The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 25, 1989
Filed:
Apr. 18, 1988
Richard F Smith, Upland, CA (US);
Robert G Irvine, Claremont, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for controlling the flow of any breathing gas such as oxygen through a cannula or 'mask' to a person (patient, aviator, baby, miner, or diver) can be limited to the portion of the breathing cycle when the person breathes inward. This has the effect of reducing the consumption of breathing gas to at least half and possibly less. The result of this reduction of consumption is an extended life of the gas supply and a reduction of the cost per unit time. A bidirectional dynamic mass flow sensor senses the rate of flow of a gas through it and yields an output voltage proportional to mass flow and direction of gas movement. The measured dynamic flow signal is applied to a system controller which operates a flow controller. The system controller provides for indications of operation such as system failure and apnea, rate of flow, duration of flow, and total consumption; in addition, controls are provided to set the duration of gas flow in each breathing cycle.