Patent Application
20210137779
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for chest wall therapy. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy.
High frequency oscillatory impact to a patient's chest wall can encourage freeing of mucus from the upper respiratory tract. For example, patients suffering from mucus build up, such as cystic fibrosis patients, can be successfully treated with HFCWO therapy. Yet, impact to the patient can be uncomfortable and/or can provide inefficient use of force to free mucus.
The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a chest wall oscillation therapy system may include a chest engagement device for communicating impact force to a patient's chest; a force generator arranged to generate successive force of impact as a therapy regime for the patient, the force generator arranged in communication with the chest engagement device to communicate force of impact from the force generator into impact force to the patient's chest to encourage airway clearance, and a therapy control system. The therapy control system may include at least one sensor arranged to detect an indication of a breathing pattern of the patient.
In some embodiments, the at least one sensor may include at least one micro electromechanical sensor. The at least one sensor may be arranged to provide at least nine-axis tracking of chest movement of the patient. The at least one sensor may include at least one accelerometer. The at least one sensor may include at least one gyroscope. The at least one sensor may include at least one magnetometer.
In some embodiments, the therapy control system may include at least one processor for providing construction of motion based on data received from the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be mounted to the chest engagement device to detect motion of the patient's chest. The therapy control system may be arranged in communication with a personal mobile device to communicate indication of the patient's chest.
In some embodiments, the therapy control system may be arranged to configure a therapy regime of the force generator according to data from the at least one sensor. The therapy control system may configure the therapy regime of the force generator to increase at least one of oscillation rate and intensity of the impact force while the patient exhales. The therapy control system may configure the therapy force generator to have an exhalation setting for at least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force during patient exhalation, the exhalation setting being greater than a predetermined nominal setting for the at least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force. The therapy control system may configure the therapy force generator to have an inhalation setting for least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force during patient inhalation, the inhalation setting being less than during patient exhalation. The inhalation setting may be less than or equal to the predetermined nominal setting.
In some embodiments, the therapy control system may configure the therapy regime of the force generator to decrease at least one of oscillation rate and intensity of the impact force while the patient inhales. The therapy control system may configure the therapy force generator to have an inhalation setting for at least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force during patient inhalation, the inhalation setting being less than a predetermined nominal setting for the at least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force. The therapy control system may configure the therapy force generator to have an exhalation setting for at least one of oscillation frequency and intensity of the impact force during patient exhalation, the exhalation setting being greater than during patient inhalation. The exhalation setting may be greater than or equal to the predetermined nominal setting.
In some embodiments, the therapy control system may include a graphical user interface for communicating with a user. The graphical user interface may be arranged to present selectable options for user selection. The selectable options for user selection may include an oscillation start button for initiating operation to provide impact force to the patient.
In some embodiments, responsive to user selection of the oscillation start button, the graphical user interface may present a pause button as a selectable option. The selectable options for user selection may include a new predetermined therapy regime button for user creation of a new predetermined therapy regime for implementation as the therapy regime. The selectable options for user selection may include an unlock button. Responsive to user selection of the unlock button at least one of frequency, intensity, and time buttons may be presented as selectable options for user selection to configure corresponding features.
In some embodiments, the selectable options for user selection may include a predetermined therapy regime tab for implementing a predetermined therapy regime as the therapy regime. Responsive to user selection of at least one of the predetermined therapy regime tab and an unlock button, a cough pause tab may be presented for user selection to configure cough pause settings of the predetermined therapy regime. Responsive to user selection of the cough pause tab at least one of a cough pause enable switch and/or auto-restart switch may be presented for user selection. In some embodiments, the selectable options may include a pull tab for user activation to present additional selectable options. The additional selectable options may include at least one of a home button, a cough pause settings button, and a delete therapy button.
In some embodiments, responsive to user selection of cough pause enable switch to affirm cough pause, at least one of a pause duration and pause frequency button may be presented for user selection to adjust the associated enable switch and auto-restart switch is presented for user selection to configure corresponding features. The chest engagement device may comprise a wearable garment.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chest wall oscillation therapy system may include a chest engagement device for communicating impact force to a patient's chest; a force generator arranged to generate successive force of impact as a therapy regime for the patient, the force generator arranged in communication with the chest engagement device to communicate force of impact from the force generator into impact force to the patient's chest to encourage airway clearance; and at least one force connection line. The at least one force connection line may include a first end configured for connection with the chest engagement device and a second end, opposite the first end for connection with the force generator. The at least one force connection line may include a connector system for selectively securing at least one of the first and second ends with the force generator.
In some embodiments, the connector system may include a connector terminal secured with one of the force generator and the at least one force connection line. The connector terminal may include a connector base having a flow pathway defined therethrough and at least one engagement tab extending radially from the connector base. The at least one engagement tab may form a resilient member positionable between an extended position outward from the connector base and a contracted position closer to the connector base than the extended position.
In some embodiments, the at least one engagement tab may include a latch body and at least one latch tab projecting radially from the latch body for engagement with a catch of another one of the force generator and the at least one force connection line. The latch body may extend cantilevered from a fulcrum connected with the connector base.
In some embodiments, the latch body may be connected on one end with the fulcrum. The latch tab may be arranged near a free end of the latch body opposite the one end. The latch body may define an engagement portion arranged between the one end and the free end for engagement with a user's hand to operate the engagement tab between the extended and contracted positions.
In some embodiments, the latch body may be connected on one end with the fulcrum. The latch body may define a free end opposite the one end. The latch tab may be arranged between the one end and the free end. In some embodiments, an engagement portion may be defined near the free end for engagement with a user's hand to operate the engagement tab between the extended and contracted positions.
In some embodiments, the connection system may include a connector receiver secured with another one of the force generator and the at least one force connection line. The connector receiver may be arranged for selectively receiving the connector terminal to provide communication of force of impact from the force generator.
In some embodiments, the connector receiver may include a flow pathway for communication with the flow pathway of the connector terminal and a latch receiver for receiving selective engagement with the at least one engagement tab to selectively secure the connector terminal and the connector receiver together.
The latch receiver may be arranged radially outward of the flow pathway. The flow pathway of the connector receiver may be defined at least partially by a receiver base configured for engagement with the connector base to provide communication of the flow pathways.
In some embodiments, the latch receiver may be arranged to receive the at least one engagement tab therein. The receiver base may be engaged with the connector base. One of the connector receiver and the connector terminal may include a catch for receiving selective engagement of at least one latch tab of another one of the connector receiver and the connector terminal to block against disengagement of the receiver base and connector base.
In some embodiments, the connector receiver may include the catch. The connector terminal may include the at least one latch tab.
In some embodiments, the connector system may include a connector terminal secured with one of the at least one force connection line and the force generator. The connector system may include a connector receiver secured with another one of the at least one force connection line and the force generator. One of the connector terminal and the connector receiver may include a connector base formed as a male engagement member for reception into a female connection member of another one of the connector terminal and the connector receiver to provide a flow path connection between the connector terminal and the connector receiver. The male engagement member may be tapered.
In some embodiments, the male engagement member may be configured for selective expansive to form a pressfit with the female engagement member, responsive to threshold pressure in the flow path connection from the force generator. At least one of the connector terminal and the connector receiver may include at least one magnet. At least another one of the connector terminal and the connector receiver may include at least one magnetic member having magnetic susceptibility to block against disengagement of the connector terminal and the connector receiver.
In some embodiments, the at least one magnet may be an electromagnet. The at least one magnet may include a permanent magnet. The at least one magnetic member may be arranged near an engagement face of the at least another one of the connector terminal and connector receiver. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet may be arranged near an engagement face of the at least one of the connector terminal and connector receiver.
In some embodiments, the at least one magnet may be arranged near the engagement face. The at least one magnet may include a ferromagnetic ring arranged on a side of a radial wall from the magnet. In some embodiments, the he chest engagement device comprises a wearable garment.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chest wall oscillation therapy force generator for generating successive force of impact as a therapy regime for a patient to encourage airway clearance may include a piston pump assembly comprising at least two pistons each disposed within corresponding piston wells, each piston arranged for reciprocating movement with the corresponding piston well to generate pressure for chest wall oscillation therapy according to the therapy regime; a drive shaft arranged for connection with a drive motor to provide reciprocating drive for the at least two pistons; and
a drive linkage operably connected with each of the at least two pistons and the drive shaft to transfer rotational drive of the drive shaft into reciprocating motion of the pistons.
In some embodiments, the drive linkage may include at least one cam member coupled between the drive shaft and each one of the at least two pistons to transfer rotation drive of the driveshaft into reciprocating motion of the piston. The at least one cam members may be arranged eccentric relative to the drive shaft.
In some embodiments, the drive linkage may include a linkage strut. The linkage strut may be pivotably coupled with the corresponding piston on one end. The linkage strut may define a cylindrical yoke on another end for receiving the at least one cam member. Eccentric rotation of the at least one cam member within the cylindrical yoke may drive the one end of the linkage strut for reciprocating motion for transfer to the corresponding piston.
In some embodiments, the drive linkage may include a number of radial links. The radial links may each be fixed with the drive shaft on one end to receive rotational drive. The radial links may each be coupled with a corresponding one of the pistons on the opposite end. Each of the radial links may include the at least one cam member arranged on the opposite end.
In some embodiments, each piston may include a yolk track. Each yolk track may have a length defined perpendicularly to a direction of reciprocal motion of the piston. Each yolk track may be adapted to receive the corresponding at least one cam member for travel along the length of the yolk track to translate rotational motion of the drive linkage into reciprocal motion of the corresponding piston.
In some embodiments, each radial link may include a section of a strut. The radial links may extend in opposite directions from connection with the drive shaft.
In some embodiments, the generator may include the drive motor comprising a stepper motor. The drive motor may be configured to drive rotation of the drive shaft in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.
In some embodiments, a therapy control system may be arranged to govern operation of the force generator. The therapy control system may be adapted to receive indication of breathing motion of a patient's chest and to determine a breathing pattern of the patient. The therapy control system may be adapted to configure the therapy regime based on the breathing pattern.
In some embodiments, the therapy control system may configure the therapy regime to increase at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity while the patient exhales. Increasing at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity while the patient exhales may include increasing at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity from a first value to a second value greater than the first value for a period of time in which the patient is exhaling. The period of time in which the patient is exhaling may be determined according to the breathing pattern.
In some embodiments, after completion of the period of time, the therapy control system may configure the therapy regime to decrease at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity for another period of time. The another period of time may comprise time when the patient is inhaling. The therapy control system may configure the therapy regime to decrease at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity while the patient inhales.
In some embodiments, decreasing at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity while the patient exhales may include decreasing at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity from a first value to a second value less than the first value for a period of time in which the patient is inhaling. The period of time in which the patient is inhaling may be determined according to the breathing pattern. After completion of the period of time, the therapy control system may configure the therapy regime to increase at least one of force oscillation rate and intensity for another period of time. In some embodiments, the another period of time may include time when the patient is exhaling.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chest wall oscillation therapy system may include a chest engagement device for communicating impact force to a patient's chest as a therapy regime for the patient to encourage airway clearance; a pump assembly for generating pressure for the chest engagement device to provide impact force of impact as, the pump assembly including at least one pressurization bank comprising at least one positive port for providing positive pressure and at least one negative port for providing negative pressure; and a pressure control assembly connected with the pump assembly to communicate pressure with the chest engagement device. The pressure control assembly may include a casing defining a first flow path and a second flow path, and a control body assembly including a first body arranged within the first flow path to regulate flow through the first flow path and a second body arranged within the second flow path to regulate flow through the second flow path. The first flow path may have a pump side connected with the positive port of the pump assembly. The second flow path may have a connected with the negative port of the pump assembly. Each of the first and second bodies may be selectively operable between open flow and closed flow position.
In some embodiments, the control bodies may each include a flow channel adapted for selective arrangement in communication with the corresponding flow path in the open flow position to allow communication of pressure through the corresponding flow path and for selective arrangement out of communication with the corresponding flow path in the closed flow position to block communication of pressure through the corresponding flow path. The first and second control bodies may each include at least two angular positions comprising the open flow position. The open flow position of each of the first and second bodies may include arrangement of the flow channel in communication with the corresponding flow path to allow communication of pressure through the corresponding flow path from one end of the flow channel to another end of the flow channel.
In some embodiments, the open flow position of each of the first and second bodies may include arrangement of the flow channel in communication with the corresponding flow path to allow communication of pressure through the corresponding flow path from the another end of the flow channel to the one end of the flow channel. Each of the first and second control bodies may be adapted to rotate within its corresponding flow path to alternate between open flow and closed flow position. The first and second control bodies may each be adapted to rotate within their corresponding flow path such that only one of the first and second control bodies is arranged to have open flow position at any moment of time.
In some embodiments, the first and second control bodies may be arranged such that the flow channel of the first control body and the flow channel of the second body are positioned perpendicularly to each other during rotation. The first and second control bodies may each be formed to have spherical shape. The first and second control bodies may each be formed as an oblate spheroid.
In some embodiments, the flow channel of each of the first and second control bodies may extend through the control body along a longitudinal dimension. In some embodiments, the first and second control bodies may be connected with a drive shaft for rotation within the respective flow paths. The drive shaft may be driven for rotation by a drive motor governed for operation by a therapy control system. In some embodiments, the chest engagement device may include a wearable garment.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chest wall oscillation therapy system may comprise a chest engagement device for communicating impact force to a patient's chest; a force generator arranged to generate successive force of impact as a therapy regime for the patient, the force generator arranged in communication with the chest engagement device to communicate force of impact from the force generator into impact force to the patient's chest to encourage airway clearance, and a therapy control system. The therapy control system may comprise a graphical user interface for communicating with a user.
In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may be arranged to present selectable options. The selectable options may include a therapy initiation button for initiating operation to provide impact force to the patient. Responsive to user activation of the therapy initiation button, the graphical user interface may present a pause button as a selectable option.
In some embodiments, the selectable options may include a pull tab for user activation to present additional selectable options. The additional selectable options may include at least one of a home button, a cough pause settings button, and a delete therapy button. The selectable options may include a new predetermined therapy regime button for user creation of a new predetermined therapy regime for implementation as the therapy regime. The new predetermined therapy regime button may be accessible by user activation of a pull tab for expansion.
In some embodiments, the selectable options may include an unlock button. Responsive to user activation of the unlock button at least one of frequency, intensity, and time buttons may be presented as selectable options for user activation to configure corresponding features. User activation of the unlock button may include dragging the unlock button to a predetermined extent. The selectable options may include a predetermined therapy regime tab for implementing a predetermined therapy regime as the therapy regime.
In some embodiments, responsive to user activation of at least one of the predetermined therapy regime tab and an unlock button, a cough pause tab may be presented for user activation to configure cough pause settings of the predetermined therapy regime. Responsive to user activation of the cough pause tab, at least one of a cough pause enable switch and auto-restart switch may be presented for user selection. Responsive to user activation of cough pause enable switch to affirm cough pause, at least one of a pause duration and pause frequency interval button may be presented for user activation to adjust the associated features.
In some embodiments, the chest engagement device may comprise a wearable garment. In some embodiments, the therapy control system may include a garment size toggle switch. The garment size toggle switch may be operable for user selection between an on position in which the therapy control system adapts configuration of the force generator to account for the size of the wearable garment, and an off position in which the therapy control system does not adapt configuration of the force generator to account for the size of the wearable garment.
Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.
Build-up within the upper respiratory system, for example, mucus build-up in cystic fibrosis patients, can be effectively treated by encouraging expectoration. High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) can assist in loosening build-up.
Referring now to
The force generator 16 is illustratively embodied to include an air pump assembly adapted to provide positive pressure and negative pressure through the respective hoses 18,20 to the vest 14. In some embodiments, arrangements may include only a positive pressure hose or hoses, for example, to provide positive pressure force, while exhaust of pressurized fluid may occur without return to the force generator. Referring to
The vest 14 includes a sensor 24 arranged to detect motion of the patient's chest wall to determine breathing pattern. The sensor 24 is secured with the vest 14, illustratively internal to the garment. The sensor 24 is illustratively positioned near the sternum section of the vest 14 but in some embodiments may have any suitable arrangement for facilitating determination of breathing information.
Referring to
In the illustrative embodiment, the sensor 24 is hardwired to the force generator 16 to communicate indication of patient breathing activity. In some embodiments, the sensor 24 may communicate wirelessly with the force generator, such as by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or other suitable local wireless communications, and may include processor 40, memory storage 42 for storing instructions for execution by the processor 40, and communication circuitry 44 for communicating signals under direction by the processor 40. In some embodiments, the sensor 24 and/or the force generator 16 may communicate sensor data and/or force generator operational information with a user's personal mobile device 48, directly and/or indirectly, via wireless connection, such as by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or other suitable local wireless communications.
The therapy control system 46 governs generation of pressure of the force generator 16. In the illustrative embodiment, the therapy control system 46 governs the initiation and cessation of therapy, the pressure and/or or flow rate of the positive and negative pressure provided, and the frequency of oscillation between the positive and negative pressure provided. As discussed in additional detail herein, the therapy control system 46 includes a user interface for communicating with the user.
Referring to
As shown in
Referring now to
In box 52, the therapy control system 46 can determine the breathing pattern and can determine configuration of the therapy regime based on the breathing pattern. In box 54, the therapy control system 46 can perform configuration of the therapy regime according to the breathing pattern. Performing configuration of the therapy regime can include adjusting one or more of the intensity, frequency, and timing of oscillation therapy.
The therapy control system 46 can optionally consider adverse respiratory factors. Sensor data from sensor 24 can be analyzed by the therapy control system 46 to identify risk factors for respiratory issues. For example, in box 52, the therapy control system 46 can determine respiratory rate and/or tidal volume based on sensor data, and may determine that a risk exists concerning ventilator function of the patient's lung. In response to determination that a risk exists, the therapy control system 56 can issue a warning in box 56. Issuance of a warning can include activating a warning light, issuing a warning message on the user interface, and/or communication of an indication of warning to a remote system.
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring now to
The connector terminal 68 includes a connector base 74 having a flow path 76 defined therethrough. The connector terminal 68 includes engagement tabs 77 extending radially from the connector base 74. The connector base 74 is illustratively formed as a tubular member for conforming engagement with the connector receiver 70 to provide pressurized flow connection. The engagement tabs 77 are illustratively formed as resilient members positionable between an extended position to latch the connector terminal 68 with the connector receiver 70 to block against disengagement, and a contracted position to release latching between the connector terminal 68 and the connector receiver 70.
Referring still to
Referring now to
The engagement tabs 77 are each formed to include a latch body 84 embodied as an elongated member. The latch body 84 is connected with the connector base 74 at a fulcrum 86 and extends cantilevered out from the fulcrum 86 to a free end 88. Each latch body 84 includes a latch tab 90 extending outward for selective engagement with the latch receiver 82 of the connector receiver 70.
Each latch body 84 include an engagement portion 92 for engagement with a user's hand to selectively operate the engagement tabs 77 between the extended and contracted positions. The engagement portion is illustratively embodied as a number of teeth projecting from the latch body 84 to promote a grip surface for engagement with the user's hand. The user can engage the engagement portion to apply and release inward force F on the latch body to pivot the latch body 84 about the fulcrum 86 to the contracted position to disengage the latch tab from the latch receiver 82 to allow disengagement between the connector terminal 68 and the connector receiver 70.
Each latch receiver 82 includes a latch opening 94 for receiving engagement of the latch tab 90 when the corresponding engagement tabs 77 are in the extended position to block against disengagement between the connector terminal 68 and the connector receiver 70. The user can depress the engagement tabs 77 into the contracted position to disengage the latch tabs 90 from the latch openings 94 to allow disengagement of the connector terminal 68 from the connector receiver 70.
As shown in
The connector terminal 1068 includes a connector base 1074 defines the flow path 76, and the receiver base 1078 defines the flow path 80. The connector base 1074 and receiver base 1078 are configured for conforming engagement to communicate their flow paths 76, 80. The connector terminal 1068 includes engagement tabs 1077 for selective engagement with a latch receiver 1082 of the connector receiver 1070 to block against disengagement between the connector terminal 1068 and the connector receiver 1070.
The engagement tabs 1077 each include a latch body 1084 having one end connected with the connector base 1074 by a fulcrum 1086. Each latch body 1084 extends from the corresponding fulcrum 1086 to a free end 1088. The engagement tabs 1077 each include a latch tab 1090 configured for selective engagement with a latch opening 1094 of the latch receiver 1082 to block against disengagement between the connector terminal 1068 and the connector receiver 1070.
Unlike the connection system 66, the latch tabs 1090 arrange on the latch body 1084 near the free end 1088, and the free end 1088 is received within the latch receiver 1082 during engagement between the connector terminal 1068 and the connector receiver 1070. Also unlike the connection system 66, the latch receiver 1082 is formed as a uniform annular member.
The engagement tabs 1077 include an engagement portion 1092 for engagement with a user's hand to operate the engagement tabs 1077 between extended and contracted positions. In the extend position, as shown in
Referring now to
The connector terminal 2068 includes a connector base 2074 defining the flow path 76. The connector receiver 2070 includes a receiver base 2078 defining the flow path 80. The connector base 2074 and receiver base 2078 are arranged for conforming engagement to communicate their flow paths 76, 80. The connector terminal 2068 includes an engagement flange 2112 for engagement with an engagement flange 2114 of the connector receiver 2070.
The engagement flange 2112 of the connector terminal 2068 illustratively projects from the connector base 2074 to define an engagement face 2116. The engagement face 2116 of the connector terminal 2068 includes a magnetizable member 2118 having high magnetic susceptibility, sufficiently high to selectively form a magnetic connection when placed in a magnetic field to block against disengagement of the connector terminal 2068. The magnetizable member 2118 is illustratively formed as an annular member having ferrous material for attraction by magnets, although in some embodiments, the magnetizable member 2118 may comprise any suitable shape and/or materials to permit selective connection with the connector receiver 2070.
The engagement flange of the connector receiver 2070 extends from the receiver base 2078. The engagement flange 2114 defines an engagement face 2120 for selective engagement with the engagement face 2116 of the connector terminal 2068. The engagement face 2120 of the connector receiver 2070 includes a magnetic member 2122 for attracting connection with the engagement face 2116 of the connector terminal 2068. The magnetic member 2122 illustrative comprises a permanent magnet having sufficient magnetic field to selectively secure the connector terminal 2068 and connector receiver 2070 together.
When the connector terminal 2068 and the connector receiver 2070 are arranged sufficiently close together to magnetize the magnetizable member 2118 under the magnetic field of the magnetic member 2122, the connector terminal 2068 and the connector receiver 2070 can be drawn together by magnetic force to block against disengagement of the connector base 2074 and the receiver base 2078. Accordingly, the engagement flanges 2112, 2114 collectively define a magnetic coupling for selective connection between the connector terminal 2068 and the connector receiver 2070. In the illustrative embodiment, the connector terminal 2068 comprises the magnetizable member 2118 and the connector receiver 2070 comprises the magnetic member 2122, however, in some embodiments, the connector terminal 2068 comprise the magnetic member 2122 and the connector receiver 2070 may comprise the magnetizable member 2118.
The magnetic coupling is illustratively adapted to create audible click sound and/or haptic magnetic attraction during engagement by arranging the engagement flanges 2112, 2114 in proximity to impose magnetic attraction and allowing the magnetic attraction to freely draw the engagement faces together. The user can appreciate connection of the connector terminal 2068 with the connector receiver 2070 by audible and/or haptic feedback.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Similar to the connector system 2066, the connector system 3066 is shown to include a magnetic coupling for selectively coupling the connector terminal 3068 and connector receiver 3070. However, unlike the connector system 2066, the connector receiver 3070 of the connector system 3066 is formed to include an electromagnet 3126 for selectively imposing magnetic field to attract the connector terminal 3068. The electromagnet 3126 is illustratively activated in response to activation of a therapy regime to block against disengagement between the connector terminal 3068 and connector receiver 3070 during a therapy regime. In some embodiments, the magnetic force of the electromagnet may be cumulative to a permanent magnetic arranged to lightly maintain coupling between the connector terminal 3068 and connector receiver 3070 when a therapy regime is not presently operating.
The electromagnet 3126 is illustratively arranged on a rear side of the receiver extension 3124, extending circumferentially about the receiver base 3078. The connector receiver 3070 includes a magnetization member 3128 arranged within the engagement flange 3114 on the opposite side of the receiver extension 3124, in proximity with the electromagnet 3126 to become magnetized under operation of the electromagnet. The magnetization member 3118 has high magnetic susceptibility to become magnetized under the magnetic field of the electromagnet 3126 to magnetically couple with the magnetization member 3118 of the connector terminal 3068 when arranged in proximity with each other.
Referring now to
The connector base 4074 and receiver base 4078 are illustratively formed to have conforming fit such that, without operation of the force generator 16 to provide pressure, the connector terminal 4068 and the connector receiver 4070 are lightly coupled together by friction fit. When the force generator 16 is operated pressurizing the flow path 76,80, the connector terminal 4068 and the connector receiver 4070 are more tightly coupled together imposing a strong friction fit. In the illustrative embodiment, under baseline pressure, the connector base 4074 of the connector terminal 4068 is slightly expanded such that the exterior surface 4130 is slightly greater in circumference that when no pressure is provided. Accordingly, disengagement between the connector terminal 4068 and the connector receiver 3079 can be selectively blocked during operation of the force generator 16 to provide the therapy regime.
Referring now to
As shown in
Buttons 228, 230, 232 are presently unavailable for selection (in a locked state as discussed in additional detail herein) and can be indicated as unavailable by graying out. Buttons 228, 230, 232 indicate their presently selected values for settings such as frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy conditions as the therapy regime. The presently selected settings values for HFCWO therapy are illustratively applied as the default settings for the presently selected therapy regime, and in arrangements in which the HFCWO system determines settings values dynamically during the therapy, for example, determines dynamic changes to the settings to lessen frequency and/or intensity values during inhale and/or to increase frequency and/or intensity values during exhale, according to determination of the user's breathing as discussed above, the presently selected settings values are embodied as maximum settings from which dynamic adjustment can be effected by dynamically adjusting the settings lower; however, in some embodiments, the presently selected settings values may be average values or minimum values from which dynamic adjustments may be made to increase and/or decrease according to control system determination. The settings values may be directly tied to recognized units, such as the duration values are embodied as minutes, but in some embodiments may have any suitable units, including non-standard units and/or weighted units. On screen 214, the buttons 228, 230, 232 are indicated to be presently unavailable for selection (grayed out, as represented by their dark background with white text). A settings button 225 is presented but is indicated to be presently unavailable for selection (grayed out, as represented by un-bolded depiction).
The GUI 58 presents a header bar 234 visible on several screens. The header bar 234 illustratively includes a provider icon 236, system lock button 238 indicating present lock arrangement by graphical illustration of a closed pad lock, and wireless communications indication 240. The wireless communications indication 240 illustratively includes a Wi-Fi indicator 242 and Bluetooth indicator 244 each for indicating availability of their respective connection type.
From screen 214, user selection of the therapy initiation button 226 initiates the force generator 16 to provide the presently set therapy conditions as the therapy regime, and advances GUI 58 to screen 248 as shown in
Responsive to user selection of the therapy pause button 252, oscillation therapy is paused by cessation of pressure oscillation from the force generator 16, and the GUI 58 advances to screen 254 as shown in
In the illustrative embodiment, if the pause timer reaches 6 minutes, a warning indication is presented indicating that therapy will terminate if not restarted, the warning indication including a countdown timer indicating the remaining time until therapy termination, and presenting continue therapy and end therapy buttons for user selection. If therapy is not continued (unpaused) with the predetermined maximum or the user selects the therapy termination button, an indication of incomplete therapy is presented and timeout of the indication of incomplete therapy and/or user tap anywhere on the GUI 58 returns to screen 214. If the user continues (unpauses) therapy by selection of the continue therapy button within the maximum pause time, therapy continues and the GUI returns to screen 248.
Referring now to
In the unlocked state, the buttons 228, 230, 232 are activated for available user selection which can be indicated by boldening their appearance from their grayed indication in the locked state. User selection of the button 228 advances to screen 260 as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
From the screen 260, selection of the therapy initiation button 226 initiates the force generator 16 to provide the presently set therapy conditions as the therapy regime and advances to GUI 58 to screen 268 as shown in
Referring now to
Referring to
In
Referring to
From screen 292, user selection of the pause button 252 pauses oscillation therapy and advances to screen 298. On screen 298, in
Referring now to
From screen 300, user selection of the settings button 225 opens a preset therapy conditions control interface for the selection therapy tab 222, presently indicating a preset therapy one (1), as indicated in screen 302 as shown in
On the left hand side, the presently selected therapy tab 222 is indicated by script “Therapy 1”. In the illustrative example of
As shown in
From the screen 300, user selection of the frequency button 228 for a presently selected interval step permits user adjustment of the frequency for that interval step as shown on screen 302. The interval button 228 is highlighted indicating its selection, and increase and decrease buttons 312, 314 are presented for user selection to increase or decrease the frequency for the selected interval step, respectively. User selection of the add step or return-to-previous-step buttons 306, 308 maintains the present buttons selection 228, 230, 232 allowing the user to navigate the settings conditions to adjust the selected conditions. Similarly, user selection of another settings condition buttons 228, 230, 232 allows the increase and decrease buttons 312,314 to control the presently selected setting condition (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration) for the presently selected interval step. In the illustrative embodiment, the user can select the lock button 238 to save and complete preset therapy programming. In some embodiments, a save button may be presented to save and end the preset therapy programming.
Referring now to
The cough pause options 318 include a cough pause duration setting 324 and cough pause interval setting 326 for the presently selected interval step. When the cough pause enable toggle 320 is disabled (as shown in
Enabling the cough pause enable toggle 320 enables the cough pause duration setting 324 and cough pause interval settings 326 for available selection as shown in
Referring now to
Responsive to user selection of the add program tab 224, screen 332 is presented to open a preset therapy conditions control interface for the new present therapy to allow user configuration of an additional present therapy, shown by example as “Therapy 2” as the next available numerical series of preset therapy settings. The user can select and adjust the preset therapy settings for therapy 2, for example, for intervals, frequency, intensity, duration, cough pause, etc. in similar manner as discussed above regarding therapy 1. Upon successful creation of a new present therapy, an additional therapy tab is added between the tab 222 and the tab 224 allowing user selection of the therapy 2 tab in the corresponding screens. Accordingly, a number of preset therapy regimes can be preset for user selection and/or modification.
Referring now to
The GUI version toggle 342 includes two modes comprising a basic mode as shown and described hereinabove, and an advance mode. The advanced mode is illustratively embodied as additionally sophisticated mode having additional and/or more granular options for selective adjustment, including wireless communications configurations, power control options, and/or related operations less commonly required for patient operation. User toggling of the GUI version toggle 342 presents the advanced mode and allows return to the basic mode by re-toggling the GUI version toggle 342.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The piston chamber 518 are illustratively arranged on opposite lateral sides of the pressurization housing 514 extending longitudinally parallel for parallel piston travel. Each piston 516 is arranged in its corresponding piston chamber 518 for reciprocating motion to generate pressure. Each piston 516 is tightly spaced from the wall 522 (and may include piston rings to tightly control the spacing) defining the corresponding piston chamber 518 to generate pressure on a pressure side 524 as it reciprocates (laterally in the orientation of
Referring to
Referring now to
In the illustrative embodiment, each linkage strut 534 is coupled with the corresponding cam member 532 by a cylindrical yoke 536 formed on an end of the linkage strut 534 opposite the connected with the corresponding piston 516. The cylindrical yolk 536 of each linkage strut 534 receives the corresponding cam member 532 therein, illustratively with a plain bearing arrangement to transfer rotational cam motion into reciprocal piston drive. The cam members 532 are arranged offset from each other in rotational position relative to the drive shaft 528 so that the pistons 516 travel in coordinated manner away from and towards the drive shaft 528.
On each outward stroke of the pistons 516, a negative pressure is created for communication through the outlet 520 to the vest 14, and on each inward stroke of the pistons 516 a positive pressure is created for communication through the outlet 520 to the vest 14. The positive and negative pressure from the piston operation can be controlled for communication with the vest by pressure valves, such as through check valves for appropriate routing.
Referring now to
The pump assembly 612 includes a drive shaft 620 arranged for rotational drive by a drive motor 621 to provide drive to the pistons 616. Each piston 616 is coupled with the drive shaft 620 by a drive linkage 622. Each drive linkage 622 includes a radial link 624 secured with the drive shaft 620 on one end and coupled with the corresponding piston 616 on an opposite end. In the illustrative embodiment, the radial links 624 are each formed by a single member joined with the drive shaft 620 near its center. Each radial link 624 includes a cam member 626 arranged on the opposite end for engagement with the corresponding piston 616 to drive reciprocal motion.
The cam member 626 of each radial link 624 is arranged within a yolk track 628 of the corresponding piston 616. The cam member 626 of each radial link 624 is arranged to travel along the corresponding yolk track 628 under rotation of the drive shaft 620 to transfer rotational motion of the drive shaft 620 into reciprocal motion to drive the corresponding piston 616. The drive shaft 620 is operated for rotation in a first direction to drive the pistons 616 outward from each other to generate negative pressure, and in a second direction opposite to the first rotation direction to drive the pistons 616 inward to create positive pressure. To provide bi-directional rotation of the drive shaft 620, as stepper motor may be applied having positional feedback for the drive shaft 620.
Referring now to
The pressure control assembly 722 comprise a pressure control device for successively providing positive and negative pressure to the vest 14. The pressure control assembly 722 illustratively includes a casing 724 defining two pressure flow paths 726, 728 each having one end connected with the corresponding port 714, 716 and the other end in connection with the corresponding pump 718, 720 such that one flow path 726 is a positive flow path and the other flow path 728 is a negative flow path. The pressure control assembly 722 includes positive side and negative side control bodies 730 arranged in each flow path 726, 728 for selective operation to communicate respective positive and negative pressure with the vest 14.
Each control body 730 includes a flow channel 732 defined therethough for selective arrangement in communication with corresponding flow path 726, 728 to allow the connected pressure to communicate with the vest 14 in open flow position, and selective arranged out of communication with the corresponding flow path 726, 728 to block against connected pressure to communicate with the vest 14 in closed flow position Each control body 730 rotates within the casing 724 to provide successive operation through open flow and closed flow position. Each flow channel 732 is arranged to have two opposite ends such that rotation in one direction creates two angular orientations having open flow position.
The control bodies 730 are arranged to have their flow channels 732 out of parallel with each other to permit only one of positive or negative pressure at a given time. More specifically, the angular position of the flow channels 732 of each control body 730 about its rotational axis is offset to be about perpendicular to each other during rotation. The control bodies 730 are each illustratively secured to the same rotational drive shaft 736 driven by rotation drive motor 734 to provide continuous rotation to successively communicate positive and negative pressure to the vest 14 to provide oscillation therapy according to the therapy control system 46.
The control bodies 730 are illustratively formed to have oblate spheroid shape. The flow channel 732 of each control body 730 illustratively extends through the longitudinal dimension of the control body 730. Operation of each of each of the pump assemblies 512, 612, 712 is illustratively governed according to the therapy control system, including accordingly to settings and/or inputs as discussed regarding the GUI 58.
Referring now to
In screen 5012, the GUI 58 presents a number of selection tab options including tabs 5014, 5016, the tab 5014 being presently selected as indicated by its bold text and by continuous connection with the remainder of the screen 5012 (right-side portion). The presently selected tab 5014 presents a therapy initiation button 5018, and HFCWO settings 5020 as presently set including frequency (12), intensity (4), and duration (20 min). The presently selected settings values for HFCWO therapy are illustratively applied as the default settings for the presently selected therapy regime, and in some arrangements, the HFCWO system determines settings values dynamically during the therapy, for example, determines dynamic changes to the settings to lessen frequency and/or intensity values during inhale and/or to increase frequency and/or intensity values during exhale, according to determination of the user's breathing as discussed above, for example, to increase comfort to the patient while maintaining effectiveness of therapy. In some embodiments, a dynamic toggle switch may be provided by the GUI 58 for user activation to toggle on and off dynamic HFCWO settings control, for example, for any given therapy regime.
In screen 5012, the GUI 58 presents a header bar 5022 visible on several screens. The header bar 5022 illustratively includes a provider icon 5024, system lock button 5026 indicating present lock arrangement by graphical illustration of a closed pad lock, and wireless communications indication 5028. The wireless communications indication 5028 illustratively includes a Wi-Fi indicator 5030 and Bluetooth indicator 5032 each for indicating availability of their respective connection type.
Referring to
On screen 5012B, the user has begun to slide the system lock button 5026 along the drag track 5034, about midway along the extent revealing an unlock button 5036 beneath the initial position of the system lock button 5026. Referring to
Returning briefly to
Still referring to
On screen 5042, a cough pause button 5048 is presented for user activation to enable pausing of therapy to allow the user to cough unimpeded by percussive therapy forces. Referring briefly to
Returning to
On screen 5042B, the therapy interval indicator 5044 has been changed to indicate a pause count including a circular timer counting the period of pause. User selection of the play symbol of the therapy initiation button 5018 restarts the therapy interval and returns to screen 5042A. However, if pause continues for an extended period, for example, a total of 10 minutes paused, the screen 5042B proceeds to screen 5050 (screen 01A.14B) in
From screen 5042A (on
Referring to
Responsive to user activation of the edit therapy button 5068, the GUI 58 proceeds to screen 5070 as shown in
On screen 5073 (screen 01B.12) in
On screen 5082 (screen 01B.13) in
Referring briefly to
User activation of the therapy initiation button 1018, for example from any of screens 5070, 5073, 5082, begins the therapy as suggested in screen 5084 (screen 01B.21) on
From screen 5084 (screen 01B.21) while the therapy interval is running, the user can activate the cough pause button 5048 to initiate pre-determined periodic pausing of therapy force to the patient to permit unimpeded coughing, for example, to clear and/or dislodge material from airways. Upon activation of the button 1048, the cough pause button 1048 institutes a predetermined periodic automatic pausing of the therapy interval beginning with a pause cycle as suggested in a pause screen 5088 in
As suggested in
On screen 5098 in
User activation of the cough duration button 5108 proceeds to screen 5112 (screen 01B.44) shown in
User activation of the cough pause period button 5110 proceeds to screen 5118 (screen 01B.45) on
Returning briefly to
User activation of the home button 5092 (for example, in
User (de)activation of the cough pause settings button 5094, while the pull tab 5038 is expanded, contracts the pull tab 5038 and returns to screen 5090 on
Returning briefly to
On screen 5138, in
User activation of the therapy initiation button 5018 on screen 5138 activates the presently selected step of the additional therapy regime and proceeds to screen 5150 on
The second step of the therapy regime is indicated as presently selected by the step 2 indicator 5144 being horizontally level and can be emphasized by boldening, highlighting, coloring, and/or any other suitable visual indicator. The HFCWO settings 5020 corresponding step 2 are displayed (illustratively as frequency 13, intensity 5, and duration 3). The segment 5140 of the therapy interval indicator 5044 corresponding with the second step of the therapy regime is shown having a portion rendered into dashed lines and a portion in thick solid bar, such that the dashed line portion indicates the time passed for the step 2 and the thick solid bar indicates the remaining time in step 2.
Upon user activation of the pause symbol of the therapy initiation button 5018, the current therapy operation is paused and the GUI 58 proceeds to screen 5152 (screen 01C.22A). The therapy initiation button 5018 is changed to the play symbol, the therapy interval indicator 5044 is changed to count the amount of time spent in pause, and the time script indicates that 1 minute and 21 seconds of pause time has occurred. On screen 5154 (screen 01C.22B), pause continues until the user activates the play symbol to restart therapy, or until expiration of the pause timer (e.g., 10 minutes of pause) which proceeds to screen 5156 (screen 01C.23) as shown in
Returning to
From screen 5154 on
Referring to
Similar to editing therapy settings for the therapy regime one, on screen 5176 (screen 01D.01), the HFCWO settings 5020 for the therapy regime two have been enabled as settings buttons including a frequency button 5072 for user activation to adjust the frequency of percussive force, an intensity button 5074 for user activation to adjust the intensity of percussive force, and a duration button 5076 for user activation to adjust the duration of therapy. However, in the edit mode for the advanced therapy regime (therapy regime 2), the HFCWO settings can be predetermined for each individual step of the therapy regime. For example, the presently selected step 1 is indicated by its horizontal position on the therapy regime step indicator 5142, and its settings include frequency 12, intensity 4, and duration 3. The user can activate the step selection buttons 5146, 5148 to navigate to other steps, such as the increase step button 5146 to advance to screen 5178 (screen 01D.11).
On screen 5178, when the step 2 indicator presently selected, the user can activate any of the settings buttons 5072, 5074, 5076 to adjust the predetermined parameter for the associated setting as suggest in
User activation of the pull tab 5038 expands the pull tab 5083 to display the home, cough pause, and delete buttons 5092, 5094, 5096 as shown on screen 5185 (01D.21A) in
Referring to
On screen 5198 in
Illustration of user deletion of a step is presented on screen 5234 (01D.35), in which the user has activated the pull tab 5186 to reveal the add step and delete step buttons 5190, 5192. User activation of the delete button 5192 proceeds to screen 5236 which presents the user with a confirmation prompt regarding deletion of the present step and yes and no buttons 5238, 5240 for user activation to confirm or deny deletion respectively. User activation of the no button 5240 returns to screen 5234. User activation of the yes button 5238 confirms deletion of the selected step and proceeds to screen 5242 (01D.37) in
On screen 5242 on
Referring briefly to
On screen 5246, the pull tab 5038 is further expanded to reveal a confirmation script to the user regarding deletion of the therapy and an indication of the selected therapy for deletion, illustratively Therapy Two (2). Yes and no buttons 5248, 5250 are presented for user activation to confirm or deny deletion of the therapy regime, respectively, each returning to screen 5170 (
Referring to
On screen 5268, responsive to user activation of the add therapy button 5264, an additional therapy regime has been added as indicated by the additional selection tab 5270, labeled “Therapy Three”. The newly create Therapy Three regime has predetermined settings equal to the therapy regime that was presently selected when the user activated the add therapy button 5264, illustratively Therapy Two having 6 steps and 18 total min, as presented in the settings menu 5136. User activation of the pull tab 5038 and activation of the delete therapy button 5266 while the Therapy Three selection tab 5270 is selected can delete the Therapy Three regime and return to screen 5260.
User activation of the device settings button 5262 proceeds to screen 5272 (screen 02A) as shown on
On screen 5272, the main sub-tab 5286 is presently selected revealing various options including a GUI version option 5292, a brightness option 5294, and a garment size option 5296. The GUI version option 5292 includes a toggle switch 5298 for user activation to toggle between basic and advanced versions of the graphic user interface. The brightness option 5294 includes a slider bar 5302, presently positioned at a fourth level of brightness, for user positioning along the linear extent of the brightness option 5294 to set the brightness of the GUI 58. The garment size option 5296 includes a toggle switch 5304 for user activation to toggle the consideration of the size of the therapy garment between on and off in applying various HFCWO operational settings, for example, between children's and adult size garments, there may be variation in the pressure levels and the HFCWO can more precisely account for the size of the garment in deploying percussive force when the garment size option 5296 is on.
User activation of the language sub-tab 5284 proceeds to screen 5306 and calls forward the language options. The language options include buttons 5308 for various languages. The button 5308 corresponding with English is presently selected, and the user can activate another language (not presently populated) as the default language by contacting or nearly contacting the corresponding button 5308. A next button 5310 is presented for user activation to pan to an additional page of language buttons 5308 on screen 5312 (screen 02A.11) which changes the next button 5310 to a return button 5313 for user activation to pan back to screen 5306. User activation of a language button proceeds to screen 5314 (screen 02A.11) on
Returning briefly to
User activation of the connectivity selection tab 5282 proceeds to screen 5324 (screen 02D) and calls forward the connectivity options as suggested in
The wifi network list 5332 includes indication of the currently connected wifi network, a network settings button 5334 for user activation to adjust various settings of the currently network connection, a disconnect button 5336 for terminating the current network connection, a list of other available wifi networks 5338 for user activation to connect to the corresponding wifi network, and a scroll bar 5340 for user operation to scroll through the list of other available wifi networks 5338.
User activation of the bluetooth sub-tab 5328 proceeds to screen 5342 and calls forward the bluetooth options. The bluetooth options include a bluetooth toggle switch 5344 for user activation to toggle the bluetooth connection on and off, a bluetooth settings button 5346 for user activation to adjust various settings of the bluetooth connection, and an add connection button 5348 for user activation to create a new bluetooth connection.
In
Within the present disclosure, HFCWO technology can provide for dislodging mucus from bronchial walls. The working principle in dislodging mucus may include imposes air oscillations in lungs results in reduction of mucus viscosity and the extra air-flow shearing as the main mechanism. There can also be an airflow bias that pushes mucus flow from peripheral towards central airways during HFCWO. An addition of chest wall compression during exhalation, can result in higher peak expiratory flow and greater difference between mean expiratory flow and mean inspiratory flow, i.e. better effectiveness of therapy. During inhalation, HFCWO can be less effective and may give rise to poor user's comfort. Pressure on chest can be reduced during user inspiration. By providing a feedback mechanism, e.g., user's breathing pattern, to control the air pump generator in order to vary the pressure output during inhalation and exhalation phase, improved HFCWO can be provided.
To acquire user's breathing pattern at patient's comfort and/or ease of use, Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems can provide miniaturized, nine-axis motion tracking devices, combining three-axis accelerometers, three-axis gyroscopes, and/or three-axis magnetometers. Such devices can be combined in the same chip together with a digital processor to process complex sensor fusion algorithms that provide three-dimensional motion reconstruction. Accordingly, breathing indications can be captured by movement. Bluetooth can be applied for wireless data transmission and/or feedback the information into mobile devices such as a mobile phone. Hence a small portable device (motion sensor) can be mounted on/in the vest for breathing data capture. Information can be communicated to an air pump force generator to vary the pressure output for patient's comfort. One or more motion sensors can be waterproofed, if necessary.
Additionally, respiratory rate has also been shown to be able to predict adverse clinical events, such as cardiac arrest. Breathing pattern data/motion can also be collected for assessment of lung's ventilatory function (e.g., respiratory rate and tidal volume), a subset indicator of lung's health.
Traditional systems may lack feedback capabilities and/or may lack consideration of user's breathing pattern to control pressure output, for user's comfort. Additionally breath information can be used for pre-diagnosis of user's lung health or potential danger. Accordingly, software/firmware implemented conversion of motion-sensor reading into breathing pattern and adapting/match pressure output from air pulse generator to user's baseline breathing pattern, can enhance HFCWO therapy.
Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62933920 | Nov 2019 | US |
