Gas concentrator

• US 6,253,767 B1
• Filed: 12/10/1998
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert F. Mantz
• Original Assignee: Robert F. Mantz
• Inventors: Mantz, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, Aaron J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, MITAL B
• Application Number:
  US09/210,413
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• Field of Search: 128/205.13, 128/205.14, 128/205.15, 128/205.16, 128/205.17
• US Class Current: 128/205.13
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0078 Breathing bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0084 self-reinflatable by elasticity, e.g. resuscitation squeeze bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits

Abstract

A gas concentrator adaptable for use within a breathing apparatus, particularly for use within a resuscitator, Trach T, patient tee, or a high oxygen concentration mask. The gas concentrator distributes gas into the resuscitating device through a substantially elongated member that has a number of perforations at one end and a stopper at an opposite end. In addition, the gas concentrator has one or more air check valves that are in fluid communication with the reservoir of the resuscitating device and the atmosphere. A front manifold is used to couple the reservoir to a patient breather apparatus which regulates the flow of oxygen or gas to the patient.

Claims

1. A gas concentrator adaptable for use within a breathing device, comprising:

an elongate pliable inner reservoir, including a first opening and a second opening;

a manifold including a first part and a second part, said first part being coupled to said second opening of said inner reservoir;

a means for distributing gas throughout said inner reservoir, said means for distributing gas is substantially elongate and comprises a first end having a plurality of perforations, said plurality of perforations are located substantially adjacent to said first end of said means for distributing gas, and a second end having a stopper, wherein said means for distributing gas is substantially encompassed by said inner reservoir and connected in fluid communication with said manifold, and wherein said second end of said means for distributing gas protrudes from said inner reservoir; and

a means for supplying gas to said manifold, said supply means being connected and in fluid communication with said manifold, thereby supplying gas to said means for distributing gas.

2. The gas concentrator according to claim 1, wherein said perforations are uniformly distributed, and wherein said second end of said distributing means is sealed.

3. The gas concentrator according to claim 1, wherein said manifold further comprises an air check valve in fluid communication with the atmosphere, said air check valve manifesting an inflow state and a restricted state.

4. The gas concentrator according to claim 1, wherein said manifold further comprises a gas check valve in fluid communication with said distributing means and said supply means, said gas check valve located therebetween and manifesting an inflow state and a restricted state.

5. The gas concentrator according to claim 1, wherein said second part of said manifold comprises an annular platform, wherein the outer circumference of said platform comprises a channel throughout.

6. The gas concentrator according to claim 5, further comprising an outer reservoir, wherein said outer reservoir includes a first opening and a second opening, wherein said second opening being coupled to said channel of said annular platform, and wherein said outer reservoir encloses said inner reservoir.

7. The gas concentrator according to claim 1, wherein said inner reservoir is an elongate pliable receptacle, wherein said first opening is larger than said second opening.

8. An apparatus for concentrating gas, adaptable for use within a breathing device, comprising:

an elongate pliable inner reservoir, including a first opening and a second opening;

a manifold including a first part and a second part, said first part being coupled to said second opening of said inner reservoir;

a means for distributing gas throughout said inner reservoir, said means for distributing gas is substantially elongate and comprises a first end having a plurality of perforations, said plurality of perforations are located substantially adjacent to said first end of said means for distributing gas, and a second end having a stopper, wherein said means for distributing gas is substantially encompassed by said inner reservoir and connected in fluid communication with said manifold, and wherein said second end of said means for distributing gas protrudes from said inner reservoir; and

a means for supplying gas to said manifold, said supply means being connected and in fluid communication with said manifold, thereby supplying gas to said means for distributing gas.

9. The apparatus for concentrating gas according to claim 8, wherein said perforations are uniformly distributed, and wherein said second end of said distributing means is sealed.

10. The apparatus for concentrating gas according to claim 8, wherein said manifold further comprises an air check valve in fluid communication with the atmosphere, said air check valve manifesting an inflow state and a restricted state.

11. The apparatus for concentrating gas according to claim 8, wherein said manifold further comprises a gas check valve in fluid communication with said distributing means and said supply means, said gas check valve positioned therebetween, manifesting an inflow state and a restricted state.

12. The apparatus for concentrating gas according to claim 8, wherein said second part of said manifold comprises an annular platform, wherein the outer circumference of said platform comprises a channel throughout.

13. The apparatus for concentrating gas according to claim 8, wherein said inner reservoir is an elongate pliable receptacle, wherein said first opening is larger than said second opening.

14. A system for concentrating and delivering gas, said system comprising:

a gas supply;

an elongate pliable inner reservoir including a first opening and a second opening; and

a manifold including a first part and a second part, said first part being coupled to said second opening of said inner reservoir, wherein said manifold further comprises a gas check valve and an air check valve, said gas check valve located between and being in fluid communication with a means for distributing gas throughout said inner reservoir and a means for supplying gas to said manifold, wherein said air check valve is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, wherein said gas check valve and said air check valve manifest an inflow state and a restricted state, wherein said distributing means comprises a first end, a sealed second end, and a plurality of uniformly distributed perforations located substantially adjacent to said first end of said distributing means, wherein said first end of said distributing means is connected to said first part of said second manifold, said distributing means being substantially encompassed by said inner reservoir, and

said supply means being connected and in fluid communication with said manifold protrudes from said inner reservoir, and said gas supply, thereby supplying gas to said distributing means.