Patent US2743723A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4584997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Volumetric flow gauge
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1984-02-27
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Granted: 1986-04-29
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Expires: 2004-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A volumetric flow gauge is provided for use particularly with ambulatory oxygen users who receive oxygen on a continuous or semi-continuous basis from an oxygen tank communicating to the patient through a line terminating in a two-tip nasal cannula, the two tips of which projects into the nostrils. The gauge comprises an upright indicator portion, having a hollow tube with a floating ball inside elevationally responsive to the upwardly directed volumetric flow of gas inside, and an integral plug spaced from the gas fitting from the indicator which plugs the second cannula tip, while the first tip receives and gauges the flow of oxygen therethrough.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold D. DeLong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:53
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M16/00; A61M16/10; A61M16/06; A61M16/0666; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/33; A61M2205/3331; A61M2205/3334
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A volumetric flow meter for detecting the oxygen flow from an oxygen delivery apparatus having at least one nasal cannula outlet comprising: (a) indicator means proportionately responsive to gas flow to indicate the volumetric flow of gas passing therethrough per unit of time; (b) nasal cannula fitting means connected to said indicator means and configured to be connected to said at least one nasal cannula outlet to receive the oxygen flowing therefrom and direct same to said indicator for measurement of the volumetric flow of said oxygen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A volumetric flow meter for detecting the oxygen flow from an oxygen delivery apparatus having at least one nasal cannula outlet comprising: (a) indicator means proportionately responsive to gas flow to indicate the volumetric flow of gas passing therethrough per unit of time; (b) nasal cannula fitting means connected to said indicator means and configured to be connected to said at least one nasal cannula outlet to receive the oxygen flowing therefrom and direct same to said indicator for measurement of the volumetric flow of said oxygen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
Structure according to claim 1 wherein said indicator means comprises a hollow tube with volumetric flow indicia thereon to be held upright and having a vented top, said fitting means directs oxygen to the bottom of said tube, and including a floating ball in said tube such that elevation of said ball in said tube indicates upward oxygen flow therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
Structure according to claim 2 wherein said hollow tube has an inward taper from the top to the bottom to define a slightly conical gas chamber, and said tube is transparent and said indicia comprises graduation marks spaced along the side thereof to indicate the level of volumetric gas flow therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
Structure according to claim 3 wherein said oxygen delivery apparatus could be of the type having two nasal cannula outlets and said fitting means is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into one of said nasal cannula outlets and further includes means to seal the other nasal cannula outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Structure according to claim 4 wherein said means to seal comprises a tapered plug spaced from said fitting means on the order of the distance between said two nasal cannula outlets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Structure according to claim 5 wherein said tube, fitting means and plug are all molded as a single piece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Structure according to claim 6 and including a removable vent cap mount on the top of said tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
Structure according to claim 6 and including a shoulder at the lower end of said tube defining a bottom seat for said ball in said chamber to prevent said ball from becoming wedged in the tapered chamber.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of measuring the volumetric flow of oxygen from a two-tip nasal cannula with a hollow tube having volumetric flow indicia thereon and a floating ball therein comprising: (a) connecting the bottom of said tube, while upright, to one of the tips of said cannula; (b) sealing the other tip of said cannula; (c) gauging the level to which said ball rises in said tube in response to oxygen lifting same; and, (d) comparing said level to a calibrated standard.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of measuring the volumetric flow of oxygen from a two-tip nasal cannula with a hollow tube having volumetric flow indicia thereon and a floating ball therein comprising: (a) connecting the bottom of said tube, while upright, to one of the tips of said cannula; (b) sealing the other tip of said cannula; (c) gauging the level to which said ball rises in said tube in response to oxygen lifting same; and, (d) comparing said level to a calibrated standard.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein a gauge is used having a fitting insertable into one of said tips and an integral plug spaced from said fitting to seal the other of said tips, and step (a) includes inserting said fitting in one tip and step (b) comprises seating said plug into the other of said tip.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-28 | 1989-10-28 | 1990-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-28 | 1993-10-28 | 1994-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-28 | 1997-10-28 | 1998-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |