Abstract: A scavenging medical hood includes a hood for fitting over the head of a patient. A gas inlet port leads to the interior of the hood for supplying the interior of the hood with an appropriate respiratory gas and an aerosolized medicinal agent contained within that respiratory gas. A gas outlet connects between the interior of the hood and the ambient air for discharge of gas from the interior of the hood including any residual aerosolized medicinal agent remaining in that discharged gas. A vacuum port is located adjacent to the gas outlet. A vacuum is applied to the vacuum port via a suitable motorized vacuum source. Vacuum at the vacuum port aspirates gas from the area of the gas outlet to aspirate respiratory gas, residual aerosolized medicinal agent still suspended in the respiratory gas and ambient air from the vicinity of the gas outlet into the vacuum port. A filter located in the vacuum line serves to filter out the residual aerosolized medicinal agent from the aspirate in the gas line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the atmospheric contamination in an operating room as a result of anesthetic gas that escapes from an anesthetic gas mask. The mask has a double wall structure and includes a deflector positioned within the mask body to cause turbulent flow of anesthetic gas therewithin so that the gas is substantially confined within the inner mask cavity and does not escape directly outwardly from the mask opening when the mask is removed from the face of the patient. The double wall construction provides an extraction slot around the inner mask body that is in communication with a source of reduced pressure to extract any anesthetic gas that escapes from within the inner mask body. A connector is provided for supplying anesthetic gas and for withdrawing exhaled gas.

Abstract: A collection device for collecting and withdrawing anesthetic or analgesic gas exhaled by a patient. The device includes a member which is applied to the patient's chin and is provided with at least one suitably shaped opening positioned adjacent the patient's mouth, which communicates through tubing with a source of suction. The opening is positioned at the patient's chin to receive gases as they are exhaled by the patient.

Abstract: A shield for eliminating smoke created during electrocautery surgery includes an elongated base member and an upwardly extending concave wall secured to one edge thereof. Located on the upper surface of the base member is an elongated suction tube which extends along the base member. A plurality of vertical openings in the upper surface of the tube create an air flow when the tube is connected to a vacuum source. Air and smoke in the vicinity of the shield are drawn inwardly toward the top of the shield, down the inner surface of the concave wall and into the suction tube. The bottom surface of the base member has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon so that the shield can be mounted on a patient or on the patient's surgical gown or covering adjacent the surgical area.

Abstract: A mask system and device for an individual including a front portion defining a surface which is generally C-shaped and preferably forms bights or curved surfaces in both the horizontal and vertical cross section. The surface extends from and conforms to a position below the eyes to an area below the chin. The mask also includes sides integrally formed with the front portion and positioned adjacent the cheeks or jaw. The surface, in part, defines a cavity between the sides adjacent the individual's nose and mouth. An exhaust device is affixed to a defined channel formed on one lateral side. The opposite lateral side forms an intake port. Securing straps are provided to retain the mask portion adjacent the face. The exhaust device is provided at the free end of a tube which communicates with the side channel to create a continuous air flow across the cavity and to exhaust stale exhaled air.

Abstract: A ventilation system for use by artists when working with paints and solvents is disclosed. The system includes a palette assembly wherein a palette is mounted on the inside of a housing which is connected to a blower so as to create a negative air pressure in the housing to force harmful vapors through the housing, into the blower, and away from the artist. The system also includes a respiration unit to be used by the artist when mixing paints and solvents or painting with them. The unit includes a compressor (air pump) which is placed in clean air and provides a supply of air, a filter for further purifying the air, and a mask for receiving the fresh air for use in a studio. In an alternate embodiment, the mask further includes rebreather bag to ensure the user of a sufficient supply of purified air at lower SCFM output.

Abstract: A ventilating and aspirating assembly comprising an aspirating catheter tube internally disposed within and coextensive with a surrounding flexible collapsible sterility preserving film envelope, a connector by which ventilating air is involuntarily delivered to and exhausted from the lungs of a medical patient, said connector comprising structure which accommodates the manual insertion of the catheter tube into and manual removal from the trachea/bronchi patient through the connector. This facilitates aspiration of undesired respiratory fluids.

Abstract: Removable apparatus suitable for scavenging gas from the vicinity of a gas delivery mask applied to a face. The mask has a convex outer surface, and the apparatus comprises a cup having an inner concave surface adapted to form a gap between it and the convex surface of the mask when the cup is positioned over the mask. The cup is adapted so as not to contact the face when positioned over the mask when the mask is placed over the face. Also provided is an aperture in the cup for allowing evacuation of the gas from the gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anaesthetic scavenging face mask having a scavenging channel running along the perimeter of the mask. The mask is provided with an anaesthetic gas inlet and a vacuum outlet. The scavenging channel is connected to the vacuum outlet.

Abstract: A dust-free garment including: a garment body having garment opening portions opening to the outside; an air passage system, attached to the garment body and having an outlet adapted to communicate to a dust collector for exhausting air therein to the dust collector to filter air; and an air entrance mechanism located in the vicinity of at least one of the garment opening portions and communicated to the air passage system for entering air into the air passage system.

Abstract: A self-contained jet pump type breathing apparatus is provided for introducing gases into the lungs of a patient having an inspiratory jet pump for sweeping gases toward the patient, an expiratory jet pump for sweeping exhaled gases away from the patient and an absorber for absorbing carbon dioxide from the exhaled gases which are again supplied to the respiratory jet pump. An anesthetic introduction conduit permits the flow of anesthetic gases into the breathing apparatus. In addition, a jet producer device, is also provided, which obtains fresh compressed gases from the absorber and compressor and supplies pulsating pressurized gases to the respiratory jet pumps.

Abstract: A ventilating and aspirating assembly comprising an aspirating catheter tube internally disposed within and coextensive with a surrounding flexible collapsible sterility preserving film envelope, a connector by which ventilating air is involuntarily delivered to and exhausted from the lungs of a medical patient, said connector comprising structure which accommodates the manual insertion of the catheter tube into and manual removal from the trachea/bronchi patient through the connector. This facilitates aspiration of undesired respiratory fluids.

Abstract: An improved anaesthetical circuit with reverse inhalation is equipped with an injector of escaped anaesthetics connected by an inlet pipe to a valve in which a feeding pipe, leading from a source of constant flow, discharges a signal from a differential pressure indicator, being led into the valve through a conduit. The differential pressure indicator is fed from an energy source, on one hand, together with a conduit pipe leading from a drive pipe into the pressurized chamber of the differential pressure indicator, and a pipe leading from a connection pipe into the vacuum chamber of the differential pressure indicator, on the other hand. A connection pipe connecting an outlet pipe of the injector through a check valve with a rubber bag, which is arranged in a cylinder attached to the anaesthetical circuit.

Abstract: A smokeless, low noise electrosurgical device includes a tubular housing having a passage extending axially therethrough, with one end of the passage connected to a source of negative gauge pressure. The other, inlet end of the housing is provided with an electrosurgical cutting device or cauterizing probe extending therefrom. The inlet to the passage comprises a wide opening having side walls which converge to a relatively narrow port in flow communication with the passage in the housing. The port is significantly narrower than the passage, resulting in significantly reduced noise generated by the fluid flow into the inlet and through the passage.

Abstract: An anaesthetic system comprising, (a) inspiratory low pressure fresh gas supply tube adapted to receive low pressure gas and adapted for attachment of a reservoir bag tube and having a valve for control of gas to and from the reservoir bag (b) an expiratory tube comprising: (i) a valve to open or close the tube to permit from free up to totally restricted flow of gases in and out of the expiratory tube and (ii) a relief valve to permit gases to exit when pressure in the expiratory tube exceeds a predetermined value (c) the inspiratory and expiratory tubes communicating with a patient's face piece and being substantially free of restricted flow of gases whereby a universal mode of anaesthetic administration to a patient can be achieved.

Abstract: A ventilation contamination control device for use on the expiratory line of a ventilator unit. The device couples to a contained vacuum source to provide a closed system that does not require the continuous, direct filtration of exhalation from the patient. The device includes a housing on which a flexible exhalation containment bag and a unidirectional check valve are mounted. The check valve permits inward atmospheric air flow during low exhalation periods but prevents outward contaiminated air flow. A bacteria filter unit is mounted on the housing to provide a filtered vent to the atmosphere in the event that the vacuum source or the check valve become obstructed or fail. An audible signal responds to such a failed condition.

Abstract: A pressure modifying valve for anaesthetic gas scavenging systems for connection between a high vacuum source such as a hospital building service and the outlet from a patient or anaesthetic machine. The valve comprises a housing divided by a partition into two chambers having inlet and outlet ports respectively. The partition has a flow restricting orifice controlled by a valve member which is supported on a diaphragm to be self adjusting in response to pressure in the chamber. On the patient side, the pressure in chamber is controlled by pressure relief valves which are similar and interchangeable. The valve is made inexpensively of plastics and is disposable before the plastics deteriorates or undesirable matter accumulates and affects the functioning of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the egress of anaesthetic gas from the open end of an anaesthesia tube during periods when the anaesthetic gas is flowing but it is not being administered to a patient. An obturator post is either solid or has an axial bore which communicates with an exhaust system. The obturator post slideably and sealably engages the open end of the anaesthesia tube. The obturator post may be either rigidly attached to a surface of the anaesthetist's machine, or held captive thereto by a chain.

Abstract: An improved breathing protective apparatus having an inhalation regulator and a primary source of breathing air supplied to the user through a pressure line, and an exhalation regulator with a return line connected to a vacuum source to remove exhaust gases from the work area is disclosed. The apparatus also has a positive pressure and free flowing regulator which provides an extra measure of safety in a toxic environment and provides low breathing resistance under high work load conditions. The arrangement is such that if the exhalation regulator is bypassed for exhaust without vacuum conditions, positive pressure and the free flowing regulator are automatically eliminated to save emergency air for escape of the user from a contaminated environment.

Abstract: A ventilating and aspirating assembly comprising an aspirating catheter tube internally disposed within and coextensive with a surrounding flexible collapsible sterility preserving film envelope, a connector by which ventilating air is involuntarily delivered to and exhausted from the lungs of a medical patient, said connector comprising structure which accommodates the manual insertion of the catheter tube into and manual removal from the trachea/bronchi patient through the connector. This facilitates aspiration of undesired respiratory fluids.

Abstract: An artificial respirator of a high-frequency oscillation ventilation type is provided which is free from a risk of increasing pressure in the airways. The respirator comprises a double communication tube with inner and outer tubes. One of the tubes is utilized for feeding a respiration or anesthetic gas to the airways through an endotracheal cannula, and the other tube is connected to a communication tube in which two jet air injection tubes are provided. The first jet air injection tube is utilized for injecting a jet respiration gas to thereby transmitting high-frequency oscillations to the respiration or anesthetic gas. The second jet air injection tube is utilized for injecting a jet respiration gas toward outside of the communication tube from therewithin thereby to decrease the pressure in the communication tube and hence in the airways.

Abstract: An anesthetic apparatus for administering a gaseous anesthetic comprises a breathing mask which is connected to the inspiration pipe and the expiration pipe of the apparatus and used for connecting the apparatus to the airways of a patient. To prevent harmful gaseous anesthetic from being released to the surroundings when the mask is temporarily lifted from the patient's face during anesthesia in order to check the condition of the patient, the apparatus is provided with a gas suction device which can be connected to the mask through a controllable valve. The gas suction device may be continuously operated or may be started automatically when the valve is opened. A signal emitter for generating control signals and applying these to the valve is arranged on, or in the vicinity of the mask in a manner such that it can either be activated manually by the anesthetist, or is activated automatically when the mask is lifted from the patient's face, at which time it generates a control signal for opening the valve.

Abstract: A gas scavenger system is disclosed for use particularly with anesthetic administering equipment utilizing a demand valve for providing anesthetic gas to the patient. The gas scavenger system includes a collection manifold that collects the waste gases as they leave the normal exhaust ports of the demand valve. A flexible tubing means then carries those collected gases to a surge chamber prior to eventual discharge into a vacuum system. The surge chamber provides an interface between the vacuum system and the collection manifold and is connected to the vacuum system through a predetermined sized orifice which limits the flow to the vacuum system to a maximum known flow. The surge chamber normally allows continuous flow through the orifice to the vacuum system but is sized to accumulate an excess of flow from the collection manifold under abnormal conditions such as is occasioned when a patient coughs to allow time to remove the gases through the orifice and thus to prevent leakage to atmosphere.

Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for exposing small laboratory animals, e.g., rats, to a test atmosphere in such a manner that the animals are exposed to a uniform concentration of the test atmosphere containing substantially no exhaled materials.The apparatus comprises, e.g., an animal holding tube capable of positioning the nose of an animal at a fixed point within the tube. The tube is provided with a test atmosphere inlet means located in the vicinity of the nose and an exhaust outlet such that the test atmosphere can be inhaled by the animal then exhausted rearward of the nose of the animal.A plurality of these animal holding tubes can be combined by connecting their inlet to a first plenum duct that is in communication with a source of the test atmosphere and connecting their outlet to a second plenum duct for exhausting substantially all exhaled materials and excess test atmosphere.

Abstract: A two-way valve for use in breathing apparatus comprising a valve chamber having a supply end and a mask end, both ends having openings, a valve plate member of thin lightweight material freely movable within the valve chamber between the supply end and the mask end for closing respective openings, the valve plate member defining a flow axis and a generally circular opening centered on the flow axis, a plurality of support arms extending radially inwardly from the perimeter of the circular opening, the support arms defining and being joined together at a solid central hub, a plurality of stub members extending radially inwardly from the perimeter of the circular opening, a fastening boss extending from the central hub towards the mask end of the chamber, retaining flanges on the boss spaced from the valve plate, a flat planar flexible valve membrane attached to the valve plate member, the membrane having a central opening fitting elastically over the boss, and fitting between the valve plate member and the fl

Abstract: A system for removing oxygen from and around hospital beds for reducing the fire danger. A manifold having a plurality of sections is connected to and is supported from the frame. The sections are connected together by flexible joints and include a connection for attachment to an exhaust. A first plurality of suction tubes is connected to the manifold with their ends positioned adjacent the mattress for removing oxygen from and around the mattress. A second plurality of suction tubes is connected to the manifold and extend downwardly for removing oxygen from beneath the bed. Suction cups may be connected to the ends of the first suction tubes positioned adjacent the mattress. The suction cups are positioned adjacent the sides and the bottom of the mattress and are supported from the frame and springs.

Abstract: An improved respiratory apparatus for conducting flow of supply and exhausted respiratory gas between a ventilator and a tracheal tube incorporates features and combinations of features, including aspiration, periodic pressure relief immediately downstream from the tracheal tube connection, coaxial flow conduits, to improve the form of pressure variations at the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A method of purifying the contamination of a dental consultation room is disclosed. The purification method is characterized in that an anesthetic gas such as laughing gas and the dust generated by drilling a tooth or false tooth of the patient are changeably sucked either from a region close to the floor of the dental consultation room, or from outside the oral cavity of the patient, and are discharged outside the consultation room. Disclosed also is an apparatus for practicing the purification method.

Abstract: A stator has a cylindrical bore. A cylindrical rotor fits in the bore with a clearance. A circumferential groove varying in depth is formed around the circumference of the rotor. Ball bearings support the rotor for rotation in spaced relationship from the bore without a seal. Axially elongated inlet and outlet slots are formed in the stator so as to communicate with the groove at circumferentially spaced points. Vent holes lead from the bore to the exterior of the stator between the inlet and outlet and the ball bearings. The valve is coupled by first and second legs of a tee connection to a patient. A third leg of the tee connection is connected by a needle valve to a vacuum source.

Abstract: An anesthesia mask for laboratory animals comprising a supply tube having a generally conical mask at one end into which the animal's snout is inserted. Pressurized anesthesia gas is delivered through the tube and is prevented from leaking into the ambient environment by means of a second tube which concentrically surrounds the supply tube and is annularly spaced therefrom so that the space can be evacuated by a vacuum source. A holding bar is slidable transversely into the mask to hook onto the animal's incisors.

Abstract: A system for administering an anesthetic gas to a patient has a mask, means for supplying an anesthetic gas to the mask when the patient inhales, and an exhaust line having its proximal end connected to the mask and adapted to have its terminal end connected to a source of vacuum to exhaust gas from the mask when the patient exhales. A closed reservoir is in series with said exhaust line between the proximal and terminal ends thereof. The reservoir has an inlet and an outlet with a check valve adjacent to the inlet to prevent the flow of gas out of the reservoir through the inlet when the patient inhales. Advantageously, the reservoir check valve is a diaphragm valve and the face mask has at least one nozzle for scavenging gas escaping from the mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering respiratory gases expired by a patient to prevent contamination of the surrounding atmosphere. Gases from the patient enter a bag and are drawn through a membrane filter by the action of a vacuum collection system.

Abstract: A manifold is described for use with anesthesia breathing circuits and which is adapted to receive exhaust anesthetic gases from the anesthesia breathing circuit for disposal thereof. The manifold is connectible to a vacuum system for such disposal and includes a needle valve which may be set to establish a desired flow of exhaust anesthetic gas to the vacuum system. Because the pressures (either positive or negative) within the manifold will also have an effect on pressures within the anesthesia breathing circuit from which the exhaust anesthetic gas is received, it is necessary to control the pressure inside the manifold within certain predetermined limits. Relief valves are thus provided and which relieve the pressure within the manifold at certain predetermined positive and negative limits. The relief valves are so arranged that both may be opened manually by a common member which is accessible exterior of the manifold and can readily be displaced by personnel.

Abstract: A fluid operated and controlled irrigation and aspiration device for ophthalmic use. A source of fluid under pressure is connected through foot pedal operated valves to clamps for controlling irrigation through a conventional handpiece, and to a vacuum generating device. Selecting valves are provided for isolating the vacuum generating means, and for directing pressure to a pulsing circuit. The pulsing circuit can be used to control the vacuum to yield a pulsing aspiration; and, in a modification of the device, the pulsing circuit can be used to control a pressure circuit to operate a cutting device.

Abstract: A system utilizing the central vacuum system in the dental operatory to exhaust analgesic or anesthetic gas from a gas administration assembly. The system includes a nosepiece fitting over the nose of a patient, an exhaust assembly for removing exhaled gas from the nosepiece, and an exhaust chamber formed around the periphery of the nosepiece for scavenging gas leaking through the facial seal at the rim of the nosepiece.

Abstract: An electrically powered mechanical ventilator for use in medical applications. The ventilator comprises a bellows-form expansible chamber which communicates with a gas inlet/delivery port and at least one electric motor which is energised to effect cyclic expansion and compression of the chamber by way of a motion translating mechanism. In a preferred form of the ventilator, two electric motors are mounted to a common shaft and means are provided for effecting cyclic energisation of the respective motors whereby the shaft is driven cyclically in opposite directions to effect the expansion and compression of the chamber.

Abstract: A manual respirator apparatus for connection to an inhalation line connected between an automatic respirator and a patient and usable with a breathing gas supply under pressure, comprises, a block housing having a breathing gas supply inlet connected to the breathing gas supply, an inhalation line connectable to the inhalation line and an inhalation line outlet connectable to the patient and an exhalation inlet connected from the patient to the block housing. The block housing has a pressure chamber therein and is connected to an elastic breathing gas bag. A connection housing in the passage between the inlet from the gas supply line to the pressure chamber has adjusting valve means in the pressure chamber responsive to the pressure therein and to the fluctuation of the elastic breathing gas bag to permit flow of respirator gas through the connecting passage.

Abstract: A scavenger system for anesthesia circuits having a breathing bag and an escape passageway in said bag, a pair of telescoping tubular components having slots therein and being rotatable to vary the opening created by the alignment of said slots, and a laterally extending parabolic conduit terminating in an enlarged areating chamber in which a vacuum is maintained to draw the gas out of said chamber without placing a negative pressure on the escape passageway.

Abstract: A scavenging mask apparatus for administering gas to a patient, the apparatus comprising a nasal cannula for delivering gas to the patient's nostrils, a tube connecting the cannula to a source of gas, a nosepiece adapted to fit over the nose and cannula, and a tube connecting the nosepiece to a source of vacuum. Gas exhaled through the patient's nostrils or escaping from the cannula is scavenged by the air flow in the nosepiece, thereby minimizing loss of gas to the environment. The nosepiece is also provided with a plurality of holes in the underside thereof to scavenge gas exhaled through the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Surgical drape support apparatus including a generally U-shaped horizontal base frame having a longitudinal section, transverse sections extending from the longitudinal section adjacent to the ends thereof substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal section, a support section extending generally vertically from the longitudinal section adjacent one of the transverse sections, an upper section extending from the support section adjacent the free end thereof, the upper section extending generally horizontally from the support section substantially parallelt to and above the transverse section closest thereto, the upper section and the support section having passages therethrough and the upper section and the suport section having a plurality of spaced openings along at least a portion of their lengths with the openings being oriented toward the area circumscribed by the base frame.