US3799185A

US3799185A - Breathing valve

Info

Publication number: US3799185A
Authority: US
Inventors: P Milnes; K Muellenbach
Original assignee: Kohler Co
Current assignee: Kohler Co
Priority date: 1972-07-03
Filing date: 1972-07-03
Publication date: 1974-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-03-26

Abstract

A breathing valve of the type having concentric inhalation and exhalation valves has an exhaust passage with tapered inlet ports that provide a variable orifice to minimize flutter. Flutter is further reduced by having the exhalation valve mounted on an unsupported rubber sleeve that can flex to accommodate pressure variations, and by a mushroom inhalation valve that has a Ushaped flex ring with its open end facing the inhalation chamber so that the periphery of the valve lifts as a whole. A modified version of the valve for respiratory use includes a control ring operable to progressively open and close the exhaust passage, another modified version for use in anesthesia includes a collector shroud that encloses the exhaust passage and is connectable to a discharge line, and a third modified version includes both the ring and shroud.

Description

Milnes et a1.

[ BREATHING VALVE [75] Inventors: Peter M. Milnes, Sheboygan; Kevin D. Muellenbach, Reedsville, both of Wis.

[73] Assignee: Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis.

[22] Filed: July 3, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 268,432

[52] US. Cl 137/102, 137/512.2, 251/121 [51] Int. Cl. F1'6k 15/14 [58] Field of Search... 137/63 R, 102, 512.2, 512.3, l37/512.l5, 614.2, 613; 128/1422, 142, 146.5, 2.08; 251/121, 34 S; 272/57 F [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,954,793 10/1960 Seeler 137/63 R 3,232,304 2/1966 Koe5ter.... 137/5122 2,966,917 1/1961 Bloom 137/63 R 2,982,306 5/1961 Fitzgibbon.. 1377625164 1,044,367 11/1912 Evans 272/571 [111 3,799,185 1 Mar. 26', 1974 Primary Examiner-William R. Cline Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Allan W. Leiser; Arthur H. Seidel [5 7] ABSTRACT A breathing valve of the type having concentric inhalation and exhalation valves has an exhaust passage with tapered inlet ports that provide a variable orifice to minimize flutter. Flutter is further reduced by having'the exhalation valve mounted on an unsupported 5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures BREATHING VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION- This invention relates generally to breathing valves of the type having concentric exhalation and inhalation valves, this type of valve being shown, for example, in US. Pat. No. 3,342,200, issued Sept. 19, 1967. While such valves have been extensively used for flyers oxygen masks, prior designs have not been satisfactory in all respects, particularly with regard to simplicity of construction and the elimination of undesirable fluttering. Further, valves of this type have not heretofore been designed for use in certain specialized medical and similar applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the general object of this invention to provide an improved basic valve of the contemplated type, and also to provide modified versions for medical and similar uses.

One specific object is to provide a basic valve that includes an exhaust passage with tapered inlet ports to provide a variable orifice and thus minimize flutter. Another purpose is to provide a valve in which the exhalation valve disc is mounted on an unsupported sleeve of resilient material which can flexto accommodate pressure variations. Still another object is to provide a mushroom inhalation valve with a flex ring that is inverted from normal past orientation to provide for improved action. Another object isto provide a valve which can be adapted for use with an exhalation'control ring and/or an exhaust collector shroud for medical and related uses. It is also an object of the invention to provide a highly effective, improved valve of the type contemplated which is still relatively simple and inexpensive, and in which several forms can use common parts. Other features, objects and advantages will appearv from the description 'to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS- FIG. 1 is an enlarged view in cross section through the plane ll shown in FIG. 2 and showing a basic valve formed according to the invention incorporated in an oxygen mask'valve, I

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the valve of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the valve of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a view in cross section through the plane 4-4 shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of an exhalation valve disc for the valve of FIG. 1, the disc being shown as it appears prior to a molding operation,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view, partially broken away, showing a guide ring in the valve of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a side view, partially broken away, showing a basic valve capsule, similar to the valve of FIGS. l-6, incorporated in a respiratory valve having an exhalation control ring,

FIG. 8 is a view in cross section, through the plane 8-8 shown in FIG. 9, showing a valve capsule like that shown in FIG. 7 incorporated in a combination respiratory-anesthesia valve having a collector shroud,

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the valve of FIG. 8',

and

the valve capsule of FIGS. 7-9 incorporated in a com- FIG. 10 is a side view, partially broken away, showing I bination respiratory-anesthesia valve having an exhalation control ring and a collector shroud.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The valve shown in FIGS. 1-6 includes a housing made up of three basic parts an inhalation chamber section 1, an exhalation section 2, and a guide ring 3, all preferably formed of a rigid thermoplastic material capable of withstanding large temperature variations. A reduced portion at the lower end of the section 2 as it is seen in FIG. 1 is received in the open upper end of the section 1 with a tight fit, and the ring 3 is held captive between them. The

sections

1 and 2 are preferably joined together permanently by ultrasonic welding, which is a convenient method of manufacture and which also allows the unit to meet military specifications which require that valves of this type not be capable of being disassembled for repair. It is a particular feature of the invention that the housing can be formed from only three parts, as opposed to the complex assemblies found in some prior valves.

The exhalation section 2 defines an exhalation chamber 4 which is on the mask or u'sers side of the valve, and it is externally threaded so that it can receive conventional clamping ring (not shown) for attaching the valve to an oxygen mask, or so that it can be connected to other elements to be described. The inner or lower end of the exhalation chamber 4 is shaped to define an upstanding exhalation valve seat 5 which faces the inhalation chamber to be described.

The inhalation section 1, which is elongated and provided with a cable retention pin 1', can be connected to an oxygen supply tube (not shown) in conventional fashion. It defines an inhalation chamber 6 which is on the supply side of thevalve, and has a stepped upper end provided with a series of circumferentially spaced, axially extending openings 7 which open from the exhalation chamber side of the valve and serve as exit ports for an exhaust passage to be described.

The guide ring 3, which is seen most clearly in FIG. 6, has a substantial axial length, and includes a reduced lower portion 8 which is received in a corresponding recess in the housingsection l with a relatively tight fit.

Approximately the upper axial half of the ring 3 is cut out to define a series of circumferentially spaced slots 9, which serve as entry ports for an exhaust passage as will be described. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the upper outer edge of the ring 3 is cut away along a line that is tapered at its radially inner end and horizontal at its radially outer end, and the exhalation housing section 2 has a matching configuration. As a result of this, the upper, radially innermost edges 10 of the slots 9 are outwardly tapered from top to bottom to provide a variable orifice as will be described below. The tapered edges 10 define the upper or exhalation chamber ends of the slots 9 and are approximately at the level of the exhalation seat 5; and the lower ends of the slots 9 are substantially spaced therefrom.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the

housing sections

1 and 2 are shaped to define an annular space 11 which lies between and is in communication with both the slots 9 and the openings 7. The slots 9 and openings 7 and the space 11 together define an annular, outwardly opening exhaust passage downstream of the exhalation chamber 4 for air or gases moving therefrom. To avoid undesirable back pressures which might result in fluttering, the total effective area of the space 11 is made greater than the total effective area of the slots 9, and the total effective area of the openings 7 is made greater than that of the space 11.

A concentric inhalation-exhalation valve assembly is supported in the housing and separates the exhalation and

inhalation chambers

4 and 6. The valve assembly comprises an exhalation valve disc 12, a mushroomtype inhalation check valve 13, a cylindrical sleeve 14, and a compression bias spring 15.

The sleeve 14 is of a suitable substantially impervious, resilient material, such as silicon rubber, which is not affected by the temperature variations likely to be encountered in use; and is preferably formed with the disc 12 in a single molding operation which also provides a seating surface for the disc 12. The disc 12 includes a generally horizontal peripheral portion l6and an upstanding inhalation valve seat 17 which is concentric with the disc 12 asa whole and faces the exhalation chamber 4. The seat 17 surrounds an inhalation port 18 which affords communication between the exhalation and

inhalation chambers

4 and 6, and a spider 19 spans the port 18 to provide a central support opening 20. Radially outwardly of the seat 17, the upper or exhala tion chamber side of the peripheral portion 16 is recessed to define a shallow trough 21 which extends almost to its outer edge. A circumferentially spaced series of openings 22 extend through the bottom of the trough 21. The sleeve 14 is molded in conjunction with the valve disc 12. In the course of this process the rubber material flows through the openings 22 onto the peripheral portion 16, and fills the trough 21, thereby forming a highly effective sealing surface 23 which extends radially beyond and is engageable with the exhalation seat 5. The peripheral portion 16 is shaped to define an axially opening groove 24 and a radially opening groove 25 into which the rubber material flows during molding to lock the molded rubber securely in place.

The sleeve 14 comprises a relatively thicker body portion 26, a relatively thinner bight portion 27, and a thickened head 28. The bead 28 is received in a corresponding annular groove formed in the housing section 1 and is held in place by the guide ring 3, as the result of which the inhalation chamber 6 is sealed off from the exhaust passage and the exhalation chamber 4 except for communication allowed by the port 18. The bight portion 27 allows the exhalation valve disc 12 to move axially between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 in which it is against the seat and an open position in which it is moveddownwardly and is away from the seat 5. The guide ring 3 is spaced relatively close to the periphery of the disc 12 and thus serves to guide it in this movement. It is an important feature of the invention that the sleeve 14 is formed of a resilient material and is substantially unsupported along its entire axial length. As a result, it is capable of flexing radially inwardly and outwardly to compensate forrelative pressure variations in the inhalation chamber 6, thus minimizing fluttering, the thickened body portion 26 serving to prevent excessive flexing or bulging. This construction is quite different from usual constructions in which there is a rigid sleeve or skirt formed with or fixed to the exhalation valve disc and connected to the inhalationside by a flexible ring.

The bias spring is seated between the inhalation section 1 and the underside of the disc 12, and serves to bias the disc 12 toward its closed position. This is preferably a relatively light spring to minimize breathing effort.

The inhalation valve 13 is also formed of a resilient, substantially impervious, temperature resistant material such as silicon rubber, and includes a grooved stud 29 which is tightly received in the opening 20 to centrally support the valve 13 concentric with the seat 17. The peripheral portion of the valve 13 extends across the seat 17 and is turned downwardly at its outermost edge. The valve 13 is shaped to define a U-shaped concentric flex ring 30 which is intermediate between its center and periphery. It is important to note that the open end of the flex ring 30 faces the inhalation chamber 6, this being inverted from usual flex ring orientation in valves of this type. As a result of this arrangement, the entire periphery of the valve 13 tends to lift as a unit to avoid the edge fluttering which often results with usual constructions. The valve 13 is self-biased because of its resilient nature toward the closed position shown in FIG. 1 in which its periphery'is against the seat 17 and the inhalation port 18 is thus closed off. In the event of relatively higher pressure in the inhalation chamber 6, however, the periphery of the valve 13 will be lifted off the seat 17 thus allowing communication between the inhalation chamber 6 and the exhalation chamber 4. If the pressure in the chamber 4 is relatively higher, the valve 13 will only be forced more tightly against the seat 17.

As shown in FIG. 1, the valve is in a normal position with both the inhalation valve 13 and the exhalation valve disc 12 in closed positions, so that there is no communication between the exhalation chamber 4, the inhalation chamber 6 and the exhaust passage. When the user inhales, there will be a relatively lower pressure in the exhalation chamber 4, and the correspondingly higher relative pressure in the inhalation chamber 6 will cause the periphery of the valve 13 to be lifted off the seat 17 to allow oxygen or other gas to flow toward the user. The relatively higher pressure in the chamber 6 will cause the exhalation valve disc 12 to be held tightly against its seat during inhalation, thus closing off the exhaust passage. When the user exhales, there will be a relatively higher pressure in the chamber 4 which will hold the inhalation valve 13 closed but act against the exhalation valve disc 12 to move it downwardly toward open position, thus allowing communication between the chamber 4 and the exhaust passage. The outer edge of the disc 12 is relatively close to the slots 9 and approximately at the level of the edges 10 when it is closed; and as the disc 12 moves downwardly in an opening action it will first expose the tapered upper edges 10 of the slots 9, and as it moves further downwardly the slots 9 will be progressively uncovered to provide a variable orifice proportional to the pressure differential between the

chambers

4 and 6, which has proven very important in overcoming fluttering.

The slots 9 extend axially far enough so that their lower ends are approximately at the level of the edge of the disc 12 when the disc 12 is at its maximum open position. The tapered edges 10 at the upper ends of the slots 9 are extremely important during initial opening movement in avoiding the usual orifice effect of a rapid initial increase in flow and in preventing fluttering. In the embodiment shown, it has been found desirable to hold the taper to 30 plus or minus only one-half degree, although different tapers might be desirable with other configurations. The exhaled gases which enter the slots 9 pass through the space 11 and out the openings 7, and as indicated above the progressively increasing effective areas prevent back pressures as the gases expand.

Another important feature of the embodiment shown is the fact that the exhalation valve disc 12 extends substantially radially beyond the seat 5. Thisprovides a second stage pressure area which is acted on as soon as the disc 12 opens in response to a higher pressure in the chamber 4 to insure that the 7 disc 12 will move far enough to be fully opened.

While the valve shown is generally similar to previously known valves of this type, it is as a result of the features discussed above extremely efficient and operates with virtually no fluttering. It comprises only a relatively small number of parts as opposed to'prior valves so that it is relatively simple and inexpensive. The valve shown is particularly suited for use as an oxygen mask valve since military specifications generally require that such valves not be capableof being disassembled for repair, and this is assured by the welded connection between the

sections

1 and 2. By the use of suitable plastic materials and silicon rubber, the valve can easily be made to withstand the great range of temperatures expected to be encountered in such use.

In FIGS. 7-10, the basic valve construction of FIGS. 1-6 isshown incorporated in three modifications suitable for medical and similar applications. The basic valve construction in all three cases .is substantially identical to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, but the housing construction is modified by the substitution of a shorter inhalation housing section 31 for the elongated section 1 shown in FIGS. 1 6, the section 31 being substantially identical to the section 1 except that its'lower end has been shortened and shaped to receive an extension. An extension 32 is welded onto a reduced end portion of the section 31 and is adapted to be connected to a supply (not shown). The extension 32 defines the seat for the spring 15, and is externally threaded at 33 for purposes that will be described. An exhalation extension 34 is threaded onto the exhalation housing section 2 and is adapted to be connected to a mask or the like (not shown). These elements together define a basic valve capsule, and it is an important feature of the invention that the same capsule can be used for all three of the specialized embodiments to be described.

FIG. 7 shows the basic valve modified for use as a respiratory valve provided with an exhalation control ring so that a controlled exhalation back pressure can be developed. It is often desirable for medical purposes to be able to establish such a back pressure, for example to prevent lung collapse. To this end, the basic valve capsule is fitted with an axially extending control ring 35 which is threaded onto the extension 32 to be movable 7 The extension 32 is provided with an outwardly ex-' tending annular flange 37 immediately below the threads 32, and this is engageable with the internal threads of the ring 35 to limit downward movement of the latter as seen in FIG. 7, upward movement obviously being limited by engagement with the housing section 31. The ring 35 is thus trapped in place, and must be threaded onto the extension 32 before the latter is welded onto the housing section 31. The ring 35 includes a radially enlarged lower portion 38 which extends over the flange 37 and is knurled on its outer surface for manual adjustment of the ring 35.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the basic valve capsule modified to provide a respiratory-anesthesia valve for use in anesthesia orother applications in which it is necessary to collect exhaled air or gases for disposal, analysis, or the like. In this embodiment, the control ring 35 is replaced by a threaded spacer ring 39, which may be ultrasonically welded or otherwise fixed to the extension 32,'and a collector shroud 40 is provided which encloses the outer end of the openings 7, or the exhaust passage. The shroud 40 defines a continuous annular collector passage 41 which surrounds the entire valve capsule and leads to an outlet stub 42 that is adapted to be connected to a suitable discharge line (not shown). The lower end of the shroud 40 as seen in FIG. 8 is large enough to slide over the spacer ring 39, and an O-ring 43 mounted in a recess in the shroud 40 provides an airtight seal therebetween. The upper end of the shroud 40 is provided with an inwardly extending annular flange 44 which extends and is trapped between the housing section 2 and the exhalation extension 34; and an O-ring 45 defines an airtight seal between the

elements

2, 34 and 40. Obviously, the shroud'40 must be put over the valve capsule from the top as seen in FIG. 8 before the extendion 34 is threaded in place and after the spacer 39 is put in place.

FIG. 10 shows the basic valve capsule modified to provide a respiratory-anesthesia valve having both a control ring and, a collector shroud. This embodiment is essentially identical to that of'FlGS. 8 and 9, including theshroud 40, but the control ring 35 is used instead of the spacer ring 39, as the result of which a back pressure can be established. The O-ring 43 provides an airtight seal notwithstanding the relative axial 'movement of the ring 35.

From the preceding showings and description it can be seen that this invention provides a greatly improved basic breathing valve which is highly effective and free from flutter, and also a valve that is adaptable to a wide variety of applications while remaining relatively simple and inexpensive, particularly insofar as common parts can be used for a number of embodiments. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, however, it will be obvious that various modifications might be made without departure from the spirit of the invention. The invention is not, therefore, intended to be limited by the showing herein or in any other way except insofar as may specifically be required.

We claim:

1. In a breathing valve of the type comprising: a housing defining an inhalation chamber on the supply side, an exhalation chamber on the user side that terminates at its inner end in an annular exhalation valve seat facing the inhalation chamber, and an outwardly opening annular exhaust passage downstream of the exhalation chamber; an exhalation valve disc on the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve seat that is movable between a closed position where its periphery engages the seat to close off the exhalation chamber from the exhaust passage and an open position where it is spaced from the exhalation valve seat to allow communication between the exhalation chamber and exhaust passage, the exhalation valve disc being biased toward closed position; a cylindrical sleeve connected between the periphery of the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve disc and the housing to seal off the inhalation chamber from the exhalation chamber and the exhaust passage, said sleeve being capable of accommodating axial movement of the exhalation valve disc; an inhalation port extending through the exhalation valve disc within the area circumscribed by the exhalation valve seat; and an inhalation check valve that is adapted to open and close the inhalation port to allow communication only from the inhalation chamber to the exhalation chamber;

the improvement wherein: the housing includes a cylindrical guide wall that relatively closely surrounds the edge of the exhalation valve disc to guide the same in its axial movement; and the exhaust passage includes a series of slots defining inlet ports leading through the guide wall, the slots being of substantial axial length and extending from upper ends that are approximately at the level of the exhalation valve disc when the same is in closed position to lower ends that are approximately at the level of the edge of the exhalation valve disc when the same is in maximum open position, the upper inner edge portions of the slots being out-wardly tapered from top to bottom.

2. A breathing valve according to claim 1 wherein: the exhaust passage terminates at its outer end in a portion that lies in parallel to the length of the housing; and there is a control ring surrounding the exterior of the housing and threadedly mounted thereon to be axially movable toward and away from the outer end portion of the exhaust passage to progressively close and open the same.

3. A breathing valve according to claim 2 wherein: there is an annular collector shroud fixed to the exterior of the housing that encloses the outer end portion of the exhaust passage and defines a collector passage leading to an outlet; and the control ring extends axially through the shroud with an airtight seal therebetween.

4. In a breathing valve of the type comprising: a housing defining an inhalation chamber on the supply side, an exhalation chamber on the user side that terminates at its inner end in an annular exhalation valve seat facing the inhalation chamber, and an outwardly opening annular exhaust passage downstream of the exhalation chamber; an exhalation valve disc on the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve seat that is movable between a closed position where its periphery engages the seat to close off the exhalation chamber from the exhaust passage and an open position where it is spaced from the exhalation valve seat to allow communication between the exhalation chamber and exhaust passage, the exhalation valve disc being biased toward closed position; a cylindrical sleeve connected between the periphery of the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve disc and the housing to seal off the inhalation chamber from the exhalation chamber and the exhaust passage, said sleeve being capable of accommodating axial movement of the exhalation valve disc; an inhalation port extending through the exhalation valve disc within the area circumscribed by the exhalation valve seat; and an inhalation check valve that is adapted to open and close the inhalation port to allow communication only from the inhalation chamber to the exhalation chamber;

the improvement wherein:

the exhaust passage terminates at its outer end in a portion that lies parallel to the length of the housing; and there is a control ring surrounding the exterior of the housing and threadedly mounted thereon to be axially movable toward and away from the outer end portion of the exhaust passage to progressively close and open the same.

5. A breathing valve according to claim 4 wherein: there is an annular collector shroud fixed to the exterior of the housing that encloses the outer end portion of the exhaust passage and defines a collector passage leading to an outlet; and the control ring extends axially through the shroud with an airtight seal therebetween. k

Claims

1. In a breathing valve of the type comprising: a housing defining an inhalation chamber on the supply side, an exhalation chamber on the user side that terminates at its inner end in an annular exhalation valve seat facing the inhalation chamber, and an outwardly opening annular exhaust passage downstream of the exhalation chamber; an exhalation valve disc on the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve seat that is movable between a closed position where its periphery engages the seat to close off the exhalation chamber from the exhaust passage and an open position where it is spaced from the exhalation valve seat to allow communication between the exhalation chamber and exhaust passage, the exhalation valve disc being biased toward closed position; a cylindrical sleeve connected between the periphery of the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve disc and the housing to seal off the inhalation chamber from the exhalation chamber and the exhaust passage, said sleeve being capable of accommodating axial movement of the exhalation valve disc; an inhalation port extending through the exhalation valve disc within the area circumscribed by the exhalation valve seat; and an inhalation check valve that is adapted to open and close the inhalation port to allow communication only from the inhalation chamber to the exhalation chamber; the improvement wherein: the housing includes a cylindrical guide wall that relatively closely surrounds the edge of the exhalation valve disc to guide the same in its axial movement; and the exhaust passage includes a series of slots defining inlet ports leading through the guide wall, the slots being of substantial axial length and extending from upper ends that are approximately at the level of the exhalation valve disc when the same is in closed position to lower ends that are approximately at the level of the edge of the exhalation valve disc when the same is in maximum open position, the upper inner edge portions of the slots being out-wardly tapered from top to bottom.

4. In a breathing valve of the type comprising: a housing defining an inhalation chamber on the supply side, an exhalation chamber on the user side that terminates at its inner end in an annular exhalation valve seat facing the inhalation chamber, and an outwardly opening annular exhaust passage downstream of the exhalation chamber; an exhalation valve disc on the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve seat that is movable between a closed position where its periphery engages the seat to close off the exhalation chamber from the exhaust passage and an open position where it is spaced from the exhalation valve seat to allow communication between the exhalation chamber and exhaust passage, the exhalation valve disc being biased toward closed position; a cylindrical sleeve connected between the periphery of the inhalation chamber side of the exhalation valve disc and the housing to seal off the inhalation chamber from the exhalation chamber and the exhaust passage, said sleeve being capable of accommodating axial movement of the exhalation valve disc; an inhalation port extending through the exhalation valve disc within the area circumscribed by the exhalation valve seat; and an inhalation check valve that is adapted to open and close the inhalation port to allow communication only from the inhalation chamber to the exhalation chamber; the improvement wherein: the exhaust passage terminates at its outer end in a portion that lies parallel to the length of the housing; and there is a control ring surrounding the exterior of the housing and threadedly mounted thereon to be axially movable toward and away from the outer end portion of the exhaust passage to progressively close and open the same.

5. A breathing valve according to claim 4 wherein: there is an annular collector shroud fixed to the exterior of the housing that encloses the outer end portion of the exhaust passage and defines a collector passage leading to an outlet; and the control ring extends axially through the shroud with an airtight seal therebetween.