FLUID INLET ADAPTER

Abstract

An adapter is described for providing fluid to a device from a fluid source. The adapter has a housing with an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device. The adapter also includes a latching component to secure the adapter to the device. The adapter further includes a tab having embedded magnets in a specific magnet configuration. The device has a sensor capable of detecting the specific magnet configuration. The device can be connected to other adapters, and identifies the fluid source based on the magnet configurations of the adapters.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/931,496, entitled “FLUID INLET ADAPTER,” filed Jun. 28, 2013, attorney docket number 080625-0427, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure generally relates to fluid inlet ports and, in particular, a configurable adapter that can accept a fluid from either of two sources having different connectors.

2. Description of the Related Art

Patients with respiratory injury, such as chronic respiratory failure, may be provided with a respirator to assist with their breathing or, in severe cases, take over the breathing function entirely. Respirators typically provide a flow of air, or other breathing gases, at an elevated pressure during an inhalation interval, followed by an exhalation interval where the pressurized air is diverted so that the air within the patient's lungs can be naturally expelled.

Conventional respirators may be configured to accept one or more breathing gases, for example “pure oxygen” or “heliox 80/20” (a mixture of 80% helium with 20% oxygen) from external sources. It is important to configure the respirator according to the gas provided, for example connecting to a source of pure oxygen to be mixed with compressed air to provide an oxygen-enriched air to a patient as compared to connecting to a source of pure heliox that is to be provided undiluted to the patient. Conventional respirators may require manual identification of the gas being provided and carries a risk that a user may not correctly identify the gas that is actually being provided.

SUMMARY

The disclosed fluid inlet adapter provides a fluid inlet that can be configured to accept only one of two possible fluids at a time and provide a machine-readable indication as to which fluid is currently being accepted.

In certain embodiments, an adapter for providing fluid from a fluid source to a device is disclosed. The adapter comprises a housing and an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device. The inlet comprises a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device. The adapter further comprises a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device, and a machine-readable indicator for identifying the fluid source. The machine-readable indicator extends away from the first end of the inlet and beyond the second end of the inlet.

In certain embodiments, a ventilator is disclosed. The ventilator comprises a ventilator housing, a flow control device within the ventilator housing, and a first removable adapter. The first removable adapter comprises a first adapter housing, and a first inlet extending through the first adapter housing. The first inlet comprises a first adapter end for a first external connection and a first connector end for removably connecting to the flow control device. The first removable adapter further comprises a first latching component configured to secure the first adapter to the flow control device, and a first machine-readable indicator for identifying the first external connection. The first machine-readable indicator extends away from the first adapter end of the first inlet and beyond the first connector end of the first inlet.

In certain embodiments, an adapter for providing fluid to a device is disclosed. The adapter comprises a housing and an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device. The inlet comprises a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device. The adapter further comprises a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device, and a tab comprising one or more embedded magnets positioned in a magnet configuration.

In certain embodiments, an adapter for selectively providing fluid to a device from one of multiple fluid sources is disclosed. The adapter includes a body, a first inlet for connecting a first one of the multiple fluid sources to the device, and a second inlet for connecting a second one of the multiple fluid sources to the device. Each of the first and second inlets are coupled to the body. The adapter also includes a handle movably coupled to the body and comprising an access control element. The handle is configured to secure the body to a device when the adapter is in either of a first position or a second position that is rotated 180° relative to the first configuration. The access control element obstructs access to the second inlet when the adapter is secured to the device in the first position and the access control element obstructs access to the first inlet when the adapter is secured to the device in the second position.

In certain embodiments, a ventilator is disclosed that has a housing comprising a fluid passage and an adapter that includes a body, a first inlet for connecting a first one of the multiple fluid sources to the device, and a second inlet for connecting a second one of the multiple fluid sources to the device. Each of the first and second inlets are coupled to the body. The adapter also includes a handle movably coupled to the body and comprising an access control element. The handle is configured to secure the body to a device when the adapter is in either of a first position or a second position that is rotated 180° relative to the first configuration. The access control element obstructs access to the second inlet when the adapter is secured to the device in the first position and the access control element obstructs access to the first inlet when the adapter is secured to the device in the second position.

In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed that includes the step of orienting an adapter relative to a housing of a ventilator in either a first configuration when it is desired to configure the ventilator to accept a first gas mixture in a second configuration that is rotated 180° relative to the first configuration when it is desired to configure the ventilator to accept a second gas mixture. The method also includes the step of engaging the adapter with a docking location of the ventilator such that a first inlet is in fluid communication with a fluid passage of the housing when the adapter is oriented in the first configuration and a second inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the housing when the adapter is oriented in the second configuration. The method also includes the step of activating a handle to secure the adapter to the housing, wherein the handle comprises an access control element that obstructs access to the second inlet when the adapter is secured to the housing in the first configuration and obstructs access to the first inlet when the adapter is secured to the housing in the second configuration. The method also includes the step of sensing automatically with a sensor of the ventilator the location of a machine-detectable indicator that is disposed in a first location relative to the housing when the adapter is secured to the housing in the first configuration and disposed in a second location that is different from the first location when the adapter is secured to the housing in the second configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1-2 are front and back perspective views of an exemplary fluid inlet adapter according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary fluid inlet adapter and a device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary fluid inlet adapter of FIG. 3A mated with the docking location of the housing according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict the position of the handle in exemplary unlatched and latched positions according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an exemplary inlet adapter configured to accept fluid from two different sources according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7-10 depict example connector configurations according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts an adapter with one inlet according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts adapters with different machine-readable indicators and a flow control device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts an adapter coupled to a flow control device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts frontal views of an adapter and a connector according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts front views of an adapter and a flow control device according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is advantageous to provide a fluid inlet that can be configured to accept only one of two possible fluids at a time and provide a machine-readable indication as to which fluid is currently being accepted.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of the specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure. In the referenced drawings, like numbered elements are the same or essentially similar.

While the discussion herein is directed to the provision of oxygen and heliox to a ventilator in healthcare environment, application of the methods and concepts disclosed here in not limited to this application or field. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the inlet adapter may be utilized in other fields and applications that use multiple types of fluids as inputs, for example chemical processing.

FIGS. 1-2 are front and back perspective views of an exemplary fluid inlet adapter 100 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the fluid inlet adapter 100, also referred to herein as “the adapter 100,” comprises a body 110 with two inlets 120, 130 that are configured to respectively mate with connectors 20, 30 that are connected to two different fluid sources. In certain embodiments, the two connectors 20 and 30 may comprise different configurations comprising attributes such as shape, the presence or absence of thread, keys, etc. Example connector configurations are shown in FIGS. 7-10. A handle 140 is movably coupled to the body 110 and comprising an access control element 142. In certain embodiments, the access control element 142 is a paddle extending from a shaft 141 that is, in this example, perpendicular to the body 110. The handle 140 is shown in FIG. 1 in a latched position, wherein the access control element 142 is positioned in front of inlet 130, thereby preventing a user from connecting a connector 30 to the inlet 130. In certain embodiments, the access control element 142 is disposed in front of the inlet 130. In certain embodiments, the access control element 142 is disposed proximate to the inlet 130, e.g. adjacent to the side of the inlet 130, so as to interfere with the attachment of a connector 30 to the inlet 130 and substantially prevents connection to the inlet 130 when the adapter 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 1. The inlet 120 is fully accessible in this position of the adapter 100 and a user may connect a connector 20 to the inlet 120. The body 110 may include one or more keying holes 111 that engage pins, posts, or other keying features (not shown in FIG. 1A) of the connectors 20, 30.

FIG. 2 depicts the back of the adapter 100. A center plane 101 is defined relative to the body 110 and bisects the body 110. There is an alignment feature 112 extending from the body 110 that is centered on the center plane 101. There are two ports 116 that are identical in form that are coupled to the body 110 and symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the center plane 101. The adapter 100 has a first position, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second position that is rotated 180° from the first position with respect to the plane of symmetry. Positions of the adapter 100 are discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. The adapter 100 also comprises first and second coupling ports 116 that are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the center plane 101 on a back side of the body 110. The first and second coupling ports 116 are in respective fluid communication with the first and second inlets 120, 130. In certain embodiments, the coupling ports 116 may be respectively aligned with the first and second inlets 120, 130. In certain embodiments, the coupling ports 116 may be respectively offset from the first and second inlets 120, 130.

It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the handle 140 comprises a latching pin 144 that is disposed within a securing feature, for example slot 114 formed in the alignment feature 112. The latching pin 144, in this example, extends outward from the portion of the shaft 141 that extends beyond the bottom of the body 110. The function of the pin latching 144 and the method by which the handle 140 secures the adapter 100 to a device, for example a ventilator (not shown), is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary fluid inlet adapter 100 and a device 10 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The device 10 has a housing 52 with, in this example, a docking station 50 having an alignment slot 66 that is configured to accept the alignment feature 112. In this example, there is a recess 62 adjacent to the alignment slot 66 that is configured to accept an end of the handle 140. A latching slot 64 extends laterally from the recess 62 and is configured to engage the pin 144 when the handle 140 is rotated such that the pin extends from the alignment feature 112, as is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B.

The housing 52 comprises a fluid passage 80 is configured to accept a flow of a fluid. In certain embodiments, the device 10 is a ventilator and the fluid passage 80 connects to a blower (not shown) that pumps the fluid from fluid passage 80 to a patient as is generally known to those of skill in the art and not repeated herein. The fluid passage 80 is positioned relative to the alignment slot 66 such that one of the coupling ports 116 will be at least partially disposed within the fluid passage 80 when the adapter 100 is secured to the device 10 in either a first or second position. FIG. 3A depicts the example adapter 100 secured to the docking station 50 in the first position, wherein the coupling port 116 that is in fluid communication with inlet 120 is also at least partially disposed within and in fluid communication with the fluid passage 80. In the second position (not shown in FIG. 3A), the adapter 100 is upside down from the position shown in FIG. 3A such that the coupling port 116 that is in fluid communication with inlet 130 is also at least partially disposed within and in fluid communication with the fluid passage 80. In certain embodiments, the coupling ports 116 may have a sealing feature 118, for example an O-ring, which is configured to detachably and sealingly mate with the fluid passage 80. The housing also comprises a blind recess 54 that accepts the un-used coupling port 116. The docking location 50 may have a recess 56 configured to accept the body 110 such that the front of the body 110 is flush with the surface of the housing 52. In certain embodiments, the docking location 50 may also have a recess 70 position under a keying hole 111. The recess 70 may provide clearance for a keying feature of a mating connector or may provide a retention function.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary adapter 100 of FIG. 3A mated with the docking location 50 of the housing 52 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. It can be seen that the lower coupling port 116 is partially disposed within the fluid passage 80 and the upper coupling port 116 is partially disposed within the blind recess 54.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict the position of the handle 140 in exemplary unlatched and latched positions according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A depicts the position of the handle 140 while in an “unlatched” position suitable for insertion of the alignment feature 112 into the alignment slot 66 of the docking station 50. The pin 144 is positioned completely within the slot 114 so as not to interfere with the alignment slot 66. Once the adapter 100 is fully seated in the docking station 50, the handle 140 can be turned to the position shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B depicts a “latched” position with handle 140 rotated so as to engage pin 144 in latching slot 64. In this position of handle 140, the access control element 142 is disposed in front of the inlet 130 thereby obstructing access to the inlet 130 so as to discourage connection of a connector 30 to the inlet 130 while the adapter 100 is secured to the device 10 in this position.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an exemplary inlet adapter 100 configured to accept fluid from two different sources 20, 30 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 depicts the adapter 100 configured to enable inlet 120 to allow a connector 20 (not shown in FIG. 5) while blocking connection to the inlet 130. It can be seen that the machine-detectable indicator 150 is positioned in a first position, e.g. on the near side of alignment feature 112.

FIG. 6 depicts the adapter 100 reversed in orientation and configured to allow inlet 130 to accept a connector 30 (not shown in FIG. 6) while blocking connection to the inlet 120. It can be seen that when the adapter 100 is disposed in this position, which is the reverse of the position of FIG. 5, that the machine-detectable indicator 150 is positioned in a second position, e.g. on the far side of alignment feature 112, that is also the reverse of FIG. 5.

With respect to the positions of the machine-detectable indicators 150 in FIGS. 5 and 6, the device 50 may have a first sensor (not shown in FIG. 5) positioned so as to detect the presence of the sensor in the position of FIG. 5 and a second sensor positioned so as to detect the presence of the sensor in the position of FIG. 6. The use of two sensors may provide a positive indication of the position of the adapter 100 and, therefore, a positive indication of which gas is being provided.

FIGS. 7-10 depict example connector configurations according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The adapter 100 may comprise inlets that are configured to accept one of these types of connectors. FIG. 7 depicts an “Ohmeda style” gas connection 200 wherein the gas-specific configuration of the connector is accomplished by one or more notches 220 on the outlet face 210 and a pin 230 on the adaptor. The notches 220 and pins 230 may vary in position and/or size based on the gas required.

FIG. 8 depicts a “Chemetron style” gas connection 300 wherein the gas-specific configuration of the connector is accomplished by the position and shape of the latching hole 320 on the outlet face and alignment tabs 330 that mate with recesses 340. The latching hole 320 will vary in position and shape based on the gas required.

FIG. 9 depicts a “Diameter Index Safety System (DISS) style” gas connection 400 wherein the gas-specific configuration of the connector is accomplished by gas-specific threads disposed on a barrel 410. The thread diameter and adaptor nipple size may vary based on the gas required.

FIG. 10 depicts a “Schrader style” gas connection 500 wherein the gas-specific configuration of the connector is accomplished by geometric indexing, i.e. each gas has a unique shape and size of the barrel 510.

It can be seen that the disclosed embodiments of the inlet adapter provide a reliable means of configuring a device, such as a ventilator, to accept only one of a possible variety of gases. While the disclosed embodiment of the adapter has two inlets and accepts gas through one inlet while blocking the other inlet, other embodiments of the adapter may have three or more inlets and may be configured to accept gas through more than one of the three or more inlets. In addition, the machine-detectable indicator that is disclosed as a magnet herein may be any machine-readable element, for example a barcode or 2D matrix positioned to be read by a camera or scanner when the adapter is configured in a certain position.

FIGS. 11-15 show implementations of adapters having one inlet. FIG. 11 shows an adapter 1100. The adapter 1100 has a housing 1105, an inlet 1101 extending through the housing 1105, a machine-detectable or machine-readable indicator 1120, and a latching component 1110. The inlet 1101 has a first end 1102 for connecting to a particular fluid source, and a connector 1103 for connecting to a flow control device 1200 (see in FIG. 12), which may be a flow cassette or other valve system. The latching component 1110, which may be a threaded nut that can be screwed by hand, is configured to interface with a threaded connector 1210 of the flow control device 1200. The latching component 1110 includes a groove 1112. The machine-readable indicator 1120 may be a tab which includes magnet positions 1122A, 1122B, 1122C, and 1122D, which may hold one or more magnets in a magnet configuration 125. In some embodiments, one or more magnet positions 1122A, 1122B, 1122C, and 1122D may not hold any magnet. Although the magnet positions 1122A-D may be in a linear arrangement, in other implementations, other arrangements may be used.

FIG. 12 shows another adapter 1300. The adapter 1101 has a magnet configuration 1126, which may have magnets in magnet positions 1122B and 1122C. The magnets may be embedded within the machine-readable indicator 1120. Also seen in FIG. 12, an adapter 1400 has a magnet configuration 1127, which may have magnets in magnet positions 1122B and 1122D.

The magnet configurations may be detected by a sensor 1220 of the flow control device 1200. The sensor 1220 may include magnet sensors 1222A, 1222B, 1222C, and 1222D, which may correspond to the magnet positions 1122A-D. FIG. 13 shows the adapter 1100 connected to the flow control device 1200, which may be secured by tightening the latching component 1110. The sensor 1220 aligns with the machine-readable indicator 1120. The sensor 1220 is configured to detect the magnet configurations of adapters. The magnet configurations correspond to specific fluid sources. For example, the magnet configuration 1126 may correspond to heliox, and the magnet configuration 1127 may correspond to oxygen. The inlet 1101 may be configured for connection to the corresponding fluid source. By detecting the magnet configuration, the flow control device 1200 can identify the fluid passing through the flow control device 1200.

FIG. 14 shows the adapter 1100 without the latching component 1110. The housing 1105 includes a first protrusion 1106, and a second protrusion 1107. The housing 1105 also includes a first pin 1116, and a second pin 1118. The first and second pins 1116 and 1118 are configured to interface with the groove 1112 of the latching component 1110, allowing the latching component 1110 to rotate freely without being separated from the housing 1105. The threaded connector 1210 includes a first notch 1212 and a second notch 1214.

FIG. 15 further shows the adapter 1100 and the flow control device 1200. A first width 1108 of the first protrusion 1106 corresponds to a first width 1213 of the first notch 1212. A second width 1109 of the second protrusion 1107 corresponds to a second width 1215 of the second notch 1214. The first protrusion 1106 is configured to fit into the first notch 1212, and the second protrusion 1107 is configured to fit into the second notch 1214. Because the first and second widths are different, the adapter 1100 can only fit into the threaded connector 1210 in one orientation, to mitigate incorrect insertions. In addition, a distance 1104 between the inlet 1101 and the machine-readable indicator 1120 corresponds to a distance 1221 between the threaded connector 1210 and the sensor 1220 such that the sensor 1220 can detect the machine-readable indicator 1120. The machine-readable indicator 1120 may be properly aligned with the sensor 1220 when the latching component 1110 is fully tightened. When the machine-readable indicator 1120 is not properly detected by the sensor 1220, or the magnet configuration is unknown (e.g., a magnet is missing or in the wrong magnet position), an alarm condition may occur. In addition, when the adapter 1100 is not properly or fully connected, pressurized gas may leak, causing an audible notification to the operator.

For example, the connector 1103 may be configured to have a length such that the connector 1103 provides fluid communication with the flow control device 1200 at an intermediate portion along the threaded connector 1210′s path when being connected. The length of the connector 1103 extends such that there may be fluid communication even when the latching component 1110 is not fully engaged. Upon removal of the adapter 1100, for instance by disengaging the latching component 1110, an audible hissing sound may inform the operator that the supply must be turned off and/or that the adapter 1100 should be fully removed from the source to limit complications associated with improper removal procedures.

The use of multiple adapters 1100 allow a single flow control device 1200 to connect to various fluid sources, rather than having a flow control device for each possible fluid source. Reducing the number of flow control devices may reduce the size of the ventilator. The multiple adapters may be tethered to the ventilator in order to prevent misplacement of the adapters.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms “a set” and “some” refer to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. To the extent that the terms “include,” “have,” or the like are used in the description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

Nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

This specification describes example aspects of the subject technology, which may include at least the following concepts:

Concept 1. An adapter for providing fluid from a fluid source to a device, the adapter comprising: a housing; an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device, the inlet comprising a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device; a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device; and a machine-readable indicator for identifying the fluid source, the machine-readable indicator extending away from the first end of the inlet and beyond the second end of the inlet.

Concept 2. The adapter of Concept 1, wherein the machine-readable indicator comprises a tab comprising a magnet, and wherein a position of the magnet on the tab indicates the fluid source.

Concept 3. The adapter of Concept 2, wherein the tab extends parallel to the inlet.

Concept 4. The adapter of Concept 2, wherein the magnet is embedded in the tab.

Concept 5. The adapter of Concept 1, wherein the latching component comprises a threaded nut.

Concept 6. The adapter of Concept 5, wherein the housing comprises at least one pin for holding the threaded nut.

Concept 7. The adapter of Concept 5, wherein the threaded nut comprises a groove, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to interface with the groove.

Concept 8. The adapter of Concept 1, wherein the housing comprises a first protrusion having a first width and a second protrusion having a second width, the first width is different from the second width, the first protrusion is configured to fit in a corresponding first notch of the device, and the second protrusion is configured to fit in a corresponding second notch of the device such that the adapter connects to the device in a single orientation.

Concept 9. A ventilator comprising: a ventilator housing; a flow control device within the ventilator housing; and a first removable adapter comprising: a first adapter housing; a first inlet extending through the first adapter housing, the first inlet comprising a first adapter end for a first external connection and a first connector end configured to removably connect to the flow control device; a first latching component configured to secure the first adapter to the flow control device; and a first machine-readable indicator for identifying the first external connection, the first machine-readable indicator extending away from the first adapter end of the first inlet and beyond the first connector end of the first inlet.

Concept 10. The ventilator of Concept 9, wherein the first removable adapter is tethered to the ventilator housing.

Concept 11. The ventilator of Concept 9, wherein the machine-readable indicator comprises a first tab comprising a first magnet, and wherein a position of the first magnet on the first tab identifies the first external connection.

Concept 12. The ventilator of Concept 11, wherein the flow control device comprises a sensor configured to detect a position of a magnet.

Concept 13. The ventilator of Concept 9, wherein the first latching component comprises a first threaded nut.

Concept 14. The ventilator of Concept 13, wherein the flow control device comprises a threaded connector configured to interface with the first threaded nut.

Concept 15. The ventilator of Concept 13, wherein the first adapter housing comprises at least one pin for holding the first threaded nut.

Concept 16. The ventilator of Concept 13, wherein the threaded nut comprises a groove, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to interface with the groove.

Concept 17. The ventilator of Concept 14, wherein the first adapter housing comprises a first protrusion having a first width and a second protrusion having a second width, the threaded connector comprises a first notch having the first width and a second notch having the second width, and the first width is different from the second width such that the first protrusion fits into the first notch and the second protrusion fits into the second notch in a single orientation of the adapter.

Concept 18. The ventilator of Concept 9, further comprising a second removable adapter comprising: a second adapter housing; a second inlet extending through the second adapter housing, the second inlet comprising a second adapter end for a second external connection and a second connector end configured to removably connect to the flow control device; a second latching component configured to secure the second adapter to the flow control device; and a second machine-readable indicator for identifying the second external connection, the second machine-readable indicator extending away from the second adapter end of the second inlet and beyond the second connector end of the second inlet.

Concept 19. The ventilator of Concept 18, wherein the first machine-readable indicator comprises a first tab comprising one or more magnets in a first magnet configuration and the second machine-readable indicator comprises a second tab comprising one or more magnets in a second magnet configuration, different than the first magnet configuration.

Concept 20. An adapter for providing fluid to a device, the adapter comprising: a housing; an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device, the inlet comprising a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device; a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device; and a tab comprising one or more embedded magnets positioned in a magnet configuration.

Claims

1. An adapter for providing fluid from a fluid source to a device, the adapter comprising:

a housing;

an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device, the inlet comprising a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device;

a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device; and

a machine-readable indicator for identifying the fluid source, the machine-readable indicator extending away from the first end of the inlet and beyond the second end of the inlet.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicator comprises a tab comprising a magnet, and wherein a position of the magnet on the tab indicates the fluid source.

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the tab extends parallel to the inlet.

4. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the magnet is embedded in the tab.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the latching component comprises a threaded nut.

6. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises at least one pin for holding the threaded nut.

7. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the threaded nut comprises a groove, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to interface with the groove.

8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first protrusion having a first width and a second protrusion having a second width, the first width is different from the second width, the first protrusion is configured to fit in a corresponding first notch of the device, and the second protrusion is configured to fit in a corresponding second notch of the device such that the adapter connects to the device in a single orientation.

9. A ventilator comprising:

a ventilator housing;

a flow control device within the ventilator housing; and

a first removable adapter comprising: a first adapter housing; a first inlet extending through the first adapter housing, the first inlet comprising a first adapter end for a first external connection and a first connector end configured to removably connect to the flow control device; a first latching component configured to secure the first adapter to the flow control device; and a first machine-readable indicator for identifying the first external connection, the first machine-readable indicator extending away from the first adapter end of the first inlet and beyond the first connector end of the first inlet.

10. The ventilator of claim 9, wherein the first removable adapter is tethered to the ventilator housing.

11. The ventilator of claim 9, wherein the machine-readable indicator comprises a first tab comprising a first magnet, and wherein a position of the first magnet on the first tab identifies the first external connection.

12. The ventilator of claim 11, wherein the flow control device comprises a sensor configured to detect a position of a magnet.

13. The ventilator of claim 9, wherein the first latching component comprises a first threaded nut.

14. The ventilator of claim 13, wherein the flow control device comprises a threaded connector configured to interface with the first threaded nut.

15. The ventilator of claim 13, wherein the first adapter housing comprises at least one pin for holding the first threaded nut.

16. The ventilator of claim 13, wherein the threaded nut comprises a groove, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to interface with the groove.

17. The ventilator of claim 14, wherein the first adapter housing comprises a first protrusion having a first width and a second protrusion having a second width, the threaded connector comprises a first notch having the first width and a second notch having the second width, and the first width is different from the second width such that the first protrusion fits into the first notch and the second protrusion fits into the second notch in a single orientation of the adapter.

18. The ventilator of claim 9, further comprising a second removable adapter comprising:

a second adapter housing;

a second inlet extending through the second adapter housing, the second inlet comprising a second adapter end for a second external connection and a second connector end configured to removably connect to the flow control device;

a second latching component configured to secure the second adapter to the flow control device; and

a second machine-readable indicator for identifying the second external connection, the second machine-readable indicator extending away from the second adapter end of the second inlet and beyond the second connector end of the second inlet.

19. The ventilator of claim 18, wherein the first machine-readable indicator comprises a first tab comprising one or more magnets in a first magnet configuration and the second machine-readable indicator comprises a second tab comprising one or more magnets in a second magnet configuration, different than the first magnet configuration.

20. An adapter for providing fluid to a device, the adapter comprising:

a housing;

an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device, the inlet comprising a first end for connecting to the fluid source and a second end for connecting to the device;

a latching component configured to secure the adapter to the device; and

a tab comprising one or more embedded magnets positioned in a magnet configuration.