US3530873A - Fluid delivery device - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent [72] inventors Lon J-Arp, 2,413,029 12/1946 McFarland 137/99 1221MarstomAmesJn a5 0W; 2,690,761 10/1954 Gray... 137/455X Jam m J 2,785,012 3/1957 Frcwin l37/606X [21] AppLNo. 812,556 2,852,237 9/1958 Rees 4 251/1 18X [22] Filed Mar. 26,1969 2,887,094 /1959 Krukemcicrn. 137/98X Continuation ofSer. No. 454,400, May- 10, 2,954,737 /1960 Hoover, 137/99X 1965 3,194,533 7/1965 McLay 251/122 Pmmcd Primar ExaminerWilliamF ODea [73] Assignee Said Varnum assignortosaid Arp Am; 22 Emminer oafidl zobkiw Attornvy- Henderson and Strom [54] FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE I) 10 Claims 6 rawmg Igs ABSTRACT: Thls invention relates to the respirator field, and [52] U.S.C| l37/99, includes a pair of Separate cylinders having interconnected 103/9 222/335 ,1 45-6, 137/1012 pistons, which cylinders are double-valved at each end with at [51] lnt.Cl A6Zb7/00, has! one and movable for varying the volume of fluid A617" Wm/r605! 1 1/02 discharged; which valves are operable in response to amain Field ofSearch 222/57, piston bottoming a! one nd of the main cylinder, and in 2491503341 Hull-4351 response to patient inhalation, wherein the main cylinder I03/6.7. 8,9: 128/1455. 145.6. 145.7: 222/335 dischargesafluid, upon reciprocation ofits piston,fr0m which f d it derives its power, and wherein the secondary cylinder [561 Re erences I e discharges a second fluid upon reciprocation of its piston for UNITED STATES PATENTS precise volumetric proportioning with the driving fluid for 2,203,832 6/1940 Malhurg 137/99 discharge toapatient.

5015/011 02Su 2 5560M, 3 7 89 56 i FZu/f //vPur 5660/1/0120/0 02 99 /NPUI' r l x 69 Q FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 454,400, filed on May 10, 1965 and now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to a fluid mixing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for mixing any two fluids in any proportion.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for mixing any two fluids in any proportion.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for utilizing the pressure of one fluid to effect a mixing of a predetermined quantity of the one fluid with a predetermined quantity of a second fluid.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus whereby fluids contained in separate containers can be mixed to any proportion by providing interconnected piston means in said containers.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an apparatus usable, for example, as a respirator for delivering a predetermined volume of a predetermined mixture of fluid to an infant or adult; a positive pressure, fluid driven apparatus capable of delivering the fluid at a selectable constant flow rate or at a selectable constant pressure.

Still another object of this invention is an apparatus for delivering a predetermined mixture and quantity of any two fluids comprising basically a pair of containers and a pair of interconnected pistons reciprocally movable in the containers chambers, wherein that delivered can merely be varied by changing the fluids, by varying a cylinder chamber dimension, by varying both, or by varying the rate of movement of one piston relative to the other piston.

Another object of this invention is to provide a respirator apparatus, operable as an assistor or as a controller, wherein the rate of delivering a variable volume of a fluid is selectable, and further wherein the pressure of the delivered fluid is indicated to the operator at all times.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus capable of attaining the above designated objects which is extremely economical to manufacture, simple and rugged in structure, and effective in operation.

These objects and other features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the following description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a housing within which the fluid mixing apparatus of this invention is secured;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a generic embodiment of the fluid mixing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a specific embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration, showing certain container and piston elements in cross section, of one apparatus for practicing the invention based on the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit for controlling the FIG. 4 apparatus, and wherein the apparatus is used as a patient-triggered respirator; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a mechanical arrangement for controlling the FIG. 3 apparatus.

Basically, the apparatus comprises one piston in one cylinder driving another piston in another cylinder, wherein both cylinders can actually be closed only at one end, with the other end closeable by the reciprocating, fluid tight fit of the piston. With at least one closed end of each cylinder double valved to permit alternate charging and discharging of a fluid, and providing a spring-return for the interconnected pistons, the driving power of a fluid in one cylinder can effect either a compression of another fluid in the other cylinder, or a discharge of a predetermined quantity of the other fluid from the other cylinder, or a mixing of the other fluid with the driving fluid in a predetermined ratio, for example.

Practical applications of the apparatus include: mixing and pressurizing fluids for delivery through various'respirators or valves to humans and animals of any age for anesthesia, therapy, resuscitation, respiration assistance, or any breathing function; pressurizing of air or other non-pressurizedgases or fluids for the first mentioned purposes; pumping and/or mixing of fluids by gases, such as water by chlorine for drinking or swimming systems, oil by gases from oil wells, blood by 0 in surgery, or any fluid when powered by pressures from internal combustion engine manifolds; mixing and/or pumping explosive or inflammable liquids or gases when conventional pumps and motors may present a spark hazard; pumping of gases by liquids in many small household applications such as tire and air mattress pumps using a garden hose and water pressure; and the inflation of childrens toys with air while watering the lawn, for example. These are a few of the many practical applications to which the apparatus of this invention can be applied.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. I a housing indicated generally at 10 is adapted to contain an embodiment of this invention is illustrated.

Illustrated on thehousing 10 is a fluid delivery flow rate selector dial l1, and adial 12 the setting of which controls the operation .of the apparatus as either a patient-triggered assistor for a respirator, for example, or as a controller for actuatin'ga respirator to supply a fluid at a fixed rate of delivery.

Apressure gauge 13 is provided on the face of thehousing 10 forind cating at all times the pressure of the fluid for each deliverycycle thereof, and asafety valve 14 of a pop-off type is also provided on the housing face for enabling the operator to instantly adjust the maximum delivery pressure and to maintain it in working condition. A manuallyoperable trigger 16 is provided to trigger the apparatus as described more in detailhereinafter. The mixed fluid for delivery to a patient is emitted through a coupling I7, and anothercoupling 18 is provided for a control fluid line to the patient's mask.

At the bottom front of the apparatus, a sensitivity control device I9 is mounted, and which is operable to adjust the operation of a trigger switch as seen hereinafter. On the rear (not shown) of thehousing 10, a pair of couplings are provided for receiving into the housing 10 a first fluid and a second fluid, the purpose of which will be seen hereinafter.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, a generic embodiment of the fluid mixing apparatus of this invention is shown comprising a firstcylindrical container 21 having a pair ofends 22 and 23, with a pair ofports 24 and 26 formed in theend 22, and with aport 27 formed in theend 23. Afirst piston 28 is mounted within thecontainer 21 for reciprocal sliding movement therein in a fluid tight manner, and thereby forming a pair ofexpansible chambers 31 and 31a, on either side of thepiston 28 within thecontainer 21. Thepiston 28 has a pair ofopposed faces 29 and 30 which are responsive to the pressure of a fluid throughport 24, for example, to move in a direction away from theport 24 and force a fluid on the other side of thepiston 28 outwardly through theopposite port 27.

Theend 22 is slidable within thecontainer 21 while retaining a fluid tight seal, by means of aprojection 22a which hasexternal threads 22b thereon, and which threads engage anut 20. The nut is affixed to anidler worm gear 20a mounted in a conventional manner for rotation in place, as by adrive worm gear 25 andcrank 25a, thegear 25 also rotatable in place. By rotating thegear 25, theprojection 22a is thereby moved either way, left or right as viewed in FIG. 2, thus moving theend 22 outwardly or inwardly relative to its position within thecontainer 21.

The fluid mixing apparatus includes also a second container 32 (FIG. 2) having oneend 33 closed and with theopposite end 34 open. A pair ofpassages 36 and 37 are formed in the closedend 33 of thesecond container 32; and asecond piston 38 is reciprocally mounted in thesecond container 32, having a sliding, fluid tight fit therein. Thesecond piston 38 forms an expansiblesecond chamber 39 within thesecond container 32.

Thepistons 28 and 38-are interconnected, as illustrated, by arod 40, whereby movement of either piston is transmitted in direct ratio to the other piston. It will also be noted that thepistons 28 and 38 are located at comparable positions relative to theirrespective containers 21 and 32. It should be noted herein that the pistons could be connected by a lever and fulcrum arrangement interposed therebetween, whereby the movement of one piston relative to the other could be varied.

To alternately fill and discharge a pair of different fluids into and from bothcontainers 21 and 32, simultaneously, the following system of fluid transmitting conduits or lines and valves is provided. Afluid supply line 41, for supplying, for example, 50 lb./in. of oxygen to thechamber 31a is fluidly connected to theport 24 and has a two-way valve 42 interposed therein. Thevalve 42 in one position permits the fluid to flow toward thecontainer 21, and in the opposite position prevents the flow. Adischarge line 43 is fluidly connected to theport 26 for discharging fluid from thechamber 31a, and also has a two-way valve 44 interposed therein, thevalve 44 being identical to thevalve 42.

At the other end of thecontainer 21, adischarge line 46 is fluidly connected to theport 27, and has a one-way valve 47 mounted therein on the other side of ajunction 48 of thedischarge line 46 with theother discharge line 43. Thevalve 47 will permit fluid to flow therethrough away from theport 27; however, should a vacuum or suction pressure be effected in thechamber 31 by movement of thepiston 28 to the left as illustrated in FIG. 2, whereby fluid would be transmitted through thedischarge line 43, thevalve 44 and into theline 46, thevalve 47 would not permit fluid to flow thereby. The purpose ofthis will be seen hereinafter.

Referring to thesecond container 32, this container is supplied by a second fluid transmitted through asupply line 49 fluidly connected to thepassage 36, thesupply line 49 having a one-way valve 51 mounted therein. The valve permits fluid to flow through theline 49 into thechamber 39, but not opposite thereof. Adischarge line 52 is fluidly connected to thepassage 37, and also has a one-way valve 53 therein for permitting the flow offluid outwardly only of thechamber 39 and through thedischarge line 52 to ajunction 54 with the firstcontainer discharge line 46. Thus, at thejunction 54, the second fluid discharged in a predetermined quantity from thecontainer 32 is mixed with the first fluid discharged in a predetermined quantity from thecontainer 21, with the mixture being then discharged through aline 56 for appropriate use.

In the operation of the FIG. 2 embodiment, assume thepistons 28 and 38 to be in their illustrated positions, withvalve 42 open andvalve 44 closed. Assume also the chamber 3] filled with a first fluid and thechamber 39 filled with a second fluid. Upon a supply of the first fluid, oxygen in this case, under pressure through theline 41, the impinging of this fluid upon theadjacent face 29 of thefirst piston 28 will result in thepiston 28 moving to the right of itscontainer 21 as viewed in FIG. 2. As thepiston 28, then, moves to the right, the first fluid in thechamber 31 is forced outwardly through theopposite port 27 and thedischarge line 46 through the one-way valve 47.

Due to the direct connection of therod 40 between thepiston 28 and thesecond piston 3 8 in thesecond container 32, the movement of thepiston 28 is transmitted directly to cause a like movement of thepiston 38. Thus, the second fluidin thechamber 39 is forced outwardly through thepassage 37 and thedischarge line 52 to open the one-way valve 53, thereby flowing toward thejunction 54. At thejunction 54, the predetermined quantity ofthe first fluid inchamber 31 and the predetermined quantity of the second fluid inchamber 39 is thereby mixed for full discharge through theline 56.

Upon bothpistons 28 and 38 reaching their right-most position as viewed in FIG. 2, they are then returned to their original illustrated position by means of acoil spring 55, for example, inserted between theend 23 and thepiston 28, which spring 55 is expanded as thepiston 38 moves to the right as viewed in FIG. 2. Prior to the return movement, it will have been noted that due to the two-way valve 44 for thefirst container 21 being closed, the first fluid transmitted through line 4] for the purpose of driving thepiston 28 will have remained in the now expanded chamber 310. Thus, prior to a return of the piston unit, thevalve 44 will be changed to an open position with a simultaneous change of thevalve 42 to a closed position. The change of positions of these twovalves 42 and 44 can be effected by mechanical, or by electrical means as seen hereinafter. Thus, as the pistons return and move to the left, wherein a suction or vacuum is effected, within the now expandingchambers 31 and 39, the first fluid in thechamber 31a will be by-passed through theline 43,valve 44, thejunction 48 andline 46 into thechamber 31. Simultaneously, and due again to the vacuum caused within thechamber 39, another quantity of the second fluid will be sucked through theline 49 and thevalve 51 opened thereby. During this return movement of the pistons,valves 47 and 53 will be held closed. Thus, upon a full reciprocation by bothpistons 28 and 38, bothchambers 31 and 39 are again charged with a predetermined quantity of the' different fluids prior to another mixing stroke of the pistons. It is important to note that the power stroke of thepiston 28, and thus thepiston 38, is effected by the same fluid from thefirst container 21 which is subsequently mixed with the second fluid.

One example of a mechanical arrangement for effecting the change of positions of thevalves 42 and 44 as described hereinbefore is shown in schematic in FIG. 2. For example, themovable end 22 has an insert 300 provided therein with arod 30b slidable therethrough for engagement by thepiston 28. The external end of therod 30b is connected to a rectangular linkage 300 to which anotherrod 30d is adjustably connected for slidable movement through an insert 302 positioned in thecontainer end 23.

A pair ofpins 35 and 35a are secured to thelinkage 30c as illustrated in FIG. 2 for operative engagement each with arocker arm 35b which is in turn adjustably connected to one of the rotary-t'ype valves 42 and 44. Thus, upon thepiston 28 moving to the right in thecontainer 21 to the rightmost position therein, it will contact theinner end 30d of thepin 30d and move it completely to the right until thepiston 28 is at its end of travel within thecontainer 21. This causes thelinkage 30c also to move to the right, thus pivoting therocker arms 35b by means of thepins 35 and 35a, whereby thevalves 42 and 44 are respectively closed and opened to the passage of fluid therethrough.

Then, upon a return of thepiston 28 to its leftmost position within thecontainer 21, it strikes the inner end of therod 30b, which had been moved into thechamber 31a due to thelinkage 30c moving to the right. Thepiston 28 then carries therod 30b to the left until the piston is at its leftmost position within thecontainer 31a, whereby thevalves 42 and 44 are returned to their full line position illustrated in FIG. 2.

The position of eachrocker arm 35b relative to itsrotary valve 42 and 44, and the extent of the length of therod 30d relative to the linkage 300 are adjustable so as to provide for compensating adjustments should the position of the containermovable end 22 be changed as described hereinbefore.

It can be readily appreciated from the schematic in FIG. 2 that the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated therein permits variation, for example, of the size of thecontainers 21 and 32 to vary the ratio of the mixed first and second fluids. Furthermore, eitherpiston 28 and 38 could be adjusted lengthwise on therod 40 and within a respective chamber to also adjust the amount of fluid discharged from either chamber, without varying the container dimensions. And as mentioned hereinbefore, rather than having adirect proportion rod 40 interconnecting thepistons 28 and 38, other interconnecting means could be used to vary the rate of movement of one piston relative to the other. Naturally, the type of fluid may always be changed.

Another embodiment of the apparatus of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 inclusive, with the FIG. 3 illustration being of a schematic nature. Afirst container 57 is provided, having ends 58 and 59, with a quartet ofports 61, 62, 63, and 64 being formed in pairs, as illustrated, in the two ends 58 and 59.

Afirst piston 66 is reciprocally mounted in thecontainer 57 for a fluid-tight sliding movement therein. Thepiston 66 is provided with opposed faces 67 and 68, and in turn divides the container into a pair ofexpansible chambers 69 and 690.

A second container 71 also has a pair of closed ends 72 and 73, with a pair ofpassages 74 and 76 formed in oneclosed end 72, and another pair ofseparate passages 77 and 78 formed in the otherclosed end 73. Asecond piston 79 is reciprocally mounted in the container 71 for a sliding, fluid-tight fit therein.

Thesecond piston 79 is also provided with a pair of opposed faces 81 and 82, and divides the container 71 into a pair ofexpansible chambers 83 and 83a. The first :ndsecond pistons 66 and 79 are interconnected by astraight rod 84 whereby movement of one piston, 66 for example, results in movement of thesecond piston 79 in direct relationship to the movement of thefirst piston 66. Again, means different from therod 84 can be envisioned for varying the relative rate of movement between the twopistons 66 and 79. One example would be a lever and fulcrum arrangement.

Similarly to the FIG. 2 arrangement, the ends 58 and 72 (FIG. 6) of thecontainers 57 and 71 each have fluid tight sliding fits within their respective containers, being movable by a structure identical to that described in FIG. 2, and which ends 58 and 72 are movable simultaneously and a like distance due to their being interconnected by abracket 70, the latter being connected between theprojection 22a and theend 72.

A fluid transmission system for supplying and discharging fluid to and from thefirst container 57 includes a mainfluid supply line 86 within which is interposed a main valve 85 which branches into a pair offluid supply branches 87 and 88, and with the respective branches each having a two-way valve 89 and 91 interposed therein. Thesupply branch 87 is fluidly connected to theport 61, and thesupply branch 88 is fluidly connected to theport 63. For discharge purposes, a pair ofdischarge lines 92 and 93 are fluidly connected, respectively, to theports 62 and 64. A pair of two-way valves 94 and 96 are interposed in thelines 92 and 93, respectively, with the discharge lines joining at 97 to form amain discharge line 98.

The fluid supply and discharge system for the second container 71 includes a secondfluid supply line 99 fluidly connected to thepassage 74 and another secondfluid supply line 101 fluidly connected to thepassage 77. A pair of one-way valves 102 and 103 are interposed in thesupply lines 99 and 101, respectively. Thevalves 102 and 103 permit fluid to flow into the container 71 but not outwardly therefrom through thesupply lines 99 and 101.

For discharge purposes, another pair oflines 104 and 106 are fluidly connected to thepassages 76 and 78, respectively. Another pair of one-way valves 107 and 108 are interposed in thelines 104 and 106, and permit the flow of fluid outwardly of the container 71 but not inwardly thereof through thelines 104 and 106. Thelines 104 and 106 converge at 109 and by means of line 111 form a main discharge conduit 112 with thedischarge line 98 of thefirst container 57.

With respect to the operation of the specific embodiment of the apparatus of this invention shown in FIG. 3, it may be assumed that a first fluid fills thechamber 69 and a second fluid fills thechamber 83. Furthermore, the two-way valves 89 and 96 are open to thefirst container 57, but thevalves 91 and 94 are closed.

Upon the supply ofa first fluid, such as 50 lb./in. of oxygen through theline 86, due to the valve 85 being opened the first fluid will then pass through theline 87 and theport 61 to impinge against theface 67 ofthefirst piston 66. The fluid under pressure will thus force thepiston 66 to the right as illustrated, and in so doing will force a predetermined volume or charge ofthe first fluid in thechamber 69 outwardly through theopen port 64,line 93, andvalve 96 to thedischarge line 98 for thefirst container 57. H

In the second container 71, due to the direct connection of thepiston 79 with thepiston 66, movement of thepiston 79 causes a predetermined volume or charge of the second fluid in thechamber 83 to pass outwardly through theopen passage 78, and theline 106 andvalve 108 to the discharge line 111 for the second container 71. Thus, in the main discharge line 112, a predetermined amount of fluid from thecontainer 57 will be mixed with a predetermined amount of fluid from the container 71, for discharge as a mixture for an appropriate use.

At the end of the stroke of thepistons 66 and 79, the expansible chamber 690 contains a like predetermined charge of the first fluid, and theexpansible chamber 83a a like predetermined charge of the second fluid due to flow of the same through theline 99. This latter flow can be induced by the vacuum created in thechamber 83a as thepiston 79 is moved from left to right (FIG. 3), or by the second fluid being under .its own pressure as the case may be. Due to an automatic mechanism as explained hereinafter in detail, or due to other envisionable devices, upon the pistons reaching their limit, the main valve is closed, thevalves 89 and 96 closed, and thevalves 91 and 94 opened.

, Then, upon an opening of the main valve 85, a supply of the first fluid throughlines 86 and 88 forces the fluid to impinge against the face 68 of thepiston 66, resulting in the piston moving to the left as illustrated. The first fluid is thus forced out of thechamber 69a and through thelines 92 and 98 toward line 11]. Within the second container 71, movement of thepiston 79 to the left discharges the second fluid through theline 104,valve 107,junction 109, and line 111 to the main discharge line 112 where it is combined with the first fluid, the resulting fluid mixture discharged then as a single fluid.

At the end of the stroke of thepistons 66 and 79 to the left and into the positions illustrated, theexpansible chambers 69 and 83 are again filled each with a predetermined volume of its respective fluid. And the main valve 85 is closed, with thevalves 89 and 96 opened and thevalves 91 and 94 closed, as illustrated. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is then ready for another full cycle.

A specific linkage for operating thevalves 89, 91, 94 and 96 is disclosed in FIG. 6. Themovable container end 66 is provided with arod 60 connected thereto which slidably protrudes through an insert 600 threadedly inserted into and through the projection 2211, whichrod 60 is connected to alink 60!: at each end of which is connected a pair of parallel,lever arms 65 and 65a. The other ends of the arms are connected to the opposite ends of another link 70'. From a connection of thelink 70, arod 70a adjustably extends inwardly and slidably through another insert 70b which is threaded into theend 59 of thecontainer 57, with therod 70a extended into thechamber 69.

Eacharm 65 and 65a has a pair of spacedpins 65' and 65a secured thereto, both of which extend for cooperative engagement with the rocker arm 65'' of eachrespective valve 89, 91, 94, and 96, shown schematically in FIG. 6 as rotary-type valves. By this arrangement, movement of therod 70a caused by thepiston 66 traveling to its rightmost position in thecontainer 57 effects a movement of the linkage to close thevalves 89 and 96 from a flow of fluid thereto, and openingvalves 91 and 94 for a flow of fluid therethrough. Movement of therod 70a to the right as viewed in FIG. 6 will also cause movement of therod 60 such that its inner end will protrude into thechamber 69 to effect upon a return movement of the piston to its leftmost position against the container end 58 a change of position of the four valves back to their original positions as illustrated in full lines in FIG. 6.

The position of eachrocker arm 65 relative to its rotary valve, and the extent of the length of therod 70a relative to the link 70' are adjustable so as to provide for compensating adjustments should the position of thecontainer end 58 be changed as described hereinbefore. It should be noted that thelines 87, 92, 99 and 104 leading to the movable ends 58 and 72 are necessarily of a flexible nature to accommodate such movement.

in FIGS. 4 and 5, the apparatus is illustrated as it would be adapted for use as a respirator for the delivery of a predetermined volume of a predetermined mixture of a pair of fluids. The apparatus would be interposed in an inhalation line to the patient, with the apparatus made operable by the beginning inhalation of the patient. After the inhalation, the patient would exhale through a separate exhalation line, suitable valves being provided for this purpose. Then, when the patient again inhaled, the apparatus would once more be set into operation for a complete inhalation supply.

Specifically, acylindrical container 116 is provided with a closed end 117 within which is provided aport 119, and anopen end 118. Theend 118 is sealed closed by a longitudinallyadjustable end panel 120 within which is formed aport 121. Thepanel 120 is made adjustable by being attached to atube 122 movable axially of thecontainer 116, and which is fluidly communicable with the interior of thecontainer 116 by theport 121. Anaperture 123 is formed in the outer end of thetube 122 for a purpose hereinafter described. Within thecontainer 116 is mounted afirst piston 124 having opposed faces 125 and 126 formed thereon, and whereby thecontainer 116 is divided into a pair ofexpansible chambers 127 and 127a.

Asecond container 128 is also provided, which is ofa cylindrical nature and which has aclosed end 129 thereof provided with apassage 131 formed therein. Theother end 132 of thesecond container 128 is open, but has a fluid-tight panel 133 adjustably movable therein. Apassage 134 is formed centrally in thepanel 133, and the latter is secured at one end of an axiallymovable tube 136, the interior ofwhich is in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer 128 by means of thepassage 134. Anaperture 137 is formed at the outer end of thetube 136 for purposes hereinafter described.

Asecond piston 138 is mounted within thecontainer 128, having a pair offaces 139 and 141 formed thereon, and whereby thecontainer 128 is divided into a pair ofexpansible chambers 142 and 1420.

To connect the twopistons 124 and 138, awire 143 is provided. Although not shown as continuous due to the connections thereof with the pistons, thewire 143 functions as being continuous. The wire is trained about a pair ofadjustable pulleys 144 and 146, whereby upon movement of the wire, bothpistons 124 and 138 are movable simultaneously and in direct proportion. lt will be noted that as thepiston 124 moves from right to left in H0. 4, thepiston 138 moves equally. but from left to right. As illustrated, therefore, both pistons are relatively located in their respective containers.

Thewire 143 passes through anaperture 147 formed in the closed end 117 of the first container, through theport 121 formed in theadjustable end panel 120, and then through an otherwiseclosed end 148 of thetube 122. Thewire 143 then is trained through anaperture 149 formed in the closed end 129' of the second container, through thepassage 134 in theend panel 133, and then through an otherwiseclosed end 151 of thesecond tube 136 to complete the continuous nature thereof.

The fluid transmission system for the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and comprises amain valve 150 interposed in a drivingfluid supply line 152 which branches off at 153 and 154 to a pair ofstub lines 156 and 157. The latter two lines are fluidly connected, respectively, to theport 119 in the closed end 117 of thefirst container 116, and to theaperture 123 formed in thetube 122.

Discharge lines for thefirst container 116 are a pair oflines 161 and 163 leading away from thestub lines 156 and 157, and within which two-way valves 162 and 164 are interposed. It will be seen that two-way valves 158 and 159 are placed in thelines 153 and 154 between themain valve 150 and the fluid communication with thecontainer 116.

For thesecond container 128, a secondfluid input line 166 is provided for fluid communication with thechamber 142 via thepassage 131. and within which a two-way valve 167 is mounted. Discharge for thechamber 142 is provided by aline 168 also in fluid communication with thepassage 131, and within which a two-way valve 169 is mounted. Theline 168 joins thedischarge line 163 of thefirst container 116 atjunction 171.

At the other end of thecontainer 128, another secondfluid input line 172 is provided, having a two-way valve 173 provided therein and which is fluidly communicable with theinterior chamber 142a of thecontainer 128 via theaperture 137 in thetube 136. Adischarge line 174 is also in fluid communication with theaperture 137, and has a two-way valve 176 mounted therein, theline 174 being joined to the discharge line 161 of thefirst container 116 atjunction 177. From thejunctions 171 and 177,lines 178 and 179 join to form a mixedfluid delivery line 181 for delivering the mixed fluid as appropriately determined.

It will be noted in FIG. 4, that a flowrate selector valve 182 is interposed, along with thepressure gauge 13 and pop-off safety valve 14, in the mixedfluid delivery line 181. It has been seen as it will again hereinafter during further discussion of the FIGS. 4 and 5 embodiment, that the apparatus of this invention will perform as an assistor or as a controller for a conventional respirator, wherein a fixed volume charge of a fluid mixture is discharged or delivered to the patient for each single stroke of the interconnected pistons. The rate of the delivery is determined either by the patient or by an automatic setting.

To vary the rate of delivery, but not the amount delivered, for each charge, so to speak, the flowrate selector valve 182 is provided. This valve may be ofa needle valve type, for example, whereby to control the diameter of theline 181 at that point. Thus, whereas an amount of cc. of fluid mixture is normally delivered per second, manipulation of the dial 11 (FIG. 1) to set thevalve 182 can change the rate to 100 cc. per half second, or to an actual per second delivery of 200 cc. of fluid mixture. Thepressure gauge 13 is a valuable indicator enabling the operator at all times to see the pressure of the fluid being delivered to the patient, from zero at the beginning ofthe inhalation, to a maximum at the end of the inhalation.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 5, the electric circuit for operating the valves and otherwise controlling operation of the apparatus of FIG. 4 is illustrated.

At the closed end 117 of thefirst container 116, for example, aspring limit switch 186 is mounted, which is adapted to be actuated by engagement with thepiston 124. Theswitch 186 is connected by a lead 187 to an Eccles-Jordan flip-flop circuit 188. At the other end of thecontainer 116, anotherspring limit switch 192 is mounted, and which is also connected bylead 193 to the circuit 188v From the circuit 188, a pair ofsolenoids 199 and 201 are connected, which solenoids control the respective positions of the valves. Thus, for example,solenoid 199controls valves 158, 164, 167, and 176, which valves are spring biased to a normally closed position. Upon energization ofsolenoid 199, all four specified valves are then opened simultaneously.Solenoid 201 is shown holding normally closed, springbiased valves 159, 162, 173, and 169 open; deenergization of thesolenoid 201 resulting in closing these valves. Bothsolenoids 199 and 201 are electrically connected to a suitable electrical potential as shown at 204 in FIG. 5.

Fromleads 202 and 203 between the circuit 188 and the solenoids, a pair ofparallel lines 206 and 207, each having the electrical components illustrated, lead to one side of another Eccles-Jordan flip-flop circuit 208. The other side of thecircuit 208 is connected bylead 209, grounded rectifier 211, series-connectedrectifier 212 andcondenser 213 to a normallyopen switch device 214, the other side of which is grounded. Thecircuit 208 side of theswitch 214 is also held at a suitable electrical potential through aresistor 216.

On the other side of the second Eccles-Jordan circuit 208, leads 217 and 218 connect that circuit to a pair ofsolenoids 219 and 221, both solenoids electrically connected to a suitable electrical potential at 222 on their other side.Solenoid 219 is operably connected to the main valve (FIG. 4) andsolenoid 221 is operably connected to resetswitch 214. Thelatter switch 214 can, for example, be a negative pressure type mechanism, operable to close at the beginning of inhalation by the patient, to whom the oxygen from thecontainer 116 and the fluid, such as room air fromcontainer 128 is being supplied in the proper mixture. The provision of thesolenoid 221 is a safety feature to ensure the proper function of the patient triggeredswitch 214. The control device 19 (FIG. 1) is provided to vary the pressure at which theswitch 214 functions so as to vary and control the response of the apparatus to the pa tlent.

Operation of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is as follows. Assuming a first fluid such as oxygen to be in thechamber 127a of thefirst container 116, and a second fluid such as room air in thechamber 142 ofcontainer 128, and with the valves in their positions as illustrated, the apparatus is shown in one position ready for operation, except thepiston 124 would normally be against thepanel 120 and thepiston 138 would normally be against thepanel 133.

As the patient begins an inhalation function of his body, thetrigger switch 214 would close. The resulting electrical pulse would causesolenoid 219 to openvalve 150, when the solenoid was energized by operation of the flip-flop circuit 208. Driving fluid would then begin to flow throughline 152, valve 159, branch 154 andstub branch 157, and then through the interior of thetube 122 tochamber 127 in thecontainer 116.

This would result in thepiston 124 being forced from right to left as illustrated in FIG. 4, forcing the fluid inchamber 127a outwardly through theport 119, and thelines 156 and 161, also passing through the open valve 162 to thejunction 177 ofa second container line.

In thesecond container 128, as thepiston 124 effects a like movement of thepiston 138 due to the interconnectingwire 143, thepiston 138 moves from left to right as illustrated in FIG. 4, thus forcing the second fluid out of thechamber 142 and through theline 168 andopen valve 169 to thejunction 171. Thus, in line 178 a predetermined amount of the first fluid from thefirst container 116 flows, whereas in line 179 a predetermined amount of the second fluid from thesecond container 128 flows toward the first fluid. These fluids are then combined inmain discharge line 181 for appropriate transmission.

When thepiston 124 reaches the end of its travel in thecontainer 116, it contacts thespring limit switch 186, which causes the flip-flop circuit 188 to switch, thus energizing, for example,solenoid 199 while de-energizingsolenoid 201. The actuation of thesesolenoids 199 and 201 results, respectively, invalves 158, 164, 167 and 176 opening, with the other quartet ofvalves 159, 162, 173, and 169 closing. Simultaneously, due to operation of the flip-flop circuit 188, the flip-flop circuit 208 receives an electrical signal from the circuit 188 which effects, for example, an energization ofsolenoid 221 and a tie-energization ofsolenoid 219. Actuation of thesolenoid 221 resets thetrigger switch 214 to its normally open position, and deactuation of thesolenoid 219 effects a closing of themain valve 150. The patient can now exhale through a separate exhalation line and suitable one-way valves (not shown).

When the patient again inhales, themain valve 150 is again opened and the cycle is repeated, except that at this time thedriving piston 124 moves from left to right, as illustrated, and the drivenpiston 138 moves from right to left. At the end of the travel of thepiston 124, thelimit switch 192 is operated to again cause a closing of themain valve 150, with an opening of thevalves 159, 162, 173, and 169 along with a closing ofvalves 158, 164, 167, and 176. Furthermore, the'patient triggeredswitch 214 is again reset to its normally open position. Thus, during the completion of one mechanical cycle of the apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5, the patient has been supplied two separate volumes of fluid for inhalation purposes.

It can of course be visualized that the flip-flop circuit 208 could be so arranged, electrically, to effect more than one patient-inhalation supply of fluid at a time, as compared to the single supply just described, prior to a resetting of the patient triggeredswitch 214. This would thereby inject a sigh" into the respiration cycles for the patient. And furthermore, although .the embodiments are fluid powered by the driving fluid, it is quite conceivable that the patient triggered switch could actuate means for effecting reciprocal movement of the pistons without the need of a pressurizing fluid. Thus, two unpressurized fluids can be mixed in a predetermined ratio, and delivered at a controllable rate.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described and disclosed hereinbefore, it is to be remembered that various modifications and alternate constructions may be made thereto without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Respirator apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture to a patient comprising in combination:

first fluid container means;

second fluid container means;

interconnected piston means reciprocally mounted in both said first fluid container means and said second fluid container means;

fluid transmission means fluidly interconnected with said first fluid container means and said second fluid container means, for supplying simultaneously a first fluid to said first fluid container means and a second fluid to said second fluid container means:

fluid discharge means fluidly interconnected to said first fluid container means and to said second fluid container means;

valve means interposed in said fluid transmission means,

said valve means operable in one position to supply said first fluid to said first fluid container means to effect a first predetermined amount of movement of said piston means to force a predetermined volume of said first fluid from said first fluid container means and a predetermined volume of said second fluid from said second fluid container means, and to discharge said fluids together as a fluid mixture through said fluid discharge means;

said valve means operable in another position to effect an opposite movement of said piston means equal to said predetermined amount of movement to force a like predetermined volume of said first fluid from said first container means and a like predetermined volume of said second fluid from said second fluid container means, and to discharge said fluids together as a fluid mixture through said fluid discharge means; and

control means responsive to the inhalation of a patient to effect placement of said valve means in said one position, said control means responsive to the completion of said first movement of said piston means to effect placement of said valve means in said another position.

2. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined inclaim 1, and further wherein the combination comprises means interposed in said fluid discharge means for controlling the rate of discharge of said fluid mixture.

3. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined inclaim 1, and further wherein the combination comprises means interposed in said fluid discharge means for indicatin the pressure of the fluid mixture.

4. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture" as defined inclaim 1, and further wherein the combination comprises means interposed in said fluid discharge means for adjusting the maximum pressure of the fluid mixture.

5. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined inclaim 1, wherein said first fluid container means includes a cylinder within which said piston means is disposed, said cylinder having one end of which is adjustably movable toward and away from the opposite end, thereby varying the stroke of said piston means.

6. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined in claim 5, and further wherein said second fluid container includes a cylinder within which said piston means is disposed, said cylinder having one end of which is adjustably movable toward and away from the opposite end thereby varying the stroke of said piston means.

7. Respirator apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture to a patient having a variable lung compliance in combination:

a source of a first fluid and a second fluid both under pressure;

a first container including opposite closed ends forming a first chamber therebetween for holding said first fluid, said container having a first primary port formed in one end and a second primary port in the other end for the transmission of said first fluid therethrough, said one end having a secondary port formed therein;

a first piston mounted in said first chamber for reciprocal sliding movement from one end to the other end, said first piston having a pair of opposed faces and responsive to pressure of said first fluid through either primary port and against an adjacent face to move away from said either primary port, thus forcing said first fluid on the other side of said first piston outwardly through the said second pri mary port when said piston is moving away from said secondary port, and forcing said first fluid through said secondary port when said piston moves toward said secondary port;

a second container including opposite ends at least one of which is closed and has at least an inlet passage and an outlet passage formed therein for the transmission of said second fluid therethrough;

a second piston reciprocally mounted in said second container and having a sliding, fluid tight fit therein, said second piston forming an expansible second chamber with said second container closed end, within which said second fluid is contained;

said first primary port and said inlet passage being fluidly connected to said first and second sources of fluid respectively;

means interconnecting said pistons for transmitting movement of one piston to the other piston;

first valve means operably connected to the said first primary port to transmit said first fluid under pressure therethrough and into said first container;

second valve means operably connected to said inlet passage to transmit said second fluid therethrough into said second container;

said first piston responsive to the transmission of said first fluid through said first primary port to effect a discharge of said first fluid through said second primary port, and said second piston responsive to the corresponding movement of said first piston to effect a discharge through said outlet passage of said second fluid;

fluid transmission means including said first valve means and said second valve means, and fluidly connected to said containers for combining said discharged first and second fluids;

means for returning said pistons to their original positions, said second valve means operable to transmit another amount of said second fluid to said second chamber in response to operation of said piston returning means;

said fluid transmission means including third valve means interconnecting said secondary port and said second primary port for transferring the first fluid used to move said first piston into said first chamber on the side of said first piston opposite said secondary port; and

means interconnecting said first valve means and said third valve means for actuating said first and third valve means in response to movement of said first piston from one end of said first container to the other end thereof.

8. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined inclaim 7, and further wherein means is interposed in said fluid transmission means for controlling the rate of discharge of the combined discharged first and second fluids.

9. Apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture as defined in claim 8, and further wherein means is interposed in said fluid transmission means for indicating the pressure of the combined discharged first and second fluids.

l0. Respirator apparatus for delivering a fluid mixture to a patient having a variable lung compliance, comprising in combination:

a source of a first fluid and of a second fluid, both under pressure;

a first container including opposite closed ends forming a first chamber therebetween for holding said first fluid, said container having at least one port formed in each end for the transmission of said first fluid therethrough;

a first piston reciprocally mounted in said first chamber and having a sliding, fluid tight fit therein, said piston operable as it moves in one direction to force any of said first fluid in its path of movement outwardly through the port toward which it is moving;

a second container including opposite closed ends forming a second chamber therebetween for holding said second fluid therein, said second container having at least one passage formed in each end for the transmission of said second fluid therethrough;

a second piston reciprocally mounted in said second chamber and having a sliding, fluid tight fit therein, said second piston operable as it moves in one direction to force any of said second fluid in its path of movement outwardly through the passage toward which it is moving;

means interconnecting said pistons for transmitting movement of one piston to the other piston in a predetermined ratio;

first valve means alternately movable between either of two positions wherein in one position said first fluid is supplied through one port and discharged through the opposite port, and in the second position the first fluid is supplied through the opposite port and discharged through the one port, said discharge in either position being ofa predetermined quantity;

second valve means alternately movable between either of two positions wherein in one position said second fluid is supplied through one passage and discharged through the opposite passage, and in the second position the second fluid is supplied through the opposite passage and discharged through the one passage, said discharge in either position being ofa predetermined quantity;

control means operably connected to said first valve means and to said second valve means to place said first and second valve means alternately in each of their one positions and their second positions, and to direct fluid from the sources into said containers on common sides of said pistons in either of said positions, and to then change the positions of said first and second valve means, said control means being responsive to common movement of said pistons in their chambers in either direction therein; and

means fluidly connected to each of said valve means for combining said predetermined quantities of said discharged first and second fluids.

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