US2641253A - Anesthesia apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 9, 1953 A. E. ENGELDER 2,641,253

ANESTHESI APPARATUS Filed Aug. 7, 1951 2 shawls-sheet 1 IN VEN TOR. K

Jllme 9, 1953 A. E. ENGELDER 2,641,253

ANESTHESIA APPARATUS Filed Aug. '7, -1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Patented June 9, 1953 UNITED STAT-,E15

it? ELNT OFF IGE ANESTHESIA ABPARATUS Arthur E. EngelderyMorenci, Ariz.

- VApplication August 7,

' 26 Claims.

1 Thisiinvention lrelates generally. `to anesthesia :'apparatusof ltherinhalator type. and in particular -to fan vopen-drop mask; of improved construction =for volatile anesthetics.

A primary purpose of the present invention 1 is 'toovercome a particulardisadvantage of .the fopen-drop'- equiprnent, vizi, :the lackl o means to `introduce:oxygen:to the patient: at critical stages ci the' anesthesia process.

f ,fwbrief` statement concerning,` the critical. as- =pects andvarious'stages of anesthesia must abe made fullyfto appreciateethe 4invention vembodied :in the construction disclosedA herein. l During the 1 induction'o-f anesthesiathe most highlf,T developed :funetionsfof-zthe nervous system arefaffected-rst bythe anesthetic'while the .oldest-fand. most primi- "tive functions; includingrespiration and :circulation-vital to life, -aredepressed last. The stages oi'anesthesia have ibeen listedas lfollows:

' l'f'llhestage of altered consciousness.

' 2i The stag-eefexcitement.

3.T-he fstage-of surgics-ilr anesthesia during Hwlfiioh breathing is'deep and reguiarfand `.circulation entirely adequate.

4.. The stage of medullary paralysisin `which l vital functions are Agreatly v depressed andA death .is imminent.

l Absorption ofanesthetic-fsufiicient to inducezthe r-st stagey -effectively abolishes pain. However, HHto el-iniiate involuntary muscular activityin the surgical-patient it-v is necessary to administer anesthetic insuicient quantities to attain. the v1third-stage of anesthesiay` To reach stage 3 suc- Uce'ssful passagerthroughstage 2 isi essential.

.1U Stage the stage of excitement.- is` themost 1 d angerou's'- inI the anesthesia process. This .stage f isfcharacterized byinvoluntary muscular movement; a in-someicases r so l intense as to.` amount -to lexcitement *The patient: is ytotallyunaware of l his :surrounding 4analV of. his inability to cooperate. Respiration slrapidly; impaired to a point. of `ex- `treme oxygen;depletion '=Tlie.:impairment .of respiration isdue tothe `reduction of blood oxygen .anfzhigh:concentration oifthefzanesthetic in the .rhloodf This reduction is caused: in `party-bywthe a actief/hat'. the air. iunderv `the 4mask is. inhaled -zand efilvileorv ieectine a :consumption i of- :oxygen and sty-decrease 1in Aits partial 'pressure wunder the x mask.

. The presentinizention is designedzto correct Jr thisedeoiency. of the open-drop. ether masksaby -makina available l an adequate supply of pure for 1 intermittent :administration during Supplementary oxygen isfnot ordinarily @necessary nstage 3fr in using :openfclrop' masks,

1951, Serial N 0.12403-657 since breathing.; is.` .rresillar. :and: :deepzfendathe patientyis- .completelyV relaxed andersom airs is yrlequate. f It iS. ,2m '.QbiCCU 0f" this DVBIOHTQ.zlQVdQLan i improved.' apparatus for the.. administrations 0f anesthesia -tosurggicalf-Y patients.

Another; yobrect of; this; :invention ist@ me. .ide an, Open-drop' ether :mask @enable Offrsiinplyins oxygen:intermittently tether-patientesnecessary 10 to` preserve life duringthe1 raximinstlationfzof volatile 1 anesthetics.

.Still a further objectofgthisjnventigon,'iswto provide. :an Vo.peu-@ironethermmaskl .arma-ian attachment thereon; :adaptable :to ditec'ozepsre oxygen under the meente-fthe patient-1- Withvut removaly ofA the mask.

Another-object ofZ this inv, 101.1, isytoproyide an..pnenedrop-(etherlmasmm ine. a soul-wwf oxygen as aninteeral .parttlzxeseof l. Altus-ther object ofi,the.nvention;` isqtopnoviole `a .sai e, reliable .anesthesia` apparatus of t,open- 'drormnesk -typeof! light` weight fandnsortable character -andespecially usefulfor Vtemergexglcy purposes-having aysel-vf-containelyoxygen source. D A further object of the invention-risate fproviole an open-,drop ether` mask with afname therel inf to `prevent f the l.exhalation-,` of; they-,patgents lungs -v from interfering with .v4-the. -fadministration of; anesthesia.

y 4Another objectI of the invention, isflto provide a flow indicator Y to -be used in .conjunctionf, ith an open-drop face mask ,to findicatethe tratewof l oxygen,` 110W.

These and` other more specilic objects fwilkap- 35. 'pear uponreading therollowing ,specieationqand claims and upon consideringiin ,oonnectlhthere- `with the amhaohed-y drawings -to which A:the

o Referrinefnow to.the;clravviries; in 'which y -pre terred embodimentv of the:iinuentiorr5 1S,f.l1us @lo -trated:

.-:Eigure l is avieW .npperspectvep-ofi.. .constructed ,infuaccordance Witnth vention positioned. 011;.;t5he4oatients. tace infocrrect positionY for the administration 0i amarres- 45fthetic;

'Figure 2 is a-,top planvlviewoiqthemaskgperlse; Figure 3 is aspartial.section.1 ofrthemaskitaken l Online. Sie-3 of gFig-ure 2;

' Figure 4: is av transverse?sectionalsviewataken 501;.on lineli-i-liofFignre 2 showinginfdetab'the .needle valve :controlling `.tlieiloxivf of4 oxygen tothe A,mask

it Figure 5 is a crossfsectionalviewthrought-an :adapter` the :use of: which;enables@theepeny-drop F15-masia constructeriA in .accordance-:withthefpresent open-drop ether mask embodying an interior gasf.

directing baille;

Figure l is a transverse cross-section through the mask illustrated in Figure 9; and

Figure ll illustrates the baiiie incorporated in the embodiment of the mask illustrated in Figures 9 and l0 but in a flattened condition.

Referring again to the drawings, and to Figure 1 in particular, the mask constructed in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by the reference character Ii and is seen to comprise a contoured open-drop ether mask proper I2, an oxygen container I4, and a T-shaped member I3 connecting container I4 to the mask proper for the purpose of conveying oxygen therebetween. The mask proper I2 includes a metallic peripheral ring I6 contoured on its lower surface to conform to the anatomical features of the human face, being curved at I'I and I3 to rit the curvatures of the nose and chin, respectively. Seated upon the inner edge of ring IG is a hemispherical wire gauze dome IS curving outwardly from the face.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, ring IG is seen to have a groove 2l in its peripheral surface shaped to receive and seat an endless coil spring ring 22. In condition for use several layers of cotton gauze 23 are placed over dome I9 and are held rmly in place by the spring 22 which clamps their edges in the groove 2|. A small finger indentation 25s is formed in ring I6 at the bottom of groove 2l so that the operator may slip his linger under the spring 22 for easy removal of the spring.

A passage 26 extends through ring I6 at the chin sector, its inner end being positioned above the line of contact of the ring with the face and being directed toward the oral and nasal passages. threaded and seats the threaded end 23 of arm 2 of the T-shaped attachment member I3. Arm 2l extends at right angles from body 29 which forms the other arm of attachment member I3, both arms being interiorly bored along their respective axes as shown..

Referring to Figure 4, it isseen that body 2B is interiorly threaded at 33a to seat a centrally bored guide plug 29a formed with an end flange 29o to abut the end of the attachment member. An elongated rigid piercing needle 34 projects through bore of guide plug 29a and is exteriorly threaded along part of its length at 34a to seat in threaded seat 35a of interior abutment 35 in body 29., dividing the latter into two chambers 3de and 30h. A cup-shaped control cap 3| telescopically enclosing one end of body 23 has its end wall formed with a small bore 33 seating the end of needle 34. A shoulder 36 on the needle abuts the inside face of the cap end wall and xes the relative positions. The inner endof guide plug 29a is recessed to form a frusto conical seat 3l surrounding the inner end of bore 36. A conforming resilient seal 38 is seated in seat 31 and is centrally apertured to receive nee- The outer end of passages 26 is interiorly dle 34 as it extends inwardly and to seal the bore 30. The internal pressure in body 29 acting on the face of seal 38 will cause the seal to seat firmly in seat 3l and around needle 34. Piercing needle 34 is formed for a part of its length with an axial bore 39 and is tapered to a sharp point 4I at its end spaced from the cap 3|. A small radial port 42 is positioned in needle 34 at a distance from its tapered end and connects to its interior bore 39. Port 42 is so located as to open within the threaded seat 35a.

Body 29 is interiorly threaded at 40 at its end spaced from the cap 3I to receive and seat an exteriorly threaded nipple 43 of the disposable container I4 lled with oxygen under pressure. An annular rubber washer 134 on nipple 43 compressed between the end of member 29 and the neck of container I4 forms a seal to prevent gas leakage. In its new unused condition the cartridge is sealed by a lead sealing element 46 at the end of nipple 43 adapted to be pierced by needle 34. Small disposable Oxygen cartridges of this type normally carry oxygen under pressures ranging from 2000 to 4000 pounds per square inch.

Rotation of control cap 3I rotates needle 34 in its threaded seat 35A to advance or retract the needle toward or from lead sealing element 46. When the needle has fully pierced sealing element 46 oxygen flows through needle bore 39 and through port 42. The high pressure of the oxygen in the cartridge forces it through threaded seat 35a and into chamber 30a of member 29 leading to interiorly bored arm 2'I and the face mask. Threaded seat 35a and the close fitting needle 34 act as a throttling valve and as oxygen passes therethrough its pressure is greatly reduced. Some of the oxygen will pass in the opposite direction and into chamber 30B where it is retained by resilient seal 38. The resultant back pressure formed in chamber 361) and the fact that port 42 is in nearer proximity to chamber 30a tends to reduce the amount of oxygen flowing to chamber 30h relative to that flowing f to the mask.

. such an adapter 4l is illustrated and is seen t0 comprise a tube exteriorly threaded at one end at 48, beyond an encircling peripheral shoulder 49, as to be capable of engaging the threads 4D of body 29. The opposite end of the adapter is formed with an exterior circumferential bead 5I but is otherwise smooth. When in position the shoulder 49 of the adapter clamps the seal 44 against the end of body 29 forming a sealed joint. The oxygen delivery tube is adapted to slip over the unthreaded end of the adapter and is resistingly retained by bead 5I. The flow of oxygen through delivery tube and adapter to the face mask would be controlled by conventional means forming no part of the present invention.

In its preferred form the open-drop ether mask unit constructed in accordance with the present invention embodies a flow meter to indicate the flow of oxygen to the mask and to measure roughly its rate. Figures 6, 7 and 8 are i1lustrative of preferred embodiments of such a device. Figures 6 and also illustrate a modified form of metering valve and piercing means which through aperture 94 in splash plate 93 to passage 98 and then through nipple IDI to the attached face mask.

The flow indicators serve to convey intelligence that the seal of the cartridge I4 has been pierced and that oxygen is actually ilowing to the face mask. In addition it indicates the rate of oxygen flow. An increase in the size and number of the oxygen bubbles indicates an increase in rate of oxygen flow. Conversely a reduction in their size and number indicates a decrease in oxygen flow. If no -bubbles are visible in the indicator there is no ilow of oxygen.

It may also be viewed as desirable to modify the interior of the face mask to minimize the interference of exhaled gas with the administration of anesthetic and oxygen by the incorporation of a baille, as illustrated in Figures 9, l and 11.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 in particular, a baille H2, constructed as illustrated in Figure ll, is shown positioned in va face mask I2A constructed in accordance with the present invention. The wire gauze dome ISA is contoured as to curve farther from the patients face to provide for the baille. In other respects the mask proper may be viewed as identical to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, its face ring ISA being contoured at I'IA and ISA, respectively, to conform with the patients chin and nose.

The baille I I 2 in a preferred form is constructed of a small -gauge sheet metal plate resistant, of course, to corrosion by fluids and gases. Referring to Figure l1, the baille is seen to -be formed with four laterally extending tabs or legs, indicated by reference characters II3, H4, I I5 and Ill, which are adapted to be bent down at their point of juncture with the baille main body. The latter is shaped to form a shallow channel IIS along its longitudinal center line. The baffle tabs should be suiliciently longl to position the baffle well above the patientsnose.

Referring to Figures 9 and l0, it is seen that the baille tabs lie along the inside of dome ISA with their lower ends resting on the mask ring ISA adjacent the line of connection of the wire dome I9A. The stress induced in the tabs When they are bent to conform to the curvature of the dome retains them in place in the mask. The peripheral edge of the baille abuts the dome ISA of the mask in the chin and cheek areas dividing the dome into upper and lower spaces. The surface of the dome above the baille, indicated by reference character I2I, is denominated the vaporizing surface; while its surface below the baille, indicated by reference character I 22, is identified as the peripheral or expiration zone. The anesthetic is applied by the operator only to the vaporizing 'surface I2I by allowing liquid anesthetic to drip thereon.

The anesthetic vaporizes at the vaporizing surface I 2| and the vapor descends toward the patients face. In the absence of the baille the exhaled gas from the patients lungs would be directed against the vaporizing surface and vaporized anesthetic would be -blowninto the'ambient atmosphere. With the baille in place, however, the expired gases are directed laterally outwardly through the expiration zone I 22.

Anesthetic vapor descends from the vaporizing surface I2I and is deflected along the upper surface of baille H2 to the end thereof which will normally be positioned above the `narrow portion of the patients nose where its periphery i's wire gauze dome ISA. As the patient inhales the vapor is drawn over this edge to the space below the baille and so into the patients lungs. Oxygen port 26A in ring IBA is positioned below the baille and if oxygen is needed it enters through 4port 26A at a point under the baille adjacent the mouth and chin of the patient.

It should be noted that a baille constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention can be utilized in conventional opendrop ether masks.

In the operation of the face mask constructed in accordance with the present invention, reference being made particularly to the rst embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, the unit is first prepared for use. Coil spring ring 22 is removed from groove 2I in metal ring I6 by grasping the spring 22 at indentation 24 in face ring I6. The `layers 'of cotton gauze 23 are laid over wire dome I9, the edges extending into the ring groove 2i. Coil spring 22 is then repositioned in groove 2I over the edge of the cotton gauze layers to clamp the latter rmly in place. If the oxygen container I4 is discharged it may readily be replaced by unthreading its threaded nipple 43 from attachment member 29, accomplished by rotating the entire container and threading a new container in place. Before installing a new container care must be taken to see that cup member 3I is turned back to its extreme outer position so that the sharpened end 4I of piercing needle 34 is spaced from the sealing element 46 in nipple 43 of the new container. After installation of a fresh oxygen container the mask is ready for operation.

To prepare the flow indicator illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 for use the indicator and metering valve assembly 52 is unthreaded from nipple which threadedly connects the assembly to the contour ring at its threaded channel 28. Transparent shell 'lr6 is threaded off its cooperating threads 'I4 on body 53, inverted and partially filled with indicating fluid, and then is threaded back onto the shell.

The indicator and metering valve assembly 52 is then reconnected to the contour ring I6 by threading nipple 85 in channel 26 of the ring. The level of the iluid I9 in the indicator should be substantially below the upper end of standpipe 84.

To prepare the flow indicator illustrated in Figure 8 for use the metering valve means is iirst disconnected at nipple IUI from contour ring I t. The flow indicator 8B, if empty, is disassembled by removing top wall 9i, retaining ring 91 and splash plate 93, and fluid, which may be water, is poured into the indicator which is then reassembled. The water level should be just below splash plate 93. Nipple IUI is again threadedly seated in seat 28 of the contour ring and the now indicator 83 is threaded on its opposite end Then connecting nipple I04 of metering valve and piercing means |06 is threaded in its seat |03 in bottom plate 89 to afx the metering valve and cartridge-piercing means to the flow indicator. A fresh oxygen container I4 may then be threaded into the cartridge-Dierng means |06, care being taken to see first that the piercing needle is backed away so that it will not pierce the cartridge seal, and the unit is ready for use.-

In preparing for use a mask employing a gasdirecting baille the baille II2 is positioned in the interior of the mask by flexing it centrally to give the curvature shown in'the drawings and then it 'is ymanually placed in the maslc'withitsz..legs

M3, Ii1l',.ilt andll positioned. overfthejuncf:

tion of the doine HBA. with the facexring IEA.

When the baille is released theends oi legs lit.

iili, lit and il? springdownwardlyfinto theline of juncture of domefand. thering as the baille tends to flatten out and retain-the baille rigidlyv in the mask.

In the event disposable oxygenl cartridges oi"` the character described are not available;bulk'y oxygen may be utilized withthe maslcso that itA will perform its oxygenatingfunction.- Ifthe' use of bulkoxygen is-necessary. the adapter illustrated inl Figure 5, may be usedf- Cartridge. it is first removed from its seat in the metering valve and piercingneedleassembly .body it. and.. the threaded end of adapter lll iis-:seated there-4 in. A flexible oxygen .tube is then sipped over the free end oi the adapter andy is resistifngly,re-l tained thereon by circuniierentiallbead 5t and oxygen from a bulls source flows throughthe tube tothe mask. and inetering valyeineans in the bodyflicannot perform their nowmontrolling supplemental valveineans are reduired.-v Such supplemental. Valve i means could' comprisev a valve or clamp inl-the iiexible tube.'-

ln an example or" the actual use of the lpres-` ent invent-ionv the patient `is insti-prepared v-or surgery and'placed in a reclining position-,face

upiifard.v The massisv then-fitted on the patients face and anesthetic applied by permitting drops ofr ether totali on the cottongauze Vfabric lit stretched over the-domeliiof 'tlic-irnask.A The anesthetic -in the saturated iabricvaporizes and passes through tneiabricto the patientst mouth and nose beneath the mask where it is inhaled. At the critical stage'of the anesthesia process, and when oxygen is desired for the patient,- cap 3i is threaded on cross-member Eil-to advance the piercing needle 3d `longitudinallyin the bore of cross-rneinber 2i); The needle penetrates the sealing element QG and enters the interior of the container iii. Immediately the oxygen therein, being under pressure, rushes through the needle bore 39 and yport tinto the interior of member 291 news through nppleri'i `to the port '26 to raise the partial pressure oi' oxygen under the mask;

lia flow indicator ofthe type illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 or 8 is utilized, the oxygen, after being released bythe piercing needle and metering'yalve means, passesthrough the indicator and then to the interior of theface mask. The size and ynumber of bubbles, of oxygen in the indicating uid, as viewed'tlirough the transparent Wall'o the indicaton'indicate the presence of and the rate of now--V of oxygen tothe face mask.

It" a mask embodying a gas-directing baille is being used, the anesthetic is allowed-to drop on the cotton gauze fabric'covering the forarninous deine Where itvaporizes.v Two-'distinct non-'interfering `gas flow patterns are created. The vaporized anesthetic induced by the patients inhalation passes'through the mask land is directed by the baille toward-the upper-narrow part of the patients nose Where thebaiiie is spaced-from the gauze-covered dome. The vapor-thenfpasses over-the edge of the bailley andmay be dra-wn into `the nose ormouth upon the patientinhaling;

Duringvtlie-exhalationiphase the flow. ofyapor` along thegbaiiezslows down; while the expired f gases i from; thea` patients lungs i aremliiected-v by v thev bande ;-la;teral1y ythrough the 1 .peripheraln zones-75 tures of thefhuman Obviously the `ygiiercing needle functions and- F-rom the interior ofl member 29 the oxygenv Liclr 'Gilt 'ila s .initially pierced bythe needle in seal loi221 otithesmask tothe ambient atmosphere. It isseen that: the baffie decreases the interference norinally'presented by exhalation or the patients lungs .to vthe descendingflow of etnen when the partial, pressure of the oxygen in i areadvanced out of sealing element lil-.the useota metering valve employing a solid. piercing needle of the type shown in Fig ure. 8 'the flow of oxygen `may be y iusting the position of needle te in the aperture lThe flow may-be rdecreased by advancing the tapered end of the needle into its hole and be cut oil' entirely by seating-the needle firmly in the hole.

While therparticular apparatus herein shown 4 anddescribed in detail is i'uliy capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbeiore stated, it is to be understood that it ismerely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended tothe details of construction or design herein shown other than as dened' inv the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In an open-drop type ether mask, a mask proper including'a porous absorbent surface, a

pressurized oxygen container mounted on and portablycarried by said mast; proper and connected interiorly by a fluid-conducting to a point opening interiorly of said porous absorbent surface, and a manually controlled Valve to control the flow. of oxygen frein said containerl and 'through said passa-ge.v

2. loan open-.drop type ether mash, a ring contoured to conform tothe anatomical features ofgthehurnan face and yto surround the oral and nasaldareas thereof, perforated deine seated on said ring curving. outwardly from oral and nasal areas and adapted to support covering absorbentrnajterial, saidy ring being formed with a `channel:ton'eceive the marginal edge of said material, a coil spring seated in said channel to said` absorbentrnaterial to said dome, a

tubular member connected to said ring and in teriorly connected therethrough to the space under said dome, a supply oi pure oxygen consaid perforated denic, and means to anla said abscrbent-inatei'ial to dome, Ka container of oxygen, a vtubular meint-ie" mounting said container, on saidring, passage in said ring connecting'said tubular rneinber with the space beneath said-dome, and valve means to control the flow of oxygenroin said lcontainer to said deine.

ai In". an open-drop type ether ina-sk, a ring' con-touredto-corerin with the anatomical fea-` I, Vatar-eas of the face, absorbentv material overlying tlieentire exterior suraoe of face surrounding the oral and nasal passages thereof and adapted to provide a substantially air-tight seal with the face, a perforated dome curving outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face and attached to said ring, absorbent material covering the entire exterior surface of said perforated dome, means to hold said absorbent material against said dome, a disposable pressurized container of oxygen, a tubular member aflixing said container rigidly to said ring and adapted to convey oxygen from said container to the space underneath said dome, and valve means adaptable to control the iiow of oxygen from said container to said dome.

5. In an open-drop type ether mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human face surrounding the oral and nasal areas thereof, the lower surface of said ring being adapted to provide a substantially air-tight seal with the face, a continuous groove in the peripheral surface, a perforated dome curving outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face and attached to said ring, layers of absorbent material covering the entire exterior surface of said perforated dome, the edge thereof lying in said groove in said ring, a coil spring ring seating in said groove in said ring and overlying the edge of said material to aflix said material to said dome, a pressurized container of oxygen, a tubular member affixing said container rigidly to said ring and adapted to convey oxygen therefrom to the space underneath said dome, and valve means to contrel the how of oxygen to said dome.

6. In an open-drop type ether mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human face surrounding the oral and nasal areas thereof, the lower surface of said ring being adapted to seat in air-tight relationship with the face, said ring being formed with a continuous groove in its outer surface, a foraminous dome curving outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face and attached to the inner and upper edge of said ring, layers of absorbent material lying on and covering the entire exterior surface of said dome with their edges extended in said groove, a coil spring ring resiliently retaining the edges of said layers in said groove to afhx said absorbent material relative to said dome, a disposable pressurized container of oxygen having threaded nipple filled with a closure element, a T-shaped tubular attachment member removably seating the threaded nipple of said container and mounted rigidly on said ring, said attachment being formed with a passage to direct oxygen from said container to said ring, said ring being formed with a passage extended from its exterior to its interior, a hollow needle adjustably seated in said attachment member and mounted for movement toward and from said nipple, said needle being adapted to penetrate said closure element to release said oxygen from said container into said attachment.

7. In an open-drop type face mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human Iface surrounding the oral and nasal areas thereof, the lower surface of said ring being adapted to seat in air-tight relationship with the face, a passage constructed from the outer radial surface of said face ring to the inner radial surface thereof, the outer end of said passage being threaded to receive the threaded end of the conduit arm of a hollow attachment member, a disposable pressurized oxygen container having a threaded nipple thereon removably seated on said attachment member and supported thereby with respect to said ring, said nipple being sealed by a displaceable closure element, a manually adjustable hollow needle movably carried by said attachment member toward and from penetrating relationship with said closure element to release oxygen from the said pressurized container into said attachment member and therethrough into said passage in said ring, a foraminous dome curving outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face and attached to the inner and upper edge of said ring, absorbent material covering the entire surface of said foraminous dome, a circular groove constructed in the outer surface of said ring seating the marginal edges of said material, and a coil spring ring cooperating with said circular groove to aflix said absorbent layers to said ring and dome.

8. In an open-drop type face mask, a rigid body contoured to seat on the patients face around the oral and nasal areas and including a support to retain absorbent material to form a vaporizing surface above said areas, an oxygen cartridge, an attachment member xed to said body and formed with a seat supporting the mouth of said cartridge, said attachment member and said body being formed with oxygen-conducting connecting passages extended from the mouth of said cartridge to a point inside said body and its connected vaporizing surface and adjacent said oral and nasal areas, and a manually adjustable valve carried by said attachment member controlling the now of oxygen through said passages.

9. The construction recited in claim 8 characterized in that said cartridge includes a sealing element in its mouth, and in that said valve comprises a hollowY needle, a rotatable cap rigidly supporting said hollow needle, said cap adjustably mounted on said attachment member for movement between a position in which said needle penetrates said sealing element and extends into said cartridge to release oxygen from said cartridge through said passages to a point under said vaporizing surface and a position in which said needle is positioned entirely exteriorly of said cartridge.

l0. In an open-drop type ether mask, a mask proper, a` pressurized oxygen container mounted on and portably carried by said mask proper and connected interiorly by a fluid-conducting passage to a bubble-type flow indicator portably carried by said mask, a huid-conducting passage connectingr said iiow indicator to the interior of said mask, and a manually controlled valve portably carried by said mask to control the flow of oxygen from said container and through said passages and flow indicator.

ll. In an open-drop ether mask, a mask proper with a gas-directing bale positioned therein. a pressurized oxygen container mounted on and portably carried by said mask proper and connected interiorly through a fluid-conducting passage to a point opening interiorly thereof, and a manually controlled valve portably carried on said mask proper to control the flow of oxygen from said container and through said passage.

l2. In an open-drop ether mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human face and to surround the oral and nasal areas thereof, a perforated dome seated on said ring curving outwardly from said oral and nasal areas, and adapted to support covering absorbent material, said ring being formed with a channel to receive the marginal edge of said material, a coil spring seated in said channel to affix said absorbent material to said dome, a gasassunta:

directing-,bane positioned Within --said .,dome; a tubularmember. connected to: said ring. and inte riorlyconnected' therethrough' to the 'space under i saidf dome, a liquid typezilowsindicator connected to said tube to indicatethe presenceand' rate' of. new of gas therethrough, a supply'fofoxygen cone.; nected to said flow'indicator, and a valve to control the how-ofoxygen fromsaidsupply'throughsaid indicator.

13. In an open-drop typernas1:,abcidy` con-fr toured' to seat onthe: patients fa-cearound the oralvand nasal areas, including a support toretain absorbent materialabove said areas, an attachment'member including manually controlled valve means secured to saldi body, a flow indicating' device having a transparent housing adapted toifbe partially nlled Withvliquid lmounted onl saidl attachment member, an oxygen cartridge seated in saidattachment member, connecting interior passages-.in said cartridge, said attachment mem'- ber; said indicator andl said bodyw arranged to direct and convey oxygenl from said cartridgeA through said attachment member, said indicator, and saidv bodyvto a point within said face mask, saidvalve-means beingpositioned to control the` flow of oxygen.

la; Ani anesthesia mask of the open-drop'type including `a face-contactingring and a porous dome vvpositionedthereon tov supporty absorbent material, meansto supply oxygen 4to the interior of said mask comprising a disposable pressurized container of oxygen `having a nipple and a dis-- placeable sealing element positioned in said nip-` ple closing saidcontainer,` a T-shaped tubular attachment member removably seating the nipple-of said container and mounted: rigidly on said face-contacting ring, said attachment being formed with a passage to direct oxygen from said container to said ring, said ring being formed witha-seat orsaid attachment member and with a passage extendingy therethrough, a needle adjustably seated in said attachment member and mounted'formovement'toward and from saidnipple, said needlebeing adapted to penetrate said -seal-ing element and to bebackedtherefrom to releaseA said oxygen from said container throughA said punct-ured sealing elementY to pass` through'said attachment member and through'l said ring passage to the interior of said mask.

15. Ananesthesia mask or the open-drop type includinga face-contacting ring and aV porous dome positioned thereon` to support absorbent material, a gas-directing baffle comprising a' plate positiened beneath said dome and a plurality of legsrconnected--to'said'plateand supported at their lower ends by said face ringto space said plate'i'rom the patients face, said baie directing the air-exhaled from `the patients lungs laterally and away -iromfanesthesia vapor descending downwardly from the surface of said dome'l 15s-Iman anesthesia maskV or theopen-drop typafa face-contacting ring adaptedto carry a porous dome to support absorbent material and formedwith` a gas conduit connecting itsy interior and .ex-teriorsurfaces; meansr to supply oxygen to the interior-oi said mask below said'idome comprisingi a disposablecartridge having a nipple and a displaceable sealing elementpositioned in said` nipple lto close said cartridge,` a tubular attach--r ment vmem-ber lmountingl said cartridge andY including valve means to control they flow of oxygenV frornsaidcartridge through said nipple, an oxygenriow' indicator comprising a transparent side',l wall and 'top an'dtbottom'walls threadedly seatedL insa-id sidewall -to form/'a huid containerV adapted to. :be .partially L lle'df with :indicating `fluid, 'f said:

indicator being rigidly mountedat its bottom Wall'. to said attachment member, said bottom wall being formed-:vvit'h a gas inletv connecting said container in'jteriorly tou said attachment member,

saidv topi. Wall `.being -iorined,withY gas outlet,A` a

threaded nipple` int'eriorly connecting said gas outlet Vwith saidl conduit inV said face-contacting ringgicharacterized inv that said valvemeans are manually/'operable to' control the new of oxygen from said Apressurized container rthrough said. tu bularmember toi-'said` indicator andthence to said face 'rigs-the sizeand' number of bubblesappe'aring' inffsaidindicator when containing luid andi i .jlponioxygen" passing therethrough indicating the presence and rate of flow.

i7. In an open-drop type-ether mask, va ring contoured to conform in substantially air-tight relationship tothe anatomical features of the human face around the oral and'- nasal passages,

a perforated dome attached to said ring contouredtof-curve outwardly from the oral and nasal lareas of yther-ace upon which said ring is positioned, absorbent material overlying the eX- teriorsurface or said dome, indicating means a p2 sagein said ring connecting said tubular member with the space beneath said dome, a spi h plate positioned in said hollow cylinder above thenormal fluid level, said second end Wall being centrally formed with a minute uid passage enlarged `at its outer end, a wafer of felt overlying said second end Wall within said indicater toiretain said indicating liquid therein, a second tubular member connected to the fluid passage in said second end Wall, a container of oxygen connected to said indicating device through said second tubular member, and a valve to controlthe now of oxygen from said container, through said indicating device to said dome, the presence and rate of oxygen flow being indicated by the appearance and quantity of Oxygen bubbles appearingwithin said indicator.

18. Irl-an open-drop typeether mash, a ring contoured to-conforrn to the anatomical. features of the human face and to surround the oral nasal areas thereof, a laterally projecting body connected to said ring, said body including a first projecting abutment formed with exterior threads, an interiorly threaded cap rotatably seated on said rst abutment, a .fc-ing needle carriedby said cap extended through said :rst abutment and adapte-d to be advanced and :retracted by therotationof said cap, an elongated chamber in said body to receive said` needle,

chamber being interiorly threaded opposite said body, a,transparent housing seatedrigidly on said` secondv .abutment and formed with a closure `wallspaced'therefrom,y said housing forming, with said second abutment an. indicator chamber adapted.

- to bepartiallylled with an indicating liquid, an

inlet passage formed in said body connecting said chamber to the interior of said indicator and adapted to convey gas therebetween, a stand pipe rigidly seated in said second abutment and projecting into said indicator to a point above the surface of said indicating liquid, a duct in said body interiorly connecting said standpipe at its seat in said second abutment to the said ring, said standpipe and said duct being adapted to convey oxygen from the interior of said indicator to said ring, a perforated dome seated on said ring curving outwardly from said oral and nasal areas, said ring being formed with an encircling channel to receive the marginal edge of absorbent material overlying said dome, and a removable coil spring seated in said channel to secure said absorbent material to said dome.

19. In combination in an open-drop ether mask unit; a mask proper including a ring contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nasal and oral passages, a convex dome carried by said ring, and absorbent material overlying said dome; an oxygen-providing unit including a body mounted on said ring and formed interiorly as a valve chamber, an oxygen cartridge including a sealed mouth carried by said body with its mouth exposed to said valve chamber, an adjustable cartridge-piercing element carried by said body and movable to pierce said cartridge to permit the oxygen therein to enter said valve cylinder, a manually operable member carried by said body to adjust said piercing element; and gas conduits connecting said valve chamber to a position on said ring below said dome.

2G. The construction recited in claim 19 characterized in that said gas conduits include an oxygen 'flow indicator.

21. A valve of the type adapted to control the how of oxygen from a pressurized container having a penetrable sealing element to an open-drop anesthesia mask comprising a hollow tubular member interiorly threaded at one end to seat the neck of a pressurized oxygen container, said tubular member being exterior-ly threaded at its opposite end, an axially bored piercing needle formed with a lateral port, said needle projecting into said hollow tubular member and toward an oxygen container seated in said hollow tubular member, said needle threadedly seating in said hollow tubular member in a seat formed therein, a manually rotatable cap fixed on said needle opposite its piercing end, said needle having an ex teriorly threaded shank and said tubular member being provided with an interiorly threaded shoulder to seat the threaded shank of said needle, said lateral post of said needle opening to said threaded connection of said shank and said shoulder, said needle being advanced in said tubular member to and from piercing relationship with the sealing element of said container upon the rotation of said cap, characterized in that oxygen ows from said container through said needle and out of its lateral port to and through said threads and into said attachment member in certain adjustable positions, and characterized further in that the passage of oxygen through said threads tends to reduce the pressure of the oxygen.

22. In an open-drop ether mask a face-contacting ring, a convex dome carried by said ring to support absorbent material in spaced relationship to the oral and nasal areas of the human face, and a baie underlying said dome and dividing its interior into upper and lower chambers connected only at one end of said baiiie whereby exhaled gases are directed laterally through the walls of Cit said dome forming the lower chamber and vaporized anesthetic is free to pass from said upper chamber to said lower chamber at said one end.

23. The construction recited in claim 22 characterized in that said baffle includes integral supporting legs seated on said face-contacting ring.

24. In an open-drop type ether mask, a ring contoured to conform in substantially air-tight relationship to the anatomical features of the human face around the oral and nasal passages, a perforated dome attached to said ring contoured to curve outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face upon which said ring is positioned, absorbent material overlying the exterior surface of said dome, a gas-directing baille positioned within said dome, indicating means comprising a transparent hollow cylinder interiorly htreaded at its opposite ends, first and second circular end walls seated in said cylinder and forming therewith an enclosed chamber adapted to be partially lled with gas flow ndicating uid, said first end Wall being formed with a minute fluid passage which extends therethrough and is enlarged and threaded at its outer end, a tubular member seating in said enlargement and aiixing said indicator vertically on said face ring, a passage in said ring connecting said tubular member with the space beneath said dome, a splash plate positioned in said hollow cylinder above the normal fluid level, said second end wall being centrally formed with a minute uid passage enlarged at its outer end, a wafer of felt overlying said second end wall within said indicator to retain said indicating liquid therein, a second tubular member connected to the iluid passage in said second end wall, a container of oxygen connected to said indicating device through said second tubular member, and a valve to control the ow of oxygen from said container, through said indicating device to said dome, the presence and rate of oxygen flow being indicated by the appearance and quantity of oxygen bubbles appearing within said indicator.

25. In an open-drop type ether mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human face and to surround the oral and nasal areas thereof, a laterally projecting body connected to said ring, said body including a first projecting abutment formed with exterior threads, an interiorly threaded cap rotatably seated on said iirst abutment, a piercing needle carried by said cap extended through said first abutment and adapted to be advanced and retracted by the rotation of said cap, an elongated chamber in said body to receive said needle, said chamber being interiorly threaded opposite said needle, a conventional oxygen container seated in the interior threads of said chamber and including a threaded neck having a closure wall positioned to be pierced by said needle to release contained oxygen, a second abutment formed on said body, a transparent housing seated rigidly on said second abutment and formed with a closure wall spaced therefrom, said housing forming with said second abutment an indicator chamber adapted to be partially lled with an indicating liquid, an inlet passage formed in said body connecting said chamber to the interior of said indicator and adapted to convey gas therebetween, a standpipe rigidly seated in said second abutment and projecting into said indicator to a point above the surface of said indicating liquid, a duct in said body interiorly connecting said standpipe at its seat in said second abutment to the said ring, said standpipe and said duct being adapted to convey oxygen from the interior of said indicator to said ring, a perforated dome seated on said ring curving outwardly from said oral and nasal areas, said ring being formed with an encircling channel to receive the marginal edge of absorbent material overlying said dome, a removable coil spring seated in said channel to secure said absorbent material to said dome, and =a gas-directing baffle positioned Within said perforated dome.

26. ln an open-drop type ether mask, a ring contoured to conform to the anatomical features of the human face surrounding the oral and nasal areas thereof, the lower surface of said ring being adapted to seat in air-tight relationship with the face, said ring being formed With a continuous groove in its outer surface, a foraininous dome curving outwardly from the oral and nasal areas of the face and attached to the inner and upper edge of said ring, layers of absorbent material lying on and covering the entire exterior surface of said dome with their edges extended in said groove, a coil spring ring resiliently retaining the edges of said layers in said groove to afx said absorbent material relative to said dome, a gas-directing baille positioned Within said perforated dome, a disposable pressurized container of oxygen having threaded nipple lled with a closure element, a T-shaped tubular attachment member removably seating the threaded nipple of said container and mounted rigidly on said ring, said attachment being formed with a passage to direct oxygen from said container to said ring, said ring being formed with a passage extended from its exterior to its interior, and a hollow needle Iadjustably seated in said attachment member and mounted for movement toward and from said nipple, said needle being adapted to penetrate said closure element to release said oxygen from said container into said attachment.

ARTHUR E. ENGELDER.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,359,312 Bardwell Nov. 16, 1920 1,974,843 Blasheld Sept. 25, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 107,990 Great Britain July 26, 1917 494,173 Great Britain Oct. 21, 1938

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