After a copper shortage, some of our custom parts were delayed 2 months, forcing us to accumulate orders for our AVI8 smart pulsed oxygen system. The good news is that during that time we were able to fine tune the software, fixed a couple of small bugs, and did more testing.
Here is the final flight test at 17k MSL, with Jim Ruttler being the guinea pig at this fairly dangerous altitude. He flew with our backup 47L bottle on the ready, but didn't need it as the system performed flawlessly over a 3 hour cross country flight.
You can see from these images the altitude and the trend graph of SPO2 vs altitude. The AVI8 automatically adjusted the oxygen to deliver the correct volume per inhalation based on pressure altitude and user settings. The volume changes with each inhalation dependent upon the respiration cycle. Not only did the SPO2 stay above 92% the entire flight, it actually went up at 17k MSL demonstrating that the AVI8 was properly titrating the dosage of oxygen in real-time.
There are a couple of useful features to mention. The emergency mode has been added, which delivers a 12 LPM equivalent on demand from within the app. This 12 LPM is also automatically delivered any time the carbon monoxide levels go above 50 PPM or the pilot or copilot's SPO2 drops below 85%. In addition, the AVI8 will deliver this higher dosage of oxygen automatically upon passing 18K MSL.
The app is useful for controlling the AVI8, including setting automatic parameters for the oxygen delivery such as altitude, spo2, heart rate, and carbon monoxide. If any of these user thresholds are hit, the oxygen begins automatically. Also, the user can double or half the oxygen delivery for any altitude (the latter only available for savings when the Illyrian pulse oximeter is worn and active). There is also real-time monitoring of respiration and cannula disconnection - if no respiration is detected, then you get a warning via your paired headset. Also, SPO2 is read outloud by SIRI to your headset every 5 minutes so you don't have to look for it.
But, if the app is disconnected, the AVI8 functions without it and treats you as if you were at 18k MSL for safety. You get pulsed oxygen, but just not as much savings.
One unique feature is that the AVI8 operates using micro burst technology. Each pulse is separated into multiple 20 ms micro pulses to spread out the oxygen delivery over the critical inhalation cycle. This provides less abrupt and smoother oxygen delivery that is spread into the inhalation cycle. Less waste and more efficiency is observed.
Lastly, the AVI8 operates using an optical flow sensor instead of pressure sensing. This permits inhalation to be detected more quickly and from further away - we've tested 25 feet with no difference. This means the AVI8 can be placed in the back seat or baggage compartment and not worn on your person.
The AVI8 comes as a semi-built-in system for experimental, which as been popular already with two Sling TSI customers and one Glasair customer. This system works with behind-the-panel non-pressurized plumbing and includes a backup constant flow metered output in the event of power loss or malfunction. A panel O2 button enables activation of the oxygen from remote and the light turns on and off based on respiration detection.
There is also a portable option with 152L and 925L carbon fiber bottles for certified aircraft.
Just about a dozen are going out this month and we only have a few left this month due to a part shortage. Ping us if you want to learn more.
