Apparatus and method for ventilating and aspirating

Claim 2

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion; a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion, said directional barrier carrying detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter when said tip is moved to the proximity of said directional barrier from a location closer to said distal end portion; and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion.

Claim 3

An adapter according to claim 1, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 4

An adapter according to claim 2, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 5

An adapter according to claim 1, wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior and comprises a normally closed valving structure.

Claim 6

An adapter according to claim 4, wherein said normally closed valve structure is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure.

Claim 7

An adapter according to claim 4, wherein said directional barrier is structured to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion.

Claim 8

An adapter according to claim 6, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 9

An adapter according to claim 7, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 10

An adapter according to claim 1, wherein said structural means comprises: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion; and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 11

An adapter according to claim 9, wherein said introducer structure comprises: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier.

Claim 12

An adapter according to claim 10 wherein said interior passageway is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 13

An adapter according to claim 10, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 14

An adapter according to claim 9, wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior and comprises a normally closed valving structure.

Claim 15

An adapter according to claim 13, wherein said introducer structure comprises: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier.

Claim 16

An adapter according to claim 14, wherein said interior passageway includes an entry which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 17

An adapter according to claim 14, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 18

An adapter according to claim 16, wherein said directional barrier is structured to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion and between said proximal end portion and said catheter carrier.

Claim 19

An adapter according to claim 17, wherein said normally closed valve structure is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure.

Claim 20

An adapter according to claim 17, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 21

An adapter according to claim 19, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 22

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior: a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior, and comprises a normally closed valving structure which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure; detection means carried by said valve structure and constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion.

Claim 23

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior: a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior, and comprises a normally closed valving structure which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure; detection means carried by said valve structure and constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion.

Claim 24

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion and between said proximal end portion and a catheter carrier against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion, wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior and comprises: a normally closed valving structure which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure, and which carries detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion and comprising: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion; and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter, introducer structure, said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion and comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter: and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion

Claim 25

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion and between said proximal end portion and a catheter carrier against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion, wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior and comprises: a normally closed valving structure which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of a catheter as a said catheter is passed from said proximal end portion towards said distal end portion though said valve structure, and which carries detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion and comprising: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion; and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter, introducer structure, said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion and comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter: and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion

Claim 26

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion: and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion and comprising: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion: and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier; and a fluid collector carried by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 27

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion, and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion but to pass a said catheter introduced through said proximal end portion: and structural means for associating a catheter with said proximal end, said structural means being releasably connectable to said proximal end portion and comprising: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion: and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier; and a fluid collector carried by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 28

An adapter according to claim 23, wherein said chamber is structured as a hollow cylindrical extension from said trailing end portion, and said closing member is structured as an end panel of said extension with a central opening adapted to receive a catheter in friction-slipping engagement.

Claim 29

An adapter according to claim 24, wherein said end panel comprises a removable cap structured and arranged to effect a sealed closure of said cylindrical extension.

Claim 30

An adapter according to claim 24, wherein said directional barrier is configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior and comprises a normally closed valving structure.

Claim 31

An adapter according to claim 26, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 32

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wail; a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion, said directional barrier carrying detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 33

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wail; a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion, said directional barrier carrying detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 34

An adapter according to claim 28, wherein said introducer structure comprises: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier.

Claim 35

An adapter according to claim 29, wherein said interior passageway includes an entry which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 36

An adapter according to claim 29, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 37

An adapter according to claim 31, wherein said directional barrier is structured to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion and between said proximal end portion and said catheter carrier.

Claim 38

An adapter according to claim 28, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 39

An adapter according to claim 28, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 40

An adapter according to claim 28, wherein said directional barrier comprises a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure.

Claim 41

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion, wherein said directional barrier comprises a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure, and said valve structure carries detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion.

Claim 42

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion, wherein said directional barrier comprises a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure, and said valve structure carries detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion.

Claim 43

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall: a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure: and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion: and a fluid collector carded by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 44

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall: a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure: and a directional barrier carded by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, and to pass a catheter introduced through said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion: and a fluid collector carded by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 45

An adapter according to claim 37, wherein said chamber is structured as a hollow cylindrical extension from said trailing end portion, and said closing member is structured as an end panel of said extension with a central opening adapted to receive a catheter in friction-slipping engagement.

Claim 46

An adapter according to claim 38, wherein said end panel comprises a removable cap structured and arranged to effect a sealed closure of said cylindrical extension.

Claim 47

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said directional barrier carrying detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end.

Claim 48

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said directional barrier carrying detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end.

Claim 49

An assembly according to claim 40, wherein said introducer structure comprises: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier.

Claim 50

An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said interior passageway includes an entry which is constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 51

An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said exterior surface of said introducer tip and said directional barrier are mutually adapted to effect a sealed relationship when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion.

Claim 52

An assembly according to claim 43, wherein said directional barrier is structured to effect a resilient seal against an internal surface of said continuous wall of said proximal end portion and between said proximal end portion and said catheter carrier.

Claim 53

An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 54

An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 55

An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said directional barrier comprises a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure.

Claim 56

An assembly according to claim 40 wherein said catheter carries indicia, and said manifold body includes a transparent window portion positioned so that said indicia are viewable through said window portion as said catheter is moved parallel the axis of said manifold body.

Claim 57

An assembly according to claim 48, wherein said indicia comprise markings carried by the exterior surface of said catheter.

Claim 58

An assembly according to claim 48, wherein said manifold assembly includes a ventilation port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said ventilation port having a central axis transverse the central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 59

An assembly according to claim 48, wherein said manifold assembly includes a lavage port in fluid flow communication with said open interior, said lavage port having a central axis transverse said central axes of said proximal end portion and said distal end portion.

Claim 60

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier: a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, said directional barrier comprising a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end: and detection means carded by said valve structure, which is constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion and said catheter carries structure intercooperable with said detection means.

Claim 61

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with said directional barrier: a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carrier, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion, said directional barrier comprising a normally closed valve structure constructed and arranged to effect a sliding seal with the external surface of said introducer structure; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end: and detection means carded by said valve structure, which is constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion and said catheter carries structure intercooperable with said detection means.

Claim 62

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with mid proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with a directional barrier: a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface, with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end; and a fluid collector carried by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 63

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall: a catheter carrier, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with mid proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure, said introducer structure comprising: an introducer tip constructed as a continuous wall to define: an interior passageway configured to receive and pass a catheter; and an exterior surface configured to interface with a directional barrier: a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface, with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; and a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end; and a fluid collector carried by said trailing end portion and including: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with said introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 64

An assembly according to claim 53, wherein said chamber is structured as a hollow cylindrical extension from said trailing end portion, and said closing member is structured as an end panel of said extension with a central opening adapted to receive a catheter in friction-slipping engagement.

Claim 65

An assembly according to claim 54, wherein said end panel comprises a removable cap structured and arranged to effect a sealed closure of said cylindrical extension.

Claim 66

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end, said catheter carrying indicia, and said manifold body including a transparent window portion positioned so that said indicia is viewable through said window portion as said catheter is moved parallel the axis of said manifold body; and detection means carried by said valve structure and constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion and said catheter carries structure intercooperable with said detection means.

Claim 67

A ventilation circuit adapter assembly for use with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, and a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall; a catheter carder, including: a leading end portion adapted to couple with said proximal end portion, and a trailing end portion carrying a catheter introducer structure; and a directional barrier carried by said proximal end portion, constructed and arranged to effect a seal between said proximal end portion and said carder, and to effect a seal against fluid flow through said open interior towards said proximal end portion; said introducer structure being constructed and arranged to interface with said directional barrier when said leading end portion is coupled with said proximal end portion; a catheter positioned through said introducer structure, said open interior and said distal end, said catheter carrying indicia, and said manifold body including a transparent window portion positioned so that said indicia is viewable through said window portion as said catheter is moved parallel the axis of said manifold body; and detection means carried by said valve structure and constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion and said catheter carries structure intercooperable with said detection means.

Claim 68

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising:. a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion; a catheter carrier structured and arranged to associate a catheter with said proximal end, including: a leading end portion; a trailing end portion; and a fluid collector carded by said trailing end .portion, wherein said fluid collector comprises: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; and a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with an introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 69

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising:. a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion; a catheter carrier structured and arranged to associate a catheter with said proximal end, including: a leading end portion; a trailing end portion; and a fluid collector carded by said trailing end .portion, wherein said fluid collector comprises: a chamber positioned in approximate axial alignment with said distal end portion opposite said manifold with respect to said leading end portion; and a proximal closing member for said chamber with an entry approximately axially aligned with an introducer tip, said closing member being structured to effect a sliding seal with the exterior surface of a catheter.

Claim 70

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion; a catheter carrier structured and arranged to associate a catheter with said proximal end, including: a leading end portion; a trailing end portion; and valve structure configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior, said valve structure normally being closed; and detection means carried by said valve structure, said detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion.

Claim 71

A ventilation circuit adapter for interfacing a suction catheter with an intubation device, comprising: a manifold assembly, having: a body with an open interior; a distal end portion of said body being adapted to couple with said intubation device, a proximal end portion of said body being formed as an open port defined by a continuous wall, said proximal end portion being approximately axially aligned with said distal end portion so that a catheter may be inserted through said proximal end portion to exit from said distal end portion; a catheter carrier structured and arranged to associate a catheter with said proximal end, including: a leading end portion; a trailing end portion; and valve structure configured to be inserted in said proximal end portion in sealing relationship with said open interior, said valve structure normally being closed; and detection means carried by said valve structure, said detection means constructed and arranged to signal the presence of the tip of a catheter positioned within said valve structure when said tip is moved to the proximity of said valve structure from a location closer to said distal end portion.