Oscillatory chest wall compression device with improved air pulse generator with internal heat dissipation

• US 20040097848A1
• Filed: 11/15/2002
• Published: 05/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Pte Ltd. (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Respiratory, Inc. (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Van Brunt, Nicholas P., Weber, Mark A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,121,808 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0103 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1238 with hydraulic or pneumatic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5043 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5058 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/08 Trunk
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0071 by localized pressure, e.g. air streams or jets
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0078 with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs mattresses for preventing bed-sores with alternated pressurized chambers A61G7/05776
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 601/07 Inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 601/11 Artificial respiration using vibration frequency

Abstract

An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and includes means for internal heat dissipation. Internal heat generated by an internal diaphragm motor is dissipated by having a portion of the air chamber associated with the diaphragm motor being comprised of metal, by shaping a support associated with the diaphragm motor to allow increased air circulation around the diaphragm motor and positioning a vent in the housing of the air pulse generator that maximizes the release of heat from the diaphragm motor. Internal heat generated by internal electronic circuitry on a control board is dissipated by a heatsink attached to the control board.

Claims

1. An air pulse generator comprising:

an air pulse module having an air chamber defined by an air chamber shell, a diaphragm motor and diaphragm assemblies, the diaphragm assemblies oscillating air within the air chamber and wherein the diaphragm motor is mounted to the air chamber shell, the shell being comprised of metal to dissipate heat from the diaphragm motor;

a housing encompassing the air pulse module, the housing having a vent placed such that heat from the diaphragm motor is released through the vent;

a support placed between the housing and the diaphragm motor of the air pulse module, the support shaped to allow air to circulate around the diaphragm motor; and

a control board associated with the air pulse module for carrying electronic circuitry controlling the air pulse generator, the control board having means for dissipating heat from the electronic circuitry.

1-1. An air pulse generator comprising:

an air pulse module having a diaphragm motor;

means for dissipating heat generated by the diaphragm motor;

a control board having electronic circuitry for controlling the air pulse module; and

means for internal heat dissipation from the electronic circuitry.