U.S. patent number 3,852,385 [Application Number 05/312,670] was granted by the patent office on 1974-12-03 for gas humidification apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Med-Pak Corporation. Invention is credited to James A. Huggins.
United States Patent |
3,852,385 |
Huggins |
December 3, 1974 |
GAS HUMIDIFICATION APPARATUS
Abstract
Apparatus for administering humidified gas (e.g., oxygen) to a
patient includes a one-piece plastic connector having a tubular
portion for connection to an oxygen supply, a tubular spike
portion, and a smaller diameter oxygen supply tube within the spike
portion and extending beyond the end of the spike portion for first
piercing the stopper in an intravenous solution bottle. The spike
portion enlarges the hole pierced by the oxygen supply tube. The
oxygen from the supply tube is delivered to the bottom of the
bottle and bubbles upwardly through the liquid therein. The
humidified oxygen enters a chamber formed by that part of the bore
of the spike portion that is not occupied by the gas tube. The
humidified gas then leaves the chamber and enters a conduit on the
connector that is connected to a nasal cannula.
Inventors: |
Huggins; James A.
(Libertyville, IL) |
Assignee: |
Med-Pak Corporation
(Charlestown, WV)
|
Family
ID: |
23212477 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/312,670 |
Filed: |
December 6, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
261/121.1;
261/DIG.65; 128/200.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J
1/20 (20130101); A61M 16/16 (20130101); Y10S
261/65 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61J
1/00 (20060101); A61M 16/16 (20060101); A61M
16/10 (20060101); B01f 003/04 (); A61m
015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/185,186,188,194
;261/DIG.65,77,78A,122,123 ;222/400.7,153 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Miles; Tim R.
Assistant Examiner: Chiesa; Richard L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Olson, Trexler, Wolters, Bushnell
& Fosse, Ltd.
Claims
The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A connector assembly for use in a gas humidification system that
includes a container with liquid and an opening with a closure
therein, said connector comprising a body having first tubular
means for receiving gas from a gas supply, a threaded coupling
cooperable with said body for connecting said first tubular means
to the gas supply, second tubular means, third tubular means
telescoped within said second tubular means and being in
communication with said first tubular means, said third tubular
means having a sharp pointed end for piercing a hole in the
closure, an end portion of said second tubular means being
cross-sectionally larger than said third tubular means and shaped
to enlarge the hole pierced by said pointed end, said end portion
of said second tubular means being barbed to prevent accidental
withdrawal of said connector assembly from the closure and to
permit the container to be suspended from said connector assembly,
said third tubular means and said second tubular means defining a
chamber that is part of the bore of said second tubular means, a
part of said third tubular means that includes said pointed end
extending beyond end portion of said second tubular means for
immersion in the liquid of the container such that gas will flow
from said first tubular means through said third tubular means into
the liquid to humidify the gas and the humidified gas will then
flow from the surface of the liquid into said chamber, and means
forming a conduit for conveying said humidified gas from said
chamber, said conduit projecting laterally from said second tubular
means and having a decreasing external diameter in a direction away
from said second tubular means for telescopically receiving a nasal
cannula.
2. A connector according to claim 1 in which said body is a
one-piece plastic member that includes saId second tubular means
and said conduit means.
3. Apparatus for administering humidified gas such as humidified
oxygen to a patient comprising a container with liquid and having
an opening with a stopper thereacross, a connector, threaded
coupling means for connecting an inlet of said connector to a gas
supply, saId connector including tubular means projecting through
said stopper and having barb means underlying said stopper for
preventing withdrawal of said connector from said stopper and for
suspending said bottle from said connector, a gas supply tube in
said tubular means and being in communication with said inlet, said
gas supply tube lying below the liquid level and having a pointed
end for piercing a hole in said stopper, said tubular means being
of a cross-sectional size adjacent to said barb means that is
larger than that of said gas supply tube so that the tubular means
enlarges the hole pierced by said pointed end upon mounting of the
connector onto the stopper, and means for conveying humidified gas
through said connector to a nasal cannula, said conveying means
including a conduit extending laterally of said tubular means and
having a decreasing diameter in a direction away from said tubular
member for telescopically receiving the nasal cannula.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for gas
humidification systems, particularly systems for humidifying oxygen
prior to delivery to a patient. It is well known that the oxygen in
conventional supply tanks used by hospitals has a relatively low
humidity, and for this reason the oxygen cannot, in many instances,
be directly administered to the patient. As a result, the oxygen is
frequently passed through humidifiers prior to being delivered
through a nasal cannula to the patient. The oxygen or
oxygen-containing gas is usually humidified by bubbling the gas
through a reservoir of water, saline solution, or other medicated
solution.
In order to maintain sterility, I have previously proposed
utilizing a standard intravenous solution bottle as the reservoir
through which the gas is bubbled. The intravenous solution bottle
has the advantage that it contains its own sterilized supply of
water or other solution. Also the bottle is disposed of after use.
Thus, assuming proper handling procedures, sterility is
preserved.
One problem with my aforesaid prior proposal is the fact that a
special type of stopper has been required. This adds considerable
to the cost to the hospital (and hence to the patients) because
these bottles with special stoppers must be separately inventoried.
Since the stoppers are of special construction the intravenous
solution bottles are often not adaptable to medical procedures in
which intravenous solution bottles of the conventional type and
with conventional stoppers are used.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a gas humidification
system that utilizes conventional intravenous solution bottles
having conventional stoppers therein, whereby the hospital does not
need to inventory bottles with specially constructed stoppers for
use with oxygen humidification procedures that utilize such bottles
as the solution reservoir.
A further object of this invention is to provide a novel connector
which forms part of the system and which serves as the principal
component that facilitates the use of conventionally stoppered
intravenous solution bottles in the system.
It is a further and more specific object of the present invention
to provide a connector of the type and for the purpose stated that
is adapted to puncture a conventional intravenous solution bottle
stopper, and wherein the connector prevents accidental removal
thereof from the bottle stopper while also permitting the bottle to
be suspended from the connector.
In accordance with the foregoing objects the connector of the
present invention comprises a body with a first tubular means for
connection to a gas supply, such as the outlet of a metering valve.
The gas is typically oxygen, but it may be ordinary air, or air
modified by additional oxygen. The body also includes a second
tubular means which is a spike portion for piercing the stopper or
like closure for the container. A third tubular means is comprised
of a gas supply tube of smaller diameter than that of the tubular
spike portion and telescoped therein. The gas supply tube extends
outwardly beyond the puncturing end of the spike portion a
sufficient distance so that when the connector is in proper
position on the stopper, the lower end of the gas tube will be near
the bottom of the solution bottle. The free end of the gas tube is
constructed to perforate initially the bottle stopper following
which the spike portion enlarges the hole made by the gas tube and
seats on the top of the stopper. Barbs on the spike portion retain
the latter in place and also permits the stoppered bottle to be
suspended from the spike portion. Gas bubbling up from the gas
supply tube leaves the surface of the liquid in a humidified
condition and then flows to a chamber that is formed by the part of
the spike portion bore that is not occupied by the gas tube. This
chamber at which the humidified gas is collected is in
communication with a conduit member that is also part of the
connector body and which is adapted to be connected to a nasal
cannula for transmitting the humidified gas to the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of gas humidifying
apparatus constructed in accordance with and embodying the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken
along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially broken away and
in section, as seen from line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are fragmentary sectional views taken along lines
4--4 and 5--5 respectively of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a step in the assembly of the
connector of the present invention with a conventional intravenous
solution bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now in more detail to the drawing, which illustrates a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown an
apparatus 2 that includes a connector 4 that is in the form of a
molded plastic body of high density of polyethylene or other
suitable material. The connector 4 includes a first tubular portion
or stem 6 for connection to a source of gas as will hereinafter be
more fully described. The stem 6 extends upwardly from an annular
cavity 8 in the body, the stem 6 being externally tapered as best
seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. The bore 10 of the stem 6 is generally
cylindrical and has a shoulder 12 intermediate its ends. Downwardly
from the shoulder 12 the bore 10 is of slightly enlarged
diameter.
The connector 4 also integrally includes a second tubular portion
in the form of depending spike 14 having a bore 16 that is of a
diameter substantially larger than that of the bore 10. Thus, the
upper portion 18 of the bore 16 tapers upwardly to merge with the
lower end of the bore 10. It will also be noted that the central
axis of the bore 10 is eccentric to the central axis of the bore
16. The lower end of the spike 14 has a bevel 20 whereby the tip 22
of the spike 14 provides a piercing or penetrating end. Upwardly
from the tip 22 the spike 14 is externally provided with barbs 24
which are circumferentially spaced about the spike, as best seen in
FIG. 5. The distance between the barbs 24 and the lower external
surface 26 of the connector is a predetermined amount to facilitate
sealing and gripping with a bottle stopper for reasons presently
more fully apparent.
Rigidly mounted within the lower portion of the bore 10 is a third
tubular member or gas supply tube 28 which is preferably formed of
the same material as that of the connector body 4. The external
diameter of the gas supply tube 28 is such as to fit snugly within
the lower portion of the bore 10 so that the end of the gas supply
tube 28 seats against the shoulder 12. The gas supply tube 28 and
connector 4 may be maintained in assembled relationship by the
friction fit therebetween, or suitable adhesive may be used for
this purpose. The gas supply tube 28 extends downwardly beyond the
tip 22 of the spike 14 and terminates in a beveled end 30 that
provides a sharp penetrating point or tip 32. It will also be seen
that the tube 28 is substantially coaxial with the bore 10 but is
eccentric to the axis of the bore 16, the eccentricity being such
that the tube 28 abuts the wall surface of the bore 18 along a line
of tangency 34 that extends to the tip 22. It will thus be seen
that since the gas tube 28 has an external diameter that is
substantially smaller than the diameter of the bore 16, the bore 16
and the tube 28 cooperate to define a chamber 36. Viewed another
way, the chamber 36 is comprised of the part of the bore 16 that is
unoccupied by the tube 28.
Also integrally formed on the connector body 4 is a lateral or
horizontal conduit 38 having a tapered exterior surface 40 for
receiving a conventional nasal cannula 42. The conduit 38 is
substantially at right angles to the spike 14 but with the central
axis of the bore 44 of the conduit 38 being offset from the central
axis of the bore 16 of the spike 14. Nevertheless, the bore 44 is
in direct communication with the upper end of the chamber 36 to
provide a passageway for gas from the chamber 36 to flow into the
nasal cannula 42 for delivery to the patient.
The intravenous solution bottle 46 is typically a glass container
that constitutes a reservoir for liquid 48 which may be sterile
water, saline solution or other medicated solution. At its upper
end, the bottle 46 is of a standard construction. Thus, there is an
opening 50 of standard size and at which is a closure, such as a
rubber or rubber-like resilient stopper 52. The stopper 52 is
clamped in place by a metal clamping ring 54 that underlies the top
bead 56 of the bottle and overlies the peripheral flange 58 of the
stopper. The stopper 52 also conventionally includes a central
cylindrical hole 60 which opens at the bottom of the stopper but is
closed off at its top to provide a membrane 62 (FIG. 6) that is
adapted to be pierced when access to the solution within the bottle
46 is desired. In some instances the exposed part of the stopper
may be covered with a disc to preserve sterility. If this is not
done the top of the membrane 62 may be wiped with an alcohol swab
just prior to piercing the same. In any event the external diameter
of the gas tube 28 is substantially less than the diameter of the
hole 60 whereas the external diameter of the spike 14 between the
barbs 24 and surface 26 is preferably slightly greater than the
diameter of the hole 60. Furthermore, the distance between the
barbs 24 and the surface 26 is preferably slightly less than the
overall thickness of the stopper 52, that is between its top and
its bottom surfaces 64, 66.
As pointed out previously, the stem 6 is intended for connection to
a source of gas supply whereby gas can be delivered through the
bore 10 and to the gas supply tube 28. Various means may be
provided for coupling the connector 4 to the gas supply. By way of
example but not of limitation, the connector has an external thread
68 surrounding the base portion of the stem 6 for threaded
connection with the internal thread of a plastic coupling 70. The
plastic 70 is symmetrical, as seen in FIG. 2, in that it has two
opposed internally threaded sections 70a, 70b, of like
construction. Within the coupling 70 are opposed conically tapered
surfaces 72a, 72b, one of which is adapted to seat against the
external, conically tapered surface of the stem 6. This forms a
seal with the stem 6. The symmetry of the coupling 70 permits it to
be threaded onto the connector 4 at either end, namely utilizing
the section 70a or the section 70b. The section of the coupling 70
that is not threaded onto the thread 68 is threaded onto a thread
74 (which may be a pipe thread) that forms part of the discharge
end of an oxygen supply valve 76. This valve is used to control or
meter the flow of gas into the humidification system. The flow
control valve 76 may, as shown in FIG. 1, take the form of a right
angle or elbow whereby the inlet end of the valve 76 is connected
to a threaded nipple 78 that projects outwardly from a wall or
other support 80. The thread 74 and the thread on the nipple 78 may
be pipe threads so that seals are formed with the mating threads.
Also, as seen in FIG. 2, the threaded stem of the valve 76 has an
internal bore with a tapered entrance end 82 against which the free
end of the stem 6 firmly engages.
It will also be apparent that a plastic coupling 70 of the type
previously referred to need not be used, depending upon the
construction of the outlet device for supplying the oxygen. For
example, the tapered shape of the stem 6 readily facilitates
connection to a flexible tube or other coupling from which gas may
be supplied.
In use the connector 4 with its attached gas tube 28 is mounted on
the intravenous solution bottle 46. This is done by first causing
the tapered end of the tube 28 to pierce the membrane 62, as shown
in FIG. 6, following which the spike 14 enlarges the hole made by
the tube 28 so that only one opening is formed in the stopper, and
this opening is approximately the size of the membrane 62. As the
spike 14 is firmly pressed so that its surface 26 engages the top
surface 64 of the stopper, the barbs 24 will underlie the bottom
surface 66 of the stopper. A seal will be formed between the
external surface of the spike 14 and the stopper 52.
It should be noted that the preassembled connector 4 and gas tube
28 can be packaged in a sterile wrapper. The end of the wrapper
adjacent to the piercing end 30 of the gas tube can be peeled back
to permit insertion of the beveled end 30 into the membrane 62
while gripping the connector body 4 through the sterile wrapping.
This, of course, enhances the sterile condition of the connector 4
since the gas tube 28 and the spike 14 do not have to be grasped or
otherwise touched by the human hand. When the connector and gas
tube are assembled with the stopper as shown, for example, in FIGS.
2 and 3, the lower end 30 of the gas tube 28 will be near the
bottom of the bottle, the length of the gas tube 28 being designed
in accordance with the standard height of the bottle 46.
The coupling 70 may then be threaded onto the threads 74 and 68
preparatory for turning on the oxygen by means of the valve 76.
When the coupling 70 is used in the arrangement here described, the
solution bottle 46 is suspended from the spike 14. The barbs 24
permit this suspension of the bottle through the stopper 52. Even
where the solution bottle is not suspended the barbs otherwise
prevent accidental withdrawal of the connector 4 from the stopper
52.
When the gas supply is turned on, the gas flows through the bore 10
and tube 28 and is bubbled upwardly through the liquid 48, as best
shown in FIG. 2. The humidified gas then enters the chamber 36 and
from there is conveyed to the bore 44 of the conduit 38 and then to
the nasal cannula 42 .
* * * * *