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Personal Ambulatory Oxygen System
Provider Technical Manual
20771733 D 7
Compressor and Compressor Enclosure
The eQuinox Compressor is a two-cylinder, variable speed compressor,
driven by a highly efficient Brushless DC (BLDC) motor. When air
flows into the Compressor enclosure, it passes through an air intake
filter/muffler that muffles sound and filters out impurities. Using one
cylinder, the compressor takes in filtered air and delivers it to the ATF
Module under pressure. The second cylinder draws a vacuum on the
ATF module and exhausts nitrogen rich gas to the exhaust vent.
Power Distribution
The Power Manager takes external power that comes into the eQuinox
from the power supplies or Battery Pack and monitors and controls
power distribution to the rest of the eQuinox system. The Power
Manager drives the compressor, ATF module motor, blower, and
provides power to the Control Board. In addition, when the unit is
connected to an external power source, the power manager monitors
and controls the recharging of the Battery Pack.
Control Board
The Control Board is at the center of nearly all eQuinox functions. The
board constantly monitors dynamics such as temperatures, pressures,
product flow and concentration, and user input. It determines proper
compressor and ATF motor speeds needed in order to provide
optimum system performance. In addition, this system supports the
operation of the Control Panel and its indicators.
The Control Board utilizes a proprietary ultrasonic flow and
concentration sensor and a flow control valve to accurately control the
flow of oxygen in Continuous Flow and Pulse Dose Modes.
Figure 1: Flow Sensor Board Diagram
Control Board
Continuous Flow Mode
Continuous Flow Mode delivers a constant flow of oxygen to a patient
by means of tubing and a nasal cannula at rates between 0.5 LPM and
3.0 LPM. Within the eQuinox, concentrated oxygen is stored in a 500ml
product tank at pressures in the range of 5 to 9 psi. This pressure gives
Continuous Flow Mode the capability to deliver the indicated flow rate
to the patient even if extension tubing is used, up to 50 feet long. In
addition, the eQuinox Continuous Flow Mode is fully compatible with
humidifier use, with nasal cannula not exceeding 7 feet.
Pulse Dose Mode
The eQuinox Pulse Dose Mode delivers a measured bolus of oxygen at
the very beginning of each inspiration. The approach is based on the
manner in which gas is absorbed into a patient’s airway. eQuinox users
may select pulse dose volume delivery rates. Regardless of setting, the
pulse profile is a simple square-wave pulse based on a 16 mL volume.
(Refer to “Pulse Profiles” table below). Pulse durations are no less than
100 milliseconds at the beginning of the inspiration. There are three
Rise Time settings (Slow, Medium, and Fast). The table below is for the
FAST Rise Time setting (factory default is Fast).
Flow
Setting
Pulse Peak
Flow, LPM
(volumetric)
Pulse Duration
(millisecond)
Bolus
Volume
(ml)
1.0
8
120
16
2.0
9
213
32
3.0
10
288
48
4.0
11
349
64
5.0
12
400
80
6.0
13
443
96
7
15
512
128
8
17
565
160
9
19
606
192
Table 4
Pulse Profiles
The fundamental approach to triggering and controlling the oxygen
bolus in Pulse Dose Mode is as follows:
The User may select a pulse trigger sensitivity in settings ranging from
1-3. Bolus volume should be prescribed by a physician and may range
from 16mL up to 192mL. The pulse will be triggered when the system
meets all of the following criteria:
• The cannula pressure has dropped below the trigger point
(typically between 0.135 and 0.37 cm H20)
• At least 1¼ seconds has passed since the last pulse began