Abstract: A tubular adapter is formed by a wall, the wall having a hole formed therein, and a gas sampling tube extends through the hole. The respective diameters of the hole and the tube are sized to produce a tight sealed connection therebetween but permit adjustment of the tube in the hole. The sampling tube has a sampling end thereof located within the tubular adapter, and the sampling end has a radially enlarged or flanged portion which is larger than the hole, whereby the sampling tube may be adjusted in the hole but may not be withdrawn.

Abstract: Respiratory apparatus comprising a member forming first, second and third connected gas flow passages. A patient device is connected to the third passage for conducting gas flow to and from a patient. First and second gas flow tubes are connected to the first and second passages for conducting gas to and from the third passage and the patient. A nebulizer is attached to the center of the member for feeding aerosolized medicine into the passages of the member and the tubes, for inspiration by the patient. Further, filters are mounted in both of the flow tubes for filtering makeup air and expired gas, the filters futher serving to control the gas flow through the tubes. The filters may have the same weight (and therefore the same air flow resistance), or the filter of one of the tubes may have less weight than the filter of the other tube.

Abstract: An antidisconnect device is provided to prevent the inadvertent separation of medical fittings or connectors normally provided on the external end of a patient connected medical device such as an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. The antidisconnect device basically comprises an annular ring having an internal diameter adapted to slip in close engagement over the normal outside diameter of the medical tubing. When assembled, the medical tubing is forced onto the tapered endotracheal tube connector thus distorting and enlarging the outside diameter of the medical tubing to a diameter larger than the internal diameter of the antidisconnect device. The antidisconnect device can then be moved toward the endotracheal tube tapered connector and can be forcefully held in position against the expanded diameter of the medical tubing. A strap extends from the annular ring to encircle any fitting or connector extending from the medical tubing to the patient and the distal end of the strap is affixed to the annular ring.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a cuff or balloon for use with an endotracheal tube by means of a cold parison blow molding process. The method may be utilized for large quantity production of such cuffs yet affords reliable control of the thickness throughout the cuff. In carrying out the method, a thermoplastic or other elastomeric tube of predetermined dimensions and elasticity is prestretched a predetermined amount in the longitudinal direction. The tube is positioned within a hollow mold or, for quantity production in a series of such molds, having the mold internal configuration in the general shape of the desired end balloon form. The mold or molds are vented to atmosphere. Pressure is applied to the interior of the tube and such predetermined pressure is retained within the tube. The tube and mold(s) are then heated such that the tube softens and expands under the pressure to assume internal configuration of the mold(s).

Abstract: A tracheal tube adapted for insertion into the trachea of a patient for introducing or removing gas. The tube includes a main inflatable cuff which surrounds the distal end of the tube. A gas passageway communicates at one end with the interior of the cuff, and the other end of the passageway is adapted to receive an inflating means, for delivering gas to inflate the cuff. The gas passageway includes a check valve, and a generally oval pilot balloon is in gas communication with the cuff via the passageway. The pilot balloon is longitudinally pre-stretched between its opposite end portions by means maintaining the pre-stretched condition. Accordingly the balloon in its non-inflated condition is characterized by a series of mutually spaced folds, extending longitudinally between the opposed ends. The ridges of the folds contrast with the troughs between folds, to provide a series of spaced, visually discernible markings which visually signal the non-inflated condition of the main cuff.