US3865106A - Positive pressure breathing circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator including a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, the tubes being positioned in concentric and spaced orientation, the inhalation tube being further provided with an inhalation unidirectional valve means for providing unidirectional gas flow through the inhalation tube, the exhalation tube being provided with an exhalation unidirectional valve means associated therewith for providing unidirectional gas flow through the exhalation tube, and an inflatable occlusion means interposed between the inner and outer tubes in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such that the inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable and deflatable in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof, the gas flow in the inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in the exhalation tube, and the circuit further being provided with disengagably mountable nebulizer means in cartridge form and in fluid communication with the inhalation tube, such that atomized medicinal fluids may be introduced into the inhalation tube during the respiratory therapy.

Description

llnited States Patent 1 Palush [451 Feb. 11, 1975 1 POSlTlVE PRESSURE BREATHING CllRC UlT [76] Inventor: Bernard P. Palush, 1607 E. Cedar Ln., Mount Prospect, 111. 60056 22 Filed: Mar. 18, 1974 [21] App]. No.: 451,855

[52] US. Cl. 128/145.8, 128/188 [51] Int. Cl A6lm 17/00 [58] Field ofSearch 128/1458, 146.5, 146.4,

128/1455, l42.2,142.3,191 R, 188,187, 186,193,194, 351, 351 BV; 251/5; 138/93 R; 261/116, 120, DIG. 65

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-l-1enry J. Recla Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dominik, Knechtel, Godula & Demeur [57] ABSTRACT A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator including a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, the tubes being positioned in concentric and spaced orientation, the inhalation tube being further provided with an inhalation unidirectional valve means for providing unidirectional gas flow through the inhalation tube, the exhalation tube being provided with an exhalation unidirectional valve means associated therewith for providing unidirectional gas flow through the exhalation tube, and an inflatable occlusion means interposed between the inner and outer tubes in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such that the inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable and deflatable in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof, the gas flow in the inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in the exhalation tube, and the circuit further being provided with disengagably mountable nebulizer means in cartridge form and in fluid communication with the inhalation tube, such that atomized medicinal fluids may be introduced into the inhalation tube during the respiratory therapy.

34 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The concept of respiratory therapy is well known in the art field, and a wide variety of respiratory diseases are treated by use of a positive pressure respiratory system. The positive pressure incident to such systems is generated by devices commonly referrred to as ventilators, respirators or other such positive pressure machines. Generally, the concept is to provide a breathable gas mixture under pressure to the patient to facilitate the respiratory cycle of the patient.

Usually, such breathable gases consist of a composition of air and oxygen which is delivered to the patient under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature, water content and gas composition.

In the typical system, the gas is conducted from the ventilator to the patient by means of a tubing conduit, generally consisting of an inhalation tube and exhaled gases exhausted through an exhalation tube. Furthermore, it is generally accepted that in such systems, the inhalation and exhalation tubes respectively, are separate tubes separately interconnecting the ventilator with the patient face mask in order to complete the circuit as between the ventilator and the patient. The differences existing between the variety of systems available generally involve mainly materials of construction rather than in the make-up of the system. The tubing conduit is usually formed of a flexible material, which is chemically inert and fabricated into a cylindrical configuration, whether corrugated or otherwise, and reinforced in order to prevent kinking and collapse. The tubes or conduits are interconnected to the ventilator and to the patient by any suitable devices, although usually slip-type friction fittings are employed especially for connection of the ventilator to the valving mechanism which is external to the patient. In addition, many of the current respiratory breathing circuits also incorporate a gas powered nebulizer, usually mounted to the housing ofthe valving mechanism, the nebulizer functioning to create a mist of a variety of liquid medications, which are then administered in conjunction with the positive gas pressure introduced through the inhalation tube.

Another feature of a respiratory circuit and system includes the provision of a heated humidifier which is interposed in the circuit between the ventilator and the inhalation tube. The purpose of the heated humidifier is to raise the temperature of the gas as well as to humidify the same prior to inhalation by the patient. In the usual system, the heater raises the liquid temperature of approximately 120F. 140F. which results in a gas temperature of approximately llOF. 130F. upon exit from the nebulizer or humidifier.

Insofar as the presently existing systems are concerned, a variety of problems have been encountered and it is the purpose of the present invention to overcome these difficulties which are inherent in the present systems. For example, the valving mechanism incident to systems presently available are generally extraneous to the system and the circuit, and hence, a great deal of dead space is usually present in the system. The dead space results in the patient generally breathing in previously exhaled gases during the inhalation cycle since any gas existing in the dead space will tend to be drawn back into the patient during the inhalation cycle. In the event that any bacterial growth develops in the dead space, it is obvious that the patient is exposed to the danger of inhaling contaminated gas.

In addition, CO is a respiratory stimulant and can cause hyper-ventilation with attendant unfavorable complications. Hence, it is deemed desirable not only to have the valving mechanism associated with circuit per se, but also to position the valving mechanism closely adjacent to the patient to minimize the dead space.

Insofar as humidification and heating is concerned, it has been found that since the humidifier is generally positioned in the circuit in a position removed from the patient, that even though the gas may be heated and humidified, the gas will give off both heat and humidity as it travels through the tubing to the patient. For example, when the heat-saturated gas leaves the humidifier through the tubing circuit, it will release heat by contact with the thin wall of the tubing conduit, which in turn is exposed to room air temperature, i.e., -75F. Hence, it is frequently found that the inlet gas temperature just prior to entering the patient is approximately F. thereby accounting for a temperature drop of approximately 25F or more. As a result of the heat given up by the gas, condensation will occur in the tubing circuit resulting in a pool of liquid collecting in the tubing. It is apparent that the pooling of liquid in the tubing circuit is not desirable since such pooling actually reduces the lumen opening of the tubing at the point of pooling, which in turn may cause premature cycling of a pressure-cycled ventilator, since the reduced lumen presents a pressure gradient which the ventilator senses as a pressure increase. If the pressure equals the shut-off pressure of the ventilator, the ventilator will cycle off and the patient will not have received the proper pressure from the ventilator system. In a volume-cycled ventilator, the reduction in lumen at the point of pooling reduces the volume of gas delivered to the patient since the gas between the ventilator and the pool is compressed and hence, the patient does not receive the proper volume of gas. Furthermore, the compression of the gas is reflected in tubing compliance, or the distention of the tubing as a result of internal pressure and is an important factor in determining the setting of volume-cycled ventilators and is generally compensated for in making the initial settings of the ventilators. The change in volume: produced by pooling, however, is not predictable and consequently, cannot be compensated for in the ventilator setting. In presently existing systems, this situation is compensated for by draining the tubing at frequent intervals in order to relieve the pooling problems. It is hence deemed desirable to reduce the amount of condensation in the tubing and one of the purposes of the present invention is to greatly reduce this problem.

Another problem incident to the heat loss of the gases as they travel through the tubing conduit from the humidifier to the patient is that if the temperature of the inhaled gas is below body temperature, there is a tendency of the body of the patient to give up heat to the gas. The heat given up by the patient is energy released as a result of the work by the patients metabolic system and the continued demand for heat release requires a metabolic system to work harder and this work can become a significant factor in treating a critically ill patient. Additionally, as the temperature of the inhaled gas is raised, through heat loss by the patient, its relative humidity decreases. A humidity deficit in the gas is then created and since the gas can carry additional moisture as water vapor, the tendency is for the mucosal membranes in the respiratory system of the patients body to give up water until the inhaled gas is saturated. This surrender of water vapor from the patients mucosa] membranes can cause complications since the mucous on those .membranes will become drier and more viscous, making it more difficult to remove by cillial action. The accummulation of mucous inhibits adequate ventilation and can cause'alveolar collapse infection, changes in blood gas levels, and other complications of a serious nature.

The present systems have attempted to alleviate this problem by increasing the moisture and temperature of the gas upon leaving the humidifier. However, it is apparent that where the gas is heated above body temperature in order to ensure a temperature close to body temperature upon delivery to the patient, the gas will pick up additional quantities of moisture in the humidiiier and will lose the same through rail out during its travel through the tubing conduit. Hence, more frequent draining of the tubing conduit has been necessary where humidiiication is employed.

It is therefore deemed desirable to minimize the amount of extra heat generated in a humidifier which at the same time preventing and retarding heat loss in the tubing conduit since one is thereby more assured of the proper humidity and temperature level of the gas inhalation by the patient. It is another feature of this invention to provide a system which accomplishes this end.

Another difficulty which has been inherent in presently available systems relates to the nebulizer utilizer to introduce atomized medications into the inhalation line. Present systems generally require that an operator manually fill the nebulizer prior to the respiratory therapy for the patient, and this operation is both time consuming and subject to human error. Furthermore, additional problems with st'erility are introduced when an operator handles the nebulizer, especially where the nebulizer is intended to be in fluid communication with the tubing circuit for delivery of medicinal fluids to the patient. While the present nubulizers are relatively effective in creating atomization of the medicinal liquids therein, such nebulizers are affected in different degrees by the position of the nebulizer assembly with respect to the vertical-horizontal axis. For example, if the bottom of the capillary tube within the nebulizer is improperly positioned within the housing, no liquid will be aspirated in the capillary tubing. The present invention overcomes this difficulty by providing an improved and more simplified nebulizer including a capillary tube system which is designed to flotate on the surface of the medicinal fluid contained in the nebulizer and ensure that atomization of the medicinal fluid therein will occur during the inhalation therapy.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES It is therefore the principal object of the invention described herein to provide a positive pressure breathing circuit which is compact in structure while at the same time minimizes heat loss of the gas during travel through the tubing circuit while maintaining a relatively stable level of humidification of the gas prior to inhalation by the patient.

in connection with the foregoing object, it is yet a further object of this invention to provide a system which retains the heat of the inhaled gas throughout the path of travel through the tubing circuit without at the same time employing any extraneous heat source, this goal being accomplished by providing a heat exchanger system utilizing both the inhaled gases as well as the inhaled gases to provide such a heat exchanger system.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a positive pressure breathing circuit which includes both inhalation and exhalation unidirectional valve means. thereby to ensure unidirectional gas flow through the inhalation line, as well as through the exhalation line, and thereby preventing any cross-contamination of the gases in the circuit.

ln connection with the foregoing object, it is another object to provide a positive pressure breathing circuit of the type described which also includes inflatable occlusion means in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid which is designed to inflate during the inhalation cycle thereby to occlude the space between the inhalation tube and the exhalation tube and function as a resistance to any back pressure created as well as to absolutely prevent any cross contamination of exhaled gases with inhaled gases during both the inhalation and exhalation cycles of the patient.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved positive breathing circuit which is provided with a disengagably mountable nebulizer cartridge which may be prefilled under sterile conditions and easily mounted on the tubing circuit, thereby to establish fluid communication as between the nebulizer and the inhalation tube while at the same time minimizing handling by the operator, as well as simplifying installation of the nebulizer to the circuit.

In connection with the foregoing object it is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved nebulizer wherein the capillary tube system has been improved such that the capillary tube causing the atomization of the medicinal fluids therein is designed to float on the surface of the liquid level within the nebulizer and thereby ensure complete atomization of the medicinal fluids contained therein and minimize improper positioning of the capillary tube system therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a positive pressure breathing circuit wherein the inhalation tube and exhalation tube are positioned in concentric double tubular orientation, with the inhalation line being positioned interiorly of the exhalation line such as to create a heat exchanger system whereby the heat of the exhaled gases will simultaneously warm the inhaled gases and retard heat loss of the inhaled gas throughout the course of travel through the system, thereby ensuring that the inhaled gases will maintain both heat and humidity until inhaled by the patient, while at the same time providing a system which is compact in construction and efficient in operation, and also incorporating the valving mechanisms for both the inhalation tube and exhalation tube within the tubing circuit and immediately adjacent to the patient, and further permitting the inflatable occlusion means to be positioned within the tubing circuit, again adjacent to the patient receiving terminal end thereof.

in connection with the foregoing object, it is yet a further object to provide a positive pressure breathing circuit of the type described wherein the nebulizer means may be easily positioned and mounting onto the exhalation tube and readily establish fluid communication between the nebulizer means and the inhalation tube, while at the same time avoiding the possibility of interfering with the sterile condition of the nebulizer or its contents.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved humidifier which is provided with an outer jacket surrounding the water chamber and constructed to be in fluid communication with the exhaled gases at the terminal end of the exhalation tube, such that the heat from the exhaled gases may be used to maintain the temperature of the water within the humidifier hence permitting the utilization of the gases within the system, thereby to permit the greatest amount ofenergy conservation.

Further features of the invention pertain to the par ticular arrangement of the elements and parts whereby the above outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational cross sectional view of the positive pressure breathing system, showing the double tubular concentric orientation of the inhalation and exhalation lines and the valving system for the circuit, including the inflatable occlusion means and the novel nebulizer means for the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the operation of the inflatable occlusion means incident to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the capillary tube system of the nebulizer incident to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view showing the patient receiving terminal end of the tubing circuit and the positioning of the nebulizer cartridge with respect to the exhalation tube thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the shuttering system formed as part of the outer wall of the exhalation tube and showing the shutter in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tubing circuit, and spe cifically the outer wall of the exhalation tube, showing the slide mounting means for the nebulizer with the shutter in the closed position occluding the port in fluid communication with the inhalation tube;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the nebulizer cartridge showing the shutter in the open position;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the nebulizer cartridge showing the shutter in the closed position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational cross-sectional view showing the exhalation tube with the nebulizer cartridge positioned therein in disengageably mounted relationship;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational cross-sectional view showing the gas source end of the circuit and the interconnection thereof with the humidifier for the system;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the tubing useful in the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view showing a smooth walled tubing configuration useful within the purview of the present invention, wherein the interior tube includes a helical wire wound thereabout;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the invention wherein smooth walled tubing is utilized; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view-of the system employing the circuit of the present invention and the interconnection thereof with a patient face mask at the patient receiving terminal end and connected to the humidifier at the opposing end of the circuit.

With specific reference to FIG. I of the drawings, the details of construction of the double tubular concentrically oriented positive pressure breathing circuit of the present invention is illustrated. The circuit, which is generally referred to by the numeral 10 is shown to consist of anouter exhalation tube 12 and an inner inhalation tube 14. Theouter tube 12 is shown to be of smooth walled construction, both along the exterior surface as well as the interior surface, and as illustrated in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, it is provided with anatomizing channel 16, formed by an outerperipheral wall 17, which together with a portion of the interior wall of theouter tube 12, forms the atomizingchannel 16. Theouter exhalation tube 12 terminates at a patient terminal end 18 which slip-fits over theexhalation housing member 20. Theexhalation housing member 20 is shown to be formed by anouter tube member 21 and aninner tube member 22, theouter exhalation tube 12 slip-fitting over the terminal end of theouter tube member 21, as shown in FIG. I of the drawings. Where it is contemplated that the circuit of the present invention is to be formulated for disposable use, the fitting between theouter exhalation tube 12 and theouter tube member 21 of thehous ing member 20 may be bonded by any suitable means. Where the circuit is intended for reuseable use, the fitting between these two elements may be by way of a friction slip-fit or the like. The atomizingchannel 16 extends the entire length of theouter exhalation tube 12 and interconnects with a source of pressurized fluid at the opposed end thereof, the source of pressurized fluid being either extraneous to the system, or forming a separate port in the ventilator.

The inner inhalation tube 14 is similarly shown to be of smooth walled construction and is also shown to have aninflation channel 24 formed by an outer peripheral wall 25, which together with a portion of the interior surface of the wall of the inner inhalation tube 14 forms theinflation channel 24. The inner inhalation tube 14 terminates at a patientterminal end 26 and seals with theinner tube member 22 of thehousing member 20. Once again, theinflation channel 24 extends throughout the entire length of the inner inhalation tube I4, and connects at its opposed end with a separate port in the ventilator for providing a source of pressurized fluid for a purpose to be more fully defined hereinafter.

With respect to theexhalation housing member 20, as previously indicated, themember 20 is formed by theouter tube member 21 and theinner tube member 22. Theouter tube member 21 also incorporates anhousing atomizing channel 28 formed integrally therewith and constructed to matingly engage theatomizing channel 16 of theouter exhalation tube 12 again as depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Thehousing atomizing channel 28 extends for a distance along the length of thehousing member 20 and is turned terminating in an outerperipheral neck 29 to accommodate a tube fitting thereabout. Thehousing member 20 is shown to be open at itsinner end 30 and at theopposed end 31 it is closed by anend wall 32. Finally, the construction of theouter tube member 21 is completed by acircumferential groove 33 accommodating acircumferential shoulder 34 which forms a valve seat as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Theinner tube member 22 is shown to be provided with a housing inflation channel 36, which is constructed to mate with theinflation channel 24 of the inner inhalation tube 14. The housing inflation channel 36 is formed integrally with theinner tube member 22 and terminates in a port 37 which, in turn, establishes fluid communication with aninflation cuff 38, mounted circumferentially about theinner tube member 22. The outer peripheral ends ofthecuff 38 are fixedly secured to the outer wall of theinner tube member 22, forming a fluid tight seal such that fluid cannot leak through the seal formed by the outer peripheral ends of thecuff 38. It is apparent that once the circuit is interconnected such that the housing inflation channel 36 is mated with theinflation channel 24 of the inner inhalation tube 14, a fluid flow path is established therethrough, through port 37, such that theinflatable cuff 38 may be inflated by the introduction therein of a fluid under pressure.

Theinner end 40 of theinner tube member 22 is shown to be open such that open fluid communication is established with the inner inhalation tube 14 when interconnected, and the outeropposed end 41 is shown to extend through an aperture provided in theend wall 32 of thehousing 20 and provides acircumferential neck 42 for connection to a patients face mask or mouthpiece M, as more clearly shown in FIG. 14 of the drawmgs.

It will also be observed that theinner tube member 22 is provided with a plurality ofapertures 44 functioning for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter. It will further be observed that theinner tube member 22 includes a downwardly dependingneck 46 terminating in anatomizing port 47. The lower end of theneck 46 is fixedly secured to the inner surface of theouter tube member 21 in the same manner that theinner tube 22 is fixedly secured through the aperture provided in theend wall 32. Hence, it will be appreciated that thehousing member 20 is formed as an inte' gral unit, having theinner tube 22 fixedly secured within theouter tube member 21.

It will further be observed that a portion of theouter tube member 21 is provided with a U-shaped channel 48 (more precisely shown in FIGS. and 6 of the drawings) which functions as the mounting means for mounting the nebulizer onto theouter tube member 21.

Insofar as the valving mechanisms are concerned it will be observed that theinner tube member 22 is provided with aflexible membrane 50 positioned thereabout, themembrane 50 being circumferentially positioned about theinner tube member 22. Themembrane 50 forms a valve which seats against thecircumferential shoulder 34 such that during the inhalation cycle by the patient negative pressure is created, forcing themembrane 50 against theshoulder 34 in fluid tight relationship. When 'posiive pressure is exerted against themembrane 50, themembrane 50 will move away from theshoulder 34 and unseat, thereby permitting exhaled gases to flow therethrough.

Insofar as theinner tube member 22 is concerned, an inhalation valve 52 is provided formed by a circumferential ring 53 supporting a frusto-conical central rib member 54 centrally therein. The rib member 54 supports theflexible membrane 55, which is constructed the closed position. When gas is passed through the inner inhalation tube 14 and through theinner tube member 22 in the direction of the arrows 56, theflexible membrane 55 unseats from the peripheral edges of the ring 53, thereby permitting the gases to flow through the valve member 52, and on through theinner tube member 22, through the patient face mask M and hence to the patient.

It will be clear from the above description that the valve member 52 and theflexible membrane 50 function as an inhalation valve and an exhalation valve respectively. In other words, as gas is passed through the inner inhalation tube 14, in the direction of the arrows 56, the inhalation valve member 52 opens to permit the inhaled gases through to the patient. Simultaneously, negative pressure is created between theinner tube member 22 and theouter tube member 21, such that theflexible membrane 50 seats against thecircumferential shoulder 34, in effect closing the exhalation valve while the inhalation valve member 52 is open. During the exhalation cycle, gases will pass initially into theinner tube member 22, but as the exhaled gases strike against the surface of theflexible membrane 55, theflexible membrane 55 will seat against the outer edges of the ring 53, closing the inhalation valve member 52. As the gases back up, they will flow through theapertures 44 and create positive pressure against theflexible membrane 50. This will then cause theflexible membrane 50 to open, thereby permitting gases to flow through the spacing between theinner tube member 22 and theouter tube member 21. In this manner, unidirectional valve members are established for both theinhalation tube 144 and theexhalation tube 12.

It should be noted that substantially the same effect produced by valve member 52 andmembrane 50 may be achieved by location at any point along the exhaled gas path, such asport 107 in FIG. 10, and that the location of valve member 52 andmembrane 50 as shown in FIG. 2is only a preferred location for creating unidirectional flow in the exhalation tube portion of the circurt.

With regard to theinflatable cuff 38, as has been previously described, theinner tube member 22, is provided with the housing inflation channel 36 while the inner inhalation tube 14 is provided with theinflation channel 24. Thischannel 24 is in turn in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such as the ventilator provides and during the inhalation cycle when the ventilator cycles on, gases are introduced into the inhalation tube 14, and hence simultaneously down theinflation channel 24. The positive pressure created by the gas through theinflation channel 24 will inflate thecuff 38, thereby assuming the posture shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. When fully inflated, the cuff will occlude the space between theinner tube 22 and theouter tube 21, and prevent the flow of gas in either direction. Hence, during the inhalation cycle, once the ventilator cycles on and the gas is simultaneously forced down the inhalation tube 14, gas also is forced down theinflation channel 24 to inflate thecuff 38. During this cycle, as previously described, the inflation valve member is open to permit incoming gas to flow to the patient, while theflexible membrane 50 is seated against theshoulder 34, closing the exhalation valve. lt

will be apparent that the purpose of theinflatable cuff 38 is to further ensure that there is no crosscontamination of the inhaled gases with exhaled gases, as well as to function as a positive resistance against any back pressure caused by the gases introduced into the system under pressure by the ventilator. It will further be clear that once the ventilator cycles off, such that gases are no longer being introduced under pressure through the inner inhalation tube 14, gas will also simultaneously cease to flow through theinflation channel 24, and hence, theinflatable cuff 38 will deflate and assume the posture as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Therefore, during the exhalation cycle, when the ventilator is cycled off, it is clear that theflexible membrane 55 will be seated against the ring 53, thereby closing the inhalation tube 14 while simultaneously, theflexible membrane 50 will assume the open position as shown in the dotted lines in FIG. 1 while simultaneously, theinflatable cuff 38 deflates to assume the position as shown in FIG. 1, such that gases are permitted to flow down theexhalation tube 12.

With reference to the details shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 through 9 of the drawings, the construction of theouter tube member 21 and the relationship thereof, with the nebulizer is illustrated. As particularly shown in the exploded view in FIG. 4, the nebulizer 6 is formed as a separate cartridge and is constructed to be easily insertable and mountable on theouter tube member 21. As previously indicated theouter tube member 21 is provided with aU-shaped channel 48 which surrounds theatomizing port 47. Positioned within thechannel 48 is aslidable shutter 62, which slides along the outer surface of theouter tube member 21 such that theshutter 62 may alternately open and close theatomizing port 47. The shutter is permitted to slide laterally until it meets thestop boss 63 as depicted in FIG. 6 of the drawings. Further, theouter tube member 21 is shown to be provided with alongitudinal slot 64, while theslidable shutter 62 is provided with asimilar door slot 65.

Thenebulizer cartridge 60 is shown to be semielliptical in configuration and includes a pair of end rails 66 which are designed to slidably engage within theU-shaped channel 48 in order to mount the cartridge onto theouter tube member 21. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, the top portion of thecartridge 60 is closed by atop wall 67, having anoutlet port 68 positioned therein. The positioning of theoutlet port 68 with respect to thetop wall 67 is constructed such that when mounted on theouter tube member 21, theoutlet port 68 is in registry with theatomizing port 47 of thehousing member 20. It will further be ob served that theoutlet port 68 may be alternately opened and closed by means of a slidingdoor 70 mounted on thetop wall 67 of thecartridge 60. Thetop wall 67 also includes acartridge flange 71, whilethe slidingdoor 70 includes adoor flange 72, thecartridge flange 71 anddoor flange 72, being in upstanding relationship with respect to thetop wall 67 thereof. It now becomes apparent by viewing FIGS. 5 through 8 of the drawings, that in order to slidably mount thenebulizer cartridge 60 onto theouter tube member 21, the operator positions thecartridge 60 such that thecartridge flange 71 is inserted within thedoor slot 65 while thedoor flange 72 is positioned within thelongitudinal slot 64. In addition, thecartridge 60 is positioned such that the end rails 66 mate with the U-shaped channel of 48.

Hence, as the operator then pushesthecartridge 60 forward, thecartridge flange 71 will cause theslidable shutter 62 to move from the closed position as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, to the open position as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, while simultaneously, thelongitudinal slot 64 will retain thedoor flange 72, thereby slidably moving the slidingdoor 70 opening theoutlet port 68 as theatomizing port 47 is being similarly opened. Once thecartridge 60 has been fully inserted within theU-shaped channel 48, the atomizingport 47 will be in vertical registry with theoutlet port 68 such that fluid communication is established between thenebulizer cartridge 60 and theinner tube member 22. The relationship described is clearly illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings.

It will be apparent in view of the above description that the provision of a cartridge style nebulizer in conjunction with an outer tube member, both of which are provided with slidable doors, or shutters, permits an operator to handle a prefllled sterile nebulizer without violating the sterile conditions established therein while at the same time permitting ease of handling and quick installation and mounting of the nebulizer onto the respiratory circuit. Insofar as the interior portion of the nebulizer is concerned, the detailed features of the atomizing head are shown in FIGS. II and 3 of the drawings. It will be observed that the present invention provides an improved atomizing system according to the following description.

As shown in the details of FIG. 3 of the drawings, theatomizer 75 is illustrated. It will be noted that theatomizer 75 is formed by flotation head 77, provided with a fluid channel 79, extending through the center portion thereof. The floatation head 77 is further provided with agas pressure channel 81, which meets with and is in fluid communication with the fluid channel 79 at its inner end and extends outwardly from the floatation head 77 to form a connecting neck 82, externally of the floatation head 77. Theatomizer 75 is completed by an atomizinghead 83, carried on the top portion of the floatation head 77, by means of support struts 84. The atomizinghead 83 is positioned to be immediately above the fluid channel 79 and functions to fracture the fluid as the same is aspirated up the fluid channel 79 into striking engagement withatomizing head 83.

The flotation head 77 functions to float on the surface of the fluid contained within the nebulizer and interconnects with the outer portion of thenebulizer 60 by means of apressure transmission tube 85. It will be observed that thenebulizer cartridge 60 is provided with a longitudinal connector 86, having an inner connecting port 87 and an outer connecting port 88, with agas channel 89 traversing therethrough. Fluid communication is completed by a second gas transmission tube 90, which interconnects between the outer connecting port 88 and theperipheral neck 29, all as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. It will therefore be appreciated that fluid communication is established through the atomizingchannel 16,. thehousing atomizing channel 28, through theperipheral neck 29, second gas transmission tube 90, and hence through the longitudinal connector 86 and via thegas transmission tube 85, where by gas is caused to enter through the flotation head 77 via thegas pressure channel 81. In operation as the gas source is cycled on and gas enters through the atomizingchannel 16, the gas will enter into the floatation head 77, via thegas pressure channel 81 and cause negative pressure in the fluid channel 79, causing fluid to rise up through the fluid channel 79, under pressure, and fracture when striking the atomizinghead 83. In this manner a fine mist of the fluid contained within thenebulizer cartridge 60 is obtained which is then permitted to enter through theoutlet port 68 of thecartidge 60, and thence through theatomizing port 47 and into theinner tube member 22 for inhalation by the patient. Obviously, atomizing of fluids within thenebulizer cartridge 60 will only occur during the inhalation cycle such that when the ventilator is cycled on and positive gas pressure is established through the inner inhalation tube 14, the source of the gas pressure for theatomizing channel 16 also cycles on, such that thenebulizer cartridge 60 will function to produce an atomized spray of medicinal fluids into theinner tube member 22, for inhalation by the patient.

It now becomes apparent from the above description relative to the atomizing head that a novel and simplified atomizing system has been provided which ensures complete atomization of the medicinal fluids contained within thenebulizer cartridge 60. By providing a floatation type atomizer, the device will function properly regardless of the liquid level within the nebulizer cartridge. Furthermore, even should the circuit, as a whole, become cocked for whatever reason the floatation head 77 of theatomizer 75 will continue to ride on the surface of the fluid and will continue to supply atomized medicinal fluids into the inhalation tube for inhalation by the patient.

Insofar as thenebulizer cartridge 60 itself is concerned, it is also apparent that the number of components have been reduced and simplified, while at the same time permitting refilling of the nebulizer under sterile conditions which will be maintained intact during shipment, installation, and removal.

With regard to FlGS. and 14 of the drawings, the opposed end of the respiratory breathing circuit of the present invention is illustrated. With specific reference to FIG. 10 of the drawings, it will be observed that the opposed end of thecircuit 10 is provided with atailpiece 100 formed by anouter sleeve 101, and an inner sleeve 102. It will be appreciated that theouter sleeve 101 is open at its inner end and is closed at its outer end by anend wall 103, having the inner sleeve 102 extending outwardly through an aperture provided in theend wall 103. Furthermore, the lower portion of theouter sleeve 101 is shown to have a T-shapedarm 104 extending downwardly therefrom, but formed integrally therewith, the lower portion of thearm 104 having acollection port 105 formed therein which may be conveniently occluded bystopper member 106. The inner portion of theouter sleeve 101 is further shown to be provided with agas atomizing channel 108, terminating in aport 109 which serves as the connection point to the atomizer gas source at the ventilator. As is shown in FlG. 10 of the drawings, theouter exhalation tube 12 is fitted over the inner end of theouter sleeve 101 such that the atomizingchannel 16 of thetube 12 fits over thegas atomizing channel 108 thereby establishing fluid communication between thegas atomizing channel 108 and theatomizing channel 16.

The inner sleeve 102 is fixedly held in concentric orientation with respect to theouter sleeve 101 since the inner sleeve 102 is fixedly secured through the aperture provided in theend wall 103 of theouter sleeve 101. Again, the inner sleeve 102 is designed to fit within the inner inhalation tube 14 at its inner end and having the opposed end extending outwardly from theend wall 103 for a short distance. With respect to the inner end of the inner sleeve 102, it will be observed that the inner sleeve 102 is provided with agas inflation channel 110 formed integrally therewith and terminates in anouter port 112 adapted for interconnected with a source of fluid under pressure at the ventilator. As shown in FIG. 10, once the inner inhalation tube 14 is mounted on the inner end of the inner sleeve 102, theinflation channel 24 of the inner inhalation tube 14 is in fluid communication with thegas inflation channel 110 of the inner sleeve 102. Hence, once theouter port 112 is connected to a source of pressurized fluid, such as a separate port of the ventilator (not shown) pressurized fluid travelling through thegas inflation channel 110 ultimately is introduced into theinflatable cuff 38, thereby to inflate the same and occlude the space between the inner inhalation tube 14 and theouter exhalation tube 12, as more clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The outer end of the inner sleeve 102, extends outwardly from theend wall 103, for a short distance and it is designed as a connection point fortubing 113, which interconnects the inhalation tube 14 with thehumidifier 115. The details of the improved novel form of thehumidifier 115 provided by this invention will be discussed hereinafter.

Insofar as the interconnections between theouter exhalation tube 12 and theouter sleeve 101 are concerned, as well as the interconnection between the inner inhalation tube 14, and the inner sleeve 102,

or may be fixedly secured by any suitable adhesive or bonding means. The use of the respectively different fittings is dependent primarily upon whether the circuit as a whole is designed as a disposable circuit, or as a reusable circuit.

FIG. 10 of the drawings also illustrates an improved form of ahuumidifier 115, provided by this invention. It will be observed that thishumidifier 113 is provded with anouter wall 117 which accommodates an outlet port 118 as positioned in the top wall thereof. Awater chamber 120 is provided in the interior portion of theI humidifier 115 and separated from the outer wall 15 by aninner wall 121, which is spaced from theouter wall 117 along the sides and bottom of thehumidifier 115. It will further be observed that adjacent the bottom portion ofthehumidifier 115 theouter wall 117 is provided with aninlet port 123 which is in fluid communication with theheating chamber 119 formed by the space between theinner wall 121 and theouter wall 117 of thehumidifier 115. Opposite to theinlet port 123, and located adjacent the top portion of thehumidifier 115, is anexhaust port 125. Thehumidifier 115 is completed by agas tube 127, which extends downwardly through the top wall of thehumidifier 115 to a point adjacent the lower portion of thewater chamber 120. The outer end of thegas tube 127 functions as aconnector neck 128, and accommodates a slip-fit friction fitted tube thereabout.

It will now be appreciated that as an additional feature of the present invention, the novel humidifier provided in this invention permits a more complete utilization of the heat present in the exhaled gases to render the system energy conservative. It will be observed that anexhalation gas tube 130 interconnects the exhaledgas port 107 of the T-shapedarm 104 with theinlet port 123, such that exhaled gases flowing down theouter exhalation tube 12 and through the outer sleeve 1111 of thetailpiece 100, will be exhausted through the T-shaped arm 1114 and enter into theheating chamber 119 of thehumidifier 115, via theinlet port 123. Since the exhaled gases are generally of a temperature slightly less than body temperature at the time the gases enter theheating chamber 119 of thehumidifier 115, the heat incident to such exhaled gases may then be utilized to heat the water contained in thewater chamber 120 of thehumidifier 115. Additionally, it should be noted that additional devices to remove heat from the exhaled gas, such as flns or heat conductive materials such as metallic wools, may be located in thechamber 119, and the inclusion of such should be considered as within the scope of this novel system. A constant flow of exhaled gases is permitted entering into theheating chamber 119 through theinlet port 123 and exhausting through theexhaust port 125. The gas for inhalation is routed from the ventilator through thegas tube 127 and bubbled through the water in thehumidifier 115. The gases will rise through the water and exit from the humidifier through the outlet port 118 and hence into the inner sleeve 102 of thetailpiece 100, through thetubing 113. As has been previously indicated, the system contemplated by this invention is a positive pressure breathing circuit and since the gas from the ventilator is under positive pressure, the gas will be forced through the system in the manner indicated. Once gas is introduced into the inner sleeve 102, of thetailpiece 100, the gas will flow on through the inner inhalation tube 14 and ultimately to the patient. The overall system is clearly shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings, which shows the forward end of the system accommodated with a face mask M which is positioned over the patients mouth and nose.

With reference to FIG. 14 of the drawings, wherein the overall system is illustrated, with the exception that the ventilator is not shown. It is now apparent the manner in which the circuit of the present invention operates. As previously indicated, the humidifier is in fluid communication with the ventilator through theventilator tubing 132, wherein gases from the ventilatorunder positve pressure enter into the humidifier through thegas tube 127, thereby to be bubbled through the water in the humidifier 1 15. Once the gases are bubbled through the water, the gases will enter into thecircuit 10 through thetubing 113 and hence, be forced through the inner sleeve 102 of thetailpiece 100 and on into the inner inhalation tube 14 of thecircuit 10. The gases will then be forced through the face mask M and permit respiration by the patient. With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, unidirectional gas flow in the direction of the arrows 56 is established by means of the unidirectional inhalation valve 52 during the inhalation cycle. Simultaneously, thegas inflation channel 110 as well as theinflation channel 24 of the inner inhalation tube 14 is in fluid communication with a separate port on the ventilator through theouter port 112. The gas source is synchronized with the ventilator such that when the ventilator cycles on, not only will gas be forced through thehumidifier 115 and into the inner inhalation tube 14, but gas under pressure will also be forced through theport 112 into thegas inflation channel 110 and on into theinflation channel 24, which is in turn,.in fluid communication with theinflatable cuff 38. Hence, during the inhalation cycle, theinflatable cuff 38 will be caused to inflate, thereby occluding the space between the inner inhalation tube 14 and theouter exhalation tube 12. The cuff then functions as a resistance to any back pressure incident to thecircuit 10 during the inhalation cycle and prevents any cross-contamination of inhaled gases with exhaled gases, as well as to ensure the operation of thecircuit 10 as a positive pressure breathing device.

Also on a simultaneous basis, gas under pressure is fed into theatomizing gas channel 108, through theport 109, which as shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings, is in fluid communication again, with the gas under pressure. This gas is then directed to thenebulizer cartridge 60, via theatomizing channel 16 and through the appropriate channels provided in thehousing member 20, and through the first and second gas transmission tubes and respectively. This gas will then enter into the floatation head 77 through thegas pressure channel 81 and create negative pressure in the fluid channel 79. This negative pressure: will then draw the fluid in thenebulizer cartridge 60 up through the fluid channel 79 and will be fractured when striking against the atomizinghead 83. In this manner, a flne mist of medicinal fluids is created and will be forced up into the inhalation tube 14, through theatomizing port 47, provided therein. Hence, it will be appreciated that once positive pressure is established for thecircuit 10, postive gas pressure is established for the inner inhalation'tube 14, as well as into theinflation channel 24, and theatomizing channel 16.

During the exhalation cycle, the ventilator cycles off, such that gases will cease flowing through the inhalation tube 14, and will further cease flowing through the atomizingchannel 16, and further, will cease flowing through theinflation channel 24. Hence, during the exhalation cycle, the atomizing of the medicinal fluids ceases and theinflatable cuff 38 deflates and as the pa tient exhales, the unidirectional inflation valve 52, will close while theflexible membrane 50 will be forced to the open position, and as the exhaled gases then enter into theinner tube member 22, the gas will be forced through theapertures 44 and enter into theouter exhalation tube 12. The pressure of the exhaled gases, of course forces theflexible membrane 50 into the open position and since theinflatable cuff 38 has now deflated, the exhaled gases are permitted to pass down theouter exhalation tube 12, and ultimately through theouter sleeve 101 of thetailpiece 100.

From a view of FIG. 10 of the drawings, it will be appreciated that the exhaled gases may be directed to theheating chamber 119 of the humidifier through the exhalation gas tube and will enter into thechamber 119, through theinlet port 123. Again, as indicated previously, the exhaled gases are in a heated condition and this heat may then be utilized to heat the water contained in thewater chamber 120, of thehumidifier 115. The exhaled gases will travel through theheating chamber 119 and exhaust through theexhaust port tion that by providing a double tubular concentrically oriented configuration for the inhalation tube 14 and theexhalation tube 12, a heat exchanger effect has been created and the exhaled gases passing through theexhalation tube 12 maintain the elevated temperature of the gases passing from the inhalation tube 14, without any extraneous source of heat. In this manner, the amount of rain-out of moisture of the heated gases passing to the patient is not completely eliminated but at least minimized such that the gases will remain at an elevated temperature and completely humidify on entering the patient. To the extent that any rain-out does occur, the inhalation tubing may be drained as is the present practice. Should any condensation occur in the exhalation tube it may be removed through thecollection port 105 which is shown occluded bystopper member 106 in FIG. 10. It has been found, however, that the amount of rain-out of moisture from the inhaled and exhaled gases is very minimal with this novel system, however, it is recognized that over a long period of continued use of this system, in respiratory therapy, some rain-out may occur and drainage of this moisture is accommodated by incorporating thecollection port 105 as indicated in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

With reference to FIGS. 11 through 13 of the drawings, various embodiments of tubing are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. In both respiratory as well as anesthesia circuits of the type presently available, corrugated tubing of the type illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings, has been utilized. The drawback incident to corrugated tubing is that the corrugated interior surfaces present an interior surface to the gases which creates turbulence since the gases have a tendency to strike against all the various corrugated surfaces and hence, cause turbulence therein. The result of turbulence is the fact that the gases are more likely to cool and a significant amount of moisture rainout then occurs. In addition, the spaces incident to the corrugated tubing provide breeding places for bacteria and hence, due to the inherent difficulty of cleaning and sterilizing corrugated tubing, the possibility of bacterial infection is prevalent. However, with reference to FIG. 11 of the drawings, it is contemplated that corrugated tubing can be utilized in connection with the present invention. It will be observed that there is provided an innercorrugated tube 140 which is concentrically disposed with respect to an outercorrugated tube 142. The concentric orientation may be maintained by providing the circuit with suitable spacer members (not shown) to hold the inner and outer tubes in spaced and concentrically oriented positon. This type of structure is disclosed in my co-pending application Ser. No. 437,033 entitled ANESTHESIA CIRCUIT and filed in the same name of Bernard Paluch on Jan. 28, I974. The significance of-FIG. 11 of the drawings is the fact that corrugated tubing of the type presently available may be utilized within the scope and purview of the present invention.

Similarly, FIG. 12 shows another more preferred embodiment wherein aninner tube 145 is provided functioning as the inner inhalation tube and anouter tube 147 is provided functioning as the exhalation tube. Both theinner tube 145 and theouter tube 147 are of smooth walled construction, thereby minimizing the surfaces against which the gases strike as they flow through the tubing and minimizing, thereby, gas turbulence. In this embodiment, it will be noted that ahelically wound wire 148 is provided about the inner inhalation tube in order to provide rigidity and stability. Spacer members (not shown) may similarly be used in order to maintain the spaced and concentric orientation of thetubes 145 and 147 respectively.

Again, with reference to FIG. 11 of the drawings, and in this embodiment of the invention, the outer corrugated tube is shown to be provided with a loose andseparate atomizing tube 143, while the innercorrugated tube 140 is similarly provided with a loose andseparate inflation tube 144. Thetubes 143 and 144 respectively, function in the manner described with respect to thegas atomizing channels 16 andinflation channel 24 with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings. The embodiment in FIG. 12 of the drawings similarly contains anatomizing tube 149 which is loosely positioned within theouter exhalation tube 147, andinflation tube 150 which is provided as a separate and loose fitting tube within theinner inhalation tube 145.

FIG. 13 represent the preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the tubing is illustrated as being extruded as smooth walled tubing having an outer exhalation tube of smooth walled construction and aninner inhalation tube 157, of similarly smooth walled construction. It is further contemplated that theatomizing channel 158 may be formed integrally withouter exhalation tube 155 when extruding the same, and similarly, theinflation channel 159 may be formed integrally with theinner inhalation tube 157, when extruding the same. Hence, in this embodiment of the invention there is no requirment or necessity to have separate tubes positioned within either the outer exhalation tube or the inner inhalation tube in order to accommodate the atomizing channel and inflation channel as previously described. In addition, the problems incident to corrugated tubing have been eliminated, and further, the problems incident to gas turbulence which would be encountered by the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 of the drawings is similarly avoided.

In summarizing the inventive apsects of the invention described herein, it is apparent tha there has been provided a positive pressure respiratory circuit, which is formed from a double tubular concentrically oriented inhalation tube and exhalation tube. This construction provides a heat exchanger effect, thereby to permit the maintenance of the heat and humidity level of the gas as the same travels down the inhalation line prior to inhalation by the patient. In addition, the means for provlding the resistance to back pressure has been incorporated into the circuit by way of an inflatable cuff which inflates during the inhalation cycle once the ventilator is cycled on. Furthermore, the nebulizer has been incorporated into the system as a prefilled sterile and disposable cartridge which may be easily inserted and mounted onto the circuit, by providing an outer exhalation tube having a shutter occluding a port, and similarly providing the nebulizer cartridge with a port occluded by a doorway or shutter, the operator may easily slidably mounted the nebulizer cartridge onto the outer exhalation tube, causing the respective shutters to open and establish fluid communication between the nebulizer and the inhalation channel.

With regard to the nebulizer it is further apparent that this invention provides a simplified and improved atomizing system for the nebulizer to ensure that regardless of the positioning of the nebulizer, or the circuit as a whole, the medicinal fluids contained within 17 the nebulizer will become atomized during the inhalation cycle. Once again, the atomizing channel in fluid communication with the atomizing head of the nebulizer is constructed to be incorporated within the system and in fluid communication with a source of gas atomizing channel is similarly interrupted. Additionally, by providing unidirectional or valving means for both the inhalation tube and exhalation tube, exhaled gases cannot enter the inhalation tube and therefore are directed and guided into the exhalation tube which will only permit one way gas flow in countercurrent direction with respect to the flow of gas down the inhalation tube. It is this feature which provides the heat exchanger effect, since the exhaled gases are generally at body temperature and will therefore heat down the entire length of the tubing circuit.

ln addition to the above, the system contemplates the further use ofthe exhaled gases to heat the water in the humidifier. This is accomplished by interconnecting the exhalation tube with the heat chamber of a humidifier such that the heat of the exhaled gases may be further utilized to the fullest extent possible in order to heat the water in the humidifier.

While moisture rain-out is minimized due to the novel construction of the present circuit, nevertheless the system also permits drainage of any moisture should rain-out occur by providing a collection port in an appropriate location such that drainage of moisture is permitted under those conditions where the circuit is used for a long period of time as some moisture condenses within the tubing circuit.

The provision of smooth walled tubing having both the inflation channels and atomizing channels integrally formed therewith further resulting in improved features since gas turbulence is minimized and breeding places for bacteria and viruses is minimized or completely eliminated. It is relevant to appreciate the fact that the present circuit may be utilized in connection with existing corrugated tubing as well as with smooth walled tubing and hence, the system may be employed in connection with existing equipment and with existing materials.

While there has'been described what is considered to be the prefered embodiment of the invention, various modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. All such obvious modifications and variations are intended to be covered, by the appended claims herein.

What is claimed is:

l. A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratory ther py, comprising in combination,

a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein,

said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof,

said outer exhalation tube having a patient-receiving terminal at one end thereof and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof,

inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube, exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation tube,

inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalation phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof,

the gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid any crosscontamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with the gases in the exhalation tube,

whereby gas suitable for patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure and through said inhalation unidirectional valve means to the patient during which time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and prevents cross contamination of gases while resisting any back pressure existing in said circuit while exhaled gases flow through said exhalation unidirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gas within said inner inhalation tube, said inflatable occlusion means being deflated during the exhalation cycle thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit.

2. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said inhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a ring fixedly mounted within said inner inhalation tube, said ring having an inner circumferential edge which functions as a valve seat, said ring further supporting a central member, said central member in turn supporting a flexible membrane in overlapping relationship with respect to the inner circumferential edge of said ring, said flexible membrane being seatable against said inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to close said valve and being movable away from the inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to open said valve, whereby gas flow from the positive pressure ventilator will move said flexible membrane and unseat the same from said inner circumferential edge of said ring, to permit gas to enter therethrough and travel to the patient receiving terminal end of said circuit, while gas flow during the exhalation cycle strikes against said flexible membrane, and seats the said membrane against said valve seat, thereby preventing exhaled gases from entering into said inner inhalation gas tube.

3. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above wherein said exhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a flexible membrane interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and surrounding said inner inhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being provided with a valve seat for seatment of the outer portions of said flexible membrane thereagainst, whereby gases existing in said exhalation tube will strike against and seat said flexible membrane against said valve seat during the inhalation cycle while permitting exhaled gases to strike against the opposed surface of said flexible membrane, thereby to open the same and permit exhaled gases to exit from the circuit.

4. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 11 above, wherein said inflatable occlusion means comprises an inflatable cuff fixedly secured to the outer surface of said inner inhalation tube, means for providing fluid communication between said inflatable cuff and a source of fluid under pressure, such that when pressurized, inflatable cuff will inflate and bear against the interior surfaces of said outer exhalation tube and occlude the space between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube, thereby to prevent any crosscontamination of gases as between the inner inhalation tube and outer exhalation tube as well as to provide a resistance against any back pressure caused during ssaid inhalation cycle.

5. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 4 above, wherein said inner inhalation tube is provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable cuff at the inner terminal end of said channel and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid at the opposed end of said channel whereby the introduction of fluidized pressure into said channel will result in the inflation of said inflatable cuff at the opposed end of said channel thereby to occlude the space between said inner gas inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube.

6. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said inflation channel is formed integrally with said inner inhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

7. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said circuit further includes nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube such that atomized medication may be introduced into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle when gas under positive pressure is introduced therein for inhalation by the patient.

8. The positive pressure breathing cirucit as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein said nebulizer means is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and said nebulizer means further includes atomizer means positioned therein and in fluid communication with said source of pressurized fluid whereby fluid under pressure entering into said nebulizer means will atomize the fluids existing in said nebulizer means prior to entry and introduction into said inner inhalation tube.

9. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 8 above, wherein said atomizer means comprises a floatation head formed of a material to permit floatation of said floatation head on the surface of the fluid within said nebulizer means, and including a fluid channel traversing the length of said floatation head, a gas pressure channel in fluid communication with said fluid channel at its inner end and extending outwardly from said floatation head, connecting means for interconnecting said gas pressure channel with the source of pressurized fluid and gas fracturing means positioned on said floatation head thereby to fracture and atomize fluids exiting from said fluid channel, whereby when the source of pressurized fluid provides fluid under pressure in said gas pressure channel negative pressure is created in said fluid channel drawing fluid from said nebulizer means through said fluid channel and said fracturing means causes fracturing and atomizing of the fluids prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube.

10. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said fracturing means comprises an atomizing head in the form of a ball mounted on said floatation head by means of support struts thereby to position said atomizing head immediately above said fluid channel whereby fluids drawn up through said fluid channel will strike against said atomizing head, fracture and atomize prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube.

11. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 8 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with a portway adjacent the patient receiving terminal end thereof, said portway being occludable by a shutter mounted thereon in sliding relationship therewith, and said nebulizer means comprises a disengagably mountable cartridge provided with an aperture in one wall thereof said aperture being occludable by a sliding door mounted on said cartridge, said exhalation tube further being provided with mounting means for mounting said cartridge thereon such that when said cartridge is mounted on said outer exhalation tube, said port in said cartridge and said port in said outer exhalation tube may be brought into registry and as said door on said cartridge is opened and said shutter on said outer exhalation tube is opened, fluid communication between said circuit and said nebulizer means is established.

12. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 11 above, wherein said atomizing channel is formed integrally with said outer exhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

13. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with an atomizing channel traversing the length thereof, and in fluid communication at its inner terminal end with said nebulizer means and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end such that pressurized fluid may be introduced into said atomizing channel and enter into said nebulizer means for atomizing fluids contained therein.

14. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 13 above, wherein said atomizing chan- Eli ber therein providing a-source of humidity for gases which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, and said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidifcation means thereby to humidfy the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surroundig said water chamber, therety to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

16. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim above, wherein said gas humidification means further includes heat sink means positioned within said heating chamber for absorbing and retaining heat from exhaled gases as the same traverse through said heating chamber.

17. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 16 above, wherein said heat sink means comprises metallic wool packed within said heating chamber.

18. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 17 above, wherein said heating chamber further includes an exhaust port for exhausting the exhaled gases passing through said heating chamber.

19. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said circuit further includes a drainage collection port in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, said drainage collection port including movably engagable stopper means, whereby removal of said stopper means permits manual removal of any fluids collected within the circuit.

20. A positive pressure breathing circuit for opera tion in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratoy therapy, comprising in combination,

a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit, having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein,

said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof,

said outer exhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end therof and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof,

inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube,

exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation gas tube,

inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal, and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalation phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof,

the gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube, thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle, and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid, any crosscontamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with the gases in the exhalation tube,

nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube in order to provide a source of medicinal fluids for entry into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle, whereby as suitable for the patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure through said inhalation uni directional valve means, to the patient during time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and prevents crosscontamination of gases while resisting any back pressure existing in said circuit while exhaled gases flow through said exhalation undirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gases within said inner inhalation tube, said inflatable occlusion means being deflated during the exhalation cycle, thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit.

21. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said inhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a ring fixedly mounted within said inner inhalation tube, said ring having an inner circumferential edge which functions as a valve seat, said ring further supported by a central member, said central member in turn supporting a flexible membrane in overlapping relationship with respect to the inner circumferential edge of said ring, said flexible membrane being seatable against said inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to close said valve and being movable away from the inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to open said valve, whereby gas flow from the positive pressure ventilator will move said flexible membrane and unseat the same from said inner circumferential edge of said ring, to permit gas to enter therethrough and travel to the patient receiving terminal end of said circuit, which gas flow during the exhalation cycle strikes against said flexible membrane, and seats the said membrane against said valve seat, thereby preventing exhaled gases from entering into said inner inhalation gas tube.

22. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said exhalaton unidirectional valve means comprises a flexible membrane interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and surrounding said inner inhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being provided with a valve seat for seatment of the outer portions of said flexible membrane thereagainst, whereby gases existing in said exhalation tube will strike against and seat said flexible membrane against :said valve seat during the inhalation cycle while permitting exhaled gases to strike against the opposed surface of said flexible membrane, thereby to open the same and permit exhaled gases to exit from the circuit.

23. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said inflatable occlusion means comprises an inflatable cuff fixedly secured to said inner inhalation tube, means for providing fluid communication between said inflatable cuff and a source of fluid under pressure, such that when pressurized, said inflatable cuff will inflate and bear against the interior surfaces of said outer exhalation tube and occlude the space between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube, thereby to prevent any cross-contamination of gases as between the inner inhalation tube and outer exhalation tube as well as to provide a resistance against any back pressure caused during said inhalation cycle.

24. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said inner inhalation tube is provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable cuff at the inner terminal end of said channel and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid at the opposed end of said channel whereby the introduction of fluidized pressure into said channel will result in the inflation of said inflatable cuff at the opposed end of said channel thereby to occlude the space between said inner gas inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube.

25. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 24 above, wherein said inflation channel is formed integrally with said inner inhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

26. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube includes mounting means for accomodating the disengagable mounting of said nebulizer means thereon, said outer exhalation tube being further provided with a port in exclusive fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube, said nebulizer means comprising a cartridge having mating mounting means for mating disengagable engagement with said mounting means on said outer exhalation tube, said cartridge further including a port in fluid communication with the interior of said cartridge, whereby when said cartridge is mounted on said outer exhalation tube by mating said mounting means of said cartridge with said mounting means of said outer exhalation tube, said port in said outer exhalation tube and said port in said cartridge are brought into registry and in fluid communication, such that fluid communication is established between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube 27. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 26 above, wherein said port in said outer exhalation tube is occluded by a shutter positioned in sliding relationship thereon, such that said shutter slidably opens and closes said port in said outer exhalation tube, and said cartridge is provided with a door in slid ing relationship with said port in said cartridge, said shutter and said door being simultaneously slidable as said cartridge is mounted on said exhalation tube, thereby to bring the ports in said cartridge and said outer exhalation tube into registry during the mounting operation and establish fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube.

28. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 27 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with a longitudinal slot positioned therein, adjacent to said shutter and said shutter includes a shutter slot positioned in said shutter and adjacent to said longitudinal slot, and wherein said cartridge is provided with a cartridge flange mounted adjacent said cartridge door, and said cartridge door is provided with a door flange mounted thereon adjacent to said cartridge flange, whereby said cartridge may be mounted on the said outer exhalation tube by positioning said cartridge flange into said shutter slot and said door flange into said longitudinal slot whereby the respective shutter and door of said outer exhalation tube and cartridge respectively may -be simultaneously opened as said cartridge is slidably mounted on said outer exhalation tube and provide fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube.

29. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with an atomizing channel traversing the length thereof, and in fluid communication at its inner terminal end with said nebulizer means and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end such that pressurized fluid may be introduced into said atomizing channel and enter into said nebulizer means for atomizing fluids contained therein.

30. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 29 above, wherein said atomizing channel is formed integrally with said outer exhalation tube as a separate and distinct channel traversing the length thereof.

31. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 20 above, wherein said circuit further includes gas humidification means in fluid communication with and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and the gas source for said inner inhalation tube, and said gas humidification means including a water chamber therein for providing a source of humidity for gases which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidification means thereby to humidify the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surrounding said water chamber, thereby to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

32. A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratory therapy, comprising in combination,

a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit, having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein,

said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof,

said outer exhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof,

inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube,

exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation gas tube,

inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal, and

in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalaion phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof,

gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube, thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle, and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid any cross contamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with gases in the exhalation tube,

nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube in order to provide a source of medicinal fluids for entry into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle,

said outer exhalation tube including mounting means for accommodating the disengagable mounting of said nebulizer means thereon and said exhalation tube being further provided with a port in exclusive fluid communication with said inhalation tube,

said nebulizer means comprising a cartridge having mating mounting means for mating disengagable engagement with said mounting means on said outer exhalation tube,

said cartridge further including a port in fluid communication with the interior of said cartridge, and when mounted on said outer exhalation tube, said port in said cartridge and said port in said outer exhalation tube being in registry to permit fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube,

said inner inhalation tube being provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable occlusion means at its inner end and with a source of fluid under pressure at the opposed end thereof,

said outer exhalation tube being provided with an atomizing channel positioned interiorly thereof and traversing the length thereof and in fluid communication at its inner end with said cartridge and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end thereof,

said cartridge forming said nebulizer means having a floatation head contained therein and formed of a material permitting floatation of said floatation head on the surface of the fluids contained within said cartridge,

said flotation head having a fluid channel traversing the length thereof and a gas pressure channel in fluid communication with said fluid channel at its one end and extending outwardly from said floatation head at its opposed end,

said gas pressure channel being in fluid communication with said atomizing channel positioned within said outer exhalation tube whereby gas under pressure may be provided to said floatation head causing negative pressure in said fluid channel to cause fluids to rise up said fluid channel,

and said floatation head further being provided with an atomizing head positioned thereon and immediately in the path of said fluid channel such that fluids drawn up through said fluid channel will strike against said atomizing head, fracture and atomize prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, whereby gas suitable for patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure through said inhalation unidirectional valve means and is directed to the patient, during which time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated by the introduction of gas in said inflation channel positioned within said inner inhalation tube and when inflated, interposes between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube to prevent cross-contamination of gases while at the same time resisting any back pressure existing in said circuit and simultaneously gas is introduced into said atomizing channel positioned within said outer exhalation tube and thereby introduced into said floatation head of said cartridge to cause negative pressure in said fluid channel drawing fluids within said nebulizer means up through said fluid channel into striking contact with the said atomizing head, thereby to fracture and atomize said fluid prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube such that during the inhalation cycle, gases delivered to the patient through said inner inhalation tube will also pick up atomized medicinal fluids prior to patient inhalation, while exhaled gases will flow through said exhalation unidirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gases within said inner inhalation tube and simultaneously during the exhalation cycle said inflatable occlusion means will deflate while simultaneous the gas source for gas in said atomizing channel is cycled off thereby to cease the functioning of the nebulizer during said exhalation cycle, thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit. 33. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 32 above, wherein said circuit further includes humidification means in fluid communication with and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and the gas source for said inner inhalation tube, said gas humidification means including a water chamber therein for providing a source of humidity for gases which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidiflcation means thereby to humidify the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalatin tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surrounding said water chamber of said humiditication means thereby to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

34. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth inclaim 33 above, wherein said heating chamber is further provided with heat sink means for absorbing and retaining heat from the exhaled gases passing therein during the exhalation cycle.

i 'i l *l l PATENT NO.

DATED INVENTOR(S) I In the Abstract Page Inventor's name is misspelled.

"P. to read -R. Paluch In column 1, line 52, delete Page 1 of 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3,865,106 February 27, 1975 Bernard R. Paluch It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent Palush" are hereby corrected as shown below:

Change of and insert to In column 2,line 16, delete "heat-saturated" and insert heated saturated. In column 2,line 28 delete "opening" In In In In In In In In In In column 2, line column 3, line column 3, line column '3, line column 3, linecolumn 3, line column 3, line column 3, line column 3, line column 4, lines insert exhaled gases In In line line line column 4, column 4, column 6,

illustrated In In In In In In column 7, line column 8, line column 9, line column ll, line column ll, line column 11,line column 12,line interconnection 26, insert pressure after the word positive 65, delete "mounting" and insert mounted 9, delete "is illustrated" and insert are 59, delete "posiive" and insert positive 36, delete "144" and insertli 26, delete "6" and insert 0 7, delete "cartidge" and insertcartridge 33, delete "have" and insert has 34, delete "refilling" and insert filling 7, delete "intraconnected" and insert Page 2 of 2 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE QERTTHQATE 0F CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,865,106 DATED 2 February 27 1975 |NVENTOR(5) 1 Bernard R. Paluch It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

PAGE 2i column 12, line 11, delete "inner" Incolumn 12line 32, delete "of the" Incolumn 12,line 40, delete "provded" and insert provided In column 13, line 39, delete comma and insert period in its 0 place. "It" should read "it" In column 13,line 44, delete "positve" and insert positive In column 14,line 28 delete "postive" and insert positive Incolumn 16, line 13, delete "channels" and insert channel Incolumn 16,line 31, delete "requlrment" and insert requiremeg Incolumn 16,line 40, delete "apsects" and insert aspects Incolumn 16,line 41, delete "tha" and insert that Incolumn 16, line 59, delete "mounted" and insert mount Incolumn 17line 17 delete "or" Incolumn 17,line 44, delete "resulting" and insert results Q Incolumn 17,line 46, delete "is" and insert are In column 19, line 23, insert said before the WEE inflatable In column 19,line 30, delete "ssaid" and insert said In column 19, line 56, delete "cirucit" and insertcircuit Tn colu 20. line 9, delete "qas" and insert fluid 9 Incolumn 21, line 9, delete "surroundig" and insert surrounding Incolumn 21,line 10, delete "therety" and insert thereby Incolumn 21, line 37 delete "respiratoy" and insert respiratory Incolumn 22, line 14, delete "as" and insert g a s Incolumn 22,line 17, insert which after the word during

Claims (33)

1. A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratory therapy, comprising in combination, a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein, said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof, said outer exhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof, inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube, exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation tube, inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalation phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof, the gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid any cross-contamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with the gases in the exhalation tube, whereby gas suitable for patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure and through said inhalation unidirectional valve means to the patient during which time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and prevents cross contamination of gases while resisting any back pressure existing in said ciRcuit while exhaled gases flow through said exhalation unidirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gas within said inner inhalation tube, said inflatable occlusion means being deflated during the exhalation cycle thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit. 2. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said inhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a ring fixedly mounted within said inner inhalation tube, said ring having an inner circumferential edge which functions as a valve seat, said ring further supporting a central member, said central member in turn supporting a flexible membrane in overlapping relationship with respect to the inner circumferential edge of said ring, said flexible membrane being seatable against said inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to close said valve and being movable away from the inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to open said valve, whereby gas flow from the positive pressure ventilator will move said flexible membrane and unseat the same from said inner circumferential edge of said ring, to permit gas to enter therethrough and travel to the patient receiving terminal end of said circuit, while gas flow during the exhalation cycle strikes against said flexible membrane, and seats the said membrane against said valve seat, thereby preventing exhaled gases from entering into said inner inhalation gas tube.

3. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above wherein said exhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a flexible membrane interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and surrounding said inner inhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being provided with a valve seat for seatment of the outer portions of said flexible membrane thereagainst, whereby gases existing in said exhalation tube will strike against and seat said flexible membrane against said valve seat during the inhalation cycle while permitting exhaled gases to strike against the opposed surface of said flexible membrane, thereby to open the same and permit exhaled gases to exit from the circuit.

4. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said inflatable occlusion means comprises an inflatable cuff fixedly secured to the outer surface of said inner inhalation tube, means for providing fluid communication between said inflatable cuff and a source of fluid under pressure, such that when pressurized, inflatable cuff will inflate and bear against the interior surfaces of said outer exhalation tube and occlude the space between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube, thereby to prevent any crosscontamination of gases as between the inner inhalation tube and outer exhalation tube as well as to provide a resistance against any back pressure caused during ssaid inhalation cycle.

5. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 4 above, wherein said inner inhalation tube is provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable cuff at the inner terminal end of said channel and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid at the opposed end of said channel whereby the introduction of fluidized pressure into said channel will result in the inflation of said inflatable cuff at the opposed end of said channel thereby to occlude the space between said inner gas inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube.

6. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said inflation channel is formed integrally with said inner inhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

7. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said circuit further includes nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube such thAt atomized medication may be introduced into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle when gas under positive pressure is introduced therein for inhalation by the patient.

8. The positive pressure breathing cirucit as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein said nebulizer means is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and said nebulizer means further includes atomizer means positioned therein and in fluid communication with said source of pressurized fluid whereby fluid under pressure entering into said nebulizer means will atomize the fluids existing in said nebulizer means prior to entry and introduction into said inner inhalation tube.

9. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 8 above, wherein said atomizer means comprises a floatation head formed of a material to permit floatation of said floatation head on the surface of the fluid within said nebulizer means, and including a fluid channel traversing the length of said floatation head, a gas pressure channel in fluid communication with said fluid channel at its inner end and extending outwardly from said floatation head, connecting means for interconnecting said gas pressure channel with the source of pressurized fluid and gas fracturing means positioned on said floatation head thereby to fracture and atomize fluids exiting from said fluid channel, whereby when the source of pressurized fluid provides fluid under pressure in said gas pressure channel negative pressure is created in said fluid channel drawing fluid from said nebulizer means through said fluid channel and said fracturing means causes fracturing and atomizing of the fluids prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube.

10. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said fracturing means comprises an atomizing head in the form of a ball mounted on said floatation head by means of support struts thereby to position said atomizing head immediately above said fluid channel whereby fluids drawn up through said fluid channel will strike against said atomizing head, fracture and atomize prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube.

11. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 8 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with a portway adjacent the patient receiving terminal end thereof, said portway being occludable by a shutter mounted thereon in sliding relationship therewith, and said nebulizer means comprises a disengagably mountable cartridge provided with an aperture in one wall thereof said aperture being occludable by a sliding door mounted on said cartridge, said exhalation tube further being provided with mounting means for mounting said cartridge thereon such that when said cartridge is mounted on said outer exhalation tube, said port in said cartridge and said port in said outer exhalation tube may be brought into registry and as said door on said cartridge is opened and said shutter on said outer exhalation tube is opened, fluid communication between said circuit and said nebulizer means is established.

12. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 11 above, wherein said atomizing channel is formed integrally with said outer exhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

13. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with an atomizing channel traversing the length thereof, and in fluid communication at its inner terminal end with said nebulizer means and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end such that pressurized fluid may be introduced into said atomizing channel and enter into said nebulizer means for atomizing fluids contained therein.

14. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 13 above, wherein said atomizing channel is formed integrally with said outer exhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

15. The positive pressure breathing circuit as sEt forth in claim 1 above, wherein said circuit further includes gas humidification means in fluid communication with and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and the gas source for said inner inhalation tube, said gas humidification means including a water chamber therein providing a source of humidity for gases which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, and said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidification means thereby to humidfy the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surroundig said water chamber, therety to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

16. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 15 above, wherein said gas humidification means further includes heat sink means positioned within said heating chamber for absorbing and retaining heat from exhaled gases as the same traverse through said heating chamber.

17. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 16 above, wherein said heat sink means comprises metallic wool packed within said heating chamber.

18. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said heating chamber further includes an exhaust port for exhausting the exhaled gases passing through said heating chamber.

19. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said circuit further includes a drainage collection port in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, said drainage collection port including movably engagable stopper means, whereby removal of said stopper means permits manual removal of any fluids collected within the circuit.

20. A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratoy therapy, comprising in combination, a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit, having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein, said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof, said outer exhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end therof and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof, inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube, exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation gas tube, inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal, and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalation phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof, the gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube, thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle, and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid any cross-contamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with the gases in the exhalation tube, nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube in order to pRovide a source of medicinal fluids for entry into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle, whereby as suitable for the patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure through said inhalation unidirectional valve means, to the patient during time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and prevents cross-contamination of gases while resisting any back pressure existing in said circuit while exhaled gases flow through said exhalation undirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gases within said inner inhalation tube, said inflatable occlusion means being deflated during the exhalation cycle, thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit.

21. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said inhalation unidirectional valve means comprises a ring fixedly mounted within said inner inhalation tube, said ring having an inner circumferential edge which functions as a valve seat, said ring further supported by a central member, said central member in turn supporting a flexible membrane in overlapping relationship with respect to the inner circumferential edge of said ring, said flexible membrane being seatable against said inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to close said valve and being movable away from the inner circumferential edge of said ring thereby to open said valve, whereby gas flow from the positive pressure ventilator will move said flexible membrane and unseat the same from said inner circumferential edge of said ring, to permit gas to enter therethrough and travel to the patient receiving terminal end of said circuit, which gas flow during the exhalation cycle strikes against said flexible membrane, and seats the said membrane against said valve seat, thereby preventing exhaled gases from entering into said inner inhalation gas tube.

22. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said exhalaton unidirectional valve means comprises a flexible membrane interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube and surrounding said inner inhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being provided with a valve seat for seatment of the outer portions of said flexible membrane thereagainst, whereby gases existing in said exhalation tube will strike against and seat said flexible membrane against said valve seat during the inhalation cycle while permitting exhaled gases to strike against the opposed surface of said flexible membrane, thereby to open the same and permit exhaled gases to exit from the circuit.

23. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said inflatable occlusion means comprises an inflatable cuff fixedly secured to said inner inhalation tube, means for providing fluid communication between said inflatable cuff and a source of fluid under pressure, such that when pressurized, said inflatable cuff will inflate and bear against the interior surfaces of said outer exhalation tube and occlude the space between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube, thereby to prevent any cross-contamination of gases as between the inner inhalation tube and outer exhalation tube as well as to provide a resistance against any back pressure caused during said inhalation cycle.

24. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said inner inhalation tube is provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable cuff at the inner terminal end of said channel and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid at the opposed end of said channel whereby the introduction of fluidized pressure into said channel will result in the inflation of said inflatable cuff at the opposed end of said channel thereby to occlude The space between said inner gas inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube.

25. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 24 above, wherein said inflation channel is formed integrally with said inner inhalation tube and formed as a separate channel therein.

26. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube includes mounting means for accomodating the disengagable mounting of said nebulizer means thereon, said outer exhalation tube being further provided with a port in exclusive fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube, said nebulizer means comprising a cartridge having mating mounting means for mating disengagable engagement with said mounting means on said outer exhalation tube, said cartridge further including a port in fluid communication with the interior of said cartridge, whereby when said cartridge is mounted on said outer exhalation tube by mating said mounting means of said cartridge with said mounting means of said outer exhalation tube, said port in said outer exhalation tube and said port in said cartridge are brought into registry and in fluid communication, such that fluid communication is established between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube

27. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 26 above, wherein said port in said outer exhalation tube is occluded by a shutter positioned in sliding relationship thereon, such that said shutter slidably opens and closes said port in said outer exhalation tube, and said cartridge is provided with a door in sliding relationship with said port in said cartridge, said shutter and said door being simultaneously slidable as said cartridge is mounted on said exhalation tube, thereby to bring the ports in said cartridge and said outer exhalation tube into registry during the mounting operation and establish fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube.

28. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 27 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with a longitudinal slot positioned therein, adjacent to said shutter and said shutter includes a shutter slot positioned in said shutter and adjacent to said longitudinal slot, and wherein said cartridge is provided with a cartridge flange mounted adjacent said cartridge door, and said cartridge door is provided with a door flange mounted thereon adjacent to said cartridge flange, whereby said cartridge may be mounted on the said outer exhalation tube by positioning said cartridge flange into said shutter slot and said door flange into said longitudinal slot whereby the respective shutter and door of said outer exhalation tube and cartridge respectively may be simultaneously opened as said cartridge is slidably mounted on said outer exhalation tube and provide fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube.

29. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said outer exhalation tube is provided with an atomizing channel traversing the length thereof, and in fluid communication at its inner terminal end with said nebulizer means and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end such that pressurized fluid may be introduced into said atomizing channel and enter into said nebulizer means for atomizing fluids contained therein.

30. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 29 above, wherein said atomizing channel is formed integrally with said outer exhalation tube as a separate and distinct channel traversing the length thereof.

31. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 20 above, wherein said circuit further includes gas humidification means in fluid communication with and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and the gas source for said inner inhalation tube, and said gas humidification means including a water chamber therein for providing a source of humidity for gaSes which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidification means thereby to humidify the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surrounding said water chamber, thereby to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

32. A positive pressure breathing circuit for operation in conjunction with a positive pressure ventilator useful in connection with respiratory therapy, comprising in combination, a concentrically oriented inhalation/exhalation circuit, having an inner inhalation tube and an outer exhalation tube, said outer exhalation tube being spaced from and concentrically oriented with respect to said inner inhalation tube positioned therein, said inner inhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end thereof and a gas source terminal at the opposed end thereof, said outer exhalation tube having a patient receiving terminal at one end and an exhaust end at the opposed end thereof, inhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said inhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said inhalation tube, exhalation unidirectional valve means associated with said exhalation tube for providing unidirectional gas flow through said exhalation gas tube, inflatable occlusion means interposed between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube adjacent said patient receiving terminal, and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid such that said inflatable occlusion means is alternatively inflatable during the inhalation phase and deflatable during the exhalaion phase in response to fluid pressure from the source thereof, gas flow in said inhalation tube being countercurrent with respect to the gas flow in said exhalation tube, thereby to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the gas within said inner inhalation tube without any extraneous source of heat, while at the same time permitting inflation of said inflatable occlusion means during the inhalation cycle, and thereby to resist any back pressure caused during the inhalation cycle as well as to avoid any cross-contamination of the gases in the inhalation tube with gases in the exhalation tube, nebulizer means disengagably mountable upon said outer exhalation tube and in fluid communication with said inner inhalation tube in order to provide a source of medicinal fluids for entry into said inner inhalation tube during the inhalation cycle, said outer exhalation tube including mounting means for accommodating the disengagable mounting of said nebulizer means thereon and said exhalation tube being further provided with a port in exclusive fluid communication with said inhalation tube, said nebulizer means comprising a cartridge having mating mounting means for mating disengagable engagement with said mounting means on said outer exhalation tube, said cartridge further including a port in fluid communication with the interior of said cartridge, and when mounted on said outer exhalation tube, said port in said cartridge and said port in said outer exhalation tube being in registry to permit fluid communication between said cartridge and said inner inhalation tube, said inner inhalation tube being provided with a separate inflation channel positioned interiorly thereof and in fluid communication with said inflatable occlusion means at its inner end and with a source of fluid under pressure at the opposed end thereof, said outer exhalation tube being provided with an atomizing channel positioned interiorly thereof and traversing the length thereof and in fluid communication at its inner end with said cartridge and with a source of pressurized fluid at its opposed end thereof, sAid cartridge forming said nebulizer means having a floatation head contained therein and formed of a material permitting floatation of said floatation head on the surface of the fluids contained within said cartridge, said flotation head having a fluid channel traversing the length thereof and a gas pressure channel in fluid communication with said fluid channel at its one end and extending outwardly from said floatation head at its opposed end, said gas pressure channel being in fluid communication with said atomizing channel positioned within said outer exhalation tube whereby gas under pressure may be provided to said floatation head causing negative pressure in said fluid channel to cause fluids to rise up said fluid channel, and said floatation head further being provided with an atomizing head positioned thereon and immediately in the path of said fluid channel such that fluids drawn up through said fluid channel will strike against said atomizing head, fracture and atomize prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube, whereby gas suitable for patient inhalation enters said circuit through said inner inhalation tube under positive pressure through said inhalation unidirectional valve means and is directed to the patient, during which time said inflatable occlusion means is fully inflated by the introduction of gas in said inflation channel positioned within said inner inhalation tube and when inflated, interposes between said inner inhalation tube and said outer exhalation tube to prevent cross-contamination of gases while at the same time resisting any back pressure existing in said circuit and simultaneously gas is introduced into said atomizing channel positioned within said outer exhalation tube and thereby introduced into said floatation head of said cartridge to cause negative pressure in said fluid channel drawing fluids within said nebulizer means up through said fluid channel into striking contact with the said atomizing head, thereby to fracture and atomize said fluid prior to entry into said inner inhalation tube such that during the inhalation cycle, gases delivered to the patient through said inner inhalation tube will also pick up atomized medicinal fluids prior to patient inhalation, while exhaled gases will flow through said exhalation unidirectional valve means in countercurrent relation with respect to the gases within said inner inhalation tube and simultaneously during the exhalation cycle said inflatable occlusion means will deflate while simultaneous the gas source for gas in said atomizing channel is cycled off thereby to cease the functioning of the nebulizer during said exhalation cycle, thereby to permit exhaled gases to exit from said circuit.

33. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 32 above, wherein said circuit further includes humidification means in fluid communication with and interposed between said inner inhalation tube and the gas source for said inner inhalation tube, said gas humidification means including a water chamber therein for providing a source of humidity for gases which pass therethrough, said water chamber being surrounded by a heating chamber, said heating chamber being in fluid communication with said outer exhalation tube, whereby gases suitable for patient inhalation are first passed through said gas humidification means thereby to humidify the gas prior to entry into said inner inhalatin tube, and exhaled gases are passed into said heating chamber surrounding said water chamber of said humidification means thereby to utilize the heat contained in the exhaled gases to heat the water contained in said water chamber.

34. The positive pressure breathing circuit as set forth in claim 33 above, wherein said heating chamber is further provided with heat sink means for absorbing and retaining heat from the exhaled gases passing therein during the exhalation cycle.

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