperature of the sensor (Tr) is for example 20°C, while the coefficients C1-C4 are corrections specific to the sensor considered and are obtained for example by calibration or analog of the sensor considered. Table 1 Gross pressure P1 Raw temperature T1 Sensor reference temperature Tr Sensor coefficient 1 C1 Sensor coefficient 2 C2 Sensor coefficient 3 C3 Sensor coefficient 4 C4 Temperature compensated if T1 < -20°C T2=C1*T1+Tr-T1 Temperature compensated if -20°C < T1 < 20°C T2=C2*T1+Tr-T1 Temperature compensated if T1 > 20°C T2=C3*T1+Tr-T1 Pressure compensated P2=P1-C4*T2

[0049] Then, the data processing means 5, typically the microprocessor / microcontroller 15, are further configured to determine a reference pressure (P3) from the corrected pressure (P2), the corrected temperature (T2) and a stored reference temperature (T3). It is this reference pressure (P3) which is then displayed by the display means 7. This reference pressure (P3) is also used to determine the fluid volume and / or the fluid autonomy, which can also be displayed.

[0050] In fact, in order to have comparable volumes or pressures displayed, whatever the temperature conditions of the bottle and the external environment, and therefore to simplify the user's understanding, all pressure measurements and pressure, volume and autonomy displays will be brought back to a stored reference temperature (T3).

[0051] For example, when the gas is a drug, it meets regulatory requirements, typically a Marketing Authorization (MA), giving characteristics of the drug at a given temperature, for example 15°C for oxygen.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, this temperature of the AMM is preferably used as the stored reference temperature (T3). In other words, the corrected pressure measurement (P2) which corresponds to the gas pressure at the corrected temperature (T2), is itself corrected and brought back to the stored reference temperature (T3).

[0053] A reference pressure (P3) is then obtained which can be displayed and / or used for calculating other parameters, such as volume, autonomy or other. An example of autonomy calculation is given by WO2005093377.

[0054] Thus, in the case where a gas cylinder 1, not yet used, changes its external environment and ambient temperature, for example moves from cold external storage (i.e. < 5°C) to a heated room (e.g. 20°C), the pressure display (or other parameters) does not vary or varies little, despite the change in environment and ambient temperature, and therefore remains consistent and does not give an erroneous value to the user, typically to the healthcare staff.

Claims

1. Container (1) for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a fluid distribution valve (3) equipped with an electronic device (7) comprising: pressure and temperature measurement means for measuring the pressure and the temperature of the fluid contained in the internal volume (2) of the fluid container (1), data processing means (5) comprising at least one microprocessor (15) for processing all or some of the measurements performed by the pressure and temperature measurement means and for deducing therefrom a fluid volume, a fluid pressure and / or a remaining fluid, and display means (6) for displaying a fluid volume, a fluid pressure and / or a remaining fluid, characterized in that: - the pressure and temperature measurement means are configured to: i) measure a raw pressure (P1) and a raw temperature (T1) of the fluid and ii) supply the data processing means (5) with said at least one raw pressure value (P1) and said at least one raw temperature value (T1) of the fluid, - the data processing means (5) are configured to: a) correct the raw pressure (P1) and raw temperature (T1) values using at least one pre-recorded corrective and obtain a corrected pressure (P2) and a corrected temperature (T2), and b) determine a reference pressure (P3) from the corrected pressure (P2), the corrected temperature (T2) and a stored reference temperature (T3), and - the display means (6) are configured for displaying the reference pressure (P3) and / or a fluid volume and / or a remaining fluid that are calculated using said reference pressure (P3).

2. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pre-recorded corrective comprises one or more lookup tables or one or more calculation formulas.

3. Container according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-recorded corrective comprises one or more lookup tables or one or more calculation formulas relating to the pressure and temperature measurement means used to perform the measurements of raw pressure (P1) and raw temperature (T1) of the fluid.

4. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stored reference temperature (T3) corresponds to a temperature indicated in a regulatory document of the marketing authorization type relating to the fluid in question and giving characteristics of the fluid at a given temperature when said fluid is a medicament.

5. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pressure and temperature measurement means comprise a single pressure and temperature sensor (4) configured to perform both raw pressure and raw temperature measurements of the fluid.

6. Container according to Claim 5, characterized in that the single pressure and temperature sensor (4) is in fluidic communication with an internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve (3) so as to perform the raw pressure and raw temperature measurements therein.

7. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the display means (6) comprise a digital display screen.

8. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an internal fluid storage volume (2) of between 1 1 and 20 l (equiv. in water).

9. Container according to either of Claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the stored reference temperature (T3) is equal to 15°C and / or the fluid is oxygen.

10. Use of a fluid container (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 for storing or for supplying a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gaseous mixture of N2O / O2, NO / N2, He / O2, or medical air.

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