Method for collecting a selective portion of a subject's breath
Inventors
Allsworth, Max • Apthorp, Duncan • van der Schee, Marc • Smith, Rob • Boschmans, Jasper • Kitchen, Simon
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10952640-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for selectively capturing one or more portions of a patient's breath, comprising: detect one or more parameters regarding the patient's breath during a breathing routine;determine one or more data points from the detected one or more parameters wherein the one or more data points identifies one or more portions of the patient's breath to capture; andcapture one or more portions of the patient's breath during the breathing routine.
Core Innovation
A portable microprocessor-controlled breath collection apparatus captures one or more portions of a patient's breath during a breathing routine. The apparatus comprises a face mask with a plurality of sorbent tubes protruding through holes formed in the face mask, and one or more parameters regarding the patient's breath are detected while one or more data points are determined from the detected parameters.
The data points identify one or more portions of the patient's breath to capture, and the identified portions are captured during the breathing routine. The sampling is based on identifying desired portions of breath using detected breath-related parameters, and capture is performed selectively in relation to those identified portions.
The pressure of the patient's breath inside the face mask is monitored in order to detect a poorly-fitting mask, and feedback is provided to a user if a poorly-fitting mask is detected. Additional refinements include filtering detected parameters to reduce the effects of breathing irregularities caused by coughing, talking, or rapid or slow breaths, and selectively stopping capture at designated time points and/or collection volumes.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001 and clm-00023, and they share a common structure: detect or measure breath-related parameters during a breathing routine or sampled breath cycle, determine or identify desired portions of breath to capture selectively using the detected measurements, and monitor mask-internal pressure to detect a poorly-fitting face mask with user feedback. Across the independent claims, the inventive features focus on selective breath portion identification and capture using measured breath parameters, plus mask-fit pressure monitoring with feedback.
Selective breath portion identification and capture using detected breath parameters
Detect one or more parameters regarding the patient's breath during a breathing routine; determine one or more data points from the detected one or more parameters wherein the one or more data points identifies one or more portions of the patient's breath to capture; and capture one or more portions of the patient's breath during the breathing routine.
Mask internal pressure monitoring to detect poorly-fitting mask and provide feedback
Monitor the pressure of the patient's breath inside the face mask in order to detect a poorly-fitting mask and provide feedback to a user if detected.
Cycle-based measuring of breath parameters and selective sampling
Measure, in absolute or relative terms, at least once, during each sampled breath cycle of a subject at least one parameter relating to the subject's breathing; using the aforementioned measurement or measurements to identify and selectively sample one or more desired portions of the subject's breath.
Mask pressure monitoring for poorly-fitting face mask feedback
Monitor the pressure of the subject's breath inside the face mask in order to detect a poorly-fitting face mask and provide feedback to a user if detected.
Both independent claims center on selectively capturing portions of a subject's breath by using measurements of breathing-related parameters to identify desired breath portions for sampling, combined with monitoring pressure inside the face mask to detect a poorly-fitting mask and provide user feedback.
Stated Advantages
Provides feedback to a user when a poorly-fitting mask is detected.
Enables selective capturing of one or more portions of a patient's or subject's breath based on measured breathing parameters.
Documented Applications
Selective breath sampling during breathing routines to capture portions of a patient's breath using the portable microprocessor-controlled breath collection apparatus.
A system operation example is described in connection with a breath sampler (e.g., ReCIVA) using pressure and slope trigger thresholds.
Interested in licensing this patent?