Patents Assigned to Nellcar Puritan Bennett
  • Patent number: 5495848
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the flow of a therapeutic gas to a patient. The apparatus includes a gas source, a flow management module and an electronics module. The flow management module contains a valve assembly and a sensor. The valve assembly contains a first valve to control the inflow of the therapeutic gas. The second valve controls the inflow of ambient air. When the valve assembly is deenergized the first valve is open allowing the flow of gas through the apparatus. The second valve is closed. When the valve assembly is energized, the first valve is closed stopping the flow of gas and the second valve is open allowing the inflow of ambient air. The sensor senses changes in the flow of the gas or ambient air and transmits a signal to the electronics module. The electronics module can be preprogrammed to control the valve assembly, determine respiratory rate, control the flow of therapeutic gas, store or transmit data in response to signals sent by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Nellcar Puritan Bennett
    Inventors: Alonzo C. Aylsworth, Gregory R. Miller