Pipe joints or couplings – Particular interface – Interlocked or overlapped
Utility Patent
1998-10-30
2001-01-02
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Particular interface
Interlocked or overlapped
C285S914000
Utility Patent
active
06168209
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved cap apparatus for a gas outlet valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cap and body portion which are keyed to provide a plurality of different specific gas outlets to ensure that a proper cap is installed on a particular gas specific gas outlet valve.
It is known to provide gas outlet valves coupled to movable gas blocks within head walls of hospital rooms or other locations to supply gases to a room. More specifically, gas valves may be connected to a hose in an operating room (“O/R”) column, or to a hose barb and hose suspended from a ceiling as a pendant. Seven gas outlets are typically made available including oxygen, air, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and vacuum. Typically, gases are supplied to the hospital room through a gas manifold. Gas outlet blocks are connected to the manifold by hoses. Gas outlet valves have gas specific threads for coupling the valves to the outlet blocks. The conventional gas outlet valves include a valve body having a check valve, an internal spring, and poppet valve. A cap is coupled to the valve body. The cap has a clock face which is keyed to be gas specific for adapters that are connected to the clock face of the cap.
After a predetermined amount of use, the gas outlet valves must be serviced. Particularly, the valves are removed to replace O-ring seals within the valve. In order to gain access to the inside of the valve, the caps are removed. A problem associated with conventional gas outlet valves and caps is that the caps may be inadvertently installed onto the wrong gas outlet valve after servicing.
The present invention provides a gas specific, keyed cap which is only able to be coupled to a matching gas outlet valve. This keyed cap of the present invention reduces the likelihood that the wrong gas cap will be installed on a specific gas outlet valve.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first end configured to be coupled to a gas connection and a second end. The second end has an outer lip formed to include first and second spaced apart slots.
The apparatus also includes a cap coupled to the gas valve body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a flange formed to include first and second spaced apart tabs configured to enter the first and second spaced apart slots, respectively, to permit the cap to be coupled to the gas valve body.
In an illustrated embodiment, the front face of the cap includes a pair of keys spaced apart by a predetermined angle. The pair of keys on the cap are configured to mate with a pair of keys on the gas specific adapter. The first and second spaced apart slots formed in the ring of the gas valve body and the first and second spaced apart tabs formed on the cap also are spaced apart at the predetermined angle.
Also in an illustrated embodiment, the gas valve body is configured to be coupled to one of a gas block, a hose in an O/R column, and a hose barb and hose suspended from a ceiling as a pendant. The gas valve body and the gas specific adapter are each configured to supply one of oxygen, air, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium and vacuum.
In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second spaced apart slots and the first and second tabs are each spaced apart by an angle of 180°, 165°, 150°, or 135° depending upon the type of gas. It is understood that other angles may be used in accordance with the present invention.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first end configured to be coupled to a gas connection and a second end, and a keyed body configured to receive the second end of the gas valve body. The keyed body has a first keying mechanism. The apparatus also includes a cap coupled to the keyed body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the keyed body to permit the cap to be coupled to the keyed body.
In one illustrated embodiment, the first keying mechanism includes an annular groove having a predetermined diameter formed in the keyed body, and the second keying mechanism includes an annular flange formed on the cap. The annular flange has substantially the same predetermined diameter as the annular groove to permit the flange to mate with the groove formed in the keyed body.
In another the illustrated embodiment, the keyed body includes a cylindrical portion having inner and outer side walls. The annular groove is formed by a notch formed adjacent the inner side wall. The annular flange of the cap includes an inner side wall and an outer side wall. The flange is formed to include a notched portion adjacent the outer side wall to permit the flange to be inserted into the annular groove. In yet another the illustrated embodiment, the annular groove and the annular flange are each tapered surfaces.
In still another the illustrated embodiment, the first keying mechanism includes an annular ring formed on the keyed body, and the second keying mechanism includes an annular groove formed in the cap. The annular ring has a predetermined diameter, and the annular groove has substantially the same predetermined diameter as the annular ring to permit the annular ring to mate with the annular groove when the cap is installed on the keyed body.
In an illustrated embodiment, the gas valve body includes a hex nut located between the first and second ends, and the keyed body is formed to include a hex portion configured to engage the hex nut on the valve body to prevent rotation of the keyed body relative to the gas valve body. The gas valve body is secured to the keyed body by an adhesive. Illustratively, the keyed body and the cap are made from a material having the same color.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
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Bullington James E.
Cisternino Andrew J.
Cope Robert L.
Davis Roger A.
Dutlinger Robert P.
Barnes & Thornburg
Hill-Rom Medaes, Inc.
Nicholson Eric K.
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