Inventors:
Patrick L. McLaughlin - Salt Lake City UT
International Classification:
A61M 1600
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for conserving oxygen provided for oxygen therapy. The oxygen conserving delivery system includes a sensor for detecting inspiration efforts, and a microcontroller which is triggered by the sensor to open a valve to allow the flow of oxygen to the patient. The system includes a cross-field excitation/detection inspiration sensor using an adaptive full-wave signal detector/tracer. The system also includes a method for conserving energy by a unique combination of start and sustain drive lines coupled to the valve control. The system is able to compensate for variations in battery condition, inlet gas pressures, variations in valve tolerances, and the absence of gas pressure in a fault condition. Finally, a self-adaptive inspiration depth tracking ability ensures constant oxygen delivery volume even when there are variations in inspiration depths rather than changes in respiration rates. This ability enables the system to provide oxygen at a depth and a rate which is a best fit for a patient's oxygen needs when at rest or at work.