Erico International Corporation

Reliable Engineering

Richard E Sasso, Jr

Glenn T Siracki

Pascal Godard

Robert Crozier

The terminal block assembly of this invention provides a finger safe method of distributing power while at the same time enabling the installer to make uniform and correct connections to a multiplicity of taps or ports. Each connection includes an abutment or seat physically to engage the end of the conductor and in addition the construction of the block and its insulating case provides the installer with visual access to the tip of the conductor in its proper seated position before the conductor is secured to the block with clamp screws. In order to provide such visual access the walls partially blocking the seating end of each conductor socket are scalloped or provided with an inverted conical section which enables the tip of each conductor to be seen from the top of the block. To facilitate this visual access the entire top of the insulating case is made from a transparent material. In one embodiment the top is provided with interior projections serving both to gauge and limit retraction of some of the clamp screws to prevent loose screws in the case. In another embodiment the screws, even though fully retracted or disengaged from the blcok, are held in axial alignment with their respective sockets and can't become loose in the case.

Power distribution block assembly

The terminal block assembly of this invention provides a finger safe method of distributing power while at the same time enabling the installer to make uniform and correct connections to a multiplicity of taps or ports. Each connection includes an abutment or seat physically to engage the end of the conductor and in addition the construction of the block and its insulating case provides the installer with visual access to the tip of the conductor in its proper seated position before the conductor is secured to the block. In order to provide such visual access the walls partially blocking the seating end of each conductor socket are scalloped or provided with an inverted conical section which enables the tip of each conductor to be seen from the top of the block. To facilitate this visual access the entire top of the insulating case is made from a transparent material.

In various embodiments of a pulse dose and conservation oxygen delivery system, a control circuit, which is typically microprocessor based, monitors a differential pressure sensor coupled to a patient interface such as a cannula or a face mask. When a patient inhales, a negative pressure is detected at the patient interface point. This condition is sensed and an electrical signal corresponding to the condition is sent to the control circuit. The control circuit processes the signal and then energizes a valve, through driver circuitry, that connects the patient to the oxygen supply for a fixed period of time at a preselected amount. The control circuit continually monitors the pressure differentials at the patient interface and only delivers pulses of oxygen upon the inhalation of the patient. Oxygen delivery is based on a fixed volume of oxygen per breath which provides the advantage of a varying net volume being delivered to the patient per period of time depending on their respiratory rate. If a patient exercises and their breathing rate increases, the control circuit will automatically and proportional to the breathing rate, increase the net volume of oxygen being delivered. In addition if the control circuit fails to sense patient inhalation for a predetermined period of time, it will automatically force pulses of oxygen to the patient while signalling this emergency condition to others. If the control circuit malfunctions or the unit loses power it will fail in such a way that it will still supply a continuous flow of oxygen to the patient, providing an extra level of safety.

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South Russell, OH, United States of America

Richard E Sasso, Jr