Breath-operated interface device and disposable module for same
A breath-operated interface device having a disposable module and a base. The disposable module having a breath tube with an inlet. A first pressure differential switch is in pneumatic communication with the breath tube and configured to be actuated by a change in pressure in the breath tube. A first signal coupler of the disposable module is in electrical communication with the first pressure differential switch to receive a signal according to an actuation state of the first pressure differential switch. The device may also include a base with a second signal coupler, where the second signal coupler is configured to detachably electrically connect with the first signal coupler of the disposable module. The base also includes a station interconnect configured to interface with an external system, such as, for example, a nurse call system.
1. A breath-operated interface device, comprising:
a disposable module, comprising:
a breath tube having an inlet;
a first pressure differential switch in pneumatic communication with the breath tube and configured to be actuated by a change in pressure in the breath tube;
a first signal coupler in electrical communication with the first pressure differential switch to receive a signal according to an actuation state of the first pressure differential switch; and
a base, comprising:
a second signal coupler configured to detachably electrically connect with the first signal coupler of the disposable module; and
a station interconnect configured to interface with an external system.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first pressure differential switch is configured to be actuated by an increase in pressure in the breath tube.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the disposable module further comprises a second pressure differential switch in pneumatic communication with the breath tube and configured to be actuated by a decrease in pressure in the breath tube, and wherein the first signal coupler is in electrical communication with the second pressure differential switch to receive a signal according to an actuation state of the second pressure differential switch.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first pressure differential switch is configured to be actuated by a decrease in pressure in the breath tube.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first pressure differential switch has a first actuation state actuated by an increase in pressure in the breath tube and a second actuation state actuated by a decrease in pressure in the breath tube.
6. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a body, and wherein the first pressure differential switch is mounted to the body.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the body is a housing, and the first pressure differential switch is contained within the housing.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the first signal coupler is external to the housing.
9. The device of claim 6 , wherein the base is configured for removable attachment of the body of the disposable module.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first signal coupler is a 3.5 mm plug and the second coupler is a 3.5 mm jack.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a clamp for attachment of the base to an object.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises an arm configured for attachment of the breath tube at one or more locations along a length of the arm.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the station interconnect is configured to interface with a nurse call system.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the station interconnect is configured to interface with the nurse call system via an 8-pin DIN connector, a “plug, a double ¾” plug, and/or an RJ45 connector.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the station interconnect further comprises a signal circuit.