HME shuttle system

• US 7,634,998 B1
• Filed: 07/13/2006
• Issued: 12/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert C. Fenley
• Original Assignee: Robert C. Fenley
• Inventors: Fenley, Robert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu; Justine R
• Assistant Examiner(s): BLIZZARD, CHRISTOPHER JAMES
• Application Number:
  US11/487,289
• Time in Patent Office: 1,258 Days
• Field of Search: 128/201.13, 128/203.26, 128/203.27, 128/204.17, 128/205.24, 128/205.12, 128/911, 128/205.27, 128/205.28, 128/205.29, 128/200.24, 128/207.16, 128/200.14, 128/909, 961/08, 553/09, 553/851, 554/78, 554/81, 952/73
• US Class Current: 128/201.13
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0093 by adsorption, absorption or filtration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0833 T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/1045 Devices for humidifying or heating the inspired gas by using recovered moisture or heat from the expired gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/1055 bacterial
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/107 in the inspiratory path
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/909 Breathing apparatus with means for preventing patient cross-contamination

Abstract

An HME Filter is provided having with an integral housing having minimal components which eliminating components at the circuit “Y” connector. A closed circuit gas flow is maintained whether an internal filter material is or is not engaged, and with or without a nebulizer aerosolizing medications. The HME SHUTTLE continues to maintain the same closed circuit gas flow during the HME filter materials insertion into the HME SHUTTLE, throughout the course of the HME filter'"'"'s use in the closed gas flow circuit and during the HME filter materials removal from the HME SHUTTLE. The placement for optimal patient care is to be located between the connection of inhalation and exhalation sides of mechanical ventilator circuit and endotracheal tube of an intubated patient. The HME SHUTTLE also accommodates the docking port for the use of an external nebulizer.

Claims

1. An HME shuttle comprising:

a housing unit having an inspiratory gas flow opening, an expiratory gas flow opening, an endotracheal tube opening, and a housing unit cavity;

a filter unit for fitting within said housing unit cavity and sealing engaging within an opening of said housing unit cavity, wherein said filter unit is movably secured to said housing unit for moving between a first position and a second position, and said filter unit includes an open space for receiving an HME filter;

wherein said filter unit when in said first position sealing engages with said opening of said housing unit cavity and is disposed for passing air flow through said HME filter in passing between said endotracheal tube opening and respective ones of said inspiratory gas flow opening and said expiratory gas flow opening; and

wherein said filter unit when in said second position sealing engages with said opening of said housing unit cavity and is disposed for passing air flow aside of said HME filter in passing between said endotracheal tube opening and respective ones of said inspiratory gas flow opening and said expiratory gas flow opening, and an opening in said filter unit is disposed for removing said HME filter.

2. The HME shuttle according to claim 1, wherein a docking containment area is provided having a docking port for receiving a nebulizer.

3. The HME shuttle according to claim 2, wherein said docking port comprises a valve having a flexible seal ball.

4. The HME shuttle according to claim 1, wherein said HME filter comprises a filter element disposed within a flexible sheath.