Abstract:
A device for detecting a flow of respiration in a conduit includes a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A main port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the main port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the main port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/853,079 filed Sep. 14, 2015 which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/050,554 filed on Sep. 15, 2014, the disclosure of both are incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of fluids and more particularly to an apparatus for detecting airflow. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are many instances when an indication of a flow rate of a gas needs to be determined. For example, in patients (e.g. mammals such as humans) that have respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, etc., it is often required to provide assistance in filling their lungs with air, or inhalation. There exist devices that are interfaced to a patient&#39;s airway for providing such assistance by injecting a positive airway pressure towards and into the patient&#39; airway, thereby assisting that patient with inhalation. In such devices, it is sometimes needed to determine when the patient is inhaling or exhaling, based upon the flow rate and direction of flow in such devices that are interfaced to the patient. 
         [0004]    One type of device for providing such assistance is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices generally provide a gas pressure that is slightly greater than ambient air pressure into the patient&#39;s airway. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices work well for certain patients, but patients that have poor lung capability often find it harder to exhale due to the constant added pressure directed into the patient&#39;s air passages by the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device. This is because the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device continues to provide positive air pressure, even while the patient is exhaling. 
         [0005]    Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure devices address this issue of exhalation as described above by detecting when the patient is exhaling and reducing the positive airway pressure until the patient completes exhalation and starts inhalation. In such, there are two different positive airway pressures delivered (hence bi-level), a higher positive airway pressure while the patient inhales and a lower positive airway pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) while the patient exhales. 
         [0006]    To accomplish the bi-level positive airway pressure delivery, Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure devices of current have electrical transducers that senses when the patient is exhaling and an electrical circuit that receives an electrical signal from the transducers and responsive to that signal, modulates the positive airway pressure between two values. For example, U.S. Pat. Pub. 20140150793 describes such a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure device that has a flow sensor connected to a controller. This device has a blower for providing the positive airway pressure. Upon detecting that a patient is exhaling, the controller sets the blower to operate at a lower speed (or off), thereby reducing the positive airway pressure until the patient stops exhaling, at which time the controller detects the end of the exhalation and restarts the blower. 
         [0007]    The above-described Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure devices are known to function well, especially with patients that have very little lung capacity. Unfortunately, many such patients are not limited to bed rest and wish to be mobile. It is known to provide the pressure component for positive airway pressure by a portable device, typically portable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices. Such devices typically derive the pressure component for positive airway pressure from a small battery operated pump or through a compressed gas cylinder (e.g. air, oxygen, etc.). It is possible, especially if made small and light enough to be carried by the patient. The sensors, the connections to the sensors, and the added electronics make portability hard to accomplish, especially if a compressed gas tank is utilized. Further, the issues related to battery charge maintenance become an issue. Further, due to the electronic components, power supplies, etc., it is difficult to dispose of such a device, making single-use devices out of the question. Therefore, such devices are not envisioned as to be sold as disposable devices. 
         [0008]    This being said, there are many medical as well as non-medical needs for detecting the flow of a gas such as air through a passage such as through a pipe or duct. Since there are many situations in which there is little impedance to such gas flow (e.g. in a heating/air conditioning duct system), gas pressure is not a good indication of flow or flow rates. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a device that detects a gas flow. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In s first embodiment, a device for detecting a flow of a gas in a conduit is disclosed including a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the port by the flow and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a device for detecting a flow of a gas in a conduit is disclosed including a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A main port and a down-stream port are interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas. A first pressure sensor/device is interfaced to the main port and a second pressure sensor/device is interfaced to the down-stream port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the main port and the first pressure sensor/device reports an increased pressure from the jet of gas while the second pressure sensor/device reports a decreased pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow and the first pressure sensor reports a lower pressure. As the flow within the conduit in a direction from the main port towards the down-stream port, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port and towards the down-stream port by the flow and the second pressure sensor reports an increased pressure. Note that due to back pressure in the conduit, it is anticipated that each pressure sensor/device read a baseline pressure when the gas jet is deflected away from the respective port. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a device for detecting a flow of a gas in a conduit is disclosed including a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. Down-stream, main, and up-stream ports are interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas. The down-stream port receives the jet of gas when the jet of gas is deflected by the flow in a first direction from the main port towards the down-stream port; the up-stream port receives the jet of gas when the jet of gas is deflected by the flow in a second, opposing direction from the main port towards the up-stream port. A first pressure sensor is interfaced to the main port; a second pressure sensor is interfaced to the downstream port; and a third pressure sensor interfaced to the up-stream port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet crosses the conduit and is directed into the main port and, consequently, the first pressure sensor reports a higher pressure. In presence of a flow within the conduit in either the first direction or the second direction, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port and the first pressure sensor reports a lower pressure. In presence of a flow in the first direction, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port and towards the down-stream port by the flow in the first direction and the second pressure sensor reports a higher pressure. In presence of a flow in the second direction, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port and towards the up-stream port by the flow in the second direction and the third pressure sensor reports a higher pressure. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a bi-level positive airway pressure device is disclosed including a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device such as a nozzle that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a subsystem that mechanically detects exhalation and/or inhalation (by the patient connected to the patient port) entering into the patient port. Responsive to sensing exhalation and/or inhalation, positive airway pressure is increased or decreased mechanically or pneumatically. For example, upon detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes (moves in front of) the device that generates positive airway pressure. This reduces or stops the positive airway pressure until the subsystem no longer detects exhalation, at which time the blocking device is operated (moved away) to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port during, for example, inhalation. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, a bi-level positive airway pressure device is disclosed including a housing having a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. The bi-level positive airway pressure device has mechanisms for generating a positive airway pressure directed towards the patient port and mechanisms for detecting inhalation from the patient port or exhalation into the patient port. Mechanisms are provided for increasing or decreasing the positive airway pressure, decreasing the positive airway pressure when the mechanism for detecting inhalation/exhalation detects exhalation (e.g. the patient breaths out), increasing the positive airway pressure when the mechanism for detecting inhalation/exhalation detects inhalation (e.g. the patient breaths in), etc., thereby making it easier for the patient to exhale, etc. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a bi-level positive airway pressure device is disclosed including a housing having a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. A nozzle generates a positive airway pressure directed towards the patient port. The nozzle is positioned near an end of the housing distal from the patient port. A mechanical device for detecting an inhalation and/or exhalation flow entering into or exiting from the patient port is coupled to a occluding member. Upon detection of exhalation, the mechanical device causes the occluding member to at least partially occlude the nozzle, thereby abating the positive airway pressure. Upon detection of inhalation, the mechanical/pneumatic device causes the occluding member to move to a position of less occlusion, thereby providing increased positive airway pressure. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a bi-level positive airway pressure device is disclosed including a housing having a patient port at one end for interfacing to an airway of a patient. A nozzle that is interfaced to a supply of gas generates a positive airway pressure in a direction aimed at the patient port. The nozzle situated at an end of the housing distal from the patient port and the nozzle is directed towards the patient port. An occluding member is movably positioned between the nozzle and the patient port and is positionable in at least two positions. A first position at least partially blocks the positive airway pressure and a second position allows greater flow of the positive airway pressure to the patient port. A gas jet is initially aimed at a first port and during exhalation; the gas jet deflects to be aimed at a second port. The first port is in fluid communications with a first mechanical device that moves the occluding member to the second position when the first mechanical device (e.g., diaphragm) receives pressure from the gas jet, thereby enabling the positive airway pressure. The second port is in fluid communications with a second mechanical device that moves the occluding member to the first position when the second mechanical device (e.g., diaphragm) receives pressure from the gas jet, thereby abating the positive airway pressure when the exhalation flow is detected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate cut-away views of a mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate plan views of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates another cut-away view of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  illustrate cut-away perspective views of a second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cut-away plan view of the second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C  illustrate schematic views of a device for detecting a flow of a gas. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic view of a device for detecting a velocity of flow of a gas. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , cut-away views of a mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  are shown. The principles of operation of the bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  are understandable from  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         [0029]    In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the patient airway (not shown) is interfaced to the patient port  14  by any way known in the industry such as by a nasal cannula, facemask, endotracheal tube, etc. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , during exhalation, the flow of air from the patient travels through the outer chamber  7  of the detection section  12  as indicated by the air flow arrow. A first one-way valve  44 / 46  allows flow in the exhalation direction through the outer chamber (indicated by an arrow) while a second one-way valve  40 / 42  precludes flow through the inner chamber  5  defined by an inner structure member  40  of the second one-way valve  40 / 42 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , during inhalation, the one-way valves  44 / 46 / 40 / 42  operate in an opposing fashion, in that, the flow of air from the positive pressure nozzle  20  (optionally along with atmospheric air) travels through the inner chamber  5  of the detection section  12  as indicated by the inhalation air flow arrow in  FIG. 1B . The first one-way valve  44 / 46  blocks flow in the inhalation so there is no flow through the outer chamber  7  while the second one-way valve  40 / 42  allows flow through the inner chamber  5  as indicated by the inhalation flow arrow. The positive pressure nozzle  20  is provided with gas under pressure from a positive pressure input port  18 . 
         [0032]    In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , there is a pressurized gas input  30  that is connected to a source a pressurized gas (e.g. air, oxygen, etc.—not shown). A jet  9  of gas flows out of a gas stream nozzle  41  and crosses the inner chamber  5  falling onto one of the receptor channels  32 / 36 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , when the patient is not inhaling (e.g., exhaling or at rest), the jet  9  of gas flows directly across the inner chamber  5  and into the first receptor channel  32 . The first receptor channel  32  is fluidly interfaced to a first port  34  that is connected to an input  52  of a first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50  that is explained later. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , when the patient is inhaling, the jet  9  of gas flowing across the inner chamber  5  is deflected and flows into the second receptor channel  36 . The second receptor channel  36  is fluidly interfaced to a second port  38  which, in turn, is connected to an input  62  of a second pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) which is explained later. In other embodiments, the jet  9  of gas is deflected or blocked by a device linked to a diaphragm, in particular for patients with very weak lung capacity. 
         [0034]    The first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50  and the second pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) push a movable occlusion device  70  that has an occluding member  72 . The occluding member  72  is moved in front of the positive pressure nozzle  20  while the patient is not inhaling, thereby blocking gas pressure that continuously flows out of the positive pressure nozzle  20  until the patient starts to inhale. When the patient starts to inhale, the jet  9  of gas flowing across the inner chamber  5  is deflected and flows into the second receptor channel  36 , which is in fluid communications with the second pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  that converts the gas pressure into a movement of the occluding member  72 . The occluding member  72  moves to a position in which the gas pressure from the positive pressure nozzle  20  is no longer blocked. This provides positive pressure to the patient, helping the patient inhale. When the patient stops inhaling, the jet  9  of gas flowing across the inner chamber  5  relaxes and flows into the first receptor channel  32 , which is in fluid communications with the first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50 . The first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50  converts the gas pressure into a movement of the occluding member  72  to a position in which the gas pressure from the positive pressure nozzle  20  is blocked. This results in reducing the positive pressure and allowing for exhalation by the patient without needing to overcome the positive pressure. An example of pressure-to-movement conversion devices  50 / 60  and the movable occlusion device  70 , including the occluding member  72  is shown in  FIG. 4 . It is fully anticipated that in some embodiments, a single pressure-to-movement conversion device operates on a pressure from one or the other of the first receptor channel  32  or the second receptor channel  36  using a resilient member or the resiliency of the diaphragm to return the occlusion device to the correct position after abatement of the gas pressure. Therefore, it is fully anticipated that in some embodiments, a single pressure-to-movement conversion device  50 / 60  is used and resilient force is used to return the occluding member  72  back to a resting position. For example, a single pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  fluidly interfaced to the second receptor channel, in which the single pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  has a resilient diaphragm in which the resilient diaphragm works to pull the occluding member  72  into a resting position. When the patient inhales, the jet  9  of gas flowing across the inner chamber  5  bends and flows into the second receptor channel  36 , thereby placing air pressure upon the resilient diaphragm, thereby overcoming the resilient force of the diaphragm and moving the occluding member  72  away from the positive pressure nozzle  20 , providing positive pressure to the patient. When the patient stops inhaling, the jet  9  of gas flowing across the inner chamber  5  retorts to its natural flow and no longer enters the second receptor channel  36  and the resilient force of the diaphragm moves the occluding member  72  in front of the positive pressure nozzle  20 , allowing the patient easier of exhalation. 
         [0035]    A pressure relief valve  15  is provided to allow atmospheric air to flow out of the bi-level positive airway pressure system  10 , allowing internal pressure to escape when a specific pressure is exceeded. Details of the pressure relief valve  15  are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons, though a typical pressure relief valve includes a spring-loaded ball valve, such that when pressure exceeds the force of the spring, the ball is pushed away from a seat, allowing pressure to escape. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the intermediate channel  16  between the positive pressure nozzle  20  and the detection section  12  is tapered to a narrower diameter to increase the velocity of the gas as it moves toward the patient. In some embodiments, the taper is a linear taper as shown in the figures. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , plan views of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  are shown. In this view, an exemplary outside enclosure including the detection section  12  is visible as well as both pressure-to-movement conversion devices. Gas, under pressure, is connected to the pressurized gas input  30  to create the jet  9  of gas. Gas, under pressure, is also connected to the positive pressure input port  18 . Although it is anticipated that the same source of pressurized gas is provided to both the pressurized gas input  30  and the positive pressure input port  18 , it is also anticipated that in other embodiments, different sources of gas are used, in some embodiments being the same gas under different pressures and in some embodiments being different gases. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , another cut-away view of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  is shown. In this view, construction of exemplary pressure-to-movement conversion devices  50 / 60  and the movable occlusion device  70 , including the occluding member  72 , is visible. 
         [0039]    Each of the exemplary pressure-to-movement conversion devices  50 / 60  has a diaphragm  54 / 64  that is interfaced to a respective push rod  56 / 66 . Air pressure from the respective ports  34 / 38  enter the pressure-to-movement conversion devices  50 / 60  from respective inputs  52 / 62  (see  FIG. 5 ) that are in fluid communications with the outer chambers  59 / 69  surrounding the diaphragms  54 / 64 . When air pressure enters the respective outer chamber  59 / 69 , the air pressure pushes against the respective diaphragm  54 / 64 , therefore, moving the respective push rods  56 / 66  in a direction towards the movable occlusion device  70 . The push rods  56 / 66  are coupled to the movable occlusion device  70 , thereby moving the occluding member  72  either in front of the positive pressure nozzle  20  (during exhalation) or away from the positive pressure nozzle  20  (during inhalation). 
         [0040]    Note that the exemplary pressure-to-movement conversion devices  50 / 60  are examples and many other devices are anticipated that perform similar functions in various ways, including using pistons, etc. Again, it is noted that it is anticipated that in some embodiments, only a single pressure-to-movement conversion device  50 / 60  is present. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  is shown. It is anticipated that, for example, gas tubing connects both the pressurized gas input  30  and the positive pressure input port  18  to a source of pressurize gas (not shown for brevity reasons). It is also anticipated that the first port  34  is connected to the input  52  of a first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50  by a section of gas tubing (not shown for brevity reasons). Likewise, the second port  38  is connected to the input  62  of a second pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  by another section of gas tubing (not shown for brevity reasons). In alternate embodiments, it is equally anticipated that the first port  34  is directly connected to the input  52  of a first pressure-to-movement conversion device  50  through a channel formed in the body of the bi-level positive airway pressure system  10 . Likewise, the second port  38  is directly connected to the input  62  of a second pressure-to-movement conversion device  60  through another channel formed in the body of the bi-level positive airway pressure system  10 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  illustrate cut-away perspective views of a second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 . The second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110  functions similar to the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  10  described previously without the need for one-way valves. 
         [0043]    In  FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C , the patient airway (not shown) is interfaced to the patient port  114  by any way known in the industry such as by a nasal cannula, facemask, endotracheal tube, etc. 
         [0044]    The intent of any bi-level positive airway pressure system is to provide assisted inhalation to a patient during inhalation while reducing this assistance during exhalation to make it easier to exhale. 
         [0045]    The mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110  as shown in  FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  accomplish such through a feedback system that provides positive air pressure until the patient exhales, at which time the source of the positive air pressure is blocked, thereby allowing the patient to exhale. 
         [0046]    The components of the second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110  are shown in  FIG. 6A . The breath detection sub-system includes a nozzle  141  that is in fluid communications with a source of air pressure connected to a port  130 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , a jet of gas crosses the path of the breath to/from the patient port  114 . At rest, the jet of gas flows directly across the patient port  114  and enters both receptor channels  132 / 136  as depicted by the center arrow (e.g. equally or approximately equally). In some embodiments, the jet of gas is biased toward the forward receptor channel  136 . In some embodiments, the jet of gas is biased toward the rear receptor channel  132 . In other embodiments, the jet of gas is not biased towards either the forward receptor channel  136  or the rear receptor channel  132 . 
         [0047]    As the patient inhales, the jet of air bends more toward the forward receptor channel  136 . As the patent exhales, the jet of air bends more toward the rear receptor channel  132 . 
         [0048]    The forward receptor channel  136  has a first connector  138  that is in fluid communications with a first diaphragm  159  through a first diaphragm port  152 . For example, a tube  137  (see  FIG. 7 ) or hose that connects the first connector  138  with the first diaphragm port  152 . 
         [0049]    The rear receptor channel  132  has a second connector  134  that is in fluid communications with a second diaphragm  169  through a second diaphragm port  162 . For example, a second tube  135  or hose connects the second connector  134  with the second diaphragm port  162 . 
         [0050]    The first diaphragm  159  is in a first housing  150  and the second diaphragm  169  is in a second housing  160 . The first diaphragm  159 , when supplied with gas pressure, pushes on a first displacement rod  156  and the second diaphragm  169 , when supplied with gas pressure, pushes in an opposite direction on a second displacement rod  166 . The first displacement rod  156  is interfaced to the second displacement rod  166  creating a push-push system where the first diaphragm  159  pushes the displacement rods  156 / 166  in one direction and the second diaphragm  169  pushes the displacement rods  156 / 166  in the opposite direction. The displacement rods  156 / 166  move an occluding member  172  accordingly, either away from the source of airway pressure  120  during inhalation or in front of and blocking the source of airway pressure  120  during exhalation. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, a bias adjustment mechanism  200  is provided. The bias adjustment mechanism  200  adjusts an offset of the occluding member  172  through, for example, a screw mechanism. By turning the bias adjustment mechanism  200  in one direction, the occluding member  172  is moved slightly out of occlusion of the source of airway pressure  120  and by turning the bias adjustment mechanism  200  in the opposite direction, the occluding member  172  is moved slightly further into occlusion of the source of airway pressure  120 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the intermediate channel  116  between the source of airway pressure  120  and the patient port  114  is tapered (e.g. frustum-shaped) to a narrower diameter to increase the velocity of the gas as it moves toward the patient. In some embodiments, the taper is a linear taper as shown in the figures. The taper of the intermediate channel  116  accelerates the flow of air and provide greater positive airway pressure utilizing less pressurized gas from a source of gas connected to the gas source port  118 . 
         [0053]    Note that it is anticipate, though not required, that both the gas source port  118  and the port  130  be connected to the same source of pressurized gas, such as an oxygen tank, hospital oxygen port, etc. 
         [0054]    Note that in some embodiments, a coupling port  117  is provided to interface the source port  118  and provide gas pressure to the port  130  through, for example, a tube connecting the coupling port  117  and the port  130 . 
         [0055]    Note also that, in some embodiments, a single, first diaphragm  159  coupled to a single forward receptor channel  136 . In this, the resiliency of the single, first diaphragm  159  returns the occluding member  172  to occlude the source of airway pressure  120  when the exhalation occurs. 
         [0056]    Starting from the position shown in  FIG. 6A , when exhalation occurs as shown by exhalation arrows in  FIG. 6B , the flow of air from the patient flows into the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110  from the patient port  114  as indicated by the jet flow arrow in  FIG. 6B . The flow of air from the patient deflects the jet of air from the nozzle  141  such that the jet of air is received by the rear receptor channel  132 . The rear receptor channel  132  is in fluid communication with the second diaphragm  169  that pushes the second displacement rod  166 , moving the occluding member  172  to a position where it blocks the source of airway pressure  120 . The result is that the occluding member  172  abates or reduces the positive airway pressure provided to the patient port  114 , making it easier for exhalation. 
         [0057]    Now, referring to  FIG. 6C , when inhalation occurs, the flow of air from the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110  towards the patient port  114  as indicated by the air flow arrow in  FIG. 6C . The flow of air towards the patient port  114  deflects the jet of air from the nozzle  141  such that the jet of air is now received by the forward receptor channel  136 . The forward receptor channel  136  is in fluid communication with the first diaphragm  159  that pushes the first displacement rod  156 . This moves the occluding member  172  to a position where it does not block the source of airway pressure  120 , thereby providing the positive airway pressure to the patient port  114 , making it easier for inhalation. 
         [0058]    Exhaust port(s)  115  (see  FIG. 8 ) are provided to allow atmospheric air to flow in/out of the bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 , allowing the exhalation gases to escape and allowing fresh air to enter during inhalation. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cut-away plan view of the second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 . In this view, the bias adjustment mechanism  200  is shown connected to a torqueing component  202  that connects to a biasing screw  204 . Note that the bias adjustment mechanism  200 / 202 / 204  is optional. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a physical embodiment of the second mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 . As discussed, in this physical embodiment of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 , a tube  137  connects a first connector  138  with the first diaphragm port  152  and a second tube  135  connects the second connector  134  with the second diaphragm port  162 . It is also fully anticipated to interconnect such with any known mechanism including channels embedded within the housing of the mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system  110 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C , schematic views of a device for detecting a flow of a gas are shown. The device for detecting a flow of a gas emits a jet of gas  205 A from a source of pressurized gas  240  (e.g., air pressure). The jet of gas  205 A is directed across the conduit  190  in which the flow of gas is expected and needs to be detected. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the jet of gas  205 A travels across the conduit  190  and enters a main port  210  that is connected to a first sensor  220  (e.g., a pressure sensor). Until a flow of gas within the conduit  190  occurs, the jet of gas  205 A flows directly across the conduit  190  and into the main port  210 . Therefore, a reading or signal at the first sensor  220  of a higher pressure caused by the jet of gas  205 A indicates that there is no flow of gas within the conduit  190 . 
         [0062]    When a flow of gas occurs within the conduit  190  (down-stream flow), the jet of gas  205 A is deflected. In  FIG. 9B , the flow of gas within the conduit  190  is in a first direction (e.g. down-stream flow) or a right-to-left flow  191 , deflecting the jet of gas  205 B into a down-stream port  212  that is connected to a second sensor  222 . Therefore, a reading of a higher pressure from the second sensor  222  indicates that there is right-to-left flow  201  of gas within the conduit  190 . 
         [0063]    Likewise, in  FIG. 9C , the flow of gas within the conduit is a second direction (up-stream) or left-to-right flow  192 , deflecting the jet of gas  205 C into an up-stream port  214  that is connected to a third sensor  224 . Therefore, a reading of a higher pressure from the third sensor  224  indicates that there is left-to-right flow  192  of gas within the conduit  190 . 
         [0064]    In this example, three ports (down-stream port  212 , main port  210 , and up-stream port  214 ) with three sensors (second sensor  222 , first sensor  220 , and third sensor  224 ) are used to indicate right-to-left flow  201 , no flow, and left-to-right flow  192 , respectively. It is fully anticipated that, in some embodiments, less ports and sensors are provided depending upon what information is needed. For example, if it is only needed to determine if there is a flow, without need to know a direction, only one port and sensor is needed, for example, only the main port  210  and the first sensor  220 . Reception of a signal indicating a higher pressure from the first sensor  220  indicates no flow and a signal of a lower pressure from the first sensor  220  indicates flow in either direction. Likewise, in another embodiment, flow and direction detection is determined having a down-stream port  212 , a second sensor  222 , an up-stream port  214 , and a third sensor  224 . A signal of a higher pressure at the second sensor  222  indicates right-to-left flow  191 , a signal of a higher pressure from the third sensor  224  indicates left-to-right flow  192 , and a signal of a lower pressure from both the second sensor  222  and the third sensor  224  indicate lack of flow of gas within the conduit  190 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a schematic view of a device for detecting a velocity of flow of a gas is shown. In this example, a conduit  230  is equipped with a graduated port  211  (shown triangular, though any shape of the graduated port  211  is anticipated). In this example, a variable right-to-left flow  193  is shown. When there is no flow of gas in the conduit  230 , the gas jet crosses the conduit  230  (not shown) and either misses the graduated port  211  or enters the graduated port  211  at an apex. When the rate of right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230  is low, the gas jet  205 D crosses the conduit and enters at a smaller opening of the graduated port  211 . When the rate of right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230  is higher, the gas jet  205 D crosses the conduit and enters at a larger opening of the graduated port  211 . 
         [0066]    In such, when there is no right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230 , a pressure sensor interfaced to the graduated port  211  reads a low pressure. When there is a low rate of right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230 , the pressure sensor interfaced to the graduated port  211  reads a higher pressure. When there is a higher rate of right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230 , the pressure sensor interfaced to the graduated port  211  reads an even higher pressure. In this way, the pressure measured by the sensor interfaced to the graduated port  211  is an indication of the rate (velocity) of right-to-left flow  193  of gas in the conduit  230 . In some embodiments, instead of the graduated port  211 , multiple discrete ports are provided, for example, sized orifices. In some embodiments, there are two graduated ports  211  for detecting bi-directional rates of flow of gas in the conduit  230  or one graduated port  211  and one or more down-stream port  212 , main port  210 , and/or up-stream port  214 . This provides, for example, flow rate values in both directions or flow rate values for one direction of flow with an indication of flow in the opposing direction. Further, in some embodiments, the taper of the graduated port(s)  211  is reversed. 
         [0067]    Note that it is fully anticipated that the pressure sensors (e.g. first pressure sensor  220 , second pressure sensor  222 , third pressure sensor  224 ) are any electrical, pneumatic, and/or mechanical sensors that detect pressures, either in a digital fashion (e.g. absence or presence of pressure) or in an analog fashion (e.g. detect a pressure gradient). Examples of such are electronic pressure sensors, diaphragm operated devices, etc. It is also fully anticipated that the pressure sensors be interfaced/connected to any mechanical/electrical/pneumatic device for any purpose. Examples of such are devices to indicate air flow and/or direction, devices to control/redirect air flow, alarms, etc. 
         [0068]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0069]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.