US3842828A

US3842828A - Pediatric ventilator

Info

Publication number: US3842828A
Application number: US00287416A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Bird
Original assignee: Bird F M
Current assignee: Bird F M
Priority date: 1972-09-08
Filing date: 1972-09-08
Publication date: 1974-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 1991-10-22
Also published as: DE2344881C3; DE2344881A1; DE2344881B2; GB1444607A; JPS4992888A; JPS5292098U

Abstract

Pediatric ventilator having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle with an inlet adapted to be connected to a source of gas under pressure. A breathing circuit is adapted to be connected to the patient. Nebulizing means is provided. Flow divider means is connected to the inlet and has one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means. The flow divider means includes an additional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and has means for controlling the flow of gas through the additional outlet whereby precise control over nebulization can be obtained.

Description

1451 Oct. 22, 1974 [54] PEDIATRIC VENTILATOR 3,357,428 12/1967 Carlson l28/145.8 1 Inventor Forrest M 212 Cerriws, 3232332 1133? 5522?.11133311111111: 311:: 133/1121? Palm Springs, Callf- 92262 3,669,108 6/1972 Sundblom....l l28/145.8 Sept. 3,710,553 1/1973 Parker 128/191 1 PP 287,416 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-Henry J. Recla 52 us. (:1. l28/l45.8, 128/194 m w 8 FirmJlehr, Hohbach, Test, 511 Int. Cl A61m 16/00 Albmton & Herbert [58] Field of Search 128/1458, 145.5, 145,

l28/DIG. 17, 140, 142, 146.3, 146.4, 146.5, [57] ABSTRACT 194, 28, 142.2, 142.3, 142.4, 185, 186, 187, Pediatric ventilator having an inhalation phase and an 191, 196, 197, 203, 274, 210, 211; 137/63 R, exhalation phase in its operative cycle with an inlet 624814, 596-21496 525150514; adapted to be connected to a source of gas under 251/61, 61-1415 pressure. A breathing circuit is adapted to be connected to the patient. Nebulizing means is provided. 1 References Cited Flow divider means is connected to the inlet and has UNITED STATES PATENTS one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at 1,061,539 5/1913 Haertel 128/202 least a Portion of the inlet gas is pp to the nebu- 2,225,201 12/1940 12 203 lizing means. The flow divider means includes an addi- 2,774,346 12/ 1956 128/186 tional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and has ,5 /1958 G- 17 means for controlling the flow of gas through the addi- 3983307 4/ 1963 l28/145 3 tional outlet whereby precise control over nebuliza- 3,191,596 6/1965 128/145 5 tion can be Obtained 3,224,409 12/1965 l28/l42.2 ri 3,301,255 1/1967 Thompson 128/194 30 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures w, i I 57 46/ 47 4/ /i/ (D /i; 5.57 if; if? I 9111 ,"l 1 66f a a 4 ,,,,,,,=,9,,, 9; I 467 J I /14 l I I Z 7 I 4 r. a [/7 ya qyllllw/l/ll I I i 4,7,2 3 4 9 :77

Par/4w? I PAIENTEDumzzmu saw a? or 10 PAIENTEDUCTZZIQM sum mar 10 FIG-25 PEDIATRIC VENTILATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ventilators have heretofore been provided which have been utilized on infants and small animals. However, the use of mechanical ventilators for this purpose has resulted in many problems. One of the principal problems is that to assist the breathing of infants particularly those with an inspiratory distress syndrome, a respiratory rate often in excess of 100 cycles per minute on an effective basis must be utilized. Ventilators heretofore provided have not had the desired flexibility or the precision control required for infants. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved ventilator which can be utilized for infants and small animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The pediatric ventilator has an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle. An inlet is provided which is adapted to be connected to a source of gas under pressure. A breathing circuit is provided which is adapted to be connected to the patient. Nebulizing means is utilized. Flow divider means is connected to the inlet and has one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means. The flow divider means includes an additional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and has means for controlling the flow of gas through the additional outlet so that precision control over the operation of the nebulization means can be obtained. An exhalation valve is coupled to the breathing circuit and includes a valve member which is yieldably held in a closed position which can be utilized for maintaining a positive pressure within the breathing circuit.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilator and method which is particularly useful for ventilating and anesthesizing infants and small animals.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which precision control over breathing circuit humidification and anesthesia vapor pressure can be obtained.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character which is particularly useful in ventilating infants having a respiratory distress syndrome.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character which is particularly useful in ventilating infants prior to and after surgery.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character which makes possible spontaneous respiration with any desired safe constant positive pressure to be utilized in assisting the inspiratory phase and stabilizing the expiratory phase.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which it is possible to provide the child with an inspiratory phase of the desired frequency and of any depth or duration including an inspriatory phase of the sigh type.

Anothe objectof the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which a low mean intra-thoracic pressure is utilized to minimize any disturbance of the hemodynamics of the lungs of the child.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which it is possible for the physician to choose any one of a wide range of ventilatory patterns.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which it is possible to maintain a constant liter flow in the breathing circuit even though there is a pressure change in the system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which it is possible to maintain relatively precise constant pressure even during utilization of the same by a child or infant.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which it is possible to precisely and safely limit the inspiratory positive pressure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character which can be utilized for controlling the breathing rate of the infant or which can permit the infant to breathe spontaneously.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which constant breathing pressures can be provided within the breathing circuit that are sub-ambient, ambient or at a positive value.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which is capable of very high cyclic rates.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character in which a lock-out system is provided which measures inspiratory time so that inspiratory pressure is terminated after a predetermined period of time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character whichwill terminate inspiratory pressure even though the line pressure drops substantially.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which is provided with a low pressure alarm.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character in which a manually operated compression bulb is incorporated therein to permit manual override of the automatic ventilatory pattern provided by the respirator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which, in the event there is complete pressure failure, permits the baby to inhale spontaneously.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which makes it possible to precisely control the oxygen concentration to thereby prevent an excess oxygen concentration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character in which an alarm is actuated in the event the ventilator locks in the inspiratory position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which, during the inspiratory phase after a predetermined period of time, will automatically drop back to a constant positive pressure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which has a lock-out system which must be reset manually.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and method of the above character in which a constant liter flow can be obtained while controlling the pressure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ventilator of the above character which can be self-tested prior to use on the patient.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a pediatric ventilator incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged side elevational view of the ventilator shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial front elevational view of the ventilator shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilator shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a crosssectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13. is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 13 with the parts separated.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of the control cartridge.

FIG. 23 is a schematic flow diagram of the pediatric ventilator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The pediatric ventilator incorporating the present invention consists of a cabinet or case 11 which is supported in a suitable manner such as by a stand 12. The stand 12 is of a conventional type and consists of a base 13 which is provided with a pair of wheels 14 so that it can be readily moved from one location to another. A fitting 16 is mounted on the base 13 and is connected to a suitable supply of gas for the pediatric ventilator such as a supply of oxygen which is connected to a tube 17 that is connected to the fitting 16. An upright tubular member 18 is mounted on the fitting l6 and is in communication with the tube 17 so that the gas supplied to the tube 17 is supplies through the tubular member 18. The upper end of the tubular member 18 is bent into a U as shown and is connected to a blender 19. The blender 19 is of the type described in copending application Ser. No. 54,934, filed Mar. 23, 1970. It is utilized for obtaining the desired mixture of oxygen and air which is supplied to an inlet fitting 21 mounted on the cabinet or case 11.

The cabinet or case 11 consists of a U-shaped member 26 formed of sheet metal which is provided with a top wall 27, a front inclined wall 28 and a bottom wall 29. It also consists of an additional U-shaped member 31 consisting of a pair of spaced

parallel side walls

32 and 33 and a rear vertical wall 34. The two

U-shaped members

26 and 31 are fastened together with suitable means such as clips (not shown) and screws 36 to form a generally rectangular six-sided enclosure in which the front wall is inclined to the rear in an upward direction.

A manifold 37 is mounted in the cabinet or case 11 and is formed by a cup-shaped member 38 which is threaded onto a cap 39. The cap 39 is provided with a threaded portion 39a that extends through the top wall 27 and has a nut 40 mounted thereon to secure the manifold 37 to the case 11. The fitting 21 is threaded onto the portion 39a and supplies the output from the blender 19 to the mainfold 37. The fitting 21 also supports the case 11. If desired, a fliter 35 can be provided for filtering the output from the blender 19. The input to the blender 19 is such that an oxygen-air mixture is provided having a pressure which is within the range of 50 psi. This oxygen-air mixture is supplied through the fitting 21 to the manifold 37. A filter 35 of a suitable type, such as a sintered bronze wafer, is provided in the manifold 37 for filtering the oxygen-air mixture.

The gas pressure within the manifold 37 is monitored by a pressure gauge 41 which is mounted in the top wall 27. The meter 41 is provided with a pair of threaded studs 42 which extend through a U-shaped bracket 44 that engages the rear side of the top wall 27 as shown in FIG. 4. Nuts 44 are threaded onto the studs and engage the bracket to retain the gauge within the top wall 27. The gauge is provided with a fitting 46. A flexible tube 47 has one end connected to the fitting 46 and has the other end connected to a fitting 48 mounted in the manifold 37. The pressure gauge 41 is provided with a scale ranging from 0 to psi which includes a colored green area indicating the desired operating pressure from 40 to 60 psi with the preferred pressure being approximately 50 psi.

The manifold 37 is provided with another fitting (not shown) which has a tube 51 mounted thereon and which receives the oxygen-air mixture at the desired pressure and supplies it to a toggle-type control valve 52 which is mounted on the front wall 28. The control valve 52 is connected by another tube 53 to a tee 54. The tee 54 is connected by a tube 56 to a fitting 57 mounted on a control cartridge 58. The control cartridge 58 is of a type hereinafter described. The control valve 52 is capable of assuming two positions, one of which supplies gas from the filter 37 to the control cartridge 58 which, as hereinafter described, permits the control cartridge 58 to control the operation of the ventilator. In the other position of the control valve 52, the control cartridge 58 is bypassed to permit spontaneous breathing by the patient. The first condition is the up position of the toggle valve 52 and has been identified by the indicium Control and the second position is the down position of the toggle valve 52 and has been identified by the indicium Spontaneous.

A tube 61 connects the output of the manifold 37 to an interrupter cartridge 62. The interrupter cartridge 62 is provided with an outer housing 63 which is provided with an enlarged portion 63a. The portion 63a has a cup-shaped cavity 64 formed therein. The body 63 is formed with bore 66 extending longitudinally of the body and is generally in axial alignment with the cavity 64. The cavity 64 is separated from the bore 66 by a thin wall-like portion 63b formed integral with the housing 63 and extending across the end of the bore 66. A hole 67 is formed in the wall-like portion 63b and receives the stem 68 of a valve member 69. The stem 68 extends into the cavity 64. Means is provided for sea]- ing the stem in the bore 66 and consists of a pair of 0- rings 71 and 72 carried by a retaining member 73 threaded into the body 63 and which has a hole 74 formed therein through which the stem 68 extends. The valve stem 68 contacts a rigid botton 76 that engages a central portion of a flexible convoluted diaphragm 77. The outer margin of the flexible diaphragm 77 is clamped between the housing or body 63 and a cap 78 which is threaded into the housing 63. The cap 78 is provided with a fitting 79 which is integral therewith and which has the end of the tube 61 connected thereto. The fitting 79 opens into a bore 81 which is in communication with a space 82 above the diaphragm 77 as can be seen from FIG. 7.

The valve member 69 is provided with a flange or shoulder 83 which is adapted to engage one side of the wall-like portion 63b. Means is provided for yieldably urging the valve member with its flange so that the flange is in engagement with the wall-like portion 63b and consists of a coil spring 84. One end of the coil spring 84 engages the flange 83 while the other end of the coil spring is engaged by a fitting 86 that is threaded into the bore 66 and which carries an O-ring 87. The fitting 86 carries a sleeve 88 formed integral therewith which is disposed within the coil spring 84 but which surrounds the valve member 69. The sleeve 88 is provided with a pair of aligned holes 89 which extend diametrically therethrough.

The housing 63 is provided with a pair of

bores

91 and 92 which extend through the body 63 and open into the bore 66. Fittings 93 and 94 are threaded into the

bores

91 and 92. The cavity 64 is exposed to the atmosphere through a small bore 96 provided in the body or housing 63. The valve member 69 is provided with a portion 69a of reduced diameter which is disposed within the sleeve 88 and has a diameter which is slightly less than the internal diameter of the sleeve. An O-ring 97 is mounted on the end of the valve member and is adapted to engage a valve seat 98 formed on the fitting 86 to thereby occlude passage of a gas through a bore 66 provided within the fitting 86. Thus, it can be seen that the valve member is in a normally open position. When a pressure is applied to the chamber 82 to urge the diaphragm 77 to the left as viewed in FIG. 7, the valve member 69 will be moved to the left so that the valve member will occlude or close the passage 99 for a purpose hereinafter described.

The fitting 93 is connected through a tube to an expiratory time limit cartridge 100 which is mounted in the front wall 28. The fitting 94 has a check valve assembly 101 connected thereto. The check valve assembly 101 consists of a valve member 102 in the form of an elastic duck bill having its outer margin clamped between the

fittings

103 and 104. A fitting 105 is threaded into fitting 104 and has provided therein an unobstructed variable orificed manifold (not shown) and has a tube 106 connected thereto, which is connected to an inspiratory time limit control valve assembly 107 also mounted in the front wall 28. The fitting 79 is connected to a tube 108 which is connected to one leg of a tee 109. Another leg of the tee 109 is connected to a fitting 110 by a tube 111. The fitting 110 is mounted in the control cartridge 58 and is provided with a bleed orifice as shown schematically in FIG. 23 to maintain a back pressure in the control cartridge 58 so that there is always enough pressure to cause cyclic operation of the control cartridge 58.

The inspiratory time limit control valve assembly 107 consists of a body 112 and has a flow passage 113 extending therethrough. The body 112 is provided with an additional passage 114 which opens into the passage 113 and which also opens to the atmosphere. The passage 14 is encircled by valve seat 115 which is adapted to be engaged by a valve member 116 threaded into the body 112. The valve member 116 has a knob 117 mounted thereon. The valve assembly 107 serves as an unobstructed variable orificed manifold.

The expiratory time limit control valve assembly 100 is constructed in a similar manner and consists of a body 119 which has a flow passage 121 extending therethrough. The passage 121 is encircled by a valve seat 122 which is adapted to be engaged by a valve member 123. The valve member 123 is provided with a knob 124 for adjusting the position of the valve memher.

A low pressure alarm cartridge 126 is provided within the cabinet or case 11. As shown in FIG. 6, it consists of a body 127 which is provided with an enlarged end portion 127a having a cavity 128 formed therein. A diaphragm 129 is disposed within the cavity and has its outer margin clamped between the enlarged portion 127a of the body and a cap 131 which is threaded into the body 127. Cap 131 is provided with a hole 132 which opens into a space 133 provided above the diaphragm 129. The hole 132 also extends through a nipple 134 formed integral with the cap 131. A tube 136 is mounted on the nipple 134. A button 137 is carried by the diaphragm 129 and is engaged by one end of a valve stem 138 of a valve member 139. The valve member 139 is slidably mounted in a bore 141 provided in the body 127. An O-ring 142 encircles the valve stem 138 and provides a seal for the valve stem. The O-ring 142 is held in place by a washer 143 which is retained by a retaining ring 144. The body 127 is provided with an inclined passage 146 venting the cavity 128 to the atmosphere to prevent a hydraulic lock from developing. The valve member 139 is provided with an enlarged tapered end portion 139a which carries a pair of O-

rings

147 and 148 with the O-ring 147 being on the outer end. The portion 139a is disposed within a cavity 151 provided on the opposite end of the body 127 from the cavity 128. A central body 152 has one end threaded into the cavity 151 and is provided with an inclined valve seat 153 which is adapted to be engaged by the O-ring 147 to form a sealing engagement therewith. The O-ring 148 merely serves as a bumper during movement of the valvemember 139. A spring 154 is provided in a bore 156 in the central body 152 and has one end engaging a boss 157 provided on the end of the valve member 139. The other end of the spring engages a boss 158 carried by a button 159 which is engaged by an adjustor screw 161 threaded into the central body 152 for adjusting the preload on the compression spring 154. An O-ring 162 is carried by the adjusting screw to establish a seal between the adjusting screw and the central body 152. The adjusting screw is provided with a knurled stem 163 which is adapted to be grasped by hand to permit adjustment of the screw. A fitting 164 is threaded into the body 127 and is in communication with a bore 166 which opens into the recess 151. The central body 152 is provided with a plurality of flats 168 adapted to be engaged by a wrench. A fitting 169 is threaded into the central body 152 and is in communication with a bore 171 that is in communication with the bore 156. A tube 172 is connected to the fitting 169.

The low pressure alarm cartridge 126 is mounted within the case 11 in a suitable manner such as by the arm 174 which is mounted on one of the studs 42 and is secured thereto by a nut 44 (see FIG. 4). One end of the central body 152 is threaded through the arm 174 and is secured thereto by a pair of nuts 176 disposed on opposite sides of the arm threaded onto the end of the central body 152. The tube 136 is connected to a fitting 137 provided on the manifold 37. The tube 167 is connected to one end of a tee 177. The tube 172 is connected to a fitting 178 provided on the manifold 37.

A compound lock-out and alarm cartridge 18] is also provided within the cabinet or case 11. It consists of three basic parts. There is a central part which can be identified as an accumulator 182; one end part which can be identified as an alarm cartridge 183; and another end part which can be identified as a lock-out cartridge 184. The accumulator 182 consists of a body 186 formed of a suitable material such as aluminum. The body 186 is cylindrical in shape and is provided with a centrally disposed bore 187 extending therethrough. The bore 187 is in communication with another bore 188 which opens into the bore 187 and extends radially of the body 186. A fitting 189 is threaded into the body and is in communication with the bore 187. A tube 190 connects fitting 189 to the inspiratory time limit control valve assembly 107. The body 186 is formed with a pair of spaced radially extending flanges 191 and 192. Cavities 193 and 194 are provided on opposite ends of the body 186.

The alarm cartridge 183 which is disposed on the lefthand side as viewed in FIG. consists of a body 196 which has an enlarged outer end 196a that has a cavity 197 formed therein. A diaphragm 198 is disposed in the cavity and has its outer margin clamped to the body 196 by the flange 191 of the accumulator 182. The flange is locked in place by a retaining ring 199. The

body 196 is provided with a large centrally disposed bore 201 which is in communication with a smaller bore 202. The bore 202 is in communication with a still smaller bore 203. A compression spring 204 is disposed within the bore 202 and has one end engaging a valve seat 205 and has the other end engaging a shoulder 206 provided on a piston or valve-like member 208. A flange 207 is provided on the valve-like member 208 and engages one side of a fiat diaphragm 209 having its outer margin sealed to the body by a ring 210 threaded into the body. An O-ring 211 is seated on the valve-like member 208 and is adapted to establish a seal between the valve-like member 208 and the seat 205. A member or button 212 is slidably mounted in the ring 210 and engages the inner portion of the diaphragm 198. The member 212 engages the other side of the flat diaphragm 209. A hole 214 is provided for venting the cavity 193 to the atmosphere. A fitting 216 is threaded into the body and is in communication with the bore 203. A tube 217 is connected to the fitting 216 and to the tee 54 (see FIG. 23). The body 196 is provided with a bore 215 which extends into the bore 202. A fitting 218 is mounted in the body and is in communication with the bore 215. A tube 219 is connected to the fitting 218 and is connected to the tee 177 (see FIG. 23).

The lock-out cartridge 184 consists of a body 224 which has an enlarged end portion 224a having a cavity 226 therein. A diaphragm 227 is disposed in the cavity and is retained therein by the flange 192 of the accumulator 182. The flange 192 is retained in place by retaining ring 228. The diaphragm carries a button 229 which engages one side of a flat diaphragm 230 having its outer margin sealed with respect to the body by a retaining ring 231 threaded into the body 224. The button is slidably mounted in retaining ring 231. The other side of the diaphragm 230 is engaged by a disc 231 slidably disposed in a bore 232. A valve member 233 is slidably mounted in a bore 234 and has one end engaging the disc 231. An O-ring 235 is provided on the valve member 233 and engages the valve seat 236. The valve stem is provided with a necked-down or relieved portion 233a. The outermost end portion 233b of the valve member 233 is formed like a Pilgrim hat and engages one end of a spring 238 disposed within a larger bore 239 provided in the body 224. The other end of the spring is engaged by a boss 241 which is threaded into an end screw 242 that is threaded into the end of the body 224. By adjusting the boss-carrying member 241,

the compression on the spring 228 can be adjusted as desired. The body is formed with a bore 246 opening into the bore 234. A fitting 247 is threaded into the body 224 and is in communication with the bore 246. A tube 248 is mounted on the fitting 247. The body 224 is provided with another bore 249 which is in communication with the bore 239. A fitting 251 is threaded into the body and is in communication with the bore 249. A tube 252 is connected to the fitting 251. The body is provided with a small bore or passage 253 which opens the cavity 226 to the atmosphere.

The lock-out alarm cartridge 181 is mounted in the cabinet in a suitable manner such as by means of a U- shaped clamp 256 which is secured to the bottom wall 29 by suitable means such as a screw (not shown). The cartridge 181 can be readily mounted in the clamp or bracket 256 merely by pressing the cartridge into the bracket so that it is frictionally retained therein.

The tube 248 is connected to a tee 261. The tee 261 is connected by a tube 262 to the tee 109. The tee 261 is also connected to a lock-out reset valve assembly 263 by a tube 264. The valve assembly 263 consists of valve body 266 which has a bore 267 extending therethrough. The bore is in communication with the tube 264. The body 266 is formed with a valve seat 268 which is adapted to be engaged by a valve member 269 that carried a valve stem 271 slidably mounted in the bore 267. Spring means in the form of a compression spring 272 is provided for yieldably urging the valve member 269 into engagement with the valve seat 268. A knob 273 is mounted on the valve stem 271 and is adapted to be engaged by hand so that the valve member 269 can be depressed away from the valve seat 268. The body is formed with a bore 274 which is open to the atmosphere and which also opens into the bore 267 The body 266 is provided with an extension which extends through the front wall 28 and is secured thereto by a nut 276 which is threaded onto the extension.

An inspiratory venturi jet assembly 278 is provided within the case 11 and is connected to the tube 252 which is connected to the lock-out and alarm cartridge 181. The venturi assembly 278 consists of a body 279 which has a threaded portion 279a extending through the bottom wall 29 of the case 11. A nut 281 is threaded onto the threaded end portion 279a and serves to retain the body 279 on the bottom wall. The assembly 278 also includes a tee 282 which has one leg 283 mounted by a slip fit within the body 279. An elongate venturi body 284 is mounted in another leg 286 of the tee 282. The venturi body 284 is provided with a venturi-like passageway 287 extending longitudinally of the same. The end of the venturi body 284 which is mounted in the leg 286 is provided with a pair of spaced flanges 288 and 289 which frictionally engage the inner side walls of the leg 286. Reinforcing ribs 291 extend between the flanges 288 and 289. The other end of the body 284 is provided with a flange 282 which is engaged by a cap 293 threaded onto the body 284. The cap 293 is formed with an opening 294 that is open to the atmosphere. A U-shaped member 296 is formed integral with the cap 293 and has formed integral therewith a nozzle 297 that has a passage 298 extending longitudinally through the same which is in axial alignment with the venturi passageway 287. The nozzle 297 is spaced away from the opening 294 so that a jet of air passing from the same entrance atmospheric air and forces the same through the venturi-like passageway 287. A nipple 299 is also formed integral with the U- shaped member 296 and is in communication with the nozzle 297 and has the tube 252 connected thereto.

A spoiler 300 is provided for the venturi assembly and consists of a truncated conically-shaped valve member 301 which is mounted by friction fit upon a rod 302. The valve member 301 is adapted to engage a valve seat 303 formed on the outer end of the remaining leg 304 of the tee 282. One end of the rod 302 is threaded as shown in FIG. 8 and is threaded into a boss 286 which can be formed integral with the tee 282. A nut 307 is threaded onto the outer end of the rod 302 and limits the maximum level of the threaded rod 302 to the right as viewed in FIG. 8. A nut 308 is also threaded onto the rod and engages one side of the valve member 301. A support and guide member 309 is provided which consists of a ring 311 that slips over the outer extremity of the leg 304 and a U-shaped member 312 that is formed integral with the ring 311 and which extends over the ring. The member 312 is provided with a hole 313 through which the rod 302 extends. Thus, it can be seen that the boss 306 provides support for one end of the rod, whereas the U-shaped guide member 312 provides support for the other end of the rod. Means is provided for rotating the rod 302 to adjust the position of the valve member 301 with respect to the valve seat 303 and consists of a flexible tube 314 which has one end of the tube secured to the rod 302 by a retaining ring 316. The other end of the tube is secured to a shaft 317 by a retaining ring 318. The shaft 317 extends through a fitting 319 which is mounted in the front wall 28 and which is secured thereto by a nut 321 threaded onto the fitting 319. A knob 322 is mounted on the shaft 317 to permit rotation of the shaft 317 by rotation of the knob. A fitting 323 is mounted on the body 279 and has a tube 324 connected thereto. Stop means is provided for limiting the axial movement of the valve member 301 relative to the valve seat 303 and consists of first and second discs 325 fastened to the shaft 302 by suitable means such as set screws (not shown). The discs 325 carry pins 320 which are adapted to engage pins 315 mounted on the member 312. Thus, it can be seen that the stop means serves as high and low pressure limits as hereinafter described.

The tee 177 is connected by a tube 326 to a fitting 327 mounted in an alarm cartridge 328. The alarm cartridge 328 consists of a body 329 which is provided with a threaded extension 329a that extends through the bottom wall 29 and has a nut 331 threaded thereon to retain the body in engagement with the bottom wall 29. The body is provided with a bore 332 which is in communication with the fitting 327. A cup-shaped member 333 is threaded into the body 329 (see FIG. 9). A thin metal disc 334 is seated within a cup-shaped member 333 and is retained therein by a retaining ring 336. The disc 334 is provided with a slot 337. A flexible metal reed 338 overlies and is secured to the disc 338 by a pin 339. The cup-shaped member is provided with a hole 341 extending out of the bottom wall of the same (see FIG. 9). It also is provided with another hole 342 extending out of the side wall of the cup-shaped member (see FIG. 11). Means is provided for occluding the hole 342 and consists of a ring 343 which is rotatably mounted on the cup-shaped shaped member in a recess 344 provided on the cup-shaped member. The ring 343 is provided with a rectangular shaped cut-out 346 which can be utilized for exposing the hole 342 to the atmosphere as shown in FIG. 11.

The output from the manifold 37 is also supplied by a tube 351 that is connected to a fitting 352 of a flow regulator 353. The flow regulator 353 is of a conventional type and is provided with a body 354 to which the fitting 352 is threaded. The flow regulator 353 is mounted in the front wall 28 and has a control knob 356 to permit manual adjustment of the same. The rate of flow through the flow regulator 353 is monitored by a gauge 357 also mounted in the front wall 28. The gauge 357 is provided with a fitting 358 which is connected to a tube 359. The tube 359 is connected to a fitting 361 threaded into the body 354 of the flow regulator 353. The gauge 357 is held in place by U-shaped bracket 362 which receives threaded studs 363 carried by the gauge. Nuts 364 threaded onto the studs secure the gauge to the bracket and retain the gauge within the front wall 28. Another fitting 366 is threaded into the body 354 of the flow regulator 353 and has a tube 367 connected thereto. The tube 367 is connected to a tee 368. The tee 368 is connected by a tube 369 to a nebulization control valve assembly 371.

The nebulization control valve assembly is provided with a fitting 372 which is connected to the tube 369. The fitting 372 is threaded into a body 373 which is secured to the front wall 28. The nebulization control valve 371 is like the control valve 107 and is provided with a control knob 374 to adjust the flow rate therethrough. Another fitting 376 is threaded into the body 373 and is connected to a tube 377 which is connected to a fitting 378 mounted on the bottom wall 29 of the case 11. Another fitting (not shown) is also mounted on the body 373 and is connected to a tube 379. The tube 379 is connected to a tee 381. The tee 381 is connected to a tube 382 which is connected to a fitting 383 mounted on the bottom wall 29. The tee 381 is also connected to a tube 384 which is connected to a flow bypass valve assembly 386. The flow bypass valve assembly 386 is provided with a body 387 having a flow passage 388 therethrough. A valve seat 389 circumscribes the flow passage 388 and is adapted to be engaged by a valve member 391. A compression spring 392 yieldably urges the valve member 391 into engagement with the valve seat. The flow passage is in communication with a tube 393 which is connected to the tee 368.

The control cartridge 58 is of a conventional type and is sold under the designation Mark 2 by Bird Corporation of Palm Springs, Calif. A similar control cartridge is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,530,890 in which the cartridge is a plurality of separate bodies rather than as a single body as shown in the drawing of the present invention. The functional diagram showing the mode of operation for the control cartridge 58 is shown in FIG. 22. The mode of operation is very similar to that disclosed in Pat. No. 3,530,890. The control cartridge is provided with a body 401 which has been provided with a plurality of internal passages or bores which have been drilled into the body which take place with the separate bodies and the interconnecting tubing shown in Pat. No. 3,530,890. The body 401 is provided with inlet and

outlet passages

402 and 403, respectively. The body is also provided with two

orifices

404 and 406 which are open to the atmosphere. The body is provided with five chambers which have been identified with the letters A, B, C, D and E. The chambers A and E have been enlarged by the use of end caps 408. A poppet valve 409 is provided in the chamber D and is carried by a valve stem or plunger 411 slidably mounted within the body. The valve stem or plunger 411 is adapted to be engaged by a diaphragm 412 provided in the chamber A. Similarly, a valve member or poppet valve 413 is provided within the chamber B and is carried by a valve stem or plunger 414 slidably mounted in the body 401. The valve stem or plunger 414 is adapted to be engaged by a diaphragm 416 in chamber C. A plunger 417 is mounted within the chamber D and is adapted to be engaged by a diaphragm 418 within the chamber E. An inspiratory time valve assembly 419 which is provided with a control knob 421 is mounted in the body 401. Similarly, a flow rate control valve assembly 422 is mounted within the body 401. An expiratory time valve assembly 424 is also mounted in the body 401 and is provided with a control knob 426 accessible from the front side of the front wall 28.

Basically, the control cartridge 58 is of the type manufactured and sold by The Bird Corporation of Palm Springs, Calif., under the trademark MARK 2. However, it has been slightly modified to provide the controlled mode of operation hereinbefore described. It is provided with an expiratory control knob 421 and an expiratory control knob 426 with the first being utilized to control inspiratory time and the second being utilized to control expiratory time. A pressure control knob assembly normally provided with the MARK 2 is removed and a fixed orifice 110 is installed in the outlet. Stops (not shown) have been provided on the control stems (not shown) for the knobs 421 and 426 to limit the maximum controlled respiratory rates to approximately cycles per minute. Adjustable external stops (not shown) under the control knobs 421 and 426 serve to establish maximum inspiratory and expiratory time limits. By way of example, maximum inspiratory time can be set at 1.5 seconds and maximum expiratory time can be set at 10 seconds.

Means is provided for testing the pediatric ventilator before use on an infant and consists of a test analog lung device 431 which consists of a body 432 (see FIG. 16) formed of a pair of cup-shaped

parts

433 and 434 threaded together as shown in the drawing to form the unitary body 432. A diaphragm 436 of a conventional type such as a Bellofram diaphragm is mounted on the body in a cavity 437 formed within the body. The outer annular margin of the diaphragm 436 is clamped between the two

parts

433 and 434 as shown to divide the cavity 437 into a chamber 438 on one side of the diaphragm and a chamber 439 on the other side of the diaphragm. The chamber 439 is open to the atmosphere through a hole 441 provided in the part 433. An inner region of the diaphragm 436 is clamped to the bottom side of a cup-shaped member 442 by a plate 443. A plunger 444 extends out of the cup-shaped member 442 and has a threaded end portion 444a which extends through the cup-shaped member 442 and through the plate 443. A nut 446 is threaded onto the threaded end portion 444a of the plunger 444 to permanently secure the plunger 444 to the cup-shaped member 442 and also to clamp the inner region of the diaphragm 436 to the cup-shaped member 442. The outermost end of the plunger 444 is adapted to extend into a transparent cylinder 447. The cylinder 447 can be formed of a suitable material such as plastic. It is mounted within a fitting 448 which extends through the side wall 33 and has a washer 449 and a nut 451 mounted thereon to retain the cylinder 447 in the desired position. The cylinder 447 is provided with appropriate graduations 452. For example, the cylinder can be calibrated in cubic centimeters from zero to 40. A fitting 453 is threaded into the body 432 and is in communication with the chamber 438. A tube 454 is connected to the fitting and is connected to a fitting 456 mounted on the side wall 33 (see FIG. 4). A spring 457 is mounted coaxially on the plunger 444 and has one end engaging a shoulder 458 formed on the plunger and has the other end engaging a fitting 448. A stop 459 formed of a suitable material such as rubber is mounted on the part 434 and serves to absorb the impact from the plunger 444 when it strikes the same.

Means is provided in the case 11 for giving direct indication of the pressure which is being supplied to the patient and consists of a patient manometer 461 mounted in the front wall 38 and retained therein by U-shaped bracket 462. The manometer is provided with screws 463 which extend through the bracket and which have nuts 464 mounted thereon to secure the manometer to the bracket. The manometer is provided with a fitting 466 which is connected to a tube 467. The tube 467 is connected to a fitting 468 provided in the bottom wall 29. The manometer 461 may be calibrated in any suitable manner such as, for example, in millimeters of mercury with zero appearing at the 6 clock position and with the calibrations in positive pressure appearing in a clockwise direction from the zero position and calibrations in negative pressure appearing in a counter-clockwise direction from the zero position. Thus, for example, the manometer can be calibrated up to 200 millimeters of mercury in positive pressure and 30 millimeters of mercury in negative pressure.

A tube 469 connects the expiratory control valve assembly 100 to a fitting 470 provided on the bottom wall 29. A handle 471 is mounted on the side wall 33 of the case (see FIG. 3) and is provided for carrying the case. The cabinet or case 11 rather than being supported by the fitting 21 can be supported by a clamp 472 which is removably secured to a bracket 473 mounted on the rear wall 34 of the case. A knob 474 mounted on a screw 476 threaded into the clamp is provided. The screw 476 is adapted to engage the pipe 18 disposed in the slot 477 provided in the clamp 472 (see FIG.

Means is provided for supporting the parts which are exterior of the case 11 and forming a part of the pediatric ventilator and consists of a socket type bracket 479 which is secured to the bottom wall of the case 11 by bolts 481. The bracket 479 is provided with a pair of screws 482 which engage the support pipe 483 disposed therein and extending downwardly therefrom. A clamp 486 is adapted to be mounted on the pipe. The clamp 486 consists of a body 487 which has a slot 488 formed therein and adapted to receive the pipe 483. A screw 489 is threaded into the body 487 and is adapted to engage the pipe 483 to retain it within the slot 488. A knob 490 is mounted on the screw to permit adjustment of the screw by hand. The body 487 is provided with a bore 491 which is adapted to receive an extension 492 formed of a suitable material such as plastic. The extension is provided with a hole 493 (see FIG. 14) which is adapted to accomodate a plunger 494 that is slidably mounted in a bore 495 provided in a body 496 threaded into the body 487. The plunger is provided with a shoulder 497 that is engaged by one end of a compression spring 498 that is mounted within the bore and coaxially disposed on the plunger. It can be seen that the spring 498 yieldably urges the plunger in a direction towards the hole 493 provided in the extension 492. A sleeve 499 is mounted on the plunger 494 exterior of the body 496. A knob 501 is secured to the plunger 494 to permit operation of the plunger by hand. The knob 501 engages the sleeve 499 and limits the innermost travel of the plunger 494.

The extension 492 is mounted on one leg of a tee 502. A negative venturi assembly 503 is mounted in another leg of the tee 502. The assembly 503 consists of a tee-shaped member 504. The tee-shaped member 504 is provided with a nozzle 506 formed integral therewith which has an orifice 507 which is in alignment with the central axis of the leg of the tee 504 that fits into the tee 502. The nozzle 506 is adapted to receive a fitting 508 which is connected to a tube 509 that is connected to the fitting 470 mounted on the bottom wall 29. A flapper valve 511 is mounted within the tee 504 in the lowermost leg of the same and is disposed between two

rings

512 and 513 cemented into the tee. The flapper valve is biased toward the closed position shown in FIG. 13 and is movable upwardly to an open position. Another flapper valve 514 is mounted in the other leg of the tee 504 and is disposed between rings 516 and 517 also cemented in place within the tee. The flapper valve 514 is also biased toward the closed position shown in FIG. 13 and is movable upwardly into an open position. One leg of a tee 518 is mounted in the upper end of the tee-shaped member 504. The

flapper valves

511 and 514 form a shuttle valve.

A double-gated safety intake or inspiratory relief and blow-out or overpressure valve assembly 519 is provided in one leg of the tee 518. The assembly 519 consists of a body 501. A disc 522 is mounted in a bore 523 provided in the body. The disc 522 is provided with a plurality of holes 524 extending therethrough which are arranged in a circle approximately mid-way between the center and the outer margin of the disc. The disc 522 is provided with an annular recess 527 on its inner side which carries an O-ring 528. The O-ring 528 is adapted to be engaged by a cup-shaped member 529. The cup-shaped gate member 529 is yieldably urged into engagement with the O-ring 528 by a compression spring 531 which engages the underside of the cupshaped member and is mounted on a rod 532 that extends through the cup-shaped gate member 529 and the disc 522 as shown in FIG. 13. A retaining member 533 retains one end of the rod 532 in engagement with the disc 522, whereas another retaining member 534 retains the spring 531 on the rod 532. The cup-shaped gate member 529 is provided with a plurality of holes 536 which are arranged in a circle in the bottom of the cupshaped member and which surround the rod 532.

Additional spring means is provided within the cupshaped member and consists of a relatively light spring 537 which is in the form of a helix of increasing diameter encircling the rod 532. One end of the spring 537 is disposed in a recess 538 in the die 522, whereas the other end engages a disc-like gate member 539 slidably mounted in the rod 532 and normally closing the holes 536 of the cup-shaped member 529. A cylindrical cap 542 is mounted by a slip fit within the outer extremity of the body 521 and serves to retain the disc 522 and the associated parts within the body 521. The cap 542 is provided with an inner cylindrical liner 543.

A nebulizer 546 is mounted on the other leg of the tee 518. The nebulizer 546 is of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,353,536. The tube 324 is connected to the nebulizer. Another tube 547 is connected to the fitting 383 which is connected to the tube 382. A tee 548 is mounted on the other end of the nebulizer 546. A nebulizer 549 is mounted in one leg of the tee 548. The nebulizer 549 can be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,406. The nebulizer can also be supplied with a gas under pressure to nebulize the contents of the nebulizer by a tube (not shown) which can be connected to the tube 324 connected to the nebulizer 546.

A non-rebreathing valve assembly 551 is mounted in one leg of the tee 502. It generally is of a type described in copending application Ser. No. 183,822, filed Sept. 27, l97l. It consists of a housing 552 formed of an upper or outlet bell 553 and a lower part or inlet bell 554. The two parts are generally cup-shaped and are adapted to be fastened together by a friction fit. The lower part is provided with a tubular extension 556. The lower part or inlet bell 554 is also provided with a multi-orificed entrainment valve formed by a plurality of holes 557 arranged in a circle around the tubular extension 556 which are adapted to be covered by a resilient rubber ring 558. The inner margin of the ring 558 is retained by a retaining ring 559 provided on the tubular extension 556. A hole 561 is provided in the port 554 to prevent an unskilled operator from holding a patient in the apneustic position. The hole 561 bleeds down the air pressure in the passage 576 within a predetermined period of time.

A diaphragm 566, convoluted in cross section as shown in FIG. 13, is disposed between the upper and lower parts 553 and 554 with the outer margin of the diaphragm being clamped between the same. A metal disc 567 is bonded to the inner region of the diaphragm and is carried thereby. A plurality of holes are provided in the metal disc 567 adjacent the outer margin of the same which extend through the diaphragm. A flexible disc 569 of suitable material such as a Silastic forms a one-way flapper valve and is carried by the inner region of the diaphragm and overlies the holes 568 and normally covers the same. The disc 569 is provided with a tubular extension 571 which extends through the center of the metal disc 567 and the diaphragm 566 to secure the flexible disc to the diaphragm. The upper part 553 is provided with a tubular extension 572 which has formed therein an inner tubular extension 573 which extends downwardly so that it is generally in contact with the inner region of the disc 569 as shown in FIG. 13. Ribs 574 extend across the lower extremity of the tubular extension 573 and generally overlie the central portion of the disc 569. Thus, it can be seen that there is a flow passage 576 which is provided in a tubular extension 554 which opens into a chamber 577 below the diaphragm 566. A chamber 578 is formed above the diaphragm 566 which is in communication with an annular passageway 579 provided in the tubular extension 572. The passageway 579 opens into a passage 580 formed in a right angle extension 553a of the upper part 553 which is mounted in the tee 502. The annular passageway 579 serves as a circular anti-fouling collection ring which minimizes the possibility of vomitus or secretions obstructing the airway or fouling of the valve functions of the non-rebreathing valve assembly 551. The inner tubular extension 573 provides a passage 581 which is in communication with the upper end of the tubular extension 572 and communicates with an outflow regulator assembly 582 which is mounted in the tubular extension 572.

The outflow regulator assembly 582 consists of a housing 583 formed by upper and

lower parts

584 and 586 which snap together much in the same manner as the parts 553 and 554 of the valve assembly 551. Both of the parts are generally cup-shaped. The lower part is provided with a tubular extension 587 which flts by slip fit into the tubular extension 572. A dampening device is provided in the lower part and consists of an inner tubular member 588 which is threaded into the tubular extension 587 of the lower part 586. The tubular member 588 is provided with an arm 589 which is formed integral therewith. A pin 591 is secured to the arm 589 by a screw 591. The pin 591 extends downwardly through an arcuate slot provided in the lower part 586 and has a handle 594 attached thereto which can be grasped by the hand to rotate the tubular member 588 to thereby adjust the vertical position of the same with respect to the lower part 586. An O-ring 596 is carried by the lower extremity of the tubular member 588 to establish a good seal between the tubular member 588 and the tubular extension 587. A diaphragm assembly is provided within the housing 583 and consists of a diaphragm 598. The outer margin of the diaphragm 598 is clamped between the upper and

lower parts

584 and 586. The inner margin of the diaphragm carries a rigid circular disc 599 and another rigid disc 601 on the other side of the diaphragm and which are fastened thereto by a screw 602 having a nut 603 threaded thereon. A cylinder 604 which has one open end and formed of a suitable material such as plastic is also secured to the inner portion of the diaphragm 598 by the same screw 601. The cylinder is provided with a central bore 606 which extends vertically through the same. The cylinder is also provided with a plurality of holes 607 which extend into the bore. The upper end of the cylinder is provided with an annular recess 608 which receives an O-ring 609 to establish a good seal between the cylinder 604 and a tubular extension 611 provided on the upper part 584. From the construction described, it can be seen that the tubular member 588 is provided with a passage 612 which is in communication with the passage 581 in the tubular extension 573 and is sealed from the atmosphere by the disc 599 carried by the diaphragm assembly 597. The chamber 613 provided above the diaphragm assembly 597 is in communication with the passage 614 formed in the tubular extension 611 through the bore 606 in the cylinder 604 and the holes 607 in the cylinder 604. A fitting 616 is mounted in the tubular extension 611 and is connected to a tube 324.

A fitting 621 is mounted in one leg of the tee 548. A resilient bag 621 is mounted on the tubular extension 554 and the bag is a type which can be grasped by hand for the purpose of introducing air under pressure through the passage 576 in the tubular extension 554. The bag is of a type which has a memory so that it will return to the shape shown in the drawing.

A fitting 631 is mounted in one leg of the tee 548 and is connected to a large tube 632. The tube 632 is connected to a water trap 633 of a conventional type. The water trap 633 is provided with a drain tube 634 which can be connected to suitable piping to dispose of the water which is collected within the water trap. The water trap is connected to another large tube 636 which is connected to a patient adapter 637 of a conventional type. The patient adapter is also connected to another tube 638 which is connected to another water trap 639 of a type similar to water trap 633. It also is provided with a drain tube 641. The water trap is also connected to a large tube 642 which is connected to a fitting 643 mounted in the lower extremity of the negative venturi assembly 503. A tube 646 is also connected to the patient adapter 637 and to the fitting 468 to supply a pressure to the manometer 461 through the tube 467.

Operation of the pediatric ventilator and the method may now be briefly described as follows. Let it be assumed that it is desired to ventilate the lungs of an infant as, for example, one which has been born prematurely and which exhibits an inspiratory distress syndrome. The ventilator is supplied with a suitable environmental gas as, for example, a mixture of oxygen and air which is supplied to the blender 19. The ventilator is connected to the patient adapter 637 as hereinbefore described. The controls on the ventilator or respirator would be adjusted to provide approximately cc of tidal volume. The tidal volume is indicated by the upper end of the plunger 444 of the test lung 531 which is utilized for determining whether the ventilator is operating in a proper manner for ventilating the lungs of the baby.

After the appropriate tidal volume has been obtained, the patient adapter 637 is connected to the patient by way of a face mask, tracheotomy tube or an endo tracheal tube inserted through the nasal route or the oral route. Since premature infants breathe at the rate of from 30 to 60 times per minute with a tidal exchange from approximately 15 to a maximum of cc, it is necessary that the ventilator operate at high rates over 80 cycles per minute and possibly as high as 100 cycles per minute.

Let it be assumed that a gas under a suitable pressure as, for example, oxygen and air ranging from 40 to I00 p.s.i. and preferably approximately .50 p.s.i., is supplied to the tube 17 and to the tube 18 to the oxygen blender 19. Thus, for example, if the gas under pressure is in the form of oxygen, the proper amount of air can be mixed with the oxygen in the blender 19. These mixed gases are supplied to the manifold 37 and through the filter 38 carried within the manifold to be supplied through six outlets. A gauge 41 supplies a direct reading of the operational pressure within the manifold. A green wedge indicates a mandatory operational pressure range between 45 and 55 p.s.i.

This gas under pressure from the manifold 37 is supplied as from another outlet from the manifold 37 by the tube 51 to a control valve 52. When the toggleof the control or mode selector valve 52 is in the up position as shown in FIG. 23, the pediatric ventilator will be under the control of the control cartridge 58 which will determine the period of time covered by the inspiratory phase and the period of time covered by the expiratory phase and thereby control the respiration of the infant being ventilated. This is the control or ventilator on position. When the toggle is in the down position, the infant under ventilation will be allowed to breathe spontaneously and to set his own rate and depth of respiration. This is the spontaneous position of the toggle.

When the control valve 52 is in the control or up position as hereinbefore described, gas from the manifold 37 is supplied to the control cartridge 58. The control cartridge 58 operates in a manner similar to that described in Pat. No. 3,530,890 and operates as a pneumatic spring circuit. The operation of the control cartridge 58 may be explained briefly with reference to the functional diagram shown in FIG. 22.

Let it be assumed that the control cartridge 58 is in the inspiratory phase and that the parts are in the positions shown in FIG. 22 during this phase. When such is the case, gas from the tube 53 connected to the control valve 52 is supplied through the tee 54 and the tube 56 to the passage 402 and thence through the expiratory time valve assembly 424 into the chamber A. The gas also flows from the chamber A into chamber B where the gas is occluded by the poppet valve 413. With the poppet valve 409 open as shown in FIG. 22, gas is also supplied to the chamber D and flows past the poppet valve 409 into the chamber E to begin to pressurize that chamber. Gas also flows through the inspiratory timer valve 419 into the chamber C to begin to pressurize the chamber C. As the chamber E is pressurized, the valve 417 is moved to a closed position to prevent chamber C from being vented to the atmosphere through the passage 406. The period of time occupied by the inspiratory phase is determined by the period or length of time required to pressurize the chamber C sufficient to move the poppet valve 413 to the right as viewed in FIG. 22 to open the poppet valve 413.

As soon as the pressure in chamber C has reached a sufficient pressure to apply a force to the diaphragm 416 which is great enough to open the valve 413, the

inspiratory phase is terminated. As soon as valve 413 is opened, chamber B will be vented to the atmosphere through the passage 404. As soon as chamber B is vented to the atmosphere, chamber A is also vented to the atmosphere through chamber B. The poppet valve 411 closes and no more gas can flow out through the flow rate valve 422 and through the outlet 403. When this occurs, a pressure drop occurs in all the arteries or passages leading to the chamber E so that gas is bled out of the chamber E to permit the plunger 417 to be raised and to permit chamber C to thereafter be vented to the atmosphere through the passage 406.

The closing of the poppet valve 409 terminates the inspiratory phase. Immediately thereafter, the expiratory phase commences. As soon as the chamber C is vented to the atmosphere, the poppet valve 413 moves to the closed position. The length of time or the period of the expiratory phase is determined by the amount of time it takes the gas to bleed through the expiratory time valve 424 to pressurize the chambers A and B which are now occluded by the poppet valve 413 to a sufficient pressure which, through the diaphragm 412, will provide a force that is sufficient to open the poppet valve 409. As soon as the poppet valve 409 is open, the expiratory phase is terminated and the inspiratory phase commences immediately thereafter with gases being supplied through the flow rate valve 422 to the outlet 403. At the same time this begins to occur, chamber E is again pressurized to cause the valve 417 to close which again causes the chamber C to begin filling through the inspiratory time valve 419.

Source gas is delivered from the manifold 37 through the tube 61 to the inspiratory interrupter cartridge 62. During the expiratory controlled phase of the control cartridge 58 or during spontaneous breathing, gas under pressure is not being supplied from the control cartridge 58 through the tube 108 to one side of the diaphragm 77 so that the spring 84 urges the valve member 69 to the right as viewed in FIG. 7 so that gas being supplied from the source through the tube 61 is supplied through the bore 99 to

passages

91 and 92. The gas under pressure from the passage 92 flows through the one-way check valve 101 through the tube 106 and then to the inspiratory time limit valve 107. It will be noted that the passage 113 through the inspiratory time limit control valve assembly 107 is unobstructed and that the needle valve member 116 provides a means for interrupting or locking out the controlled inspiratory phase of the control cartridge 58 after a preset period of inspiratory time. It is for this reason that the control

Claims

1. In a ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure generally in the range of 50-75 p.s.i. and having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, flow regulating means for adjusting the rate of flow of gas from the inlet, nebulizing means coupled to the breathing circuit and having main jet flow means and auxiliary flow means and flow divider means connected to the flow regulator means and using said gas having a pressure ranging from 50-75 p.s.i., said flow divider means having one outlet coupled to the main jet flow means of the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means and an additional outlet coupled to the auxiliary flow means of the nebulizing means, said flow divider means including adjustable flow splitting means in the auxiliary flow path for controlling the flow of gas through the additional outlet whereby precise control over the operation of the nebulization means can be obtained by directing a precise portion of the inlet gas to the main jet flow means of the nebulizing means without substantial change to the pressure and rate of flow of the gas being supplied to the patient.

2. A ventilator as in claim 1 together with a bypass valve assembly having a flow passage therein and having a valve member yieldably held in a closed position to occlude the flow passage, means coupling the bypass valve to the breathing circuit and means coupling the inlet to the bypass valve assembly whereby when sufficient pressure is created on the valve member by the gas supplied from the inlet, the valve member automatically will be moved to an open position to permit additional gas to bypass said valve member and to enter the breathing circuit.

3. A ventilator as in claim 1 together with emergency intake valve means connected into the breathing circuit.

4. A ventilator as in claim 1 together with an additional nebulizing means coupled to the breathing circuit and wherein the additional outlet is coupled to the additional nebulizing means.

5. A ventilator as in claim 1 together with an outflow regulator assembly said assembly including a housing having an outlet and first and second inlets formed therein in communication with the outlet in the housing, valve means within the housing movable between open and closed positions with respect to said outlet to interrupt the communication between the first and second inlets and the outlet, diaphragm means in the housing engaging the valve member and yieldably urging the valve member toward a closed position and manually adjustable means for varying the yieldable force applied by the diaphragm means to the valve member.

6. A ventilator as in claim 5 wherein said means for varying the yeildable force includes means for adjusting the position of the valve member to vary the pressure which the diaphragm exerts against the valve member to thereby vary the pressure required to move the valve member to the open position to permit exhalation gases to pass from the first inlet to ambient through the outlet.

7. A ventilator as in claim 6 wherein said means adjusting the position of the valve member includes a valve seat member adapted to be engaged by the valve member and threadedly mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the valve member by rotational movement of the valve seat member.

8. A ventilator as in claim 5 wherein said diaphragm means forms first and second chambers in said housing together with means for supplying gas under pressure to the second chamber at predetermined intervals so that an additional positive pressure is required for moving the valve member out of engagement with the valve seat member during said predetermined intervals.

9. In a ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure and having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, nebulizing means, flow divider means connected to the inlet, said flow divider means having one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means, said flow divider means including an additional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and having adjustable flow splitting means for controlling the flow of gas through the additional outlet whereby precise control over the operation of the nebulization means can be obtained by directing a precise portion of the inlet gas to the nebulizing means and an outflow regulator assembly having an outlet and first and second inlets, the assembly having a valve member movable between open and closed positions with respect to said oUtlet, yieldable means engaging the valve member and yieldably urging the valve member toward a closed position, manually adjustable means engaging the valve member for adjusting the force applied by the yieldable means to hold the valve member in the closed position, means forming a first venturi-like passage having an inlet and having an outlet connected to the first inlet of the regulator assembly, means for supplying a jet of gases to said means forming a first venturi-like passage to create a negative pressure within the means forming a venturi-like passage and means coupling the inlet of the first means forming a first venturi-like passage to the breathing circuit.

10. A ventilator as in claim 9 together with means connected to the second inlet of the regulator assembly for supplying a gas under pressure in substantial coincidence with the inhalation phase.

11. In a ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure and having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, nebulizing means and flow divider means connected to the inlet, said flow divider means having one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means, said flow divider means including an additional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and having means for controlling the flow of gas through the additional outlet whereby precise control over thhe operation of the nebulization means can be obtained and outflow regulator assembly having an outlet and first and second inlets, the assembly having a valve member yieldably held in a closed position means forming a first venturi-like passage having an inlet and having an outlet connected to the first inlet of the regulator assembly, means for supplying a jet of gases to said first means forming a venturi-like passage to create a negative pressure within the means forming a venturi-like passage and means coupling the inlet of the first means forming a venturi-like passage to the breathing circuit, said means coupling the inlet of the means forming a venturi-like passage to the breathing circuit including a shuttle valve assembly having first and second valve members disposed on opposite sides of the means forming a venturi-like passage, both of said valve members being movable between open and closed positions in the same directions.

12. A ventilator as in claim 11 wherein each of said valve members is provided with means for normally retaining the same in a closed position, said first valve member being movable to an open position during the exhalation phase and the second of said valve members being movable to an open position during the inhalation phase.

13. A ventilator as in claim 12 together with inspiratory relief valve means coupled to the breathing circuit and to the shuttle valve whereby when a predetermined below atmospheric condition is created within the breathing circuit, ambient air will be permitted to enter the breathing circuit.

14. A ventilator as in claim 13 together with pressure relief means coupled to the breathing circuit and relieving the pressure in the breathing circuit whenever the pressure in the breathing circuit exceeds a predetermined pressure above atmospheric.

15. In a ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure and having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, nebulizing means and flow divider means connecting to the inlet, said flow divider means having one outlet coupled to the nebulizing means so that at least a portion of the inlet gas is supplied to the nebulizing means, said flow divider means including an additional outlet coupled to the breathing circuit and having means for controlling the flow of gas through the additionaL outlet whereby precise control over the operation of the nebulization means can be obtained, an outflow regulator assembly having an outlet and first and second inlets, the assembly having a valve member yieldably held in a closed position, means forming a first venturi-like passage having an inlet and having an outlet connected to the first inlet of the regulator assembly, means for supplying a jet of gases to said first means forming a venturi-like passage to create a negative pressure within the means forming a venturi-like passage and means coupling the inlet of the first means forming a venturi-like passage to the breathingcircuit and a non-rebreathing valve assembly coupled to the first inlet of the outflow regulator assembly, said non-rebreathing valve assembly including a housing having an inlet and first and second outlets, a diaphragm disposed in the housing and forming first and second chambers in the housing, said diaphragm having an opening therein permitting communication between said first and second chambers, and valve means carried by the diaphragm for closing said opening in the diaphragm, said diaphragm being movable so that said valve means carried by the diaphragm occludes the first outlet in the housing to prevent communication between said second chamber and the first outlet, said housing being formed with an additional opening in said housing venting said first chamber to the atmosphere and valve means carried by the housing for normally closing said additional opening, a compression bulb connected to said inlet and means connecting the second outlet of the housing to the outlet of the means forming the venturi-like passage.

16. A ventilator as in claim 15 wherein said housing is provided with a normally open bleed-down orifice in communication with the first chamber in the housing.

17. A ventilator as in claim 15 wherein said means connected to the second inlet of the regulator assembly includes a second venturi assembly connected to the second inlet of the regulator assembly together with a control cartridge for automatically supplying gas under pressure to said second venturi assembly during the inhalation phase.

18. A ventilator as in claim 17 together with an inspiratory time limit control valve assembly adapted to be connected to said source of gas and for causing an alarm to be sounded when a predetermined inhalation time limit has elapsed.

19. A ventilator as in claim 18 together with lock-out means controlled in synchronism with said inspiratory time limit control assembly for locking out the flow of gases from said control cartridge to said second venturi assembly after said predetermined inhalation time limit has elapsed.

20. A ventilator as in claim 19 together with means for resetting said lock-out means to permit said control cartridge to automatically control the operation of said ventilator.

21. A ventilator as in claim 19 wherein said inspiratory time limit control valve assembly and said lock-out means are interconnected so that they operate substantially simultaneously.

22. In a ventilator having an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase in its operative cycle for use with a source of gas under pressure, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas under pressure, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, means for supplying mainstream flow of gases from said inlet to said breathing circuit, an outflow regulator assembly connected to the breathing circuit, said outflow regulator assembly including a housing having first and second inlets and an outlet, means connecting said first inlet to the breathing circuit, a valve member, a diaphragm mounted in the housing secured to the valve member and forming first and second chambers within the housing with the first chamber being in communication with the first inlet and the outlet and the second chamber being in communication with the second inlet, a valve seat member disposed within the first chamber and adApted to be engaged by the valve member for occluding the passage between the first inlet and the outlet in the housing, said diaphragm applying a yieldable force urging the valve member into engagement with the valve seat member, means for adjusting the position of the valve seat member to thereby vary the yieldable force applied by the diaphragm to the valve member and means for supplying gas under pressure to the second inlet of the housing, said means for supplying gas under pressure includes a control cartridge for controlling the flow of gas whereby gas is supplied to said second inlet during the inspiratory phase.

23. A ventilator as in claim 22 together with timing means for actuating an alarm when a predetermined inspiratory time has elapsed.

24. In a ventilator having an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase in its operative cycle for use with a source of gas under pressure, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas under pressure, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, means for supplying mainstream flow of gases from said inlet to said breathing circuit, an outflow regulator assembly connected to the breathing circuit, said outflow regulator assembly including a housing having first and second inlets and an outlet, means connecting said first inlet to the breathing circuit, a diaphragm mounted in the housing and forming first and second chambers within the housing with the first chamber being in communication with the first inlet and the outlet and the second chamber being in communication with the second inlet, a valve member disposed within the first chamber and adapted to be engaged by the diaphragm assembly for occluding the passage between the first inlet and the outlet in the housing, means for supplying gas under pressure to the second inlet of the housing, said means for supplying gas under pressure including a control cartridge for controlling the flow of gas whereby gas is supplied to said second inlet during the inspiratory phase, timing means for actuating an alarm when a predetermined inspiratory time has elapsed and lockout means for locking out the supply of gas to said second inlet when said predetermined inspiratory time has elapsed.

25. A ventilator as in claim 24 together with reset means for resetting the lock-out means.

26. In a ventilator having an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase in its operative cycle for use with a source of gas under pressure, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas under pressure, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, means for supplying mainstream flow of gases from said inlet to said breathing circuit, an outflow regulator assembly connected to the breathing circuit, said outflow regulator assembly including a housing having first and second inlets and an outlet, means connecting said first inlet to the breathing circuit, a diaphragm mounted in the housing and forming first and second chambers within the housing with the first chamber being in communication with the first inlet and the outlet and the second chamber being in communication with the second inlet, a valve member disposed within the first chamber and adapted to be engaged by the diaphragm assembly for occluding the passage between the first inlet and the outlet in the housing and means for supplying gas under pressure to the second inlet of the housing, said means for supplying gas under pressure including a control cartridge for controlling the flow of gas whereby gas is supplied to said second inlet during the inspiratory phase, said means for supplying gases to said second inlet of said regulator assembly including means forming an inspiratory venturi-like passage and means for introducing a jet of gas into said passage under the control of said control cartridge.

27. A ventilator as in claim 26 together with means for spoiling the venturi effect in said passage to thereby change the pressure applied to the diaphragm in the outfLow regulator assembly without changing the pressure in the mainstream flow to said breathing circuit.

28. In a ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure and having an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, means for supplying gas from the inlet to the breathing circuit, an outflow regulator assembly having an outlet and first and second inlets, said assembly having a valve member yieldably held in a closed position, and means connecting the inlet to the breathing circuit and to said outflow regulator assembly, said means including means forming a first venturi-like passage having an inlet and having an outlet connected to the first inlet of the regulator assembly, means for supplying a jet of gases to said means forming a first venturi-like passage to create a negative pressure within the means forming a venturi-like passage and means coupling the inlet of the means forming a first venturi-like passage to the breathing circuit, said means coupling the inlet of the means forming a venturi-like passage to the breathing circuit including a shuttle valve assembly having first and second valve members disposed on opposite sides of the means forming a venturi-like passage, both of said valve members being movable between open and closed positions in the same directions.

29. In a ventilator having an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase in its opertive cycle for use with a source of gas under pressure, an inlet adapted to be connected to said source of gas under pressure, a breathing circuit adapted to be connected to the patient, means for supplying a mainstream flow of gases from said inlet to said breathing circuit, an outflow regulator assembly connected to said breathing circuit for controlling the flow of expiratory gases from the breathing circuit, and a non-rebreathing valve assembly connected into said breathing circuit, said non-rebreathing valve assembly including a housing having an inlet and first and second outlets, said housing having means forming a valve seat surrounding the first outlet, valve means movable between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat, a diaphragm disposed in the housing and forming first and second chambers in the housing, means securing said valve member to said diaphragm, said diaphragm having an opening therein permitting communication between said first and second chambers, and valve means carried by the diaphragm for closing said opening in said diaphragm, said diaphragm being movable so that the valve member carried by the diaphragm is moved into engagement with said valve seat to occlude the first outlet in the housing to thereby prevent communication between said second chamber and the first outlet, said housing being formed with an additional opening in said housing venting said first chamber to the atmosphere and valve means carried by the housing for normally closing said additional opening, a compression bulb connected to said inlet of said housing and means connecting the first and second outlets of said housing into the breathing circuit.

30. A ventilator as in claim 29 wherein said housing has a bleed down orifice formed therein in communication with the first chamber in the housing.