Hyperoxic breathing system

Abstract

A controlled enhanced-oxygen (hyperoxic) breathing system involving an oxygen source, a control valve system and a breathing interface, is disclosed. The control valve system may include a demand flow valve and a venturi valve arranged to introduce ambient air into an oxygen stream to provide a desired level of oxygen in the resultant hyperoxic air stream. Alternatively, the control valve system may include a nitrogen-removal unit, such as nitrogen scrubber, to increase the oxygen content above that of ambient air. The control valve system may further include a one-way flow valve and may further be joined to a plenum for storing hyperoxic air. The hyperoxic breathing system is typically connected to a breathing mask for use by an individual undergoing exercise or physical training activities.

1 . A hyperoxic breathing system comprising: 
 (a) an oxygen source;    (b) a control valve system coupled to the oxygen source, the control valve system comprising a demand flow valve and a venturi valve configured to introduce ambient air; and    (c) a breathing interface coupled to the control valve system.    
   
   
       2 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 1  wherein the demand flow valve and the venturi valve are connected in series, the oxygen source is coupled to the control valve system through the demand flow valve, and the venturi valve is located between the demand flow valve and the breathing interface.  
   
   
       3 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 1  further comprising a one-way flow valve located between the venturi valve and the breathing interface.  
   
   
       4 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 3  further comprising a plenum coupled to the control valve system via the one-way flow valve.  
   
   
       5 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 4  wherein the plenum further comprises a diaphragm and the plenum is in communication with the demand flow valve via a gas transport connection.  
   
   
       6 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 1  further comprising a breathing mask configured to provide hyperoxic air to a breathing subject and attached to the breathing interface.  
   
   
       7 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 1  further comprising a pressure regulator, coupled to the oxygen source and located between the oxygen source and the control valve system, for controlling oxygen pressure.  
   
   
       8 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 7  further comprising a control linkage associated with the pressure regulator and configured to control oxygen flow from the oxygen source.  
   
   
       9 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 1  wherein the oxygen source is selected from the group consisting of a compressed oxygen container and an oxygen generation apparatus.  
   
   
       10 . A hyperoxic breathing system comprising: 
 (a) oxygen source means for providing pure oxygen;    (b) demand flow valve means for causing oxygen flow from the oxygen source means;    (c) venturi valve means for mixing oxygen with ambient air; and    (d) breathing interface means for providing the hyperoxic air to a breathing subject.    
   
   
       11 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 10  further comprising pressure regulator means for controlling oxygen pressure.  
   
   
       12 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 11  further comprising control linkage means configured to control oxygen flow from the oxygen source means via the pressure regulator means.  
   
   
       13 . A hyperoxic breathing system comprising: 
 (a) an oxygen source;    (b) a control valve system comprising a venturi valve coupled to the oxygen source, the venturi valve being configured to introduce ambient air;    (c) a pressure regulator, coupled to the oxygen source and located between the oxygen source and the control valve system;    (d) a breathing interface coupled to the control valve system;    (e) an expandable reservoir located between the control valve system and the breathing interface; and    (f) a one-way exhaust valve located between the expandable reservoir and the breathing interface.    
   
   
       14 . The hyperoxic breathing system of  claim 13  further comprising a control linkage associated with the pressure regulator and configured to control oxygen flow from the oxygen source.