High frequency air pulse generator

• US 7,121,808 B2
• Filed: 11/15/2002
• Issued: 10/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Pte Ltd. (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Weber, Mark A., Van Brunt, Nicholas P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stashick, Anthony D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GILLAN, RYAN P
• Application Number:
  US10/298,267
• Publication Number:
  US 20040097848A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,432 Days
• Field of Search: 417/42, 417/44.1, 417/44.2, 417/199.1, 417/413.1, 417/411
• US Class Current: 417/42
• 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 apparatus comprising:

a housing having an interior region and at least first and second walls,

an air pulse assembly situated in the interior region, the air pulse assembly including a first diaphragm near the first wall, a second diaphragm near the second wall, and a motor operable to move the first and second diaphragms,

a circuit board situated in the interior region between the first diaphragm and the first wall, and

a blower situated in the interior region between the second diaphragm and the second wall.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has a vent, and the blower draws outside air through the vent past the circuit board.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air pulse assembly includes a shell having a metal portion, and the motor is coupled to the metal portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the shell includes a plastic portion coupled to the metal portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the housing has a third wall extending between the first and second walls, and the metal portion is coupled to the third wall.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the metal portion is coupled to the third wall by a vibration dampening support.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the vibration dampening support is shaped to allow air to circulate around the motor.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the third wall includes a vent near the motor.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the vent is situated between the motor and the first wall near the circuit board.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the third wall comprises a back wall of the housing.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first diaphragm moves alternately toward and away from the circuit board.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first diaphragm oscillates air adjacent the circuit board.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit board includes a heat sink.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit board is coupled to the motor.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second diaphragms oscillate air inside the interior region.

16. An apparatus comprising:

a housing having an interior region, a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall, the third and fourth walls extending between the first and second walls,

an air pulse assembly situated in the interior region, the air pulse assembly including a first diaphragm near the first wall, a second diaphragm near the second wall, and a motor operable to move the first and second diaphragms,

a circuit board situated in the interior region between the first diaphragm and the first wall, and

a display, the motor being coupled to the third wall, and the display being coupled to the fourth wall.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second circuit board coupled to the display and situated between the air pulse assembly and the display.

18. An air pulse generator comprising:

an air pulse assembly having an air chamber shell defining an air chamber, diaphragm assemblies, and a motor coupled to the diaphragm assemblies, the diaphragm assemblies oscillating air within the air chamber, the motor being mounted to the air chamber shell such that a portion thereof is situated outside the air chamber shell;

a housing encompassing the air pulse assembly;

a support coupled to the housing and coupled to the air chamber shell near the motor of the air pulse assembly; and

a blower situated within the housing and in communication with the air chamber to pressurize the air chamber.

19. The generator of claim 18, wherein the air chamber shell has an opening for receiving the motor.

21. The generator of claim 18, further comprising a control board associated with the air pulse assembly situated within the housing such that the blower and the circuit board are located on opposite sides of the air chamber shell.

23. The generator of claim 18, wherein the support is shaped to allow air to circulate around the portion of the motor situated outside the air chamber shell.

24. The generator of claim 18, wherein the support comprises vibration dampening material.

25. The generator of claim 18, wherein the shell has a metal portion, and the motor is coupled to the metal portion.

20. The generator of 18, wherein the housing has a vent, and the blower draws outside air through the vent past the portion of the motor situated outside the air chamber shell.

22. The generator of 21, wherein the housing has a vent, and the blower draws outside air through the vent past the control board and past the portion of the motor situated outside the air chamber.