WO2022003720A1

WO2022003720A1 - A nasal system for sequential breathing

Info

Publication number: WO2022003720A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jayesh C. Shah
Original assignee: Shah Jayesh C
Priority date: 2020-06-29
Filing date: 2021-06-29
Publication date: 2022-01-06

Abstract

Present invention refers to device and method for sequencing the inhale and exhale activity of a respiratory system for performing inhale stroke and exhale stroke. More specifically, the present invention includes the use of a valve box positioned along at least a part of body, a nose piece positioned at the nostrils of nose, an inhale conduit connecting valve of the valve box with the inhale passage of the nose piece for constructing the inhale channel, and an exhale conduit connecting valve of the valve box with the exhale passage of the nose piece for constructing the exhale channel. Wherein, actuation of valve and valve is governed by the by the control panel for activating and deactivating the inhale channel and exhale channel and facilitating artificially governed breathing ambience for training of the lungs, and increasing the capacity of the same.

Description

Title: A NASAL SYSTEM FOR SEQUENTIAL BREATHING

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nasal device having valvular arrangement for performing conscious breathing exercise using time lap based sequential inspiration and expiration of air. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of valve assisted respiration wherein an electronic system involving a nose piece closely fitted in to the nostrils and a remotely located valve box governs time lap and flow rate of air in respective inhale and exhale strokes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the domain of daily exercise and routine fitness, household activities such as Pranayama, and Yogic Asanas are practised as a most preferred mode for exercising the body in a non-extensive manner, wherein attention is provided for basic stretching of part of human body for thus the muscles, and controlling of the breath for exercising the elements of human respiratory system such as lungs. While exercising the lung and increasing capacity of lungs helps in functioning of heart in a better rhythm in the constantly exhaustive conditions addressing high pulse rate of heart. Such increased pulse-rate is encountered when a person is exposed to high fatigue activity considered to be beyond comfortable functioning span, while similar affects are observed in the excessively dry/humid ambience or a high-altitude regions; which leads to discomfort, shortening of breath, or even malfunctioning of the respiratory system.

The primal cause of such detrimental effects is majorly or partly the incapability of respiratory system of an involved human being for easily becoming acquainted with the surrounding conditions, due to lack of exposure of prevailing conditions, thereby the required training of the respiratory system.

Properly assisted supervised training in a daily hectic schedule is often a difficult to attain phenomenon, and to mitigate the said bottleneck the present invention is proposed, which provides means for training of respiratory system through imparting consciousness in the breathing activity.

Several technologies are set forth by different practitioners in the field of providing means for assisting the respiratory activity, involving use of features such as tubing structure, source of air, aperture entering into the nose cavity, valve arrangement, and flow directing means, as annexed hereinafter; but, found incapable for providing a reliable device for sequencing the time lap of inhale and exhale activities.

Patent bearing No. US8844530B2, dated: 17/11/2008, teaches use of pressure generation device for lung ventilation, and discloses a medical device and method for combination lung ventilation and mucus clearance of a patient is disclosed. The medical device may be configured to provide lung ventilation with intermittent, on-demand mucus clearance, freeing the patient's mouth for activities of daily living such as when the patient is awake; and, in another configuration, the device can provide lung ventilation with automated mucus clearance, such as when the patient is sedated or asleep. The medical device may comprise a pressure generation source, a ventilation portion, and a mucus clearance portion. The mucus clearance portion may be separable from or separate from the ventilation portion such that the medical device is capable of maintaining lung ventilation with the mouth interface removed from the patient.

Patent bearing No. US9308344B2, dated: 14/10/2010, teaches a respiratory device having valve arrangement, and discloses a pressure responsive respiratory valve apparatus for enabling positive pressure from a source of pressure to be applied to a user's airway, and allowing ingress of a breathable gas from an inlet port into a user's airway during inhalation and egress of expired tidal volume of air from the user's respiratory system to an exhalation port during exhalation. The invention minimises rebreathing of expired gas and optimizes delivery of pressurised breathable gas by venting gas only during exhalation, as well as addressing important user considerations including minimizing noise, pressure swing, and size.

Patent bearing No. US8573219, dated: 18/08/2003, teaches a ventilation device having nasal arrangement, and discloses a nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

Patent bearing No. US8844531, dated: 30/12/2008, teaches a nasal arrangement for providing differential between inhaled and exhaled air flow, and discloses a respiration appliance, system, and method for supporting the airway of a subject as the subject breathes. The flow of gas from the lungs of the subject during exhalation is leveraged to provide support to the airway. In particular, a body that encloses one or more external orifices of the subject provides a resistance differential between inhaled gas flows and exhaled gas flows that supports the subject's airway. Patent baring No. US20190224440A1, dated: 13/04/2012, teaches a valvular nasal arrangement for facilitating therapeutic pressures, and discloses a system which includes an air flow generator configured to deliver an air flow at a positive therapeutic pressure during the treatment, and an expiratory valve with an open pressure connected air flow generator. The open pressure is dependent on the therapeutic pressure from the air flow generator. The expiratory valve further exerts a back pressure upon each exhalation from the patient sufficient to create a pneumatic splint in the patient's respiratory tract. The exhalation from the patient has a first half followed by a second half and the back pressure is varied such that during the start of the first half the back pressure is between 0 and 50% of a peak back pressure and increases to a peak back pressure in the second half.

However, such renowned technologies lacks in one or other aspect been addressed by the present invention, which includes provision of sequential time lap for performing inhale stroke and exhale stroke, provision of regulators for altering the rate of flow of air, provision of additional bypass line, manual manipulation of operational parameters using button panel and remote manipulation of operational parameters using control device, provision of representation of numeric and pictorial data of the operation of lungs, and provision of physical measurement of the count of inhale strokes and exhale strokes.

Thereby, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility for performing conscious breathing, further, to include the advantages of the prior art and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a system having separate inhale channel and separate exhale channel to facilitate time focused sequential flow of air, through actuation of inhale valve and exhale valve for metering the corresponding inhale stroke and the exhale stroke.

Consistent with the precedent object, further object of the present invention is to provide a method for manipulating/controlling the time lap of the respective inhale stroke and exhale stroke, and regulating the rate of flow of air in the said strokes, for performing conscious breathing activity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for exercising and training respiratory system, so as to increase the vital capacity of the said respiratory system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for capturing and physical measurement of the data related to the number of inhale & exhale strokes, and conveying the processed data to devices compatible to produce pictorial indication.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for assured safety such as fool proofing, and provide secondary flow path for air in case if failure is encountered at any part of the primary flow path.

In one aspect of the present nasal system, an inhale flow channel and an exhale flow channel is provided to function as primary flow path for flow of the air from atmosphere through a valve box (30) to the nose piece (20) situated at the nostril of human nose; wherein, the inhale flow channel entails at least one valve (100), at least one inhale regulator (60), at least one inhale conduit (40), and at least one inhale passage (21); whilst the exhale flow channel constituted of at least one valve (110), at least one exhale regulator (70), at least one exhale conduit (50), and at least one exhale passage (22).

In further aspect of the present nasal system, the construction includes use of a valve box (30) detachably fixed onto at least one part of the human body and accountable for receiving atmospheric air, a nose piece (20) closely fitted with the nostril to serve as a receiving point of air being supplied from the valve box (30), and at least two flexible conduits; one of them being inhale conduit (40) and another being exhale conduit (50) to function as a conveying medium for air from & past the valve box (30) for said nose piece (20).

In another aspect of the present nasal system, the valve box (30) is made of a valve shell (31) housing a valve (100) connected to one of the air flow passages of nose piece (20) for activating and deactivating inhale and exhale flow of air to nose, a valve (110) connected to another air flow passage of nose piece (20) for activating and deactivating inhale and exhale flow of air to nose, a battery space (36), a battery, plurality of belt spaces (37), at least one inhale port (34) for the inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30), at least one exhale port (35) for the inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30), a charging port, at least one inlet port (32) for the inward flow and outward flow of air from atmosphere, at least one outlet port (33) for the inward flow and outward flow of air from atmosphere, a control circuit (80), a control panel (81), and a timer panel (90); for fetching of the atmospheric air by virtue of natural draft.

In another aspect of the present nasal system, the nose piece (20) is having inhale conduit (40) for inward and outward flow of air between atmosphere & nose attached to the inhale passage (21), and exhale conduit (50) for inward and outward flow of air between atmosphere & nose attached to the exhale passage (21), so as to communicate flow of air between valve box (30) and nose piece (20); wherein nose piece (20) is located in close vicinity of the human nose which comprises an inhale passage (21) placed in one of the nostrils, an exhale passage (22) placed in another nostril, and a coupler (23) for adjoining the inhale passage (21) and exhale passage (22).

In another aspect of the present nasal system, it includes the use of an inhale regulator (60) attached to the inhale port (32) and exhale regulator (70) being attached to the exhale port (33) for manipulating the flow of air getting flown from valve box (30) to the nose piece (20) at the time of inspiration, and when the flow of air getting flown from nose piece (20) to the valve box (30) at the time expiration; which further entails a T-junction (62) attached to the said regulators an opening (63) being sealed using a cap for the future insertion of the medication as per the requirement, and another opening (64) having a float attached to it; wherein the said float functions as a easy to stimulate point which in the situation of the blockage/failure of any of the mechanical or electrical element of the present nasal system becomes exited/actuated and provides secondary flow path for flow of the air, in order to avoid accidents at the time of performing inhale or exhale activity using present nasal system.

In another aspect of the present nasal system, a control circuit (80) accompanied with the control panel (81) functions to govern overall operations of the present nasal system based on the instructions pre-fed to its rewritable memory; further, the control signal generated as a part of control action from the said control circuit (80) in turn sequences the respective time lap for actuation of the valve (100) and the valve (110); furthermore, the pictorial and statistical data related to concurrent state of said valves, intended time lap, and flow rate of air during inhale and exhale strokes is fed to the controlling device such as smart phone, or smart watch through inbuilt wireless data communication module (82); wherein the time lap can be set either by using functions provided in the controlling device or a button panel (120) provided at upper half of the valve box (30), whereas the intimation related to prevailing time lap is achieved by the indicator panel (130) positioned proximal to the said button panel (120).

In aspect of the mode of functioning of the present nasal system, it provides physical technique for measuring the count of inhale strokes and the exhale strokes executed in unity of time, and provides means for exercising and training the respiratory system of the user for enabling the said involved user for correctly performing yogic & pranayama based activities; similarly for performing high altitude training and power breathing, by means of imparting consciousness into the breathing activity; by facilitating sequential flow of air in accordance with the time lap being imposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present aeration apparatus will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates schematic diagram of nose piece (20) connected with valve box (30) using inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50), according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates connectivity between nose piece (20), inhale conduit (40), and exhale conduit (50), according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates detailed constructional feature of the nose piece (20), according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates connectivity between valve box (30), inhale conduit (40), and exhale conduit (50), according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates detailed constructional features of the valve box (30), according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates exploded view of the valve box (30) to depict arrangement of valve (100) and the valve (110), according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 illustrates connectivity between valve box (30), inhale regulator (60), and exhale regulator (70), according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Like reference numerals and names refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in a specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the diagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations in the invention.

As used herein, the term “plurality" refers to the presence of more than one of the referenced item and the terms “a”, “an”, and “at least” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not prelude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The term ‘present nasal system’ is used in the following disclosure in place of ‘present invention’ and relates to essentially the same subject matter.

Fig. 1 to 7 shows the detailed features, along with relative connectivity and placements of the various elements essential for embodying the present nasal system (10), which proposes a device and a method for governing the time lap of respective inhale and exhale strokes of the respiratory system for imparting consciousness in breathing activity and increasing the breathing capacity of lungs namely, “A Nasal System for Sequential Breathing”, which majorly entails: a nose piece (20) having at least one inhale passage (21) and at least one exhale passage (22) separately positioned at different nostrils of the human nose for intaking and expelling air in respective inhale and exhale strokes, a valve box (30) having at least one valve (100) and at least one valve (110) resided in the valve case (31) to supply or draw the air in respective inhale stroke and exhale stroke through inhale port (34) and exhale port (35) of the valve box (30), an inhale regulator (60) affixed onto the inhale port (34), an exhale regulator (70) affixed onto the exhale port (35), an inhale conduit (40) connecting inhale passage (21) and inhale regulator (60) for constructing an inhale channel, an exhale conduit (50) connecting exhale passage (22) and exhale regulator (70) for constructing an exhale channel, a rechargeable battery situated inside the battery space (36) formed at lower half of the valve box (30), a control circuit (80) having control panel (81) for providing control signal to the valve (100) and valve (110) in accordance with the control variables pre-fed to the control circuit (80), an inlet port (32) for suction of air from the atmosphere to the valve box (30), an outlet port (33) for ejecting the air from valve box (30) to the atmosphere, a charging port for the battery, a timer panel (90), a button panel (120), and indicator panel (130).

Wherein, the term ‘inhale stroke’ cab ne defined as singular inspiration movement of the air in to the body causing inhaling of the air from atmosphere to the body through the nose.

The term ‘exhale stroke’ can be defined as singular expiration movement of the air out to the body causing exhaling of the air from body to the atmosphere through the nose.

The term ‘respiratory system’ can be defined as part of the body specifically including lungs and which accountable for performing inhale and exhale activity.

The term ‘part of the body’ unless otherwise specified relates one of the arm, shoulder, neck, chest, or leg without deviating the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the Fig. 1, it shows nose piece (20) connected with valve box (30) using inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50).

Wherein, a valve box (30) resembling a square or rectangular shell and a nose piece (20) resembling opposite profile of left & right nostril is depicted to be placed in mass communication with each other, which is being facilitated by inhale channel and the exhale channel.

The said inlet channel is vested for performing the inlet stroke addressing the use of inlet port (32), valve (100), inhale port (34), inhale regulator (60), inhale conduit (40), and inhale passage (21); whereas, the exhale channel includes the use of outlet port (33), exhale valve (120), exhale port (35), exhale regulator (70), exhale conduit (50), and exhale passage (22).

Further, the inhale channel and exhale channel functions as primary flow path for performing inhale stroke and exhale stroke, and a bypass line formed using the float (64) of the inhale regulator (60) and exhale regulator (70) to function as a secondary flow path, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the Fig. 2 & 3, it shows connectivity between nose piece (20), inhale conduit (40), and exhale conduit (50), and detailed constructional feature of the nose piece (20), respectively. The said nose piece (20) involves use of at least two air flowing passages having convergent cross section (27) so as to suit the internal contours of the human nose, wherein, frontal part of the said passages fits into the nostrils in air-tight manner and further contains serrated profile (24) made over the internal surface of the backward portion of inhale passage (21) and exhale passage (22) onto which inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50) attaches, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The serrations (27) is regarded as irregular/rough surface attributes of the inhale passage (21) and exhale passage (22) and in turn functions to enable joining said conduits with said passages in a detachable manner, such that the part count involved in the joining process can be minimized.

Notably, the nose piece (20) is fabricated using easy to cast moulded, easy to sterilize, and mildly elastic material such as but not limited to silicon rubber which is having flexibility in the range of shore A20 to shore A40, as it contains reasonably high machinability and thermal stability when moulded in different sizes as suggested by the corresponding sizes of the nostrils defined by virtue of age, and gender, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Further, the present nasal system strictly necessitates at least one inhale passage (21) and at least one exhale passage (22); in addition, nature of stroke for said both the nostrils can be changed by interchanging the connecting ends of the inhale conduit (40) and the exhale conduit (50), as per the requirement.

The air-tight placement of the nose piece (20) in relation with the nose assures correct metering/regulating of the inhaled and/or exhaled air, and the convergent profile (27) of the frontal portion of the nose piece (20) functions to imparts interlocking force onto the internal surface of the nostril, as mandated for preventing unintended detachment/separation between the nose piece (20) and said nostrils.

In addition, the coupler (23) permanently fixed with backward portion of the inhale passage (21) and the exhale passage (22) firmly holds both the said passages and gives reasonably proficient flexibility to allow angular deformation between the inhale passage (21) and the exhale passage (22) for securing comfortable fit over the part of nose, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the Fig. 4 & 5, it shows connectivity between valve box (30), inhale conduit (40), & exhale conduit (50), and detailed constructional features of the valve box (30), respectively.

The valve box (30) is of a hollow symmetrical geometry, essentially functioning to receive flow of air from atmosphere through the natural draft originated by means of air drawn by the user of the present nasal system at the time of performing inhale stroke, or else using an artificial/assisted draft by incorporating a blower fan at the inlet port (32); and further functions to convey the same incoming air to the nose piece (20) after sequencing the time lap and the likelihood of nature of stroke with the help of actuating the valves whose operation is governed by the control circuit (80).

Wherein, the valve box (30) involves use of at least one inhale regulator (60) and at least one exhale regulator (70) attached onto the corresponding inhale port (34) and exhale port (35) resembling a circular opening being situated at one of the sides of the valve box (30), in which, the mode of the attachment between said regulators and ports can be selected form threads, press fit, snap fit, or adhesive, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

At the upper half of the said valve box (30) it involves use of a button panel (120) consisting plurality of self-locking buttons, and a timer panel (90) having a display screen to digitally indicate the numeric values of the time lap, which may further include use of indicator panel (130) made up of plurality of LEDs being colour coded to show concurrent state of the present nasal system and alarm/alert the user if any failure occurs, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

At the bottom half of the said valve box (30) it includes use of a belt spaces (37) comprising at least two extended projections containing at least one rectangular recess for insertion of holding means such as a belt, advisably made of but not limited to a rubber, woollen, or plastic; wherein the said holding means wraps around at least one part of the body for fixing of the said valve box (30) for conveniently carrying the whole assemblage of the present nasal system at the mean time of performing activities, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Notably, the holding means is an optional part of the present nasal system and it can be removed in the cases where the valve box (30) is positioned over the steady support, without deviating from the spirit of the invention. Referring to the Fig. 6, it shows the exploded view of the valve box (30) to depict arrangement and the connectivity prevailing between the valve (100) and the valve (110).

Wherein, the said valve (100) and the valve (110) are preferentially electronically assisted directional control pneumatic valves such as but not limited to solenoid operated check valve, pilot actuated check valve, or shuttle valve, of the configuration compatible to receive an electronic or mechanical control signal, in which the valve (100) constitutes at least one opening for injection of air from inlet port (32) and at least one opening for ejection of air from the inhale port (34); whilst the valve (110) involves at least one opening for injection of air from exhale port (35) and at least one opening for ejection of air from outlet port (33), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Whereas, other fluid flow lines can be constructed using multiplicity of other openings in the said valves.

The joining of valve (100) with inlet port (32) and inhale port (34), and joining of valve (110) with outlet port (33) and exhale port (35) can be performed by but not limited to using additional small length detachable flexible pipe conduits, directly adjoining the openings with said ports, or permanently attaching pipe conduits with the said valves end extending the said pipe conduits out to the valve case, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The placement of the valve (100) and valve (110) in relation to the valve case (31) can be chosen but not limited to both the valves being parallel to each other and situated in co- planarly placed in the horizontal plane, both of the said valves placed in the stacking orientation regardless of inhale valve being located above to the exhale valve or vice a versa; alongside necessary support structure means for each of the proposed variant, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The control circuit (80) is preferentially positioned at the upper half of the valve box (30) is having control panel (81) and wireless data communication module (82) inherently present therein, in which the control circuit (80) caters to provide required system architectural software and hardware means, and control panel (81) facilitates shortening and processing of data and converts the same into a numerically or pictorially readable format in accordance with the requirements imposed by user; further, the said wireless data communication module (82) functions to convey the data from the control panel (81) to the one of the control device such as a smart phone or smart watch, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Above to the said control circuit (80), a timer panel (90), a button panel (120), and indicator panel (130) is situated through hardwired connection; In which, the said timer panel (90) involves use of a display screen which shows numerical values either ascending in sequence or descending in the sequence, within the range as suggested by the time lap intended for executing inhale stroke and the exhale stroke and facilitated by a dedicated timer/counter module, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Said button panel (120) positioned in the vicinity of the timer panel (90) includes the use of plurality of push buttons either of the nature self-locking or non-locking, but advisably be self-locking so as to hold the state of the instructions provided to the control panel (81) through the manual mode of control addressing the use of said button panel (120), until further instructions are not fed to the control panel (81) for attaining corresponding change in the state of operation of the present nasal system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The button panel (120) includes the use of at least one push button for the start or end of the power supply thereby for turning-on or tuming-off the present nasal system, and at least one push button for manually increasing the time lap of the inhale & exhale strokes, at least one push button for decreasing the time lap of the inhale & exhale stroke, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The indicator panel (130) positioned in the vicinity of the timer panel (90) and the button panel (120) includes the use of plurality of LED bulbs, having at least one LED for indicating blinking green light denoting stable functioning of the present nasal system, at least one LED for indicating red light denoting occurrence of failure in primary flow channel, at least one LED for indicating yellow/orange light denoting that inhale stroke is to be performed by the user, and at least one another LED for indicating yellow/orange light denoting that exhale stroke is to be performed by the user, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of alerting the said user for the failure in the primary flow channel, a siren is exercised by the control panel (80), in order to alarm the user for performing necessary corrective actions in the present nasal system, and prevent erroneous functioning in the long runs, may be as a part of corrective maintenance or preventive maintenance.

In addition, the source of electrical power for operating the present nasal system is optionally selected from the AC power source or DC power source. In which, the re-chargeable battery situated at the battery space (36) of the valve case (31) serves as a DC power source, and for the AC power source battery can be removed and the present nasal system is operated directly over the wired connection attached to the charging port located at one of the sides of the valve shell (31), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the Fig. 7, it shows connectivity between valve box (30), inhale regulator (60), and exhale regulator (70), and illustrates detailed features of the said regulator and ancillaries associated therewith.

Wherein, said regulators are defined as a pneumatic flow control valve element located at inhale channel and the exhale channel for manually altering the rate of flow of air in respective inhale stroke and exhale stroke.

The construction of inhale regulator (60) includes use of a valve body, at least one valve element, at least one opening for injection of air through inhale port (34), at least one opening for ejection of air to the inhale conduit (40), and at least one opening for communicating with the Tee -junction (62). Whereas, the construction of exhale regulator (70) includes use of a cylindrical valve body, at least one valve element, at least one opening for injection of air through exhale conduit (50), at least one opening for ejection of air to the exhale port (35), and at least one opening for communicating with the Tee-junction (62).

Wherein, the said valve element is a flow control valve such as but not limited to gate valve, globe valve, butterfly valve, or needle valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The knob (61) of the inhale regulator (60) and the exhale regulator (70) is to be manually altered as per the need of rate of flow of air required when performing inhale stroke and the exhale stroke. Also, it may be possible to have different flow rate of air in inhale & exhale stroke, but it is advisable to have identical rate of flow during both the said strokes. Further, it may be possible to incorporate a flow measuring device/sensor such as but not limited to anemometer, or air flow meter, for assuring metered flow of air in respective strokes.

Method for attaching the regulators with said ports and conduits can be selected from but not limited to threads, press fit, or adhesive; wherein, both the regulators are interchangeable in nature, with a concern to adjoining the end of the regulator containing Tee -junction (62) to the conduits, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Which implies, the end of the regulator having Tee-junction (62) connected at shorter distance is to be attached with inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50), and the end of the regulator having Tee -junction (62) connected at remote distance is to be attached with the inhale port (32) & the exhale port (35), thereby the valve box (30).

The Tee -junction (62) having three openings is a hollow tubular network attached at the periphery of the inhale regulator (60) and the exhale regulator (70) in a detachable manner by means of threads or press fit; Wherein, one of the opening is in communication with the regulators, another opening being cap sealed, and reminder opening has a float (64) attached to it.

The said opening which has been cap sealed functions to provide an entrance for inserting medications in the inhale stroke, in case required, by means of removing the detachable & reusable cap and connecting the said opening to a medication line (63). Also, incorporation of the said opening for the medication is mandated for the inhale regulator (60) only, and need to be employed at the exhale regulator (70) for the sole purpose of imparting interchangeability between the regulators.

Further, the said remainder opening employing a float (64) functions as a bypass line for the present nasal system, and becomes activated at the time of occurrence in failure at any part of the system, specifically in the primary flow path.

Moreover, for assured safety of the user even in case the case of failure, alongside the siren/alarm and the colour coded indication through indicator panel (130), a mechanical safety feature is incorporated in to the present nasal system in the form of said by pass line, essentially addressing the use of a float (64) element.

Said float (64) is a type of pneumatic directional control valve such as but not limited to pilot operated check valve involving use of a spring, and getting operated only once proficient opposite force is provided to the spring, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the case where, failure is encountered either in inhale channel or exhale channel, it would lead to blockage of part of corresponding inhale channel or exhale channel, resulting into discomfort of user while performing inhale stroke and/or exhale stroke. In order to prevent said discomfort phenomenon, a secondary flow channel is introduced by virtue of float (64), to inject or eject air directly to the atmosphere, so as to avoid abrupt disturbance while inhaling or exhaling air with the help of present nasal system.

Preferable mode of function of the present nasal system comprises the steps of:

Defining the intended time lap of the inhale stroke and the exhale stroke either using button panel (120) or control device, placing nose piece (20) and the valve box (30) in conjunction with each other by means of inhale conduit (40) and the exhale conduit (50), positioning the nose piece (20) into the nostrils, regulating the rate of flow of air using inhale regulator (60) and exhale regulator (70), performing the inhale stroke at the time of actuation of valve (100) as governed by the control panel (81), performing exhale stroke at the time of actuation of valve (110) as governed by the control panel (81), capturing the data related to the performance of lungs and altering the operating parameters of the present nasal system for incrementally increasing the capacity of lungs.

The functioning of the present nasal system assists the functioning of respiratory system and promotes Pranayama based activities such as Yogic kriyas, and Asanas for their inherent requirement of controlling the breath for longer duration of time, and improves the ability of lungs for easy functioning at the higher altitudes where lesser amount of oxygen is present in the atmospheric air, by artificially providing reasonably similar ambient conditions at the lower altitudes itself.

Notably, the terms ‘inlet port’ (31), ‘outlet port’ (32), ‘inhale port’ (34), ‘exhale port’ (35), ‘inhale conduit’ (40), ‘exhale conduit’ (50), ‘inhale regulator’ (60), ‘exhale regulator’ (70), ‘inhale passage’ (21) and ‘exhale passage’ (22) are used merely for illustration & ease of reference purpose; and said ports, conduits, regulators, and passages are interchangeable in nature. Thus, inlet port (31) can serve the purpose of outlet port (32), inhale port (34) can serve the purpose of exhale port (35), inhale regulator (60) can serve the purpose of exhale regulator (70), ‘inhale passage’ (21) can serve the ‘exhale passage’ (22) and vice a versa.

Further, the inlet port (31) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air from atmosphere, outlet port (32) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air from atmosphere, inhale port (34) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air for valve box (30), exhale port (35) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air for valve box (30), inhale regulator (50) is compatible to perform alteration of rate of flow for inhale stroke and exhale stroke, exhale regulator (60) is compatible to perform alteration of rate of flow for inhale stroke and exhale stroke, inhale passage (21) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air for nose, exhale passage (22) is compatible to perform inhale and exhale of air for nose; according to one embodiment of present invention.

The valve (100) is compatible to perform only inhale of air, only exhale of air, and both inhale and exhale of air, based on the type of configuration of valve (100) employed; similarly, the valve (110) is compatible to perform only inhale of air, only exhale of air, and both inhale and exhale of air, based on the type of configuration of valve (110) employed.

It is to be considered that, valve (100) and valve (110) can be selected from one directional valve, or two directional valve. In which, if the said valve are selected to be one directional valve one of the said valve (110, 110) is reserve for performing only inhale stroke and another is to be reserve for performing only exhale stroke; and if, the said valve (110, 110) are selected to be two directional type they can perform inhale stroke and exhale stroke based on the control action/signal provided from the control panel (81), whist in the case of two directional valve either inhale channel or exhale channel is activated at an instance.

Thereby, inhale channel and exhale channel constituting primary flow path are also interchangeable .

Hereafter observational readings are set forth for describing influence of present nasal system over effective functioning of respiratory system; wherein Table 1.1 shows condition of users prior to use, Table 1.2 shows condition of users after 1 week of use, Table 1.3 shows condition of users after 3 weeks of use, Table 1.4 shows condition of users after 6 weeks of use, of the present nasal system.

Further, for conducting experimentation total five groups are selected, namely Normal Middle Aged user having age in the range of 22-28 years with 20 participants, Elderly user having age in the range 45-65 years with 20 participants, sportsman having higher competency in activities such as running or swimming of the age 22-34 years with 5 participants, Asthmatics having mild to moderate asthmatic problems having are 22-34 years with 5 participants, and Pregnant lady having more than 6 months of pregnancy of age 22-34 years with 5 participants.

Table 1.1

Table 1.2

Table 1.3

Table 1.4

In the case of Normal Middle Aged, Elderly, Asthmatics, and Pregnant user experiments are carried-out for 6 weeks and intermittent observations are made at the start, after 1 week, after 3 week, and after 6 weeks, in which users were asked to perform inhale & exhale activity for the duration of 15 minutes each day; wherein, in the case of Sportsmen users were asked to run at a non-exhausti ve/comfortable speed first for distance of 1 KM and then after 1^st week for the 2 KM in a single day, for the similar timeline of 6 weeks.

The results, as annexed in Tale 1.1 -1.4 clearly indicates reduction in respiration rate per minute as the consequence of increased time lap of the respective inhale stroke and exhale stroke. Moreover, gained results leads to the conclusion of increase in the capacity of lungs, thereby, ability of a respiratory system to function effectively in performing breath exhaustive activities.

Further, as the count of inhale strokes and exhale strokes executed in a stipulated amount of time is measured using the control device, the count of said strokes can be decreased incrementally in due course of time, by increasing the time lap of the strokes, which in turn trains the respiratory system for effortlessly work in non-usual ambient conditions, to perform natural things better and help in power berating, thereby the conscious breathing.

The term ‘consciousness in breathing’ or ‘conscious breathing’ is defined as to exercise the respiratory system in deep, gradual, and expansive manner in a fully awake state. Moreover, it is an act of providing signal to the parasympathetic nervous system to stabilizing the heart rate and relaxing the body and the muscle tone.

By virtue of consciousness in breathing it sets exemplary pattern for breathing the air in and out through nose and forbids incorrect practise of using mouth for air communication, which often tends to impair nasal passages and hikes anxiety. Further, healthy respiratory system being outcome of conscious breathing in turn downscales the affect of asthma, and relieves blood pressure to emblaze the endocrine system and relax the nerves of brain.

Wherein, pranayama kriyas such as but not limited to Deep breathing, Anulom-Vilom, Anulom-Vilom with Kumbhak bandh, Surya bhedan, Nadi-shuddhi, Bharmari pranayama, and Udgeet pranayama can be performed using present nasal system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In aspect of safety while using the present nasal system it includes provision of an electrical siren/alarm and colour coded LED indication system, and a mechanical based provision in the form of bypass line; in addition to that, mouth is kept accessible to the ambient air, so that, even if failure is encountered there will not be any life-threatening situation. When connection is made between the valve box (30) and nose piece (20) using inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50), resultant arrangement can be conferred to the human body, by placing the nose piece (20) into the nostrils and attaching the valve box (30) with at least one part of the human body through holding means such as a belt, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Means for setting the time lap is selected from button panel (120) for manual intervention, and control device such as smart phone or smart watch, and indication in span of time lap is provided by the timer panel (90) and the said control device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Wherein, medium for communicating with the said control device can be selected from but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, Voice Command, or Video Command, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Wherein, time lap for the inhale stroke and the exhale stroke can be identical or different, and can be selected in the range of 3 second to 5 minutes, in ascending or descending manner, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A filter is optionally provided prior to the inlet port (32) and/or the inhale passage (21) of the nose piece (20) for removing the solid particles and particulate matter from the incoming air, according to one embodiment of the invention.

A blower is optionally provided prior to the inlet port (32) to facilitate forced injection of atmospheric air to the valve (100), for controlled berthing regardless of ambient conditions, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A flexible hub arrangement is used between inhale conduit (40) & inhale passage (21), and exhale conduit (50) & exhale passage (22) which addresses use of an inhale hub (25) and exhale hub (26) as can be referred from Fig. 2; which made of rubber material and, improves flexibility in joint and strength of said formed joint, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A means for audio jack for playing of a recorded audio clip stored either in re- writable memory of control circuit (80) or conveyed through wireless data communication module (82) from control device is incorporated; wherein leads connected to the said audio jack is attached to ears or temporal lobe for sensitization of user in order to improve response action of the user; thereby facilitating temporal lobe stimulation for motoring the functions of mind thus the body, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The internal diameter of the inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50) is selected in the range of 1.6 mm to 3.5 mm, wherein the material selected for the fabrication of the said conduits possesses least surface contact friction, so as to ensure minimal resistance for flow of air to and past the valve (100) & valve (110), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The cap sealed opening is momentarily employed as an entrance point for injecting medications in gaseous from for functioning as a nebulizer device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A primary flow path is constituted using inhale channel and exhale channel and the secondary flow path is constituted using a bypass line branched-out of the inhale regulator (60) and exhale regulator (70), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Numerical and pictorial data is conveyed to the control device using a wireless data communication module (82), for the physical real-time measuring and computation of the number of inhale strokes and exhale strokes performed in the unity of time, rate of flow of air during each of the inhale stoke and exhale stroke, pulse rate of the heart, and tidal capacity of lungs, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in steps and their sequences may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A nasal system for sequential breathing is characterized by:

(a) a nose piece (20) having at least two air flow passages attached to the nose for flow of air;

(b) at least one valve (100) connected to one of the air flow passages of nose piece (20) for activating and deactivating inhale and exhale flow of air to nose;

(c) at least one valve (110) connected to another air flow passage of nose piece (20) for activating and deactivating inhale and exhale flow of air to nose;

(d) a control device for controlling inhale flow and exhale flow of air from air flow passages of nose piece (20).

2. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nose piece (20) is comprised of:

(a) an inhale passage (21) positioned at one of the nostril;

(b) an exhale passage (22) positioned at another nostril;

(c) a flexible coupler (23) adjoining inhale passage (21) and the exhale passage (22).

3. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein valve (100) and valve (110) are placed inside the valve case (31) of valve box (30).

4. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve box (30) is comprised of:

(a) an inlet port (32) for the inward flow and outward flow of air from atmosphere;

(b) an outlet port (33) for the inward flow and outward flow of air from atmosphere;

(c) an inhale port (34) for the inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30);

(d) an exhale port (35) for the inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30);

(e) an inhale regulator (60) for altering rate of inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30);

(f) an exhale regulator (70) for altering rate of inward and outward flow of air from valve box (30);

(g) a control circuit (80) for controlling operation of valves (100, 110).

5. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control circuit (80) is comprised of:

(a) a control panel (81) governing actuation of valve (100) and valve (110);

(b) a wireless communication module (82) for communication with a mobile device;

(c) a timer panel (90) for sequencing the time lap of inhale stroke and exhale stroke.

6. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inhale conduit (40) connects inhale port (34) with inhale passage (21) for inward and outward flow of air between atmosphere and nose.

7. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein an exhale conduit (50) connects exhale port (35) with exhale passage (22) for inward and outward flow of air between atmosphere and nose.

8. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein nose piece (20) is attached to the nose in an air tight manner and valve box (30) is attached to the part of body using belt spaces (37).

9. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein Tee-junction (62) is attached to the inhale regulator (60) and exhale regulator (70).

10. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 9, wherein Tee-junction (62) is having a cap sealed opening for attaching an additional medication line (63).

11. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 9, wherein Tee-junction (62) is having another opening equipped with a float (64).

12. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 11, wherein actuation of the float (64) activates and deactivates a secondary flow path using a by-pass line for the flow of air.

13. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein means for attaching inhale regulator (60) and exhale regulator (70) with valve box (30) is selected from press fit, snap fit, fasteners, and adhesive.

14. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein attachment of inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50) with nose piece (20) is performed using serrated profile of inner surface of the inhale passage (21) and exhale passage (22).

15. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein inhale hub (25) is attached between inhale passage (21) and inhale conduit (40), and exhale hub (26) is attached between exhale passage (22) and exhale conduit (50) for flexibility in joining process.

16. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein a blower fan is attached to the inlet port (32) for generating artificial draft for flow of air.

17. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein type of valve (100) and valve (110) is selected from the solenoid operated check valve, pilot actuated check valve, and shuttle valve of the configuration compatible to receive an electronic or mechanical control signal.

18. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein silicon rubber having elasticity in the range of shore A20 to shore A40 is used for the nose piece (20).

19. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein method of setting time lap of the inhale stroke and exhale stroke is selected from manually operated button panel (120) and remotely operated control device.

20. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of time lap for performing inhale stroke and exhale stroke is the range of 3 seconds to 5 minutes.

21. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein internal diameter of inhale conduit (40) and exhale conduit (50) is selected in the range of 1.6 mm to 3.5 mm for minimum resistance for flow of air.

22. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein frontal convergent profile (27) of inhale passage (21) and exhale passage (22) provides interlocking action with the nostrils, to prevents unintentional detachment of nose piece (20) with the nose.

23. The nasal system for sequential breathing as claimed in claim 1, wherein primary flow path is constituted by inhale channel and exhale channel.