Valves and valve actuation – With correlated flow path – Valve operated by joining flow path sections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-21
2001-09-11
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Valves and valve actuation
With correlated flow path
Valve operated by joining flow path sections
C251S149100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286809
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an innovative gas flow obstructing fitting for use on tanks or containers customarily used for storing and dispensing elements or compounds in a gaseous state. In particular, the present invention is directed to automatically obstruct the flow of a gas through a low pressure fitting, such as those used in dispensing oxygen to a patient when a dispensing tube is disconnected from the fitting.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of gas fittings, commonly called nipple adapters, is well known within industries utilizing pressurized containers of gas. Such fittings or adapters generally are easily attached to the container of gas and often are conically shaped having protrusions for securing flexible hoses thereabout. Particularly, fittings used in the medical field are usually suited for quick connection of a flexible hose onto the fitting by simply urging the hose onto the conical fitting until the hose is frictionally secured about the fitting.
There are two types of fittings commonly found in use in medical situations. Most common are disposable cone-shaped fittings formed of hardened plastic which provide internal threads at the widest end of the cone for securing the fitting to a male-threaded fitting or a gas regulator generally provided on compressed gas tanks. The fitting generally has an axial bore provided through the length thereof, with the fitting having a desired diameter to assist in the regulation of gas pressure provided to the patient. The bore may have a uniform diameter throughout the length of the fitting or may be tapered, depending on the intended application.
The second fitting often found in medical settings is a two piece quick release fitting. An example of such a fitting may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,112 to Phlipot and Scharfenberg. Typically, quick release fittings are expensive to manufacture and have the propensity to leak over time. Further, such fittings are not typically used with low pressure gases, which is one of the intended uses for the instant invention.
Several problems commonly occur when using gases, particularly oxygen, in medical settings. Usually, many medical personnel have access to and use a limited number of oxygen tanks. When using oxygen, the gas is generally turned on only when a hose is attached to the fitting. It is very common, however, for a hose to be removed from the tank fitting after use without turning off the tank valve itself. As a result, the pressurized gas bleeds out into the atmosphere. When the next person needs to use the gas, the tank may be empty or low in pressure, which obviously can endanger the life of the patient for which the gas was intended. In addition, escaping gas can be dangerous as the escaping oxygen supports combustion. Further, medical gases are typically expensive; therefore, it would be wasteful to allow gas to escape in the manner described.
It is an object and purpose of the present invention to provide a gas fitting which automatically stops the flow of gas when a dispensing hose is removed therefrom to.
Another object and purpose of the present invention to is to provide a gas fitting which is easily attached to a gas source and which functionally receives the type of gas hoses commonly used for medical purposes.
Yet another object and purpose of the present invention of is to provide a gas fitting which has few moving parts and easily functions to prevent unwanted gas leakage upon disconnection of a dispensing gas hose from the gas fitting.
Still another object and purpose of the present invention of is to provide an inexpensive gas fitting which is easy to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this specification and wherein are set forth exemplary embodiments of the present invention to illustrate various objects and features thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The gas flow obstructor of the present invention has a conical shaped housing generally configured with an air inlet end to be removably engaged to a source of compressed gas. At an opposite end, an air outlet end is provided for the expulsion of gaseous material.
The outer periphery of the device is provided with a series of diminishing annular retention members which allow the frictional engagement of a flexible hose commonly used to transfer gases. Grasping elements may be provided to assist the user in attaching the device to a gas supply.
A generally cylindrical channel passes through the housing and is provided with a scaling ledge about the circumference of the channel near the air inlet end. Movably retained within the cylindrical channel is a hollow cylindrical plunger having a capped distal end, an open proximal end and a spring stop. A spring, or other resilient mechanism about the plunger is operatively retained between the distal end and the spring stop such that the cylindrical plunger can be moved axially within the channel for a predetermined distance. The capped distal end is maintained between the sealing ledge and the air inlet end and has a plurality of openings about its periphery which allow gaseous communication between the air inlet end and the proximal end of the cylindrical plunger. An annular push plate is provided at the proximal end of the plunger adjacent the opening at the proximal end and extends laterally beyond the channel through the housing and is dimensioned slightly smaller than the inner circumference of a gas hose generally used on the device.
In the resting or closed position, the tension on the spring or resilient member urges the capped distal end of the plunger against the sealing ledge within the channel operatively closing and sealing the plurality of openings at the capped distal end. In this position the annular push plate extends beyond the conical housing.
As an air hose is forced onto the conical housing, the annular push plate is moved axially toward the conical housing and the spring member encircling the plunger is compressed between the spring stop and the sealing ledge. The plunger continues to move axially toward the air inlet end until the annular push plate is seated against the conical housing. In this open position, the plurality of openings at the capped distal end are in gaseous communication with the air inlet end and gas from a source moves through the plurality of openings into the hollow of the plunger and out the opening in the proximal end of the plunger.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1138093 (1915-04-01), Diners
patent: 2291172 (1942-07-01), Scott
patent: 4613112 (1986-09-01), Philpot et al.
patent: 5577706 (1996-11-01), King
patent: 1159039 (1958-02-01), None
Maness Steven L.
Steinmetz Douglas Scott
Lathrop & Gage L.C.
Lee Kevin
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