Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a secondary source of a medical gas to a control panel of a medical gas supply. The control panel is connected in the system fluidly between primary supply sources holding types of medical gas and gas outlets for the delivery of the respective types of medical gas to devices in a medical facility. For each gas type, the control panel houses a respective shut off valve. The shut-off valve may be closed to isolate the upstream source from the downstream components. A fitting is installed in place of an existing pressure gauge in the control panel. The fitting provides ports for at least one gas specific DISS coupler and further components such as a pressure gauge and transducers. The fitting has a configuration such that when installed, the fitting does not interfere with closing the cover to the control panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a secondary source of a medical gas to a control panel of a medical gas supply. The control panel is connected in the system fluidly between primary supply sources holding types of medical gas and gas outlets for the delivery of the respective types of medical gas to devices in a medical facility. For each gas type, the control panel houses a respective shut off valve. The shut-off valve may be closed to isolate the upstream source from the downstream components. A fitting is installed in place of an existing pressure gauge in the control panel. The fitting provides ports for at least one gas specific DISS coupler and further components such as a pressure gauge and transducers. The fitting has a configuration such that when installed, the fitting does not interfere with closing the cover to the control panel.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heater which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heater which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heaters which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a secondary source of a medical gas to a medical gas supply system which enables uninterrupted gas supply without backfeeding. A control panel (10) is connected in the system fluidly between primary supply sources (44, 45, 46) holding types of medical gas and gas outlets (54, 55, 56) for the delivery of the respective types of medical gas to devices in a medical facility. For each gas type the control panel houses a respective shut off valve (24, 25, 26). The shut-off valve may be closed to isolate the upstream source from the downstream components. The control panel also houses for each gas type a respective secondary gas inlet port (68, 69, 70). The inlet ports have connections specific to the type of gas which may be received therethrough. Check valves are provided to enable fluid flow only into the inlet ports. A removable cover or face (11) is normally installed on the control panel. The face can only be installed when the shut-off valves are all open.

Abstract: A valve and handle assembly is disclosed for controlling the flow of breathing oxygen from lightweight oxygen cylinders. The valve provides a stem extending from the valve formed with a plurality of barbs which provide ramps and shoulders. The stem also provides opposed wrenching flats. A handle formed of polyvinyl chloride or the like is provided with a through bore having ramps and shoulders proportioned to mate with ramps and shoulders on the stem. The handle also provides opposed flats. The handle is sufficiently elastically deformable to allow it to be assembled on the stem by axial movement. After assembly, the shoulders on the handle engage shoulders on the stem to permanently secure the handle in position. When installed, the handle returns to a substantially unstressed condition so that crack-inducing stresses do not exist in the material forming the handle and a permanent, strong connection is provided between the handle and the stem.