| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus (1) for monitoring and controlling the flow of a therapeutic gas to a patient. The apparatus includes a gas source (3), a flow management module (5) and an electronics module (7). The flow management module (5) contains a valve assembly (15) and a sensor (17). The valve assembly (15) contains a first valve (25) to control the inflow of the therapeutc gas. The second valve (27) controls the inflow of ambient air. When the valve assembly (15) is de-energized the first valve (25) is open allowing the flow of gas through the apparatus (1). The second valve (27) is closed. When the valve assembly (15) is energized, the first valve (25) is closed, stopping the flow of gas and the second valve (27) is open, allowing the inflow of ambient air. The sensor (17) senses changes in the flow of the gas or ambient air and transmits a signal to the electronics module (7). The electronics module (7) can be preprogrammed to control the valve assembly (1), determine respiratory rate, control the flow of therapeutic gas, store or transmit data in response to signals sent by the sensor (17).</p> |
