TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a medical device. More particularly, relates to a medical
device for providing treatment to patients suffering from high altitude pulmonary oedema
(HAPO) or acute mountain sickness.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
The mountain environment at high altitude with its difficult terrain topography and scarcity
of oxygen is an alien atmosphere to the lowlanders, this evokes a series of physiological
responses in the human system. There is a wide variation in both speeds of onset and severity
of physiological responses and also at the height at which they develop. When humans are
suddenly exposed to high altitude / or subjected to physically taxing endeavours,
performance is affected, both physical and mental and in some cases may lead to dreaded
condition like High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO), which is rapidly fatal if not
attended immediately.
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) is a condition in which fluid accumulates in lungs
causing severe illness. Military personnel deployed in the high altitude regions are subjected
to various physiological stresses due to climatic and operational conditions. Major problems
faced by the soldiers at high altitude are extreme cold weather, low barometric pressure and
hypoxia. Low barometric pressure coupled to physical exertion leads to High altitude
Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO), a condition that leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, which
could be rapidly fatal if unattended.
The most effective way of treating HAPO is to move the patient to a lower altitude and
acclimatize the patient to the normal atmospheric pressures. In the case of military personnel
who are deployed at a high altitude with tough and challenging terrain surrounding them it is
highly impossible and impractical to bring the patients down immediately to sea level due to
strategic or logistic problems. This move may cause military personnel to lose a strong hold
on the enemy in times of war.
In such a scenario, portable high altitude chambers present an inexhaustible light weight
means which simulates descent by creating pressure around the patient which leads to rapid
relief of symptoms of high altitude sickness. Hence, there is need to develop a high altitude
pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) which is exposed to sub-zero
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temperatures, the materials used in the fabrication of portable high altitude chambers to
withstand tough military terrain and design which ensures efficient operation.
Several HAPO chambers are commercially available in the market that are used for treatment
of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and HAPO. Some of the HAPO suits are, Gamow’s bag,
Certec bag, PAC bag, also few limitations in comparison with the HAPO bag are high cost,
require manual effort for inflation of the bag, difficulty in getting patients in and out of the
bag, use of foot pump does not given an exact determination of the pressure which inflates
the bag are not known. Also some of the commercially available bags have only a manually
operated foot pump which requires an athletic person for pumping the air into the HAPO
chamber. This task can be a tedious one as the high altitude and reduced barometric pressure
can be a major cause for fatigue and even an athletic person may find it extremely difficult to
inflate the HAPO chamber since the operation of the foot pump may last for several hours
depending upon the condition of the patient. Hence, there is a need to develop a high altitude
pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber which has a portable automation unit which
does the work of pumping in air into the treatment chamber by means of an inbuilt
compressor and by effectively and automatically controlling the pressure inside the treatment
chamber. However, one should not compare hyperbaric chamber with high altitude
pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) chamber as hyperbaric chambers are meant for people who are
suffering from Insomnia, LYME disease, treatment of diabetic wounds and for sports persons
who are in-need of excess oxygen after a sport activity. Further, hyperbaric chambers utilize
oxygen sources to supply oxygen into the chamber. Many of the hyperbaric chambers are
used in hospitals at normal altitudes and are static installations which are not portable and not
suitable for operation at high altitudes. High altitude pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) chambers
are meant to be used at high altitudes because of their mobility, easy to use (no skilled labour)
and easy to set up capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided
through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and
advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments
and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the
claimed disclosure.
4
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed comprising; a treatment chamber of predetermined shape configured to
accommodate a patient; a closure means provided axially along the entire length of the
treatment chamber provides access to the patient into the treatment chamber; an automation
unit having an inbuilt compressor is connected to the treatment chamber through one or more
inlets provided on the outer portion of the treatment chamber to inflate and supply ambient
air into the chamber; one or more transparent windows are provided on predetermined
locations on the outer portion of the treatment chamber to monitor the status of the patient
and for illumination purpose; a preset leak control valve is provided at predetermined
location on the outer portion of the treatment chamber for constant leakage of air from within
the treatment chamber; a pressure gauge assembly is provided at predetermined location on
the outer portion of the treatment chamber for regulating the pressure within the treatment
chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein the treatment chamber shape is selected from a group
comprising cylindrical shape, rectangular shape, elliptical shape capable of accommodating
patient.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, the closure means provided axially along the entire length is
selected from a group comprising air/water proof zip, hook and loop fastener for air/water
tight sealing of the treatment chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, pluralities of restrainer belts provided on the outer portion of
the treatment chamber to and to maintain rigidity of the treatment chamber and additional
straps and carry rods to transport the patient from one place to another should the situation
arise.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, the automation unit has an inbuilt compressor, battery pack,
power supply board, pneumatic pressure control module, a PCB circuit, LED indicators,
toggle switch and an A/C current input connector.
5
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, the A/C current input is used to charge the battery pack and
simultaneously to run the automation unit.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber automation unit is disclosed wherein, the compressor, pneumatic pressure control
module, PCB circuits and LED indicators all run on the power supplied by the battery pack in
the absence of A/C power.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber light weight automation unit is disclosed wherein, the inbuilt compressor, battery
pack, power supply board, pneumatic pressure control module, a PCB circuit, LED
indicators, toggle switch and an A/C current input connector are enclosed in a military grade
casing for egress and ingress protection. There are two pneumatic connectors; one to pump
fresh air and another to sense the pressure built inside the HAPO chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, the HAPO Chamber has an inlet and exhaust connectors which
pumps in fresh ambient air into the treatment chamber and exhausts the stale air from the
treatment chamber maintaining the clean air circulation.
In an embodiment of the disclosure a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber is disclosed wherein, one or more transparent windows used on the outer portion of
the treatment chamber for monitoring the patient is selected from a group comprising fiber
glass, plastic, glass .
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and
the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description
of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One
6
or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber in a fully
inflated state with all the necessary apparatus connected to it.
Figure 2 illustrates top front perspective view of the automation unit showing the A/C input
connector and input port to treatment chamber and exhaust port to automation unit.
Figure 3 illustrates top view of the automation unit without top plate showing all the
components within the automation unit.
Figure 4 illustrates front view of the automation unit with all the LED indicators and toggle
switch.
Figure 5 illustrates side view of the automation unit with air vents for fresh air pathway.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative
embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same
purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that
such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set
forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects
and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that
each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not
intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood
7
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the
figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.
Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an
exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Figure 1 illustrates high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) in a
fully inflated state with all the necessary apparatus connected to it. The treatment chamber (1)
as shown in the figure is selected from a group comprising cylindrical shape, rectangular
shape, elliptical shape capable of accommodating patient. The main aim of providing this
kind of shape configuration is to accommodate a patient comfortably within the treatment
chamber (1). The material used for the High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber (100) is of military grade high ingress and egress protection material suitable for the
rough and challenging terrain of high altitude mountains. The treatment chamber (1) is
provided with a closure means (2). Wherein, the closure means (2) is selected from a group
comprising air/water proof zip, hook and loop fastener. The main purpose of the closure
means (2) is to help the patient to easily get into the treatment chamber (1) and get out of the
treatment chamber (1) with ease and minimum effort. Since the high altitude mountains
provide a real physical burden on the body, it is at most important that the patient suffering
from altitude sickness utilizes minimum energy in performing tasks.
In the present disclosure an automation unit (4) is provided to inflate the high altitude
pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) and also to regulate and the pressure
built-up inside treatment chamber (1) and ensuring clean and fresh ambient air flow within
the treatment chamber (1). One or more transparent windows (7) are provided on the outer
portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1). The transparent windows (7) are selected from a
group comprising fiber glass, plastic, polycarbonate and glass. The main purpose of
providing transparent windows (7) is to help the doctor to monitor the patient’s condition
from the outside. This also aids in communication between the attending doctor and the
patient inside the treatment chamber (1). Another main aim of the transparent windows (7) is
to provide ample light to come into the bag and minimization of claustrophobia. The
treatment chamber (1) is provided with restrainer straps (10) on the inner and outer portion
(3) which aids in providing rigidity to the treatment chamber (1) during inflation and provides
support to an unconscious patient being carried to a nearest hospital using carry rods in case
8
of an emergency apart from providing rigidity to the HAPO chamber (1). The restrainer
straps (10) have one more advantage where in, if the patient lying inside the treatment
chamber (1) has to be shifted to a safer place, a provision of light weight carrying rods are
provided that can be inserted to the straps which makes a make shift stretcher assembly.
During this shifting process, a heavily built patient lying inside tends to move around the bag,
and the restrainer straps (10) help in achieving the rigidity of the bag and maintain a uniform
shape without collapsing onto the patient. Also, during the inflation of the treatment chamber
(1) as the air is pumped into the treatment chamber (1), the restrainer straps (10) provided on
the outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) aid in keeping the shape of the high altitude
pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) intact.
As shown in the figure, pair of light weight carry rods (26) are inserted into the carry rod
loops (24) converting the high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100)
into a makeshift stretcher. The light weight rods are provided with shoulder straps for healthy
personnel to carry the patient lying within the high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO)
treatment chamber (100). The outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) is provided with
preset relief valve assembly which is used to regulate the pressure build up within the
treatment chamber (1). In case of excess pressure build up within the treatment chamber (1)
the pressure relief valve is opened and the air pressure is regulated to the desired level. a
pressure gauge assembly (9) is provided on the outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1)
to determine the amount of pressure within the treatment chamber (1). Also, during the
inflation operation of the treatment chamber (1) the pressure gauge helps the attending doctor
to know the amount of pressure required to inflate within the treatment chamber (1). A preset
leak control valve (8) is provided at predetermined location on the outer portion (3) of the
treatment chamber (1) and it is set to continuously leak the air from within the treatment
chamber (1) in order to remove the carbon dioxide content within the chamber where the
patient is accommodated as the carbon dioxide is breathed out and excess build up of the
same leads to further complications of the patient’s condition. The preset leak control valve
(8) is set at leak value of 20 + 2 ltr/min. This avoids the use of chemical scrubbers within the
high altitude chamber and avoids further complications. The automation unit (4) is connected
to the treatment chamber (1) by the means of silicone hoses. A non return valve assembly is
provided at predetermined location on the outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) for
sensing the pressure inside the bag by the automation unit (4). A L-fitting tap is provided at
predetermined location on the outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) to fix onto a
9
hose which is connected to the inlet port (6) of the automation unit (4). The air from the
automation unit (4) is pumped into the treatment chamber (1) through this L-fitting tap and
the stale air is exhausted from the non return valve back to the automation unit (4).
The high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) is also provided with
a manual foot pump (25) for pumping in the air into the treatment chamber (1) in the absence
or drainage of battery from the automation unit (4). This foot pump (25) is used only during
non availability of battery power from the automation unit (4).
Figure 2 illustrates top perspective view of the automation unit (4) showing the A/C input and
inlet ports. An input is provided for optional Solar Panel for charging the battery in case AC
mains are not available for charging the battery. The automation unit (4) used in the present
disclosure has the following components inbuilt compressor (5), battery pack (11), power
supply board (12), pneumatic pressure control module (13), a PCB circuit (14), LED
indicators (15), toggle switch (16) and an A/C input connector as shown in the figure. All
these components are built within a compact casing having a high grade or military grade
ingress and egress protection. The casing has two components a bottom cover casing (20) and
a top cover plate (19). The top plate casing can be removed to check on the internal
components of the automation unit (4) in case of damage or malfunction. As shown in the
figure 2 the automation unit (4) has an A/C input connector which is used to connect the A/C
outlets whenever there is availability of power. This can also charge the battery pack (11),
and also run the automation unit (4) simultaneously. The case top has a handle (21) for means
of carrying the automation around comfortably. The other ports are for the inlet and exhaust
ports which are connected by suitable hoses onto the outer portion (3) of the treatment
chamber (1). The bottom case provided for the automation unit (4) is made of a military
grade material which gives it a very high grade of protection for the components within the
automation unit (4). Also, the automation unit (4) can be thrown from a certain height from
about 10 to 20 feet (when the materials are being transferred to the ground from a helicopter
and when there are cases that the helicopter can’t land) and still the components within the
automation unit (4) remain intact. Also, since the high altitude mountains are having sub zero
temperatures it is important for the components within the automation unit (4) to work
properly at such low temperatures.
Figure 3 illustrates top view of the automation unit (4) without top plate showing all the
components within the automation unit (4). The automation unit (4) has various inbuilt
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components assembled within the automation unit (4) like inbuilt compressor (5), battery
pack (11), power supply board (12), pneumatic pressure control module (13), a PCB circuit
(14), LED indicators (15), toggle switch (16) and an A/C input connector. The main purpose
of the inbuilt compressor (5) is to supply clean and fresh ambient air into the treatment
chamber (1) for the patient to recover. The inbuilt compressor (5) works on the battery pack
(11) provided within the automation chamber. The battery pack (11) is rechargeable lithium
ion battery. The high powered lithium ion battery has a total battery capacity of 240-260 W/h,
capacities. This battery when fully charged can last from 4 to 6 hrs in normal room
temperature and upto 5 hours when the temperature is -40º C. The battery pack (11) can also
be charged from an external A/C input source. The inbuilt compressor (5) operates at a VDC
in the range of 10 to 15 V which pumps in the required ambient air into the treatment
chamber (1). The power from the battery is delivered through VDC battery output and
directly fed to the pressure pump. A pressure sensor/automatic pressure control (APC) unit is
provided to control the pressure within the treatment chamber (1) and to cut off the pump
whenever required. The pressure sensor is an ultra light weight membrane device which is
field tunable and weighs in the range of 10 to 15 gm. The power supply board (12) is also
within the automation unit (4) which regulates the flow of A/C current and converts it into
DC current for the charging of the battery pack (11) and also to run the automation unit (4)
simultaneously. A PCB mounting plate (23) is provided to keep the PCB in a firm state
during turbulence of the automation unit (4) (when the automation unit (4) is thrown from a
height). Since, the PCB is a delicate piece of instrument and plays a major role in automating
the inflation and pressure controlling operations of the automatic pressure control (APC) unit.
Hence, adequate care is taken to keep the PCB away from damage. Damage of the PCB in
such high altitude may cause the automation unit (4) to malfunction and the high altitude
pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) unserviceable for automatic operation.
Also the figure shows connectors to the inlet and exhaust ports connected to the outer portion
(3) of the treatment chamber (1).
Figure 4 illustrates front view of the automation unit (4) with all the LED indicators (15) and
a 3-way toggle switch (16). The toggle switch (16) helps in switching on and switching off
the automation unit (4). The toggle switch (16) is used to perform 3 operations. When the
toggle switch (16) is pushed to the right (according to front view of figure 4) the automation
unit (4) runs on the A/C power when it is connected to the A/C input. If the toggle switch
(16) is kept in middle position, the compressor is set at OFF position and no ambient air is
11
pumped in to the treatment chamber (1). If the toggle switch (16) is pushed to the left side,
the automation unit (4) is solely running on the battery power for all the automation purposes.
Series of LED indicators (15) are provided on the front of the automation unit (4) casing (18).
The front view of the above figure also shows a handle (21) provided on the top cover plate
(19) of the automation unit (4) for carrying the automation unit (4) from place to place.
Figure 5 illustrates side view of the automation unit (4) with air vents (22) for heat
dissipation. The automation unit (4) and the high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO)
treatment chamber (100) can also be used to treat patients in hospitals under normal room
temperature. During the operation of the automation unit (4) in room temperature, the
components within the automation unit (4) generate heat. Since excess heat affects the battery
power, it is of at most important to maintain battery life and to provide long working life of
the battery. Hence series of air vents (22) are provided on the side walls of the bottom casing
(20). The air vents (22) allow a fair bit of air into the automation unit (4) for cooling the PCB
boards, pneumatic pressure control module and other critical components, ensuring good and
efficient working of all the components, and also serves as air input for the compressor..
The high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) has the following
advantages; the entire automation unit (4) is compactly and efficiently packed into one single
casing (18) which is of military grade. The automation unit (4) has a maximum weight
ranging from 6 to 10 kgs which can be easily carried around by an able person. The
automation unit (4) is completely portable and battery operated which is perfect for field use.
The treatment chamber (1) can be deflated and can be compactly packed into a small bag to
carry it around on the back of a person. After the treatment chamber (1) is fully inflated, and
in cases where the patient within the chamber has to be shifted from one place to another, the
light weight carry rods act as a make shift stretcher. The treatment chamber (1) is well
illuminated with provisions of transparent windows (7) and minimizes claustrophobia. The
treatment chamber (1) having axial zippers along the entire length of the treatment chamber
(1) allows easy entry and exit of the patient. A provision for re-charging the battery using an
optional solar panel is also provided
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
12
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open”
terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the
term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be
interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims
may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce
claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at
least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be
interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of
an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that
such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the
bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two
recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a
system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or
A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one
of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B,
or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and
B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,
should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of
13
the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the
possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush
groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in
terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 High Altitude Pulmonary
Oedema (HAPO) treatment
chamber
1 Treatment chamber
2 Inner Surface
2 Closure means
3 Outer portion
4 Automation unit
5 Inbuilt compressor
6 Inlet ports
7 Transparent windows
8 Leak Control valve
9 Pressure gauge assembly
10 Restrainer straps
14
11 Battery pack
12 Power supply board
13 Pneumatic pressure control
module
14 PCB circuit
15 LED Indicators
16 Toggle switch
17 A/C current input connector
18 Military grade casing
19 Top cover plate
20 Bottom cover casing
21 Handle
22 Air vents
23 Mounting plate
24 Carry rod loops
25 Foot Pump
26 Carry Rods
15
WE CLAIM:
1. A portable high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100)
comprising;
a treatment chamber (1) of predetermined shape configured to accommodate a
patient;
a closure means (2) provided axially along the entire length of the treatment
chamber (1) provides access to the patient into the treatment chamber (1);
an automation unit (4) having an inbuilt compressor (5) is connected to the
treatment chamber (1) through one or more inlet ports (6) provided on an outer
portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) to inflate and supply fresh ambient air
into the treatment chamber (1);
one or more transparent windows (7) are provided on predetermined locations
on the outer surface (3) of the treatment chamber (1) to monitor the status of
the patient;
a preset leak control valve (8) is provided at predetermined location on the
outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) for constant leakage of air from
within the treatment chamber (1) to eliminate carbon dioxide build-up thus
needing no external scrubber;
a pressure gauge assembly (9) is provided at predetermined location on the
outer portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) for regulating the pressure
within the treatment chamber (1).
2. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber (1) shape is selected from a group comprising
cylindrical shape, rectangular shape, elliptical shape capable of accommodating
patient.
3. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the closure means (2) provided axially along the entire length of the
treatment chamber (1) is selected from a group comprising air/water proof zip, hook
and loop fastener for air/water tight sealing of the treatment chamber (1).
16
4. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, comprises pluralities of restrainer belts/straps (10) provided on the outer
portion (3) of the treatment chamber (1) to maintain rigidity during inflated condition
of the treatment chamber (1).
5. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the automation unit (4) has an inbuilt compressor (5), battery pack
(11), power supply board (12), pneumatic pressure control module (13), a PCB circuit
(14), LED indicators (15), toggle switch (16) and an A/C current input connector (17).
6. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the A/C current input connector (17) is used to charge the battery
pack (11) and simultaneously to run the automation unit (4) in cases where a A/C
power outlet is available.
7. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the compressor (5), electronic module (13), PCB circuits (14) and
LED indicators (15) all run on the power supplied by the battery pack (11) in the
absence of A/C power.
8. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the inbuilt compressor (5), battery pack (11), power supply board
(12), pneumatic pressure control module (13), a PCB circuit (14), LED indicators
(15), toggle switch (16) and an A/C current input connector (17) are enclosed in a
military grade casing (18) for egress and ingress protection.
9. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the automation unit (4) has an inlet and exhaust connectors (6)
which pumps in fresh ambient air into the treatment chamber (1) and exhausts the
stale air from the treatment chamber (1) maintaining clean air circulation.
10. The High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein one or more transparent windows (7) used on the outer portion (3) of
the treatment chamber (1) for monitoring the patient is selected from a group
comprising fiber glass, plastic, glass .
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11. A High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) treatment chamber (100) as claimed in
claim 1.