In one aspect, a product gas concentrator is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process separating absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture, a second process providing concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a third process providing concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a fourth process selectively switching between the continuous and pulsed output modes. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process pressurizing a source gaseous mixture, a second process separating absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture, a product tank accumulating concentrated product gas for dispensing, an output path, a third process selecting a volume to be dispensed during a predetermined time, a pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the concentrated product gas, and a fourth process controlling flow of the concentrated product gas in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.
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17. A method of providing a concentrated product gas, comprising:
providing the concentrated product gas for dispensing via an output path;
selecting a volume of concentrated product gas to be dispensed over a predetermined time duration;
monitoring a pressure of the concentrated product gas; and
selectively dispensing the concentrated product gas based at least in part on the selected volume and monitored pressure.
7. An apparatus for providing a concentrated product gas, comprising:
a product gas source providing the concentrated product gas for dispensing via an output path;
a volume selection logic selecting a volume of concentrated product gas to be dispensed over a predetermined time duration;
a pressure sensor monitoring a pressure of the concentrated product gas; and
a controller in operative communication with the volume selection logic and pressure sensor to selectively dispense the concentrated product gas based at least in part on the selected volume and monitored pressure.
4. A method of providing a concentrated product gas, comprising:
providing the concentrated product gas for dispensing via an output path;
selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode;
selecting a volume of concentrated product gas to be dispensed over a predetermined time duration;
monitoring a pressure of the concentrated product gas; and
selectively dispensing the concentrated product gas through the output path based at least in part on at least one of the selected mode, selected volume, and monitored pressure.
1. An apparatus for providing a concentrated product gas, comprising:
a product gas source providing the concentrated product gas for dispensing;
a mode selection logic selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode;
a volume selection logic selecting a volume of concentrated product gas to be dispensed over a predetermined time duration;
a pressure sensor monitoring a pressure of the concentrated product gas; and
a controller in operative communication with the mode selection logic, volume selection logic, and pressure sensor to selectively dispense the concentrated product gas based at least in part on at least one of the selected mode, selected volume, and monitored pressure.
2. The apparatus of
an inspiration sensor detecting inspiration by a user receiving the concentrated product gas;
wherein the mode selection logic selects the continuous output mode after no inspiration has been detected for a predetermined time duration and the controller selectively dispenses the concentrated product gas in the continuous output mode.
3. The apparatus of
one or more input devices adapted for selection of the continuous output mode or the pulsed output mode; and
wherein the controller selectively switches from the continuous output mode to the pulsed output mode and vice versa in response to a corresponding activation of the one or more input devices.
5. The method of
detecting inspiration by a user receiving the concentrated product gas in the pulsed output mode; and
selecting the continuous output mode after no inspiration has been detected for a predetermined time duration.
6. The method of
providing one or more input devices adapted for selection of the continuous output mode or the pulsed output mode by a user; and
selectively switching from the continuous output mode to the pulsed output mode and vice versa in response to a corresponding activation of the one or more input devices.
8. The apparatus of
a gaseous component separation subsystem separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized gaseous mixture to form the concentrated product gas; and
a variable pressurizing device adjustably pressurizing a source gaseous mixture to form the pressurized gaseous mixture in relation to an adjustable speed control;
wherein the controller selectively controls the adjustable speed control based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume and monitored pressure.
9. The apparatus of
a proportional flow control valve proportionately adjustable from a closed position and to an open position and proportionately controlling dispensing of the concentrated product gas; and
wherein the controller selectively adjusts the proportional flow control valve to a desired proportional position based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume and monitored pressure.
10. The apparatus of
first and second sieve beds arranged to separate one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized gaseous mixture in alternating separating cycles with opposing pressurization and de-pressurization portions associated with each sieve bed to form the concentrated product gas; and
wherein the controller determines a decay in pressure of the concentrated product gas associated with one or more transitions between pressurization portions associated with the first and second sieve beds based at least in part on the monitored pressure, determines a coarse adjustment to the desired proportional position based at least in part on the determined pressure decay, and selectively adjusts the proportional flow control valve based at least in part on the coarse adjustment.
11. The apparatus of
12. The apparatus of
a mode selection logic selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode; and
wherein the controller is in operative communication with the mode selection logic and selectively adjusts the proportional flow control valve in conjunction with the selected mode.
13. The apparatus of
a two-position flow control valve selectively switching an output port connection associated with a user from a vent port to the concentrated product gas and vice versa and having a first position connecting the output port to the vent port and a second position connecting the output port to the concentrated product gas;
a flow sensor sensing inspiration flow through the vent port; and
wherein the controller is in operative communication with the flow sensor and selectively switches the two-position flow control valve based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume, monitored pressure, and detection of inspiration flow through the vent port.
14. The apparatus of
15. The apparatus of
16. The apparatus of
a mode selection logic selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode; and
wherein the controller is in operative communication with the mode selection logic and selectively switches the two-position flow control valve in conjunction with the selected mode.
18. The method of
pressurizing a source gaseous mixture to form the pressurized gaseous mixture using a variable speed pressurizing device;
separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized gaseous mixture to form the concentrated product gas; and
selectively controlling a rotational speed associated with the variable speed pressurizing device based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume and monitored pressure.
19. The method of
proportionately controlling dispensing of the concentrated product gas via a proportional flow control valve being proportionately adjustable from a closed position to an open position; and
selectively adjusting the proportional flow control valve to a desired proportional position based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume and monitored pressure.
20. The method of
separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized gaseous mixture via first and second sieve beds in alternating separating cycles with opposing pressurization and de-pressurization portions associated with each sieve bed to form the concentrated product gas;
determining a decay in pressure of the concentrated product gas associated with one or more transitions between pressurization portions associated with the first and second sieve beds based at least in part on the monitored pressure;
determining a coarse adjustment to the desired proportional position based at least in part on the determined pressure decay; and
selectively adjusting the proportional flow control valve based at least in part on the coarse adjustment.
21. The method of
determining a desired average pressure of the concentrated product gas based at least in part on the selected volume;
determining a fine adjustment to the desired proportional position based at least in part on the desired average pressure and monitored pressure; and
selectively adjusting the proportional flow control valve based at least in part on the fine adjustment.
22. The method of
selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode; and
selectively adjusting the proportional flow control valve in conjunction with the selected mode.
23. The method of
selectively switching an output port connection associated with a user from a vent port to the concentrated product gas and vice versa via a two-position flow control valve having a first position connecting the output port to the vent port and a second position connecting the output port to the concentrated product gas;
sensing inspiration flow through the vent port; and
selectively switching the two-position flow control valve based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume, monitored pressure, and detection of inspiration flow through the vent port.
24. The method of
25. The method of
selectively switching the two-position flow control valve to the first position based at least in part on at least one of the selected volume, monitored pressure, and a first time duration in the second position;
determining a breath rate based at least in part on a sequence of detections of inspiration flow through the vent port;
determining the first time duration based at least in part on the determined breath rate;
determining a second time duration associated with dispensing the selected volume over the predetermined time duration based at least in part on the monitored pressure and determined breath rate; and
determining the first time duration based at least in part on allocating the second time duration in relation to the determined breath rate and the predetermined time duration.
26. The method of
selecting dispensing of the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or a pulsed output mode; and
selectively switching the two-position flow control valve in conjunction with the selected mode.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/258,480, filed Oct. 25, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,717; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/621,808, filed Oct. 25, 2004. This application is related to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/522,683, filed Sep. 18, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,300, and Ser. No. 12/106,861, filed Apr. 21, 2008. This application is also related to co-pending International (PCT) Patent Application Numbers PCT/US07/18468, filed Sep. 18, 2006 and PCT/US08/61022, filed Apr. 21, 2008. The contents of all above-identified patent application(s) and patent(s) are fully incorporated herein by reference.
Various applications exist for the separation of gaseous mixtures. For example, the separation of nitrogen from atmospheric air can provide a highly concentrated source of oxygen. These various applications include the provision of elevated concentrations of oxygen for medical patients and flight personnel. Hence, it is desirable to provide systems that separate gaseous mixtures to provide a concentrated product gas, such as a breathing gas with a concentration of oxygen.
Several existing product gas or oxygen concentrators, for example, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,449,990, 5,906,672, 5,917,135, and 5,988,165 which are commonly assigned to Invacare Corporation of Elyria, Ohio and fully incorporated herein by reference.
In one aspect, an apparatus for providing a concentrated product gas is provided.
In one embodiment, the apparatus include for example, a gaseous component separation process separating one or more absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture to form a concentrated product gas, a continuous output process adapted to provide the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a pulsed output process adapted to provide the concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a mode selection process selectively switching between the continuous output mode and the pulsed output mode.
In another aspect, a method of providing a concentrated product gas is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes, for example, separating one or more absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture to form a concentrated product gas, providing the concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode or in a pulsed output mode, and in response to a predetermined condition, selectively switching between the continuous output mode and the pulsed output mode.
Each of the various elements and/or steps in the drawings and corresponding descriptions below may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Flow of a gaseous mixture or a concentrated product gas is typically depicted in the drawings by double-lined paths. Single-line paths in the drawings typically represent signal communications. Certain closed flow paths may be depicted in dashed double lines.
With reference to
The gaseous component separation process 12 may be adapted to receive a source gaseous mixture 20 (e.g., atmospheric air or ambient air). The gaseous component separation process 12 may separate one or more absorbable components (e.g., nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, etc.) from the source gaseous mixture 20 to form a concentrated product gas 22. The continuous output process 14 may be adapted to receive the concentrated product gas 22 and, if selected by the mode selection process 18, may provide continuous concentrated product gas to a continuous or pulsed concentrated product gas outlet 24. The pulsed output process 16 may also be adapted to receive the concentrated product gas 22 and, if selected by the mode selection process 18, may provide pulsed concentrated product gas to the continuous or pulsed concentrated product gas outlet 24. Thus, the mode selection process 18 determines whether the continuous or pulsed concentrated product gas outlet 24 provides a continuous concentrated product gas or a pulsed concentrated product gas by selecting either the continuous output process 14 or the pulsed output process 16. As shown, the continuous output process 14 is selected.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In another embodiment, a user interface that may include a display device and one or more input devices may be provided. In this embodiment, a user interface process for interacting with the display device in response to activation of the one or more input devices may also be provided. For example, the user interface process may present multiple choices in a menu, list, or graphic form on the display device for navigation and selection via the one or more input devices. A user may use the one or more input devices to interact with the display to select the continuous output mode or pulsed output mode.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The pressurizing process 102 may be adapted to receive a source gaseous mixture 118 (e.g., atmospheric air or ambient air). The pressurizing process 102 may pressurize the source gaseous mixture 118 to form a pressurized gaseous mixture 119 that is provided to the gaseous component separation process 104. The gaseous component separation process 104 may separate one or more absorbable components (e.g., nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, etc.) from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 to form a concentrated product gas 120 that is provided to the product tank 106. The product tank 106 may accumulate a volume of the concentrated product gas 106. The output path 108 is in communication with the product tank 106 and may selectively dispense a continuous or pulsed concentrated product gas 122.
The volume selection process 110 may provide for selection of a volume of concentrated product gas to be dispensed via the output path 108 during a predetermined time. For example, a volume of 0.1 to 5 liters (i.e., 100 to 5,000 cubic centimeters (cc)) per minute may be selected. The volume selection process 110, for example, may include a user interface with one or more input devices. Each activation of the one or more input devices may send a corresponding signal to the controller 101. In another embodiment, the user interface may include a display device and one or more input devices. In this embodiment, the controller 101 may include a user interface process for interacting with the display device in response to activation of the one or more input devices. For example, the controller 101 may present multiple choices in a menu, list, or graphic form on the display device for navigation and selection via the one or more input devices. A user may use the one or more input devices to interact with the display to select a volume. The controller 101 may identify the selected volume from signals provided by the volume selection process 110.
The pressure sensor 112 may monitor a pressure of the concentrated product gas in the output path 108 and may provide a corresponding signal indicative of the monitored pressure to the controller 101. The controller 101 may include various processes to control the flow of the concentrated product gas through the output path 108 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In this regard, the controller 101 may control the pressurizing process 102, gaseous component separation process 104, and/or flow control process 114 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.
With reference to
In the embodiment being described, the compressor 126 is adapted to pressurize the source gaseous mixture to form the pressurized gaseous mixture. The drive motor 124 may be a variable speed motor and may drive the compressor 126 via a drive shaft. The compressor 126 may be driven directly by the drive shaft of the drive motor 124 or via another suitable type of mechanical linkage, such as a belt, gear, chain, or gear box. The controller 101′ may include various processes to control the speed of the drive motor 124 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In this regard, the controller 101′ may control the flow of the concentrated product gas through the output path 108, at least in part, by controlling the speed of the drive motor 124 and associated compressor 126. More specifically, the controller 101′ may include an initial motor process for initially operating the variable speed drive motor 124 at a speed corresponding to the selected volume. The controller 101′ may also include a motor adjustment process for adjusting the speed of the variable speed drive motor 124 in response to at least one of the monitored pressure and the selected volume.
With reference to
With reference to
The proportional flow control valve 128 is adapted to proportionately move between a closed position and an open position in relation to a variable control signal from the controller 201. The controller 201 may include various processes to control the level of the variable control signal and the corresponding position of the proportional flow control valve 128 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In cooperation with the proportional flow control valve 128, the monitored pressure from the pressure sensor 112 may be related to flow through the output path 208 by the controller 201. Further, the controller 201 may relate flow through the output path 208 to volume, for example, with respect to continuous flow over a know time. In this regard, the controller 201 may control the flow of the continuous concentrated product gas 130 through the output path 208, at least in part, by controlling the proportional flow control valve 128. More specifically, the controller 201 may include an initial proportional valve process for initially moving the proportional flow control valve 128 to a position corresponding to the selected volume. The controller 201 may also include a proportional valve adjustment process for adjusting the position of the proportional flow control valve 128 in response to at least one of the monitored pressure and the selected volume.
With reference to
The first and second sieve beds 132, 134, each may be adapted to receive the pressurized gaseous mixture 119, separate the one or more absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119, and provide the concentrated product gas 120 to the product tank 106. The sieve beds, for example, may operate similar to sieve beds disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,449,990, 5,906,672, 5,917,135, and 5,988,165 which are commonly assigned to Invacare Corporation of Elyria, Ohio and fully incorporated herein by reference. The cross-over switching valve 136 is adapted to selectively switch between a first position, for example, connecting the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 to the first sieve bed 132 and a second position, for example, connecting the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 to the second sieve bed 134. As shown, the cross-over switching valve 136 is in the first position.
The controller 201′ may include various processes to control the cross-over switching valve 136 and proportional flow control valve 128 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In this regard, the controller 201′ may control the flow of the continuous concentrated product gas 130 through the output path 208, at least in part, by controlling the cross-over switching valve 136 and/or proportional flow control valve 128. More specifically, the controller 201′ may include an initial proportional valve process for initially moving the proportional flow control valve 128 to a position corresponding to the selected volume. The controller 201′ may also include a proportional valve adjustment process for adjusting the position of the proportional flow control valve 128 in response to at least one of the monitored pressure and the selected volume.
In cooperation with the proportional valve adjustment process, the controller 201′ may include a cross-over valve process to periodically change the cross-over switching valve 136 between the first and second positions to define a separating cycle associated with the gaseous component separation process 204. The separating cycle may include a first portion in which the first sieve bed 132 receives the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 and a second portion in which the second sieve bed 134 receives the pressurized gaseous mixture 119.
The first portion may include a first segment in which the first sieve bed 136 separates the one or more absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 and a second segment in which the first sieve bed 136 continues separating the one or more absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 and also provides the concentrated product gas 120 to the product tank 106. For example, the path between the gaseous component separation process 204 and product tank 106 may include a directional component, such as a check valve. The directional component may permit the concentrated product gas 120 to flow into the product tank 106 when a pressure on the separation process side of the directional component is greater than the pressure on the product tank side, but blocks flow of the concentrated product gas 120 from the product tank 106 to the separation process side when the pressure on the separation process side is less than the pressure on the product tank side. The first segment of the first portion of the separating cycle relates to conditions when flow of concentrated product gas 120 from the product tank 106 to the first sieve bed 132 is blocked. The second segment relates to conditions when concentrated product gas 120 flows from the first sieve bed 132 to the product tank 106.
Similarly, the second portion of the separating cycle may include a third segment in which the second sieve bed 134 separates the one or more absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 and a fourth segment in which the second sieve bed 134 continues separating the one or more absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture 119 and also provides the concentrated product gas 120 to the product tank 106. Like for the first sieve bed 132, the path between the second sieve bed 134 and product tank 106 may include a directional component, such as a check valve. Thus, the third segment of the separating cycle relates to conditions when flow of concentrated product gas 120 from the product tank 106 to the second sieve bed 134 is blocked. Additionally, the fourth segment relates to conditions when concentrated product gas 120 flows from the second sieve bed 134 to the product tank 106.
In conjunction with the operation of the gaseous component separation process 204 described above, the controller 201′ may include a pressure decay process, a volume dispensed process, a coarse adjustment determining process, and a proportional valve coarse adjustment process. The pressure decay process may include comparing a first monitored pressure associated with a transition from the first portion of the separating cycle to the second portion with a second monitored pressure taken during the third segment of the separating cycle and identifying a first pressure decay in the output path 208 associated with at least a portion of the third segment. The volume dispensed process may include determining a first volume of continuous concentrated product gas 130 dispensed from the output path 208 in relation to the first pressure decay. The coarse adjustment determining process may include comparing the first volume to the selected volume in relation to a known time between the first and second monitored pressures to determine a first coarse adjustment associated with a current level of the variable control signal to the proportional flow control valve 128. The proportional valve coarse adjustment process may include changing the current level of the variable control signal to the proportional flow control valve 128 in relation to the first coarse adjustment.
The controller 201′ may also use the pressure decay process, volume dispensed process, coarse adjustment determining process, and proportional valve coarse adjustment process described above to make another coarse adjustment associated with a transition from the second portion of the separating cycle to the first portion of a next separating cycle. This coarse adjustment is based on a second pressure decay in the output path 208 associated with at least a portion of the first segment of the next separating cycle.
The coarse adjust LUT 138 may include lookup values for certain parameters related to certain corresponding measured and/or determined values of certain other parameters. For example, the coarse adjust LUT 138 may include lookup values for the variable control signal related to corresponding values associated with a difference between the actual volume dispensed (e.g., first volume) and the selected volume. In other embodiments, the coarse adjust LUT 138 may include lookup values for monitored pressure related to corresponding values associated with the signal from the pressure sensor 112, lookup values for an actual volume dispensed (e.g., first volume) related to corresponding values for a pressure decay (e.g., first pressure decay), and/or lookup values for the variable control signal related to corresponding values associated with the selected volume. The controller 201′ may retrieve lookup values from the coarse adjust LUT 138 in conjunction with the various processes controlling the flow of the continuous concentrated product gas 130 through the output path 208.
With reference to
The controller 201″ may include various processes to control the level of the variable control signal and the corresponding position of the proportional flow control valve 128 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In this regard, the controller 201″ may control the flow of the continuous concentrated product gas 130 through the output path 208, at least in part, by controlling the proportional flow control valve 128. More specifically, the controller 201″ may include an initial proportional valve process for initially moving the proportional flow control valve 128 to a position corresponding to the selected volume. The controller 201″ may also include a proportional valve adjustment process for adjusting the position of the proportional flow control valve 128 in response to at least one of the monitored pressure and the selected volume.
In cooperation with the proportional valve adjustment process, the controller 201″ may include an expected pressure process, a fine adjustment determining process, and a proportional valve fine adjustment process. The expected pressure process may include identifying an expected average pressure for the concentrated product gas 120 in the output path 208 during continuous output mode in relation to the selected volume. The fine adjustment determining process may include periodically comparing a current monitored pressure to the expected average pressure to identify a current fine adjustment associated with a current level of the variable control signal to the proportional flow control valve 128. In another embodiment, the current fine adjustment may be identified as a predetermined percentage or factor of the current monitored pressure. The proportional valve fine adjustment process may include changing the current level of the variable control signal to the proportional flow control valve 128 in relation to the current fine adjustment.
The fine adjust LUT 140 may include lookup values for certain parameters related to certain corresponding measured and/or determined values of certain other parameters. For example, the fine adjust LUT 140 may include lookup values for the variable control signal related to corresponding values associated with a difference between the monitored pressure and the expected average pressure. In other embodiments, the fine adjust LUT 140 may include lookup values for monitored pressure related to corresponding values associated with the signal from the pressure sensor 112, lookup values for the average expected pressure related to corresponding values for the selected volume, and/or lookup values for the variable control signal related to corresponding values associated with the selected volume. The controller 201″ may retrieve lookup values from the fine adjust LUT 140 in conjunction with the various processes controlling the flow of the continuous concentrated product gas 130 through the output path 208.
With reference to
With reference to
The “Feed Forward” portion of the exemplary algorithm may be used to make fine adjustments of the variable control signal to the proportional flow control valve based on current pressure as described above in more detail (see
With reference to
The output port 142 may be adapted to provide pulsed concentrated product gas 156 to a user. The vent port may be adapted to receive atmospheric air 158, for example, when the user inhales (i.e., during an inspiration portion of a breathing cycle). The flow sensor 148 may be adapted to sense flow through the inspiration path 144, for example, during an inspiration. The outlet end 150 may be disposed opposite the vent port 146 with respect to the inspiration path 144. The two-position flow control valve 152 may be adapted to selectively switch between a first position connecting the outlet end 150 of the inspiration path 144 to the outlet port 142 and a second position connecting the output path 308 from the product tank 106 through the restriction orifice 154 to the output port 142. As shown, the two-position flow control valve 152 is in the first position.
The controller 301 may include various processes to control the two-position flow control valve 152 in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure. In cooperation with the restriction orifice 154, the monitored pressure from the pressure sensor 112 may be related to flow through the output path 308 by the controller 301. Further, the controller 301 may relate flow through the output path 308 to volume, for example, with respect to an individual pulse duration and/or accumulated pulse durations. In this regard, the controller 301 may control the flow of the pulsed concentrated product gas 156 through the output path 308, at least in part, by controlling the two-position flow control valve 152. More specifically, the controller 301 may include a rising edge control process and a trailing edge control process for controlling the two-position flow control valve 152 to define each pulse duration during pulsed output mode. The rising edge control process may include switching the two-position flow control valve 152 to the second position in response to detecting flow through the inspiration path 144 above a predetermined threshold when the two-position flow control valve 152 is in the first position. The trailing edge control process may include switching the two-position flow control valve 152 from the second position to the first position in response to at least one of the selected volume and the monitored pressure.
With reference to
The controller 301′ may include the rising edge control process and trailing edge control process for controlling the two-position flow control valve 152 as described above for
The breath rate LUT 160 may include lookup values for certain parameters related to certain corresponding measured and/or determined values of certain other parameters. For example, the breath rate LUT 160 may include lookup values for the breath rate in relation to corresponding values associated with a time between one or more consecutive sensed inspirations by the flow sensor 148. In other embodiments, the breath rate LUT 160 may include lookup values for the sensed flow in the inspiration path 144 related to corresponding values associated with a signal from the flow sensor 148, lookup values for an actual volume dispensed during a pulse duration related to one or more monitored pressures during the pulse duration and a known time for the pulse duration, and/or lookup values for monitored pressure related to corresponding values associated with the signal from the pressure sensor 112. The controller 301′ may retrieve lookup values from the breath rate LUT 160 in conjunction with the various processes controlling the flow of the pulsed concentrated product gas 156 through the output path 308.
With reference to
The controller 301″ may include the rising edge control process and trailing edge control process for controlling the two-position flow control valve 152 as described above for
The pulse duration LUT 162 may include lookup values for certain parameters related to certain corresponding measured and/or determined values of certain other parameters. For example, the pulse duration LUT 162 may include lookup values for the pulse duration in relation to corresponding values associated with a determined breath rate. The controller 301″ may retrieve lookup values from the pulse duration LUT 162 in conjunction with the various processes controlling the flow of the pulsed concentrated product gas 156 through the output path 308.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
At 436, a first monitored pressure associated with a transition from the first portion of the separating cycle to the second portion may be compared to a second monitored pressure during the third segment of the separating cycle to identify a first pressure decay. Next, a first volume of concentrated product gas dispensed from the product tank in relation to the first pressure decay may be determined (438). At 440, the first volume may be compared to the selected volume in relation to a known time between the first and second monitored pressures to determine a first coarse adjustment associated with a current level of the variable control signal. Then, the current level of the variable control signal may be changed in relation to the first coarse adjustment (442). At this point, the process may be repeated.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In still another embodiment, the exemplary process (e.g.,
With reference to
The air inlet filter/silencer 502, compressor 504, pressure relief valve 506, and cross-over switching valve 510 provides a path for a pressurized gaseous mixture to the first and second sieve beds 516, 518. The cross-over switching valve 510 vacuum pump 512, and vacuum vent/muffler 514 provides an de-pressurization path from the first and second sieve beds 516, 518 to ambient air. The PE valve 520 provides a pressure equalizing path between the first and second sieve beds 516, 518. The first check valve 522 provides a concentrated product gas path from the first sieve bed 516 to the product tank 526. The second check valve 524 provides a concentrated product gas path from the second sieve bed 518 to the product tank 526. The product tank 526, pressure sensor 528, HEPA filter 530, oxygen sensor isolation valve 532, first restriction orifice 534, and oxygen sensor/vent 536 provide a concentrated product gas path to ambient air for oxygen sensing purposes. The product tank 526, pressure sensor 528, HEPA filter 530, second restriction orifice 538, and two-position flow control valve 540 provide a concentrated product gas path to the user outlet fitting 550 during each pulse associated with pulsed output mode. The two-position flow control valve 540, flow sensor 542, third restriction orifice 544, and inspiration valve/vent 546 provide an inspiration path from the user outlet fitting 550 to ambient air during each conservation period associated with pulsed output mode. The product tank 526, pressure sensor 528, HEPA filter 530, and proportional flow control valve 548 provide a concentrated product gas path to the user outlet fitting 550 during continuous output mode.
With reference to
The controller 602 may be microcontroller-based and may control operations in conjunction with software instructions and data stored in the memory 604. The controller 602 may receive input signals from the one or more input devices 606, pressure sensor 620, flow sensor 626, and oxygen sensor 632. The one or more input devices 606 and the display device 608 may provide a user interface to the controller 602. The controller 602 may interactively control the display device 608 in response to activations of the one or more input devices 606. For example, the controller 602 may present multiple choices in a menu, list, or graphic form on the display device 608 for navigation and selection via the one or more input devices 606. A user may use the one or more input devices 606 to interact with the display to, for example, select the continuous output mode or pulsed output mode. The controller 602 may retrieve data from the one or more LUTs 610 during operations, for example, to convert measured or determined parameters to corresponding related parameters.
The controller 602 may control the drive motor 612, fan 614, cross-over switching valve 616, PE valve 618, proportional flow control valve 622, two-position flow control valve 624, inspiration valve 628, and oxygen sensor isolation valve 630 in response to various user selections and various sensed conditions during operation of the product gas concentrator 600. The drive motor 612 may drive the compressor (
With general reference to
A cross-over valving means (e.g.,
As the gas mixture is introduced under pressure through a bed inlet to an adsorbed gas-free or regenerated bed, an adsorption zone of finite, relatively large size is formed. This adsorption zone is a region of the bed in which the full capacity of the adsorbent to hold the absorbable components has not been reached. The composition of the gas in the voids of the zeolite varies from substantially pure primary product gas at the outlet end to the ambient gaseous mixture composition at the inlet end. This adsorption zone moves from the bed inlet toward a bed outlet with a velocity significantly less than the superficial gas velocity in the bed and is dependent on the input gas pressure. When the adsorption zone reaches the outlet end of the bed, absorbable components begin to flow through the bed outlet into the nonabsorbable primary product stream. This time is hereinafter referred to as the “breakthrough time.” When breakthrough occurs, primary product enriched bed gas in the zeolite voids varies from a higher primary product gas concentration at the bed outlet to a lower concentration at the bed inlet. In the preferred embodiment the primary product enriched bed gas is about 80 percent primary product at breakthrough. While adsorption is occurring in one bed, the absorbable components adsorbed by the separation medium of the other bed are removed under vacuum.
The first bed is connected with a product tank (e.g.,
A pressure equalization flow path extends between a second pair of outlets of the first and second beds. The flow path has a sufficient gas flow capacity such that when one bed is under full pressure and the other bed is under full vacuum, gas flow through the pressure equalization path substantially equalizes the bed pressures. In one embodiment, the flow path capacity is sufficient to bring the beds into pressure equilibrium in about 10 percent of the cycle duration or about 2 seconds. A pressure equalization valve (e.g.,
With reference to
A demand-based embodiment of control is provided. The demand control can be based on, but not limited to, user selection of flow rate (i.e., liters per minute) during continuous mode (see
In one embodiment, the demand control varies or adjusts the speed of the motor (e.g.,
With reference to
With reference to
Upon detection of an inspiration, controller opens product flow control valve (e.g.,
Q=K√{square root over ((P1−P0))}
where Q is flow rate, K is a flow constant associated with the product flow control valve, and P1 (e.g., product tank pressure) and P0 (e.g., atmospheric pressure) are pressures on each side of the product flow control valve as measured by pressure transducer (e.g.,
In operation, the product control valve (e.g.,
Generally, in demand modes where the compressor and vacuum motor speed is modified, the timing of main switching valve 6 and pressure equalization valve (e.g.,
In yet another embodiment, the demand control can be based on oxygen concentration output. In this mode, an oxygen sensor (e.g.,
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
While the apparatus and method of providing a concentrated product gas has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of this specification to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Therefore, the apparatus and method of providing a concentrated product gas, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general concept for the apparatus and method of providing a concentrated product gas.
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