Abstract: A combined cannula and temperature sensing device for detecting breathing of a patient. The cannula comprising a cannula body defining at least one internal flow chamber therein, at least one tube being connected to the cannula body and communicating with the internal flow chamber, a pair of nasal prongs communicating with the internal flow chamber, and the cannula body having retaining mechanism for releasably attaching the temperature sensing device to the cannula. The temperature sensing device comprising a sensor body, at least one temperature sensor being supported by the sensor body, and the sensor body releasably engaging with the retaining mechanism of the cannula for positioning the at least one temperature sensor adjacent at least one of a nasal cavity and a mouth of the patient for detecting breathing of the patient.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device and method of using the same, for detecting breathing of a patient. The temperature sensing device comprises a sensor body contour for supporting the temperature sensing device on an upper lip of a patient and preventing undesired movement thereof and at least one temperature sensor being supported by the sensor body. The sensor body spaces the temperature sensor(s) from the skin of a patient, during use, so that a remote end of the at least one temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent at least one of a nasal cavity and a mouth of the patient for detecting breathing of the patient. The sensor body is preferably curved both upwardly and rearwardly with respect to planes extending through the sensor body.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device for coupling to a cannula and receiving respiratory breathing information from a patient to be monitored. The pressure sensing device comprising an exterior housing accommodating a snore detection circuit which processes information and outputs a signal indicative; an airflow detection circuit which processes information and outputs a signal indicative thereof; and an internal test circuit for testing an integrity of the airflow and snore detection circuits prior to use of the pressure sensing device to ensure that both circuits are operational. An input port for pressure sensing device extends from the housing of the pressure sensing device so as to space a connector, for the cannula, a sufficient distance away from the bottom surface whereby the bottom surface will always remain flush with and in constant and continuous intimate contact with a support surface for the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device for coupling to a cannula and receiving respiratory breathing information from a patient to be monitored. The pressure sensing device comprising an exterior housing accommodating a snore detection circuit which processes information and outputs a signal indicative; an airflow detection circuit which processes information and outputs a signal indicative thereof; and an internal test circuit for testing an integrity of the airflow and snore detection circuits prior to use of the pressure sensing device to ensure that both circuits are operational. An input port for pressure sensing device extends from the housing of the pressure sensing device so as to space a connector, for the cannula, a sufficient distance away from the bottom surface whereby the bottom surface will always remain flush with and in constant and continuous intimate contact with a support surface for the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: A cannula having at least three separate flow passages and comprising separate nasal and mouth main bodies. The nasal body has first and second nares and first and second main flow chambers respectively communicating with first and second ports, and the first and second flow chambers are separated from one another by a septum. The mouth main body is adjacent the nasal main body and has at least one mouthpiece and at least a third main flow chamber therein communicating with a third port. The cannula has at least first, second and third flow paths which can be connected with a desired supply, monitoring or detection device. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the output of an oxygen concentrator wherein an oxygen concentrator indicator is comprised of an oxygen sensor monitor and circuit board which receives a gas sample from the concentrator, the oxygen concentrator indicator circuit board converts the concentration of oxygen to a DC voltage range from 0 to 1 volt corresponding to 0% to 100% oxygen. A plurality of set-point amplifiers accept the voltage and feed the voltage to a logic block where the voltage is analyzed to insure that only one of a plurality of solid state relays or switches is energized at a time. A plurality of taps on an AC motor winding are selectively energized by the solid state relays to drive the oxygen concentrator at a pre-determined rate in response to the concentration of oxygen generated by the concentrator.

Abstract: A pre-filter for an oxygen concentrator having enhanced filtering area. The pre-filter is positioned so that air entering the concentrator's air compressor is filtered to removed particulate contaminants. The pre-filter has an impermeable housing consisting of four walls in a rectangular configuration. There is, within the housing, a first filter pledget of porous filter material and second filter pledget of porous filter material with an air space in-between the pledgets. Each pledget has an exposed filtering surface and a material thickness of porous filter material. The opening of a conduit tube that is in fluid communication with the air compressor is positioned in the air space between the filter pledgets. Air entering the conduit tube passes through one of the exposed filtering surfaces and one material thickness of porous filter material.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll member and an orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll member is operatively connected to a motor to be driven in an orbiting motion by the motor. The scroll members each include a plate having an inboard surface and an outboard surface. A spiral involute or wrap is formed on the inboard surface of each scroll member plate. The involutes mate to define suction zones at outer ends of the involutes and fluid pockets. The fixed scroll member defines a fluid outlet at the center of the involutes and two inlets positioned proximate the suction zones. At least two idler crank assemblies are provided to maintain the phase relationship and running clearance between the scroll members. The idler crank assemblies each include two operatively connected cranks, one being in the fixed scroll and one being in the orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll crank is externally accessible so that its rotational motion may be harnessed to drive a fan or another compressor stage, for example.

Abstract: A mount for a compressor or the like which sits on a base includes a top surface which is securable to the base. The top surface defines a well having a floor. An opening is formed in the bottom of the floor and a shaft extends from beneath the well floor to above the upper surface. The shaft includes a lower flange positioned below the well floor and an upper flange positioned above the top surface. A spring is positioned between said well floor and the top flange to absorb vibrations and any resulting shock produced by the compressor. A pair of upwardly extending generally perpendicular walls are provided on the upper surface to prevent the spring from engaging the upper surface or deflecting excessively. The walls and the upper flange are sized such that when the shaft moves with respect to the well, the upper flange will contact the wall before the spring contacts the upper surface or deflects excessively.