US2866456A

US2866456A - Portable inhalator

Info

Publication number: US2866456A
Application number: US666546A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lovy Alexander Eugene; Earl M Spears
Original assignee: OXY GEAR Inc
Current assignee: OXY GEAR Inc; OXY-GEAR Inc
Priority date: 1957-06-19
Filing date: 1957-06-19
Publication date: 1958-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 1975-12-30

Description

Dec. 30,1958 A. LOVY ETAI. 2,366,456

PORTABLE INHALATOR v Filed June 19, 1957 a Sheets-Sheet 1 -INVENTOR.

Ail/acne 10g;

liar/AZ 'pears,

2,866,456 Patented Dec. 30, 1958 2,866,456 PORTABLE INHALATOR Alexander Eugene Lovy, Chicago, Ill., and Earl M.

Spears, Ann Arbor, Micln, assignors to Oxy-Gear lucorporated, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application June 19, 1957, Scrial'No. 666,546

11 Claims. (Cl. 1284-203) This invention relates to improvements in inhalators and more particularly to the novel construction and assembly of a portable inhalator or respirator of a character adapted to accommodate a small-size standard type of pressurized oxygen cylinder.

The embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in the accompanying drawing is comprised of a shallow substantially rectangular carrying case in which is mounted firmly a novelly constructed turbulator and flow-control unit having a mounting opening in the body thereof to receive the usual valve control fitting, which may be externally threaded, mounted on the end of an oxygen cylinder which is also contained in the carrying case. The carrying case preferably is of sufficient size to permit the usual face mask and its flexible hose connection to be stored therein thus providing a compact assembly that may be transported easily and be set up for use quickly and with a minimum of effort. Furthermore, the flow control unit includes novel means to prevent unauthorized manipulation of or tampering with a turbulator or flowcontrol element mounted in the body thereof.

Portable inhalators are old in the art; however inhalators of known types require the high degree of skill of persons trained in the use of medical oxygen equipment for their operation. The portable inhalator described and claimed herein is suitable for use by non-technical personnel, such as athletes, operators of small gymnasiums and the like, motorists and truck drivers, operators of small aircraft, and others without technical training in the use and operation of medical oxygen equipment. The invention is light enough in weight and small enough in size to be conveniently and easily transported and stored; it is inexpensive in manufacture; it is pre-set in oxygen flow, and free from sensitive manipulation in operation.

The object of this invention is to provide a portable inhalator which is light in weight, compact and is easily set up for use or stored.

Another object is to provide a novel carrying case and a novel flow-control unit mounted firmly therein and arranged to receive and mount an oxygen cylinder in com munication therewith.

Still another object is to provide a flow-control unit with novel means to prevent tampering with a novel flowcontrol element therein.

A further object is to provide a portable inhalator of the character described which is compactly arranged, light 6 in weight, inexpensive to construct and assemble, safe in operation, and very efficient in use.

With the foregoing and such other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to identify corresponding parts:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable inhalator embodying the present invention, showing a portion of its carrying case broken away.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged horizontal detail sectional view through the flow-control unit and showing a portion of the attached cylinder valve control fitting in section, taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a modified form of construction.

Figure 5 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 6-6 of Figure 4.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the inhalator is mounted within a suitable carrying case 11, which, in the present disclosure, comprises a shallow substantially rectangular main body portion 12 including a bottom wall 13, side walls 14 and end walls 15. A cover 16 having a perimeter flange thereon may be hinged or otherwise connected to the body portion 12, or it may be entirely removable therefrom.

Mounted within the carrying case is a mounting orflowcontrol assembly 17, a fluid cylinder 18, a mask 19 and its connecting hose 21. The mask, hose and fluid cylinder are of types commercially available, and, as best shown in Figure 2, the cylinder, which in this instance may contain liquified oxygen at an initial pressure of about 1800 pounds, has a normally closed valved outlet fixture 22 which includes a valve element 23 and a relatively movable closure fitting 24 which also serves as means to mount the cylinder on the flow-control assembly in a manner to be described presently.

The flow-control assembly includes a body 25 which is firmly secured to the inside face of the bottom wall 13 and adjacent to one end in any suitable manner such as, for example, by means of screws 26. In the embodiment of the flow-control assembly shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, the body 25 has flow passageways therein (described in detail hereinafter) formed at their ends to receive fixtures or fittings for connecting the fluid cylinder 18 and the hose 21 thereto and in communication with each other through the flow passageways.

Referring to Figure 3, one end of the body 215 has a tapped opening 27, opening onto one end face thereof and adapted to receive, threaded therein, the externally 0 threaded end of the closure fitting 24 so as to mount the cylinder 18 on the body in the position best shown in Figure 1. The fitting 24 is secured against unintended displacement by a thumb screw 28 threaded into the body 25 from one side face thereof. Preferably, the thumb screw 28 cooperates with a plug 29 which may be comprised of nylon plastic and which bears on the threads of the fitting 24 so as not to cause damage thereto. To open and close the valved outlet 22 of the cylinder 18, the cylinder is rotated relative to the held fitting 24, as is well known in the art.

The inner end of the tapped opening 27 communicates with one end of a small bore 30 in the body 25. The other end of the bore 30 opens into a bore of progressively increasing diameters, as at 31, 32 and 33, the latter opening directly onto the other end face of the body 25. A discharge passageway 34, also provided in the body 25, extends perpendicular to and is in direct communication at its inner end with the larger bore 33. Its other end opens into an axially aligned tapped opening 35 adapted to receive a fitting 36 carried on the end of the mask hose 21.

Mounted within the

multiple diameter bore

31, 32, and 33 of the body 25 is a turbulator and flow-control element or plug 37. This element is shown in Figure 3 and it has an end portion 38 of a diameter to fitsnugly :in the bore portion 31. The bore portion 32 and the space 43 in direct communication with the perpendicular discharge passageway 34.

The flow-control element 37 has a radial port 44 of small diameter opening onto the circumferential surface of the element in the area of the annular space 43. Its other, or inner, end is in direct communication with the axial passageway 45, of the same or substantially the same diameter, provided in the element 37. A second axial passageway 46, of a diameter larger than the diameter of the passageway 45, is formed in the element 37 in communication at one end with the passageway 45 and at its other end with the axially aligned passageway 30 in the body 25. A portion at least of the circumferential wall of the axial passageway 46 is formed with an uneven surface preferably in the form of circular undulations or ridges which may be provided by internals threads 47. V

The turbulator and flow-control structure is such that fluid flowing under pressure into the bore 30, when the valve element 22 is open, is restricted during such passage. However, upon reaching the passageway 46 the fluid expands and at the same time it is turbulated by reason of the undulations or ridges 47 and this turbulated fluid then flows through the restricted

passageway

45 and 44 and then into the enlarged discharge passage 34. As it leaves the enlarged discharge passage 34, through a restricted port 48 in the fitting 36, it is again reduced in volumetric flow but its pressure is considerably increased, thus projecting into the large passageway defined by the hose 21, a fluid flow which has been turbulated or otherwise disturbed sufliciently to insure that it is rendered entirely gaseous and that no liquid particles remain.

In order to prevent tampering with the flow-control t is no danger of a person receiving too much or too little fluid or of the flow-control element 37 being blown out of the flow-control block 17 and thus rendering the entire apparatus useless.

In the embodiment of the flow control assembly 17a shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the body 25a has a tapped opening 27a opening onto one end face thereof to mount the externally threaded closure fitting 24 of the oxygen cylinder 18. This tapped opening terminates at its-inner end in a small orifice 52 which opens into a vertical well 53, the upper end of which is tapped to receive the threaded mounting stem 54 of a pressure gauge 55. A tapped bore 56 also opens at one end into the well 53 and terminates at its other end in a countersink 57 on the other endfaee of the body 25a. This tapped bore has threaded therein a flow control element or valve fixture including a nipple 58 which is externally threaded at one end portion only, as shown. The nipple 58 preferably has a screw driver slot 59 in one end and its other end has an internally threaded bore 61 which terminates in a valve seat 62 having a small diameter passageway 63 leading from it to theslotted end of the nipple. A needle valve stem 64 is threaded into the tapped bore 61 and is pre-adjusted to provide the desired flow passage through the passageway 63 for oxygen or other fluid admitted thereinto through a radial port 65 which is in flow communication with the well53 by reason of the absence of external threads on the one end portion of the nipple 58. The fluid flowing toward the radial port 65 is turbulated as it advances across the internal threads of the bore 56 toward the port 65.

Access to the pre-adjusted valve fixture 58-64 and manipulation thereof is normally prevented by the presence of a screw plug 66 having a tapered slotted head 67 which is seated in the countersink 57. If desired, a cover ing layer of soft material such as cold solder 68 is arranged over the head 67 to prevent tampering. The spaced relationship between the slotted end of the valve fixture nipple 58 and the opposed inner end of the screw plug 66 may be fixed at the time of assembly so as to increase or decrease the volumetric capacity of the intervening space and thereby regulate the pressure under which the liquid flows into the hose fitting 36.

As many posisble embodiments may be made in the invention, and as many changes may be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matters hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is the following:

1. A portable inhalator comprising a flow-control unit, a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet mounted on and in communication with the flow-control unit, said valved outlet having a portion locked firmly in the flowcontrol unit so as to open and close the valved outlet by manipulation of the cylinder, a hose and mask assembly in flow communication with the flow-control unit, a flowcontrol turbulator plug mounted in the flow-control unit having passageways through which fluid flowing through the unit passes, and means sealing said turbulator plug in place.

2. A portable inhalator comprising a case, a flow-control unit mounted within and adjacent to one end of the case, a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet mounted within the case and in communication with the flow-control unit, a portion of the valved outlet on the cylinder being locked firmly in the flow-control unit so that opening and closing of the valved outlet is effected by manipulation of the cylinder only, a hose and mask assembly in flow communication with the flow-control unit, a flow-control turbulator plug mounted in the flowcontrol unit having passageways through which the fluid flowing through the unit passes, and means sealing said turbulator plug in place.

3. A portable inhalator comprising a carrying case, a flow-control unit mounted within the case, means securing it in place thereon, a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet mounted within the case on and in communication with the flow-control unit, means to lock the valved outlet firmly in the flow-control unit so that opening and closing of the valved outlet is effected by manipulation of the cylinder, hose and mask assembly in said case mounted on and in flow communication with the flow-control unit, a flow-control element removably mounted in the flow-control unit and through which fluid flowing through the unit passes, and means sealing said a tapped opening in said unit into which the externally threaded valve control element is threaded, means to secure said control element against displacement when the cylinder is rotated relative thereto to open and close the valve, said means including a nylon element arranged for direct engagement with the threads on the valve control element, a flow-control member in the flow-control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the tapped opening and at its other end with the flow-control member, said member having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, means in the flow-control member passageway to turbulate fluids flowing therethrough and to restrict the rate of flow therethrough, and means sealing said flow-control member within the unit to prevent tampering therewith.

5. A portable inhalator of the kind adapted to have mounted in association therewith a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet including an externally threaded valve control element, a flow-control unit, a case mounting the flow-control unit, said case bein of sufficient dimensions to accommodate the cylinder therein, a tapped opening insaid unit into which the externally threaded valve control element is threaded, means to secure said control element against displacement when the cylinder is moved relative thereto to open and close the valve, a fiow-control member in the flow control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the tapped opening and at its other end with the flow-control member, said member having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, means in the flow-control member passageway to turbulate fluids flowing thcrethrough,'and means sealing said flow-control member within the element to prevent tampering therewith.

6. A portable inhalator of the kind adapted to have mounted in association therewith a fluid pressure cylinder having a valved outlet including a valve control element, a flow-control unit, a case mounting the flow-control unit, said case being of sutficient dimensions to accommodate the cylinder therein, an opening in said unit in which the valve control element is mounted, means to secure said control element against displacement when the cylinder is turned relative thereto to open and close the valve, a flow-control plug in the flow-control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the said opening and at its other end with the flow-control plug, said plug having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, means in the flow-control plug passageway to turbulate fluid flowing therethrough, and means sealing said flow-control plug Within the element to prevent tampering therewith.

7. A portable inhalator comprising a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet including a valve control element, a flow-control unit, an opening in said unit in which the valve control element is secured, a flow-control member mounted in the flow-control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the said opening and at its other end with the flow-control member, said member having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, means in the flowcontrol member passageway to turbulate fluids flowing therethrough, said member having a surface located inwardly from the related surface of the element to define a well, and a layer of material formed in the well to prevent tampering with the flow-control member.

8. A portable inhalator of the kind adapted to have mounted in association therewith a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet including an externally threaded valve control element, a flow-control unit, a case mounting the fiowrontrol unit, said case beingof sufficient dimensions to accommodate the cylinder therein, a tapped opening in said unit into which the externally threaded valve control element is threaded, means to secure said control element against displacement when the cylinder is rotated relative thereto to open and close the valve, said means including a nylon element arranged for direct engagement with the valve control element a flow-control member in the flow-control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the tapped opening and at its other end with the flow-control member, said member having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, means in the flow-control member passageway to turbulate fluid flowing therethrough and to restrict the rate of flow therethrough, said member having a surface located inwardly from the related surface of the unit to define a well, and means filling said well to prevent tampering with the member.

9. A portable inhalato-r comprising a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet including a valve control element, a flow-control unit, an opening in said unit in which the valve control element is secured, means to secure said control element against displacement when the cylinder is rotated relative thereto to open and close the valve, a flow-control member in the flow-control unit, a passageway in the flow-control unit communicating at one end with the said opening and at its other end with the flow-control member, said member having a passageway therethrough in communication with the passageway in the flow-control unit and with a discharge passageway, annular undulations in the flow-control member passage way to turbulate fluids flowing therethrough, said member having a surface located inwardly from the related surface of the element to define a well, and a layer of cold solder in the well to conceal and prevent tampering with the member.

10. A portable innhalator comprising a flow-control unit, a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet mounted on and in communication with the flow-control unit, said valved outlet having a portion locked firmly in the flow-control unit so as to open and close the valved outlet by manipulation of the cylinder, a hose and mask assembly in flow communication with the flow-control unit, a flow-control plug mounted in the flow-control unit having passageways through which fluid flowing through the unit passes, and means sealing said plug in place.

11. A portable inhalator comprising a flow-control unit, a pressurized fluid cylinder having a valved outlet mounted on and in communication with the flow-control unit, said valved outlet having a portion locked firmly in the flowcontrol unit so as to open and close the valved outlet by manipulation of the cylinder, a hose and mask as sembly in flow communication with the flow-control unit, and a flow-control plug mounted in the flow-control unit having passageways through which fluid flowing through the unit passes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,017,946 Candor Oct. 22, 1935 2,324,389 Heidbrink -July 13, 1943 2,360,193 Boothby et al. Oct. 10, 1944 2,791,104 Duz May 7, 1957