BREATH TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

Described herein is a breath training apparatus [100], comprising a breathing unit [102], a CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108], and a control unit [112]. The breathing unit [102] has an enrichment airflow pathway [102c], and is adapted to provide inhalation air with enriched CO.sub.2 concentration. The control unit [112] comprises a CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b], a CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], and a controller [112g]. The controller: receives the signals corresponding to CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] from the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], compares the CO.sub.2 concentration with a defined CO.sub.2 concentration; and correspondingly controls the CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] for controlled manipulation of the CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108], such that the controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] adjust the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] at least substantially equivalent to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration.

Claims

1. A breath training apparatus, comprising: a breathing unit defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an enrichment airflow pathway therebetween, wherein the breathing unit is adapted to: receive exhaled air from a user in at least one exhalation pass through the air inlet; enable a portion of air in the enrichment airflow pathway to vent through the air outlet, such that the remaining air in the enrichment airflow pathway mixes with the exhaled air to be enriched in CO.sub.2 concentration, and release at least a portion of the enriched air through the air inlet for inhalation in subsequent inhalation pass to the user; at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit coupled to the breathing unit for modulating the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air, such that a controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit corresponds to a control of the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit; and a control unit, comprising: at least one CO.sub.2 actuator for controllably manipulating the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit to control the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit; and a CO.sub.2 sensor for generating signals corresponding to the CO.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit; and a controller for receiving the signals corresponding to the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway from the CO.sub.2 sensor, comparing the CO.sub.2 concentration with a defined CO.sub.2 concentration, and correspondingly controlling the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator for the controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit, such that the controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit adjusts the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway at least substantially equivalent to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration.

2. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an O.sub.2 supply unit fluidly communicating with the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit for supplying O.sub.2 to the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an O.sub.2 sensor for measuring and generating O.sub.2 signals corresponding to O.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit.

7. (canceled)

8. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breathing unit has an enclosed housing unit defining the enrichment airflow pathway therein, such that the enrichment airflow pathway has a predefined trajectory, and wherein the predefined trajectory is one of: a straight trajectory defined between the air inlet and the air outlet, or a curved trajectory with at least one turn between the air inlet and the air outlet.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit is a closable opening positioned proximal to the air inlet, for enabling controlled fluid communication of the enrichment airflow pathway with ambient air in external environment corresponding to the controlled manipulation of the first one of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit for the control of the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit.

13. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit is a secondary housing unit telescopically extending from a housing unit of the breathing unit, such that a controlled telescopic extension and/or retraction of the secondary housing unit relative to the housing unit enlarges and/or contracts the enrichment airflow pathway, corresponding to the controlled manipulation of the one of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit for the control of the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more real-time physiological sensors for determining one or more real-time physiological parameters of the user wherein the one or more real-time physiological parameters comprise at least one of: a heart rate, an exhaled airflow pressure, an exhaled airflow volume, an inhaled airflow pressure, an inhaled airflow volume, a breathing minute volume, a SpO.sub.2 level, and a heart rate variability (HRV) level.

17. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one real-time air parameter sensor for determining one or more real-time physical properties of one or more of ambient air and the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway.

18. (canceled)

19. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an I/O unit for receiving a user input corresponding to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and a defined O.sub.2 concentration, and displaying in real-time the CO.sub.2 concentration, O.sub.2 concentration, one or more real-time physiological parameters related to the user, and one or more physical properties of ambient air.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is fluidly connected to a mask unit to receive the exhaled air from the user and supply the enriched air to the user.

26. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is fluidly connected to an enclosed tent unit or a cocoon unit housing the user, to receive the exhaled air from the user and supply the enriched air to the user.

27. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is fluidly connected to a mask unit housing at least a head of the user, to receive the exhaled air from the user and supply the enriched air to the user.

28. (canceled)

29. The breath training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO.sub.2 sensor is one of: an air pressure sensor or an airflow sensor.

30. (canceled)

31. A method for automatically controlling a breath training apparatus the method comprising: receiving, by an air inlet of a breathing unit, an exhaled air from a user in at least one exhalation pass; enabling, by the breathing unit, at least a portion of air in an enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit to vent through an air outlet of the breathing unit, such that the remaining air in the enrichment airflow pathway mixes with the exhaled air to be enriched in CO.sub.2 concentration; releasing, by the air inlet of the breathing unit, at least a portion of the enriched air for inhalation in subsequent inhalation pass to the user; generating signals, by a CO.sub.2 sensor, corresponding to the CO.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit; receiving, by a controller, the signals; receiving, by an I/O unit, a defined CO.sub.2 concentration from the user; comparing, by the controller, the CO.sub.2 concentration based on the signals with the defined CO.sub.2 concentration; and controlling, by the controller, at least one CO.sub.2 actuator for controlled manipulation of at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit, such that the controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit adjusts the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway at least substantially equivalent to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of supplying, by an O.sub.2 supply unit, O.sub.2 to the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway.

33. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

[0014] FIG. 1a shows a side sectional view of a breath training apparatus, illustrating various component of the breath training apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of a first embodiment the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the sectional view of a breath training apparatus, illustrating various component of the breath training apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of a second embodiment the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the breath training apparatus, illustrating a second CO.sub.2 modulation unit in a retracted position, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the breath training apparatus, illustrating a second CO.sub.2 modulation unit in an extended position, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of the breath training apparatus, illustrating an O2 modulation unit, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the breath training apparatus, illustrating an arrangement of a cocoon-type mask unit, in accordance with the concepts of a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling the breathing unit of the breath training apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, the terms include and comprise (and variations thereof such as including, includes, comprising, comprises, comprised and the like) are used inclusively and do not exclude further features, components, integers, steps or elements.

[0023] FIG. 1a shows a side sectional view of a breath training apparatus [100], illustrating various component of the breath training apparatus [100], in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the breath training apparatus [100], illustrating a second CO.sub.2 modulation unit in a retracted position, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the breath training apparatus [100], illustrating a second CO.sub.2 modulation unit in an extended position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of the breath training apparatus [100], illustrating an O2 modulation unit, in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1a, 2, 3, and 4 should be referred to in conjunction with each other to clearly understand a scope of the present disclosure. The breath training apparatus [100] is adapted to provide inhalation air with increased CO.sub.2 concentration while lowering, maintaining, or increasing the O.sub.2 concentration, such that inhalation air comprises of a mixture of at least a portion of exhaled air and ambient air. As is understood to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the O.sub.2 concentration can be either lowered, maintained, or increased, concepts of the present disclosure hereinafter will be described as the O.sub.2 concentration been increased along with increase of the CO.sub.2 concentration. Moreover, the breath training apparatus [100] is adapted to provide inhalation air, wherein CO.sub.2 concentration and O.sub.2 concentration within the inhalation air can be precisely controlled, such that the breath training apparatus [100] can be efficiently used for breath training purposes. The breath training apparatus [100] includes a breathing unit [102], a mask unit [104], at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106 108], an O2 supply unit (not shown), an O.sub.2 modulation unit [110], and a control unit [112].

[0024] The breathing unit [102] is fluidly connected to a mouth and/or nose of a user via the mask unit [104], and is suitably structured and arranged to perform the following: receive exhaled air from the user in at least one exhalation pass; enable a portion of air within the breathing unit to vent, such that the remaining air in the breathing unit [102] mixes with the exhaled air to be enriched in CO.sub.2 concentration; and release at least a portion of the enriched air as inhalation air, for inhalation in subsequent inhalation pass to the user. As the enriched air is used for inhalation, the enriched air will be interchangeably referred to as inhalation air in forthcoming disclosure. A structure and arrangement of the breathing unit [102] for performing the aforementioned function will be described in details hereinafter. The breathing unit [102] includes at least partially enclosed housing unit [102d] that defines an air inlet [102a], an air outlet [102b], and an enrichment pathway [102c] defined between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. The enrichment pathway [102c] has a defined trajectory.

[0025] In a first embodiment (not shown) of the breathing unit [102], the housing unit [102d] is a cylindrical housing unit that defines the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b] at opposite ends, and defines the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] with a straight trajectory defined between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. In a second embodiment of the breathing unit [102], as is shown in FIG. 1a, the housing unit [102d] is an enclosed cuboidal structure supporting at least one baffle plate structures therein, such that the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b] are defined at two open ends, while the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] has a curved trajectory defining one (1) turn between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. In this embodiment, the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] may include one turn in the curved trajectory, defining two airflow pathways fluidly connected to each other. In yet another third embodiment of the breathing unit [102], as is shown in FIG. 1b, the housing unit [102d] is an enclosed structure supporting at least one baffle plate structures therein, such that the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b] are defined at two open ends, while the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] has a curved trajectory defining two turns between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102a]. In yet another embodiment of the breathing unit [102], the housing unit [102d] is an enclosed structure supporting two baffle plate structures therein, such that the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b] are defined at two open ends, while the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] has a curved trajectory defining five turns between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. Each of the aforementioned embodiments are within a scope of the present disclosure, and is not described in details herein for the sake of brevity. It may be appreciated by a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the number of turns defined by the curved trajectory between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b], does not limit a scope of the invention, and any number of turns can be defined by the curved trajectory between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. The embodiment of the breathing unit [102], as shown in FIG. 1a, wherein the housing unit [102d] is structured and arranged, such that the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] includes the curved trajectory with one turn, is shown and described in details in the present disclosure.

[0026] In the preferred second embodiment of the breathing unit [102], the housing unit [102d] is a cuboidal structure that supports a baffle plate structure therein, such that the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] defines the one (1) turn therein, and is entirely defined between the air inlet [102a] and the air outlet [102b]. It may be noted that the housing unit [102d] is suitably structured, such that the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] has a volume (or capacity) in a range of 2.5 to 35 liters, preferably in a range of 5 to 15 liters. Such a volume (or capacity) of the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] is equal and/or significantly above a vital capacity of an average user to achieve higher level of CO.sub.2 concentration in the inhalation air. The breathing unit [102] is capable of imparting the breath training to the user without causing much air resistance during the training process. Additionally, to achieve low airflow resistance and a high level of CO.sub.2 concentration within the inhalation air, at least a width of the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] in a range of 6 cm to 17 cm, preferably in a range of 9 cm to 12.5 cm.

[0027] The mask unit [104] is installed over at least a portion of mouth and/or nose of user and is fluidly connected to the air inlet [102a] of the breathing unit [102] to: transfer exhaled air from the user to the breathing unit [102] during exhalation passes, and transfer inhalation air from the breathing unit [102] to the user during inhalation passes. In one embodiment, the mask unit [104] is a conventional mask unit comprising of a mask covering mouth and/or nose of a user, and a fluid connection pipe in communication with the mask and also fluidly connected to the air inlet [102a] of the breathing unit [102]. Thus, the embodiment of conventional mask unit [104] enables: transfer of exhaled air from the user to the breathing unit [102] during exhalation passes, and transfer of inhalation air from the breathing unit [102] to the user during inhalation passes. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the mask unit [104] is a tent unit or a cocoon unit [104] with at least one opening, and a pipe connection in fluid communication with the tent unit or a cocoon unit and also fluidly connected to the air inlet [102a] of the breathing unit [102]. Thus, the embodiment of tent-type mask unit [104] enables: transfer of exhaled air from the user to the breathing unit [102] during exhalation passes, and transfer of inhalation air from the breathing unit [102] to the user during inhalation passes. In yet another embodiment, the mask unit [104] is a helmet-type unit housing at least a head of a user, in fluid communication with the air inlet [102a] of the breathing unit [102]. Thus, the embodiment of helmet-type mask unit [104] enables: transfer of exhaled air from the user to the breathing unit [102] during exhalation passes, and transfer of inhalation air from the breathing unit [102] to the user during inhalation passes.

[0028] In applications, the breathing unit [102] is adapted to: receive exhaled air from a user in at least one exhalation pass through the air inlet [102a]; enable a portion of air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] to vent through the air outlet [102b], such that the remaining air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] mixes with the exhaled air to be enriched in CO.sub.2 concentration; and release at least a portion of the enriched air through the air inlet [102a] for inhalation in subsequent inhalation pass to the user. In an exemplary embodiment, in a first exhalation pass, a user may exhale air to the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] through the air inlet [102a] of the breath training unit [102]. Such exhalation of air into the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] enables pushing of at least a portion of the air already present in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] to vent through the air outlet [102b], to ambient environment, and the remaining air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] mixes with the exhaled air. Notably, a mixture of exhaled air and ambient air is guided along the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] as it flows back and forth due to the forces of natural airflow (subsequent inhalation and exhalation) caused by a breathing of the user. With such mixing of the exhaled air with the remaining portion of the air already present in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c], the air is enriched in the CO.sub.2 concentration. For example, the enriched air has 1% CO.sub.2 concentration. Thereafter, in a subsequent first inhalation pass, the enriched air is available as inhalation air containing 1% CO.sub.2 concentration to be inhaled by the user. Further, in a second exhalation pass, the enriched air is further similarly enriched, to increase the CO.sub.2 concentration, for example to 2% CO.sub.2 concentration. Subsequently, in a second inhalation pass, the enriched air, for example with 2% CO.sub.2 concentration, is available for inhalation to the user. It may be noted that the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air is increased to a maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, depending on a maximum volume of the enrichment airflow pathway [102c], and accordingly, the maximum CO.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air is kept within limits.

[0029] The at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] is installed to modulate the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enriched air available as inhalation air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] is coupled to the breathing unit for modulating the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air, such that a controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] corresponds to a control of CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit [102]. In the present embodiment, the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] includes two CO.sub.2 modulation units, namely a first CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106] and a second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108].

[0030] The first CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106] is rotary valve with a closable opening defined in the housing unit [102d], positioned proximal to the air inlet [102a] of the breathing unit [102]. The first CO.sub.2 modulation [106] enables a (additional) shorter controlled fluid communication of the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] with the ambient air in external environment, which enables the exhaled air to at least partially bypass the enrichment airflow pathway [102c]. Notably, an amount of opening defined by the rotary valve to the external environment, defines the amount of CO.sub.2 concentration in the exhaled air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Accordingly, the first CO.sub.2 modulation unit can be controllably manipulated, by controlling the amount of opening defined by the rotary valve, for controlling the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Although, the present disclosure describes the first CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106] as the rotary valve, it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the first CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106] may include any of a sliding valve, a door mechanism, and/or any other similar mechanism that enables controlled fluid communication of the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] with the ambient air in external environment.

[0031] The second CO.sub.2 modulation unit is a combination of one or more secondary housing units [108a] telescopically extending from the housing unit [102d] of the breathing unit [102]. A controlled telescopic extension and/or retraction of the one or more secondary housing units [108a] relative to the housing unit [102d], enlarges and/or contracts the enrichment airflow pathway [102c], thereby decreasing/increasing the amount of CO.sub.2 concentration in the exhaled air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Accordingly, the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit can be controllably manipulated, by controllably extending/retracting the one or more secondary housing units [108a], for controlling the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102].

[0032] Furthermore, as the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air (or inhalation air) is increased, the O.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air may be reduced. Accordingly, the O.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air is also required to be controlled by the breath training apparatus [100], disclosed herein. Therefore, the breath training apparatus [100] employs the O.sub.2 supply unit and the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110], for controlling the O.sub.2 concentration within the inhalation air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102].

[0033] The O.sub.2 supply unit is fluidly communicated with the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102] through an O.sub.2 connection point [110a], to supply O.sub.2 within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102], for controllably enriching the enriched air with O.sub.2 concentration. The O.sub.2 supply unit is an oxygen concentrator or another type of oxygen supply system that supplies O.sub.2 when required. It may be noted that the O.sub.2 supply unit is an external supportive O.sub.2 supply unit, and thus is interchangeably referred to as the O.sub.2 supply unit and the external O.sub.2 supply unit, hereinafter.

[0034] Furthermore, the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] is provided to control the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air (or inhalation air) disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] is an O.sub.2 rotary valve with a closeable opening defined within the fluid communication between the O.sub.2 supply unit and the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102], such that the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] vents a portion of the O.sub.2 received from O.sub.2 supply unit to external environment through an O.sub.2 vent hole [110b]. Remaining portion of the O.sub.2 received from O.sub.2 supply unit is guided to the exhaled air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit through an O.sub.2 entry hole [110c]. Notably, an amount of opening of the O.sub.2 rotary valve to the external environment, defines the amount of O.sub.2 concentration in the exhaled air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Accordingly, the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] can be controllably manipulated, by controlling the amount of opening of O.sub.2 rotary valve, for controlling the O.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment air disposed in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Although, the present disclosure describes the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] as the O.sub.2 rotary valve, it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] may include any of a sliding valve, a door mechanism, and/or any other similar mechanism that enables venting of a portion of the O.sub.2 received from O.sub.2 supply unit to external environment.

[0035] The control unit [112] is provided for precise control of the CO.sub.2 concentration and the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c]. The control unit includes at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b], an O.sub.2 actuator [112c], a CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], an O.sub.2 sensor [112e], one or more physiological parameter sensor, at least one air parameter sensor [112f], an input/output (I/O unit) [114], and a controller [112g].

[0036] The at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] is provided to controllably manipulate the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit, to control the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway of the breathing unit. The at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] includes a first CO.sub.2 actuator [112a] and a second CO.sub.2 actuator [112b]. The first CO.sub.2 actuator [112a] is a motor coupled to the rotary valve of the first CO.sub.2 modulation unit. The first CO.sub.2 actuator [112a] is adapted to controllably manipulate the rotary valve and control the opening defined by the rotary valve in the first CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106], for correspondingly controlling the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Examples of the motor may include, but is not limited to a stepper motor, an induction motor, a 2-phase motor, a 3-phase motor, a servo motor, and the like. The second CO.sub.2 actuator [112b] includes one or more linearly extendable/retractable electrically actuated cylinders coupled to the one or more secondary housing units [108a] of the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108]. The second CO.sub.2 actuator [112b] is adapted to controllably manipulate the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108], for controlled extension/retraction of the one or more secondary housing units [108a] of the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108], for correspondingly controlling the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Although, the present disclosure describes the second CO.sub.2 actuator [112b] for controllably manipulating the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108], it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [108] can also be manually manipulated.

[0037] The O.sub.2 actuator [112c] is provided to controllably manipulate the at least one O.sub.2 modulation unit [110], to control the O.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The O.sub.2 actuator [112c] is a motor coupled to the O.sub.2 rotary valve of the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110]. The O.sub.2 actuator [112c] is adapted to controllably manipulate the O.sub.2 rotary valve and control the opening defined by the O.sub.2 rotary valve in the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110], for correspondingly controlling the O.sub.2 concentration within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Examples of the motor may include, but is not limited to a stepper motor, an induction motor, a 2-phase motor, a 3-phase motor, a servo motor, and the like.

[0038] The CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] is provided to generate signals corresponding to CO.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. In one embodiment, the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] is a CO.sub.2 level sensor that directly determines the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. In the embodiment of the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] deployed as the CO.sub.2 level sensor, the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] includes an air receiving tube positioned opposite to a direction of inhalation of the enriched air for receiving at least a portion of the enriched inhalation air, to further determine the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air inhaled during inhalation pass. In another embodiment, the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] is either of an air pressure sensor and an air flow sensor that determines the air pressure and the air flow, respectively, of the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c], to indirectly determine the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Further, the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] is adapted to generate a signal corresponding to the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. For example, a strength of the signal generated by the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d] determines the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102].

[0039] Similar to the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], the O.sub.2 sensor [112e] is provided to generate signals corresponding to O.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The O.sub.2 sensor [112e] is an O.sub.2 level sensor that directly determines the CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The O.sub.2 sensor [112e] includes an air receiving tube positioned opposite to a direction of inhalation of the enriched air for receiving at least a portion of the enriched inhalation air, to further determine the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air inhaled during inhalation pass. Further, the O.sub.2 sensor [112e] is adapted to generate a signal corresponding to the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. For example, a strength of the signal generated by the O.sub.2 sensor [112e] determines the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102].

[0040] The one or more real-time physiological sensors is connected to a user, and is adapted to determine one or more real-time physiological parameters related to a user. Real-time refers to actual values at point of time. The real-time physiological parameter of the user may include, but is not limited to, a real-time heart rate, a real-time exhaled airflow pressure, a real-time exhaled airflow volume, a real-time inhaled airflow pressure, a real-time inhaled airflow volume, a real-time breathing minute volume, a real-time SpO.sub.2 level, and a real-time HRV level.

[0041] The at least one air parameter sensor [112f] of the control unit determines one or more real-time physical properties of one or more of ambient air and enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c]. The one or more real-time physical properties includes, but is not limited to, a real-time air pressure, a real-time humidity content, a real-time temperature, and/or the like, of the one or more of ambient air and enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c].

[0042] The Input-output (I/O) unit [114] is a display unit provided to one or more of receive input from a user, and/or display values to the user. In one embodiment, the I/O unit [114] is adapted to directly receive a user input corresponding to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O.sub.2 concentration. In another embodiment, the I/O unit [114] is adapted to receive a user input corresponding to a goal physiological parameter of the user. Goal herein refers to the targeted (to be achieved) parameters. The goal physiological parameter of the user may include, but is not limited to, a goal heart rate, a goal exhaled airflow pressure, a goal exhaled airflow volume, a goal inhaled airflow pressure, a goal inhaled airflow volume, a goal breathing minute volume, a goal SpO.sub.2 level, and a goal HRV level. In the embodiment of the I/O unit [114] receiving the goal physiological parameters from the user, the control unit [112] deploy an algorithm and/or artificial intelligence unit, to perform calculations on the goal physiological parameters to determine a calculated CO.sub.2 concentration and a calculated O.sub.2 concentration, which correspond to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O.sub.2 concentration.

[0043] The controller [112g] is in communication with each of the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b], the O.sub.2 actuator [112c], the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], the O.sub.2 sensor [112e], the one or more physiological parameter sensors, and the at least one air parameter sensor [112f]. The controller [112g] is adapted to: receive the CO.sub.2 signals corresponding to CO.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air from the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d]; receive O.sub.2 signals corresponding to O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air from the O.sub.2 sensor [112e]; receive the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O.sub.2 concentration received from the user at the I/O unit [114]; compare the CO.sub.2 concentration and the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air with the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O.sub.2 concentration; and correspondingly control the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] and the O.sub.2 actuator [112c], for controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] and the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110]. The controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] and the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110] adjust the CO.sub.2 concentration and the O.sub.2 concentration in the enriched air disposed within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] at least substantially equivalent to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the O.sub.2 concentration. Examples of the controller [112g] may include, any of, an 8081 microcontroller, an 8085 microcontroller, an 8051 microcontroller, a microprocessor, and/or the like.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling the breathing unit [102] of the breath training apparatus [100], in accordance with the concepts of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The method initiates at step [202].

[0045] At step [202], a user initiates inhalation and/or exhalation. Such step includes various sub-steps as defined herein. At a first sub-step, the user exhales an exhaled air in at least one exhalation pass, which is received through an air inlet of the breathing unit [102], into the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Thereafter, at a second sub-step, the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102] enables, at least a portion of air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] to vent through the air outlet [102b], such that the remaining air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] mixes with the exhaled air to be enriched in CO.sub.2 concentration. Thereafter, at a third sub-step, the user inhales the enriched air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102] in subsequent inhalation pass, which is released through the air inlet [102a] for inhalation to the user. Thereafter, the method proceeds to step [204].

[0046] At step [204], the at least one CO.sub.2 sensors [112d] generate CO.sub.2 signals, corresponding to CO.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. Concurrently, the O.sub.2 sensor [112e] generate O.sub.2 signals, corresponding to O.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] of the breathing unit [102]. The method then proceeds to step [206].

[0047] At step [206], the I/O unit receives a user input corresponding to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O2 concentration from the user. The method then proceeds to step [208].

[0048] At step [208], the controller [112g] receives: the CO.sub.2 signals from the at least one CO.sub.2 sensors [112d], the O.sub.2 signals from the O.sub.2 sensor [112e], and the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O2 concentration from the I/O unit. The method then proceeds to step [210].

[0049] At step [210], the controller [112g] compares the CO.sub.2 concentration and O.sub.2 concentration received as the CO.sub.2 signal and the O.sub.2 signal, with the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined O.sub.2 concentration. The method then proceeds to step [212].

[0050] At step [212], the controller controls the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] and the O.sub.2 actuator [112c], for controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] and the O.sub.2 modulation unit [110]. The controlled manipulation of the at least one CO.sub.2 modulation unit [106, 108] adjust the CO.sub.2 concentration and the O.sub.2 concentration of the enriched air within the enrichment airflow pathway [102c] at least substantially equivalent to the defined CO.sub.2 concentration and the defined CO.sub.2 concentration, respectively.

[0051] Various advantages of the breath training apparatus [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, are useful and beneficial used for breath trainings/exercises. For example, the breath training apparatus [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, includes a large diameter (or large width) cuboidal housing unit (avoiding small orifices), for receiving ambient air and exhaled air, which are mixed together for providing inhalation air with increased CO.sub.2 concentration and increased O.sub.2 concentration. Usage of such large diameter (or large width) cuboidal-shaped housing unit [102d] enables relatively easy inhalation and exhalation of the user by reducing air resistance, during breath training exercises. Additionally, this increases relatively natural simulation of breathing, during breath training exercises. Moreover, the control unit [112] for the breathing unit [102] employs the CO.sub.2 sensor [112d], the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b], and the controller [112g], such that the controller [112g] suitably manipulates the at least one CO.sub.2 actuator [112a, 112b] based on signals from the CO.sub.2 sensor[112d], to adjust the CO.sub.2 concentration within the enriched air in the enrichment airflow pathway [102c]. As the control unit [112] operates on an electrically controlled units, it provides precise control of the CO.sub.2 concentration within the inhalation air. Moreover, the housing unit [102d] of the breathing unit [102], as part of the disclosed breath training apparatus [100], has a volume in a range of 2.5 to liters, preferably in a range of 5 to 15 liters. This volume capacity is equal to or substantially above the vital capacity of the user. Accordingly, the breath training apparatus [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, is adaptable to be adjusted to a varied amount of the CO.sub.2 concentration within the inhalation air available for breathing during inhalation pass, based on user's requirements and user's vital capacity.

[0052] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0053] 100Breath Training Apparatus [0054] 102Breathing Unit [0055] 102aAir Inlet [0056] 102bAir outlet [0057] 102cEnrichment Pathway [0058] 102dHousing Unit [0059] 104Mask Unit [0060] 106First CO.sub.2 modulation unit [0061] 108Second CO.sub.2 modulation unit [0062] 108aSecondary Housing Units [0063] 110O.sub.2 modulation unit [0064] 110aO.sub.2 connection point [0065] 110bO.sub.2 vent hole [0066] 110cO.sub.2 entry hole [0067] 112Control Unit [0068] 112aFirst CO.sub.2 actuator [0069] 112bSecond CO.sub.2 actuator [0070] 112cO.sub.2 actuator [0071] 112dCO.sub.2 sensor [0072] 112eO.sub.2 sensor [0073] 112fAir Parameter Sensor [0074] 112gController