Abstract: In a pneumatically actuated switching device having a pneumatic actuator for delivering pressurized air to a switch assembly for generating an electrical signal, the switch assembly comprises a switch housing having a conductive element for opening and closing a circuit; and a pneumatic hose connection member removably mounted to the housing for connecting a pneumatic hose to the housing for delivering the pressurized air for generating the electrical signal. The pneumatic hose connection member has an enlarged portion flushed with the housing, a first extended portion having a threaded section for attachment to the housing, and a second extended portion having a plurality of anchor thugs for securing the pneumatic hose. The housing and pneumatic hose connection member have a plurality of gripping elements for facilitating the insertion and removal of the pneumatic hose connection member relative to the housing and the attachment and detachment of the pneumatic hose.

Abstract: A mouth pipe and porous filter unit for operation of a device, e.g. a pneumatically actuated device, comprises a mouth pipe in communication with an air tube for delivering blown air to the device. The mouth pipe comprises a one-piece transparent thermoplastic extrusion member and has an integral projection for grasping the mouth pipe. The porous filter has a pore size ranging from 90 microns to 130 microns for preventing saliva and/or blood of a patient from flowing into the air tube and surrounding environment. The mouth pipe comprises a first diameter section, a transition member, and an enlarged second diameter section which form a continuous airway therein and the porous filter is wedged within the enlarged second diameter section of the mouth pipe. The material of the mouth pipe may be polyvinyl chloride, and the material of the filter may be polystyrene.

Abstract: A mouth pipe and porous filter unit for operation of a device, e.g. a pneumatically actuated device, comprises a mouth pipe in communication with an air tube for delivering blown air to the device. The mouth pipe comprises a one-piece transparent thermoplastic extrusion member and has an integral projection for grasping the mouth pipe. The porous filter has a pore size ranging from 90 microns to 130 microns for preventing saliva and/or blood of a patient from flowing into the air tube and surrounding environment. The mouth pipe comprises a first diameter section, a transition member, and an enlarged second diameter section which form a continuous airway therein and the porous filter is wedged within the enlarged second diameter section of the mouth pipe. The material of the mouth pipe may be polyvinyl chloride, and the material of the filter may be polystyrene.

Abstract: In a pneumatically actuated switching device having a pneumatic actuator for delivering pressurized air to a switch assembly for generating an electrical signal, the switch assembly comprises a switch housing having a conductive element for opening and closing a circuit; and a pneumatic hose connection member removably mounted to the housing for connecting a pneumatic hose to the housing for delivering the pressurized air for generating the electrical signal. The pneumatic hose connection member has an enlarged portion flushed with the housing, a first extended portion having a threaded section for attachment to the housing, and a second extended portion having a plurality of anchor thugs for securing the pneumatic hose. The housing and pneumatic hose connection member have a plurality of gripping elements for facilitating the insertion and removal of the pneumatic hose connection member relative to the housing and the attachment and detachment of the pneumatic hose.

Abstract: A clip device for retaining and clamping a tube, e.g. a pneumatic hose of a pneumatically actuated switching device to an object, e.g. an area of a patient's bed, comprises a pair of opposed clip members; a biasing member integrally connected to the opposed clip members; a locking post; and a locking mechanism for receiving and retaining the locking post and clip members in a closed position. The proximal ends of the clip members have intermeshing teeth for attaching the clip device to the object and the distal ends have a gripping area for pressing the clip members together. The biasing member has a circular body with gripping elements for gripping the tube. The locking post is made of a rigid yet flexible material for keeping the distal ends of clip members apart and in a locked condition when the locking post is engaged in the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device includes an electrical connection with a conductive element and an interchangeable air connector assembly having an air conduit for receiving pressurized air from a pneumatic actuator. The pressurized air is directed into the housing of the switching device and forces a conductive plunger against the electrical connection for completing a circuit to produce a signal in a patient call system. The connector assembly has a snap fit connection constructed to selectively position the air conduit at a predetermined angle relative to the electrical connection, i.e. a first snap fit connector position the air conduit at a right angle with the electrical connection, and a second snap fit connector position the air conduit in alignment with the electrical connection. A method includes selectively inserting the first snap fit connector and the second snap fit connector into the housing depending on a desired system configuration.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device includes an electrical connection with a conductive element and an interchangeable air connector assembly having an air conduit for receiving pressurized air from a pneumatic actuator. The pressurized air is directed into the housing of the switching device and forces a conductive plunger against the electrical connection for completing a circuit to produce a signal in a patient call system. The connector assembly has a snap fit connection constructed to selectively position the air conduit at a predetermined angle relative to the electrical connection, i.e. a first snap fit connector position the air conduit at a right angle with the electrical connection, and a second snap fit connector position the air conduit in alignment with the electrical connection. A method includes selectively inserting the first snap fit connector and the second snap fit connector into the housing depending on a desired system configuration.

Abstract: A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device has an elliptical dome with spaced apart support columns protruding from a concave inner face surface for anchoring to a floor of a wedge shaped base. The base is elliptical and bounded by an endless upstanding sidewall having a projected edge that varies continuously in height about one of the major axis and the minor axis, the projected edge having one of a channel and a locking lip and the other of the channel and the locking lip being formed on the elliptical edge for interlocking engagement in an air tight fashion. An electrically conductive switch is coupled by a duct for responding to a volume of pressurized air within the dome and the base by deflection of the convex actuating wall.