US3874378A

US3874378A - Combined resuscitator and inhalator apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3874378A
Authority: US
Inventors: Max Isaacson; Benjamin Smilg
Original assignee: Globe Safety Products Inc
Current assignee: Globe Safety Products Inc
Priority date: 1973-09-06
Filing date: 1973-09-06
Publication date: 1975-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 1992-04-01

Abstract

Oxygen is supplied to a face mask through a normally closed control valve within a multiple valve body coupled to the face mask. The control valve is opened in response to pivoting of a lever which also controls the closing of a port for exhausting exhaled air received from the mask. In one embodiment, the lever carries a closure member for the port, and in another embodiment, the closure member operates in response to the pressure of the oxygen within the valve body. Regulating means are provided for precisely positioning the actuating lever to produce a continuous predetermined low flow rate of oxygen into the valve body during inhalation. The valve body also supports adjustable valves for selecting the maximum flow rate and pressure of the oxygen during resuscitation.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Isaacson et al. Apr. 1, 1975 54] COMBINED RESUSCITATOR AND 3,078,846 2/1963 Novelli 128/1422 INHALATOR APPARATUS 3,566,866 3/1971 Adams 128/1458 [75] Inventors: Max lsaacson; Benjamin Smilg, both Primary Examiner Richard Gaudet of Dayton Ohto Assistant Examinerl-lenry J. Recla [73] Assignee: Globe Safety Products, Inc., Dayton, Agent, Firm-13cm & Meckstroth Ohio [57] ABSTRACT [22] Flled' Sept' 1973 Oxygen is supplied to a face mask through a normally 1 1 pp N04 394,744 closed control valve within a multiple valve body coupled to the face mask. The control valve is opened in 52 U.S. c1 128/145.8 128/146.4 128/210 response Ptvetthg et a lever Whteh eehtteh the 137/102 closing of a port for exhausting exhaled air received 51 Int. Cl A62b 7/00 them the ht ehe emhedhheht: the lever tries [58] Field of Search l28/l45.8 142.3 142.2 closure member the pert and ahethet ethhedt' 128/185 210 211 203 188 l37/102 ment, the closure member operates 1n response to the pressure of the oxygen within the valve body. Regulat- [56] References Cited ing meanslare provideddfor precisely positionindg the actuatlng ever to pro uce a contmuous pre eter- UNITED STATES PATENTS mined low flow rate of oxygen into the valve body l,835,l57 l2/l93l Heidbrink during inhalation The valve also supports adjust t'848'232 3/t932 SwoPe able valves for selecting the maximum flow rate and pressure of the oxygen during resuscitation.

2,990,838 7/1961 Cross 128/1455 13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures DATENTEBAP 3.874378 SHEET 2 2 1 l COMBINED RESUSCITATOR AND INHALATOR APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a resuscitator for supplying oxygen to a patient or victim through a face mask, it is desirable for the resuscitator body to incorporate manually actuated control means for supplying 100 percent oxygen to the mask at a predetermined flow rate for forcing oxygen into the lungs of the victim. It is also desirable for the resuscitator to incorporate means for limiting the pressurized oxygen within the body and mask to a predetermined maximum level, for example, a pressure of approximately 50 centimeters of water for adults or 40 centimeters of water for children. Furthermore, the resuscitator should be simple and dependable in construction and convenient to operate so that the supply of oxygen can be immediately stopped, and the face mask vented to atmosphere to permit free exhausting of the air exhaled from the patient into the face mask.

In addition to means for forcing a supply of oxygen into a victims lungs for resuscitation when he cannot inhale, it is desirable for the breathing system or apparatus to provide for the case when the victim can inhale. This is accomplished by supplying a continuous flow of oxygen to the face mask so that the victim can inhale the supplied oxygen with practically no effort and yet can exhale with ease. The oxygen is frequently desirable in giving first aid to persons overcome from inhaling chemical asphyxiants such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide or in supplying oxygen to persons suffering from heart failure, severe burns, drug intoxication, shock and the like. It is also sometimes desirable for the breathing apparatus to provide means for mixing air with the oxygen and for controlling or regulating the ratio of oxygen and air being inhaled by the victim.

.One form of resuscitator is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,717,147, and the components for another form of resuscitator are shown in US. Pat. No. 2,988,085 and No. 3,435,839. In addition, other resuscitators or inhalators have been either constructed or proposed, but none of the systems provide all of the desirable features mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an improved resuscitator and inhalator device or apparatus which provides all of the desirable features mentioned above and, in addition, is simple, dependable and economical in construction and assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a multiple valve body includes a tubular outlet portion which is adapted to be coupled to a face mask, and also includes an inlet portion for receiving a hose connected to a supply of pressurized oxygen. The valve body encloses an inlet control valve-member which is urged to a normally closed position by a manually actuating spring biased lever pivotally supported by the valve body. The control valve supplies oxygen through a chamber to the face mask, and the chamber is provided an exhalation port adapted to be closed by a closure or valve member carried by the actuating lever. A regulating dial is eccentrically supported by the valve body and provides an adjustable stop which limits the movement of the lever. This positions the control valve so that it is slightly opened for supplying a continuous flow of oxygen for inhalation by the victim.

In another embodiment of the invention, the closure of the exhalation port is automatically controlled by a sliding valve member which is spring biased to a normally open position and moves toward a closed position in response to the pressure of the oxygen flow produced by opening of the control when the actuating lever is operated. The movement of the sliding valve member may be calibrated for indicating the ratio of oxygen and air supplied to the victim for inhalation. Also the spring acting on the sliding valve member can be pre-adjusted to serve in conjunction with the sliding valve member as a relief valve when the pressure applied to the victim reaches approximately centimeters of water.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 has a perspective view of a combined resuscitator and inhalator apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the oxygen supply control unit shown in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section of the control unit, taken generally on the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken generally on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a section similar to FIG. 3 and showing another embodiment of an oxygen supply control unit constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section similar to FIG. 3 and showing a further modification;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section showing another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 and showing another modification of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The combined resuscitator-inhalator apparatus shown in FIG. 1, includes a generally L-shaped multiple valve body 10 which is preferably cast of metal and includes a projecting inlet portion 11. The valve body 10 receives a supply of oxygen from a pressurized supply source or tank (not shown) through a flexible conduit 12 which connects the tank to an opening or inlet 14 (FIG. 3) extending into one side of the inlet portion 11 of the valve body 10. The valve body 10 also includes a generally cylindrical outlet portion 18 which defines a discharge opening or outlet 19 and is adapted to receive a mating annular portion of a face mask 20.

The valve body 10 defines a cylindrical bore or chamber 22 which is connected by a passage 23 to the inlet 14. A conventional plunger-type valve unit or assembly 25, for example, the model MJVO-2-C valve manufactured by Clippard Instrument Labratory, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio, extends into the chamber 22 and is retained by a pair of surrounding O-rings 26 and an annular retaining plate 27. The valve assembly 25 includes an axially movable spool-like valve member 28 which controls the flow of oxygen from the inlet 14 through a passage or port 29 connected to a cylindrical iamber 30 formed within the body 10. The valve asmbly 25 is normally closed when the valve member 3 is urged inwardly towards the passage 23.

A circular opening or port 32 is formed within a side all of the valve body 10 and extends from the cham- :r 30 to an annular projecting valve seat 33 surroundg the opening 32. A tubular filter support member 34 retained within the discharge end of the chamber 30 1 a set screw 36 which projects inwardly into a cirlmferential groove formed within the member 34. A rcular mesh-type filter screen 38 is secured to the ember 34 and serves to protect the chamber 30, pasge 29 and valve assembly 25 from receiving foreign irticles.

The valve assembly 25 is operated by an actuating ver 40 which has a slight angular configuration and cludes a gripping portion 41. The actuating lever 40 positioned within a U-shaped flange portion 42 of the idy l and is pivotally supported by a cross pin 44 .IICh extends through aligned holes within the flange )rtion 42 and within inwardly projecting ears 46 formg part of the actuating lever. A U-shaped spring 48 tends around the pivot pin 44 and is confined be- 'een the body 10 and the actuating lever 40 so that a unded integral projection 49 on the actuating lever l, urges the valve member 28 inwardly to effect noral closing of the valve assembly 25. The gripping por- )n 41 of the actuating lever 40 carries a resilient cirllar valve member 52 which is adapted to engage the inular seat 33 and close the port 32 when the lever irtion 41 is pressed inwardly against the bias of the ring 48 in a direction as indicated by the arrow in G. 3.

A circular disc or dial 55 (FIG. 3) is rotatably suprted by an eccentrically located screw 56 which is readed into the valve body 10 on the end opposite the itlet 19. The dial 55 has calibrations 57 and forms an ljustable stop against movement of the actuating lever I by the spring 48. The dial 55 is positioned under the ljacent end portion of the lever 40, and the function the dial 55 will be explained later.

Another opening or hole 58 (FIGS. 3 and is rmed within the valve body and connects the lamber 30 with a pressure relief valve assembly 60. 1e valve assembly 60 includes a tubular casing 62 wing a reduced end portion which projects into a ,unterbore 63 formed within the body 10 around the )ening 58. A valve seat 66 is confined within the iunterbore 63 and is normally engaged by a generally 'lindrical valve member 68 which is loosely supported .th the casing 62. A compression spring 69 extends :tween the valve member 68 and a generally cylindri- .1 member or fitting 72 which receives a cross pin 73. 5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cross pin 73 projects ltwardly into a set of diametrically opposed slots 74 viich are formed within the casing 62 and connect .th another set of slightly deeper slots 76. The outer 1d of the casing 62 is closed by a threaded plug 78, as own in FIG. 5. The resuscitator-inhalator apparatus shown in FIGS. -5, operates in the followingmanner. When it is deed to use the apparatus as a resuscitator and to force )0 percent oxygen into the lungs of the victim being suscitated, the face mask is placed over the mouth id nose of the victim, and the gripping portion 41 of e actuating lever 40 is depressed sothat the valve unit i is opened, and the opening 32 is closed by the resilient valve member 52. The diameter of the passage 29 is selected so that the maximum flow rate of oxygen from the inlet 14 and into the chamber 30 and face mask 20 does not exceed a predetermined limit, for example, 150 liters per minute for a predetermined setting of a pressure such as 50 p.s.i. After the chest of the victim is expanded, the lever 40 is released so that it returns to its normal position (FIG. 3) under the bias of the spring 48, thereby closing the valve assembly 25 and opening the port 32. The oxygen previously forced into the victims lungs is now caused to exhaust to atmosphere through the outlet 19, chamber 30 and port 32.

In the event the actuating lever 40 is depressed for a time period which permits a build-upof pressure within the face mask 20 and the lungs of the patient to a predetermined maximum level, for exampole, a pressure of 50 centimeters of water for an adult, the valve member 68 (FIG. 5) of the pressure valve assembly 60, will move against the spring 69 and away from the seat 66 to open the port 58 and thereby release the pressure within the chamber 30. If the victim being treated is a child, the fitting 72 is positioned so that the cross pin 73 extends within the set of slots 76, thereby reducing member 68. Thus, when the pressure of the oxygen within the chamber 30 reaches a lower maximum lever,

for example, a pressure of 40 centimeters of water, the excess oxygen will be released by movement of the valve member 68 away from the valve seat 66.

When it is desired to use the device or apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5 for inhalation to provide a continuous flow rate of oxygen to the victim so that he can inhale a suitable air-oxygen mixture, the dial 55 is rotated to a position corresponding to the desired partial flow rate, as indicated by the calibrations 57 on the dial 55. For example, if it is desired to supply a continuous flow of oxygen to the patient at a flow rate of 15 liters per minute, the dial 55 is rotated to an indication of 15. The dial 55 then forms a stop for the overlying end portion of the actuating lever 40 and maintains the valve assembly 25 in a fixed partially open position to provide the desired flow rate. Since the port 32 remains open, surrounding air is free to flow inwardly through the port 32 and blend with the oxygen within the chamber 30 when the victim inhales. The open port 32 also provides for exhausting the air exhaled by the patient into the face mask 20.

Referring to FIG. 6 which shows another embodiment of the resuscitator-inhalator apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention, a multiple valve body 10' is constructed similar to the valve body ient O-ring 89. The valve 86 is supported for axial.

movement by an annular bushing 92 which closes the outer end of the chamber 22 and supports a resilient O-ring 93 forming a fluid-type seal around the valve member 86. The body 10' also supports an adjustable needle valve member 95 which controls the flow of oxygen from the inlet 14 through the passage 23 and provides for adjustably limiting the maximum flow rate for resuscitation, for example, 150 liters per minute for adults and 100 liters per minute for children.

Instead of the larger single port 32 which is formed within the body 10, the body is provided with a series of four angularly spaced ports 96 which extend outwardly from the cylindrical chamber 30'. A cylindrical valve member 98 is slidably supported within the chamber 30 and includes an inner radial wall which has a set.

of holes or ports 99. The valve member 98 is movable between an open position (FIG. 6) wherein the chamber 30' is opened to atmosphere through the ports 96, and a closed position .wherein the valve member 98 closes the ports 96. A compression spring 102 extends between the valve member 98 and a tubular'fitting 104 which is retained within the outer end portion of the chamber 30' by an externally threaded adjustment ring 106. A pair of diametrically opposed ports 108 are formed within the fitting 104 and extend to a circumferential groove 109 which is in fluid communication with a corresponding pressure relief port 58, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. V

The valve member 98 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, has the same function as the valve member 52 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, except that the valve member 98 operates automatically in response to the pressure of the oxygen within the chamber 22'. That is, when the gripping portion 41' of the actuating lever 40', is fully depressed, the valve member 86 moves to its fully opened position so that the maximum flow rate of oxygen flows through the passage 29. The pressure of the oxygen against the valve member 98, is effective to move the valve member against the bias of the spring 102, to a position closing the ports 96. Thus, the full flow rate of oxygen passes through the ports 99 within the valve member 98 and to the face mask to provide forced resuscitation of the patient.

When the valve member 86 is moved to its closed position by releasing the actuating lever 40, the spring 102 returns the valve member 98 to its normally open position (FIG. 6) so that the air exhaled from the patient is exhausted through the tubular fitting 104 and the ports 96. When the valve member 86 is partially opened by slight pivoting or depression of the actuating lever 40, the valve member 98 automatically moves to a position partially closing the ports 96. This feature is desirable during inhalation when it is desired to supply the patient with a continuous supply of oxygen which mixes with air inhaled through the ports 96. By calibrating the dial S5 for a given oxygen inlet pressure, the lever 40. may be selectively positioned in an infinite range of inhalation positions so that the air-oxygen mixture inhaled by the victim can be adjusted to desired values.

FIG. 7 shows a modification of theresuscitatorinhalator apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5 and which is particularly suited for use in a surrounding toxic atmosphere such as air containing substantial smoke or chemical vapors. In this modification, the exhaust port 32 for exhaled air, is normally closed by a check valve assembly 115. This valve assembly includes a spidertype circular bracket 116 which is formed of sheet metal and has a series of peripherally spaced holes 117. The bracket116 is rigidly secured to the valve body 10 adjacent the outer end of the port 32 by a suitable ce-- ment or solder.

The holes 117 within the bracket 116 are normally covered by a flexible resilient circular valve member l 18 which has a center portion connected to the underlying bracket 116 by an adjustable bolt 119. The valve member 118 is preferably die cut from sheet rubber material, and the peripheral portion of the valve member functions as a flapper valve member so that it opens in response to a low exhalation pressure within the chamber 30 such as, for example, a pressure 0.5 centimeters of water. Thus when exhaled gases are received during exhalation within the chamber 30 from the mask 20, the gases can escape through the port 32 and past the check valve assembly with little exhalation effort by the victim. However, during inhalation of the oxygen supplied ,to the chamber 30 and the face mask 20, the check valve assembly 115 assures that the contaminated atmosphere will not enter the chamber 30 through the port 32. During forced resuscitation, the valve member 118 is held in its normally closed position by engagement of the valve member 52 on the lever 40.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in place of the check valve 115 for preventing the surrounding air or gas from flowing inwardly through the port 32 and into the valve body chamber 30 during inhalation, the exhaust port 32 may be normally closed by acheck valve system 125. According to this modification, the exhaust port 32 is normally closed by a circular disc-like rigid valve member 126 which is urged against the annular seat 33 by a compression spring 127 having one end engaging the center portion of the valve member 126. The opposite end of the compression spring 127 is retained by a nut-like collar 129 threaded on a thumb screw 130. The screw 130 is axially aligned with the exhaust port 32 and is rotatably supported by a U-shaped bracket 132 secured to the valve body 10.

An indicating pointer 134 (FIG. 10) projects outwardly from the collar 129 through a slot within the bracket 32 and is positioned adjacent a graduated scale 136 secured to the bracket 132. The scale 136 is calibrated to show the pressure required to open the valve member 126, and this pressure may be conveniently adjusted by rotation of the screw 130 for controlling the resistance to gases exhaledl by the patient. When it is desired to provide forced resuscitation, the lever 40 is fully depressed, and the projection or valve member 138 on the lever 40 engages the valve member 126 and prevents opening of the exhaust port 32 until the lever 40 is released.

Referring to FIG. 8 which shows another embodiment of a resuscitator-inhalator apparatus or valve assembly constructed in accordance with the invention, a valve body is constructed similar to the valve body 10 but without an exhaust port 32 for exhaled air. The valve body 150 includes an inlet portion 151 having an inlet opening 154 which is adapted to receive the flexible oxygen supply line 12. The inlet opening 154 supplies oxygen to a passage 156 which extends to the inner end of a counterbored, valve chamber 158. A control valve unit 160 includes a tubular valve body or bushing 162 which is threaded into the bore 158, and controls the supply of oxygen from the supply passage 156 through a port or passage 164 to one end of a cylindrical chamber 165. The passage 164 and the chamber 165 correspond to the passage 29 and chamber 30, respectively, of the valve body 10. in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5.

The control valve unit 1611 functions in the same manner as the control valve unit or assembly 25, but

also functions to provide an exhaust of exhaled air received within the chamber 165. The valve unit 160 also includes a valve member 168 having an outer end surface which is engaged by the actuating lever 40 (not shown in FIG. 8) in the same manner as the lever 40 engages the outer end of the valve member 28 shown in FIG. 3. The valve member 168 includes a reduced cylindrical portion 171 which is slidably supported for axial movement within the tubular bushing 162 and defines an axially extending exhaust passage 172. The passage 172 intersects an outer radially extending ex haust passage 173 and an inner radially extending exhaust passage 176. The reduced portion 171 of the valve member 168, also includes an axially extending small bore 178 which intersects a radially extending passage 179 having a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the adjacent exhaust passage 176. The bushing 162 is provided with a cross-bore or passage 181 which is normally closed when the valve member 168 is depressed inwardly by the spring-biased lever 40.

When it is desired to have forced resuscitation with the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the lever 40 (not shown) is fully depressed so that the valve member 168 moves or shifts to an outer position (not shown) where the exhaust passage 176 is closed by the outer portion of the bushing 162. In this position of the valve member 168, oxygen is free to flow from the passage 156 through the passages 181 and 164 into the chamber 165 connected to the face mask 20. After the victim has received a sufficient charge of oxygen to expand his lungs, the lever 40 is released, and the valve member 168 returns to its normally closed inner position (not shown) with the inner end portion of the valve member 168 closing the passage 181, within the bushing 162. As the patient exhales air, the air exhausts outwardly through the

passages

176, 172 and 173 within the valve member 168.

The passage 172 is normally closed by a check valve 185 which includes a ball 186 urged into the outer end i of the passage'l72 by a light compression spring 188 retained within the valve member 168 by an adjustable threaded plug 189. The check valve 185 functions in the same manner as the check valve 115 described in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 or the check valve 125 described in connection with the modification shown in FIG. 9. That is, the check valve ball 186 is adapted to open during exhalation in response to a relatively light pressure within the passage 172, for example, a pressure of 0.5 centimeters of water. However, the check valve 185 serves to prevent the surrounding atmosphere from entering thechamber 165 during inhalation.

When it is desired to provide a continuous supply of oxygen at a relatively low flow rate during inhalation, the valve member 168 is positioned as shown in FIG. 8 so that a low flow of oxygen is continuously supplied through the passage 179 and into the chamber 165. However, when the patient is exhaling, the oxygen and the exhaled air escape through the

passages

176, 172 and 173 and past the check valve 185.

From the drawing and the above description, it is apparent that resuscitator-inhalator apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, provides desirable features and advantages. For example, each of the embodiments provides for supplying the patient with a full flow of 100 percent oxygen to effect resuscitation or a continuous low flow of oxygen during inhalation. The continuous low flow of oxygen can be conveniently selected merely by adjusting the position of the

dial

55 or 55. In addition, the pressure relief valve assembly 60 provides for conveniently selecting the maximum pressure build-up within the face mask 20 during forced resuscitation, and the needle valve member provides for conveniently selecting the maximum flow rate for resuscitation, according to whether the patient is an adult or a child.

Another feature is provided by the automatic operation or movement of the valve member 98 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in response to pivoting of the actuating lever 40. By adjusting the threaded ring 106 and the pressure exerted by the spring 102 on the valve member 98, the dial 55' may be calibrated to position or stop the actuating lever 40 according to the desired ratio of oxygen and air during inhalation. In addition, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10, each provides for preventing surrounding atmosphere from entering the

oxygen supply chamber

30 or 165 so that the patient is assured of only receiving percent oxygen. Furthermore, the simplicity of construction and assembly of the apparatus, provides for a dependable and substantially maintenance-free operation and simplifies the use of the apparatus.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, the following is claimed:

I. In apparatus for supplying compressed oxygen to a face mask and including a valve body defining a chamber, means defining an inlet within said body for directing a supply of compressed oxygen into said chamber, means defining an outlet within said body for connecting said chamber to the face mask, a control valve associated with said inlet for controlling the flow of oxygen into said chamber and including a movable valve member, an actuating lever pivotally supported by said body for manual movement from a closed position to an open position for moving said valve member from a closed position to an open position to provide a full flow rate of oxygen to said mask during resuscitation, spring means for urging said lever in a direction towards said closed position, means defining an exhaust port for said chamber to provide for an escape of exhaled air received from the mask, and a closure member supported for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to said exhaust port in response to movement of said lever, the improvement comprising means for retaining said lever in an intermedite position to locate said valve member in a partially open position for supplying a continuous partial flow rate of oxygen to said face mask during inhalation, and said closure member is effective to move to said open position for opening said exhaust port when said lever is located in either of said intermediate or closed positions to provide for substantially unrestricted exhalation through said port during both inhalation and resuscitation.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said lever is pivotally supported by means connected to said valve body between said exhaust port and said control valve, and said actuating lever includes a hand engaging portion which carries said closure member.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said member is retained in said closed position by a pressure corresponding to the manual pressure applied to said actuating lever to provide for a positive closure of said port.

4. Appartus as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve body includes integrally connected first and second portions disposed to form an L-shaped configuration, said inlet is disposed within said first portion and said outlet is disposed within said second portion, and means for attaching said face mask to said second portion adjacent said outlet.

5. Apparatus defined in claim 4 wherein said exhaust port is disposed within said second portion, and said actuating lever extends generally parallel to said second portion.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said port also provides for directing surrounding air into said chamber during inhalation for mixing with the oxygen, and said retaining means comprise adjustable stop means for positioning said lever.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said port also provides for receiving surrounding air into said chamber for mixing with the oxygen during inhalation, regulating valve means associated with said inlet for controlling the maximum flow rate of oxygen into said chamber when said control valve is fully opened, and said retaining means provide for adjustably controlling the flow rate of air through said port for selecting a predetermined ratio of oxygen and air to be supplied to the mask during inhaling.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said control valve is normally closed in response to pressure exerted by said actuating lever, and spring means engaging said lever and disposed for urging said lever in a direction to effect closing of said control valve.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means on said body for supporting said actuating lever for pivotal movement on an axis located between said control valve and said exhaust port to provide for closing said port in response to opening of said control valve by pivoting of said actuating lever.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said re taining means comprise an adjustable stop member mounted on said body for limiting the pivotal movement of said actuating lever to provide for selecting a predetermined flow rate of oxygen through said control valve and into said chamber and the face mask.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said closure member comprises a second valve disposed for sliding movement within said chamber, spring means for urging said second valve member in a direction to open said port, and said second valve member being movable towards a position closing said port in response to a predetermined pressure of oxygen within said chamber.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a pressure responsive check valve within said valve member of said control valve.

13. In apparatus for supplying compressed oxygen to a face mask and including a valve body defining a chamber, means defining an inlet within said body for directing a supply of compressed oxygen into said chamber, means defining an outlet within said body for connecting said chamber to the face mask, a control valve associated with said inlet for controlling the flow of oxygen into said chamber and including a movable valve member, an actuating lever pivotally supported by said body for manual movement from a closed position to an open position for moving said valve member from a closed position to an open position to provide a full flow rate of oxygen to said mask during resuscitation, spring means for urging said lever in a direction towards said closed position, means defining an exhaust port for said chamber to provide for an escape of exhaled air received from the mask, and a closure member supported for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to said exhaust port in response to movement of said lever, the improvement comprising adjustable stop means for retaining said lever in an intermediate position to locate said valve member in a partially open position for supplying a continuous partial flow rate of oxygen to said face mask during inhalation, said closure member is carried by said actuating lever, and said closure member is effective to move to said open position for opening said exhaust port when said, lever is located in either of said intermediate or closed positions to provide for substantially unrestricted exhalation through said port during both inhalation and resuscitation.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 1 of 2 CERHHCATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,874,578 Dated April 1, 1975 Inventor) Max Isaacson and Benjamin Smilg It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 8, after "control" insert Valve Column 6, line 37, "32" should read 132 0 Column 9, claim 3, line 4, after "said" insert closure Columns 3 and 4, should appear as shown on the attached sheet.

Signed and fiealecl this- G thirtieth D f March 1976 [SEAL] Attest:

RUTH c. MASON c. MARSHALL DANN Arlesling Officer Commissioner of Parents and Trademarks chamber 30 formed within the body 10. The valve assembly 25 is normally closed when the valve member 28 is urged inwardly towards the passage 23.

A circular opening or port 32 is formed within a side wall of the valve body It) and extends from the chamber 30 to an annular projecting valve seat 33 surrounding the opening 32. A tubular filter support member 34 is retained within the discharge end of the chamber 30 by a set screw 36 which projects inwardly into a cir cumferential groove formed within the member 34. A circular mesh-type filter screen 38 is secured to the member 34 and serves to protect the chamber 30, passage 2) and valve assembly 25 from receiving foreign particles.

The valve assembly 25 is operated by an actuating lever 40 which has a slight angular configuration and includes a gripping portion 41. The actuating lever 40 is positioned within a U-shaped flange portion 42 of the body 10 and is pivotally supported by a cross pin 44 which extends through aligned holes within the flange portion 42 and within inwardly projecting ears 46 form-. ing part of the actuating leverv A U-shaped spring 48, extends around the pivot pin 44 and is confined between the body 10 and the actuating lever 40 so that a rounded integral projection 49 on the actuating lever 40, urges the valve member 28 inwardly to effect normal closing of the valve assembly 25. The gripping portion 41 of the actuating lever 40 carries a resilient cir-f cular valve member 52 which is adapted to engage the annular seat 33 and close the port 32 when the lever portion 41 is pressed inwardly against the bias of the spring 48 in a direction as indicated by the arrow in H6. 3. t

A circular disc or dial 55 (FIG. 3) is rotatably Sup- Another opening or hole 58 (H65. 3 and is formed within the valve body and connects the chamber 30 with a pressure relief valve assembly 60. The valve assembly 60 includes a tubular casing 62 having a reduced end portion which projects into a counterbore 63 formed within the body 10 around the opening 58. A valve seat 66 is confined within the counterbore 63 and is normally engaged by a generally cylindrical valve member 68 which is loosely supported with the casing 62. A compression spring 69 extends between the valve member 68 and a generally cylindrical member or fitting 72 which receives a cross pin 73. As shown in FlGS. 2 and 4, the cross pin 73 projects outwardly into a set of diametrically opposed slots 74 which are formed within the casing 62 and connect with another set of slightly deeper slots 76. The outer end ofthe casing 62 is closed by a threaded plug 78, as shown in FIG. 5.

The resuscitator-inhalator apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5, operates in the following manner. When it is desired to use the apparatus as a resuscitator and to force 100 percent oxygen into the lungs of the victim being resuscitatetl. the face mask is placed over the mouth and nose of the victim, and the gripping portion 41 of the actuating lever 40 is depressed so that the valve unit is opened, and the opening 32 is closed by the resil- 4 Page 2 of Z ient valve member 52. The diameter of the passage 29 is selected so that the maximum flow rate of oxygen from the inlet 14 and into the chamber and face mask 20 does not exceed a predetermined limit, for example, 150 liters per minute for a predetermined setting ofa pressure such as 50 psi. After the chest of the victim is expanded, the lever is released so that it returns to its normal position (FIG. 3) under the bias of the spring 48, thereby closing the valve assembly 25 and opening the port 32. The oxygen previously forced into the victims lungs is now caused to exhaust to atmosphere through the outlet 19, chamber 30 and port 32.

In the event the actuating lever 40 is depressed for a time period which permits a buildup of pressure within the face mask 20 and the lungs of the patient to a predetermined maximum level, for exampole, a pressure of centimeters of water for an adult, the valve member 68 (FIG. 5) of the pressure relief valve assembly 60, will move against the spring 69 and away from the seat 66 to open the port 58 and thereby release the pressure within the chamber 30. If the victim being treated is a child, the fitting 72 is positioned so that the cross pin 73 extends within theset of slots 76, thereby reducing the pressure exerted by the spring 69 on the valve member 68. Thus, when the pressure ofthe oxygen within the chamber 30 reaches a lower maximum lever, for example, a pressure of 40 centimeters of water, the excess oxygen will be released by move ment of the valve member 68 away from the valve seat 66.

When it is desired to use the device or apparatus shown in FlGS. 1-5 for inhalation to provide a continuous flow rate of oxygen to the victim so that he can inhale a suitable air-oxygen mixture, the dial is rotated to a position corresponding to the desired partial flow rate, as indicated by the calibrations 57 on the dial 55. For example. if it is desired to supply a continuous llow of oxygen to the patient at a flow rate of 15 liters per minute, the dial 55 is rotated to an indication of 15. The dial 55 then forms a stop for the overlying end portion of the actuating lever 40 and maintains the valve assembly 25 in a fixed partially open position to provide the desired flow rate. Since the port 32 remains open, surrounding air is free to flow inwardly through i the port 32 and blend with the oxygen within the chamber 30 when the victim inhales. The open port 32 also provides for exhausting the air exhaled by the patient into the face mask 20.

Referring to FlG. 6 which shows another embodiment of the resuscitator-inhalator apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention, a multiple valve body 10' is constructed similar to the valve body 10 and supports similar components which are identifled by corresponding reference numbers having a prime mark. In place of the valve unit or assembly 25, the body 10' forms an annular valve seat where the passage 23' connects with the valve chamber 22 A pin-like valve member 86 extends within the chamber 22' and includes a tapered inner tip portion 88 which normally engages the seat 85 to which is secured a resil- 5 ient O-ring S). The valve 86 is supported for axial movement by an annular bushing 92 which closes the outer end of the chamber 22' and supports a resilient O-ring 93 forming a fluid-type seal around the valve member 86. The body 10' also supports an adjustable needle valve member 95 which controls the flow of oxygen from the inlet 14' through the passage 23' and provides for adjustably limiting the maximum flow rate

Claims

1. In apparatus for supplying compressed oxygen to a face mask and including a valve body defining a chamber, means defining an inlet within said body for directing a supply of compressed oxygen into said chamber, means defining an outlet within said body for connecting said chamber to the face mask, a control valve associated with said inlet for controlling the flow of oxygen into said chamber and including a movable valve member, an actuating lever pivotally supported by said body for manual movement from a closed position to an open position for moving said valve member from a closed position to an open position to provide a full flow rate of oxygen to said mask during resuscitatIon, spring means for urging said lever in a direction towards said closed position, means defining an exhaust port for said chamber to provide for an escape of exhaled air received from the mask, and a closure member supported for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to said exhaust port in response to movement of said lever, the improvement comprising means for retaining said lever in an intermedite position to locate said valve member in a partially open position for supplying a continuous partial flow rate of oxygen to said face mask during inhalation, and said closure member is effective to move to said open position for opening said exhaust port when said lever is located in either of said intermediate or closed positions to provide for substantially unrestricted exhalation through said port during both inhalation and resuscitation.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said exhaust port is disposed within said second portion, and said actuating lever extends generally parallel to said second portion.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said retaining means comprise an adjustable stop member mounted on said body for limiting the pivotal movement of said actuating lever to provide for selecting a predetermined flow rate of oxygen through said control valve and into said chamber and the face mask.

13. In apparatus for supplying compressed oxygen to a face mask and including a valve body defining a chamber, means defining an inlet within said body for directing a supply of compressed oxygen into said chamber, means defining an outlet within said body for connecting said chamber to the face mask, a control valve associated with said inlet for controlling the flow of oxygen into said chamber and including a movable valve member, an actuating lever pivotally supported by said body for manual movement from a closed position to an open position for moving said valve member from a closed position to an open position to provide a full flow rate of oxygen to said mask during resuscitation, spring means for urging said lever in a direction towards said closed position, means defining an exhaust port for said chamber to provide for an escape of exhaled air received from the mask, and a closure member supported for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to said exhaust port in response to movement of said lever, the improvement comprising adjustable stop means for retaining said lever in an intermediate position to locate said valve member in a partially open position for supplying a continuous partial flow rate of oxygen to said face mask during inhalation, said closure member is carried by said actuating lever, and said closure member is effective to move to said open position for opening said exhaust port when said lever is located in either of said intermediate or closed positions to provide for substantially unrestricted exhalation through said port during both inhalation and resuscitation.