Oxygen tubing recoil assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an assembly for spooling tubing such as oxygen tubing. The assembly can be used for managing a length of oxygen tubing extending from a spool to thereby permit movement of an individual to which the oxygen tubing is attached. The assembly can include a spool configured to receive tubing wound therearound. A motor can be configured to effect rotation of the spool. A sensor can be configured to sense movement of the spool or a torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing. A controller can be operably coupled to the motor and the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the movement of the spool or the torque applied to the spool to the controller. The controller is configured to control operation of the motor based on the output of the sensor to thereby control a length of the tubing extending from the spool.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1OXYGEN TUBING RECOIL ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 734,416, filed December 16, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to devices for managing tubing used to deliver supplemental oxygen to individuals.BACKGROUND

[0003] Individuals who use supplemental oxygen in their home are at high risk of falls and serious injury. Long-lengths of oxygen tubing often become entangled around furniture, assistive devices, and the individual’s feet. Better management of this tubing would improve the individual’s safety and independence while reducing medical costs due to injury. Additionally, mismanaged tubing can become kinked, interrupting the prescribed oxygen dosage.

[0004] Conventionally available devices for managing oxygen tubing require a user to operate a remote to extend or retract tubing. Such devices do not meet the needs of many individuals. For example, individuals who use both hands to push a walker or propel a wheelchair are unable to operate any of the remote controlled, retractable devices on the market. Further, such devices require the individual to constantly operate the device every time the individual moves. Accordingly, an improved solution is desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein is an assembly for spooling tubing such as oxygen tubing. In some aspects, the assembly comprises a spool configured to receive tubing wound therearound. A motor can be configured to effect rotation of the spool. A sensor can be configured to sense movement of the spool or a torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing. A controller can be operably coupled to the motor and the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the movement of the spool or the torque applied to the spool to the controller. The controller is configured to control operation of the motor based on the output of the sensor to thereby control a length of the tubing extending from the spool.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0006] In another aspect, a system comprises the assembly and an input device in communication with the controller, wherein the input device is configured to cause the assembly to turn on or off based on an input received by a user. The assembly can further comprise an oxygen source and a tubing coupled to the oxygen source. The tubing can be wound around the spool.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly for spooling oxygen tubing in accordance the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a system comprising the assembly for spooling oxygen tubing of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a block diagram of another system comprising the assembly for spooling oxygen tubing of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary assembly for spooling oxygen tubing in accordance the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary assembly for spooling oxygen tubing in accordance the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention, are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedAttorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1 herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0014] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0015] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

[0016] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0017] As used herein, the term “at least one of’ is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

[0018] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, when values are approximated by the use of the antecedent “approximately” “generally,” orAttorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1“substantially,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0019] It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0020] The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

[0021] Disclosed herein, in various aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1-5, is an assembly 10 for spooling tubing such as, for example and without limitation, oxygen tubing. The assembly 10 can be used for managing a length of tubing (e.g., oxygen tubing) extending from a spool to thereby permit movement of an individual to which the tubing (e.g., oxygen tubing) is attached.

[0022] The assembly 10 can comprise a spool 20 configured to receive tubing 22 wound therearound. A motor 30 can be configured to effect rotation of the spool 20. A sensor 42 (or a plurality of sensors) can be configured to sense movement of the spool or a torque applied to the spool 20 caused by tension on the tubing 22. A controller 44 can be operably coupled to the motor 30 and the sensor 42. The sensor 42 can be configured to provide to the controller 44 an output indicative of the movement of the spool 20 or the torque applied to the spool. The controller 44 can be configured to control operation of the motor 30 based on the output of the sensor to thereby control a length of the tubing 22 extending from the spool 20. In exemplaryAttorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1 aspects, the controller 44 can comprise a processing unit and a memory in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit can comprise one or more processors. The memory can store software for operating the motor 30 based on feedback from the sensor. In further aspects, the memory can data associated with thresholds as further disclosed herein.

[0023] In some aspects, the sensor 42 and controller 44 can be provided as a field oriented controller (FOC) 40. Optionally, in these aspects, the assembly 10 can comprise a field oriented controller 40, and the field oriented controller can serve as the controller 44 and at least one sensor 42. In some aspects, the field oriented controller 40 can determine movement of the spool 20 or the torque applied to the spool. For example, torque applied to the motor from tension of the tubing 22 can cause rotation of the motor that generates a back electromagnetic field (EMF), and the field oriented controller 40 can determine speed based at least partly on the back EMF. In further aspects, the motor 30 can comprise one or more Hall effect sensors 43 (e.g., Hall effect sensors integrated within the motor) that are configured to sense rotational position of the motor. Accordingly, using feedback based on back EMF and / or rotational position from the Hall effect sensors 43, the field oriented controller 40 can control the motor current and torque applied by the motor to precisely meter out the tubing 22 to maintain a constant or substantially constant tension on the tubing. In use, this constant or substantially constant tension can ensure that the tubing extends and retracts in a gentle manner. It is contemplated that the tension can be decreased or increased according to user preferences.

[0024] The controller 44 can be configured to permit the spool to rotate in a first direction to release the tubing 22 from the spool 20 when the output of the sensor 42 is above a first value (e.g., when torque applied to the spool and transferred to the motor 30 by tubing that is pulled by a user is above a first threshold). In this way, a user moving / walking away from the spool 20 can be provided with additional length of tubing 22. In some aspects, the controller 44 can be configured to permit the spool 20 to rotate in the first direction by reducing or eliminating resistance applied by the motor 30 to the spool. For example, the motor 30 can permit the spool 20 to rotate freely (e.g., free-wheeling, without resistance applied by the motor) to allow unspooling of the tubing 22. In other aspects, the controller 44 can cause the motor 30 to rotate the spool 20 in the first direction. That is, the motor 30 can actively rotate the spool 20 to release tubing 22 therefrom.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0025] The controller 44 can further be configured to cause the motor 30 to rotate the spool 20 a second direction, opposite the first direction, to wind the tubing 22 around the spool after permitting the spool to rotate in the first direction, thereby retracting the tubing. For example, the controller 44 can cause the motor 30 to permit the spool 20 to rotate in the first direction to release the tubing 22 from the spool when the torque applied to the spool (and transferred to the motor, due to the user pulling on the tubing) is above the first threshold and cause the motor 30 to rotate the spool 20 in the second direction when the torque applied to the spool and transferred to the motor (e.g., determined by the field oriented controller) is below a second threshold. Accordingly, the controller 44 can be configured to detect no further movement of the spool 20 (causing unspooling of the tubing) due to tension on the tubing and, in response to detecting no further movement, cause the motor 30 to rotate the spool to begin to recoil the tubing 22. For example, when a user stops moving away from the spool or when the user moves toward the spool, the controller 44 can cause the motor 30 to rotate the spool 20 to recoil the tubing 22 (e.g., based on the sensor(s) 42 detecting no further unspooling movement of the spool 20, or based on the sensor(s) 42 detecting torque dropping below a threshold). In some aspect, the controller 44 can set an upper limit to a retraction speed of the motor 30. The second threshold can be at or below the first threshold. For example, the second threshold of torque on the motor 30 can be indicative of slack in the tubing 22.

[0026] In other aspects, the controller 44 can operate based on a single threshold. For example, the controller 44, sensor(s) 42, and motor 30 can cooperate to apply a constant torque to the tubing 22. If a user releases tension on the tubing 22 (e g., moves closer to the spool 20), the motor 30 can rotate the spool to retract the tubing until the single threshold torque is applied.

[0027] More generally, the motor 30 and controller 44 can cooperate to permit the tubing 22 to be unspooled. For example, the tubing 22 can extend when a user applies a torque to the spool 22 that exceeds a torque of the motor 30 applied to the spool in an opposite direction.Optionally, in these aspects, upon sensing unspooling movement of the spool 20, the controller 44 can cause the motor 30 can permit the spool 20 to rotate freely. The motor 30 and controller 44 can further cooperate to rotate the spool 20 to remove slack 22 from the tubing (e.g., when unspooling movement of the spool 20 is ceased). This can occur when a user stops moving away from the spool or when the user moves toward the spool.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0028] The assembly 10 can be configured to enter a stationary mode (e.g., a tension release mode) after a predetermined amount of time of inactivity. For example, if a user is seated in a chair, the controller 44 need not cause the motor to selectively spool or unspool tubing 22 from the spool 20. Accordingly, in some aspects, the controller 44 can be configured to detect an absence of torque applied to the spool 20 caused by tension on the tubing (e.g., optionally, by detecting an absence of rotation of the motor) for a predetermined amount of time. The controller can refrain from causing the motor to rotate in the second direction (spooling the tubing) until a condition (as further discussed below) is met.

[0029] For example, the controller 44 can initiate a timer after an event, such as a) the torque applied to the motor being below the first threshold; and / or b) the torque applied to the motor being between the first threshold and the second threshold. Once the timer reaches the predetermined amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds), until the condition is detected, the controller 44 can refrain from causing the motor 30 to rotate the spool 20.

[0030] In some aspects, the condition can be associated with a tension on the tubing 22. For example, the condition can be a threshold torque detected by the sensor 42 (e.g., a threshold torque applied to the motor 30 and measured by the field oriented controller 40). Accordingly, the user can tug on the tubing to cause the condition. In other aspects, the user can move / walk away from the spool to apply the tension that causes the condition. In additional aspects, the condition can be associated with a signal from an input device (e.g., a remote controller) disclosed further herein.

[0031] In further aspects, in stationary mode (e.g., tension release mode), the assembly 10 can initially release a portion of the tubing from the spool to thereby reduce a tension between the spool and the user. In this way, the user can be free of any active tension between the spool and the user, thereby providing more comfort while the user is stationary. Accordingly, prior to refraining from causing the motor to rotate in the second direction until the condition is detected, the controller can cause the motor to rotate in the first direction to release a portion of the tubing from the spool. For example, the controller can cause the motor to rotate for a predetermined time (e.g., one second, two seconds, or three seconds) or for a predetermined number of rotations (e.g., one rotation, two rotations, three rotations).Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0032] In some aspects, and with further reference to FIG. 5, an oxygen source 24 can be coupled to the tubing 22. In some aspects, oxygen source 24 can be an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen tank. An inlet port 26 for coupling the oxygen source 24 is shown in FIG. 4. The inlet port 26 can be or comprise, for example, a tubing fitting, such as, for example and without limitation, a barb fitting.

[0033] In some aspects, the assembly 10 can further comprise a base 60. The spool 20 can be coupled or mounted to the base 60. For example, the base 60 can define a slot. The spool can be rotatably coupled to (e.g., rotatably mounted on) a frame 68. The frame 68 can be slidable into the slot of the base 60. The frame 68 can have outwardly extending flanges that are received below the base 60 to retain the frame relative to the base. The base 60 can further comprise outwardly extending flanges that are positioned above the frame 68 to retain the frame relative to the base. In some aspects, the base 60 can define an area 62 that is configured to receive the oxygen source 24 thereon. In some aspects, the assembly 10 can comprise a swivel 64 between the base and the spool. The swivel 64 can be configured to permit the spool to swivel relative to the base about a swivel axis 66 that is transverse to a rotational axis of the spool. The swivel axis 66 can be, for example, a vertical axis.

[0034] In some optional aspects, the tubing can be at least 25 feet long (e.g., from 25 to 100 feet or from 25 to 75 feet long), or at least 50 feet long (e.g., from 50 to 100 feet long). Accordingly, the spool 20 can be configured to hold at least 25 feet, or at least 50 feet of tubing.

[0035] In some aspects, the assembly 10 can have a power switch for turning the assembly on and off. In additional aspects, the assembly 10 can be selectively set in a constant tension mode, in which the stationary mode (e.g., release mode) is disabled, or in a second mode (variable tension mode), in which the stationary mode (e.g., release mode) is enabled and the assembly ceases constant application of tension upon a certain time of inactivity, as further described herein.

[0036] The assembly 10 can further comprise a tube guide 70. For example, the tube guide 70 can comprise at least one roller 72. In some aspects, the tube guide 70 can comprise a pair of spaced rollers that define a slot 74 therebetween. In some aspects, the tube guide 70 can be supported by a bracket 76.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0037] A system 80 can comprise the assembly 10 and an input device 90 in communication with the controller 44. The input device 90 can be configured to cause the assembly to turn on or off based on an input received by a user. For example, the input device 90 can be a remote controller that is in wireless communication with the controller 44. The input device 90 can have one or more buttons associated with different controls or functions. In some aspects, the input device can be in wireless communication with the controller 44.

[0038] In some aspects, the input device 90 can be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the assembly 10. For example, the input device 90 can be configured to receive an input from the user corresponding to an adjustment of a tension setting (e.g., the first or second (torque) threshold) and send a signal to the controller 44 associated with the adjustment of the tension setting. In response, the controller 44 can change the tension setting. In this way, the user can select the amount of tension between the spool 20 and the user. For example, a higher tension threshold can reduce an amount of tubing on the floor, whereas a lower tension threshold can increase the amount of tubing on the floor, but reduce the constant pull toward the spool.Exemplary Set-Up and Operation

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, to set up the assembly 10, it can be placed in an upright position and located near the oxygen source 24. The oxygen source 24 can be coupled to the assembly 10 (e.g., via tubing 28 attached to the inlet port 26). Tubing 22 can be loaded onto the spool. A first end of the tubing 22 loaded on the spool 20 can be coupled to the inlet port 26. The tubing 22 can be wound around the spool 20 so that only a portion (e.g., 1-2 feet) extends from the tube guide 70. A clip can be coupled to or near a second, free end of the tubing 22. A nasal cannula can be coupled to the tubing 22. A second free end of the tubing can be coupled to the user via a clip. In this way, no tension is applied to the nasal cannula itself. Rather, the tension is applied to the user (e g., the user’s clothes) via the clip.

[0040] A toggle can be switched to constant tension mode (e.g., via the input device 90). In constant tension mode, as the user moves away from the device, constant tension can be maintained (e.g., keeping the tubing lifted off the floor) with minimal pull / resistance on the person. As the user moves toward the device, constant tension can cause the tubing to recoil onto the reel (e.g., keeping the tubing lifted off the floor). The constant tension can beAttorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1 maintained until the power is turned off on the remote controller or toggle switch is changed to tension-release mode.

[0041] The toggle can be switched to tension-release mode. In tension-release mode, as the person moves away from the device, constant tension can be maintained (keeping the tubing lifted off the floor) with minimal pull / resistance on the person. If the person remains stationary for 10 seconds (time can be reprogrammed), the tension can be released and the tubing drops to the floor. As the person moves toward the device, a quick pull on the tubing will reengage the constant tension, causing the tubing to recoil onto the reel (keeping the tubing lifted off the floor).

[0042] The input device 90 (e.g., remote controller) can have a power button that turns off the motor to eliminate the noise of the motor and turn on the motor to immediately create tension on the tubing.EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

[0043] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

[0044] Aspect 1 : An assembly comprising: a spool configured to receive tubing wound therearound; a motor configured to effect rotation of the spool; a sensor configured to sense movement of the spool or a torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing; and a controller operably coupled to the motor and the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the movement of the spool or the torque applied to the spool to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the motor based on the output of the sensor to thereby control a length of the tubing extending from the spool.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0045] Aspect 2: The assembly of aspect 1, wherein the assembly comprises a field oriented controller, wherein the field oriented controller comprises the controller, and wherein the sensor comprises one or both of: a Hall effect sensor, or a back EMF sensor detected by the field oriented controller.

[0046] Aspect 3: The assembly of aspect 2, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in a first direction to release the tubing from the spool when the output of the sensor is above a first threshold.

[0047] Aspect 4: The assembly of aspect 3, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in the first direction by reducing or eliminating electrical resistance applied by the motor to the spool.

[0048] Aspect 5: The assembly of aspect 3, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in the first direction by causing the motor to rotate the spool in the first direction.

[0049] Aspect 6: The assembly of any one of aspects 3-5, wherein the controller is configured to cause the motor to rotate the spool in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to wind the tubing around the spool following permitting the spool to rotate in the first direction.

[0050] Aspect 7: The assembly of aspect 6, wherein the controller is configured to: detect an absence of torque applied to the spool for a predetermined amount of time; and cause the motor to remain in a passive status in which the motor is not actively driven in the second direction, wherein the motor remains in the passive status until a condition is detected.

[0051] Aspect 8: The assembly of aspect 7, wherein the controller is operative to, prior to causing the motor to remain in the passive status, cause the motor to rotate in the first direction to release a portion of the tubing from the spool.

[0052] Aspect 9: The assembly of aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein the condition comprises detecting, by the sensor, the movement of the spool or torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing.

[0053] Aspect 10: The assembly of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising an oxygen source coupled to the tubing.Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1

[0054] Aspect 11 : The assembly of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a base, wherein the spool is mounted on the base.

[0055] Aspect 12: The assembly of aspect 11, wherein the base defines an area that is configured to receive an oxygen source thereon.

[0056] Aspect 13: The assembly of aspect 11 or aspect 12, further comprising a swivel between the base and the spool, wherein the swivel is configured to permit the spool to swivel about an axis transverse to a rotational axis of the spool.

[0057] Aspect 14: The assembly of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising tubing wound around the spool.

[0058] Aspect 15: The assembly of aspect 14, wherein the tubing is at least 25 feet long.

[0059] Aspect 16: A system comprising: the assembly as in any one of the preceding aspects; and an input device in communication with the controller, wherein the input device is configured to cause the assembly to turn on or off based on an input received by a user.

[0060] Aspect 17: The system of aspect 16, wherein the input device comprises a remote control.

[0061] Aspect 18: The system of aspect 16, wherein the input device is configured to receive an input from the corresponding to an adjustment of a tension setting.

[0062] Aspect 19: The system of aspect 18, wherein the controller is configured to modify at least one threshold setting in response to receiving the input from the corresponding to the adjustment of the tension setting.

[0063] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1What is claimed is:

1. An assembly comprising: a spool configured to receive tubing wound therearound; a motor configured to effect rotation of the spool; a sensor configured to sense movement of the spool or a torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing; and a controller operably coupled to the motor and the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the movement of the spool or the torque applied to the spool to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the motor based on the output of the sensor to thereby control a length of the tubing extending from the spool.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises a field oriented controller, wherein the field oriented controller comprises the controller, and wherein the sensor comprises one or both of: a Hall effect sensor, or a back EMF sensor detected by the field oriented controller.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in a first direction to release the tubing from the spool when the output of the sensor is above a first threshold.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in the first direction by reducing or eliminating electrical resistance applied by the motor to the spool.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to permit the spool to rotate in the first direction by causing the motor to rotate the spool in the first direction.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to cause the motor to rotate the spool in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to wind the tubing around the spool following permitting the spool to rotate in the first direction.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to: detect an absence of torque applied to the spool for a predetermined amount of time; andAttorney Docket No. 37759.0633P1 cause the motor to remain in a passive status in which the motor is not actively driven in the second direction, wherein the motor remains in the passive status until a condition is detected.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is operative to, prior to causing the motor to remain in the passive status, cause the motor to rotate in the first direction to release a portion of the tubing from the spool.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the condition comprises detecting, by the sensor, the movement of the spool or torque applied to the spool caused by tension on the tubing.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an oxygen source coupled to the tubing.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a base, wherein the spool is mounted on the base.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the base defines an area that is configured to receive an oxygen source thereon.

13. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a swivel between the base and the spool, wherein the swivel is configured to permit the spool to swivel about an axis transverse to a rotational axis of the spool.

14. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising tubing wound around the spool.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the tubing is at least 25 feet long.

16. A system comprising: the assembly as in any one of the preceding claims; and an input device in communication with the controller, wherein the input device is configured to cause the assembly to turn on or off based on an input received by a user.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the input device comprises a remote control.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the input device is configured to receive an input from the corresponding to an adjustment of a tension setting.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to modify at least one threshold setting in response to receiving the input from the corresponding to the adjustment of the tension setting.

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