US20190125199A1 - Connectors for medical equipment - Google Patents
Connectors for medical equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190125199A1 US20190125199A1 US16/179,304 US201816179304A US2019125199A1 US 20190125199 A1 US20190125199 A1 US 20190125199A1 US 201816179304 A US201816179304 A US 201816179304A US 2019125199 A1 US2019125199 A1 US 2019125199A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fitting
- adapter
- top surface
- groove
- extending
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000036772 blood pressure Effects 0.000 claims description 119
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 104
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 79
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 33
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 31
- 230000035488 systolic blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000000004 hemodynamic effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 210000004204 blood vessel Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 8
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 6
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035487 diastolic blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000001367 artery Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002792 vascular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 102000001554 Hemoglobins Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108010054147 Hemoglobins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000008321 arterial blood flow Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004872 arterial blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001746 atrial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003416 augmentation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002555 auscultation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000747 cardiac effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005189 cardiac health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000003205 diastolic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000000691 measurement method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006438 vascular health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003462 vein Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B5/02141—Details of apparatus construction, e.g. pump units or housings therefor, cuff pressurising systems, arrangements of fluid conduits or circuits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B5/022—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
- A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
- A61B2560/0406—Constructional details of apparatus specially shaped apparatus housings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
- A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
- A61B2560/0443—Modular apparatus
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
- F16L2201/40—Special arrangements for pipe couplings for special environments
- F16L2201/44—Special arrangements for pipe couplings for special environments sterile
Definitions
- Some non-invasive patient monitoring devices are configured to inflate a cuff to a pressure above a patient's systolic blood pressure in order to occlude arterial blood flow in the limb on which the cuff is disposed. Once above systole, the cuff can be deflated, and the systolic and diastolic pressures of the patient can be calculated based on measurements made during cuff deflation.
- the various example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward overcoming one or more of the deficiencies associated with known cuff connection devices.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter in an example embodiment of the present disclosure, includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening formed at least in part by an inner wall of the body, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening.
- the distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the adapter also includes a seal disposed on the top surface of the ring. The seal is configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter in another example embodiment of the present disclosure, includes a substantially rigid body, the body having a distal portion having a first fluid passage, a first longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the first fluid passage, a second fluid passage, a second longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the second fluid passage, the first longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and a proximal portion fluidly connected to the distal portion.
- the distal portion includes a ring forming an opening of the distal portion about the first longitudinal axis, the opening configured to accept at least part of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
- the distal portion also includes a ridge formed on a side surface of the distal portion.
- the distal portion further includes a seal disposed on the ring, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of the fitting.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter in a further example embodiment of the present disclosure, includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening.
- the distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
- the distal portion also includes a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the adapter further includes a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter in another example embodiment, includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening.
- the distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the adapter also includes an annular groove formed by the top surface of the ring, the groove configured to mate with a seal of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
- FIG. 1 includes a partial schematic illustration of a patient monitoring system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 4 a is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 6 a is a top view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 6 b is cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown in FIG. 6 a.
- FIG. 7 a is cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 7 b is a top view of the example blood pressure cuff adapter shown in FIG. 7 a.
- FIG. 7 c is a top view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter.
- FIG. 7 d is a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and a partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting.
- FIG. 7 e is a partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter.
- FIG. 7 f is another partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter.
- FIG. 7 g is a further partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter.
- FIG. 8 a is a top view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 8 b is cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown in FIG. 8 a.
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 10 a is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an isometric view of another example fitting configured to mate with the adapter.
- FIG. 12 is an isometric view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 13 a is a cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 13 b is another cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown in FIG. 13 a.
- FIG. 14 a is a partial cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 14 b is a partial cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 14 c is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 14 d is a partial cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 14 e is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 14 f is a partial cross-sectional view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a patient monitoring system 100 , according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the system 100 can be configured to monitor a patient, and in some embodiments, to determine a hemodynamic parameter of the patient.
- the term “hemodynamic parameter” can include an indication of cardiac or vascular health, such as, for example, an indication of cardiac, circulatory, or vascular functionality.
- a hemodynamic parameter can include a heart rate, a blood pressure, a vessel compliance, a saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in arterial blood (i.e., an SpO 2 measurement), an aortic index, an augmentation index, reflected wave ratio, or an indication of treatment.
- Blood pressure can include systolic, suprasystolic, diastolic, or mean atrial pressure. It is understood that such blood pressures may be represented as a systolic blood pressure over a diastolic blood pressure, and that a mean or average blood pressure may be represented as an average systolic blood pressure over an average diastolic blood pressure.
- an indication of treatment can include a parameter reflecting the affect of a drug treatment, or one or more treatments of a disease state.
- the system 100 can include a cuff 12 configured to at least to partially occlude the movement of blood through a blood vessel 10 of a patient 14 such as an artery, vein, or the like.
- the cuff 12 can be configured to completely occlude an artery of patient 14 .
- the system 100 may be tuned and/or otherwise configured to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters of the patient 14 , such as a blood pressure of the patient 14 , without completely occluding the blood vessel 10 .
- the system 100 may determine the blood pressure of the patient 14 before the cuff 12 is inflated to a pressure associated with complete occlusion of the blood vessel 10 and/or before a systolic blood pressure of the patient 14 is reached.
- the cuff 12 may be adapted for placement on (i.e., around) any suitable body part of patient 14 , including, for example, a wrist, a finger, an upper thigh, an ankle, or any other like limb or body part.
- one or more cuffs 12 could be placed at different locations about the patient 14 for use with the system 100 .
- the cuff 12 can include one or more bladders or other like inflatable devices, and the pressure or volume within the cuff 12 may be controlled by any known inflation device (not shown).
- inflation devices can include a pump or similar device configured to controllably inflate and/or deflate the inflatable device of the cuff 12 .
- inflation devices could supply the cuff 12 with a fluid to increase the pressure or volume of the cuff 12 .
- one or more inflation devices could include mechanical, electrical, or chemical devices configured to occlusion of the blood vessel 10 via the cuff 12 .
- Such inflation devices may comprise a component of the system 100 and may be included within and/or operably connected to, for example, a controller 20 of the system 100 .
- such inflation devices can inflate the cuff 12 to or towards a target inflation pressure, and may be configured to generally maintain the cuff 12 at any desired inflation pressure for a desired period of time.
- the target inflation pressure may be less than or equal to the systolic pressure of the patient 14 .
- the target pressure may be greater than the systolic pressure of the patient 14 .
- the system 100 may determine the blood pressure of the patient 14 without inflating the cuff to the systolic pressure.
- the system 100 may discontinue inflation of the cuff 12 at an inflation pressure less than such a target inflation pressure.
- a target inflation pressure equal to or greater than the systolic pressure
- discontinuing inflation of the cuff 100 at a pressure below such a target inflation pressure may avoid patient discomfort during blood pressure determination.
- the system 100 can further include a sensor 18 configured to receive a signal associated with the patient 14 .
- the sensor 18 can be configured to receive a signal associated with an at least partially occluded vessel 10 of the patient 14 .
- Such an input signal can arise from blood movement through the partially occluded vessel 10 or from a signal associated with an occluded blood vessel 10 .
- the sensor 18 could sample multiple times at various intervals.
- the sensor 18 could provide an indication of blood vessel movement, such as, for example, oscillations arising from vascular expansion or contraction.
- the sensor 18 could be configured to detect a pressure or volume of cuff 12 that may vary periodically with the cyclic expansion and contraction of the blood vessel 10 of the patient 14 .
- the sensor 18 could determine a blood pressure, various pulses of blood through the blood vessel 10 , an oxygen saturation of the blood, or any other hemodynamic parameter associated with the patient 14 using an auscultation, oscillometric, or other known measurement method.
- the senor 18 could detect a volume or a pressure associated with cuff 12 .
- the sensor 18 could include a pressure transducer or other like pressure sensor, and may be located within, on, or about the cuff 12 or other parts of the system 100 .
- the sensor 18 may be configured to sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise “determine” one or more blood pressure pulses associated with the patient 14 .
- Each blood pressure “pulse” may be indicative of, for example, the movement of blood through the blood vessel 10 by the heart of the patient 14 during systole, and the number of such pulses per minute may comprise the heart rate of the patient 14 .
- the controller 20 may comprise and/or otherwise include one or more processors, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers, and/or other like components configured to control one or more operations of the cuff 12 , the cuff inflation devices, the sensor 18 , and/or other components of the system 100 connected to the controller 20 .
- the controller 20 can control inflation and/or deflation of the cuff 12 via control of the inflation devices described above.
- the controller 20 can sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise determine a blood pressure of the patient 14 based on one or more of the hemodynamic parameters determined by the sensor 18 . This determination may be based on one or more output signals received from sensor 18 , as described above.
- the controller 20 may also include one or more sensors, similar to the sensor 18 , configured to sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise determine one or more blood pressure pulses associated with the patient 14 , a pressure or volume of cuff 12 , and/or any of the other hemodynamic parameters described herein.
- the controller 20 may also control inflation of cuff 12 (via one or more of the inflation devices described herein) toward a target inflation pressure, or generally maintaining inflation of cuff 12 at about the target pressure.
- a target inflation pressure may be a pressure that is greater than, equal to, or less than, for example, a systolic pressure of the patient 14 and/or the mean arterial pressure of the patient.
- the system 100 may determine the blood pressure of the patient 14 without inflating the cuff to the systolic pressure.
- controller 20 may discontinue inflation of the cuff 12 at an inflation pressure less than such a target inflation pressure.
- the controller 20 may determine the blood pressure of the patient 14 without completely occluding the blood vessel 10 .
- the system 100 can optionally include a signal analysis module.
- the signal analysis module may be configured to analyze one or more signals received from the sensor 18 using one or more processors of the controller 20 .
- the signal analysis module can include one or more filters configured to filter a signal associated with the sensor 18 or the controller 20 .
- filters can include band-pass, high-pass, or low-pass filters.
- the system 100 may also include a memory 24 operably connected to the controller 20 .
- the memory 24 may include, for example, a hard drive, a thumb drive, and/or any other like fixed or removable storage device known in the art. Such memory 24 may comprise random access memory, read-only memory, transient memory, non-transient memory, and/or any other like information storage means.
- the memory 24 may be configured to store signals, data, values, curves, thresholds, and/or any other like information received from the sensor 18 .
- the memory 24 may also be configured to store signals, data, values, thresholds, curves, and/or any other like information determined by the controller 20 during the various operations described herein.
- the memory 24 may be configured to store one or more pressure pulses, pulse profiles, pulse heights, pulse curves, target inflation pressures, pressure thresholds, and/or other like information. Additionally, the memory 24 may be configured to store one or more algorithms, protocols and/or other like programs associated with calculating and/or otherwise determining the blood pressure of the patient 14 . Additionally, the memory 24 may be configured to store one or more sets of values corresponding to points on one or more pulse curves. Such information may be recalled and/or otherwise utilized by the controller 20 during one or more blood pressure determination methods described herein.
- the system 100 can further include a user interface 16 configured to provide communication to the patient 14 or one or more operators.
- the user interface 16 could include a display configured to communicate and/or otherwise output one or more hemodynamic parameters.
- the user interface 16 may further include one or more speakers or other like audio devices configured to communicate and/or otherwise output information to the patient 14 and/or a user operator of the system 100 .
- the system 100 may include one or more transmitters, network devices, routers, Bluetooth® devices, WiFi® devices, radio devices, and/or other like communication device 26 configured to transmit data to a remote location and/or to a remote device.
- the communication device 26 may enable the transmission of information to or from the controller 20 .
- one or more components of the system 100 may be disposed remote from a remainder of the components of the system 100 .
- the controller 20 may be disposed in a different location of a healthcare facility than the cuff 12 , user interface 16 , or other components of the system 100 .
- the controller 20 may be in a first healthcare facility and a remainder of the components of the system 100 may be located in a second healthcare facility different from the first facility.
- the various components of the system 100 may be in communication and/or otherwise operably connected via the communication devices 26 described herein.
- the system 100 may include various other component, such as, for example, a power source and/or a user input device.
- a power source and/or a user input device such as, for example, a power source and/or a user input device.
- One or more components described herein may be combined or may be separate independent components of the system.
- the various components of the system 100 could be integrated into a single processing unit or may operate as separate processors.
- one or more processors can be configured to operate in conjunction with one or more software programs to provide the functionality of the system 100 .
- one or more of the components described above with respect to the system 100 may include one or more hardware components and/or one or more software components configured to control operation of such components and/or of the system 100 .
- the system 100 of the present disclosure may also include one or more components configured to fluidly connect the cuff 12 with the controller 20 , and in particular, with one or more inflation devices operably connected to the controller 20 .
- the controller 20 may include first and second connectors 28 a , 28 b fluidly coupled to one or more of the inflation devices described herein.
- the first and second connectors 28 a , 28 b may comprise male barbs or other like connectors defining a respective lumen through which pressurized air or other fluids may pass from the inflation devices to tubing 30 fluidly connected to the one or more connectors 28 a , 28 b .
- the tubing 30 may comprise dual-lumen tubing having first and second connected conduit sections 32 a , 32 b sharing a substantially smooth integrated outer surface.
- an orifice 34 a of the first section 32 a at a proximal end 36 of the tubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first connector 28 a .
- an orifice 34 b of the second section 32 b at the proximal end 36 of the tubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second connector 28 b .
- the tubing 30 may comprise single-lumen tubing, and a first section of the single-lumen tubing may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first connector 28 a while a second section of the single-lumen tubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second connector 28 b .
- the tubing 30 shall be described herein as dual-lumen tubing unless otherwise noted.
- the tubing 30 may comprise a flexible, durable, medically approved material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and the tubing 30 may be made from processes including extrusion molding.
- the first section 32 a of the tubing 30 may also include an orifice 38 a at a distal end 40 of the tubing 30
- the second section 32 b may include a similar orifice 38 b at the distal end 40
- the orifices 38 a , 38 b may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with a fitting 42 of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 42 may have various different configurations, and any of the fittings described herein may be employed by the system 100 in order to assist in fluidly connecting the cuff 12 with the controller 20 and/or other components of the system 100 .
- the fitting 42 may comprise a dual-shaft connector (e.g., a connector having two shafts configured to mate with dual lumen tubing 30 ), while in other examples, the fitting 42 may comprise a single-shaft connector.
- the fitting 42 shall be described herein as dual-shaft connector unless otherwise noted.
- the fitting 42 may include, for example, first and second shafts 44 a , 44 b , and a proximal end portion of the first shaft 44 a may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first section 32 a of the tubing 30 , while a proximal end portion of the second shaft 44 b may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second section 32 b of the tubing 30 .
- a barb or other like connector may be formed at proximal end portions of the first and second shafts 44 a , 44 b , and such barbs may be inserted into the respective orifices 38 a , 38 b of the tubing 30 to form such a substantially fluid-tight connection between the fitting 42 and the tubing 30 .
- the barbs formed at each of the proximal end portions may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the first and second connectors 28 a , 28 b described above.
- the first and second shafts 44 a , 44 b may define respective lumens passing therethrough and configured to fluidly connect, the tubing 30 with, for example, the cuff 12 via one or more adapters 50 of the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 42 may be removably attachable to a corresponding adapter 50 of the cuff 12 , and a substantially fluid tight seal may be formed between the fitting 42 and such an adapter 50 when the fitting 50 is removably attached to the adapter.
- the fitting 42 may include one or more grips 46 a , 46 b connected to a body 48 of the fitting 42 , and such grips 46 a , 46 b may be configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 42 to the adapter 50 . It is understood that when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 50 , the fitting 42 may be fluidly connected to the adapter 50 and/or to the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 42 when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 50 , the fitting 42 may be configured to direct pressurized air or other fluids to the cuff 12 , via the adapter 50 , to assist in at least partially inflating the cuff 12 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the example fitting 42 and the example blood pressure cuff adapter 50 of FIG. 1 in greater detail.
- the grips 46 a , 46 b of the fitting 42 may extend from the body 48 , and at least part of the fitting 42 coupling the grips 46 a , 46 b to the body 48 may be relatively flexible.
- the body 48 may be made from a first substantially rigid material, and such a material may include, for example, one or more metals, alloys, plastics, polymers, or other materials. Such materials may include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or other medically approved materials.
- the grips 46 a , 46 b may be connected to the body 48 via respective first and second stands 66 a , 66 b extending from the body 48 .
- the stands 66 a , 66 b may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 , while in other examples, one or more of the stands 66 a , 66 b may be made from a material that is relatively more flexible than the material used to form the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 66 a , 66 b may provide for movement of the respective grips 46 a , 46 b relative to the body 48 when force is applied to the respective grips 46 a , 46 b by a user of the fitting 42 .
- Such movement may enable the fitting 42 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 50 , and may also enable the fitting 42 to be detached from the adapter 50 .
- the fitting 42 may include one or more arms 62 a , 62 b extending from a respective grip 46 a , 46 b and/or from a respective stand 66 a , 66 b .
- a first arm 62 a may extend substantially perpendicularly from the first grip 46 a
- a second arm 62 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the second grip 46 b
- the first and second arms 62 a , 62 b may include respective first and second shelves 64 a , 64 b extending substantially parallel to the respective grips 46 a , 46 b .
- the first and second shelves 64 a , 64 b may also extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 62 a , 62 b .
- first and second shelves 64 a , 64 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 62 a , 62 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 50 in order to removably attach the fitting 42 to the adapter.
- the fitting 42 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 68 extending from the body 48 . In some examples, such as the example shown in FIG.
- the channel 68 may extend substantially along a longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 42 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 68 .
- the channel 68 may form at least part of a central fluid passage extending through at least part of the fitting 42 .
- the channel 68 may also form an opening 70 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 42 (e.g., via the central passage of the fitting 42 ), and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 42 with the cuff 12 when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the adapter 50 .
- the adapter 50 may include a substantially rigid body 52 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 52 may include a distal portion extending outwardly from a top or outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 52 may also include a proximal portion embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- the proximal portion of the body 52 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the adapter 50 may be fluidly connected to the cuff 12 via one or more lengths of tubing 30 and/or other components of the system 100 .
- a length of tubing 30 may be fluidly connected to an internal bladder and/or other inflatable portion of the cuff 12 , and the length of tubing 30 may extend outwardly from the bladder and/or other inflatable portion by any desired distance (e.g., one foot, 18 inches, two feet, etc.).
- the adapter 50 may be fluidly, removably, permanently, and/or otherwise connected to an end of the tubing 30 opposite the cuff 12 , and the adapter 50 may be configured to facilitate a removable and/or releasable connection with the fitting 42 at a location spaced from the cuff 12 .
- the body 54 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 50 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 52 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- a ridge 58 or other part of the body 52 mating with the shelves 64 a , 64 b of the fitting 42 may be made from a first relatively rigid material to assist in securely removably attaching the fitting 42 to the adapter 50 .
- at least part of a ring 56 (e.g., a top surface and/or an inner wall of the ring 56 ) or other part of the body 52 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with a corresponding surface of the fitting 42 may be made from a second relatively flexible material different from the first material to assist in forming such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the body 52 of the adapter 50 may also include a central opening 60 at least partially formed by an inner wall 59 of the body 52 .
- the inner wall 59 may comprise a substantially cylindrical inner wall, and the inner wall 59 may define a central fluid passage of the adapter 50 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to the cuff 12 via the fitting 42 .
- the inner wall 59 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that the inner wall 59 may accept at least part of the channel 68 therein.
- a substantially cylindrical inner wall 59 may define a substantially circular opening 60 through which at least part of the channel 68 may pass when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the adapter 50 .
- the body 52 may further include a longitudinal axis X, and in such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the opening 60 and/or through the substantially cylindrical inner wall 59 .
- the ring 56 formed by the body 52 may comprise a substantially annular ring, flange, and/or other portion of the adapter 50 , and the ring 56 may include a top surface disposed opposite the proximal portion of the body 52 .
- the ridge 58 may be disposed opposite the top surface of the ring 56 an, in some examples, the ridge 58 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 56 . At least part of the ridge 58 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 56 may be configured to mate with the shelves 64 a , 64 b of the fitting 42 to assist in retaining the fitting 42 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 42 to the adapter 50 . In some examples, at least part of the ridge 58 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 56 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body 52 .
- an example system 300 or other environment may include a fitting 302 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 304 , and in such systems, the example fitting 302 may be removably attachable to such an adapter 304 .
- the fitting 302 and/or the adapter 304 may include various structures and/or other components configured to assist in forming such a removable connection, and one or more such components may also assist in forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 302 and the adapter 304 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the adapter 50 described herein with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 may be included in the adapter 304 and/or in any of the other example blood pressure cuff adapters described herein.
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 302 , and/or of the adapter 304 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 302 may include a substantially rigid body 306 , and one or more arms 308 a , 308 b extending from the body 306 .
- the first and second arms 308 a , 308 b may also include respective shelves 310 a , 310 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 308 a , 308 b .
- At least one of the arms 308 a , 308 b and/or at least one of the shelves 310 a , 310 b may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the arms 62 a , 62 b and/or the shelves 64 a , 64 b described above.
- the arm 308 b may be movably connected to the body 306 via at least one stand 312 extending from the body 306 .
- the first and second shelves 310 a , 310 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 308 a , 308 b .
- first and second shelves 310 a , 310 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 308 a , 308 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 304 in order to removably attach the fitting 302 to the adapter 304 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 306 , stands 312 , arms 308 a , 308 b , shelves 310 a , 310 b , and/or other components of the fitting 302 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stand 312 may provide for movement of the corresponding shelf 310 b relative to the body 306 when force is applied to a grip 314 associated with the stand 312 .
- Such movement may enable the fitting 302 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 304 , and may also enable the fitting 302 to be detached from the adapter 304 .
- the arm 308 a and/or the shelf 310 a may remain substantially stationary relative to the body 306 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to and/or detached from the blood pressure cuff adapter 304 .
- the fitting 302 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 316 extending from the body 306 .
- the channel 316 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 302 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 316 .
- the channel 316 may form an opening 318 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 302 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 302 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- the fitting 302 may further include a central fluid passage 319 extending at least partially through the body 306 .
- the channel 316 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 319 , and the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 319 .
- the opening 318 of the channel 316 may comprise an opening of the central passage 319 .
- the adapter 304 may include a substantially rigid body 320 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 320 may include a distal portion 321 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 320 may also include a proximal portion 336 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface 340 of the proximal portion 336 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the body 320 of the adapter 304 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 304 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 321 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 336 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 320 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 321 of the adapter 304 may include an annular ring 322 having a top surface 326 and a ridge 324 disposed opposite the top surface 326 .
- the ridge 324 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 322 .
- at least part of the ridge 324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 322 may be configured to mate with the shelves 310 a , 310 b of the fitting 302 to assist in retaining the fitting 302 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 302 to the adapter 304 .
- the adapter 304 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall 338 extending from the ridge 324 to the top surface 340 of the proximal portion 336 . Such a sidewall 338 may space the ridge 324 from the top surface 340 such that the shelves 310 a , 310 b of the fitting 302 may have room to mate with the ridge 324 beneath the ring 322 .
- the top surface 326 of the ring 322 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 302 to the adapter 304 .
- the top surface 326 of the ring 322 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 320 from a distal end (e.g., a radially innermost end) 330 of the top surface 326 to a proximal end (e.g., a radially outermost end) 332 of the top surface 326 .
- the curved top surface 326 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arm 308 b and/or other components of the fitting 302 may slide as the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- the system 300 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 328 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 302 and the adapter 304 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- at least one seal 328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 334 of the fitting 302 or to the top surface 326 of the ring 326 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- At least part (e.g., a base) of the seal 328 may be disposed within an annular groove 346 formed by the top surface 326 of the ring 322 .
- the seal 328 may engage the outer surface 334 of the fitting 302 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 302 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- the seal 328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 334 of the fitting 302 , and may be configured to engage the top surface 326 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the seal 328 may comprise, for example, a relatively flexible and/or a relatively thin portion of the ring 322 .
- the seal 328 may comprise a relatively flexible and/or a relatively thin portion of the outer surface 334 .
- the seal 328 may be separable from (e.g., removably attached to) either the fitting 302 or the adapter 304 .
- the seal 328 may be press fit within, dove-tailed within, and/or otherwise at least partly disposed within a groove 346 , channel, and/or other structure formed by either the fitting 302 or the adapter 304 to facilitate such removable attachment thereto.
- the body 320 of the adapter 304 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly in FIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by an inner wall 344 of the body 320 .
- the inner wall 344 of the body 320 may comprise a substantially cylindrical inner wall, and the inner wall 344 may define a central fluid passage of the adapter 304 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to the cuff 12 via the fitting 302 .
- the inner wall 344 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that the inner wall 344 may accept at least part of the channel 316 therein.
- the channel 316 may pass through the central opening of the inner wall 344 , proximate the distal end 330 of the top surface 326 , when the fitting 302 is removably attached to the adapter 304 .
- the inner wall 344 may extend from the distal end 330 of the top surface 326 to a bottom surface 342 of the body 320 formed by the proximal portion 326 .
- the body 320 may further include a longitudinal axis X, and in such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of the adapter 304 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall 344 .
- an example system 400 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 402 that is substantially similar to the fitting 302 , and/or may include a blood pressure cuff adapter 404 that is substantially similar to the blood pressure cuff adapter 304 .
- the example fitting 402 may be removably attachable to such an adapter 404 , and unlike the fitting 302 illustrated in FIG. 3 , the fitting 402 may include a pair of stands 412 a , 412 b movably connecting respective arms 408 a , 408 b of the fitting 402 to a body 406 of the fitting 402 .
- the fitting 402 and/or the adapter 404 may include various structures and/or other components configured to assist in forming a removable connection therebetween, and one or more such components may also assist in forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 402 and the adapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 402 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 404 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 402 , and/or of the adapter 404 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 402 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 302
- various components of the adapter 404 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the adapter 304
- the fitting 402 may include a substantially rigid body 406 , and one or more arms 408 a , 408 b extending from the body 406 .
- the first and second arms 408 a , 408 b may also include respective shelves 410 a , 410 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 408 a , 408 b .
- the arm 408 a may be movably connected to the body 406 via a stand 412 a extending from the body 406
- the arm 408 b may be movably connected to the body 406 via a stand 412 b extending from the body 406
- the first and second shelves 410 a , 410 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 408 a , 408 b .
- first and second shelves 410 a , 410 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 408 a , 408 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 404 in order to removably attach the fitting 402 to the adapter 404 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 406 , stands 412 a , 412 b , arms 408 a , 408 b , shelves 410 a , 410 b , and/or other components of the fitting 402 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 412 a , 412 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 408 a , 408 b and/or shelves 410 a , 410 b relative to the body 406 when force is applied to respective grips 414 a , 414 b associated with the stands 412 a , 412 b .
- Such movement may enable the fitting 402 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 404 , and may also enable the fitting 402 to be detached from the adapter 404 .
- the fitting 402 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 416 extending from the body 406 .
- the channel 416 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 402 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 416 .
- the channel 416 may form an opening 418 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 402 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 402 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- the fitting 402 may further include a central fluid passage 419 extending at least partially through the body 406 .
- the channel 416 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 419 of the fitting 402 , and the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 419 .
- the opening 418 of the channel 416 may comprise an opening of the central passage 419 .
- the adapter 404 may include a substantially rigid body 420 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 420 may include a distal portion 421 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 420 may also include a proximal portion 436 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 436 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the body 420 of the adapter 404 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 404 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 421 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 436 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 420 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 421 of the adapter 404 may include an annular ring 422 having a top surface 426 and a ridge 424 disposed opposite the top surface 426 .
- the ridge 424 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 422 .
- at least part of the ridge 424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 422 may be configured to mate with the shelves 410 a , 410 b of the fitting 402 to assist in retaining the fitting 402 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 402 to the adapter 404 .
- the adapter 404 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from the ridge 424 to the top surface of the proximal portion 436 . Such a sidewall may space the ridge 424 from the top surface of the proximal portion 436 such that the shelves 410 a , 410 b of the fitting 402 may have room to mate with the ridge 424 beneath the ring 422 .
- the top surface 426 of the ring 422 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 402 to the adapter 404 .
- the top surface 426 of the ring 422 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 420 from a distal end 430 of the top surface 426 to a proximal end 432 of the top surface 426 .
- the curved top surface 426 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 408 a , 408 b and/or other components of the fitting 402 may slide as the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- the system 400 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 402 and the adapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- at least one seal 428 ( FIG. 4 ) may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 434 of the fitting 402 or to the top surface 426 of the ring 422 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- at least part (e.g., a base) of the seal 428 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by the top surface 426 of the ring 422 .
- the seal 428 may engage the outer surface 434 of the fitting 402 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of the channel 416 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 402 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- the seal 428 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 434 of the fitting 402 , and may be configured to engage the top surface 426 of the adapter 404 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- a first seal 428 a may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 434 of the fitting 402
- a second seal 428 b may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to the top surface 426 of the ring 422
- the first seal 428 a may be configured to engage contact, interlock, and/or otherwise mate with the second seal 428 b when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 402 , thereby forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- the first seal 428 a may be disposed within an annular groove formed by the outer surface 434 of the fitting 402
- at least part (e.g., a base 440 ) of the second seal 428 b may be disposed within a similar annular groove formed by the top surface 426 of the ring 422
- the first seal 428 a may include a sealing surface 442 disposed opposite the base 438
- the second seal 428 b may include a sealing surface 444 opposite the base 440 .
- the sealing surface 442 of the first seal 428 a may engage contact, interlock, and/or otherwise mate with the sealing surface 444 of the second seal 428 b when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 402 to form a fluid-tight seal therewith.
- the body 420 of the adapter 404 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly in FIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by an inner wall 446 ( FIG. 4 a ) of the body 420 .
- the longitudinal axis X of the body 420 may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of the adapter 404 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall 446 of the adapter 404 .
- the central opening, inner wall 446 , and central fluid passage of the adapter 404 may be substantially similar to the central opening, inner wall 344 , and central fluid passage described above with respect to FIG. 3 .
- a substantially cylindrical outer wall 448 of the channel 416 may be disposed adjacent and/or at least partly in contact with the inner wall 446 of the adapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to the adapter 404 .
- an example system 500 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 502 that is substantially similar to the fitting 402 , and/or may include a blood pressure cuff adapter 504 that is substantially similar to the blood pressure cuff adapter 404 .
- the example fitting 502 may be removably attachable to such an adapter 504 , and in such a system 500 , the stands 412 a , 412 b described above with respect to FIG. 4 may be omitted.
- the fitting 502 may include a pair of arms extending from the body of the fitting 502 , and the fitting 502 may also include a relatively flexible diaphragm at a substantially central top portion of the body.
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 502 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 504 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 502 , and/or of the adapter 504 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 502 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 402
- various components of the adapter 504 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the adapter 404
- the fitting 502 may include a substantially rigid body 506 , and one or more arms 508 a , 508 b extending from the body 506 .
- the first and second arms 508 a , 508 b may also include respective shelves 510 a , 510 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 508 a , 508 b .
- the arms 508 a , 508 b may be movably connected to the body 506 via a direct connection with the body 506 and/or via one or more posts 512 a , 512 b or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from the body 506 to proximal portions of the respective arms 508 a , 508 b .
- the first and second shelves 510 a , 510 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 508 a , 508 b .
- first and second shelves 510 a , 510 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 508 a , 508 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 504 in order to removably attach the fitting 502 to the adapter 504 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 506 , posts 512 a , 512 b , arms 508 a , 508 b , shelves 510 a , 510 b , and/or other components of the fitting 502 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the posts 512 a , 512 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 508 a , 508 b and/or shelves 510 a , 510 b relative to the body 506 when force is applied to respective grips 514 a , 514 b connected to the arms 508 a , 508 b .
- the fitting 502 may include a diaphragm 536 disposed at a substantially central top portion 538 of the body 506 .
- the diaphragm 536 may comprise a relatively thin portion of the body 506 , and the location, thickness, and/or other configurations of the diaphragm 536 may enable the body 506 to flex when a downward force in the direction of arrow 542 is applied to the diaphragm 536 .
- the body 506 may also include a substantially rounded, substantially hollow internal portion 540 disposed opposite the top portion 538 . Such a substantially hollow internal portion 540 may be configured to increase the flexibility of the body 506 .
- the substantially hollow internal portion 540 may increase the distance and/or degree to which the body 506 flexes when a downward force in the direction of arrow 542 is applied to the diaphragm 536 .
- a healthcare practitioner may apply an upward force in the direction of arrow 544 to one or both of the grips 514 a , 514 b while, at the same time, applying a downward force to the diaphragm 536 in the direction of arrow 542 .
- the application of one or more such forces may cause one or both of the shelves 510 a , 510 b to move laterally away from a central longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 502 .
- the fitting 502 may be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 504 , and may also enable the fitting 502 to be detached from the adapter 504 .
- the grips 514 a , 514 b may be replaced with a substantially annular, substantially circular, and/or substantially disc-shaped structure substantially surrounding the diaphragm 536 and configured to receive the upward force described above in the direction of arrow 544 .
- the fitting 502 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 516 extending from the body 506 .
- the channel 516 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 502 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 516 .
- the channel 516 may form an opening 518 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 502 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 502 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 502 is removably attached to the adapter 504 .
- the fitting 502 may further include a central fluid passage 519 extending at least partially through the body 506 .
- the channel 516 and/or the substantially hollow internal portion 540 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 519 of the fitting 502 , and the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 519 .
- the opening 518 of the channel 516 may comprise an opening of the central passage 519 .
- the adapter 504 may include a substantially rigid body 520 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 520 may include a distal portion 521 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 520 may also include a proximal portion 535 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 535 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the body 520 of the adapter 504 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 504 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 521 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 535 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 520 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 521 of the adapter 504 may include an annular ring 522 having a top surface 526 and a ridge 524 disposed opposite the top surface 526 .
- the ridge 524 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 522 .
- at least part of the ridge 524 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 522 may be configured to mate with the shelves 510 a , 510 b of the fitting 502 to assist in retaining the fitting 502 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 502 to the adapter 504 .
- the adapter 504 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from the ridge 524 to the top surface of the proximal portion 535 . Such a sidewall may space the ridge 524 from the top surface of the proximal portion 535 such that the shelves 510 a , 510 b of the fitting 502 may have room to mate with the ridge 524 beneath the ring 522 .
- the top surface 526 of the ring 522 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 502 to the adapter 504 .
- the top surface 526 of the ring 522 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 520 from a distal end 530 of the top surface 526 to a proximal end 532 of the top surface 526 .
- the curved top surface 526 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 508 a , 508 b and/or other components of the fitting 502 may slide as the fitting 502 is removably attached to the adapter 504 .
- the system 500 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 528 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 502 and the adapter 504 when the fitting 502 is removably attached to the adapter 504 .
- at least one seal 528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 534 of the fitting 502 or to the top surface 526 of the ring 522 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- at least part (e.g., a base) of the seal 528 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by the top surface 526 of the ring 522 .
- the seal 528 may engage the outer surface 534 of the fitting 502 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of the channel 516 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 502 when the fitting 502 is removably attached to the adapter 504 .
- the seal 528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 534 of the fitting 502 , and may be configured to engage the top surface 526 of the adapter 504 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the body 520 of the adapter 504 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly in FIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by an inner wall of the body 520 .
- the longitudinal axis X of the body 520 may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of the adapter 504 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall of the adapter 504 .
- the central opening, inner wall, and central fluid passage of the adapter 504 may be substantially similar to the central opening, inner wall 344 , and central fluid passage described above with respect to FIG. 3 .
- an example system 600 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 602 that is configured to be removably attached to a blood pressure cuff adapter 604 by movement of the fitting 602 in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 602 may also be configured to be detached from the adapter 604 by moving the fitting 602 in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff opposite the first direction.
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 602 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 604 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 602 , and/or of the adapter 604 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 602 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 402
- various components of the adapter 604 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the adapter 404
- the fitting 602 may include a substantially rigid body 606 , and one or more arms 608 a , 608 b extending from the body 606 .
- the first and second arms 608 a , 608 b may also include respective shelves 610 a , 610 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 608 a , 608 b .
- the arms 608 a , 608 b may be movably connected to the body 606 via a direct connection with the body 606 and/or via one or more posts 612 a , 612 b or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from the body 606 to the respective arms 608 a , 608 b .
- the first and second shelves 610 a , 610 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 608 a , 608 b .
- first and second shelves 610 a , 610 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 608 a , 608 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 604 in order to removably attach the fitting 602 to the adapter 604 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 606 , posts 612 a , 612 b , arms 608 a , 608 b , shelves 610 a , 610 b , and/or other components of the fitting 602 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, location, and/or other configuration of the posts 612 a , 612 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 608 a , 608 b and/or shelves 610 a , 610 b relative to the body 606 when force is applied to respective grips 614 a , 614 b associated with the arms 608 a , 608 b .
- a healthcare practitioner may apply an inward force (e.g., in a direction toward the body 606 of the fitting 602 ) to one or both of the grips 614 a , 614 b .
- the application such an inward force to the grip 614 a may cause the arm 608 a to pivot about the post 612 a , thereby causing the shelf 610 a to move laterally away from the body 606 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 602 .
- the application such an inward force to the grip 614 b may cause the arm 608 b to pivot about the post 612 b , thereby causing the shelf 610 b to move laterally away from the body 606 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 602 .
- Such movement of the shelves 610 a , 610 b may enable the fitting 602 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 604 when the fitting 602 is moved in a first direction of arrow 644 substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- such movement of the shelves 610 a , 610 b may enable the fitting 602 to be detached from the adapter 604 when the fitting 602 is moved in a second direction of arrow 644 opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 602 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 616 extending from the body 606 .
- the channel 616 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fitting 602 , and the longitudinal axis may extend substantially centrally through the channel 616 .
- the channel 616 may form an opening 618 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 602 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 602 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- the fitting 602 may further include a central fluid passage 619 extending at least partially through the body 606 .
- the channel 616 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 619 of the fitting 602 , and the longitudinal axis of the fitting 602 may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 619 .
- the opening 618 of the channel 616 may comprise an opening of the central passage 619 .
- the adapter 604 may include a substantially rigid body 620 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 620 may include a distal portion 621 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 520 may also include a proximal portion 636 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 636 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 . As shown in FIG.
- the body 620 may include a first wall 636 extending substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 and/or to the top surface of the proximal portion 635 .
- the body 620 may also include a second wall 638 opposite and extending substantially parallel to the first wall 636 .
- the body 620 may further include a pair of sidewalls extending from the first wall 636 to the second wall 638 , and side surfaces 624 a , 624 b (e.g., outer surfaces 624 am 624 b of the body 620 ) of such sidewalls are illustrated in at least FIG. 6 a .
- the body 620 may include a third wall 640 extending substantially perpendicular to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 and/or to the top surface of the proximal portion 635 .
- the body 620 may also include a fourth wall 642 opposite and extending substantially parallel to the third wall 640 .
- the body 620 may further include a pair of sidewalls extending from the third wall 640 to the fourth wall 642 .
- the body 620 may also include a first longitudinal axis X extending substantially centrally through a first section of the distal portion 621 formed, at least in part, by the first and second walls 636 , 638 .
- the first and second walls 636 , 638 may extend substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis X, and the first and second walls 636 , 638 may define at least part of a first central fluid passage 630 of the distal portion 621 .
- the body 620 may also include a second longitudinal axis Y extending substantially centrally through a second section of the distal portion 621 formed, at least in part, by the third and fourth walls 640 , 642 .
- the third and fourth walls 640 , 642 may extend substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis Y, and the third and fourth walls 640 , 642 may define at least part of a second central fluid passage 631 of the distal portion 621 .
- the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis Y.
- the first fluid passage 630 of the adapter 620 may be fluidly connected to the second fluid passage 631 of the adapter 620 .
- the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 , and may extend substantially centrally through the first central passage 630 .
- the second longitudinal axis Y may extend substantially perpendicular to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 , and may extend substantially centrally through the second central passage 631 .
- the body 620 of the adapter 604 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 604 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 621 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 635 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 620 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 621 of the adapter 604 may include a ring 622 disposed at an open end of the distal portion 621 .
- the ring 622 may form an opening of the first central passage 630
- the ring 622 may be formed, at least in part, by distal ends of the first wall 636 , the second wall 638 , and the sidewalls extending from the first wall 636 to the second wall 638 .
- the ring 622 , and the opening formed thereby may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to allow at least part of the channel 616 to pass therethrough when the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- the channel 616 may pass through the ring 622 and/or the opening, and at least part of the channel 616 may be disposed within the first central passage 630 of the adapter 604 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- the system 600 may also include one or more 0-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 628 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 602 and the adapter 604 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- At least one seal 628 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 634 of the fitting 602 or to a corresponding distal and/or other outer surface of the ring 622 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- at least part (e.g., a base) of the seal 628 may be disposed within a groove formed by the distal and/or other outer surface of the ring 622 .
- the seal 628 may engage the outer surface 634 of the fitting 602 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of the channel 616 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 602 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- the seal 628 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 634 of the fitting 602 , and may be configured to engage the distal and/or other outer surface of the ring 622 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the body 620 of the adapter 604 may also include a first ridge 624 a formed on the side surface 626 a (e.g., the outer surface of the first sidewall extending from the first wall 636 to the second wall 638 ) of the distal portion 621 , and a second ridge 624 b formed on the side surface 626 b (e.g., the outer surface of the second sidewall extending from the first wall 636 to the second wall 638 ) of the distal portion 621 .
- the first ridge 624 a may be configured to mate with the first shelf 610 a of the fitting 602 to assist in retaining the fitting 602 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 602 to the adapter 604 .
- the second ridge 624 b may be configured to mate with the second shelf 610 b of the fitting 602 to assist in retaining the fitting 602 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 602 to the adapter 604 .
- at least part of the first ridge 624 a may extend substantially perpendicular to the side surface 626 a of the body 620
- at least part of the second ridge 624 b may extend substantially perpendicular to the side surface 626 b of the body 620 . As shown in FIG.
- At least one of the ridges 624 a , 624 b may include corresponding camming surfaces 648 a , 648 b extending at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) from the side surfaces 626 a , 626 b of the body 620 to ends of the respective ridges 624 a , 624 b .
- Such camming surfaces 648 a , 648 b may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured such that at least part of the arms 608 a , 608 b and/or other components of the fitting 602 may slide along the camming surfaces 648 a , 648 b as the fitting 602 is removably attached to the adapter 604 .
- camming surfaces 648 a , 648 b may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 602 to the adapter 604 .
- a fitting 702 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 704 may include one or more features or other structural components configured to assist a healthcare practitioner in aligning the fitting 702 with the adapter 704 as the fitting 702 is being removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 702 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 704 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 702 , and/or of the adapter 704 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 702 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 402
- various components of the adapter 704 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the adapter 704
- the fitting 702 may include a substantially rigid body 706 , and one or more arms 708 a , 708 b extending from the body 706 .
- the first and second arms 708 a , 708 b may also include respective shelves 710 a , 710 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 708 a , 708 b .
- the arm 708 a may be movably connected to the body 706 via a stand 712 a extending from the body 706
- the arm 708 b may be movably connected to the body 706 via a stand 712 b extending from the body 706
- the first and second shelves 710 a , 710 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 708 a , 708 b .
- first and second shelves 710 a , 710 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 708 a , 708 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 704 in order to removably attach the fitting 702 to the adapter 704 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 706 , stands 712 a , 712 b , arms 708 a , 708 b , shelves 710 a , 710 b , and/or other components of the fitting 702 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 712 a , 712 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 708 a , 708 b and/or shelves 710 a , 710 b relative to the body 706 when force is applied to respective grips 714 a , 714 b associated with the stands 712 a , 712 b .
- Such movement may enable the fitting 702 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 704 , and may also enable the fitting 702 to be detached from the adapter 704 .
- the fitting 702 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 716 extending from the body 706 .
- the channel 716 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 702 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 716 .
- the channel 716 may form an opening 718 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 702 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 702 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the fitting 702 may further include a central fluid passage 719 extending at least partially through the body 706 .
- the channel 716 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 719 of the fitting 702 , and the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 719 .
- the opening 718 of the channel 716 may comprise an opening of the central passage 719 .
- the adapter 704 may include a substantially rigid body 720 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 720 may include a distal portion 721 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 720 may also include a proximal portion 719 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 719 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the body 720 of the adapter 704 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 704 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 721 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 719 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 720 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 721 of the adapter 704 may include an annular ring 722 having a top surface 726 and a ridge 724 disposed opposite the top surface 726 .
- the ridge 724 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 722 .
- at least part of the ridge 724 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 722 may be configured to mate with the shelves 710 a , 710 b of the fitting 702 to assist in retaining the fitting 702 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 702 to the adapter 704 .
- the adapter 704 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from the ridge 724 to the top surface of the proximal portion 719 . Such a sidewall may space the ridge 724 from the top surface of the proximal portion 719 such that the shelves 710 a , 710 b of the fitting 702 may have room to mate with the ridge 724 beneath the ring 722 .
- the top surface 726 of the ring 722 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 702 to the adapter 704 .
- the top surface 726 of the ring 722 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 720 from a distal end 730 of the top surface 726 to a proximal end 732 of the top surface 726 .
- the curved top surface 726 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 708 a , 708 b and/or other components of the fitting 702 may slide as the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the ring 722 may also include a groove 728 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept a member 734 and/or other structural feature of the adapter 702 .
- a member 734 may extend (e.g., substantially perpendicularly) from an outer surface 736 of the fitting 702 disposed opposite and/or facing the top surface 726 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the member 734 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, rib, ring, flange, detent, and/or other extension of the body 706 , and the member 734 may be useful in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 702 with the adapter 704 when removably attaching the fitting 702 to the adapter 704 .
- the groove 728 and the member 734 may be positioned and/or otherwise configured such that disposing at least part of the member 734 within the groove 728 when removably attaching the fitting 702 to the adapter 704 may cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 702 ( FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 .
- the member 734 may be substantially cylindrical, substantially cube-shaped, substantially V-shaped, substantially arcuate, substantially annular, and/or any other shape to assist in aligning the fitting 702 with the adapter 704 . Additionally, in any of the example embodiments described herein the member 734 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to minimize and/or substantially eliminate lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to the adapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 . In any such examples, the member 734 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 702 and the adapter 704 .
- the member may alternatively comprise an extension and/or other component of the adapter (e.g., the adapter 704 ), and in such embodiments the groove (e.g., the groove 728 ) may be formed by and/or may comprise a component of the fitting (e.g., the fitting 702 ).
- the member e.g., the member 734
- the member may comprise a plurality of members (e.g., a plurality of arcuate segments, etc.) spaced substantially circumferentially about, for example, the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG.
- FIG. 7 a illustrates the groove 728 being disposed on and/or formed by the top surface 726 , in other examples, the groove 728 may be disposed on, disposed proximate, and/or formed by a radially outermost portion of the ring 722 .
- a first component of the fitting 702 may be configured to mechanically interlock with (e.g., a snap-fit, a friction fit, a meshing, and/or any other type of interlock) a corresponding second component of the adapter 704 .
- a component of the member 734 may form a snap-fit and/or other interlocking fit with the groove 728 of the adapter 704 .
- at least part of the channel 716 may interlock with at least part of the portion 719 of the adapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the system 700 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 737 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 702 and the adapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- at least one seal 737 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, disposed adjacent to, and/or otherwise connected to a substantially cylindrical inner wall 738 of the adapter 704 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- the seal 737 may engage an outer wall 740 of the channel 716 (e.g., an outer surface of the outer wall 740 ) to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 702 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the adapter 704 may also include a central opening 742 at least partially formed by a surface of the inner wall 738 .
- the longitudinal axis X ( FIG. 7 a ) of the body 720 may extend substantially centrally through a central fluid passage of the adapter 704 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall 738 .
- the central opening 742 , inner wall 738 , and central fluid passage of the adapter 704 may be substantially similar to the central opening, inner wall 344 , and central fluid passage described above with respect to FIG. 3 . Further, as shown in the top view of FIG.
- the groove 728 may be disposed on the top surface 726 between (e.g., substantially centrally between) the proximal end 732 and the distal end 730 of the top surface 726 . Additionally, in some examples the groove 728 may include at least one detent 744 configured to contact the member 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 . It is understood that in at least the systems described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-5, 7 a - 7 e , and 10 , the fitting may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 in the clockwise direction of arrow 746 and in the counter clockwise direction of arrow 748 .
- the one or more detents 744 disposed within the groove 728 may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to contact the member 734 as the fitting 702 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 .
- the one or more detents 744 may be substantially dome-shaped, substantially ramp-shaped, and/or any other shape to assist in at least partially restricting rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 when the member 734 contacts the one or more detents 744 .
- the groove 728 may include at least one wall 750 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
- the wall 750 may prohibit 360 degree rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 when the fitting 704 is removably attached to the adapter 702 .
- the wall 750 may block rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 when the member 734 contacts the wall 750 .
- FIG. 7 c illustrates a single wall 750 disposed within the groove 728
- two or more walls 750 may be disposed the groove 728 .
- the one or more walls 750 may have a width and/or a height substantially equal to a corresponding width and/or height of the groove 728 .
- the groove 728 may have any desired width W and/or height H in order to accommodate the member 734 .
- the groove 728 may include a base 752 , a first sidewall 754 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 752 , and a second sidewall 756 opposite the first sidewall 754 and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 752 .
- first and second sidewalls 754 , 756 may extend from the base 752 to the top surface 726 , and the height H of the groove 728 may comprise either a height H of the first sidewall 754 or a height H of the second sidewall 756 .
- one or more of the detents 744 described above may be disposed on the base 752 , the first sidewall 754 , or the second sidewall 756 .
- the height H of the groove 728 may be substantially constant.
- the groove 728 may have a variable height H along at least a portion of the groove 728 .
- the base 752 of the groove 728 may have at least one trough 757 and at least one peak 758 .
- the trough 757 may comprise a first portion of the groove 728 having the largest height H
- the peak 758 may comprise a second portion of the groove 728 having the smallest height H.
- the peak 758 formed by the base 752 may be disposed axially closer to the top surface 726 of the ring 722 than the trough 757 formed by the base 752 .
- the variability in the height H of the groove 728 may assist the user in detaching the fitting 702 from the adapter 704 .
- the member 734 may slidably engage and/or otherwise move substantially along the base 752 as the fitting 702 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 704 .
- engagement between the member 734 and the base 752 as the member 734 moves from a first location proximate the trough 757 to a second location proximate the peak 758 may assist in moving the fitting 702 in an upward direction away from the adapter 704 .
- Such movement may assist a healthcare practitioner in detaching the fitting 702 from the adapter 704 .
- the member 734 may also be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to assist a healthcare practitioner in detaching the fitting 702 from the adapter 704 .
- the member 734 may include a base 764 , a first sidewall 766 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 764 , and a second sidewall 768 opposite the first sidewall 766 and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 764 .
- the first and second sidewalls 766 , 768 may extend from the base 764 to the outer surface 736 .
- the member 734 may also have a height H′ substantially equal to the height H of the groove 728 , and a width W′ substantially equal to the width W of the groove 728 .
- the height H′ may be marginally less than the height H
- the width W′ may be marginally less than the width W to minimize and/or substantially eliminate friction and/or resistance caused by the member 734 contacting one or both of the sidewalls 754 , 756 .
- the sidewall 756 of the groove 728 may be disposed a distance L from the inner wall 738
- the sidewall 766 may be disposed a distance L′ from the outer wall 740 of the channel 716 substantially equal to the distance L.
- the fitting 702 may include one or more sensors configured to determine a distance between at least part of the fitting 702 and a corresponding part of the adapter 704 . Additionally or alternatively, in some examples the one or more sensors may be configured to read information from a corresponding component of the adapter 704 and/or otherwise assist in identifying the adapter 704 .
- the fitting 702 may include a capacitance sensor, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, RFID sensor, a barcode reader, and/or any other sensor 762 connected thereto.
- the sensor 762 may be disposed on, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the member 734 , such as at a distal end of the member 734 .
- the fitting 704 may include a corresponding conductor, layer of reflective paint or ink, RFID tag, barcode, and/or other feature 760 .
- the feature 760 may be disposed anywhere on and/or within the adapter 704 such that the feature 760 is located at least partly within a field of view of the sensor 762 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- the feature 760 may be disposed on embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the base 752 of the groove 728 or at least one of the sidewalls 754 , 756 .
- FIG. 7 e illustrates the sensor 762 being connected to the fitting 702 and the feature 760 being connected to the adapter 704 , in other examples, this configuration may be reversed such that the sensor 762 is connected to the adapter 704 and the feature 760 is connected to the fitting 702 .
- the senor 762 may be operably connected to and/or otherwise in communication with the controller 20 described above.
- the sensor 762 may be configured to determine, among other things, a distance between (e.g., a proximity) the distal end of the member 734 and the base 752 of the groove 728 .
- various cuffs 12 may include adapters 704 having grooves 728 of respective known heights H based on a desired application, desired intended use (e.g., child, adult, bariatric patient, elderly patient, etc.), and/or desired fitting 702 with which the particular cuff 12 should be used.
- a cuff 12 manufactured by an example first manufacturer may be tuned and/or otherwise designed to be used with fittings 702 manufactured by the same first manufacturer.
- the groove 728 of an adapter 704 connected to such an example cuff 12 may have a known height H that is saved in the memory 24 associated with the controller 20 .
- the sensor 762 may determine such a known height H and/or a corresponding known distance between (e.g., a proximity) the distal end of the member 734 and the base 752 of the groove 728 , and may send a signal including such information to the controller 20 .
- the controller 20 may compare such information to one or more known values corresponding to approved fittings 702 manufactured by the first manufacturer, and the controller 20 may identify a match based on such a comparison.
- the controller 20 may cause a flow control device 770 operably connected to the controller 20 to inflate and/or deflate the cuff 12 according to standard operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures.
- the senor 762 may determine a different height H and/or a different distance between the distal end of the member 734 and the base 752 of the groove 728 .
- the sensor 762 may send a signal including such information to the controller 20 , and the controller 20 may compare such information to one or more known values corresponding to approved fittings 702 manufactured by the first manufacturer, and the controller 20 may determine that no match exists based on such a comparison.
- the controller 20 may prohibit the flow control device 770 from inflating the cuff 12 or may cause the flow control device 770 to inflate and/or deflate the cuff 12 with significantly reduced (e.g., undesirably low) operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures.
- the sensor 762 and the feature 760 illustrated in FIG. 7 e may be useful in preventing the use of fittings 702 that do not match or correspond with a cuff having a particular adapter 704 .
- the sensor 762 and the feature 760 illustrated in FIG. 7 e may also be useful in preventing the use of cuffs 12 having adapters 704 that do not match or correspond with the particular fittings 702 .
- the height H described above, the width and/or inner diameter of the groove 728 , an outer diameter of the adapter 704 , and/or any other characteristics of the cuff 12 may be read, sensed, and/or otherwise determined by the sensor 762 , and such characteristics may be used to determine whether an age appropriate cuff 12 is being used.
- the sensor 762 may comprise an RFID reader, and in such examples, such characteristics may be read by the sensor 762 reading a corresponding RFID tag or other feature 760 disposed within the groove 728 .
- the controller 20 may determine (based on one or more signals from the sensor 762 ) that an age inappropriate cuff 12 is currently being used.
- Such signals may indicate that, for example, a sensed height H, width, and/or inner diameter of the groove 728 does not match a known height H, width, and/or inner diameter of a groove corresponding to an acceptable cuff (e.g., an adolescent cuff) for the particular patient.
- the controller 20 may prohibit the flow control device 770 from inflating the cuff 12 or may cause the flow control device 770 to inflate and/or deflate the cuff 12 with significantly reduced (e.g., undesirably low) operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures.
- the location of the groove 728 e.g., the radial distance between the longitudinal axis X and one or more sidewalls of the groove 728
- the location of the groove 728 may also be sensed by the sensor 762 in a similar manner, and such a location may also be used to determine whether the cuff 12 was manufactured by such a first manufacturer and/or whether the cuff 12 is appropriate for the age, demographics, or other characteristics of the patient.
- the fitting 702 and/or the adapter 704 may be made, at least in part, from a substantially transparent or substantially translucent urethane or other such polymer.
- the fitting 702 may be made from a substantially translucent urethane, and may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light sources operably connected to the controller 20 .
- the sensor 762 may be configured to determine whether a particular adapter 704 of a cuff matches or corresponds with a particular fitting 702 . If such an appropriate match is found, the one or more LEDs may be controlled by the controller 20 to generate a first visual response (e.g., lighting up green or some other color) indicative of the match. If such an appropriate match is not found, the one or more LEDs may be controlled by the controller 20 to generate a second visual response (e.g., lighting up red or some other color) indicative that such a match was not found.
- a first visual response e.g., lighting up green or some other color
- a second visual response
- the senor 762 and/or one or more additional sensors operably connected to the adapter 704 , the cuff 12 , and/or the fitting 702 may be configured to determine an inflation pressure of the cuff 21 , whether a leak is occurring, and/or other similar information.
- such sensors may provide one or more signals to the controller 20 indicating such information, and the controller 20 may control the one or more LEDs to provide a visual response (e.g., blink, remain on, illuminate a desired color, etc.) based at least in part on such information.
- the one or more LEDs may be used to indicate that the cuff 12 has been inflated to a pressure above a minimum pressure threshold, that the cuff 12 has been inflated to a pressure above a maximum pressure threshold, that the cuff 12 has a leak, that the cuff 12 has been left unattended for longer than a maximum time threshold, that an improper cuff 12 is being used, and/or other conditions.
- the controller 20 may control a valve (e.g., a poppet valve, solenoid valve, etc.) fluidly connected to the cuff 12 to at least partly open in order to decrease the inflation pressure of the cuff.
- the controller 12 may control the flow control device 770 to reduce the inflation pressure of the cuff 12 to a desired level.
- the ring 722 may be configured to mate with at least a portion of the member 734 to assist in, among other things, stabilizing the removable connection between the fitting 702 and the adapter 704 .
- a radially inner portion of the ring 722 may be removed to form a groove 728 .
- the groove 728 may include a base 752 having a length L and extending substantially perpendicularly from the inner wall 738 of the adapter 704 .
- the base 752 may extend radially outwardly from the inner wall 738 .
- the groove 728 may also include a radially outermost sidewall 754 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 752 .
- the sidewall 754 may extend axially from the base 752 to the top surface 726 of the ring 722 .
- the sidewall 754 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage a radially outermost surface of the member 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- Such engagement between the sidewall 754 and the radially outermost surface of the member 734 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to the adapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- a radially outer portion of the ring 722 may be removed.
- a groove formed in the ring 722 may include a base 752 extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the inner wall 738 of the adapter 704 .
- Such a groove may also include a radially innermost sidewall 756 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base 752 .
- the sidewall 756 may extend axially from the base 752 to the top surface 726 of the ring 722 , and the sidewall 756 may be disposed a radial distance L from the inner wall 738 .
- the sidewall 756 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage a radially innermost surface of the member 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- Such engagement between the sidewall 756 and the radially innermost surface of the member 734 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to the adapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to the adapter 704 .
- At least part of the adapter may be rotatable relative to the cuff 12 .
- such rotation may be about a rotational axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface 54 of the cuff.
- such rotation may be about a rotational axis that extends substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff.
- an example system 800 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 802 that is configured to be removably attached to a blood pressure cuff adapter 804 by movement of the fitting 802 in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 802 may also be configured to be detached from the adapter 804 by moving the fitting 802 in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff opposite the first direction.
- an adapter 804 may include one or more hinges configured to facilitate rotation of at least part of the adapter 804 , relative to the cuff 12 , while the fitting is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 802 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 804 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 802 , and/or of the adapter 804 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 802 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 602
- various components of the adapter 804 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the adapter 604
- the fitting 802 may include a substantially rigid body 806 , and one or more arms 808 a , 808 b extending from the body 806 .
- the first and second arms 808 a , 808 b may also include respective shelves 810 a , 810 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 808 a , 808 b .
- the arms 808 a , 808 b may be movably connected to the body 806 via a direct connection with the body 806 and/or via one or more posts (not shown) or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from the body 806 to the respective arms 808 a , 808 b .
- the first and second shelves 810 a , 810 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 808 a , 808 b .
- first and second shelves 810 a , 810 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 808 a , 808 b , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 804 in order to removably attach the fitting 802 to the adapter 804 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 806 , arms 808 a , 808 b , shelves 810 a , 810 b , and/or other components of the fitting 802 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the arms 808 a , 808 b and/or shelves 810 a , 810 b may be moveable relative to the body 806 when force is applied to respective grips 814 a , 814 b associated with the arms 808 a , 808 b .
- a healthcare practitioner may apply an inward force (e.g., in a direction toward the body 806 of the fitting 802 ) to one or both of the grips 814 a , 814 b .
- the application such an inward force to the grip 814 a may cause the arm 808 a to pivot relative to, for example, a first sidewall of the fitting 802 , thereby causing the shelf 810 a to move laterally away from the body 806 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 802 .
- the application such an inward force to the grip 814 b may cause the arm 608 b to pivot relative to, for example, a second sidewall of the fitting 802 opposite the first sidewall, thereby causing the shelf 810 b to move laterally away from the body 806 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 802 .
- Such movement of the shelves 810 a , 810 b may enable the fitting 802 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 804 when the fitting 802 is moved in a first direction of arrow 842 substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- such movement of the shelves 810 a , 810 b may enable the fitting 802 to be detached from the adapter 804 when the fitting 802 is moved in a second direction of arrow 844 opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the fitting 802 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 816 extending from the body 806 .
- the channel 816 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fitting 802 , and the longitudinal axis may extend substantially centrally through the channel 816 .
- the channel 816 may form an opening 818 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 802 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 802 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- the fitting 802 may further include a central fluid passage 819 extending at least partially through the body 806 .
- the channel 816 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 819 of the fitting 802 , and the longitudinal axis of the fitting 802 may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 819 .
- the opening 818 of the channel 816 may comprise an opening of the central passage 819 .
- the adapter 804 may include a substantially rigid body 820 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 820 may include a distal portion 821 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 820 may also include a proximal portion 836 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 836 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 . As shown in FIG.
- the body 820 may include a hinge 825 rotatably connecting the distal portion 821 to the proximal portion 836 .
- the hinge 825 may enable the distal portion 821 to be rotated about a rotational axis R of the hinge 825 and relative to the proximal portion 836 .
- the distal portion 821 may include a central longitudinal axis X and the proximal portion 836 may include a central longitudinal axis Y extending substantially perpendicular to, and coplanar with, the longitudinal axis X.
- the rotational axis R may extend substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the axes X and Y are disposed.
- the hinge 825 may enable the distal portion 821 to rotate, about the rotational axis R, in the clockwise direction of arrow 838 and in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 840 .
- the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through a section of the distal portion 821 formed, at least in part, by first, second, third, and fourth walls 846 , 848 , 850 , 852 of the distal portion 821 .
- the first wall 846 may extend substantially parallel to the second wall 848
- the third wall 850 may extend substantially parallel to the fourth wall 852 .
- the first, second, third, and fourth walls 846 , 848 , 850 , 852 may define at least part of a first central fluid passage 831 of the distal portion 821 .
- the proximal portion 836 may also include one or more walls similar to the first, second, third, and fourth walls 846 , 848 , 850 , 852 (e.g., a substantially cylindrical wall 854 ), and the longitudinal axis Y may extend substantially centrally through a section of the proximal portion 836 formed, at least in part, by the one or more walls of the proximal portion 836 .
- the one or more walls of the proximal portion 836 may define at least part of a central fluid passage 830 of the proximal portion 836 .
- the fluid passage 831 of the distal portion 821 may be fluidly connected to the fluid passage 830 of the proximal portion 836 via, for example, a central fluid passage 829 of the hinge 225 .
- the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially parallel to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 , and may extend substantially centrally through the central passage 831 .
- the longitudinal axis Y may extend substantially perpendicular to the top surface 54 of the cuff 12 , and may extend substantially centrally through the central passage 830 .
- the body 820 of the adapter 804 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 804 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 821 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 836 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of the body 820 having different rigidities, durability, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties.
- the distal portion 821 of the adapter 804 may include a ring 822 disposed at an open end of the distal portion 821 .
- the ring 822 may form an opening 823 of the central passage 831 , and the ring 822 may be formed, at least in part, by distal ends of the first, second, third, and fourth walls 846 , 848 , 850 , 852 .
- the ring 822 , and the opening 823 formed thereby, may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to allow at least part of the channel 816 to pass therethrough when the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- the channel 816 may pass through the ring 822 and/or the opening 823 , and at least part of the channel 816 may be disposed within the central passage 831 of the adapter 804 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- the system 800 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 828 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 802 and the adapter 804 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- At least one seal 828 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 834 of the fitting 802 or to a corresponding distal and/or other outer surface of the ring 822 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- the seal 828 may be connected to the ring 828 , and the seal 628 may engage the outer surface 834 of the fitting 802 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of the channel 816 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 802 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- the seal 828 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 834 of the fitting 802 , and may be configured to engage the distal and/or other outer surface of the ring 822 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the body 820 of the adapter 804 may also include a first ridge 824 a formed on an inner surface 826 of the wall 852 , and within the central passage 831 .
- the body 820 may also include a second ridge 824 b formed on an inner surface of the wall 850 opposite the inner surface 826 , and within the central passage 831 .
- the first ridge 824 a may be configured to mate with the first shelf 810 a of the fitting 802 , when the arm 808 a and/or the first shelf 810 a are disposed at least partly within the central passage 831 , to assist in retaining the fitting 802 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 802 to the adapter 804 .
- the second ridge 824 b may be configured to mate with the second shelf 810 b of the fitting 802 , when the arm 808 b and/or the second shelf 810 b are disposed at least partly within the central passage 831 , to assist in retaining the fitting 802 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 802 to the adapter 804 .
- at least part of the first ridge 824 a may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 826 of the wall 852
- at least part of the second ridge 824 b may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the wall 850 opposite the inner surface 826 . As shown in FIG.
- At least one of the ridges 824 a , 824 b may include corresponding camming surfaces extending at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) from the inner surfaces of the walls 850 , 852 to ends of the respective ridges 824 a , 824 b .
- Such camming surfaces may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured such that at least part of the arms 808 a , 808 b and/or other components of the fitting 802 may slide along the camming surfaces as the fitting 802 is removably attached to the adapter 804 .
- such camming surfaces may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 802 to the adapter 804 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates still another example system 900 of the present disclosure including a fitting 902 configured to facilitate transmission of pressurized air or other fluids to an adapter 920 fluidly connected to a blood pressure cuff 12 .
- the fitting 902 may include a distal end 904 configured to mate with the adapter 920 , and a proximal end 906 opposite the distal end 904 .
- the distal end 904 may include one or more shafts 908 , 910 configured to be inserted, at least in part, into corresponding openings formed by a distal end 922 of the adapter 920 .
- the first shaft 908 may comprise a barb-like connector or any other such fluid connector extending from an outer wall 930 of the fitting 902 .
- the first shaft 908 may include a distal opening 911 , and the opening 911 may comprise a distal opening of a central fluid passage 912 of the first shaft 908 .
- the second shaft 910 may include a distal opening 913 , and the opening 913 may comprise a distal opening of a central fluid passage 914 of the second shaft 910 .
- one or more sections of tubing 916 may be connected to the fitting 902 at the proximal end 906 .
- tubing 916 having first and second separate conduit sections 918 a , 918 b may be fluidly connected to the fitting 902 at the proximal end 906 .
- the fitting 902 may comprise separate respective fluid passages configured to transfer fluid received from the separate conduit sections 918 a , 918 b to the cuff 12 and/or to the adapter 920 .
- the adapter 920 may include a distal end 922 and a proximal end 924 opposite the distal end 922 .
- the fitting 902 may be removably attached to the adapter 920 by inserting at least part of the distal end 904 into corresponding opening(s) formed by the distal end 922 of the adapter 920 .
- the adapter 920 may include a female port or other like opening (not shown) at the distal end 922 configured to accept and/or otherwise mate with the male first shaft 908 .
- the adapter 920 may include a male shaft or other like member (not shown) at the distal end 922 configured to extend into the opening 913 and/or otherwise mate with the second shaft 910 .
- the outer wall 930 of the fitting 902 may abut a corresponding outer wall of the distal end 922 when the fitting 902 is removably attached to the adapter 920 .
- the adapter 920 may also include a top surface 926 and a bottom surface 928 opposite the top surface 926 . In such examples, the bottom surface 928 may mate with and/or may be otherwise connected to a corresponding surface of the cuff 12 .
- the adapter 920 may include one or more connection devices 932 operable to assist in removably attaching and detaching the fitting 902 from the adapter 920 .
- another example system 1000 or other environment may include a fitting 1002 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 1004 , and in such systems, the example fitting 1002 may include one or more arms or other connection devices configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- Such example systems may also include a groove and/or other structure configured to mate with an annular seal, and the interaction between the groove and the seal may assist in retaining the fitting 1002 removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1002 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 1004 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1002 , and/or of the adapter 1004 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 1002 may include a substantially rigid body 1006 , and a single arm 1008 extending from the body 1006 .
- the arm 1008 may also include a shelf 1010 formed at a distal end of the arm 1008 .
- the arm 1008 may be movably connected to the body 1006 via at least one stand 1012 extending from the body 1006 .
- the shelf 1010 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the arm 1008 .
- the shelf 1010 may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the arm 1008 , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of the adapter 1004 in order to removably attach the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- At least one of the body 1006 , stand 1012 , arm 1008 , shelf 1010 , and/or other components of the fitting 1002 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stand 1012 may provide for movement of the shelf 1010 relative to the body 1006 when force is applied to a grip 1014 associated with the stand 1012 .
- Such movement may enable the fitting 1002 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 1004 , and may also enable the fitting 1002 to be detached from the adapter 1004 .
- the fitting 1002 may include more than one arm, shelf, stand, grip, and/or other components.
- the fitting 1002 of FIG. 10 a may include a first arm 1008 a (not shown) and a second arm 1008 b , a first shelf 1010 a (not shown) and a second shelf 1010 b , a first stand 1012 a (not shown) and a second stand 112 b , a first grip 1014 a (not shown) and a second grip 1014 b , etc.
- the system 1000 may also include a seal, and a groove configured mate with the seal.
- Disposing the seal at least partially within the groove when removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 . Disposing the seal at least partially within the groove when removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 may also form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1002 and the adapter 1004 .
- the fitting 1002 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 1016 extending from the body 1006 .
- the channel 1016 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 1002 , and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through the channel 1016 .
- the channel 1016 may form an opening 1018 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 1002 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 1002 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the fitting 1002 may further include a central fluid passage 1019 extending at least partially through the body 1006 .
- the channel 1016 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 1019 , and the longitudinal axis Z ( FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 1019 .
- the opening 1018 of the channel 1016 may comprise an opening of the central passage 1019 .
- the adapter 1004 may include a substantially rigid body 1020 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 1020 may include a distal portion 1021 extending outwardly from the outer surface 54 of the cuff 12 .
- the body 1020 may also include a proximal portion 1036 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface 54 .
- a top surface 1040 of the proximal portion 1036 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 disposed opposite the outer surface 54 .
- the proximal portion 1036 may also include a bottom surface 1042 opposite the top surface 1040 and disposed substantially within, for example, an inflated portion of the cuff 12 .
- the body 1020 of the adapter 1004 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 1004 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 1021 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 1036 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the fitting 1002 may also be made from more than one material.
- one or more portions of the body 1006 may be made from a first material, and a seal, at least one stand 1012 , at least one arm 1008 , and/or other component of the fitting 1002 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the distal portion 1021 of the adapter 1004 may include an annular ring 1022 having a top surface 1026 and a ridge 1024 disposed opposite the top surface 1026 .
- the ridge 1024 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 1022 .
- at least part of the ridge 1024 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1022 may be configured to mate with the shelf 1010 of the fitting 1002 to assist in retaining the fitting 1002 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the adapter 1004 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall 1038 extending from the ridge 1024 to the top surface 1040 of the proximal portion 1036 . Such a sidewall 1038 may space the ridge 1024 from the top surface 1040 such that the shelf 1010 of the fitting 1002 may have room to mate with the ridge 1024 beneath the ring 1022 .
- the top surface 1026 of the ring 1022 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the top surface 1026 of the ring 1022 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 1020 from a distal end 1030 of the top surface 1026 to a proximal end 1032 of the top surface 1026 .
- the curved top surface 1026 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arm 1008 and/or other components of the fitting 1002 may slide as the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the system 1000 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 1028 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1002 and the adapter 1004 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- at least one seal 1028 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 or to one or more portions of an annular groove 1043 formed by the ring 1026 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. As shown in FIG.
- the seal 1028 may be connected to a portion of the outer surface 1034 , and in some examples, at least part of the seal 1028 may be recessed and/or otherwise disposed in a groove formed by the outer surface and substantially surrounding the channel 1016 .
- the seal 1028 may be embedded within and/or formed integrally with the body 1006 of the fitting 1002 .
- the seal 1028 may comprise a portion of the body 1006 configured to mate with the groove 1043 so as to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the groove 1043 and/or other portions of the adapter 1004 (e.g., with the ring 1022 ) when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the seal 1028 may be formed from a first material (e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer), and at least part of the body 1006 may be formed from a second material (e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material) different from the first material.
- a first material e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer
- a second material e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material
- the body 1006 shown in FIG. 10 a may be formed from a single material.
- at least the ring 1022 of the adapter 1004 may be formed from a first material (e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer), and the body 1006 may be formed from a second material (e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material) different from the first material.
- a first material e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer
- a second material e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material
- a portion of the body 1006 may be configured to mate with the groove 1043 so as to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the groove 1043 and/or other portions of the adapter 1004 (e.g., with the ring 1022 ) when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the groove 1043 may be formed, at least in part, by the top surface 1026 of the ring 1022 , and the groove 1043 may comprise a base 1046 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a sidewall 1048 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
- the sidewall 1048 may extend distally from the base 1046 to the distal end 1030 of the top surface 1026 .
- the adapter 1004 may include a substantially cylindrical inner wall 1044 having a proximal end 1052 at the bottom surface 1042 of the proximal portion 1036 , and a distal end 1050 at the base 1046 of the groove 1043 .
- the base 1046 may extend radially from the distal end 1050 of the inner wall 1044 to the sidewall 1048 .
- at least part (e.g., a base 1056 ) of the seal 1028 may be disposed within the groove 1043 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the seal 1028 is connected to the fitting 1002 (e.g., the embodiment of FIG.
- the base 1056 of the seal 1028 may mate with and/or otherwise contact at least part of the base 1046 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- a radially outermost sidewall 1058 of the seal 1028 may mate with and/or otherwise contact at least part of the sidewall 1048 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the base 1056 of the seal 1028 may be connected to the base 1046 of the groove 1043 .
- the seal 1028 may engage the outer surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 and/or an outer surface 1054 of the channel 1016 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1002 . Such engagement may also assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the flexible seal 1028 may have an inner diameter that is substantially equal to or nominally less than an outer diameter of the outer surface 1054 .
- the seal 1028 may apply a retention force to the outer surface 1054 in a radially inward direction when the channel 1016 is inserted within the adapter 1004 .
- a retention force may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the seal 1028 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 (as described above) and/or to the outer surface 1054 of the channel 1016 .
- a top portion of the seal 1028 may be connected to a groove formed by the outer surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 .
- at least part of a sidewall of the seal 1028 e.g., a radially inner sidewall of the seal 1028 shown in FIG. 10
- the seal 1028 may engage the sidewall 1048 and/or the base 1046 of the groove 1043 formed by the adapter 1004 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the adapter 1004 . Such engagement may also assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the flexible seal 1028 may have an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or nominally greater than a diameter of the groove 1043 formed by the sidewall 1048 . Accordingly, the seal 1028 may apply a retention force to the sidewall 1048 in a radially outward direction when the channel 1016 is inserted within the adapter 1004 . Such a retention force may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to the adapter 1004 .
- the seal 1028 may comprise a primary seal configured to mate with at least a portion of the fitting 1002 (e.g., the outer surface 1034 ), and the annular ring 1022 may comprise a secondary seal that is also configured to mate with at least a portion of the fitting 1002 (e.g., the outer surface 1054 of the channel 1016 and/or the outer surface 1034 .
- the seal 1028 and/or the ring 1022 may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to increase the stability of the removable connection between the adapter 1004 and the fitting 1002 .
- the body 1020 of the adapter 1004 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly in FIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by the wall 1044 of the body 1020 .
- the inner wall 1044 may define a central fluid passage of the adapter 1004 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to the cuff 12 via the fitting 1002 .
- the inner wall 1044 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that the inner wall 1044 may accept at least part of the channel 1016 therein.
- the channel 1016 may pass through the central opening of the inner wall 1044 , proximate the distal end 1030 of the top surface 1026 , when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to the adapter 1004 .
- the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of the adapter 1004 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall 1044 .
- still another example system 1100 or other environment may include a fitting 1102 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 1104 , and in such systems, the example fitting 1102 may be configured to mate with the adapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the cuff 12 to which the adapter 1104 is connected.
- Such example fittings 1102 may include a groove and/or other structure configured to assist in securing the fitting 1102 to the adapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1102 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 1104 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1102 , and/or of the adapter 1104 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 1102 may include a substantially rigid body 1106 , and the body 1106 may be substantially cylindrical and/or any other shape configured to assist in mating the fifing 1102 with the adapter 1104 .
- the body 1106 may include, for example, a pocket 1108 shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to accept at least part of the adapter 1104 therein and to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the adapter 1104 .
- the pocket 1108 may be formed, at least in part, by an inner sidewall 1110 of the body 1106 .
- the pocket 1108 may also be formed, at least in part, by a ceiling 1112 of the body 1106 extending substantially perpendicular to the inner sidewall 1110 .
- the pocket 1108 may include an opening at a distal end of the body 1106 configured to accept at least part of the adapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- the opening of the pocket 1108 may enable the fitting 1102 to be mated with the adapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the cuff 12 to which the adapter 1104 is connected.
- the body 1106 may also include an outer top surface 1114 opposite the ceiling 1112 , and an inner bottom surface 1116 opposite the top surface 1114 .
- the bottom surface 1116 may be disposed proximate and/or adjacent to the top surface of the cuff 12 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- the body 1106 may also include a substantially circumferential groove 1118 .
- the groove 1118 may comprise a channel or other like structure formed by the inner sidewall 1110 and extending at least partially circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis (not shown) of the fitting 1102 .
- the groove 1118 may include any width, height, depth, and/or other configuration/structure to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1102 with the adapter 1104 .
- the adapter 1104 may include a distal portion having a ring and a ridge, and in such embodiments the groove 1118 may be configured to accept at least part of the distal portion therein when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- the opening of the pocket 1108 may enable the fitting 1102 to be mated with the adapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the cuff 12
- the groove 1118 may be substantially annular and/or any other configuration so as to enable rotation of the fitting 1102 about the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- the adapter 1104 may include a substantially rigid body 1120 that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body 1120 may include a distal portion 1121 extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cuff 12 .
- the body 1120 may also include a proximal portion 1136 embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface of the cuff 12 .
- a top surface of the proximal portion 1136 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of the cuff 12 .
- the body 1120 of the adapter 1104 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42 .
- the adapter 1104 may be made from more than one such material.
- one or more components or other parts of the distal portion 1121 may be made from a first material
- one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 1136 may be made from a second material different from the first material.
- the distal portion 1121 of the adapter 1104 may include an annular ring 1122 having a top surface 1126 and a ridge 1124 disposed opposite the top surface 1126 .
- the ridge 1124 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 1122 .
- at least part of the ridge 1124 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1122 may be configured to mate with the groove 1118 of the fitting 1102 (e.g., a bottom surface, bottom wall, bottom flange, bottom shelf, etc.) to assist in retaining the fitting 1102 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1102 to the adapter 1104 .
- At least part of the ridge 1124 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1122 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body 1120 . Further, at least part of the ridge 1124 and/or at least part of the ring 1122 may be disposed substantially within the groove 1118 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 . Additionally, the adapter 1104 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall 1138 extending from the ridge 1124 to the top surface of the proximal portion 1136 .
- Such a sidewall 1138 may space the ridge 1124 from the top surface of the proximal portion 1136 such that the groove 1118 of the fitting 1102 may have room to mate with the ridge 1124 .
- at least part of the body 1106 e.g., the bottom surface 1116 ) may be disposed beneath the ring 1122 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- the top surface 1126 of the ring 1122 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1102 to the adapter 1104 .
- the top surface 1126 of the ring 1122 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of the body 1120 from a distal end of the top surface 1126 to a proximal end of the top surface 1126 .
- the system 1100 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 1128 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1102 and the adapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- at least one seal 1128 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface of the fitting 1102 or to one or more portions of an annular groove 1146 formed by the ring 1126 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- the groove 1146 may be formed, at least in part, by the top surface 1126 of the ring 1122 .
- the seal 1128 may be omitted.
- the adapter 1104 e.g., at least part of the top surface 1126 and/or other portions of the ring 1122
- the adapter 1104 may be made from a first material (e.g., an example urethane or other polymer) having a first durometer.
- the fitting 1102 may be made from a second material (e.g., an example polymer) having a second durometer that is relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material.
- the relatively lower durometer first material of the adapter 1104 may be configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal with the relatively higher durometer second material when the fitting 1102 is releasable connected to the adapter 1104 .
- the fitting 1102 may be made from the relatively lower durometer first material described above and the adapter 1104 may be made from the relatively higher durometer second material described above.
- the fitting 1102 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to be installed directly over the top of the adapter 1104 in order to form a removable connection therewith and/or to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith.
- the fitting 1102 e.g., the body 1106 of the fitting 1102
- the fitting 1102 may be substantially cylindrical, and may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the seal 1128 and/or with at least part of the ring 1122 when the fitting 1102 is removably connected to the adapter 1104 .
- the adapter 1104 may include a substantially cylindrical inner wall 1144 having a proximal end at a bottom surface of the proximal portion 1036 , and a distal end at the top surface 1126 of the ring 1122 .
- the inner wall 1144 may form a central opening 1160 of the adapter 1104 extending from the bottom surface of the proximal portion 1036 to the top surface 1126 of the ring 1122 .
- the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the central opening 1160 formed by the inner wall 1114 .
- the body 1106 may also include one or more channels 1150 a , 1150 b .
- such channels 1150 a , 1150 b may be formed, at least in part, by the ceiling 1112 and may extend into the ceiling 1112 at any desired depth.
- Each channel 1150 a , 1150 b may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage 1152 a , 1152 b of the body.
- each fluid passage 1152 a , 1152 b may be fluidly connected to a respective conduit section 32 a , 32 b of the tubing 30 .
- fluid delivered to the body 1106 by the conduit sections 32 a , 32 b may be passed to the channels 1150 a , 1150 b by the respective fluid passages 1152 a , 1152 b , and the channels 1150 a , 1150 b may pass such fluid to the central opening 1160 of the adapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to the adapter 1104 .
- yet another example system 1200 or other environment may include a fitting 1202 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 1104 , and in such systems, the example fitting 1102 may be configured to mate with the adapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis R defined by the adapter 1204 .
- the rotational axis R may comprise a central longitudinal axis of the adapter 1104
- the fitting 1202 may be configured to rotate about the rotational axis R when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to the adapter 1204 .
- the rotational axis R may extend substantially parallel to a top surface 54 of the cuff 12 to which the adapter 1204 is connected, and the fitting 1202 may have a range of motion about the rotational axis R equal to at least approximately 180 degrees.
- the fitting 1202 may be rotatable about the rotational axis R in the clockwise direction of arrow 1210 and in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 1212 .
- an example adapter 1204 may have one or more grooves, channels, pockets, and/or other structures configured to mate with at least part of the fitting 1202 , and such structures may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1202 to the adapter 1204 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1202 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 1204 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1202 , and/or of the adapter 1204 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 1202 may include a substantially rigid body 1206 , and the body 1206 may be substantially cylindrical and/or any other shape configured to assist in mating the fifing 1202 with the adapter 1204 .
- the body 1206 may include, for example, one or more pockets, extensions, tabs, pins, channels, and/or other structures (not shown) shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to mate with at least part of the adapter 1204 and to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the adapter 1204 .
- the adapter 1204 and/or the fitting 1202 may also include one or more seals (not shown) similar to one or more of the seals described above, to assist in forming such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the adapter 1204 may include a first portion 1208 a and a second portion 1208 b disposed opposite the first portion 1208 a on the top surface 54 .
- the body 1206 of the fitting 1202 may be positioned between the first and second portions 1208 a , 1208 b when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to the adapter 1204 .
- the first and second portions 1208 a , 1208 b may include respective fluid passages configured to direct fluid into the cuff 12 .
- a first fluid passage of the fitting 1202 may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage of the first portion 1208 a
- a second fluid passage of the fitting 1202 may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage of the second portion 1208 b when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to the adapter 1204 .
- a further example system 1300 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 1302 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 1304 .
- the example fitting 1302 may be removably attachable to such an adapter 1304 , and in such a system 1300 , the fitting 1302 may comprise a body 1306 having an upper section 1308 that is relatively flexible and/or malleable.
- the upper section 1308 may comprise a first portion 1310 a and a second portion 1310 b opposite the first portion 1310 a .
- At least one of the first and second portions 1310 a , 1310 b may be deformable to assist in securing the fitting 1302 to the adapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to the adapter 1302 .
- Such a malleable upper section 1308 may also form a substantially fluid-tight seal with at least part of the adapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to the adapter 1304 .
- one or more of the seals described above, such as the seal 1328 shown in FIGS. 13 a , 13 b may be omitted.
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1302 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 1304 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1302 , and/or of the adapter 1304 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- various components of the fitting 1302 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 502
- various components of the adapter 1304 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the adapter 504
- the body 1306 and/or other components of the fitting 1302 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the body 48 .
- the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the upper portion 1308 may enable at least one of the first portion 1310 a , or the second portion 1310 b to mate with a surface of the adapter 1304 .
- Such flexibility and/or malleability of the upper section 1308 may enable the fitting 1302 to be removably attached to the blood pressure cuff adapter 1304 .
- the fitting 1302 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other like channels 1316 extending from the body 1306 .
- the channel 1316 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis X of the fitting 1302 , and the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the channel 1316 .
- the channel 1316 may form an opening 1318 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into the cuff 12 via the fitting 1302 , and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 1302 with the cuff 12 , when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to the adapter 1304 .
- the fitting 1302 may further include a central fluid passage 1319 extending at least partially through the body 1306 .
- the channel 1316 may form at least part of the central fluid passage 1319 of the fitting 1302 , and the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through at least part of the central passage 1319 .
- the opening 1318 of the channel 1316 may comprise an opening of the central passage 1319 .
- the adapter 1304 may include a substantially rigid body that is at least partly connected to the cuff 12 .
- the body may include a distal portion having an annular ring 1322 .
- the ring 1322 may include a top surface 1326 and a ridge 1324 disposed opposite the top surface 1326 .
- the ridge 1324 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 1322 .
- At least part of the ridge 1324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1322 may be configured to mate with at least one of the first portion 1310 a or the second portion 1310 b of the fitting 1302 to assist in retaining the fitting 1302 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1302 to the adapter 1304 .
- at least part of the ridge 1324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1322 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
- the adapter 1304 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending proximally from the ridge.
- Such a sidewall may space the ridge 1324 from a proximal portion of the adapter 1304 such that a healthcare professional may mold and/or otherwise form at least one of the first portion 1310 a or the second portion 1310 b of the fitting 1302 to mate with the ridge 1324 beneath the ring 1322 .
- the system 1300 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 1328 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1302 and the adapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to the adapter 1304 .
- at least one seal 1328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface 1334 of the fitting 1302 or to the top surface 1326 of the ring 1322 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- at least part (e.g., a base) of the seal 1328 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by the top surface 1326 of the ring 1322 .
- the seal 1328 may engage the outer surface 1334 of the fitting 1302 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of the channel 1316 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1302 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to the adapter 1304 .
- the seal 13528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to the outer surface 1334 of the fitting 1302 , and may be configured to engage the top surface 1326 of the adapter 1304 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal.
- the seal 1328 may be omitted.
- another example system 1400 or other environment may include a fitting 1402 and/or a blood pressure cuff adapter 1404 , and in such systems, the example fitting 1402 may include one or more arms or other connection devices configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 .
- the example fitting 1402 may also include a groove and/or other structure configured to mate with at least part of a member of the fitting 1402 , and the interaction between the groove and the member of the fitting 1402 may assist in aligning and/or stabilizing the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1402 .
- any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in the adapter 1404 .
- one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1402 , and/or of the adapter 1404 may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure.
- the fitting 1402 may include a substantially rigid body 1406 .
- the fitting 1402 may also include one or more arms, shelfs, stands, grips, and/or other components.
- the fitting 1402 may include a first arm 1408 a (not shown) and a second arm 1408 b , a first shelf 1410 a (not shown) and a second shelf 1410 b , a first stand 1412 a (not shown) and a second stand 112 b , a first grip 1414 a (not shown) and a second grip 1414 b , etc.
- such components may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of the adapters 700 described above with respect to, for example, FIGS. 7 a -7 g .
- the arms 1408 a , 1408 b may include respective shelfs 1410 a , 1410 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 1408 a , 1408 b .
- the arms 1408 a , 1408 b may be movably connected to the body 1406 via respective stands 1412 a , 1412 b extending from the body 1406 .
- the shelves 1410 a , 1410 b may extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis X.
- the respective shelves 1410 a , 1410 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly relative to a central longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1410 , and such surfaces may be configured to mate with respective corresponding surfaces of the adapter 1404 in order to removably attach the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 as described above.
- surfaces e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.
- the system 1400 may include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals 1437 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1402 and the adapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such seals 1437 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the one or more seals 737 described above with respect to, for example, FIGS. 7 a -7 g .
- the fitting 1402 may include a central channel 1416 defining a central fluid passage of the fitting 1402 , and when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 , a substantially cylindrical outer wall 1440 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite the channel 1416 may be disposed along, adjacent, and/or at least partly in contact with a corresponding substantially cylindrical inner wall 1438 of the adapter 1404 .
- the at least one seal 1437 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, disposed adjacent to, and/or otherwise connected to the inner wall 1438 of the adapter 1404 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal.
- the seal 1437 may engage the outer wall 1440 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1402 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the adapter 1404 of the system 1400 may include a substantially rigid body that is at least partly connected to a cuff 12 .
- the body of the adapter 1404 may include a distal portion 1421 extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cuff 12 .
- the body of the adapter 1404 may also include a proximal portion embedded within the cuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface of the cuff 12 .
- the distal portion 1421 of the adapter 1404 may include an annular ring 1422 having a top surface 1426 and a ridge 1424 disposed opposite the top surface 1426 .
- the ridge 1424 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 1422 .
- at least part of the ridge 1424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 1422 may be configured to mate with the shelves 1410 a , 1410 b of the fitting 1402 to assist in retaining the fitting 1402 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 .
- the adapter 1404 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending proximally from the ridge 1424 . Such a sidewall may space the ridge 1424 from, for example, the top surface of the cuff 12 such that the shelves 1410 a , 1410 b of the fitting 1402 may have room to mate with the ridge 1424 beneath the ring 1422 .
- the system 1400 may include an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428 , and a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428
- a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the ring 1422 of the adapter 1404 may include a groove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept the member 1434 and/or other structural feature of the adapter 1402 . As shown in at least FIG.
- such a member 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward the cuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 ) from an outer surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing the top surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the member 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of the body 1406 protruding from the outer surface 1436 , and the member 1434 may be useful in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with the adapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 .
- the member 1434 may comprise one or more tabs, ribs, rings, ridges, flanges, and/or other structures extending distally from the outer surface 1436 , and having at least one surface that tapers radially inwardly from the outer surface 1436 toward the outer wall 1440 .
- the member 1434 may comprise at least one rib, tab, or other such structure including a radially outermost sidewall 1468 .
- the sidewall 1468 may extend from a proximal end of the member 1434 (e.g., proximate or at the outer surface 1436 ) to a distal end of the member 1434 , and the sidewall 1468 may taper radially inwardly from the proximal end of the member 1434 to the distal end of the member 1434 .
- the sidewall 1468 may be substantially planar, substantially concave, substantially convex, and/or any other shape or configuration, and such a configuration may match a configuration of a corresponding portion of the groove 1428 .
- the member 1434 may also include a base 1464 disposed at the distal end thereof, and the groove 1428 may include a base 1452 and a radially outermost sidewall 1454 extending proximally from the base 1452 .
- the sidewall 1454 may extend proximally from the base 1452 to the top surface 1426 of the ring 1422 .
- the sidewall 1454 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the radially outermost sidewall 1468 of the member 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the base 1452 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the base 1464 of the member 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement between the member 1434 and the groove 1428 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the member 1434 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and the adapter 1404 , while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 .
- the groove 1428 and the member 1434 may be positioned and/or otherwise configured such that disposing at least part of the member 1434 within the groove 1428 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 may cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 ( FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1404 .
- the sidewall 1468 of the member 1434 and the sidewall 1454 of the groove 1428 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X to facilitate such a mating relationship.
- the sidewall 1454 of the groove 1428 may be disposed at an acute included angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal axis X.
- the sidewall 1468 of the member 1434 may be disposed at a complimentary acute included angle A.
- FIG. 14 a With respect to an axis 1476 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
- the system 1400 may include an adapter 1404 in which the annular groove 1428 described above with respect to FIG. 14 a has been omitted.
- an example system 1400 may include a fitting 1402 and an adapter 1404 that are substantially similar to the fitting 1402 and adapter 1404 described above with respect to FIG. 14 a .
- the top surface 1426 of the ring 1422 may terminate at a substantially planar surface (e.g., a base 1452 ).
- the fitting 1402 may also include a corresponding substantially planar base 1456 configured to contact, engage, and/or otherwise mate with the base 1452 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the base 1456 of the fitting 702 may comprise a substantially planar, substantially annular surface extending radially away from the outer surface 1440 .
- the fitting 1402 may also include one or more additional sidewalls 1458 extending substantially parallel to the sidewall 1440 .
- the base 1456 may extend between the sidewall 1440 and the sidewall 1458 .
- the base 1456 may extend from the sidewall 1440 to the sidewall 1458 .
- the base 1452 of the adapter 704 may comprise a substantially planar annular surface, and the base 1456 may contact, engage, and/or otherwise mate with at least part of the base 1452 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the system 1400 may include an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428 , and a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428
- a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the adapter 1404 similar to the adapter 1404 described with respect to FIGS.
- the ring 1422 of the adapter 1404 may include a groove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept the member 1434 and/or other structural feature of the adapter 1402 . As shown in at least FIG.
- such a member 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward the cuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 ) from an outer surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing the top surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 . As described above with respect to FIG.
- the member 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of the body 1406 protruding from the outer surface 1436 , and the engagement between the member 1434 and the groove 1428 may assist in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with the adapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 . While FIG.
- FIG. 14 c illustrates the groove 1428 and the member 1434 being spaced radially from, for example, a radially innermost end 1430 of the top surface 1426
- the member 1434 , groove 1428 , ring 1422 , and/or other components of the fitting 1402 and/or of the adapter 1404 may be disposed and/or configured substantially as described above with respect to FIG. 7 f , 10 a , 14 a , and/or one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the groove 1428 and the member 1434 shown in FIG. 14 c may be configured substantially the same as the corresponding groove 728 and member 734 described above with respect to FIG. 7 f.
- the ring 1422 of the adapter 1404 may also include one or more surfaces, sections, and/or other modified portions 1474 configured to accept and/or otherwise engage with a corresponding additional member 1472 of the fitting 1402 .
- a modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may comprise an additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other portion of the ring 1422 that, relative to the ring 722 and/or the substantially convex top surface 726 shown in FIG. 7 a , has been omitted (e.g., via a molding process) or removed (e.g., via a mechanical or other removal process) from the ring 1422 .
- the additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may be substantially annular, may extend (at least partially) circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X, and/or may otherwise be configured similar to the groove 1428 to facilitate rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 .
- the modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may be formed and/or disposed between the groove 1428 and the radially innermost end 1430 of the top surface 1426 .
- the modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may be formed by and/or disposed on a portion of the ring 1422 radially outward of the groove 1428 .
- at least part of the modified portion 1474 may be formed and/or disposed between the groove 1428 and a radially outermost end of the top surface 1426 .
- the modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may comprise a substantially planar portion of the top surface 1426 .
- the modified portion 1474 of the ring 1422 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of the ring 1422 .
- at least a portion 1490 of the top surface 1426 may extend radially inwardly from the modified portion 1474 , and such a portion 1490 of the top surface 1426 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
- such a portion 1490 of the top surface 1426 may extend radially inward from a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially innermost end) of the modified portion 1474 to a radially outermost sidewall of the groove 1428 and/or to the radially innermost end 1430 of the top surface 1426 .
- the top surface 1426 may be substantially planar and may extend substantially linearly from a radially innermost end 1430 of the top surface 1426 to a radially outermost end 1432 of the top surface 1426 .
- the groove 1428 may be spaced radially from the radially innermost end 1430 by any desired distance.
- the groove 1428 and the member 1434 illustrated in at least FIG. 14 e may be omitted.
- the groove 1428 may include a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from the radially innermost end 1430 of the top surface 1426 by at least a portion 1488 of the top surface 1426 .
- the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modified portion 1474 may include a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially innermost end) disposed at a location on the top surface 1426 radially spaced from the groove 1428 (e.g., radially spaced from a radially outermost sidewall of the groove 1428 disposed opposite the radially innermost sidewall of the groove 1428 ).
- the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modified portion 1474 may include a second end 1486 (e.g., a radially outermost end) disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the top surface 1426 .
- the shape, size, location, orientation, and/or other configuration of the modified portion 1474 may match a configuration of the additional member 1472 of the fitting 1402 .
- the additional member 1472 of the fitting 1402 may comprise a substantially planar portion of the outer surface 1436 .
- the additional member 1472 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of the outer surface 1436 opposite and facing the modified portion 1474 .
- the additional member 1472 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the modified portion 1474 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement between the additional member 1472 and the modified portion 1474 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement may also provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and the adapter 1404 , while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement may also cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 ( FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1404 .
- the additional member 1472 and the modified portion 1474 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the portion of the top surface 1426 forming the modified portion 1474 may be disposed at an acute included angle ⁇ relative to an axis 1478 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
- the portion of the outer surface 1436 forming the additional member 1472 may be disposed at a complimentary acute included angle ⁇ relative to an axis 1476 that extends perpendicular to the axis 1478 and the longitudinal axis X.
- the additional member 1472 may include and/or comprise one or more pins, flanges, detents, and/or other extensions, and in such embodiments the portion of the top surface 1426 forming the modified portion 1474 may include one or more grooves, channels, dimples, indents, and/or other structures configured to accept such extensions.
- the groove 1428 may be formed by the fitting 1402 and the member 1434 may be formed by the adapter 1404 .
- the system 1400 may include an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428 , and a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the 14 d may include a groove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept the member 1434 and/or other structural feature of the adapter 1402 .
- the member 1434 and/or other components of the fitting 1402 shown in FIG. 14 d may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of the fitting 1402 described above with respect to FIG. 14 c
- the groove 1428 and/or other components of the adapter 1404 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of the adapter 1404 described above with respect to FIG. 14 c.
- the ring 1422 of the adapter 1404 may also include one or more surfaces, sections, and/or other modified portions 1480 configured to accept and/or otherwise engage with a corresponding additional member of the fitting 1402 .
- the fitting 1402 may include a first arm 1408 a (not shown) and a second arm 1408 b opposite the first arm 1408 a .
- a shelf 1410 a (not shown) and/or other radially inwardly facing surface or portion of the first arm 1408 a may form a first additional member 1482 a (not shown) of the fitting 1402
- a shelf 1410 b and/or other radially inwardly facing surface or portion of the second arm 1408 b may form a second additional member 1482 b of the fitting 1402
- the modified portion 1480 of the ring 1422 may be formed by and/or may comprise a surface and/or other portion of the ring 1422 disposed opposite the top surface 1426 and/or disposed on a radially outwardly facing portion of the ring 1422 .
- the modified portion 1480 may at least partly face the top surface of the cuff 12 .
- the modified portion 1480 of the ring 1422 shown in FIG. 14 d may comprise an additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other portion of the ring 1422 that, relative to the ring 722 and/or the substantially planar bottom surface or ridge 724 shown in FIG. 7 a , has been omitted (e.g., via a molding process) or removed (e.g., via a mechanical or other removal process) from the ring 1422 .
- the additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other modified portion 1480 of the ring 1422 shown in FIG. 14 d may be substantially annular, may extend (at least partially) circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X, and/or may otherwise be configured similar to the groove 1428 to facilitate rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 .
- the modified portion 1480 of the ring 1422 may comprise a substantially planar surface and/or other portion of the ring 1422 extending distally and radially inwardly between and/or from the top surface 1426 to the ridge 1424 .
- the modified portion 1480 of the ring 1422 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of the ring 1422 .
- the groove 1428 may include a radially innermost sidewall that is radially spaced from a radially innermost end (e.g., the radially innermost end 1430 described above with respect to FIG. 14 c ) of the top surface 1426 ) by a portion 1488 of the top surface 1426 .
- the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modified portion 1480 may include a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially outermost end) disposed proximate, adjacent, and/or at a radially outermost end of the top surface 1426 .
- the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modified portion 1480 may include a second end 1486 (e.g., a radially innermost end) disposed proximate, adjacent, and/or at a radially outermost end of the ridge 1424 .
- the first end 1484 of the modified portion 1480 may be radially spaced from a radially outermost sidewall of the groove 1428 by an additional portion 1490 of the top surface 1426 .
- the shape, size, location, orientation, and/or other configuration of the modified portion 1480 may match a configuration of the first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b of the fitting 1402 .
- the first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b may comprise substantially planar surfaces of the respective arms 1408 a , 1408 b .
- the first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b may comprise substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surfaces or portions of the respective arms 1408 a , 1408 b .
- first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement may also provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and the adapter 1404 , while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to the adapter 1404 .
- Such engagement may also cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 ( FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1404 .
- first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b and the modified portion 1474 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the portion of the ring 1422 forming the modified portion 1480 may be disposed at an acute included angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal axis X.
- the portions of the respective arms 1408 a , 1408 b forming the first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b may be disposed at respective complimentary acute included angles ⁇ relative to the longitudinal axis X and an axis 1476 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
- first and second additional members 1482 a , 1482 b may include and/or comprise one or more pins, flanges, detents, and/or other extensions, and in such embodiments the portion of the ring 1422 forming the modified portion 1480 may include one or more grooves, channels, dimples, indents, and/or other structures configured to accept such extensions.
- the system 1400 may include an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428 , and a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- an adapter 1404 having an annular groove 1428
- a fitting 1402 having one or more protruding members 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the adapter 1404 similar to the adapter 1404 described with respect to FIGS.
- the ring 1422 of the adapter 1404 may include a groove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept the member 1434 and/or other structural feature of the adapter 1402 . As shown in at least FIG.
- such a member 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward the cuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 ) from an outer surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing the top surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 . As described above with respect to FIG.
- the member 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of the body 1406 protruding from the outer surface 1436 , and the engagement between the member 1434 and the groove 1428 may assist in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with the adapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to the adapter 1404 .
- Example members 1434 of the present disclosure may have any shape, size, cross-sectional profile and/or other configuration to facilitate such functionality.
- FIG. 14 f illustrates an embodiment in which the member 1434 comprises a substantially V-shaped cross-section.
- the member 1434 may include a radially outermost sidewall 1466 and a radially innermost sidewall 1468 , and the radially outermost sidewall 1466 may extend at an acute included angle relative to the radially innermost sidewall 1468 .
- the configuration of the groove 1428 shown in FIG. 14 f may substantially match and/or otherwise correspond to the shape, size, cross-sectional profile, location, and/or other configuration of the member 1434 .
- the groove 1428 may include a radially innermost sidewall 1454 , and a radially outermost sidewall 1456 , and the radially innermost sidewall 1454 may extend at an acute included angle relative to the radially outermost sidewall 1456 .
- the radially innermost sidewall 1454 of the groove 1428 may extend substantially parallel to the radially innermost sidewall 1468 of the member 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- the radially outermost sidewall 1456 of the groove 1428 may extend substantially parallel to the radially outermost sidewall 1466 of the member 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- At least part of the member 1434 may contact and/or slidably engage the groove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404 .
- at least one of the sidewalls 1454 , 1456 of the groove 1428 and/or at least one of the sidewalls 1466 , 1468 of the member 1434 may be substantially planar, substantially curved, substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- A The blood pressure cuff adapter of clause A, wherein the top surface comprises a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis from a distal end of the top surface to a proximal end of the top surface, the groove being disposed between the distal end and the proximal end.
- C The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the member comprises one of a pin, a ring, and an arcuate ring segment extending substantially perpendicularly from an outer surface of the fitting.
- D The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises at least one detent configured to contact the member as the fitting is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the adapter.
- E The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the at least one detent being disposed on the base.
- F The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base having a trough and a peak, the peak being disposed axially closer to the top surface of the ring than the trough.
- G The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove includes a wall prohibiting 360 degree rotation of the fitting about the longitudinal axis when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- H The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, further comprising at least one of an RFID tag, a bar code, or a conductor disposed on a base of the grove.
- I The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base extending radially from the inner wall, and a sidewall extending from the base to the top surface of the ring, the top surface comprising a curved surface extending from the sidewall of the groove.
- J The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the top surface of the ring extends from the inner wall, and wherein the groove comprises a sidewall extending from the top surface to a base of the groove, the base extending radially from the sidewall to a radially outermost portion of the ring.
- K The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the member includes a first sidewall disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the groove includes a second sidewall disposed at the acute included angle, wherein the first sidewall slidably engages the second sidewall when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- L The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the top surface forms a modified portion of the ring disposed radially outward of the groove, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein an additional member of the fitting is configured to slidably engage the modified portion of the ring when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- M The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the modified portion of the ring includes an additional groove, and wherein the additional member of the fitting includes an additional member configured to engage the additional groove when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- N The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the ring includes a modified portion disposed between the top surface and the ridge, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein an additional member of the fitting is configured to slidably engage the modified portion of the ring when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
- the top surface comprises a substantially planar surface extending from a radially innermost end disposed proximate the inner wall to a radially outermost end, the groove is disposed between the radially innermost end and the radially outermost end, and the top surface extends at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, and the top surface forming a modified portion of the ring disposed radially outward of the groove, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is
- the distal portion of the body further including: a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from the ridge to a top surface of the proximal portion; and a feature disposed proximate the groove, the feature comprising at least one of a layer of reflective paint, a layer of reflective ink, an RFID tag, or a barcode.
- R The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein: the groove includes a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from a radially innermost end of the top surface; the substantially planar surface of the modified portion includes a first end disposed at a location on the top surface radially spaced from the groove; and the substantially planar surface includes a second end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the top surface.
- a blood pressure cuff adapter includes: a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface, a groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a modified portion disposed between the top surface and the ridge, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is a
- T The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein: the groove includes a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from a radially innermost end of the top surface; the substantially planar surface of the modified portion includes a first end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the top surface; and the substantially planar surface includes a second end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the ridge.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/580,679, filed Nov. 2, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This application is directed to medical equipment, and in particular, to connectors for use with medical equipment configured to determine hemodynamic parameters associated with a patient.
- Some non-invasive patient monitoring devices are configured to inflate a cuff to a pressure above a patient's systolic blood pressure in order to occlude arterial blood flow in the limb on which the cuff is disposed. Once above systole, the cuff can be deflated, and the systolic and diastolic pressures of the patient can be calculated based on measurements made during cuff deflation.
- In situations in which the patient's blood pressure and/or other hemodynamic parameters may be monitored over extended periods, it may be desirable to leave the cuff disposed about the patient's limb even when the cuff is not being used to obtain measurements. In such examples, it is common for the patient to be transferred between several different locations of the healthcare facility to receive care, and different cuff inflation devices or other patient monitoring system components may be connected to the cuff at each of the different locations in order to obtain hemodynamic parameter measurements at such locations. Accordingly, there is a need for reliable and universally compatible means for temporarily fluidly connecting the cuff with different patient monitoring systems disposed at various locations throughout the healthcare facility.
- The various example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward overcoming one or more of the deficiencies associated with known cuff connection devices.
- In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening formed at least in part by an inner wall of the body, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The adapter also includes a seal disposed on the top surface of the ring. The seal is configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
- In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body, the body having a distal portion having a first fluid passage, a first longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the first fluid passage, a second fluid passage, a second longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the second fluid passage, the first longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and a proximal portion fluidly connected to the distal portion. The distal portion includes a ring forming an opening of the distal portion about the first longitudinal axis, the opening configured to accept at least part of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter. The distal portion also includes a ridge formed on a side surface of the distal portion. The distal portion further includes a seal disposed on the ring, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of the fitting.
- In a further example embodiment of the present disclosure, a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter. The distal portion also includes a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The adapter further includes a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting.
- In another example embodiment, a blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The adapter also includes an annular groove formed by the top surface of the ring, the groove configured to mate with a seal of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.
-
FIG. 1 includes a partial schematic illustration of a patient monitoring system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 4a is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 6a is a top view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 6b is cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown inFIG. 6 a. -
FIG. 7a is cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 7b is a top view of the example blood pressure cuff adapter shown inFIG. 7 a. -
FIG. 7c is a top view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter. -
FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and a partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting. -
FIG. 7e is a partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter. -
FIG. 7f is another partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter. -
FIG. 7g is a further partial cross-sectional view of an example fitting removably attached to an example blood pressure cuff adapter. -
FIG. 8a is a top view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 8b is cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown inFIG. 8 a. -
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 10a is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an isometric view of another example fitting configured to mate with the adapter. -
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 13b is another cross-sectional view of the blood pressure cuff adapter and fitting shown inFIG. 13 a. -
FIG. 14a is a partial cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 14b is a partial cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 14c is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 14d is a partial cross-sectional view of another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 14e is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 14f is a partial cross-sectional view of a further example blood pressure cuff adapter and an example fitting removably attached to the adapter. -
FIG. 1 illustrates apatient monitoring system 100, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Thesystem 100 can be configured to monitor a patient, and in some embodiments, to determine a hemodynamic parameter of the patient. As used herein, the term “hemodynamic parameter” can include an indication of cardiac or vascular health, such as, for example, an indication of cardiac, circulatory, or vascular functionality. Specifically, a hemodynamic parameter can include a heart rate, a blood pressure, a vessel compliance, a saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in arterial blood (i.e., an SpO2 measurement), an aortic index, an augmentation index, reflected wave ratio, or an indication of treatment. Blood pressure can include systolic, suprasystolic, diastolic, or mean atrial pressure. It is understood that such blood pressures may be represented as a systolic blood pressure over a diastolic blood pressure, and that a mean or average blood pressure may be represented as an average systolic blood pressure over an average diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, an indication of treatment can include a parameter reflecting the affect of a drug treatment, or one or more treatments of a disease state. - The
system 100 can include acuff 12 configured to at least to partially occlude the movement of blood through ablood vessel 10 of a patient 14 such as an artery, vein, or the like. In some embodiments, thecuff 12 can be configured to completely occlude an artery ofpatient 14. In any of the embodiments described herein, however, thesystem 100 may be tuned and/or otherwise configured to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters of thepatient 14, such as a blood pressure of thepatient 14, without completely occluding theblood vessel 10. In such embodiments, thesystem 100, and/or components thereof, may determine the blood pressure of the patient 14 before thecuff 12 is inflated to a pressure associated with complete occlusion of theblood vessel 10 and/or before a systolic blood pressure of thepatient 14 is reached. Although shown inFIG. 1 surrounding anarm 22 of thepatient 14, thecuff 12 may be adapted for placement on (i.e., around) any suitable body part ofpatient 14, including, for example, a wrist, a finger, an upper thigh, an ankle, or any other like limb or body part. In addition, one ormore cuffs 12 could be placed at different locations about thepatient 14 for use with thesystem 100. - The
cuff 12 can include one or more bladders or other like inflatable devices, and the pressure or volume within thecuff 12 may be controlled by any known inflation device (not shown). Such inflation devices can include a pump or similar device configured to controllably inflate and/or deflate the inflatable device of thecuff 12. For example, such inflation devices could supply thecuff 12 with a fluid to increase the pressure or volume of thecuff 12. In other embodiments, one or more inflation devices could include mechanical, electrical, or chemical devices configured to occlusion of theblood vessel 10 via thecuff 12. Such inflation devices may comprise a component of thesystem 100 and may be included within and/or operably connected to, for example, acontroller 20 of thesystem 100. In some embodiments, such inflation devices can inflate thecuff 12 to or towards a target inflation pressure, and may be configured to generally maintain thecuff 12 at any desired inflation pressure for a desired period of time. In some embodiments, the target inflation pressure may be less than or equal to the systolic pressure of thepatient 14. Alternatively, in further embodiments the target pressure may be greater than the systolic pressure of thepatient 14. In example embodiments, thesystem 100 may determine the blood pressure of thepatient 14 without inflating the cuff to the systolic pressure. Accordingly, even in embodiments in which algorithms, controllers, and/or other components of thesystem 100 employ a target inflation pressure that is equal to or greater than the systolic pressure, thesystem 100 may discontinue inflation of thecuff 12 at an inflation pressure less than such a target inflation pressure. Although such embodiments may use a target inflation pressure equal to or greater than the systolic pressure, discontinuing inflation of thecuff 100 at a pressure below such a target inflation pressure may avoid patient discomfort during blood pressure determination. - The
system 100 can further include asensor 18 configured to receive a signal associated with thepatient 14. In some embodiments, thesensor 18 can be configured to receive a signal associated with an at least partiallyoccluded vessel 10 of thepatient 14. Such an input signal can arise from blood movement through the partially occludedvessel 10 or from a signal associated with anoccluded blood vessel 10. Thesensor 18 could sample multiple times at various intervals. In yet other embodiments, thesensor 18 could provide an indication of blood vessel movement, such as, for example, oscillations arising from vascular expansion or contraction. For example, thesensor 18 could be configured to detect a pressure or volume ofcuff 12 that may vary periodically with the cyclic expansion and contraction of theblood vessel 10 of thepatient 14. In particular, thesensor 18 could determine a blood pressure, various pulses of blood through theblood vessel 10, an oxygen saturation of the blood, or any other hemodynamic parameter associated with the patient 14 using an auscultation, oscillometric, or other known measurement method. - In some embodiments, the
sensor 18 could detect a volume or a pressure associated withcuff 12. For example, thesensor 18 could include a pressure transducer or other like pressure sensor, and may be located within, on, or about thecuff 12 or other parts of thesystem 100. In such embodiments, thesensor 18 may be configured to sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise “determine” one or more blood pressure pulses associated with thepatient 14. Each blood pressure “pulse” may be indicative of, for example, the movement of blood through theblood vessel 10 by the heart of the patient 14 during systole, and the number of such pulses per minute may comprise the heart rate of thepatient 14. - The
controller 20 may comprise and/or otherwise include one or more processors, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers, and/or other like components configured to control one or more operations of thecuff 12, the cuff inflation devices, thesensor 18, and/or other components of thesystem 100 connected to thecontroller 20. For example, thecontroller 20 can control inflation and/or deflation of thecuff 12 via control of the inflation devices described above. - In some embodiments, the
controller 20 can sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise determine a blood pressure of the patient 14 based on one or more of the hemodynamic parameters determined by thesensor 18. This determination may be based on one or more output signals received fromsensor 18, as described above. In some embodiments, thecontroller 20 may also include one or more sensors, similar to thesensor 18, configured to sense, measure, detect, monitor, calculate, and/or otherwise determine one or more blood pressure pulses associated with thepatient 14, a pressure or volume ofcuff 12, and/or any of the other hemodynamic parameters described herein. Thecontroller 20 may also control inflation of cuff 12 (via one or more of the inflation devices described herein) toward a target inflation pressure, or generally maintaining inflation ofcuff 12 at about the target pressure. Such a target inflation pressure may be a pressure that is greater than, equal to, or less than, for example, a systolic pressure of thepatient 14 and/or the mean arterial pressure of the patient. For example, as noted above, thesystem 100 may determine the blood pressure of thepatient 14 without inflating the cuff to the systolic pressure. Accordingly, even in embodiments in which thecontroller 20 employs a target inflation pressure that is equal to or greater than the systolic pressure for purposes of cuff inflation, algorithms of thecontroller 20 may discontinue inflation of thecuff 12 at an inflation pressure less than such a target inflation pressure. Despite the use of such example target inflation pressures, thecontroller 20 may determine the blood pressure of thepatient 14 without completely occluding theblood vessel 10. - Although not shown in
FIG. 1 , in additional example embodiments, thesystem 100 can optionally include a signal analysis module. For example, the signal analysis module may be configured to analyze one or more signals received from thesensor 18 using one or more processors of thecontroller 20. For example, the signal analysis module can include one or more filters configured to filter a signal associated with thesensor 18 or thecontroller 20. Such filters can include band-pass, high-pass, or low-pass filters. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thesystem 100 may also include amemory 24 operably connected to thecontroller 20. Thememory 24 may include, for example, a hard drive, a thumb drive, and/or any other like fixed or removable storage device known in the art.Such memory 24 may comprise random access memory, read-only memory, transient memory, non-transient memory, and/or any other like information storage means. In such embodiments, thememory 24 may be configured to store signals, data, values, curves, thresholds, and/or any other like information received from thesensor 18. Thememory 24 may also be configured to store signals, data, values, thresholds, curves, and/or any other like information determined by thecontroller 20 during the various operations described herein. For example, thememory 24 may be configured to store one or more pressure pulses, pulse profiles, pulse heights, pulse curves, target inflation pressures, pressure thresholds, and/or other like information. Additionally, thememory 24 may be configured to store one or more algorithms, protocols and/or other like programs associated with calculating and/or otherwise determining the blood pressure of thepatient 14. Additionally, thememory 24 may be configured to store one or more sets of values corresponding to points on one or more pulse curves. Such information may be recalled and/or otherwise utilized by thecontroller 20 during one or more blood pressure determination methods described herein. - The
system 100 can further include auser interface 16 configured to provide communication to the patient 14 or one or more operators. For example, theuser interface 16 could include a display configured to communicate and/or otherwise output one or more hemodynamic parameters. Theuser interface 16 may further include one or more speakers or other like audio devices configured to communicate and/or otherwise output information to thepatient 14 and/or a user operator of thesystem 100. In further embodiments, thesystem 100 may include one or more transmitters, network devices, routers, Bluetooth® devices, WiFi® devices, radio devices, and/or other likecommunication device 26 configured to transmit data to a remote location and/or to a remote device. In such embodiments, thecommunication device 26 may enable the transmission of information to or from thecontroller 20. It is understood, thatsuch communication devices 26 may facilitate the transmission of such information via wired or wireless means. For example, in any of the embodiments described herein, one or more components of thesystem 100, such as thecontroller 20, may be disposed remote from a remainder of the components of thesystem 100. In such embodiments, for example, thecontroller 20 may be disposed in a different location of a healthcare facility than thecuff 12,user interface 16, or other components of thesystem 100. Alternatively, in further embodiments, thecontroller 20 may be in a first healthcare facility and a remainder of the components of thesystem 100 may be located in a second healthcare facility different from the first facility. In such embodiments, the various components of thesystem 100 may be in communication and/or otherwise operably connected via thecommunication devices 26 described herein. - In addition to the components outlined above, the
system 100 may include various other component, such as, for example, a power source and/or a user input device. One or more components described herein may be combined or may be separate independent components of the system. Moreover, the various components of thesystem 100 could be integrated into a single processing unit or may operate as separate processors. In operation, one or more processors can be configured to operate in conjunction with one or more software programs to provide the functionality of thesystem 100. For example, one or more of the components described above with respect to thesystem 100 may include one or more hardware components and/or one or more software components configured to control operation of such components and/or of thesystem 100. - The
system 100 of the present disclosure may also include one or more components configured to fluidly connect thecuff 12 with thecontroller 20, and in particular, with one or more inflation devices operably connected to thecontroller 20. For example, thecontroller 20 may include first and second connectors 28 a, 28 b fluidly coupled to one or more of the inflation devices described herein. The first and second connectors 28 a, 28 b may comprise male barbs or other like connectors defining a respective lumen through which pressurized air or other fluids may pass from the inflation devices totubing 30 fluidly connected to the one or more connectors 28 a, 28 b. For example, thetubing 30 may comprise dual-lumen tubing having first and second connected conduit sections 32 a, 32 b sharing a substantially smooth integrated outer surface. In such embodiments, an orifice 34 a of the first section 32 a at aproximal end 36 of thetubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first connector 28 a. Similarly, an orifice 34 b of the second section 32 b at theproximal end 36 of thetubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second connector 28 b. Alternatively, in other embodiments, thetubing 30 may comprise single-lumen tubing, and a first section of the single-lumen tubing may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first connector 28 a while a second section of the single-lumen tubing 30 may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second connector 28 b. For ease of discussion, thetubing 30 shall be described herein as dual-lumen tubing unless otherwise noted. In any of the embodiments described herein, thetubing 30 may comprise a flexible, durable, medically approved material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and thetubing 30 may be made from processes including extrusion molding. - The first section 32 a of the
tubing 30 may also include an orifice 38 a at adistal end 40 of thetubing 30, and the second section 32 b may include a similar orifice 38 b at thedistal end 40. The orifices 38 a, 38 b may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with a fitting 42 of the present disclosure. As will be described in greater detail below, the fitting 42 may have various different configurations, and any of the fittings described herein may be employed by thesystem 100 in order to assist in fluidly connecting thecuff 12 with thecontroller 20 and/or other components of thesystem 100. In some examples, the fitting 42 may comprise a dual-shaft connector (e.g., a connector having two shafts configured to mate with dual lumen tubing 30), while in other examples, the fitting 42 may comprise a single-shaft connector. For ease of discussion, the fitting 42 shall be described herein as dual-shaft connector unless otherwise noted. - The fitting 42 may include, for example, first and second shafts 44 a, 44 b, and a proximal end portion of the first shaft 44 a may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the first section 32 a of the
tubing 30, while a proximal end portion of the second shaft 44 b may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight connection with the second section 32 b of thetubing 30. In particular, a barb or other like connector may be formed at proximal end portions of the first and second shafts 44 a, 44 b, and such barbs may be inserted into the respective orifices 38 a, 38 b of thetubing 30 to form such a substantially fluid-tight connection between the fitting 42 and thetubing 30. In some examples, the barbs formed at each of the proximal end portions may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the first and second connectors 28 a, 28 b described above. The first and second shafts 44 a, 44 b may define respective lumens passing therethrough and configured to fluidly connect, thetubing 30 with, for example, thecuff 12 via one ormore adapters 50 of thecuff 12. For example, as will be described in greater detail below, the fitting 42 may be removably attachable to a correspondingadapter 50 of thecuff 12, and a substantially fluid tight seal may be formed between the fitting 42 and such anadapter 50 when the fitting 50 is removably attached to the adapter. The fitting 42 may include one or more grips 46 a, 46 b connected to abody 48 of the fitting 42, and such grips 46 a, 46 b may be configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 42 to theadapter 50. It is understood that when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 50, the fitting 42 may be fluidly connected to theadapter 50 and/or to thecuff 12. Thus, when the fitting 42 is removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 50, the fitting 42 may be configured to direct pressurized air or other fluids to thecuff 12, via theadapter 50, to assist in at least partially inflating thecuff 12. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the example fitting 42 and the example bloodpressure cuff adapter 50 ofFIG. 1 in greater detail. As shown inFIG. 2 , in anexample system 100 or other environment, the grips 46 a, 46 b of the fitting 42 may extend from thebody 48, and at least part of the fitting 42 coupling the grips 46 a, 46 b to thebody 48 may be relatively flexible. For example, thebody 48 may be made from a first substantially rigid material, and such a material may include, for example, one or more metals, alloys, plastics, polymers, or other materials. Such materials may include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or other medically approved materials. In such examples, the grips 46 a, 46 b may be connected to thebody 48 via respective first and second stands 66 a, 66 b extending from thebody 48. In some examples, the stands 66 a, 66 b may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48, while in other examples, one or more of the stands 66 a, 66 b may be made from a material that is relatively more flexible than the material used to form thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 66 a, 66 b may provide for movement of the respective grips 46 a, 46 b relative to thebody 48 when force is applied to the respective grips 46 a, 46 b by a user of the fitting 42. Such movement may enable the fitting 42 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 50, and may also enable the fitting 42 to be detached from theadapter 50. For example, the fitting 42 may include one or more arms 62 a, 62 b extending from a respective grip 46 a, 46 b and/or from a respective stand 66 a, 66 b. In such examples, a first arm 62 a may extend substantially perpendicularly from the first grip 46 a, and a second arm 62 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the second grip 46 b. The first and second arms 62 a, 62 b may include respective first and second shelves 64 a, 64 b extending substantially parallel to the respective grips 46 a, 46 b. As can be seen fromFIG. 2 , the first and second shelves 64 a, 64 b may also extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 62 a, 62 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 64 a, 64 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 62 a, 62 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 50 in order to removably attach the fitting 42 to the adapter. The fitting 42 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or otherlike channels 68 extending from thebody 48. In some examples, such as the example shown inFIG. 2 , thechannel 68 may extend substantially along a longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 42, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 68. As will be described in further detail below, in some examples, thechannel 68 may form at least part of a central fluid passage extending through at least part of the fitting 42. Thechannel 68 may also form anopening 70 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 42 (e.g., via the central passage of the fitting 42), and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 42 with thecuff 12 when the fitting 42 is removably attached to theadapter 50. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , in some examples theadapter 50 may include a substantiallyrigid body 52 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 52 may include a distal portion extending outwardly from a top orouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 52 may also include a proximal portion embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, the proximal portion of thebody 52 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Alternatively, in any of the example embodiments described herein theadapter 50 may be fluidly connected to thecuff 12 via one or more lengths oftubing 30 and/or other components of thesystem 100. For instance, in such examples a length oftubing 30 may be fluidly connected to an internal bladder and/or other inflatable portion of thecuff 12, and the length oftubing 30 may extend outwardly from the bladder and/or other inflatable portion by any desired distance (e.g., one foot, 18 inches, two feet, etc.). In such examples, theadapter 50 may be fluidly, removably, permanently, and/or otherwise connected to an end of thetubing 30 opposite thecuff 12, and theadapter 50 may be configured to facilitate a removable and/or releasable connection with the fitting 42 at a location spaced from thecuff 12. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , thebody 54 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 50 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of the distal portion may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion may be made from a second material different from the first material. In such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 52 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. For example, a ridge 58 or other part of thebody 52 mating with the shelves 64 a, 64 b of the fitting 42 may be made from a first relatively rigid material to assist in securely removably attaching the fitting 42 to theadapter 50. In such examples, at least part of a ring 56 (e.g., a top surface and/or an inner wall of the ring 56) or other part of thebody 52 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with a corresponding surface of the fitting 42 may be made from a second relatively flexible material different from the first material to assist in forming such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - In any of the examples described herein, the
body 52 of theadapter 50 may also include a central opening 60 at least partially formed by an inner wall 59 of thebody 52. For example, the inner wall 59 may comprise a substantially cylindrical inner wall, and the inner wall 59 may define a central fluid passage of theadapter 50 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to thecuff 12 via the fitting 42. In such examples, the inner wall 59 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that the inner wall 59 may accept at least part of thechannel 68 therein. For example, a substantially cylindrical inner wall 59 may define a substantially circular opening 60 through which at least part of thechannel 68 may pass when the fitting 42 is removably attached to theadapter 50. In this way, at least part of thechannel 68 may extend into and/or may otherwise be disposed within the inner wall 59, via the opening, when the fitting 42 is removably attached to theadapter 50. In any of the examples described herein, thebody 52 may further include a longitudinal axis X, and in such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the opening 60 and/or through the substantially cylindrical inner wall 59. As will be described in greater detail below, in any of the examples described herein the ring 56 formed by thebody 52 may comprise a substantially annular ring, flange, and/or other portion of theadapter 50, and the ring 56 may include a top surface disposed opposite the proximal portion of thebody 52. In such examples, the ridge 58 may be disposed opposite the top surface of the ring 56 an, in some examples, the ridge 58 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of the ring 56. At least part of the ridge 58 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 56 may be configured to mate with the shelves 64 a, 64 b of the fitting 42 to assist in retaining the fitting 42 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 42 to theadapter 50. In some examples, at least part of the ridge 58 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of the ring 56 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of thebody 52. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , anexample system 300 or other environment may include a fitting 302 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 304, and in such systems, the example fitting 302 may be removably attachable to such anadapter 304. The fitting 302 and/or theadapter 304 may include various structures and/or other components configured to assist in forming such a removable connection, and one or more such components may also assist in forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 302 and theadapter 304 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the fitting 42 described herein with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 may be included in the fitting 302 and/or in any of the other example fittings described herein. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of theadapter 50 described herein with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 may be included in theadapter 304 and/or in any of the other example blood pressure cuff adapters described herein. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 302, and/or of theadapter 304, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 300, the fitting 302 may include a substantiallyrigid body 306, and one or more arms 308 a, 308 b extending from thebody 306. The first and second arms 308 a, 308 b may also include respective shelves 310 a, 310 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 308 a, 308 b. At least one of the arms 308 a, 308 b and/or at least one of the shelves 310 a, 310 b may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the arms 62 a, 62 b and/or the shelves 64 a, 64 b described above. For example, the arm 308 b may be movably connected to thebody 306 via at least onestand 312 extending from thebody 306. As can be seen fromFIG. 3 , the first and second shelves 310 a, 310 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 308 a, 308 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 310 a, 310 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 308 a, 308 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 304 in order to removably attach the fitting 302 to theadapter 304. - At least one of the
body 306, stands 312, arms 308 a, 308 b, shelves 310 a, 310 b, and/or other components of the fitting 302 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of thestand 312 may provide for movement of the corresponding shelf 310 b relative to thebody 306 when force is applied to agrip 314 associated with thestand 312. Such movement may enable the fitting 302 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 304, and may also enable the fitting 302 to be detached from theadapter 304. For example, in thesystem 300 the arm 308 a and/or the shelf 310 a may remain substantially stationary relative to thebody 306 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to and/or detached from the bloodpressure cuff adapter 304. - The fitting 302 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 316 extending from thebody 306. In some examples, thechannel 316 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 302, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 316. Thechannel 316 may form anopening 318 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 302, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 302 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. The fitting 302 may further include acentral fluid passage 319 extending at least partially through thebody 306. For example, thechannel 316 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 319, and the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 319. In such examples, theopening 318 of thechannel 316 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 319. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 304 may include a substantiallyrigid body 320 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 320 may include adistal portion 321 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 320 may also include aproximal portion 336 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, atop surface 340 of theproximal portion 336 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Thebody 320 of theadapter 304 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 304 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 321 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 336 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 320 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 321 of theadapter 304 may include anannular ring 322 having atop surface 326 and aridge 324 disposed opposite thetop surface 326. Theridge 324 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 322. In such examples, at least part of theridge 324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 322 may be configured to mate with the shelves 310 a, 310 b of the fitting 302 to assist in retaining the fitting 302 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 302 to theadapter 304. In some examples, at least part of theridge 324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 322 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of thebody 320. Additionally, theadapter 304 may include a substantiallycylindrical sidewall 338 extending from theridge 324 to thetop surface 340 of theproximal portion 336. Such asidewall 338 may space theridge 324 from thetop surface 340 such that the shelves 310 a, 310 b of the fitting 302 may have room to mate with theridge 324 beneath thering 322. - The
top surface 326 of thering 322 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 302 to theadapter 304. In some examples, thetop surface 326 of thering 322 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 320 from a distal end (e.g., a radially innermost end) 330 of thetop surface 326 to a proximal end (e.g., a radially outermost end) 332 of thetop surface 326. In such examples, the curvedtop surface 326 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arm 308 b and/or other components of the fitting 302 may slide as the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. - The
system 300 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 328 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 302 and theadapter 304 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. For example, in any of the example embodiments described herein, at least oneseal 328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 334 of the fitting 302 or to thetop surface 326 of thering 326 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 300 ofFIG. 3 , at least part (e.g., a base) of theseal 328 may be disposed within anannular groove 346 formed by thetop surface 326 of thering 322. In such examples, theseal 328 may engage theouter surface 334 of the fitting 302 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 302 when the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. Alternatively, in any of the example embodiments described herein, theseal 328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 334 of the fitting 302, and may be configured to engage thetop surface 326 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. In example embodiments in which theseal 328 is formed integrally with theadapter 304, theseal 328 may comprise, for example, a relatively flexible and/or a relatively thin portion of thering 322. Alternatively, in example embodiments in which theseal 328 is formed integrally with the fitting 302, theseal 328 may comprise a relatively flexible and/or a relatively thin portion of theouter surface 334. In still further example embodiments, theseal 328 may be separable from (e.g., removably attached to) either the fitting 302 or theadapter 304. In such examples, theseal 328 may be press fit within, dove-tailed within, and/or otherwise at least partly disposed within agroove 346, channel, and/or other structure formed by either the fitting 302 or theadapter 304 to facilitate such removable attachment thereto. - Further, the
body 320 of theadapter 304 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly inFIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by aninner wall 344 of thebody 320. For example, theinner wall 344 of thebody 320 may comprise a substantially cylindrical inner wall, and theinner wall 344 may define a central fluid passage of theadapter 304 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to thecuff 12 via thefitting 302. In such examples, theinner wall 344 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that theinner wall 344 may accept at least part of thechannel 316 therein. For example, at least part of thechannel 316 may pass through the central opening of theinner wall 344, proximate thedistal end 330 of thetop surface 326, when the fitting 302 is removably attached to theadapter 304. Theinner wall 344 may extend from thedistal end 330 of thetop surface 326 to abottom surface 342 of thebody 320 formed by theproximal portion 326. In any of the examples described herein, thebody 320 may further include a longitudinal axis X, and in such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of theadapter 304 formed by the substantially cylindricalinner wall 344. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 4 a, anexample system 400 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 402 that is substantially similar to the fitting 302, and/or may include a bloodpressure cuff adapter 404 that is substantially similar to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 304. Insuch systems 400, the example fitting 402 may be removably attachable to such anadapter 404, and unlike the fitting 302 illustrated inFIG. 3 , the fitting 402 may include a pair of stands 412 a, 412 b movably connecting respective arms 408 a, 408 b of the fitting 402 to abody 406 of the fitting 402. The fitting 402 and/or theadapter 404 may include various structures and/or other components configured to assist in forming a removable connection therebetween, and one or more such components may also assist in forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 402 and theadapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 402. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 404. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 402, and/or of theadapter 404, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 400, various components of the fitting 402 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 302, and various components of theadapter 404 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of theadapter 304. For example, the fitting 402 may include a substantiallyrigid body 406, and one or more arms 408 a, 408 b extending from thebody 406. The first and second arms 408 a, 408 b may also include respective shelves 410 a, 410 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 408 a, 408 b. In such examples, the arm 408 a may be movably connected to thebody 406 via a stand 412 a extending from thebody 406, and the arm 408 b may be movably connected to thebody 406 via a stand 412 b extending from thebody 406. As can be seen fromFIG. 4 , the first and second shelves 410 a, 410 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 408 a, 408 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 410 a, 410 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 408 a, 408 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 404 in order to removably attach the fitting 402 to theadapter 404. - At least one of the
body 406, stands 412 a, 412 b, arms 408 a, 408 b, shelves 410 a, 410 b, and/or other components of the fitting 402 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 412 a, 412 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 408 a, 408 b and/or shelves 410 a, 410 b relative to thebody 406 when force is applied to respective grips 414 a, 414 b associated with the stands 412 a, 412 b. Such movement may enable the fitting 402 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 404, and may also enable the fitting 402 to be detached from theadapter 404. - The fitting 402 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 416 extending from thebody 406. In some examples, thechannel 416 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 402, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 416. Thechannel 416 may form anopening 418 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 402, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 402 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. The fitting 402 may further include acentral fluid passage 419 extending at least partially through thebody 406. For example, thechannel 416 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 419 of the fitting 402, and the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 419. In such examples, theopening 418 of thechannel 416 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 419. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 404 may include a substantiallyrigid body 420 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 420 may include adistal portion 421 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 420 may also include aproximal portion 436 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, a top surface of theproximal portion 436 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Thebody 420 of theadapter 404 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 404 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 421 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 436 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 420 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 421 of theadapter 404 may include anannular ring 422 having atop surface 426 and aridge 424 disposed opposite thetop surface 426. Theridge 424 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 422. In such examples, at least part of theridge 424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 422 may be configured to mate with the shelves 410 a, 410 b of the fitting 402 to assist in retaining the fitting 402 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 402 to theadapter 404. In some examples, at least part of theridge 424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 422 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of thebody 420. Additionally, theadapter 404 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from theridge 424 to the top surface of theproximal portion 436. Such a sidewall may space theridge 424 from the top surface of theproximal portion 436 such that the shelves 410 a, 410 b of the fitting 402 may have room to mate with theridge 424 beneath thering 422. - The
top surface 426 of thering 422 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 402 to theadapter 404. In some examples, thetop surface 426 of thering 422 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 420 from adistal end 430 of thetop surface 426 to aproximal end 432 of thetop surface 426. In such examples, the curvedtop surface 426 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 408 a, 408 b and/or other components of the fitting 402 may slide as the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. - The
system 400 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/or other seals configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 402 and theadapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. For example, at least one seal 428 (FIG. 4 ) may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 434 of the fitting 402 or to thetop surface 426 of thering 422 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 400 ofFIG. 4 , at least part (e.g., a base) of theseal 428 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by thetop surface 426 of thering 422. In such examples, theseal 428 may engage theouter surface 434 of the fitting 402 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of thechannel 416 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 402 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. Alternatively, theseal 428 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 434 of the fitting 402, and may be configured to engage thetop surface 426 of theadapter 404 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - As shown in the partial cross-section of
FIG. 4a , in an alternative example a first seal 428 a may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 434 of the fitting 402, and a second seal 428 b may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to thetop surface 426 of thering 422. In such embodiments, the first seal 428 a may be configured to engage contact, interlock, and/or otherwise mate with the second seal 428 b when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 402, thereby forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 400 ofFIG. 4a , at least part (e.g., a base 438) of the first seal 428 a may be disposed within an annular groove formed by theouter surface 434 of the fitting 402, and at least part (e.g., a base 440) of the second seal 428 b may be disposed within a similar annular groove formed by thetop surface 426 of thering 422. In such examples, the first seal 428 a may include a sealingsurface 442 disposed opposite thebase 438, and the second seal 428 b may include a sealingsurface 444 opposite thebase 440. Accordingly, the sealingsurface 442 of the first seal 428 a may engage contact, interlock, and/or otherwise mate with the sealingsurface 444 of the second seal 428 b when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 402 to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. - Further, the
body 420 of theadapter 404 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly inFIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by an inner wall 446 (FIG. 4a ) of thebody 420. In such examples, the longitudinal axis X of thebody 420 may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of theadapter 404 formed by the substantially cylindricalinner wall 446 of theadapter 404. The central opening,inner wall 446, and central fluid passage of theadapter 404 may be substantially similar to the central opening,inner wall 344, and central fluid passage described above with respect toFIG. 3 . In such examples, a substantially cylindricalouter wall 448 of thechannel 416 may be disposed adjacent and/or at least partly in contact with theinner wall 446 of theadapter 404 when the fitting 402 is removably attached to theadapter 404. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , anexample system 500 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 502 that is substantially similar to the fitting 402, and/or may include a bloodpressure cuff adapter 504 that is substantially similar to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 404. Insuch systems 500, the example fitting 502 may be removably attachable to such anadapter 504, and in such asystem 500, the stands 412 a, 412 b described above with respect toFIG. 4 may be omitted. Instead, the fitting 502 may include a pair of arms extending from the body of the fitting 502, and the fitting 502 may also include a relatively flexible diaphragm at a substantially central top portion of the body. Applying a downward force to the diaphragm while applying an upward force to one or more grips associated with the arms may assist in removably attaching the fitting 502 to theadapter 504 and/or detaching the fitting 502 from theadapter 504. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 502. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 504. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 502, and/or of theadapter 504, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 500, various components of the fitting 502 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 402, and various components of theadapter 504 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of theadapter 404. For example, the fitting 502 may include a substantiallyrigid body 506, and one or more arms 508 a, 508 b extending from thebody 506. The first and second arms 508 a, 508 b may also include respective shelves 510 a, 510 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 508 a, 508 b. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , the arms 508 a, 508 b may be movably connected to thebody 506 via a direct connection with thebody 506 and/or via one or more posts 512 a, 512 b or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from thebody 506 to proximal portions of the respective arms 508 a, 508 b. As can be seen fromFIG. 5 , the first and second shelves 510 a, 510 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 508 a, 508 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 510 a, 510 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 508 a, 508 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 504 in order to removably attach the fitting 502 to theadapter 504. - At least one of the
body 506, posts 512 a, 512 b, arms 508 a, 508 b, shelves 510 a, 510 b, and/or other components of the fitting 502 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the posts 512 a, 512 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 508 a, 508 b and/or shelves 510 a, 510 b relative to thebody 506 when force is applied to respective grips 514 a, 514 b connected to the arms 508 a, 508 b. For example, the fitting 502 may include adiaphragm 536 disposed at a substantially centraltop portion 538 of thebody 506. In such examples, thediaphragm 536 may comprise a relatively thin portion of thebody 506, and the location, thickness, and/or other configurations of thediaphragm 536 may enable thebody 506 to flex when a downward force in the direction ofarrow 542 is applied to thediaphragm 536. In such examples, thebody 506 may also include a substantially rounded, substantially hollowinternal portion 540 disposed opposite thetop portion 538. Such a substantially hollowinternal portion 540 may be configured to increase the flexibility of thebody 506. In particular, the substantially hollowinternal portion 540 may increase the distance and/or degree to which thebody 506 flexes when a downward force in the direction ofarrow 542 is applied to thediaphragm 536. In use, a healthcare practitioner may apply an upward force in the direction ofarrow 544 to one or both of the grips 514 a, 514 b while, at the same time, applying a downward force to thediaphragm 536 in the direction ofarrow 542. The application of one or more such forces may cause one or both of the shelves 510 a, 510 b to move laterally away from a central longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 502. Such movement may enable the fitting 502 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 504, and may also enable the fitting 502 to be detached from theadapter 504. It is understood that, in an alternate embodiment, the grips 514 a, 514 b may be replaced with a substantially annular, substantially circular, and/or substantially disc-shaped structure substantially surrounding thediaphragm 536 and configured to receive the upward force described above in the direction ofarrow 544. - The fitting 502 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 516 extending from thebody 506. In some examples, thechannel 516 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 502, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 516. Thechannel 516 may form anopening 518 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 502, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 502 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 502 is removably attached to theadapter 504. The fitting 502 may further include acentral fluid passage 519 extending at least partially through thebody 506. For example, thechannel 516 and/or the substantially hollowinternal portion 540 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 519 of the fitting 502, and the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 519. In such examples, theopening 518 of thechannel 516 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 519. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 504 may include a substantiallyrigid body 520 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 520 may include adistal portion 521 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 520 may also include aproximal portion 535 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, a top surface of theproximal portion 535 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Thebody 520 of theadapter 504 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 504 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 521 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 535 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 520 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 521 of theadapter 504 may include anannular ring 522 having atop surface 526 and aridge 524 disposed opposite thetop surface 526. Theridge 524 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 522. In such examples, at least part of theridge 524 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 522 may be configured to mate with the shelves 510 a, 510 b of the fitting 502 to assist in retaining the fitting 502 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 502 to theadapter 504. In some examples, at least part of theridge 524 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 522 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of thebody 520. Additionally, theadapter 504 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from theridge 524 to the top surface of theproximal portion 535. Such a sidewall may space theridge 524 from the top surface of theproximal portion 535 such that the shelves 510 a, 510 b of the fitting 502 may have room to mate with theridge 524 beneath thering 522. - The
top surface 526 of thering 522 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 502 to theadapter 504. In some examples, thetop surface 526 of thering 522 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 520 from adistal end 530 of thetop surface 526 to aproximal end 532 of thetop surface 526. In such examples, the curvedtop surface 526 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 508 a, 508 b and/or other components of the fitting 502 may slide as the fitting 502 is removably attached to theadapter 504. - The
system 500 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 528 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 502 and theadapter 504 when the fitting 502 is removably attached to theadapter 504. For example, at least oneseal 528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 534 of the fitting 502 or to thetop surface 526 of thering 522 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 500 ofFIG. 5 , at least part (e.g., a base) of theseal 528 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by thetop surface 526 of thering 522. In such examples, theseal 528 may engage theouter surface 534 of the fitting 502 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of thechannel 516 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 502 when the fitting 502 is removably attached to theadapter 504. Alternatively, theseal 528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 534 of the fitting 502, and may be configured to engage thetop surface 526 of theadapter 504 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - Further, the
body 520 of theadapter 504 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly inFIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by an inner wall of thebody 520. In such examples, the longitudinal axis X of thebody 520 may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of theadapter 504 formed by the substantially cylindrical inner wall of theadapter 504. The central opening, inner wall, and central fluid passage of theadapter 504 may be substantially similar to the central opening,inner wall 344, and central fluid passage described above with respect toFIG. 3 . - As shown in
FIGS. 6a and 6b , anexample system 600 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 602 that is configured to be removably attached to a bloodpressure cuff adapter 604 by movement of the fitting 602 in a first direction substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. In such examples, the fitting 602 may also be configured to be detached from theadapter 604 by moving the fitting 602 in a second direction substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of the cuff opposite the first direction. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 602. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 604. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 602, and/or of theadapter 604, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 600, various components of the fitting 602 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 402, and various components of theadapter 604 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, theadapter 404. For example, the fitting 602 may include a substantiallyrigid body 606, and one or more arms 608 a, 608 b extending from thebody 606. The first and second arms 608 a, 608 b may also include respective shelves 610 a, 610 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 608 a, 608 b. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6a and 6b , the arms 608 a, 608 b may be movably connected to thebody 606 via a direct connection with thebody 606 and/or via one or more posts 612 a, 612 b or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from thebody 606 to the respective arms 608 a, 608 b. As can be seen from at leastFIG. 6a , the first and second shelves 610 a, 610 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 608 a, 608 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 610 a, 610 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 608 a, 608 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 604 in order to removably attach the fitting 602 to theadapter 604. - At least one of the
body 606, posts 612 a, 612 b, arms 608 a, 608 b, shelves 610 a, 610 b, and/or other components of the fitting 602 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, location, and/or other configuration of the posts 612 a, 612 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 608 a, 608 b and/or shelves 610 a, 610 b relative to thebody 606 when force is applied to respective grips 614 a, 614 b associated with the arms 608 a, 608 b. For example, a healthcare practitioner may apply an inward force (e.g., in a direction toward thebody 606 of the fitting 602) to one or both of the grips 614 a, 614 b. The application such an inward force to the grip 614 a may cause the arm 608 a to pivot about the post 612 a, thereby causing the shelf 610 a to move laterally away from thebody 606 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 602. Likewise, the application such an inward force to the grip 614 b may cause the arm 608 b to pivot about the post 612 b, thereby causing the shelf 610 b to move laterally away from thebody 606 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 602. Such movement of the shelves 610 a, 610 b may enable the fitting 602 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 604 when the fitting 602 is moved in a first direction ofarrow 644 substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. Similarly, such movement of the shelves 610 a, 610 b may enable the fitting 602 to be detached from theadapter 604 when the fitting 602 is moved in a second direction ofarrow 644 opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. - The fitting 602 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 616 extending from thebody 606. In some examples, thechannel 616 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fitting 602, and the longitudinal axis may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 616. Thechannel 616 may form anopening 618 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 602, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 602 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. The fitting 602 may further include acentral fluid passage 619 extending at least partially through thebody 606. For example, thechannel 616 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 619 of the fitting 602, and the longitudinal axis of the fitting 602 may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 619. In such examples, theopening 618 of thechannel 616 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 619. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 604 may include a substantiallyrigid body 620 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 620 may include adistal portion 621 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 520 may also include aproximal portion 636 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, a top surface of theproximal portion 636 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. As shown inFIG. 6b , thebody 620 may include afirst wall 636 extending substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12 and/or to the top surface of theproximal portion 635. Thebody 620 may also include asecond wall 638 opposite and extending substantially parallel to thefirst wall 636. In such examples, thebody 620 may further include a pair of sidewalls extending from thefirst wall 636 to thesecond wall 638, and side surfaces 624 a, 624 b (e.g., outer surfaces 624 am 624 b of the body 620) of such sidewalls are illustrated in at leastFIG. 6a . Additionally, thebody 620 may include athird wall 640 extending substantially perpendicular to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12 and/or to the top surface of theproximal portion 635. Thebody 620 may also include afourth wall 642 opposite and extending substantially parallel to thethird wall 640. In some examples, thebody 620 may further include a pair of sidewalls extending from thethird wall 640 to thefourth wall 642. - In any of the examples described herein, the
body 620 may also include a first longitudinal axis X extending substantially centrally through a first section of thedistal portion 621 formed, at least in part, by the first andsecond walls second walls second walls central fluid passage 630 of thedistal portion 621. Thebody 620 may also include a second longitudinal axis Y extending substantially centrally through a second section of thedistal portion 621 formed, at least in part, by the third andfourth walls fourth walls fourth walls central fluid passage 631 of thedistal portion 621. In such examples, the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis Y. Further, thefirst fluid passage 630 of theadapter 620 may be fluidly connected to thesecond fluid passage 631 of theadapter 620. In such examples, the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12, and may extend substantially centrally through the firstcentral passage 630. Additionally, the second longitudinal axis Y may extend substantially perpendicular to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12, and may extend substantially centrally through the secondcentral passage 631. - The
body 620 of theadapter 604 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 604 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 621 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 635 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 620 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 621 of theadapter 604 may include aring 622 disposed at an open end of thedistal portion 621. In such examples, thering 622 may form an opening of the firstcentral passage 630, and thering 622 may be formed, at least in part, by distal ends of thefirst wall 636, thesecond wall 638, and the sidewalls extending from thefirst wall 636 to thesecond wall 638. Thering 622, and the opening formed thereby, may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to allow at least part of thechannel 616 to pass therethrough when the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. In such examples, thechannel 616 may pass through thering 622 and/or the opening, and at least part of thechannel 616 may be disposed within the firstcentral passage 630 of theadapter 604 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. In such examples, thesystem 600 may also include one or more 0-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 628 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 602 and theadapter 604 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. For example, at least oneseal 628 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 634 of the fitting 602 or to a corresponding distal and/or other outer surface of thering 622 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 600, at least part (e.g., a base) of theseal 628 may be disposed within a groove formed by the distal and/or other outer surface of thering 622. In such examples, theseal 628 may engage theouter surface 634 of the fitting 602 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of thechannel 616 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 602 when the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. Alternatively, theseal 628 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 634 of the fitting 602, and may be configured to engage the distal and/or other outer surface of thering 622 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - The
body 620 of theadapter 604 may also include a first ridge 624 a formed on the side surface 626 a (e.g., the outer surface of the first sidewall extending from thefirst wall 636 to the second wall 638) of thedistal portion 621, and a second ridge 624 b formed on the side surface 626 b (e.g., the outer surface of the second sidewall extending from thefirst wall 636 to the second wall 638) of thedistal portion 621. The first ridge 624 a may be configured to mate with the first shelf 610 a of the fitting 602 to assist in retaining the fitting 602 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 602 to theadapter 604. Likewise, the second ridge 624 b may be configured to mate with the second shelf 610 b of the fitting 602 to assist in retaining the fitting 602 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 602 to theadapter 604. In some examples, at least part of the first ridge 624 a may extend substantially perpendicular to the side surface 626 a of thebody 620, and at least part of the second ridge 624 b may extend substantially perpendicular to the side surface 626 b of thebody 620. As shown inFIG. 6a , at least one of the ridges 624 a, 624 b may include corresponding camming surfaces 648 a, 648 b extending at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) from the side surfaces 626 a, 626 b of thebody 620 to ends of the respective ridges 624 a, 624 b. Such camming surfaces 648 a, 648 b may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured such that at least part of the arms 608 a, 608 b and/or other components of the fitting 602 may slide along the camming surfaces 648 a, 648 b as the fitting 602 is removably attached to theadapter 604. For example, in other embodiments such camming surfaces 648 a, 648 b may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 602 to theadapter 604. - As shown in
FIGS. 7a-7e , in someexample systems 700 or other embodiments of the present disclosure a fitting 702 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 704 may include one or more features or other structural components configured to assist a healthcare practitioner in aligning the fitting 702 with theadapter 704 as the fitting 702 is being removably attached to theadapter 704. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 702. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 704. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 702, and/or of theadapter 704, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 700, various components of the fitting 702 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 402, and various components of theadapter 704 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, theadapter 704. For example, the fitting 702 may include a substantiallyrigid body 706, and one or more arms 708 a, 708 b extending from thebody 706. The first and second arms 708 a, 708 b may also include respective shelves 710 a, 710 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 708 a, 708 b. In such examples, the arm 708 a may be movably connected to thebody 706 via a stand 712 a extending from thebody 706, and the arm 708 b may be movably connected to thebody 706 via a stand 712 b extending from thebody 706. As can be seen in at leastFIG. 7a , the first and second shelves 710 a, 710 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 708 a, 708 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 710 a, 710 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 708 a, 708 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 704 in order to removably attach the fitting 702 to theadapter 704. - At least one of the
body 706, stands 712 a, 712 b, arms 708 a, 708 b, shelves 710 a, 710 b, and/or other components of the fitting 702 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of the stands 712 a, 712 b may provide for movement of the corresponding arms 708 a, 708 b and/or shelves 710 a, 710 b relative to thebody 706 when force is applied to respective grips 714 a, 714 b associated with the stands 712 a, 712 b. Such movement may enable the fitting 702 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 704, and may also enable the fitting 702 to be detached from theadapter 704. - The fitting 702 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 716 extending from thebody 706. In some examples, thechannel 716 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 702, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 716. Thechannel 716 may form anopening 718 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 702, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 702 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. The fitting 702 may further include acentral fluid passage 719 extending at least partially through thebody 706. For example, thechannel 716 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 719 of the fitting 702, and the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 719. In such examples, theopening 718 of thechannel 716 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 719. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 704 may include a substantiallyrigid body 720 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 720 may include adistal portion 721 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 720 may also include aproximal portion 719 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, a top surface of theproximal portion 719 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Thebody 720 of theadapter 704 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 704 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 721 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 719 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 720 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 721 of theadapter 704 may include anannular ring 722 having atop surface 726 and aridge 724 disposed opposite thetop surface 726. Theridge 724 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 722. In such examples, at least part of theridge 724 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 722 may be configured to mate with the shelves 710 a, 710 b of the fitting 702 to assist in retaining the fitting 702 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 702 to theadapter 704. In some examples, at least part of theridge 724 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 722 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of thebody 720. Additionally, theadapter 704 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from theridge 724 to the top surface of theproximal portion 719. Such a sidewall may space theridge 724 from the top surface of theproximal portion 719 such that the shelves 710 a, 710 b of the fitting 702 may have room to mate with theridge 724 beneath thering 722. - The
top surface 726 of thering 722 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 702 to theadapter 704. In some examples, thetop surface 726 of thering 722 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 720 from adistal end 730 of thetop surface 726 to aproximal end 732 of thetop surface 726. In such examples, the curvedtop surface 726 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of the arms 708 a, 708 b and/or other components of the fitting 702 may slide as the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. - In example embodiments, the
ring 722 may also include agroove 728 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept amember 734 and/or other structural feature of theadapter 702. As shown in at leastFIG. 7a , such amember 734 may extend (e.g., substantially perpendicularly) from anouter surface 736 of the fitting 702 disposed opposite and/or facing thetop surface 726 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. Themember 734 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, rib, ring, flange, detent, and/or other extension of thebody 706, and themember 734 may be useful in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 702 with theadapter 704 when removably attaching the fitting 702 to theadapter 704. For example, thegroove 728 and themember 734 may be positioned and/or otherwise configured such that disposing at least part of themember 734 within thegroove 728 when removably attaching the fitting 702 to theadapter 704 may cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 702 (FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704. Themember 734 may be substantially cylindrical, substantially cube-shaped, substantially V-shaped, substantially arcuate, substantially annular, and/or any other shape to assist in aligning the fitting 702 with theadapter 704. Additionally, in any of the example embodiments described herein themember 734 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to minimize and/or substantially eliminate lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to theadapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. In any such examples, themember 734 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 702 and theadapter 704. Further, in any of the example embodiments described herein having a member and a groove, the member (e.g., the member 734) may alternatively comprise an extension and/or other component of the adapter (e.g., the adapter 704), and in such embodiments the groove (e.g., the groove 728) may be formed by and/or may comprise a component of the fitting (e.g., the fitting 702). Additionally, in any of the embodiments described herein having a member and a groove, the member (e.g., the member 734) may comprise a plurality of members (e.g., a plurality of arcuate segments, etc.) spaced substantially circumferentially about, for example, the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 702. Further, whileFIG. 7a illustrates thegroove 728 being disposed on and/or formed by thetop surface 726, in other examples, thegroove 728 may be disposed on, disposed proximate, and/or formed by a radially outermost portion of thering 722. - In any of the embodiments herein, a first component of the fitting 702 may be configured to mechanically interlock with (e.g., a snap-fit, a friction fit, a meshing, and/or any other type of interlock) a corresponding second component of the
adapter 704. For example, in some embodiments a component of themember 734 may form a snap-fit and/or other interlocking fit with thegroove 728 of theadapter 704. In other embodiments, at least part of thechannel 716 may interlock with at least part of theportion 719 of theadapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. - The
system 700 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 737 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 702 and theadapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. For example, at least oneseal 737 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, disposed adjacent to, and/or otherwise connected to a substantially cylindricalinner wall 738 of theadapter 704 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In such examples, theseal 737 may engage anouter wall 740 of the channel 716 (e.g., an outer surface of the outer wall 740) to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 702 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. - As shown in at least
FIG. 7b , theadapter 704 may also include acentral opening 742 at least partially formed by a surface of theinner wall 738. In such examples, the longitudinal axis X (FIG. 7a ) of thebody 720 may extend substantially centrally through a central fluid passage of theadapter 704 formed by the substantially cylindricalinner wall 738. Thecentral opening 742,inner wall 738, and central fluid passage of theadapter 704 may be substantially similar to the central opening,inner wall 344, and central fluid passage described above with respect toFIG. 3 . Further, as shown in the top view ofFIG. 7b , in some examples thegroove 728 may be disposed on thetop surface 726 between (e.g., substantially centrally between) theproximal end 732 and thedistal end 730 of thetop surface 726. Additionally, in some examples thegroove 728 may include at least onedetent 744 configured to contact themember 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. It is understood that in at least the systems described herein with respect toFIGS. 1-5, 7 a-7 e, and 10, the fitting may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704 in the clockwise direction ofarrow 746 and in the counter clockwise direction ofarrow 748. In such examples, the one ormore detents 744 disposed within thegroove 728 may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to contact themember 734 as the fitting 702 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704. The one ormore detents 744 may be substantially dome-shaped, substantially ramp-shaped, and/or any other shape to assist in at least partially restricting rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704 when themember 734 contacts the one ormore detents 744. - As shown in at least
FIG. 7c , in some examples thegroove 728 may include at least onewall 750 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, thewall 750 may prohibit 360 degree rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704 when the fitting 704 is removably attached to theadapter 702. For example, thewall 750 may block rotation of the fitting 702 about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704 when themember 734 contacts thewall 750. Although the example embodiment ofFIG. 7c illustrates asingle wall 750 disposed within thegroove 728, in further examples, two ormore walls 750 may be disposed thegroove 728. In any of the examples described herein, the one ormore walls 750 may have a width and/or a height substantially equal to a corresponding width and/or height of thegroove 728. - The cross-sectional view of
FIG. 7d illustrates portions of the fitting 702 and theadapter 704 in more detail. For example, as noted above, thegroove 728 may have any desired width W and/or height H in order to accommodate themember 734. For example, thegroove 728 may include abase 752, afirst sidewall 754 extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 752, and asecond sidewall 756 opposite thefirst sidewall 754 and extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 752. In such examples, the first andsecond sidewalls top surface 726, and the height H of thegroove 728 may comprise either a height H of thefirst sidewall 754 or a height H of thesecond sidewall 756. In any of the examples described herein, one or more of thedetents 744 described above may be disposed on thebase 752, thefirst sidewall 754, or thesecond sidewall 756. - In some examples, the height H of the
groove 728 may be substantially constant. In other examples, on the other hand, thegroove 728 may have a variable height H along at least a portion of thegroove 728. For example, as shown inFIG. 7d thebase 752 of thegroove 728 may have at least onetrough 757 and at least onepeak 758. In such examples, thetrough 757 may comprise a first portion of thegroove 728 having the largest height H, and thepeak 758 may comprise a second portion of thegroove 728 having the smallest height H. For instance, in such examples thepeak 758 formed by thebase 752 may be disposed axially closer to thetop surface 726 of thering 722 than thetrough 757 formed by thebase 752. In such examples, the variability in the height H of the groove 728 (e.g., the decrease in height H from thetrough 757 to the peak 758) may assist the user in detaching the fitting 702 from theadapter 704. For example, themember 734 may slidably engage and/or otherwise move substantially along the base 752 as the fitting 702 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 704. In such examples, engagement between themember 734 and the base 752 as themember 734 moves from a first location proximate thetrough 757 to a second location proximate thepeak 758 may assist in moving the fitting 702 in an upward direction away from theadapter 704. Such movement may assist a healthcare practitioner in detaching the fitting 702 from theadapter 704. - In such examples, the
member 734 may also be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to assist a healthcare practitioner in detaching the fitting 702 from theadapter 704. For example, themember 734 may include abase 764, afirst sidewall 766 extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 764, and asecond sidewall 768 opposite thefirst sidewall 766 and extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 764. In such examples, the first andsecond sidewalls outer surface 736. Themember 734 may also have a height H′ substantially equal to the height H of thegroove 728, and a width W′ substantially equal to the width W of thegroove 728. It is understood that in some examples, the height H′ may be marginally less than the height H, and the width W′ may be marginally less than the width W to minimize and/or substantially eliminate friction and/or resistance caused by themember 734 contacting one or both of thesidewalls sidewall 756 of thegroove 728 may be disposed a distance L from theinner wall 738, and thesidewall 766 may be disposed a distance L′ from theouter wall 740 of thechannel 716 substantially equal to the distance L. - As shown in
FIG. 7e , in further examples, the fitting 702 may include one or more sensors configured to determine a distance between at least part of the fitting 702 and a corresponding part of theadapter 704. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples the one or more sensors may be configured to read information from a corresponding component of theadapter 704 and/or otherwise assist in identifying theadapter 704. For example, the fitting 702 may include a capacitance sensor, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, RFID sensor, a barcode reader, and/or anyother sensor 762 connected thereto. In some examples, thesensor 762 may be disposed on, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to themember 734, such as at a distal end of themember 734. In such examples, the fitting 704 may include a corresponding conductor, layer of reflective paint or ink, RFID tag, barcode, and/orother feature 760. In such examples, thefeature 760 may be disposed anywhere on and/or within theadapter 704 such that thefeature 760 is located at least partly within a field of view of thesensor 762 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. For example, in embodiments in which thesensor 762 is disposed on embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to themember 734, such as at a distal end of themember 734, thefeature 760 may be disposed on embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to thebase 752 of thegroove 728 or at least one of thesidewalls FIG. 7e illustrates thesensor 762 being connected to the fitting 702 and thefeature 760 being connected to theadapter 704, in other examples, this configuration may be reversed such that thesensor 762 is connected to theadapter 704 and thefeature 760 is connected to the fitting 702. - In any of the examples described herein, the
sensor 762 may be operably connected to and/or otherwise in communication with thecontroller 20 described above. For example, thesensor 762 may be configured to determine, among other things, a distance between (e.g., a proximity) the distal end of themember 734 and thebase 752 of thegroove 728. In such examples,various cuffs 12 may includeadapters 704 havinggrooves 728 of respective known heights H based on a desired application, desired intended use (e.g., child, adult, bariatric patient, elderly patient, etc.), and/or desired fitting 702 with which theparticular cuff 12 should be used. For example, acuff 12 manufactured by an example first manufacturer may be tuned and/or otherwise designed to be used withfittings 702 manufactured by the same first manufacturer. Accordingly, thegroove 728 of anadapter 704 connected to such anexample cuff 12 may have a known height H that is saved in thememory 24 associated with thecontroller 20. In examples in which acorresponding fitting 702 manufactured by the same first manufacturer is removably attached to theadapter 704, thesensor 762 may determine such a known height H and/or a corresponding known distance between (e.g., a proximity) the distal end of themember 734 and thebase 752 of thegroove 728, and may send a signal including such information to thecontroller 20. Upon receipt of the signal, thecontroller 20 may compare such information to one or more known values corresponding to approvedfittings 702 manufactured by the first manufacturer, and thecontroller 20 may identify a match based on such a comparison. In response, thecontroller 20 may cause aflow control device 770 operably connected to thecontroller 20 to inflate and/or deflate thecuff 12 according to standard operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures. - On the other hand, in examples in which a fitting 702 manufactured by a second manufacturer (different from the first manufacturer of the cuff 12) is removably attached to the
adapter 704, thesensor 762 may determine a different height H and/or a different distance between the distal end of themember 734 and thebase 752 of thegroove 728. Thesensor 762 may send a signal including such information to thecontroller 20, and thecontroller 20 may compare such information to one or more known values corresponding to approvedfittings 702 manufactured by the first manufacturer, and thecontroller 20 may determine that no match exists based on such a comparison. In response, thecontroller 20 may prohibit theflow control device 770 from inflating thecuff 12 or may cause theflow control device 770 to inflate and/or deflate thecuff 12 with significantly reduced (e.g., undesirably low) operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures. In this way, thesensor 762 and thefeature 760 illustrated inFIG. 7e may be useful in preventing the use offittings 702 that do not match or correspond with a cuff having aparticular adapter 704. In such examples thesensor 762 and thefeature 760 illustrated inFIG. 7e may also be useful in preventing the use ofcuffs 12 havingadapters 704 that do not match or correspond with theparticular fittings 702. - In the same way, the height H described above, the width and/or inner diameter of the
groove 728, an outer diameter of theadapter 704, and/or any other characteristics of thecuff 12 may be read, sensed, and/or otherwise determined by thesensor 762, and such characteristics may be used to determine whether an ageappropriate cuff 12 is being used. As noted above, in some examples thesensor 762 may comprise an RFID reader, and in such examples, such characteristics may be read by thesensor 762 reading a corresponding RFID tag orother feature 760 disposed within thegroove 728. For example, in situations in which an adult cuff is being used on an adolescent or child patient, thecontroller 20 may determine (based on one or more signals from the sensor 762) that an ageinappropriate cuff 12 is currently being used. Such signals may indicate that, for example, a sensed height H, width, and/or inner diameter of thegroove 728 does not match a known height H, width, and/or inner diameter of a groove corresponding to an acceptable cuff (e.g., an adolescent cuff) for the particular patient. In response, thecontroller 20 may prohibit theflow control device 770 from inflating thecuff 12 or may cause theflow control device 770 to inflate and/or deflate thecuff 12 with significantly reduced (e.g., undesirably low) operating flow rates and/or cuff pressures. It is also understood that the location of the groove 728 (e.g., the radial distance between the longitudinal axis X and one or more sidewalls of the groove 728) may also be sensed by thesensor 762 in a similar manner, and such a location may also be used to determine whether thecuff 12 was manufactured by such a first manufacturer and/or whether thecuff 12 is appropriate for the age, demographics, or other characteristics of the patient. - In any of the examples described herein, the fitting 702 and/or the
adapter 704 may be made, at least in part, from a substantially transparent or substantially translucent urethane or other such polymer. For example, the fitting 702 may be made from a substantially translucent urethane, and may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light sources operably connected to thecontroller 20. In such examples, thesensor 762 may be configured to determine whether aparticular adapter 704 of a cuff matches or corresponds with aparticular fitting 702. If such an appropriate match is found, the one or more LEDs may be controlled by thecontroller 20 to generate a first visual response (e.g., lighting up green or some other color) indicative of the match. If such an appropriate match is not found, the one or more LEDs may be controlled by thecontroller 20 to generate a second visual response (e.g., lighting up red or some other color) indicative that such a match was not found. - Further, in some examples the
sensor 762 and/or one or more additional sensors operably connected to theadapter 704, thecuff 12, and/or the fitting 702 may be configured to determine an inflation pressure of the cuff 21, whether a leak is occurring, and/or other similar information. In any of the examples described herein, such sensors may provide one or more signals to thecontroller 20 indicating such information, and thecontroller 20 may control the one or more LEDs to provide a visual response (e.g., blink, remain on, illuminate a desired color, etc.) based at least in part on such information. For example, the one or more LEDs may be used to indicate that thecuff 12 has been inflated to a pressure above a minimum pressure threshold, that thecuff 12 has been inflated to a pressure above a maximum pressure threshold, that thecuff 12 has a leak, that thecuff 12 has been left unattended for longer than a maximum time threshold, that animproper cuff 12 is being used, and/or other conditions. - In examples in which the
controller 20 determines, based at least in part on such signals from the one or more sensors, that thecuff 12 has been inflated to an inflation pressure above a maximum threshold, thecontroller 20 may control a valve (e.g., a poppet valve, solenoid valve, etc.) fluidly connected to thecuff 12 to at least partly open in order to decrease the inflation pressure of the cuff. In alternative embodiments, thecontroller 12 may control theflow control device 770 to reduce the inflation pressure of thecuff 12 to a desired level. - As shown in
FIGS. 7f and 7g , in still further examples at least part of thering 722 may be configured to mate with at least a portion of themember 734 to assist in, among other things, stabilizing the removable connection between the fitting 702 and theadapter 704. For example, as shown inFIG. 7f a radially inner portion of thering 722 may be removed to form agroove 728. In such examples, thegroove 728 may include a base 752 having a length L and extending substantially perpendicularly from theinner wall 738 of theadapter 704. In particular, thebase 752 may extend radially outwardly from theinner wall 738. Thegroove 728 may also include a radiallyoutermost sidewall 754 extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 752. For example, thesidewall 754 may extend axially from the base 752 to thetop surface 726 of thering 722. In such examples, thesidewall 754 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage a radially outermost surface of themember 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. Such engagement between thesidewall 754 and the radially outermost surface of themember 734 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to theadapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. - Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 7g a radially outer portion of thering 722 may be removed. In such examples, a groove formed in thering 722 may include a base 752 extending substantially perpendicularly relative to theinner wall 738 of theadapter 704. Such a groove may also include a radiallyinnermost sidewall 756 extending substantially perpendicularly from thebase 752. For example, thesidewall 756 may extend axially from the base 752 to thetop surface 726 of thering 722, and thesidewall 756 may be disposed a radial distance L from theinner wall 738. In such examples, thesidewall 756 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage a radially innermost surface of themember 734 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. Such engagement between thesidewall 756 and the radially innermost surface of themember 734 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 702 relative to theadapter 704 when the fitting 702 is removably attached to theadapter 704. - In still further examples, at least part of the adapter may be rotatable relative to the
cuff 12. In some examples, such rotation may be about a rotational axis that extends substantially perpendicular to thetop surface 54 of the cuff. Additionally or alternatively, such rotation may be about a rotational axis that extends substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of the cuff. For example, as shown inFIGS. 8a and 8b , anexample system 800 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 802 that is configured to be removably attached to a bloodpressure cuff adapter 804 by movement of the fitting 802 in a first direction substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. In such examples, the fitting 802 may also be configured to be detached from theadapter 804 by moving the fitting 802 in a second direction substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of the cuff opposite the first direction. As will be described below, such anadapter 804 may include one or more hinges configured to facilitate rotation of at least part of theadapter 804, relative to thecuff 12, while the fitting is removably attached to theadapter 804. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 802. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 804. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 802, and/or of theadapter 804, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 800, various components of the fitting 802 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, the fitting 602, and various components of theadapter 804 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of, for example, theadapter 604. For example, the fitting 802 may include a substantiallyrigid body 806, and one or more arms 808 a, 808 b extending from thebody 806. The first and second arms 808 a, 808 b may also include respective shelves 810 a, 810 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 808 a, 808 b. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8a and 8b , the arms 808 a, 808 b may be movably connected to thebody 806 via a direct connection with thebody 806 and/or via one or more posts (not shown) or other pieces of material extending substantially laterally from thebody 806 to the respective arms 808 a, 808 b. As can be seen from at leastFIG. 8a , the first and second shelves 810 a, 810 b may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 808 a, 808 b. In particular, such first and second shelves 810 a, 810 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from the respective arms 808 a, 808 b, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 804 in order to removably attach the fitting 802 to theadapter 804. - At least one of the
body 806, arms 808 a, 808 b, shelves 810 a, 810 b, and/or other components of the fitting 802 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the arms 808 a, 808 b and/or shelves 810 a, 810 b may be moveable relative to thebody 806 when force is applied to respective grips 814 a, 814 b associated with the arms 808 a, 808 b. For example, a healthcare practitioner may apply an inward force (e.g., in a direction toward thebody 806 of the fitting 802) to one or both of the grips 814 a, 814 b. The application such an inward force to the grip 814 a may cause the arm 808 a to pivot relative to, for example, a first sidewall of the fitting 802, thereby causing the shelf 810 a to move laterally away from thebody 806 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 802. Likewise, the application such an inward force to the grip 814 b may cause the arm 608 b to pivot relative to, for example, a second sidewall of the fitting 802 opposite the first sidewall, thereby causing the shelf 810 b to move laterally away from thebody 806 and/or a central longitudinal axis of the fitting 802. Such movement of the shelves 810 a, 810 b may enable the fitting 802 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 804 when the fitting 802 is moved in a first direction ofarrow 842 substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. Similarly, such movement of the shelves 810 a, 810 b may enable the fitting 802 to be detached from theadapter 804 when the fitting 802 is moved in a second direction ofarrow 844 opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12. - The fitting 802 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 816 extending from thebody 806. In some examples, thechannel 816 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the fitting 802, and the longitudinal axis may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 816. Thechannel 816 may form anopening 818 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 802, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 802 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 802 is removably attached to theadapter 804. The fitting 802 may further include acentral fluid passage 819 extending at least partially through thebody 806. For example, thechannel 816 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 819 of the fitting 802, and the longitudinal axis of the fitting 802 may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 819. In such examples, theopening 818 of thechannel 816 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 819. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 804 may include a substantiallyrigid body 820 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 820 may include adistal portion 821 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 820 may also include a proximal portion 836 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, a top surface of the proximal portion 836 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. As shown inFIG. 8b , thebody 820 may include ahinge 825 rotatably connecting thedistal portion 821 to the proximal portion 836. In particular, thehinge 825 may enable thedistal portion 821 to be rotated about a rotational axis R of thehinge 825 and relative to the proximal portion 836. In such examples, thedistal portion 821 may include a central longitudinal axis X and the proximal portion 836 may include a central longitudinal axis Y extending substantially perpendicular to, and coplanar with, the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, the rotational axis R may extend substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the axes X and Y are disposed. For example thehinge 825 may enable thedistal portion 821 to rotate, about the rotational axis R, in the clockwise direction ofarrow 838 and in the counterclockwise direction ofarrow 840. - In any of the examples described herein, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through a section of the
distal portion 821 formed, at least in part, by first, second, third, andfourth walls distal portion 821. For example, thefirst wall 846 may extend substantially parallel to thesecond wall 848, and thethird wall 850 may extend substantially parallel to thefourth wall 852. Together, the first, second, third, andfourth walls central fluid passage 831 of thedistal portion 821. The proximal portion 836 may also include one or more walls similar to the first, second, third, andfourth walls central fluid passage 830 of the proximal portion 836. In such examples, thefluid passage 831 of thedistal portion 821 may be fluidly connected to thefluid passage 830 of the proximal portion 836 via, for example, acentral fluid passage 829 of the hinge 225. In such examples, the first longitudinal axis X may extend substantially parallel to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12, and may extend substantially centrally through thecentral passage 831. Additionally, the longitudinal axis Y may extend substantially perpendicular to thetop surface 54 of thecuff 12, and may extend substantially centrally through thecentral passage 830. - The
body 820 of theadapter 804 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 804 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 821 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of the proximal portion 836 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 820 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. - The
distal portion 821 of theadapter 804 may include aring 822 disposed at an open end of thedistal portion 821. In such examples, thering 822 may form anopening 823 of thecentral passage 831, and thering 822 may be formed, at least in part, by distal ends of the first, second, third, andfourth walls ring 822, and theopening 823 formed thereby, may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to allow at least part of thechannel 816 to pass therethrough when the fitting 802 is removably attached to theadapter 804. In such examples, thechannel 816 may pass through thering 822 and/or theopening 823, and at least part of thechannel 816 may be disposed within thecentral passage 831 of theadapter 804 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to theadapter 804. In such examples, thesystem 800 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 828 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 802 and theadapter 804 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to theadapter 804. For example, at least oneseal 828 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 834 of the fitting 802 or to a corresponding distal and/or other outer surface of thering 822 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 800, theseal 828 may be connected to thering 828, and theseal 628 may engage theouter surface 834 of the fitting 802 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of thechannel 816 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 802 when the fitting 802 is removably attached to theadapter 804. Alternatively, theseal 828 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 834 of the fitting 802, and may be configured to engage the distal and/or other outer surface of thering 822 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - The
body 820 of theadapter 804 may also include a first ridge 824 a formed on aninner surface 826 of thewall 852, and within thecentral passage 831. Thebody 820 may also include a second ridge 824 b formed on an inner surface of thewall 850 opposite theinner surface 826, and within thecentral passage 831. The first ridge 824 a may be configured to mate with the first shelf 810 a of the fitting 802, when the arm 808 a and/or the first shelf 810 a are disposed at least partly within thecentral passage 831, to assist in retaining the fitting 802 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 802 to theadapter 804. Likewise, the second ridge 824 b may be configured to mate with the second shelf 810 b of the fitting 802, when the arm 808 b and/or the second shelf 810 b are disposed at least partly within thecentral passage 831, to assist in retaining the fitting 802 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 802 to theadapter 804. In some examples, at least part of the first ridge 824 a may extend substantially perpendicular to theinner surface 826 of thewall 852, and at least part of the second ridge 824 b may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of thewall 850 opposite theinner surface 826. As shown inFIG. 8a , at least one of the ridges 824 a, 824 b may include corresponding camming surfaces extending at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) from the inner surfaces of thewalls adapter 804. For example, in other embodiments such camming surfaces may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 802 to theadapter 804. -
FIG. 9 illustrates still anotherexample system 900 of the present disclosure including a fitting 902 configured to facilitate transmission of pressurized air or other fluids to anadapter 920 fluidly connected to ablood pressure cuff 12. The fitting 902 may include adistal end 904 configured to mate with theadapter 920, and aproximal end 906 opposite thedistal end 904. Thedistal end 904 may include one ormore shafts distal end 922 of theadapter 920. For example, thefirst shaft 908 may comprise a barb-like connector or any other such fluid connector extending from anouter wall 930 of the fitting 902. Thefirst shaft 908 may include adistal opening 911, and theopening 911 may comprise a distal opening of acentral fluid passage 912 of thefirst shaft 908. Similarly, thesecond shaft 910 may include adistal opening 913, and theopening 913 may comprise a distal opening of acentral fluid passage 914 of thesecond shaft 910. In such examples, one or more sections oftubing 916 may be connected to the fitting 902 at theproximal end 906. For example,tubing 916 having first and second separate conduit sections 918 a, 918 b may be fluidly connected to the fitting 902 at theproximal end 906. The fitting 902 may comprise separate respective fluid passages configured to transfer fluid received from the separate conduit sections 918 a, 918 b to thecuff 12 and/or to theadapter 920. - In such examples, the
adapter 920 may include adistal end 922 and aproximal end 924 opposite thedistal end 922. The fitting 902 may be removably attached to theadapter 920 by inserting at least part of thedistal end 904 into corresponding opening(s) formed by thedistal end 922 of theadapter 920. For example, in some embodiments theadapter 920 may include a female port or other like opening (not shown) at thedistal end 922 configured to accept and/or otherwise mate with the malefirst shaft 908. Additionally, in such embodiments theadapter 920 may include a male shaft or other like member (not shown) at thedistal end 922 configured to extend into theopening 913 and/or otherwise mate with thesecond shaft 910. In some examples, theouter wall 930 of the fitting 902 may abut a corresponding outer wall of thedistal end 922 when the fitting 902 is removably attached to theadapter 920. Theadapter 920 may also include atop surface 926 and abottom surface 928 opposite thetop surface 926. In such examples, thebottom surface 928 may mate with and/or may be otherwise connected to a corresponding surface of thecuff 12. Further, theadapter 920 may include one ormore connection devices 932 operable to assist in removably attaching and detaching the fitting 902 from theadapter 920. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 10 a, anotherexample system 1000 or other environment may include a fitting 1002 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 1004, and in such systems, theexample fitting 1002 may include one or more arms or other connection devices configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. Such example systems may also include a groove and/or other structure configured to mate with an annular seal, and the interaction between the groove and the seal may assist in retaining the fitting 1002 removably attached to theadapter 1004. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1002. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 1004. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1002, and/or of theadapter 1004, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 1000, the fitting 1002 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1006, and asingle arm 1008 extending from thebody 1006. Thearm 1008 may also include ashelf 1010 formed at a distal end of thearm 1008. Thearm 1008 may be movably connected to thebody 1006 via at least onestand 1012 extending from thebody 1006. As can be seen fromFIG. 10 , theshelf 1010 may extend substantially perpendicularly from thearm 1008. In particular, theshelf 1010 may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly from thearm 1008, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of theadapter 1004 in order to removably attach the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. - At least one of the
body 1006, stand 1012,arm 1008,shelf 1010, and/or other components of the fitting 1002 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of thestand 1012 may provide for movement of theshelf 1010 relative to thebody 1006 when force is applied to agrip 1014 associated with thestand 1012. Such movement may enable the fitting 1002 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 1004, and may also enable the fitting 1002 to be detached from theadapter 1004. As can be understood from the partial cross-sectional view shown inFIG. 10a , in further examples, the fitting 1002 may include more than one arm, shelf, stand, grip, and/or other components. For example, thefitting 1002 ofFIG. 10a may include a first arm 1008 a (not shown) and a second arm 1008 b, a first shelf 1010 a (not shown) and a second shelf 1010 b, a first stand 1012 a (not shown) and a second stand 112 b, a first grip 1014 a (not shown) and a second grip 1014 b, etc. Additionally, as will be described below, thesystem 1000 may also include a seal, and a groove configured mate with the seal. Disposing the seal at least partially within the groove when removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004 may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. Disposing the seal at least partially within the groove when removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004 may also form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1002 and theadapter 1004. - The fitting 1002 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 1016 extending from thebody 1006. In some examples, thechannel 1016 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) of the fitting 1002, and the longitudinal axis Z may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 1016. Thechannel 1016 may form anopening 1018 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 1002, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 1002 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. The fitting 1002 may further include acentral fluid passage 1019 extending at least partially through thebody 1006. For example, thechannel 1016 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 1019, and the longitudinal axis Z (FIG. 2 ) may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 1019. In such examples, theopening 1018 of thechannel 1016 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 1019. - As noted above with respect to the
adapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , theadapter 1004 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1020 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 1020 may include adistal portion 1021 extending outwardly from theouter surface 54 of thecuff 12. Thebody 1020 may also include aproximal portion 1036 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from theouter surface 54. In some examples, atop surface 1040 of theproximal portion 1036 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12 disposed opposite theouter surface 54. Theproximal portion 1036 may also include abottom surface 1042 opposite thetop surface 1040 and disposed substantially within, for example, an inflated portion of thecuff 12. Thebody 1020 of theadapter 1004 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 1004 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 1021 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 1036 may be made from a second material different from the first material. As noted above with respect to theadapter 50 ofFIG. 2 , in such examples, the use of such first and second materials may result in the various components or other parts of thebody 1020 having different rigidities, durabilities, sealing characteristics, and/or other properties. In any of the embodiments described herein, including the example embodiments shown inFIGS. 10 and 10 a, the fitting 1002 may also be made from more than one material. For example, one or more portions of thebody 1006 may be made from a first material, and a seal, at least onestand 1012, at least onearm 1008, and/or other component of the fitting 1002 may be made from a second material different from the first material. - The
distal portion 1021 of theadapter 1004 may include anannular ring 1022 having atop surface 1026 and aridge 1024 disposed opposite thetop surface 1026. Theridge 1024 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 1022. In such examples, at least part of theridge 1024 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1022 may be configured to mate with theshelf 1010 of the fitting 1002 to assist in retaining the fitting 1002 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. In some examples, at least part of theridge 1024 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1022 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of thebody 1020. Additionally, theadapter 1004 may include a substantiallycylindrical sidewall 1038 extending from theridge 1024 to thetop surface 1040 of theproximal portion 1036. Such asidewall 1038 may space theridge 1024 from thetop surface 1040 such that theshelf 1010 of the fitting 1002 may have room to mate with theridge 1024 beneath thering 1022. - The
top surface 1026 of thering 1022 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. In some examples, thetop surface 1026 of thering 1022 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 1020 from adistal end 1030 of thetop surface 1026 to aproximal end 1032 of thetop surface 1026. In such examples, the curvedtop surface 1026 may comprise a camming surface along which at least part of thearm 1008 and/or other components of the fitting 1002 may slide as the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. - The
system 1000 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 1028 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1002 and theadapter 1004 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. For example, at least oneseal 1028 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 or to one or more portions of anannular groove 1043 formed by thering 1026 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. As shown inFIG. 10 , theseal 1028 may be connected to a portion of theouter surface 1034, and in some examples, at least part of theseal 1028 may be recessed and/or otherwise disposed in a groove formed by the outer surface and substantially surrounding thechannel 1016. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 10a , theseal 1028 may be embedded within and/or formed integrally with thebody 1006 of the fitting 1002. In such examples, theseal 1028 may comprise a portion of thebody 1006 configured to mate with thegroove 1043 so as to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with thegroove 1043 and/or other portions of the adapter 1004 (e.g., with the ring 1022) when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. In such examples, theseal 1028 may be formed from a first material (e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer), and at least part of thebody 1006 may be formed from a second material (e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material) different from the first material. - In further example embodiments, the
body 1006 shown inFIG. 10a may be formed from a single material. In such examples, at least thering 1022 of theadapter 1004 may be formed from a first material (e.g., a first urethane and/or other polymer having a relatively low durometer), and thebody 1006 may be formed from a second material (e.g., a second urethane and/or other polymer having a durometer higher than the first material) different from the first material. In such examples, a portion of thebody 1006 may be configured to mate with thegroove 1043 so as to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with thegroove 1043 and/or other portions of the adapter 1004 (e.g., with the ring 1022) when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. - In the
example system 1000 ofFIGS. 10 and 10 a, thegroove 1043 may be formed, at least in part, by thetop surface 1026 of thering 1022, and thegroove 1043 may comprise abase 1046 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and asidewall 1048 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, thesidewall 1048 may extend distally from thebase 1046 to thedistal end 1030 of thetop surface 1026. - Further, as shown in at least
FIG. 10 theadapter 1004 may include a substantially cylindricalinner wall 1044 having aproximal end 1052 at thebottom surface 1042 of theproximal portion 1036, and adistal end 1050 at thebase 1046 of thegroove 1043. In such examples, thebase 1046 may extend radially from thedistal end 1050 of theinner wall 1044 to thesidewall 1048. In such examples, at least part (e.g., a base 1056) of theseal 1028 may be disposed within thegroove 1043 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. For example, in embodiments in which theseal 1028 is connected to the fitting 1002 (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG. 10 ) or in which theseal 1028 is formed integrally with the fitting 1002 (FIG. 10a ), thebase 1056 of theseal 1028 may mate with and/or otherwise contact at least part of thebase 1046 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. Similarly, in such embodiments a radiallyoutermost sidewall 1058 of theseal 1028 may mate with and/or otherwise contact at least part of thesidewall 1048 when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. Alternatively, in embodiments in which theseal 1028 is formed integrally with and/or connected to theadapter 1004, thebase 1056 of theseal 1028 may be connected to thebase 1046 of thegroove 1043. Further, in such embodiments at least part of the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1058 of theseal 1028 may be connected to thesidewall 1048 of thegroove 1043. In such examples, theseal 1028 may engage theouter surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 and/or anouter surface 1054 of thechannel 1016 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1002. Such engagement may also assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. For example, theflexible seal 1028 may have an inner diameter that is substantially equal to or nominally less than an outer diameter of theouter surface 1054. Accordingly, theseal 1028 may apply a retention force to theouter surface 1054 in a radially inward direction when thechannel 1016 is inserted within theadapter 1004. Such a retention force may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. - In still further examples, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 , theseal 1028 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 1034 of the fitting 1002 (as described above) and/or to theouter surface 1054 of thechannel 1016. For example, as noted above with respect toFIG. 10 a top portion of theseal 1028 may be connected to a groove formed by theouter surface 1034 of the fitting 1002. Further, at least part of a sidewall of the seal 1028 (e.g., a radially inner sidewall of theseal 1028 shown inFIG. 10 ) may be connected to and/or disposed on theouter surface 1054 of thechannel 1016. In such examples, theseal 1028 may engage thesidewall 1048 and/or thebase 1046 of thegroove 1043 formed by theadapter 1004 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with theadapter 1004. Such engagement may also assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. For example, theflexible seal 1028 may have an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or nominally greater than a diameter of thegroove 1043 formed by thesidewall 1048. Accordingly, theseal 1028 may apply a retention force to thesidewall 1048 in a radially outward direction when thechannel 1016 is inserted within theadapter 1004. Such a retention force may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1002 to theadapter 1004. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10 , theseal 1028 may comprise a primary seal configured to mate with at least a portion of the fitting 1002 (e.g., the outer surface 1034), and theannular ring 1022 may comprise a secondary seal that is also configured to mate with at least a portion of the fitting 1002 (e.g., theouter surface 1054 of thechannel 1016 and/or theouter surface 1034. In such examples, theseal 1028 and/or thering 1022 may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to increase the stability of the removable connection between theadapter 1004 and the fitting 1002. - Further, the
body 1020 of theadapter 1004 may also include a central opening (as shown more clearly inFIG. 2 ) at least partially formed by thewall 1044 of thebody 1020. For example, theinner wall 1044 may define a central fluid passage of theadapter 1004 configured to accept air or other fluids delivered to thecuff 12 via thefitting 1002. In such examples, theinner wall 1044 may have any shape, size, diameter, and/or other configuration such that theinner wall 1044 may accept at least part of thechannel 1016 therein. For example, at least part of thechannel 1016 may pass through the central opening of theinner wall 1044, proximate thedistal end 1030 of thetop surface 1026, when the fitting 1002 is removably attached to theadapter 1004. In such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through the central fluid passage of theadapter 1004 formed by the substantially cylindricalinner wall 1044. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , still anotherexample system 1100 or other environment may include a fitting 1102 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 1104, and in such systems, theexample fitting 1102 may be configured to mate with theadapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of thecuff 12 to which theadapter 1104 is connected.Such example fittings 1102 may include a groove and/or other structure configured to assist in securing the fitting 1102 to theadapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1102. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 1104. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1102, and/or of theadapter 1104, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 1100, the fitting 1102 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1106, and thebody 1106 may be substantially cylindrical and/or any other shape configured to assist in mating thefifing 1102 with theadapter 1104. Thebody 1106 may include, for example, apocket 1108 shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to accept at least part of theadapter 1104 therein and to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with theadapter 1104. As shown inFIG. 11 , thepocket 1108 may be formed, at least in part, by aninner sidewall 1110 of thebody 1106. Thepocket 1108 may also be formed, at least in part, by aceiling 1112 of thebody 1106 extending substantially perpendicular to theinner sidewall 1110. In such examples, thepocket 1108 may include an opening at a distal end of thebody 1106 configured to accept at least part of theadapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. In particular, the opening of thepocket 1108 may enable the fitting 1102 to be mated with theadapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of thecuff 12 to which theadapter 1104 is connected. Thebody 1106 may also include an outertop surface 1114 opposite theceiling 1112, and aninner bottom surface 1116 opposite thetop surface 1114. In such examples, thebottom surface 1116 may be disposed proximate and/or adjacent to the top surface of thecuff 12 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. - In some examples, the
body 1106 may also include a substantiallycircumferential groove 1118. For example, thegroove 1118 may comprise a channel or other like structure formed by theinner sidewall 1110 and extending at least partially circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis (not shown) of the fitting 1102. Thegroove 1118 may include any width, height, depth, and/or other configuration/structure to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1102 with theadapter 1104. For example, as will be described below, theadapter 1104 may include a distal portion having a ring and a ridge, and in such embodiments thegroove 1118 may be configured to accept at least part of the distal portion therein when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. Further, while the opening of thepocket 1108 may enable the fitting 1102 to be mated with theadapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1104 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of thecuff 12, thegroove 1118 may be substantially annular and/or any other configuration so as to enable rotation of the fitting 1102 about the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , theadapter 1104 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1120 that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, thebody 1120 may include adistal portion 1121 extending outwardly from the outer surface of thecuff 12. Thebody 1120 may also include aproximal portion 1136 embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface of thecuff 12. In some examples, a top surface of theproximal portion 1136 may extend at least partly along and/or may be connected to an inner surface of thecuff 12. Thebody 1120 of theadapter 1104 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to, for example, the fitting 42. In some examples, theadapter 1104 may be made from more than one such material. For example, one or more components or other parts of thedistal portion 1121 may be made from a first material, and one or more components or other parts of theproximal portion 1136 may be made from a second material different from the first material. - The
distal portion 1121 of theadapter 1104 may include anannular ring 1122 having atop surface 1126 and aridge 1124 disposed opposite thetop surface 1126. Theridge 1124 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 1122. In such examples, at least part of theridge 1124 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1122 may be configured to mate with thegroove 1118 of the fitting 1102 (e.g., a bottom surface, bottom wall, bottom flange, bottom shelf, etc.) to assist in retaining the fitting 1102 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1102 to theadapter 1104. In some examples, at least part of theridge 1124 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1122 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of thebody 1120. Further, at least part of theridge 1124 and/or at least part of thering 1122 may be disposed substantially within thegroove 1118 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. Additionally, theadapter 1104 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall 1138 extending from theridge 1124 to the top surface of theproximal portion 1136. Such a sidewall 1138 may space theridge 1124 from the top surface of theproximal portion 1136 such that thegroove 1118 of the fitting 1102 may have room to mate with theridge 1124. In such examples, at least part of the body 1106 (e.g., the bottom surface 1116) may be disposed beneath thering 1122 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. - The
top surface 1126 of thering 1122 may be substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially curved, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration in order to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1102 to theadapter 1104. In some examples, thetop surface 1126 of thering 1122 may comprise a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X of thebody 1120 from a distal end of thetop surface 1126 to a proximal end of thetop surface 1126. - The
system 1100 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 1128 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1102 and theadapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. For example, at least oneseal 1128 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, formed integrally with, and/or otherwise connected to either an outer surface of the fitting 1102 or to one or more portions of anannular groove 1146 formed by thering 1126 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 1100 ofFIG. 11 , thegroove 1146 may be formed, at least in part, by thetop surface 1126 of thering 1122. In still further embodiments, theseal 1128 may be omitted. In such example embodiments the adapter 1104 (e.g., at least part of thetop surface 1126 and/or other portions of the ring 1122) may be made from a first material (e.g., an example urethane or other polymer) having a first durometer. The fitting 1102, on the other hand, may be made from a second material (e.g., an example polymer) having a second durometer that is relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material. In such examples, the relatively lower durometer first material of theadapter 1104 may be configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal with the relatively higher durometer second material when the fitting 1102 is releasable connected to theadapter 1104. In still further embodiments, the fitting 1102 may be made from the relatively lower durometer first material described above and theadapter 1104 may be made from the relatively higher durometer second material described above. - Further, in any of the embodiments of the
system 1100 shown inFIG. 11 , the fitting 1102 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to be installed directly over the top of theadapter 1104 in order to form a removable connection therewith and/or to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. In such examples, the fitting 1102 (e.g., thebody 1106 of the fitting 1102) may be substantially cylindrical, and may be configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with theseal 1128 and/or with at least part of thering 1122 when the fitting 1102 is removably connected to theadapter 1104. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 11 theadapter 1104 may include a substantially cylindricalinner wall 1144 having a proximal end at a bottom surface of theproximal portion 1036, and a distal end at thetop surface 1126 of thering 1122. In such examples, theinner wall 1144 may form acentral opening 1160 of theadapter 1104 extending from the bottom surface of theproximal portion 1036 to thetop surface 1126 of thering 1122. In such examples, the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through thecentral opening 1160 formed by theinner wall 1114. - In example embodiments, the
body 1106 may also include one or more channels 1150 a, 1150 b. For example, such channels 1150 a, 1150 b may be formed, at least in part, by theceiling 1112 and may extend into theceiling 1112 at any desired depth. Each channel 1150 a, 1150 b may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage 1152 a, 1152 b of the body. For example, each fluid passage 1152 a, 1152 b may be fluidly connected to a respective conduit section 32 a, 32 b of thetubing 30. As a result, fluid delivered to thebody 1106 by the conduit sections 32 a, 32 b may be passed to the channels 1150 a, 1150 b by the respective fluid passages 1152 a, 1152 b, and the channels 1150 a, 1150 b may pass such fluid to thecentral opening 1160 of theadapter 1104 when the fitting 1102 is removably attached to theadapter 1104. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , yet anotherexample system 1200 or other environment may include a fitting 1202 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 1104, and in such systems, theexample fitting 1102 may be configured to mate with theadapter 1104 by moving the fitting 1102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis R defined by theadapter 1204. In some examples, the rotational axis R may comprise a central longitudinal axis of theadapter 1104, and the fitting 1202 may be configured to rotate about the rotational axis R when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to theadapter 1204. As shown inFIG. 12 , the rotational axis R may extend substantially parallel to atop surface 54 of thecuff 12 to which theadapter 1204 is connected, and the fitting 1202 may have a range of motion about the rotational axis R equal to at least approximately 180 degrees. For example, the fitting 1202 may be rotatable about the rotational axis R in the clockwise direction ofarrow 1210 and in the counterclockwise direction ofarrow 1212. It is understood that such anexample adapter 1204 may have one or more grooves, channels, pockets, and/or other structures configured to mate with at least part of the fitting 1202, and such structures may assist in removably attaching the fitting 1202 to theadapter 1204. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1202. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 1204. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1202, and/or of theadapter 1204, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 1200, the fitting 1202 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1206, and thebody 1206 may be substantially cylindrical and/or any other shape configured to assist in mating thefifing 1202 with theadapter 1204. Thebody 1206 may include, for example, one or more pockets, extensions, tabs, pins, channels, and/or other structures (not shown) shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to mate with at least part of theadapter 1204 and to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with theadapter 1204. Theadapter 1204 and/or the fitting 1202 may also include one or more seals (not shown) similar to one or more of the seals described above, to assist in forming such a substantially fluid-tight seal. - In some examples, the
adapter 1204 may include a first portion 1208 a and a second portion 1208 b disposed opposite the first portion 1208 a on thetop surface 54. In such examples, thebody 1206 of the fitting 1202 may be positioned between the first and second portions 1208 a, 1208 b when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to theadapter 1204. Further, the first and second portions 1208 a, 1208 b may include respective fluid passages configured to direct fluid into thecuff 12. In such examples, a first fluid passage of the fitting 1202 may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage of the first portion 1208 a, and a second fluid passage of the fitting 1202 may be fluidly connected to a respective fluid passage of the second portion 1208 b when the fitting 1202 is removably attached to theadapter 1204. - As shown in
FIGS. 13a and 13b , afurther example system 1300 or other environment of the present disclosure may include a fitting 1302 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 1304. Insuch systems 1300, theexample fitting 1302 may be removably attachable to such anadapter 1304, and in such asystem 1300, the fitting 1302 may comprise abody 1306 having anupper section 1308 that is relatively flexible and/or malleable. For example, theupper section 1308 may comprise a first portion 1310 a and a second portion 1310 b opposite the first portion 1310 a. As shown inFIG. 13b , at least one of the first and second portions 1310 a, 1310 b may be deformable to assist in securing the fitting 1302 to theadapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to theadapter 1302. Such a malleableupper section 1308 may also form a substantially fluid-tight seal with at least part of theadapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to theadapter 1304. In such examples, one or more of the seals described above, such as theseal 1328 shown inFIGS. 13a, 13b may be omitted. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1302. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 1304. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1302, and/or of theadapter 1304, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 1300, various components of the fitting 1302 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of the fitting 502, and various components of theadapter 1304 may be substantially similar to corresponding components of theadapter 504. Thebody 1306 and/or other components of the fitting 1302 may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to thebody 48. In any such examples, the shape, size, materials, and/or other configuration of theupper portion 1308 may enable at least one of the first portion 1310 a, or the second portion 1310 b to mate with a surface of theadapter 1304. Such flexibility and/or malleability of theupper section 1308 may enable the fitting 1302 to be removably attached to the bloodpressure cuff adapter 1304. - The fitting 1302 may also include one or more extensions, passages, and/or other
like channels 1316 extending from thebody 1306. In some examples, thechannel 1316 may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis X of the fitting 1302, and the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through thechannel 1316. Thechannel 1316 may form anopening 1318 configured to permit the passage of air or other fluids into thecuff 12 via the fitting 1302, and/or to otherwise fluidly connect the fitting 1302 with thecuff 12, when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to theadapter 1304. The fitting 1302 may further include acentral fluid passage 1319 extending at least partially through thebody 1306. For example, thechannel 1316 may form at least part of thecentral fluid passage 1319 of the fitting 1302, and the longitudinal axis X may extend substantially centrally through at least part of thecentral passage 1319. In such examples, theopening 1318 of thechannel 1316 may comprise an opening of thecentral passage 1319. - With further reference to
FIGS. 13a and 13b , theadapter 1304 may include a substantially rigid body that is at least partly connected to thecuff 12. For example, the body may include a distal portion having anannular ring 1322. Thering 1322 may include atop surface 1326 and aridge 1324 disposed opposite thetop surface 1326. Theridge 1324 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 1322. In such examples, at least part of theridge 1324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1322 may be configured to mate with at least one of the first portion 1310 a or the second portion 1310 b of the fitting 1302 to assist in retaining the fitting 1302 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1302 to theadapter 1304. In some examples, at least part of theridge 1324 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1322 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. Additionally, theadapter 1304 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending proximally from the ridge. Such a sidewall may space theridge 1324 from a proximal portion of theadapter 1304 such that a healthcare professional may mold and/or otherwise form at least one of the first portion 1310 a or the second portion 1310 b of the fitting 1302 to mate with theridge 1324 beneath thering 1322. - The
system 1300 may also include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 1328 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1302 and theadapter 1304 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to theadapter 1304. For example, at least oneseal 1328 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to either anouter surface 1334 of the fitting 1302 or to thetop surface 1326 of thering 1322 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In theexample system 1300, at least part (e.g., a base) of theseal 1328 may be disposed within an annular groove formed by thetop surface 1326 of thering 1322. In such examples, theseal 1328 may engage theouter surface 1334 of the fitting 1302 proximate a perimeter and/or outer wall of thechannel 1316 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1302 when the fitting 1302 is removably attached to theadapter 1304. Alternatively, the seal 13528 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise connected to theouter surface 1334 of the fitting 1302, and may be configured to engage thetop surface 1326 of theadapter 1304 to form such a substantially fluid-tight seal. In still further embodiments, theseal 1328 may be omitted. - As shown in
FIGS. 14a-14f , anotherexample system 1400 or other environment may include a fitting 1402 and/or a bloodpressure cuff adapter 1404, and in such systems, theexample fitting 1402 may include one or more arms or other connection devices configured to assist in removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404. As will be described below, at least some such example systems may also include a groove and/or other structure configured to mate with at least part of a member of the fitting 1402, and the interaction between the groove and the member of the fitting 1402 may assist in aligning and/or stabilizing the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. In example embodiments, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various fittings described herein may be included in the fitting 1402. Likewise, any of the structures, functions, and/or other aspects of the various adapters described herein may be included in theadapter 1404. Further, one or more of the structures, functions, and/or features of the fitting 1402, and/or of theadapter 1404, may be incorporated into any of the fittings or adapters of the present disclosure. - In the
example system 1400, the fitting 1402 may include a substantiallyrigid body 1406. As can be understood from the partial cross-sectional views shown inFIGS. 14a-14f , the fitting 1402 may also include one or more arms, shelfs, stands, grips, and/or other components. For example, the fitting 1402 may include a first arm 1408 a (not shown) and a second arm 1408 b, a first shelf 1410 a (not shown) and a second shelf 1410 b, a first stand 1412 a (not shown) and a second stand 112 b, a first grip 1414 a (not shown) and a second grip 1414 b, etc. In some examples, such components may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of theadapters 700 described above with respect to, for example,FIGS. 7a-7g . For example, the arms 1408 a, 1408 b may include respective shelfs 1410 a, 1410 b formed at respective distal ends of the arms 1408 a, 1408 b. The arms 1408 a, 1408 b may be movably connected to thebody 1406 via respective stands 1412 a, 1412 b extending from thebody 1406. As can be seen fromFIGS. 14a-14f , the shelves 1410 a, 1410 b may extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the respective shelves 1410 a, 1410 b may include one or more surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a side surface, etc.), extending substantially perpendicularly relative to a central longitudinal axis X of the adapter 1410, and such surfaces may be configured to mate with respective corresponding surfaces of theadapter 1404 in order to removably attach the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404 as described above. - Additionally, the
system 1400 may include one or more O-rings, gaskets, and/orother seals 1437 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the fitting 1402 and theadapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404.Such seals 1437 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the one ormore seals 737 described above with respect to, for example,FIGS. 7a-7g . For example, the fitting 1402 may include acentral channel 1416 defining a central fluid passage of the fitting 1402, and when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404, a substantially cylindricalouter wall 1440 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite thechannel 1416 may be disposed along, adjacent, and/or at least partly in contact with a corresponding substantially cylindricalinner wall 1438 of theadapter 1404. In such examples, the at least oneseal 1437 may be attached to, adhered to, embedded substantially within, disposed adjacent to, and/or otherwise connected to theinner wall 1438 of theadapter 1404 to facilitate forming such a fluid-tight seal. In particular, theseal 1437 may engage theouter wall 1440 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting 1402 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 14a-14f , and as described above with respect to at least theadapter 1404 ofFIGS. 7a-7g , theadapter 1404 of thesystem 1400 may include a substantially rigid body that is at least partly connected to acuff 12. For example, the body of theadapter 1404 may include adistal portion 1421 extending outwardly from an outer surface of thecuff 12. The body of theadapter 1404 may also include a proximal portion embedded within thecuff 12 and/or extending inwardly from the outer surface of thecuff 12. Thedistal portion 1421 of theadapter 1404 may include anannular ring 1422 having atop surface 1426 and aridge 1424 disposed opposite thetop surface 1426. Theridge 1424 may comprise at least part of a bottom surface of thering 1422. In such examples, at least part of theridge 1424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1422 may be configured to mate with the shelves 1410 a, 1410 b of the fitting 1402 to assist in retaining the fitting 1402 and/or otherwise removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404. In some examples, at least part of theridge 1424 and/or at least another part of the bottom surface of thering 1422 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1404. Additionally, theadapter 1404 may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending proximally from theridge 1424. Such a sidewall may space theridge 1424 from, for example, the top surface of thecuff 12 such that the shelves 1410 a, 1410 b of the fitting 1402 may have room to mate with theridge 1424 beneath thering 1422. - With reference to at least
FIG. 14a , in some examples thesystem 1400 may include anadapter 1404 having anannular groove 1428, and a fitting 1402 having one or more protrudingmembers 1434 configured to at least partly engage thegroove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to theadapter 1404. For example, similar to theadapter 1404 described with respect toFIGS. 7a-7g , in example embodiments, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 may include agroove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept themember 1434 and/or other structural feature of theadapter 1402. As shown in at leastFIG. 14a , such amember 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward thecuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404) from anouter surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing thetop surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. In some examples, themember 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of thebody 1406 protruding from theouter surface 1436, and themember 1434 may be useful in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with theadapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404. In particular, as shown inFIG. 14a , in some examples themember 1434 may comprise one or more tabs, ribs, rings, ridges, flanges, and/or other structures extending distally from theouter surface 1436, and having at least one surface that tapers radially inwardly from theouter surface 1436 toward theouter wall 1440. For example, themember 1434 may comprise at least one rib, tab, or other such structure including a radiallyoutermost sidewall 1468. Thesidewall 1468 may extend from a proximal end of the member 1434 (e.g., proximate or at the outer surface 1436) to a distal end of themember 1434, and thesidewall 1468 may taper radially inwardly from the proximal end of themember 1434 to the distal end of themember 1434. - The
sidewall 1468 may be substantially planar, substantially concave, substantially convex, and/or any other shape or configuration, and such a configuration may match a configuration of a corresponding portion of thegroove 1428. For instance, themember 1434 may also include abase 1464 disposed at the distal end thereof, and thegroove 1428 may include abase 1452 and a radiallyoutermost sidewall 1454 extending proximally from thebase 1452. For example, thesidewall 1454 may extend proximally from thebase 1452 to thetop surface 1426 of thering 1422. In such examples, thesidewall 1454 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1468 of themember 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Similarly, in some examples thebase 1452 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage thebase 1464 of themember 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Such engagement between themember 1434 and thegroove 1428 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. In any such examples, themember 1434 may be shaped, sized, dimensioned, located, and/or otherwise configured to provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and theadapter 1404, while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404. - In such examples, the
groove 1428 and themember 1434 may be positioned and/or otherwise configured such that disposing at least part of themember 1434 within thegroove 1428 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404 may cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 (FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1404. Moreover, thesidewall 1468 of themember 1434 and thesidewall 1454 of thegroove 1428 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X to facilitate such a mating relationship. For instance, thesidewall 1454 of thegroove 1428 may be disposed at an acute included angle Θ relative to the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, thesidewall 1468 of themember 1434 may be disposed at a complimentary acute included angle A. Such an example relationship is shown inFIG. 14a with respect to anaxis 1476 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. - With reference to at least
FIG. 14b , in some examples thesystem 1400 may include anadapter 1404 in which theannular groove 1428 described above with respect toFIG. 14a has been omitted. For example, as shown inFIG. 14b , anexample system 1400 may include a fitting 1402 and anadapter 1404 that are substantially similar to the fitting 1402 andadapter 1404 described above with respect toFIG. 14a . As shown inFIG. 14b , however, in some embodiments thetop surface 1426 of thering 1422 may terminate at a substantially planar surface (e.g., a base 1452). In such examples, the fitting 1402 may also include a corresponding substantiallyplanar base 1456 configured to contact, engage, and/or otherwise mate with thebase 1452 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. In such examples, thebase 1456 of the fitting 702 may comprise a substantially planar, substantially annular surface extending radially away from theouter surface 1440. In some examples, the fitting 1402 may also include one or moreadditional sidewalls 1458 extending substantially parallel to thesidewall 1440. In any such examples, thebase 1456 may extend between thesidewall 1440 and thesidewall 1458. In some examples, thebase 1456 may extend from thesidewall 1440 to thesidewall 1458. In any such examples, thebase 1452 of theadapter 704 may comprise a substantially planar annular surface, and thebase 1456 may contact, engage, and/or otherwise mate with at least part of thebase 1452 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. - With reference to at least
FIG. 14c , in some examples thesystem 1400 may include anadapter 1404 having anannular groove 1428, and a fitting 1402 having one or more protrudingmembers 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) thegroove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to theadapter 1404. For example, similar to theadapter 1404 described with respect toFIGS. 7a-7g , in example embodiments, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 may include agroove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept themember 1434 and/or other structural feature of theadapter 1402. As shown in at leastFIG. 14c , such amember 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward thecuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404) from anouter surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing thetop surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. As described above with respect toFIG. 14a , in some examples, themember 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of thebody 1406 protruding from theouter surface 1436, and the engagement between themember 1434 and thegroove 1428 may assist in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with theadapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404. WhileFIG. 14c illustrates thegroove 1428 and themember 1434 being spaced radially from, for example, a radiallyinnermost end 1430 of thetop surface 1426, in other examples themember 1434,groove 1428,ring 1422, and/or other components of the fitting 1402 and/or of theadapter 1404 may be disposed and/or configured substantially as described above with respect toFIG. 7f, 10a, 14a , and/or one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments thegroove 1428 and themember 1434 shown inFIG. 14c may be configured substantially the same as the correspondinggroove 728 andmember 734 described above with respect toFIG. 7 f. - Moreover, as shown in
FIG. 14c , in addition to thegroove 1428, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 may also include one or more surfaces, sections, and/or other modifiedportions 1474 configured to accept and/or otherwise engage with a correspondingadditional member 1472 of the fitting 1402. In some examples, such a modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may comprise an additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other portion of thering 1422 that, relative to thering 722 and/or the substantially convextop surface 726 shown inFIG. 7a , has been omitted (e.g., via a molding process) or removed (e.g., via a mechanical or other removal process) from thering 1422. In such examples, the additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may be substantially annular, may extend (at least partially) circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X, and/or may otherwise be configured similar to thegroove 1428 to facilitate rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG. 14c the modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may be formed and/or disposed between thegroove 1428 and the radiallyinnermost end 1430 of thetop surface 1426. Additionally or alternatively, the modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may be formed by and/or disposed on a portion of thering 1422 radially outward of thegroove 1428. For example, at least part of the modifiedportion 1474 may be formed and/or disposed between thegroove 1428 and a radially outermost end of thetop surface 1426. - As shown in
FIG. 14c , in some examples the modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may comprise a substantially planar portion of thetop surface 1426. Alternatively, in other embodiments the modifiedportion 1474 of thering 1422 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of thering 1422. Further, as shown inFIG. 14c , in some examples at least aportion 1490 of thetop surface 1426 may extend radially inwardly from the modifiedportion 1474, and such aportion 1490 of thetop surface 1426 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. For example, such aportion 1490 of thetop surface 1426 may extend radially inward from a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially innermost end) of the modifiedportion 1474 to a radially outermost sidewall of thegroove 1428 and/or to the radiallyinnermost end 1430 of thetop surface 1426. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 14e , in other examples thetop surface 1426 may be substantially planar and may extend substantially linearly from a radiallyinnermost end 1430 of thetop surface 1426 to a radiallyoutermost end 1432 of thetop surface 1426. In the example ofFIG. 14e , thegroove 1428 may be spaced radially from the radiallyinnermost end 1430 by any desired distance. In still further embodiments, thegroove 1428 and themember 1434 illustrated in at leastFIG. 14e may be omitted. - In any of the examples described herein, the
groove 1428 may include a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from the radiallyinnermost end 1430 of thetop surface 1426 by at least aportion 1488 of thetop surface 1426. In such examples, the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modifiedportion 1474 may include a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially innermost end) disposed at a location on thetop surface 1426 radially spaced from the groove 1428 (e.g., radially spaced from a radially outermost sidewall of thegroove 1428 disposed opposite the radially innermost sidewall of the groove 1428). Additionally, in such examples the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modifiedportion 1474 may include a second end 1486 (e.g., a radially outermost end) disposed proximate a radially outermost end of thetop surface 1426. - Additionally, in any of the examples described herein the shape, size, location, orientation, and/or other configuration of the modified
portion 1474 may match a configuration of theadditional member 1472 of the fitting 1402. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 14c and 14e , theadditional member 1472 of the fitting 1402 may comprise a substantially planar portion of theouter surface 1436. Alternatively, in other embodiments theadditional member 1472 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of theouter surface 1436 opposite and facing the modifiedportion 1474. In such examples, theadditional member 1472 may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the modifiedportion 1474 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Such engagement between theadditional member 1472 and the modifiedportion 1474 may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Such engagement may also provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and theadapter 1404, while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404. Such engagement may also cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 (FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1404. - Further, as shown in
FIGS. 14c and 14e , theadditional member 1472 and the modifiedportion 1474 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. For instance, the portion of thetop surface 1426 forming the modifiedportion 1474 may be disposed at an acute included angle Θ relative to anaxis 1478 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, the portion of theouter surface 1436 forming theadditional member 1472 may be disposed at a complimentary acute included angle λ relative to anaxis 1476 that extends perpendicular to theaxis 1478 and the longitudinal axis X. - Further, it is understood that in some embodiments the
additional member 1472 may include and/or comprise one or more pins, flanges, detents, and/or other extensions, and in such embodiments the portion of thetop surface 1426 forming the modifiedportion 1474 may include one or more grooves, channels, dimples, indents, and/or other structures configured to accept such extensions. In still further embodiments, it is understood that thegroove 1428 may be formed by the fitting 1402 and themember 1434 may be formed by theadapter 1404. - With reference to at least
FIG. 14d , and substantially similar to the embodiment described above with respect toFIG. 14c , in some examples thesystem 1400 may include anadapter 1404 having anannular groove 1428, and a fitting 1402 having one or more protrudingmembers 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) thegroove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to theadapter 1404. For example, similar to theadapter 1404 described with respect toFIG. 14c , in example embodiments, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 shown inFIG. 14d may include agroove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept themember 1434 and/or other structural feature of theadapter 1402. In such embodiments, themember 1434 and/or other components of the fitting 1402 shown inFIG. 14d may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of the fitting 1402 described above with respect toFIG. 14c , and thegroove 1428 and/or other components of theadapter 1404 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the corresponding components of theadapter 1404 described above with respect toFIG. 14 c. - In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 14d , in addition to thegroove 1428, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 may also include one or more surfaces, sections, and/or other modifiedportions 1480 configured to accept and/or otherwise engage with a corresponding additional member of the fitting 1402. In the example shown in the partial cross-section ofFIG. 14d , the fitting 1402 may include a first arm 1408 a (not shown) and a second arm 1408 b opposite the first arm 1408 a. In such examples, a shelf 1410 a (not shown) and/or other radially inwardly facing surface or portion of the first arm 1408 a may form a first additional member 1482 a (not shown) of the fitting 1402, and a shelf 1410 b and/or other radially inwardly facing surface or portion of the second arm 1408 b may form a second additional member 1482 b of the fitting 1402. As shown inFIG. 14d , in such examples the modifiedportion 1480 of thering 1422 may be formed by and/or may comprise a surface and/or other portion of thering 1422 disposed opposite thetop surface 1426 and/or disposed on a radially outwardly facing portion of thering 1422. In particular, in such examples, the modifiedportion 1480 may at least partly face the top surface of thecuff 12. - In some examples, the modified
portion 1480 of thering 1422 shown inFIG. 14d may comprise an additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other portion of thering 1422 that, relative to thering 722 and/or the substantially planar bottom surface orridge 724 shown inFIG. 7a , has been omitted (e.g., via a molding process) or removed (e.g., via a mechanical or other removal process) from thering 1422. In such examples, the additional groove, channel, notch, indentation, hole, or other modifiedportion 1480 of thering 1422 shown inFIG. 14d may be substantially annular, may extend (at least partially) circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X, and/or may otherwise be configured similar to thegroove 1428 to facilitate rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404. - As shown in
FIG. 14d , in some examples the modifiedportion 1480 of thering 1422 may comprise a substantially planar surface and/or other portion of thering 1422 extending distally and radially inwardly between and/or from thetop surface 1426 to theridge 1424. Alternatively, in other embodiments the modifiedportion 1480 of thering 1422 may comprise a substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surface or portion of thering 1422. - In any of the examples described herein, the
groove 1428 may include a radially innermost sidewall that is radially spaced from a radially innermost end (e.g., the radiallyinnermost end 1430 described above with respect toFIG. 14c ) of the top surface 1426) by aportion 1488 of thetop surface 1426. In such examples, the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modifiedportion 1480 may include a first end 1484 (e.g., a radially outermost end) disposed proximate, adjacent, and/or at a radially outermost end of thetop surface 1426. Further, in such examples the substantially planar surface, curved surface, and/or other surface of the modifiedportion 1480 may include a second end 1486 (e.g., a radially innermost end) disposed proximate, adjacent, and/or at a radially outermost end of theridge 1424. In such examples, thefirst end 1484 of the modifiedportion 1480 may be radially spaced from a radially outermost sidewall of thegroove 1428 by anadditional portion 1490 of thetop surface 1426. - Additionally, in any of the examples described herein the shape, size, location, orientation, and/or other configuration of the modified
portion 1480 may match a configuration of the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b of the fitting 1402. For instance, the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b may comprise substantially planar surfaces of the respective arms 1408 a, 1408 b. Alternatively, in other embodiments the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b may comprise substantially curved, substantially concave, and/or substantially convex surfaces or portions of the respective arms 1408 a, 1408 b. In such examples, the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b may mate with and/or otherwise at least partially engage the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Such engagement may assist in minimizing and/or substantially eliminating lateral movement of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Such engagement may also provide additional rigidity, support, and/or stability to the removable connection between the fitting 1402 and theadapter 1404, while still facilitating rotation of the fitting 1402 relative to theadapter 1404. Such engagement may also cause the longitudinal axis Z of the fitting 1402 (FIG. 2 ) to be collinear with the longitudinal axis X of theadapter 1404. - Further, the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b and the modified
portion 1474 may be disposed at complimentary angles relative to, for example, the longitudinal axis X when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. For instance, the portion of thering 1422 forming the modifiedportion 1480 may be disposed at an acute included angle Θ relative to the longitudinal axis X. In such examples, the portions of the respective arms 1408 a, 1408 b forming the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b may be disposed at respective complimentary acute included angles λ relative to the longitudinal axis X and anaxis 1476 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. - Further, it is understood that in some embodiments at least one of the first and second additional members 1482 a, 1482 b may include and/or comprise one or more pins, flanges, detents, and/or other extensions, and in such embodiments the portion of the
ring 1422 forming the modifiedportion 1480 may include one or more grooves, channels, dimples, indents, and/or other structures configured to accept such extensions. - Moreover, with reference to at least
FIG. 14f , in some examples thesystem 1400 may include anadapter 1404 having anannular groove 1428, and a fitting 1402 having one or more protrudingmembers 1434 configured to at least partly engage (e.g., at least partly extend into, at least partly contact, at least partly slidably engage, etc.) thegroove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is releasably attached to theadapter 1404. For example, similar to theadapter 1404 described with respect toFIGS. 7a-7g , in example embodiments, thering 1422 of theadapter 1404 may include agroove 1428 extending at least partly (and, in some examples, completely) around (e.g., concentrically) the longitudinal axis X, and being shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to accept themember 1434 and/or other structural feature of theadapter 1402. As shown in at leastFIG. 14f , such amember 1434 may extend distally (e.g., in a direction toward thecuff 12 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to the adapter 1404) from anouter surface 1436 of the fitting 1402 disposed opposite and/or facing thetop surface 1426 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. As described above with respect toFIG. 14a , in some examples, themember 1434 may comprise a shaft, pin, rod, tab, rib, ring, ridge, flange, and/or other extension of thebody 1406 protruding from theouter surface 1436, and the engagement between themember 1434 and thegroove 1428 may assist in laterally and/or otherwise aligning the fitting 1402 with theadapter 1404 when removably attaching the fitting 1402 to theadapter 1404.Example members 1434 of the present disclosure may have any shape, size, cross-sectional profile and/or other configuration to facilitate such functionality. - For example,
FIG. 14f illustrates an embodiment in which themember 1434 comprises a substantially V-shaped cross-section. In such examples, themember 1434 may include a radiallyoutermost sidewall 1466 and a radiallyinnermost sidewall 1468, and the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1466 may extend at an acute included angle relative to the radiallyinnermost sidewall 1468. Moreover, the configuration of thegroove 1428 shown inFIG. 14f may substantially match and/or otherwise correspond to the shape, size, cross-sectional profile, location, and/or other configuration of themember 1434. For example, thegroove 1428 may include a radiallyinnermost sidewall 1454, and a radiallyoutermost sidewall 1456, and the radiallyinnermost sidewall 1454 may extend at an acute included angle relative to the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1456. In such examples, the radiallyinnermost sidewall 1454 of thegroove 1428 may extend substantially parallel to the radiallyinnermost sidewall 1468 of themember 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Similarly, the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1456 of thegroove 1428 may extend substantially parallel to the radiallyoutermost sidewall 1466 of themember 1434 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Accordingly, in such embodiments at least part of themember 1434 may contact and/or slidably engage thegroove 1428 when the fitting 1402 is removably attached to theadapter 1404. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG. 14f , at least one of thesidewalls groove 1428 and/or at least one of thesidewalls member 1434 may be substantially planar, substantially curved, substantially convex, substantially concave, substantially tapered, and/or any other configuration. - The following clauses describe, alone and/or in combination, example embodiments of the present disclosure:
- A: A blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
B: The blood pressure cuff adapter of clause A, wherein the top surface comprises a convex surface extending radially away from the longitudinal axis from a distal end of the top surface to a proximal end of the top surface, the groove being disposed between the distal end and the proximal end.
C: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the member comprises one of a pin, a ring, and an arcuate ring segment extending substantially perpendicularly from an outer surface of the fitting.
D: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises at least one detent configured to contact the member as the fitting is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the adapter.
E: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the at least one detent being disposed on the base.
F: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base having a trough and a peak, the peak being disposed axially closer to the top surface of the ring than the trough.
G: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove includes a wall prohibiting 360 degree rotation of the fitting about the longitudinal axis when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
H: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, further comprising at least one of an RFID tag, a bar code, or a conductor disposed on a base of the grove.
I: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the groove comprises a base extending radially from the inner wall, and a sidewall extending from the base to the top surface of the ring, the top surface comprising a curved surface extending from the sidewall of the groove.
J: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the top surface of the ring extends from the inner wall, and wherein the groove comprises a sidewall extending from the top surface to a base of the groove, the base extending radially from the sidewall to a radially outermost portion of the ring.
K: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the member includes a first sidewall disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the groove includes a second sidewall disposed at the acute included angle, wherein the first sidewall slidably engages the second sidewall when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
L: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the top surface forms a modified portion of the ring disposed radially outward of the groove, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein an additional member of the fitting is configured to slidably engage the modified portion of the ring when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
M: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the modified portion of the ring includes an additional groove, and wherein the additional member of the fitting includes an additional member configured to engage the additional groove when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
N: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein the ring includes a modified portion disposed between the top surface and the ridge, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein an additional member of the fitting is configured to slidably engage the modified portion of the ring when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
O: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein: the top surface comprises a substantially planar surface extending from a radially innermost end disposed proximate the inner wall to a radially outermost end, the groove is disposed between the radially innermost end and the radially outermost end, and the top surface extends at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
P: A blood pressure cuff adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface and a groove, the groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, and the top surface forming a modified portion of the ring disposed radially outward of the groove, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
Q: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, the distal portion of the body further including: a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending from the ridge to a top surface of the proximal portion; and a feature disposed proximate the groove, the feature comprising at least one of a layer of reflective paint, a layer of reflective ink, an RFID tag, or a barcode.
R: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein: the groove includes a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from a radially innermost end of the top surface; the substantially planar surface of the modified portion includes a first end disposed at a location on the top surface radially spaced from the groove; and the substantially planar surface includes a second end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the top surface.
S: A blood pressure cuff adapter includes: a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a substantially cylindrical inner wall forming a central opening of the body, the inner wall extending from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening, the distal portion including: an annular ring having a top surface, a groove extending at least partly around the longitudinal axis and being configured to accept a corresponding member of a fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter, a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a modified portion disposed between the top surface and the ridge, the modified portion comprising a substantially planar surface extending at an acute included angle relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a seal disposed adjacent to the inner wall, the seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the fitting when the fitting is removably attached to the adapter.
T: The blood pressure cuff adapter of any of the above clauses, wherein: the groove includes a radially innermost sidewall radially spaced from a radially innermost end of the top surface; the substantially planar surface of the modified portion includes a first end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the top surface; and the substantially planar surface includes a second end disposed proximate a radially outermost end of the ridge. - The example systems and methods of the present disclosure overcome various deficiencies of known prior art devices. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure contained herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/179,304 US20190125199A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US16/228,113 US10413199B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-12-20 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US16/571,593 US10820812B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2019-09-16 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US17/086,901 US11857295B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2020-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US18/394,072 US20240122489A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2023-12-22 | Connectors for medical equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762580679P | 2017-11-02 | 2017-11-02 | |
US16/179,304 US20190125199A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/228,113 Continuation US10413199B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-12-20 | Connectors for medical equipment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190125199A1 true US20190125199A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
Family
ID=66245300
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/179,304 Pending US20190125199A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US16/228,113 Active US10413199B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-12-20 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US16/571,593 Active US10820812B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2019-09-16 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US17/086,901 Active 2039-07-14 US11857295B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2020-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US18/394,072 Pending US20240122489A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2023-12-22 | Connectors for medical equipment |
Family Applications After (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/228,113 Active US10413199B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-12-20 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US16/571,593 Active US10820812B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2019-09-16 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US17/086,901 Active 2039-07-14 US11857295B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2020-11-02 | Connectors for medical equipment |
US18/394,072 Pending US20240122489A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2023-12-22 | Connectors for medical equipment |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US20190125199A1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN116172530A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019090100A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10820812B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Connectors for medical equipment |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9913577B2 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2018-03-13 | Obp Medical Corporation | Speculum |
US9867602B2 (en) | 2015-02-05 | 2018-01-16 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated surgical retractor |
US10420538B2 (en) | 2015-02-05 | 2019-09-24 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated surgical retractor |
US10881387B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2021-01-05 | Obp Medical Corporation | Retractor |
US10939899B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2021-03-09 | Obp Medical Corporation | End cap assembly for retractor and other medical devices |
DK3302292T3 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2024-01-02 | Obp Surgical Corp | Retractor |
US10722621B2 (en) | 2016-07-11 | 2020-07-28 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated suction device |
US10687793B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2020-06-23 | Obp Medical Corporation | Minimally invasive no touch (MINT) procedure for harvesting the great saphenous vein (GSV) and venous hydrodissector and retractor for use during the MINT procedure |
US10278572B1 (en) | 2017-10-19 | 2019-05-07 | Obp Medical Corporation | Speculum |
US10799229B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2020-10-13 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated medical devices |
USD911521S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2021-02-23 | Obp Medical Corporation | Handle for medical devices including surgical retractors |
USD904607S1 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2020-12-08 | Obp Medical Corporation | Nasal retractor |
CN110522435A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2019-12-03 | 宁波智能装备研究院有限公司 | A method of detection electronic sphygmomanometer cuff bundlees elasticity |
US10959609B1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2021-03-30 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated suction device |
US10966702B1 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2021-04-06 | Obp Medical Corporation | Illuminated dual-blade retractor |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US924039A (en) * | 1905-09-21 | 1909-06-08 | Economic Specialty Company | Pipe-fitting. |
US2661965A (en) * | 1948-10-07 | 1953-12-08 | Chiksan Co | Union which permits misalignment |
US7350832B1 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2008-04-01 | Bridgeport Fittings, Inc. | Self-aligning, rain-tight conduit coupling/connector assembly |
US7497482B2 (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2009-03-03 | Fujikin Incorporated | Pipe joint |
US20100056933A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Drager Medical Ag & Co. Kg | Plug-in connector for medical tubes |
US8827317B2 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2014-09-09 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Medical device adaptor |
Family Cites Families (133)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1106341A (en) | 1913-10-02 | 1914-08-04 | Bristol Company | Measuring instrument. |
US1377032A (en) | 1918-12-23 | 1921-05-03 | Henry Hughes And Son Ltd | Aneroid barometer |
US1328876A (en) | 1918-12-24 | 1920-01-27 | Hill Alfred Nilsson | Measuring instrument |
DE591564C (en) | 1931-04-08 | 1934-01-23 | Elektro Technik G M B H | Device for producing fire-extinguishing foam |
US2087494A (en) | 1933-12-19 | 1937-07-20 | Mason Neilan Regulator Company | Pressure differential indicator |
US2199408A (en) | 1937-09-27 | 1940-05-07 | Liberte Elie J La | Registering tourniquet applicable for the determination of blood pressures |
US2341137A (en) | 1943-02-06 | 1944-02-08 | Milton H Damron | Compact sphygmomanometer |
US2564669A (en) | 1945-11-13 | 1951-08-21 | James M Brady | Pressure measuring device |
US2636394A (en) | 1948-03-19 | 1953-04-28 | Frederick C Melchior | Instrument actuating mechanism |
US2678040A (en) | 1953-03-16 | 1954-05-11 | Clark | Sphygmomanometer in the form of a cuff |
GB740181A (en) | 1954-01-05 | 1955-11-09 | David Myron Clark | Sphygmomanometer in the form of a cuff |
US2714379A (en) | 1954-05-26 | 1955-08-02 | Hannah E Tueffel | Sphygmomanometer |
US3279459A (en) | 1964-12-14 | 1966-10-18 | Abraham W Schenker | Limb encircling device |
DE1541147A1 (en) | 1966-08-31 | 1969-09-25 | Werner Maier | Airtight cuff for creating blood congestion |
US3606880A (en) | 1969-04-18 | 1971-09-21 | Benjamin C Ogle Jr | Blood pressure cuff |
US3633567A (en) | 1969-08-11 | 1972-01-11 | Survival Technology | Pneumatically actuated pressure dressing |
US3635214A (en) | 1970-07-29 | 1972-01-18 | William A Rand | Visual pulmonary meter |
US3659592A (en) | 1970-09-04 | 1972-05-02 | Zygmunt Natkanski | Blood pressure measuring device |
DE7120141U (en) | 1971-02-01 | 1972-11-02 | Siemens Ag | BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF |
US3756239A (en) | 1971-04-20 | 1973-09-04 | Orthopedic Equipment Co | Inflatable tourniquet |
US3757772A (en) | 1971-08-27 | 1973-09-11 | A Goldblat | Disposable combined sphygmomanometer cuff and sound chamber |
US3773036A (en) | 1971-12-02 | 1973-11-20 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Disposable blood pressure cuff |
US3797315A (en) | 1972-07-06 | 1974-03-19 | W Halpern | Remote indicating adjustable angle instrument |
US3874242A (en) | 1972-08-11 | 1975-04-01 | Springfield Instr Company Inc | Pressure-responsive instrument |
US3805618A (en) | 1972-08-11 | 1974-04-23 | Springfield Instr Co Inc | Pressure-responsive instrument |
US3906937A (en) | 1972-10-25 | 1975-09-23 | Para Medical Instr Corp | Blood pressure cuff and bladder and apparatus embodying the same |
US4036061A (en) | 1975-06-17 | 1977-07-19 | Blasius Speidel | Blood pressure indicator gauge |
US4036216A (en) | 1975-09-04 | 1977-07-19 | Ramsey Iii Maynard | Body fluid pressure system |
US4040298A (en) | 1976-04-08 | 1977-08-09 | Lee Char Shin | Gearless pressure or temperature gauge |
USD244879S (en) | 1976-10-13 | 1977-06-28 | Ivac Corporation | Sphygmomanometer sensor and cuff coupling mechanism |
US4198031A (en) | 1978-04-17 | 1980-04-15 | Gulf & Western Industries, Inc. | Automatic air deflation regulator for use in an instrument for measuring blood pressure |
US4255970A (en) | 1978-12-13 | 1981-03-17 | Pottelberg Gaston C Van | Barometer mechanism |
SU895405A1 (en) | 1979-07-05 | 1982-01-07 | Vnii Ispytatel Med Tech | Method and device for determining arterial pressure |
US4248241A (en) | 1979-08-17 | 1981-02-03 | Tacchi Ernest J | Patient monitoring apparatus |
USD269905S (en) | 1981-02-18 | 1983-07-26 | Tamm Ulf S | Occlusive sphygmanometer for the measuring of arterial blood pressure |
US4501271A (en) | 1981-10-13 | 1985-02-26 | John William Spear | Resuscitator |
US4535938A (en) | 1982-09-27 | 1985-08-20 | Lindabury Sr Tryon S | Fluid tight joint and system of distributing fluids |
DE3315093A1 (en) | 1983-04-26 | 1984-10-31 | Dostmann Gmbh & Co Kg, 6980 Wertheim | BAROMETER |
JPS59232531A (en) | 1983-06-15 | 1984-12-27 | 松下電工株式会社 | Hemomanometer |
US4685336A (en) | 1984-02-01 | 1987-08-11 | Lee Wang Industry Ltd. | Pressure gauge |
US4605010A (en) | 1984-05-17 | 1986-08-12 | Western Clinical Engineering Ltd. | Pressurizing cuff |
EP0213329B1 (en) | 1985-07-30 | 1991-10-02 | Hartmut Wolf | Pulverizing device |
US5025792A (en) | 1985-09-26 | 1991-06-25 | The Hon Group | Continuous cutaneous blood pressure measuring apparatus and method |
FR2592297A1 (en) | 1985-12-27 | 1987-07-03 | Spengler Ets E | Improvements to sphygmomanometers |
JPS62292137A (en) | 1986-06-11 | 1987-12-18 | 株式会社 シグナル テクノロジ− | Hemomanometer |
US4726382A (en) | 1986-09-17 | 1988-02-23 | The Boc Group, Inc. | Inflatable finger cuff |
US4802370A (en) | 1986-12-29 | 1989-02-07 | Halliburton Company | Transducer and sensor apparatus and method |
FR2617943B1 (en) | 1987-07-06 | 1990-10-05 | Inventa Ag | QUICK COUPLER FOR CONNECTING FLEXIBLE OR RIGID DUCT |
FI80199C (en) | 1988-07-08 | 1990-05-10 | Instrumentarium Oy | FOERFARANDE FOER INDIKERING AV MANSCHETTSTORLEKEN I EN BLODTRYCKSMAETARE OCH ETT VID INDIKERINGEN BEHOEVLIGT, STROEMNINGEN BEGRAENSANDE ORGAN. |
DE3829456A1 (en) | 1988-08-31 | 1990-03-01 | Nicolay Gmbh | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NON-INVASIVELY EXAMINING THE BLOOD CIRCUIT OF A LIVING ORGANISM |
US4967758A (en) | 1988-12-08 | 1990-11-06 | Prospect Holdings, Inc. | Disposable cover/liner for blood pressure measuring devices |
US4920971A (en) | 1988-12-09 | 1990-05-01 | Blessinger Martin W | Pneumatic vein inflation device |
US5047021A (en) | 1989-08-29 | 1991-09-10 | Utterberg David S | Male luer lock medical fitting |
US5137024A (en) | 1989-10-06 | 1992-08-11 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Gas flow valve and sphygmomanometer air-feeding/discharging apparatus using the same |
US4979953A (en) | 1990-02-16 | 1990-12-25 | Instrumed, Inc. | Medical disposable inflatable tourniquet cuff |
JP2507031Y2 (en) | 1990-07-03 | 1996-08-14 | シチズン時計株式会社 | Constant speed exhaust control device for blood pressure monitor |
US5179957A (en) | 1990-12-11 | 1993-01-19 | Cas Medical Systems, Inc. | Blood pressure cuff and hose fitting therefor |
US5101830A (en) | 1990-12-11 | 1992-04-07 | Cas Medical Systems, Inc. | Blood pressure cuff and to a method of making the same |
GB9101621D0 (en) | 1991-01-25 | 1991-03-06 | Bioglan Lab Ltd | A packaged pharmaceutical product |
US5181422A (en) | 1991-07-30 | 1993-01-26 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Diaphragm type fluid pressure gauge |
US5228448A (en) | 1991-09-03 | 1993-07-20 | Byrd Timothy N | Protective cover for blood-pressure cuffs |
US5649954A (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1997-07-22 | Mcewen; James A. | Tourniquet cuff system |
AU669172B2 (en) | 1992-07-21 | 1996-05-30 | Critikon, Inc. | Interchangeable pneumatic connector for blood pressure monitors |
US5275444A (en) | 1992-09-21 | 1994-01-04 | Wythoff Johan G | Swivel hose coupling for pressurized fluid, fuel and gas systems |
EP0591564A1 (en) | 1992-10-05 | 1994-04-13 | WIKA ALEXANDER WIEGAND GmbH & CO. | Manometer |
US5320169A (en) | 1992-12-14 | 1994-06-14 | Panex Corporation | Gauge carrier |
USD356155S (en) | 1993-08-25 | 1995-03-07 | Caven William A | Disposable blood pressure cuff |
US5396894A (en) | 1993-09-07 | 1995-03-14 | Eide; Mark E. M. | Disposable pressure cuff for a blood pressure monitor |
US5660182A (en) | 1993-09-20 | 1997-08-26 | Colin Corporation | Inflatable cuff used for blood pressure measurement and automatic blood pressure measuring apparatus including inflatable cuff |
EP0649011B1 (en) | 1993-10-13 | 1998-08-05 | K.K. Holding Ag | Temperature compensated diaphragm structure for a pressure transducer |
US5413582A (en) | 1993-11-03 | 1995-05-09 | Electromedics, Inc. | Inflatable tourniquet cuff and method of making same |
US5400787A (en) | 1993-11-24 | 1995-03-28 | Magna-Lab, Inc. | Inflatable magnetic resonance imaging sensing coil assembly positioning and retaining device and method for using the same |
JP3337798B2 (en) | 1993-12-24 | 2002-10-21 | キヤノン株式会社 | Apparatus for processing image data and audio data, data processing apparatus, and data processing method |
US5424598A (en) | 1994-01-18 | 1995-06-13 | Corbett; James P. | Crystal force and pressure transducers |
US5392782A (en) | 1994-02-07 | 1995-02-28 | Garrett; John R. | Disposable medical pressure cuffs and method of production |
US5513643A (en) | 1994-04-26 | 1996-05-07 | Suite; Jean M. | Disposable protection wrap for use with a sphygmomanometer |
US5411518A (en) | 1994-05-24 | 1995-05-02 | Design +3, Incorporated | Medical tourniquet apparatus |
US5511552A (en) | 1994-09-02 | 1996-04-30 | Cas Medical Systems, Inc. | Disposable blood pressure cuff |
CN1650797A (en) | 1994-10-07 | 2005-08-10 | 欧姆龙株式会社 | A blood pressure monitor |
US5746213A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1998-05-05 | Marks; Lloyd A. | Adjustable blood pressure cuff and method of using same |
US5626142A (en) | 1995-05-05 | 1997-05-06 | Marks; Lloyd A. | Multiple cuff blood pressure system |
US5799987A (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1998-09-01 | Sampson; Richard K. | Fluid fitting coupling system |
US5819739A (en) | 1995-06-06 | 1998-10-13 | Levavi; Israel | Method and apparatus for contravention of the transfer of pathogenic organisms between patients via an inflatable cuff used for arterial blood pressure measurement |
US5882515A (en) | 1996-03-01 | 1999-03-16 | Hydro-Flow Filtration Systems, Inc. | Inline filter having swivel fitting |
US5690672A (en) | 1996-06-12 | 1997-11-25 | Dignity Wear, Ltd. | Tourniquet apparatus with replaceable cover |
US5904655A (en) | 1996-06-27 | 1999-05-18 | Brackett; Jacqueline D. | Disposable blood pressure cover and method for utilizing the same |
US5753821A (en) | 1997-01-02 | 1998-05-19 | Chin Ray Industrial Co., Ltd. | Single diaphragm pressure gauge with uniform thickness gauge frame |
CA2279936C (en) | 1997-02-11 | 2005-06-14 | Gary Karlin Michelson | Single-lock anterior cervical plating system |
US5966829A (en) | 1997-11-18 | 1999-10-19 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Mechanism for measuring device |
US6394977B1 (en) | 1998-03-25 | 2002-05-28 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Pressure gauge with digital stepping motor and reusable transfer plug |
US6036718A (en) | 1998-07-02 | 2000-03-14 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Bladderless blood pressure cuff |
US6095983A (en) | 1998-07-24 | 2000-08-01 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Electro-pneumatic assembly for blood pressure cuff |
JP3890760B2 (en) | 1998-08-04 | 2007-03-07 | オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 | Pressure band for blood pressure measurement |
US6168566B1 (en) | 1998-10-14 | 2001-01-02 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Pressure sensing device |
US6132382A (en) | 1998-10-16 | 2000-10-17 | Medwave, Inc. | Non-invasive blood pressure sensor with motion artifact reduction |
JP2000175873A (en) | 1998-12-18 | 2000-06-27 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Blood pressure measuring device for self diagnosis |
US6120458A (en) | 1999-01-07 | 2000-09-19 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Low profile pressure measure device |
US6245023B1 (en) | 1999-08-19 | 2001-06-12 | Critikon Company, Llc | Conical blood pressure cuff with rectangular bladder |
US6189558B1 (en) | 1999-11-04 | 2001-02-20 | Paul L. Traylor | Universal port vacuum breaker adapted for mounting within the upper ends of standpipes of different sizes |
US6213953B1 (en) | 1999-12-27 | 2001-04-10 | American Medical Screening Ltd. | Blood pressure cuff |
DE19963623A1 (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2001-07-12 | Braun Gmbh | Blood pressure measuring device and method for producing a component carrier of a blood pressure measuring device |
US6346084B1 (en) | 2000-01-10 | 2002-02-12 | Dsu Medical Corporation | Measuring vascular access pressure |
US6245024B1 (en) | 2000-01-13 | 2001-06-12 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Blood pressure cuff with tension indicator |
US6475153B1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2002-11-05 | Motorola Inc. | Method for obtaining blood pressure data from optical sensor |
JP3840875B2 (en) | 2000-05-12 | 2006-11-01 | オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 | Armband for sphygmomanometer |
US6506162B1 (en) | 2000-06-09 | 2003-01-14 | K-Jump Health Co., Ltd. | Electronic blood pressure gauge equipped with dismountable external memory device |
WO2002026128A2 (en) | 2000-09-25 | 2002-04-04 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Blood pressure measuring apparatus |
US7722542B2 (en) | 2000-09-25 | 2010-05-25 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Blood pressure measuring apparatus |
US7780603B2 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2010-08-24 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Blood pressure measuring apparatus |
US6422086B1 (en) | 2000-09-25 | 2002-07-23 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Low profile pressure measuring device |
US8535233B2 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2013-09-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Blood pressure measuring apparatus |
US20020099297A1 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-07-25 | Colin Corporation | Inflatable cuff used for blood pressure measurement |
US6525238B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2003-02-25 | Eva Sanchez Corrales | Single use disposable skin and cuff protector |
EP1404215B1 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2007-08-15 | Purdue Research Foundation | Body-member-illuminating pressure cuff for use in optical noninvasive measurement of blood parameters |
US6682547B2 (en) | 2001-08-14 | 2004-01-27 | Mcewen James Allen | Tourniquet cuff with identification apparatus |
US20080154214A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Medrad, Inc. | Flow Based Pressure Isolation and Fluid Delivery System Including Flow Based Pressure Isolation |
US6746406B2 (en) | 2001-12-19 | 2004-06-08 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Blood pressure measuring apparatus |
US7018337B2 (en) | 2002-11-11 | 2006-03-28 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Method and apparatus for automatic non-invasive blood pressure monitoring |
US20040181156A1 (en) | 2002-12-16 | 2004-09-16 | Kingsford Howard A. | Inflatable products and methods of their formation and use |
US8486106B2 (en) | 2004-10-21 | 2013-07-16 | Piper Medical, Inc. | Disposable digital tourniquets and related methods of providing occlusion pressures to a single digit during surgical procedures |
USD532519S1 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2006-11-21 | Aujla Baldev K | Disposable cover for a blood pressure cuff |
US20060175831A1 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2006-08-10 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Fluid quick connect contamination cover |
US20070135836A1 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2007-06-14 | Mcewen James A | Low-cost disposable tourniquet cuff |
US7780698B2 (en) | 2005-12-14 | 2010-08-24 | Western Clinical Engineering, Ltd. | Low-cost disposable tourniquet cuff having improved safety |
JP2007259911A (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2007-10-11 | Omron Healthcare Co Ltd | Device for measuring blood pressure |
TWM331366U (en) * | 2007-11-12 | 2008-05-01 | Health & Amp Life Co Ltd | Sphygmomanometer capable of adjusting angle of monitor |
US9682180B2 (en) * | 2009-11-15 | 2017-06-20 | Thoratec Corporation | Attachment system, device and method |
WO2011079226A1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2011-06-30 | Value Plastics | Male bayonet connector |
US8746278B2 (en) * | 2010-08-20 | 2014-06-10 | Daniel Py | Connector and related method |
WO2014149892A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Thoratec Corporation | Ventricular cuff |
US9695966B2 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2017-07-04 | Nordson Corporation | Quick connect fluid conduit connector having latch with integral spring arms for button release |
TWM475926U (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2014-04-11 | Biocare Corp | Detachable pressure tube and blood pressure measurement device using the same |
CN116172530A (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2023-05-30 | 伟伦公司 | Connector for medical equipment |
-
2018
- 2018-11-02 CN CN202310317032.3A patent/CN116172530A/en active Pending
- 2018-11-02 US US16/179,304 patent/US20190125199A1/en active Pending
- 2018-11-02 WO PCT/US2018/058988 patent/WO2019090100A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-11-02 CN CN201880071546.2A patent/CN111315284B/en active Active
- 2018-12-20 US US16/228,113 patent/US10413199B2/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-09-16 US US16/571,593 patent/US10820812B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-11-02 US US17/086,901 patent/US11857295B2/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-12-22 US US18/394,072 patent/US20240122489A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US924039A (en) * | 1905-09-21 | 1909-06-08 | Economic Specialty Company | Pipe-fitting. |
US2661965A (en) * | 1948-10-07 | 1953-12-08 | Chiksan Co | Union which permits misalignment |
US7497482B2 (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2009-03-03 | Fujikin Incorporated | Pipe joint |
US7350832B1 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2008-04-01 | Bridgeport Fittings, Inc. | Self-aligning, rain-tight conduit coupling/connector assembly |
US20100056933A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Drager Medical Ag & Co. Kg | Plug-in connector for medical tubes |
US8827317B2 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2014-09-09 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Medical device adaptor |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10820812B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2020-11-03 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Connectors for medical equipment |
US11857295B2 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2024-01-02 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Connectors for medical equipment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10820812B2 (en) | 2020-11-03 |
CN116172530A (en) | 2023-05-30 |
CN111315284B (en) | 2023-04-28 |
US10413199B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
US20200008694A1 (en) | 2020-01-09 |
CN111315284A (en) | 2020-06-19 |
US20190125200A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
US11857295B2 (en) | 2024-01-02 |
WO2019090100A4 (en) | 2019-06-27 |
WO2019090100A1 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
US20240122489A1 (en) | 2024-04-18 |
US20210045642A1 (en) | 2021-02-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11857295B2 (en) | Connectors for medical equipment | |
US20240023819A1 (en) | Connector for medical equipment | |
US11701043B2 (en) | Blood pressure monitor attachment assembly | |
US20220287574A1 (en) | Patient monitoring systems, devices, and methods | |
JP5750048B2 (en) | Pneumatic connector for small diameter medical tubing | |
US9301701B2 (en) | Method for measuring tourniquet limb occlusion pressure | |
US9386928B2 (en) | Blood pressure cuff | |
US9839362B2 (en) | Device and method for combined continuous non-invasive measurement of blood pressure and pulse oximetry (SpO2) | |
US10758130B2 (en) | Single site vitals | |
BR112020019909A2 (en) | TACTILE BLOOD PRESSURE IMAGE | |
WO2010074683A1 (en) | Blood pressure cuff | |
WO2024100246A1 (en) | Wearable device for measuring blood pressure |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELCH ALLYN, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KARLA, SEAN R.;LIA, RAYMOND A.;MARTIN, SCOTT A.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20181219 TO 20190103;REEL/FRAME:048620/0905 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., ILLINOIS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.;HILL-ROM, INC.;HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:050260/0644 Effective date: 20190830 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: BARDY DIAGNOSTICS, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: VOALTE, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: HILL-ROM, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: WELCH ALLYN, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: ALLEN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 Owner name: BREATHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 050260/0644;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:058517/0001 Effective date: 20211213 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |