Resuscitators, parts and assemblies

• US 20050039751A1
• Filed: 07/29/2004
• Published: 02/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smiths Group plc (Smiths Group International Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Smiths Group plc (Smiths Group International Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Pagan, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 7,077,135 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/205.130
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0084 self-reinflatable by elasticity, e.g. resuscitation squeeze bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/10 Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/208 Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0413 with detectors of CO2 in exhaled gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/432 partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)

Abstract

A squeeze bag resuscitator has a flow diverter push fitted onto its exhaust outlet in any desired orientation. The diverter has a colour change carbon dioxide indicator strip fixed to the inside surface of a transparent deflector plate. The indicator is protected from light externally by an opaque elastomeric strip attached by engaging surface formations to the outside of the plate. The indicator is also protected on the interior of the plate by an opaque strip, which projects from the diverter so that it can be removed by pulling on the free end.

Claims

1. A resuscitator for providing ventilation gas for a patient, said resuscitator comprising:

a patient outlet for supplying said gas to the patient;

an exhaust outlet for supplying exhaled gas from the patient to atmosphere; and

a diverter fitted on said exhaust outlet, said diverter including a diverter member inclined at an angle to an axis of said exhaust outlet, and an opening towards an end of said diverter member such that exhaled gas flowing through said exhaust outlet flows along an inner surface of said diverter member and out of said opening, wherein said diverter includes a color-change carbon dioxide indicator mounted on an inner surface of said diverter member where it is exposed to flow through said diverter, and wherein said indicator is visible externally of said diverter.

2. A resuscitator according to claim 1, wherein said diverter is adjustable in orientation relative to said exhaust outlet.

3. A resuscitator according to claim 1, wherein said diverter is removable from said exhaust outlet.

4. A resuscitator according to claim 1, wherein the diverter is a push fit on the exhaust outlet.

5. A resuscitator according to claim 1, wherein said diverter member is of a transparent material.

6. A resuscitator according to claim 1 including a removable opaque protector for protecting the indicator from light.

7. A resuscitator according to claim 6, wherein said opaque protector includes a removable strip of opaque material covering an exposed surface of said indicator internally of said deflector.

8. A resuscitator according to claim 7, wherein said removable strip has an end projecting beyond said opening of said diverter and is arranged so that it can be removed by pulling on said end.

9. A resuscitator according to claim 6, wherein said opaque protector includes a strip of opaque material removably attached with and extending over an external surface of said diverter member.

10. A resuscitator according to claim 9, wherein said external strip is of an elastomeric material and is attached with said diverter by engaging formations on said strip and said diverter.

11. A resuscitator according to claim 1 including a squeeze bag of resilient material.

12. A resuscitator according to claim 1 including a valve assembly having an outer housing, a flexible diaphragm and a tubular member extending within said outer housing and communicating with said patient outlet at one end, said tubular member engaging said flexible diaphragm member at its other end by means of which flow of gas to said patient outlet and to said exhaust outlet is controlled, wherein said tubular member is rotatable relative to said outer housing, and wherein said tubular member is provided with a plurality of formations around its circumference arranged to allow a small amount of ventilation gas for supply to the patient via said tubular member to flow directly to said diverter regardless of the orientation of said tubular member.

13. A diverter for fitting on an exhaust outlet of a resuscitator, said diverter comprising a tubular portion shaped to fit on said exhaust outlet;

a diverter member inclined at an angle to said tubular portion;

an opening towards an end of said diverter member such that exhaled gas flowing through said exhaust outlet flows along an inner surface of said diverter member and out of said opening; and

a color-change carbon dioxide indicator mounted on an inner surface of said diverter member where it is exposed to flow through said diverter, and wherein said indicator is visible externally of said diverter.

14. A diverter according to claim 13, wherein said diverter member is of a transparent material and said indicator is visible externally through said diverter member.

15. A diverter according to claim 13 including a removable opaque protector for protecting the indicator from light.

16. A diverter according to claim 15, wherein said opaque protector includes a removable strip of opaque material covering an exposed surface of said indicator internally of said deflector.

17. A diverter according to claim 16, wherein said removable strip has an end projecting beyond said opening of said diverter and is arranged so that it can be removed by pulling on said end.

18. A diverter according to claim 15, wherein said opaque protector includes a strip of opaque material removably attached with and extending over an external surface of said diverter member.

19. A diverter according to claim 18, wherein said external strip is of an elastomeric material and is attached with said diverter by engaging formations on said strip and said diverter.

20. An assembly of an endotracheal tube and a resuscitator for providing ventilation gas for a patient via said tube, said resuscitator comprising:

a patient outlet connected with said endotracheal tube;

an exhaust outlet for supplying exhaled gas from said tube to atmosphere; and

a diverter fitted on said exhaust outlet, said diverter including a diverter member inclined at an angle to an axis of said exhaust outlet, an opening towards an end of said diverter member such that exhaled gas flowing through said exhaust outlet flows along an inner surface of said diverter member and out of said opening, wherein said diverter includes a color-change carbon dioxide indicator mounted on an inner surface of said diverter member where it is exposed to flow through said diverter, and wherein said indicator is visible externally of said diverter.