Devices, systems, and methods for mixing and blending two or more fluids
AssigneeOnebreath, Inc.
InventorsMatthew John Callaghan, Lawrence Edward Miller, Edward Ayrapetian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, systems, and methods for mixing and/or blending two or more fluids, such as gases, to produce suitable mixed or blended fluids, such as a breathable gas. For example, the system may control and/or regulate flow from of first fluid from a first source and/or flow of a second fluid from a second source. The system may include a controller that may operate or direct operation of one or more valves to control the flow of the first and second fluids, thereby producing a blended or mixed fluid that has selected concentrations or proportions (or ratios) of the first and second fluids.
Claims21
A system for blending a first fluid and a second fluid to produce a blended fluid, the system comprising:
- an accumulator defining an accumulator volume;
- a first fluid supply branch including:
- a first valve coupleable to a first source of pressurized fluid;
- a first supply line coupled to the first input valve and extending downstream therefrom and being in fluid communication with the accumulator volume;
- a first mass flow sensor positioned along the first supply and configured to generate a first signal that corresponds to a mass of fluid at a location thereof;
- a second fluid supply including:
- a second valve coupleable to a second source of pressurized fluid;
- a second supply line coupled to the second input valve and extending downstream therefrom and being in fluid communication with the accumulator volume;
- a second mass flow sensor positioned along the second supply line and configured to generate a second signal that corresponds to a mass of fluid at a location thereof;
- and
- a controller operably coupled to the first and second mass flow sensors and configured to receive signals therefrom, the controller being configured to operate or direct operation of the first and the second valves, at least partially based on the received signals from the first and second mass flow sensors, to generate a flow of the first and second fluids targeted and produce a blended fluid in the accumulator, the blended fluid having selected concentrations of the first and second fluids.
A system for blending a first gas and a second gas to produce a breathable gas having a selected fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), the system comprising:
- an accumulator defining an accumulator volume;
- a first fluid supply branch including:
- an electrically-controlled valve coupled to a source of the first gas;
- a first supply line coupled to the electrically-controlled valve and extending downstream therefrom and being in fluid communication with the accumulator volume;
- a second fluid supply including a second supply line in fluid communication with the accumulator volume;
- and
- a controller operably coupled to the electrically-controlled valve and configured to direct progressive opening and closing thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.