PORTABLE VENTILATOR

Abstract

A portable oxygen delivery system including an oxygen concentrator having a housing, a compressor mounted inside the housing, a sieve module located within the housing and in fluid connection with the compressor, the sieve module containing a zeolite for removing Nitrogen from air through a pressure swing adsorption process for creating concentrated oxygen, a power source attached to the housing and an oxygen controller device for electronically controlling the pressure swing adsorption process. The portable oxygen delivery system also preferably includes a blowing apparatus fluidly connected to the oxygen concentrator having a blower housing, a blower motor mounted inside the blower housing, a blower fan connected to the blower motor, a second power source attached to the blower housing and a blower controller device for electronically controlling the blower.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. An oxygen delivery system or portable ventilator for delivering concentrated oxygen to a patient, the oxygen delivery system comprising: a housing of an oxygen concentrator; a compressor mounted inside the housing; a sieve module located within the housing and in fluid connection with the compressor, the sieve module containing a zeolite for removing nitrogen from air through a pressure swing adsorption process for creating concentrated oxygen; a power source attached to the housing; a controller device for electronically controlling the pressure swing adsorption process; and a blowing apparatus in fluid communication with the oxygen concentrator, the compressor is in fluid communication with the blowing apparatus through a concentrated oxygen delivery tube, the blowing apparatus comprising: a blower housing; a blower motor mounted inside the blower housing; a blower fan connected to the blower motor, oxygen flow from the concentrated oxygen delivery tube adds additional energy to the blower fan via a turbine inlet venturi; a second power source attached to the blower housing; and a blower controller device for electronically controlling the blowing apparatus.

24. An oxygen delivery system or portable ventilator for delivering concentrated oxygen to a patient, the oxygen delivery system comprising: a housing of an oxygen concentrator; a compressor mounted inside the housing; a sieve module located within the housing and in fluid connection with the compressor, the sieve module containing a zeolite for removing nitrogen from air through a pressure swing adsorption process for creating concentrated oxygen; a power source attached to the housing; a controller device for electronically controlling the pressure swing adsorption process; a blowing apparatus in fluid communication with the oxygen concentrator, the compressor is in fluid communication with the blowing apparatus through a concentrated oxygen delivery tube, the blowing apparatus comprising: a blower housing; a blower motor mounted inside the blower housing; a blower fan connected to the blower motor, oxygen flow from the concentrated oxygen delivery tube adds additional energy to the blower fan via a turbine inlet venturi; a second power source attached to the blower housing; and a blower controller device for electronically controlling the blowing apparatus; and a medicant delivery apparatus mounted to the blower housing and deployed downstream from the blower fan, an interior of the medicant delivery apparatus is lined with a drug or moisture eluting polymer.

25. The oxygen delivery system or portable ventilator of claim 24, wherein the drug or moisture eluting polymer is comprised of a polyether block amide.

26. The oxygen delivery system or portable ventilator of claim 24, wherein the drug or moisture eluting polymer is impregnated with a medication that elutes as gas from the blower fan flows through the medicant delivery apparatus.

27. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the blowing apparatus includes first, second and third valves mounted within the blower housing to control flow of ambient air and oxygen through the blower housing.

28. The oxygen delivery system of claim 27, wherein the first, second and third valves are comprised of piezo valves.

29. The oxygen delivery system of claim 27, wherein the first, second and third valves are controlled via a wireless Bluetooth protocol.

30. The oxygen delivery system of claim 28, wherein the piezo valves are controlled by the blower controller.

31. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein ambient air is introduced to the blower fan through an inlet filter attached to the blower housing.

32. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein concentrated oxygen from the blower fan exits the blowing apparatus through a cannula connector attached to the blower housing.

33. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the blowing apparatus stores pressurized oxygen for delivery to a patient interface through a patient delivery hose.

34. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, further comprising: a patient interface in fluid communication with the blowing apparatus, the patient interface configured to provide concentrated oxygen to the patient.

35. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, further comprising: a valve positioned within the blower housing, the valve controlling flow of concentrated oxygen from the compressor to the blower fan.

36. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the sieve module is removably mountable within the housing.

37. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the power source is comprised of a rechargeable battery removably mounted to the housing.

38. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the second power source is comprised of a rechargeable battery removably mounted to the blower housing.

39. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the housing and the blower housing are integral and the compressor, sieve module, power source, blower motor, and blower fan are positioned within the housing and the blower housing.

40. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, a medicant delivery apparatus mounted to the blower housing and deployed downstream from the blower fan, the medicant delivery apparatus is comprised of a removable hollow cartridge with a threaded distal end and a threaded proximal end.

41. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the blower controller device is configured to increase or decrease the speed of the blower fan to control flow of ambient air and oxygen through the blower housing and to the patient.

42. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the blowing apparatus is in fluid communication with the compressor through the sieve module and a concentrated oxygen delivery tube extending between the housing and the blower housing.

43. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the oxygen concentrator or blowing apparatus is controlled via a wireless connection.

44. The oxygen delivery system of claim 23, wherein the oxygen concentrator or blowing apparatus is wirelessly connected to a pulse oximeter that measures blood oxygen saturation levels of the patient.

45. The oxygen delivery system of claim 44, wherein data collected from the pulse oximeter is used to automatically adjust an oxygen and air flow setting of the patient to achieve a desired blood oxygen saturation level.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the device, system and method of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the portable ventilator, system and method, there are shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an oxygen concentrator and an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a sieve module taken from within the dashed oval that may be utilized with a preferred portable ventilator system of the preferred present invention;

[0063] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a portable ventilator in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, including an oxygen concentrator system with an oxygen concentrator, a remote flow control or a blowing apparatus and a patient interface, preferably a nasal cannula with portions of the remote flow control or blowing apparatus being transparent to illustrate certain components;

[0064] FIG. 2B is an alternative top perspective view of the portable ventilator system of FIG. 2A, wherein portions of the remote flow control or blowing apparatus are transparent to illustrate certain components;

[0065] FIG. 2Ba is a partial top perspective view of an oxygen concentrator and a remote flow control or blowing apparatus with integrated blower of the portable ventilator system of FIG. 2A, wherein the blowing apparatus is enlarged, and portions are transparent to illustrate certain components;

[0066] FIG. 2Bb is a partial top plan and front elevational view of a supplemental oxygen delivery system having an oxygen cylinder and a remote blowing apparatus with integrated blower in accordance with a second preferred embodiment, wherein the remote flow control or blowing apparatus is enlarged, and portions are transparent to illustrate certain components;

[0067] FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of an oxygen concentrator system with an integrated blower, flow control system and patient interface in accordance with a third preferred embodiment, wherein portions of the oxygen concentrator are transparent to show internal components;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a graph of gas pressure and flow for one of the preferred systems;

[0069] FIG. 4 are top perspective and front elevational views of the portable ventilator system of FIG. 2A, wherein the system is shown individually and mounted to a patient and the system is preferably configured for producing eight liters per minute (8 L/min) of pulse dose oxygen flow;

[0070] FIG. 5 are front elevational and top plan views of a ventilator control and delivery reservoir or blowing apparatus in accordance with any of the preferred embodiments;

[0071] FIG. 6 are alternative front elevational and top plan views of a ventilator control and delivery reservoir or blowing apparatus in accordance with any of the preferred embodiments;

[0072] FIGS. 6A-6D are various detailed views of a remote flow control with integrated blower incorporating a medicant delivery apparatus in accordance with any of the preferred embodiments;

[0073] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable ventilator system in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein portions of the system are transparent to illustrate internal components;

[0074] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustration focusing on a patient interface with nasal air entrainment of a portable ventilator system in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram for utilization with the portable ventilator system of the preferred embodiments, representing a control system and feedback;

[0076] FIG. 10 is schematic illustration of a reservoir and a patient interface of a portable ventilator system in accordance with the preferred embodiments, wherein the portable ventilator is powered by a medium pressure oxygen source and portions of the system are transparent to illustrate internal components;

[0077] FIG. 11 is a graph of typical turbine or blower fan performance related to airflow and pressure for the portable ventilator system of the preferred embodiments;

[0078] FIGS. 12A and 12B are top perspective, front elevational and top plan views of a blowing apparatus of a portable ventilator in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment, wherein portions of the blowing apparatus of FIG. 12A are transparent to illustrate internal components of the reservoir;

[0079] FIGS. 13A and 13B are top perspective, front elevational and top plan views of a top panel of the blowing apparatus of FIGS. 12A and 12B, wherein portions of the top panel of FIG. 13A are transparent to illustrate internal components of the top panel;

[0080] FIGS. 14A and 14B are top perspective, front elevational and top plan views of a blowing apparatus and related internal components of a portable ventilator in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable ventilator system, wherein portions of the blowing apparatus of FIG. 14A are transparent to illustrate internal components of the blowing apparatus; and

[0081] FIGS. 15A and 15B are top perspective, front elevational and top plan views of a removable battery component of the reservoir of FIGS. 14A and 14B and related internal components of the removable battery component of FIGS. 14A and 14B, wherein portions of the removable battery component of FIG. 15A are transparent to illustrate rechargeable batteries of the preferred reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the patient's body, or the geometric center of the preferred portable ventilator system and related parts thereof. The words, “anterior”, “posterior”, “superior,” “inferior”, “lateral” and related words and/or phrases designate preferred positions, directions and/or orientations in the human body to which reference is made and are not meant to be limiting. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0083] It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the preferred invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1-15B, the preferred present invention is directed to multiple embodiments of a portable ventilator system and related method.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2Ba and 4, in a first preferred embodiment, an oxygen delivery system or portable ventilator, generally designated 100, for delivering concentrated oxygen to a patient utilizes a high-pressure air or oxygen and air source that increases flow to a patient through a venturi air induction system. Ordinary air or concentrated oxygen and air is generated by a portable oxygen concentrator such as one described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2018/226532, entitled Configurable Oxygen Concentrator and Related Method (“WO-532”). WO-532 is battery powered, weighs less than four pounds and can deliver one liter per minute if continuous flow oxygen or five liters per minute equivalent in pulse delivery mode. The oxygen concentrator of WO-532 can produce varying oxygen purities and flows. At low oxygen purity, for example forty to fifty percent (40-50%) oxygen, the flow can be as much as eight liters per minute (8 L/min) pulse dose. When operated at ten to twenty pounds per square inch (10-20 psig) outlet pressure, a venturi can induce a low-pressure airflow of up to two times the low concentrated oxygen air output flow. This is similar to the LifeAir 2000 system when a separate oxygen cylinder is integrated into the system. Higher capacity concentrators are also included in the design specifications for patients needing higher flows, pressures, or oxygen purity.

[0086] The basic design of the first preferred portable ventilator system 100 includes a portable oxygen concentrator 1, an air and oxygen flow controller or blowing apparatus 3 and a patient interface 5. The air and oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3 can be remote to the portable oxygen concentrator 1, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, or can be integrated into the oxygen concentrator 1, as I shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2C. The oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3 preferably includes a blower housing 3b that encloses components for controlling the flow of oxygen to the patient interface 5. The blowing apparatus 3 preferably includes a blower controller device 9b for electronically controlling the blowing apparatus 3. The air and oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3 preferably contains valves 14a, 14b, 14c that are controlled by the blower controller device 9b to control oxygen and air flow to the patient interface 5. A battery or batteries 25 preferably power the oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3 and are preferably rechargeable. The valves 14a, 14b, 14c can be mechanically controlled or electronically controlled, preferably electronically controlled by the blower controller device 9b. It is also contemplated that control of the valves 14a, 14b, 14c could be wireless via Bluetooth or similar non-tethered systems or mechanisms. It is further contemplated that the oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3 could be controlled via web or cellular connection, wherein a remote user could use a laptop or cell phone app to control the oxygen controller or blowing apparatus 3.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, an oxygen concentrator 1 that may be utilized with the portable ventilator 100 includes a removable sieve module 1a removably mounted within a housing 50 and a compressor 60 to compress ambient air for introduction into the sieve module 1a. The compressor 60 is preferably powered by a power source 61 attached to the housing 50, wherein the power source 61 is preferably comprised of a removable and rechargeable battery or batteries 61. The power source 61 is not limited to being comprised of removable and rechargeable batteries 61 and may be comprised of nearly any power source that is able to power the portable oxygen concentrator 1, specifically the compressor 60, such as an AC power connector. As described in WO-532 and further described herein, the sieve module or cartridge 1a comprises at least one cylinder 1e containing a zeolite material 1b. In general, the zeolite material 1b is comprised of, but not limited to, microporous aluminosilicate materials used to separate molecules through a process called adsorption. The cartridge or sieve module 1a is preferably removably mounted and located within the housing 50 and is in fluid connection with the compressor 60. The cartridge 1a contains the zeolite material 1b for removing nitrogen from ambient air through a pressure swing adsorption process for creating concentrated oxygen. The pressure swing adsorption process is preferably controlled by the oxygen controller 9a.

[0088] The zeolite material 1b is used as an ion-exchange bed in domestic and commercial water purification, softening, and other applications. In chemistry, the zeolite material 1b is used to separate molecules (only molecules of certain sizes and shapes can pass through), and as traps for molecules so they can be analyzed. The zeolite materials 1b are also widely used as catalysts and sorbents. Their well-defined pore structure and adjustable acidity make them highly active in a large variety of reactions. The zeolite materials 1b have the potential of providing precise and specific separation of gases, including the removal of water (H.sub.2O), carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) from low-grade natural gas streams. Other separations include noble gases, nitrogen (N.sub.2), oxygen (O.sub.2), freon and formaldehyde. As described in WO-532, zeolites are used to remove Nitrogen through a pressure swing adsorption (“PSA”) process. A high-pressure valve 1c is shown at a distal end of a concentrated oxygen conduit 1d extending from the cylinder 1e of the sieve module 1a. Through the PSA process, ordinary air has Nitrogen molecules temporarily bonded to the zeolite material 1b and then evacuated from the cylinder 1e. The remaining concentrated oxygen is forced out of cylinder 1e into the tube 1d.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 2A a concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 is in fluid connection between the oxygen concentrator 1 and the blowing apparatus 3, which is controlled by the blower controller device 9b. The blowing apparatus 3 stores pressurized oxygen for delivery to a patient interface 5 through a patient delivery hose 10e. The reservoir or blowing apparatus 3 includes the blower housing 3b that contains or houses components of the blowing apparatus 3. The blowing apparatus 3 is fluidly connected to the compressor 60 and includes the blower housing 3b, a blower motor 21a mounted inside the blower housing 3b, a blower fan 21 connected to the blower motor 21a, a second power source 25, preferably comprised of rechargeable batteries 25, attached to the blower housing 3b and a blower control device 9b for electronically controlling the blowing apparatus 3. A first valve 141, preferably a Piezo valve 14a, although not limited to a Piezo valve 14a and may be comprised of nearly any type or variety of valve to block and/or control the flow of oxygen or other gases and regulates concentrated oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 1 via the oxygen delivery tube 10a to the patient interface 5. A second valve 14b, also preferably Piezo valve 14b but not so limited, regulates ordinary air received through an inlet filter 27 that can be mixed with the concentrated oxygen received through a third valve 14, preferably also a Piezo valve 14c but not so limited, which is fluidly connected to the pressurized reservoir 3. The blended air and oxygen mixture is delivered through a patient delivery tube 10b to the patient interface 5.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 2Bb, in a second preferred or alternative preferred embodiment, the oxygen concentrator 1 is replaced with a cylinder 29 filled with compressed oxygen. The cylinder 29 is able to similarly provide concentrated oxygen to the reservoir 3.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2Ba, in an alternative configuration of the first preferred embodiment, the reservoir or blowing apparatus 3 uses a blower fan or turbine 21, which produces pressurized airflow after the concentrated oxygen flows through the first valve 14a. The blower fan 21 is positioned within a blower housing 3b of the reservoir 3. A preferred example of the blower fan 21 may be comprised of several different types of turbines used in continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) and bilevel positive airway pressure (“BiPAP”) machines. For example, one such turbine is the RV centrifugal fan 21 from ebm-papst Inc. The RV centrifugal fan 21 can move air up to four hundred twenty liters per minute (420 L/min) at pressures of twenty (20) inches H.sub.2O. The RV centrifugal fan 21 weighs approximately one hundred thirty-five grams (135 g) and utilizes approximately forty-three Watts (43 W) to operate. Another example of the turbine or blower fan 21 is an U65MN-KD-5 blower from Micronel AG. The turbine or blower fan 21 is contained in the blowing apparatus 3 which is attached to the blower housing 3b of the reservoir or blowing apparatus 3. The blowing apparatus 3 can also contain electronics and the rechargeable batteries 25. The preferred remote flow controller is attached to the blowing apparatus 3 that is fluidly connected to the oxygen concentrator 1 through the concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 and the patient interface 5 through the patient delivery tube 10b. The oxygen concentrator preferably includes an oxygen controller device 9a for electronically controlling the pressure swing adsorption process. Alternatively, the reservoir or blowing apparatus 3 and the blower housing 3b may be incorporated together with the oxygen concentrator 1 and the associated housing 50 containing the batteries 25, the blower fan 21, associated electronics such as a controller for the blower fan 21 and various valves 14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15, the sieve module 1a and the compressor 60 (See FIG. 2C). The remote flow controller can be permanently integrated into the reservoir 3, as shown in FIG. 5 at the blower controller device 9b or releasably secured thereto.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 2Bb, the second preferred embodiment includes the oxygen provided to the blowing apparatus 3 from the oxygen cylinder 29 as opposed to being provided from the portable oxygen concentrator 1. The flow of oxygen through the oxygen supply hose 10 is preferably regulated by a pressure regulator 11 attached to the cylinder 29.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2Ba and 4, the remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 is preferably remotely positioned from the oxygen concentrator 1 and in relatively close proximity to the patient's nasal nares of the patient interface 5 so cannula pressure losses are minimized. An example of one potential system layout is shown in FIG. 4. The oxygen concentrator 1 is shown secured with a shoulder strap 30 to the patient for relatively convenient carrying by the patient but could also be contained in a backpack or similar carrying device. In an embodiment where the remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 is adjacent, attached or removably attached to a backpack, it would provide a relatively close distance to the patient's nares from the remote flow control 3, as opposed to at the patient's waist location.

[0094] To maximize performance and minimize the size and energy use of the turbine or blower fan 21 in the reservoir or blowing apparatus 3, it is desirable to locate the blower fan 21 generally proximate the patient interface 5. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2Ba, 4 and 11, a pressure differential ΔP for various tubing lengths and diameters is represented. The blower fan 21 produces an outlet gas flow for flow through a cannula connector 10d that diminishes as pressure restrictions such as delivery length, delivery curvature and interior tube obstructions are introduced, so the preferred portable ventilator 100 is sized to maintain the required pressure and flow at the patient interface 5.

[0095] The effects of mechanical ventilation with positive pressure on the venous return may be beneficial when used in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In these patients with volume overload, decreasing venous return will directly decrease the amount of pulmonary edema being generated, by decreasing right cardiac output. At the same time, the decreased return may improve overdistension in the left ventricle, placing it at a more advantageous point in the Frank-Starling curve and possibly improving cardiac output.

[0096] Proper management of mechanical ventilation also involves an understanding of lung pressures and lung compliance. Normal lung compliance is around one hundred (100) ml/cmH.sub.2O. This means that in a normal lung the administration of five hundred milliliters (500 ml) of air via positive pressure ventilation will increase the alveolar pressure by five centimeters per water column (5 cm/H.sub.2O). Conversely, the administration of a positive pressure of five centimeters per water column (5 cm/H.sub.2O) will generate an increase in lung volume of five hundred milliliters (500 mL). Because ventilators are not always used on normal lungs, compliance may be much higher or much lower. Any disease that destroys lung parenchyma like emphysema will typically increase compliance and any disease that generates stiffer lungs (ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis) will typically decrease lung compliance.

[0097] The problem with stiff lungs is that small increases in volume can generate large increases in pressure and cause barotrauma. This generates a problem in patients with hypercapnia or acidosis as there may be a need to increase minute ventilation to correct these problems. Increasing respiratory rate may manage the increase in minute ventilation, but if increased respiratory rate is not feasible, increasing the tidal volume can increase plateau pressures and create barotrauma.

[0098] There are two main pressures in the system to be aware of when mechanically ventilating a patient: (a) peak pressure is the pressure achieved during inspiration when the air is being pushed into the lungs and is a measure of airway resistance; and (b) plateau pressure is the static pressure achieved at the end of a full inspiration. To measure plateau pressure, an inspiratory hold on the portable ventilator 100 is formed to permit for the pressure to equalize through the system. Plateau pressure is a measure of alveolar pressure and lung compliance. Normal plateau pressure is below thirty centimeters per water column (30 cm/H.sub.2O), and higher pressure can generate barotrauma.

[0099] Providing ten to twenty centimeters per water column (10-20 cm/H.sub.2O) is normally sufficient for ventilators delivering a tidal volume between ten and fifteen milliliters per kilogram (10-15 mL/kg). Most modern ventilators can deliver flow rates between sixty and one hundred twenty liters per minute (60-120 L/min) with a peak flow rate of approximately sixty liters per minute (60 L/min) being adequate for most patients.

[0100] The oxygen concentrator 1 output is delivered to an inlet 3a of the blowing apparatus 3 and the blower fan 21 via the concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10. The length, size and composition of the concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 generally determines how much oxygen flow is decreased to the blowing apparatus 3. The oxygen flow from the oxygen concentrator 1 through the concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 adds additional energy to the blower fan 21 via a turbine inlet venturi 23, which raises the turbine inlet pressure. A blower motor 21a is mounted inside the blower housing 3b to drive and control the blower fan 21 during operation under direction of the blower controller device 9b. When a patient begins to inhale at the patient interface 5, the vacuum is sensed by a pressure sensor 5a, which can be incorporated into the patient interface 5 or located upstream of the cannula connector 10d along the gas pathway but downstream of the blower fan 21. The pressure sensor 5a preferably sends a signal to the blower controller device 9b, which sends a signal to the blower fan 21 to generate a predetermined volume of air that is delivered to the patient interface 5. At the same time the concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 in the blower inlet venturi senses a negative pressure, the blower controller device 9b sends a signal to the oxygen controller device 9a and activates the oxygen concentrator 1 to deliver a bolus of O.sub.2 as a result of the concentrator pressure sensor 5a sensing an inspiration event at the patient interface 5. The oxygen concentrator 1 may be adjacent to the ventilator, the blowing apparatus 3, or fluidly connected with a tube of up to fifty feet (50 ft) in length. The turbine or blower fan 21 can also be programmed such that PEEP can be maintained in the patient's lungs after each exhalation.

[0101] The blower controller device 9b is also preferably configured to increase or decrease the speed of the blower fan 21 based on the sensed pressure at the pressure sensor 5a. The blower controller device 9b is preferably able to control the speed of the blower fan 21 to match the breath pressure requirements of the patient and is able to change and adapt the speed of the blower fan 21 as the patient's breath pressure requirements change and shift with activity or for other reasons. The blower controller device 9b may be designed and configured to speed up and slow down the blower fan 21 so the pressure at the patient interface 5 generally follows the patient's breathing patterns and may be able to replace the valves 14a, 14b, 14c by controlling the speed fo the blower fan 21.

[0102] The outlet flow of the blower fan 21 can be controlled with the piezo valves 14, turbine motor speed control, or a combination of both that are directed by the blower controller device 9b. As with the first embodiment, different oxygen concentrator capacities can be used to achieve increased O.sub.2 levels. Referring to FIG. 2Ba the oxygen concentrator 1 and remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 arrangement of components includes the valve 15, the inlet filter 27, the turbine inlet venturi 23 and the cannula connector 10d. The Piezo valve 15 is shown controlling oxygen flow to the turbine inlet venturi 23 and the blower fan 21. Solenoid devices are the standard for electrically controlled pneumatic valves, however, the piezo valves 15 offer advantages over their solenoid counterparts and open entirely new areas of application. Pneumatic valves made with piezo technology, such as the piezo valves 15, offer many advantages. The piezo valves 14, 15 are small, lightweight, extremely precise, durable, fast, and save energy. The piezo valves 14, 15 do not need energy to maintain a switching status and, therefore, generate almost no heat. What's more, the piezo valves 14, 15 can potentially be operated without any or limited noise. Another advantage is that the piezo valves 14, 15 work proportionally.

[0103] The piezo valves 14, 15 can be a better alternative to conventional solenoid valves, especially in applications requiring directly controlled proportional valves. The piezo valves 14, 15 provide relatively gentle and safe speed control for pneumatic cylinders, and work well in medical applications, laboratory automation, manufacturing, and even motor vehicles.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 2C, in a third preferred embodiment, the oxygen concentrator 1 includes the remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 and blower fan 21 along with all the valves and electronics contained within the same housing 50, thereby incorporating the blowing apparatus 3 and the blower housing 3b together with the housing 50. The preferred components include, but are not limited to, the blower controller device 9b, the valves 14 or the piezo valves 15, the batteries 25 and the blower fan 21. This configuration provides a compact design in terms of patient use and portability. The oxygen concentrator 1 includes a removably mounted cartridge or sieve module 1a located within the housing 50 that is in fluid connection with a compressor 60 that is mounted inside the housing 50. The cartridge or sieve module 1a contains zeolite for removing nitrogen from air through a pressure swing adsorption process for creating concentrated oxygen. The batteries 25 or an external power source may also be attached to or contained within the housing 50. The oxygen controller or controller device 9a is also attached to the housing 50 for electronically controlling the pressure swing adsorption process of the oxygen concentrator 1. The oxygen controller device 9a preferably electronically controls the pressure swing adsorption process of the portable oxygen concentrator 1.

[0105] This third preferred system 1x does, however, reduce the modularity described in the first and second preferred embodiments of FIGS. 2B, 2Ba and 2Bb, wherein various concentrators or oxygen cylinders can be releasably attached to the remote flow control and the reservoir 3. The third preferred system 1x does expect that the delivery tubing or patient delivery tube 10b be kept as short as possible or at least reasonably short (see FIG. 2C). Once again, to prevent parasitic pressure differential ΔP losses resulting from tubing friction, a backpack design as described herein would allow for a shorter air and oxygen delivery cannula or patient delivery tube 10b to the patient interface 5, although such a configuration is not required or limiting. This design is most applicable when the system 1x is carried by the shoulder strap 30 or placed close to the patient. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the flow control, reservoir or blowing apparatus 3 is preferably, removably attached to the oxygen concentrator 1. This configuration allows the oxygen concentration 1 and components to be compressed into a single construct while giving the patient the opportunity to disengage the components if it is more convenient. Such a modular configuration allows a different oxygen concentrator 1 with different capabilities to be removably attached to the remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 providing the patient with the opportunity to change oxygen and air sources. An anticipated weight of this preferred system is four to five pounds (4-5 lbs.) based on existing oxygen concentrator product parameters. An oxygen outlet port is preferably provided for bottled oxygen for emergency backup (see FIG. 2C).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 2B, the patient interface 5, which is preferably comprised of a mask 5, transmits a pressure drop to the remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 indicating the beginning of inspiration. Software preferably causes the initiation of the blower fan or turbine 21 rotations per minute (“RPM”) to ramp and increase flow through to the blower fan 21 and increase pressure delivery to the patient. This sequence of events causes a reduction in pressure at the blower inlet or inlet filter 27. This pressure reduction is transmitted to the concentrator 1. The concentrator 1 is preferably in pulse dose mode, so a bolus of oxygen is delivered through to concentrated oxygen delivery tube 10 to the blower venturi inlet or inlet filter 27. The bolus volume is preferably determined by the concentrator level setting and a breath per minute (“BPM”)/bolus quotient look-up table which uses a moving average of breaths per minute. The bolus delivery at the venturi throat increases the inlet pressure of the blower 21, thereby causing an increase in blower efficiency. The oxygen is delivered with the ventilation air and at the same time that inspiration is detected. Any size oxygen concentrator 1 may be used [in conjunction with the device that is the subject of the invention], depending on the physician's recommendation. An optional piezo valve 14, 15 may control the flow of oxygen to the turbine inlet venturi 23 through the blower controller 9b.

[0107] In the event of a power failure, the cylinder 29 of pressurized oxygen of the second preferred embodiment may be used in place of the concentrator 1 and oxygen pressure may be used to cause air to be entrained into the venturi 23 and then flow through the blower 21 to the patient interface or mask 5. Given sufficient pressure from the oxygen cylinder 29, sufficient flow and positive pressure can be developed to provide the patient with positive pressure air.

[0108] When the battery 25 becomes discharged to the point that it can no longer support the operation of the blower 21, an alarm is delivered and the blower 21 is shut off. Limited, but sufficient battery power then remains to operate the valves 14, 15 so that inspiration causes its operation and air/oxygen delivery is sustained for several hours.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, top and side views of the integrated remote flow control or blowing apparatus 3 with the blower controller device 9b is contained within the blower housing 3b.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6, the integrated flow control or blowing apparatus 3 collectively comprise a pressure control 31.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, an alternative embodiment of the flow control or blowing apparatus 3 includes a medicant delivery apparatus 32 deployed downstream from the blower fan 21. In one preferred embodiment, the medicant delivery apparatus 32 is a removable hollow cartridge with a threaded distal end 33 and a threaded proximal end 34. The interior of delivery apparatus 32 can be lined with a drug or moisture eluting polymer 32A such as a polyether block amide, commercially known as PEBAX, that is spiked or impregnated with a medication that elutes as gas from the blower fan 21 flows through the medicant delivery apparatus 32. In another preferred embodiment, a polymer mesh 32B is located within the medicant delivery apparatus 32. As gas flows from the blower fan 21 through the medicant delivery apparatus 32 and through the mesh 32b, the mesh 32B and moisture eluting polymer 32A wick medication for delivery to a patient through the nasal cannula and the patient interface 5. The medication is then inhaled with each inspiration by the patient. In one preferred embodiment, the cannula connector 10d has threading to releasably connect to the medicant delivery apparatus 32 and threading to releasably connect to the housing 50 or the blower housing 3b of the blowing apparatus 3. The threaded proximal end 34 threadably connects to a gas output 35 that is fluidly connected to the blower fan 21.

[0112] Alternative preferred embodiments of the medicant delivery apparatus 32 include a small electronic atomizer, nebulizer or vaporizer 37 that generates a medical aerosol simultaneously with the flow of gas from the blower fan 21 to be delivered to the patient. Depending on the required medications of the user, different medications may be provided in medicant delivery apparatus 32. In one preferred embodiment, the atomizer 37 is releasably received in a receiving port 36. The receiving port 36 is electrically connected to the batteries 25 and the blower controller device 9b. The receiving port 36 is connected to the medicant delivery apparatus 32 through a one way valve that allows medication from the atomizer 32 to be delivered into the delivery apparatus 32 as determined by the blower controller device 9b. Alternatively, the delivery apparatus 32 or the atomizer 37 may be quick connected to the cannula connector 10d or may be integrated into the patient delivery tube 10b. In this alternative preferred embodiment, the delivery apparatus 32 or atomizer 37 is preferably mounted in the concentrated oxygen stream outside of the housing 50 and blower housing 3b such that the delivery apparatus or atomizer 37 may be quickly and easily removed and replaced such that the user is able to quickly add or remove medication or other therapeutics depending on patient needs or prescriptions.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, an ozone generator (not shown) is located adjacent the venturi 23. Ozone is an oxidizer that has been shown to kill bacteria and mold. An ozone generator will produce ozone by adding energy to oxygen molecules (O.sub.2), which cause the oxygen atoms to part ways and temporarily recombine with other O.sub.2 molecules creating ozone (O.sub.3). The ozone generator creates ozone by introducing concentrated oxygen from the concentrator 1 into a high voltage chamber that creates ozone through a process known as Corona Discharge. In one preferred embodiment, the blower fan 21 and tubing from the blower fan 21 through to the patient interface 5 is sanitized by ozone by generating ozone at the ozone generator and then blowing the ozone through the blower fan 21 and tubing to the interface 5. Recognizing the dangers of a patient inhaling large amounts of ozone, the system 1 preferably includes a safety mechanism preventing use of the interface while ozone cleaning is occurring. For example, the interface 5 would have to be secured to a tray or receiving cartridge in order for ozone generation to occur. The ozone generator is preferably located adjacent to the venturi 23 or alternatively as a component of the oxygen concentrator 1 (see U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,781, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, see also, for example, FIG. 17 and claim 17).

[0114] In another preferred embodiment, a pulse oximeter (not shown) is connected to a patient's finger, neck, wrist, ear lobe or other acceptable location for measuring blood oxygen saturation levels. The pulse oximeter is preferably, wirelessly connected to the oxygen controller device 9a or the blower controller device 9b. The preferred pulse oximeter could be a traditional finger secured unit such as the MightySat from Masimo or the AppleWatch from Apple. Such wireless connection between a pulse oximeter and the oxygen controller device 9a or the blower controller device 9b can be a passive connection where information received from the pulse oximeter is used by a caregiver or the patient to adjust a patient's air and oxygen flow or the connection can be an active connection where the pulse oximeter information or collected data is used to automatically adjust the patient's oxygen and air flow settings to achieve a desired blood oxygen saturation level. In a further preferred embodiment, the pulse oximeter is connected to the oxygen or blower controller device 9a, 9b and a remote computer such as a laptop or phone which contains additional memory storage options, settings, controls, web-based information such as temperature, location, speed, altitude, humidity and pressure. Such additional factors can be used to further adjust a patient's oxygen and air flow while also creating a history of such information for a caregiver to review. It is further contemplated, for example, that such historical data related to the patient's oxygen saturation levels, could be used to pre-empt blood oxygen saturation levels from dropping if historical data shows a pattern that can be anticipated. In one preferred embodiment, a cell phone with a global positioning system (“GPS”) tracker creates a historical map of a travel path of the patient. In one such situation, the patient has historically shown a drop of blood oxygen saturation level upon walking up an incline known on the map. To pre-empt the patient from becoming desaturated below a preferred level, the phone sends a command to the oxygen or blower controller device 9a, 9b to increase oxygen and air flow in anticipation of the incline.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 12A-15B, a preferred embodiment of a portable ventilator 1 includes the components of the first, second and third preferred embodiments described above in the housings and modules shown in FIGS. 12A-15B.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 14A-15B, the blowing apparatus 3 may include a battery housing 44 that is removably mountable in a battery cavity 3x in the blower housing 3b. The battery housing 44 is preferably slidably mountable in the battery cavity 3x such that the rechargeable batteries 25 may be removed and recharged or replaced during operation. The blowing apparatus 3 is not limited to including the battery housing 44 that is removably mountable in the battery cavity 3x or to including the rechargeable batteries 25 and may be otherwise powered and the blowing apparatus 3 may be otherwise powered during operation.

[0117] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present description.