FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
& THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]


A DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING VOLATILE LIQUIDS FROM A CONTAINER TO A VAPORIZER;
PIRAMAL HEALTHCARE LTD, A COMPANY
INCORPORATED UNDER THE
COMPANIES ACT, 1913, WHOSE ADDRESS IS PIRAMAL TOWER, GANPATRAO KADAM MARG, LOWER PAREL, MUMBAI 400 013, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION DESCRIBES THE INVENTION. 1


FIELD OF INVENTION:
This invention relates to a delivering device for transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from a container to vaporiser. BACKGROUND ART:
General anesthesia is administered as an inhaled gas or as an injected liquid. Inhalation anaesthetic consists of various medical gases and anesthetic agents and these are mixed in appropriate proportions and administered to patients to induce general anesthesia.
Inhalation Anesthetic agents are volatile substances with relatively low boiling points, high vapor pressures and are stored in bottles in liquid state. The commonly used inhaled anesthetics are nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), sevoflurane, desflurane, Isoflurane, enflurane and halothane. In order to prolong anesthesia for the required duration {usually the duration of surgery), anesthesia cycle must be maintained. This is achieved by allowing the patient to breathe a carefully controlled mixture of oxygen, nitrous oxide, and a suitable selected anesthetic agent. Anesthetic agents are administered to a patient via an anesthetic vaporizer attached to an anesthesia machine. Accidental inhalation of the vapor by health care personnel can cause drowsiness and repeated inhalations over a period of time can be a health hazard and harmful. Connecting and disconnecting bottles of anesthetic agents to a vaporizer should ensure that no or minimum release of the volatile substance to the atmosphere occurs at any time.
Devices that minimize the likelihood of the escape of an anesthetic gas to the atmosphere are known in the art. Designs of these devices are attempts to ensure that during connecting and disassembly of a supply container exposure of volatile anesthetic to the atmosphere is minimised. Also vaporizers attached to anesthetic machines are intended for use with specific anesthetic agent and provisions are required to prevent
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accidental mix-up of containers at the setup stage. Conventionally the anesthetic
container and closure is provided with a specific shape or projections, and the
connecting adaptor has a complementary shape or recesses for mating with the
container closure. However the existing devices are not fall-safe and are likely to be
damaged due to prolonged use and due to careless storing and handling.
There is a need for an improved connecting device to minimize the likelihood of leakage
of the volatile liquid or vapour, independent of the operator skill and ensure connection
of correct aneasthetic containers to the vaporizer inlets.
OBJECTS OF THIS INVENTION:
One of the objects of this invention is to provide a connecting device adapted to transfer
volatile substances from a container to a vaporiser
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that is adapted to
prevent the escape of an anesthetic gas to the atmosphere.
Another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that is not easily
damaged in storage and over sustained usage.
Another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that is simple in
construction.
Another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that is safe to operate.
Another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that eliminates the
need for a highly trained operator for setting-up a container containing volatile
substances on vaporiser and maintain the liquid flow.
Another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device that reduces the need
for continuous manipulation of the device by the operator to sustain liquid flow.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a connecting device enhanced
operational features with regards to unconsumed liquefied gas stored in the storage
container.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The invention will particularly be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the device in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving head of this invention as
shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter of this invention as shown in
figure 1;
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the adapter of this invention, as shown in figure 1;
Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 1,
showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container connected in first stage of
engagement, prior to commencement of flow of contained fluid;
Figure 6 is a enlarged sectional elevation of the device of this invention, as shown in
figure 1, showing the receiving head and adapter and connected in first stage of
engagement, prior to commencement of flow of contained fluid;
Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the device
of this invention, as shown in figure 1, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid
container in a second stage of engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open
condition;
Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 12 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the
device of this invention, as shown in figure 1, showing the receiving head, adapter and
liquid container in a third stage of engagement wherein both the closure devices are
depicted in open condition and the contained liquid flows in receiving head inlet
Figure 13, is a sectional elevation of an alternative Embodiment of the device in
accordance with this invention;
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Figure 14, is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adapter
of this invention as shown in figure 13;
Figure 15, is a sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment of the adapter of the
invention as shown in figure 13;
Figure 16, figure 17 are a sectional elevation and an enlarged sectional elevation of an
alternative embodiment showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container
connected in the first stage of engagement prior to commencement of flow of contained
fluid, of the invention as shown in figure 13;
Figure 18, 19 and 20 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the device of this
invention, as shown in figure 13, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid
container in a second stage of engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open
condition;
Figures 21, 22 and 23 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the device of
this invention, as shown in figure 13, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid
container in a third stage of engagement wherein both the closure devices are depicted
in open condition and the contained liquid flows in the receiving head inlet
Figure 24, is a sectional elevation of another alternative embodiment of the device in
accordance with this invention;
Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving head of this invention as
shown in figure 24;
Figure 26, is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adapter
of this invention as shown in figure 24;
Figure 27, is a sectional elevation of the adapter of the invention as shown in figure 24;
Figure 28 and 29 are a sectional elevation and an enlarged sectional elevation of an
alternative embodiment showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container
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connected in the first stage of engagement prior to commencement of flow of contained
fluid, of the invention as shown in figure 24;
Figure 30 and 31 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the device of this
invention, as shown in figure 24, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid
container in a second stage of engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open
condition;
Figure 32 is the sectional elevation and enlarged view of the device of this invention, as
shown in figure 24, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container in a third
stage of engagement wherein both the closure devices are depicted in open condition
and the contained liquid flows in the receiving head inlet
Figure 33, is a sectional elevation of yet another alternative embodiment of the device in
accordance with this invention;
Figure 34, is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adapter
of this invention as shown in figure 33;
Figure 35 is a sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment showing the receiving
head, adapter and liquid container connected in the first stage of engagement prior to
commencement of flow of contained fluid, of the invention as shown in figure 33;
Figure 36 is a sectional elevation of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 33,
showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container in a second stage of
engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open condition;
Figure 37 the sectional elevation of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 33,
showing the receiving head and adapter in a third stage of engagement wherein both the
closure devices are depicted in open condition and the contained liquid flows in receiving
head inlet
Figure 38 is a sectional elevation of yet another alternative embodiment of the device in
accordance with this invention;
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Figure 39, is an exploded perspective view of the receiving head of this invention as shown in figure 38;
Figure 40, is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adapter of this invention as shown in figure 38;
Figure 41, is a sectional elevation of the adapter of the invention as shown in figure 38; Figure 42 is a sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container connected in the first stage of engagement prior to commencement of flow of contained fluid, of the invention as shown in figure 38; Figure 43 and 44 are sectional elevations of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 38, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container in a second stage of engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open condition; Figures 45 and 46 are the sectional elevations of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 38, showing the receiving head and adapter in a third stage of engagement wherein both the closure devices are depicted in open condition and the contained liquid flows in the receiving head inlet
Figure 47, is a sectional elevation of yet another alternative embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention;
Figure 48, is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adapter of this invention as shown in figure 47;
Figure 49, is a sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment of the adapter of the invention as shown in figure 47;
Figure 50 is a sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container connected in the first stage of engagement prior to commencement of flow of contained fluid, of the invention as shown in figure 47; Figures 51 and 52 are the sectional elevation and enlarged views of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 47, showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid
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container in a second stage of engagement wherein one of the closure device is in open
condition; and
Figure 53 is a sectional elevation of the device of this invention, as shown in figure 47,
showing the receiving head, adapter and liquid container in a third stage of engagement
wherein both the closure devices are depicted in open condition and the contained liquid
flows in the receiving head inlet
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
It is object of the present invention to solve above and other problems related to
transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from container to a vaporiser
The present invention provides a connecting device for coupling a container containing volatile anesthetic agent to a vaporizer unit attached to an anesthetic administering machine. The connecting device comprising a receiving head adapted to be connected to the vaporizer and an adapter configured to be connected to the container containing volatile anesthetic agent. The receiving head and the adapter are provided with internal components adapted to receive resilient bias from spring elements to close the fluid passages in an inoperative condition of the device.
According to the present invention the passage closure arrangements are operable by relative movement of the adapter attached to the container in two stages. In the first stage movement the valve assembly provided in the receiving head is opened to connect the receiving head to the vaporizer. In the second stage movement the valve assembly provided in the adapter is opened to establish fluid flow through the device. This sequential opening of the valve assembly prevents escape of the volatile anesthetic agent to the atmosphere while connecting the filled container to the vaporizer. In disconnecting the container from the vaporizer the sequence as above is reversed and
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disconnection takes effect in two stages again preventing escape of the volatile anesthetic agent to the atmosphere.
The present invention also provides for container specific slots on mating components complimentary to ridges provided on the adapter body to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the device. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for. Referring to figure-1, the device for transferring of volatile fluids in accordance with the present invention is indicated by reference numeral (100). The device (100) comprising: a receiving head indicated by reference numeral (30) and an adapter indicated by reference numeral (50).
Referring to figure-2, the receiving head (30) consists of receiving body (1) adapted to receive a resilient spring (3), an inner pin (5), a gasket (9), a retaining bush (11) and a safety cap (13). In an operative configuration the components of the receiving head (30) are positioned inside the body (1) by the complementary threaded connection between the body (1) and retaining bush (11). Fluid passage paths (not specifically numbered) are provided within the receiving head (30) for fluid flow through the receiving head (30). In an operative configuration the inner pin (5) and gasket (9) are held in biased condition against seating provided on the receiver head to prevent fluid passage through the receiving head (30). A safety cap (13) remove-ably fitted on the bush (11) prevents accidental opening of the receiving head closure device when not in use and protects the components of the receiving head (30). The receiving head (30) is fitted to the inlet of a vaporizer (not specifically shown).
Referring to figures 3 and 4, the adapter (50) consists of body (19), provided with internal fluid passage path. An inner pin (17) and a gasket seal (15) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (19) and spring rest (21) and a gasket (25) are
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assembled via the other end of the adapter body (19). In an operative configuration the inner pin (17) and a gasket seal (15) are held in biased condition by spring (21) against the spring rest (23) to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (50). A safety cap (27) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (19) protects the components of the adapter (50). The adaptor (50) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (29).
Bush (11) of the receiving head (30) is provided with threads complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (19) to ensure use of specific agent in the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other aneasthetic agent apart from one for which the assembly has been designed for.
Figures 5 to 12 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from a container to a vaporiser. Figure 5 and 6 indicate the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (50) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (29) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head (30) after removing the respective safety caps (27 and 13). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the springs (3 and 21) keep the inner pin (17) and the spring rest (23) in leak tight contact preventing fluid flow through the device.
Figures 7 to 9 indicate the second stage, in which the container (29) is rotated with the adapter (50), which in turn rotates the inner pin (5) of the receiving head screwed on the inner thread of body (1), compressing spring (3). This movement opens the flow path (A) of the receiving head (30).
Figures 10, Hand 12 indicate the third stage, in which the container (29) is rotated further with the adapter (50), which in turn rotates inner pin (5) of the receiving head. During this movement the inner pin (17) will remain stationary due to hinderance from bush (11). This movement opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (50) and the liquid container (29) establishing liquid flow through the device. The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the
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other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner.
Figures 13 to 23 show an alternative embodiment of the invention having an adapter generally indicated by the reference numeral 150. Referring figures 14 and 15 the adapter (150) consists of body (119), provided with internal fluid passage path. An inner pin (117) and a gasket seal (115) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (119) and spring rest (123) and a gasket (125) are assembled via the other end of the adapter body (119). in an operative configuration the inner pin (117) and a gasket seal (115) are held in biased condition by springs (121b) against the spring rest (123) to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (150). A safety cap (127) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (119) protects the components of the adapter (150). The adaptor (150) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (129).
Matching part of th§ receiving head (not specifically numbered) is provided with threads complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (119) to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for. Figures 16 to 23 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from one container to another. Figure 16 and 17 indicate the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (150) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (12g) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head after removing the safety cap (127). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the springs (121b) keep) the inner pin (117) and the spring rest (123) in leak tight contact preventing fluid flow through the device.
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Figures 18 to 20 indicate the second stage, in which the container (129) is rotated with the adapter (150). This movement in turn pushes the receiving head pin (117) back, compressing spring (13) and opens the flow path (A) between the receiving head (not specifically numbered) and the adapter (150).
Figures 21 to 23 indicate the third stage, in which the container (129) is pushed with the adapter (150). This movement pushes pin (117) back compressing the spring (121b) and at the same time spring (121a) is also compressed. This operation opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (150) and the liquid container (129) establishing liquid flow through the device. The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner.
Figures 24 to 32 show another alternative embodiment of the invention having a receiver head indicated by reference numeral (230) and an adapter indicated by reference numeral (250). The receiver head (230) consists of receiving body (201) adapted to receive a resilient spring (203), an inner pin (205), a gasket (209), a retaining bush (211) and a safety cap (213). In an operative a configuration the components of the receiving head (230) are positioned inside the body (201) by the complementary threaded connection between the body (201) and retaining bush (211). Fluid passage paths (not specifically numbered) are provided within the receiving head (230) for fluid flow through the receiving head (230). In an operative configuration the pin (205) and gasket (209) are held in biased condition against seating provided on the receiver head to prevent fluid passage through the receiving head (230). A safety cap (213) remove-ably fitted on the bush (211) prevents accidental opening of the receiving head closure device when
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not in use and protects the components of the receiving head (230). The receiving head (230) is fitted to the inlet of a vaporizer (not specifically shown).
Referring figures 26 and 27 the adapter (250) consists of body (219), provided with internal fluid passage path. A plug (217), an o-ring seal (215) and a plug retainer (223) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (219). A top cover (226) secures the plug (217) to the body (219). A spring (221) provides resilient bias to the above assembly. A gasket (215) is provided on the other end of the adapter body (219) to secure a container to the adapter (250). In an operative configuration the plug (217) and o-ring (215) are held in biased condition by spring (221) against the seat (not specifically numbered) to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (250). A safety cap (227) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (219) protects the components of the adapter (250). The adaptor (250) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (229). The receiving head (230) is provided with threads (not specifically numbered) complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (219) to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for. Figures 28 to 32 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from one container to vaporiser. Figure 28 and 29 indicate the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (250) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (229) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head after removing the safety cap (227). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the spring (221) keep the plug (217) in leak tight contact with the seat preventing fluid flow through the device.
Figures 30 and 31 indicate the second stage, in which the container (229) is rotated with the adapter (250). This movement in turn rotates the inner pin (205) of receiving head
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screwed on the inner thread of body (201), which compresses spring (203). This movement opens the flow path (A) of the receiving head (230).
Figure 32 indicate the third stage, in which the container (229) is rotated with the adapter (250) and plug (217). During this movement the top cover (226) remains stationary due to hinderance of bush (211), to compress spring (221). This movement in turn rotates receiving head pin (205) screwed on the inner thread of body (201) and compresses spring (203) and spring (221). This operation opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (250) and the liquid container (229) establishing liquid flow through the device. The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner.
Figures 33 to 37 show another alternative embodiment of the invention having a receiver head indicated by reference numeral (330) and an adapter indicated by reference numeral (350). Fluid passage paths (not specifically numbered) are provided within the receiving head (330) for fluid flow through the receiving head (330). The receiving head (330) is fitted to the inlet of a vaporizer (not specifically shown).
Referring figure 34 the adapter (350) consists of body (319), provided with internal fluid passage path. A plug (317), an o-ring seal (315) and a plug retainer (323) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (219). A top cover (326) secures the plug (317) to the body (319). A spring (321) provides resilient bias to the above assembly. A gasket (325) is provided on the other end of the adapter body (319) to secure a container (329) to the adapter (350) in a leak proof connection. In an operative configuration the plug (317) and o-ring (315) are held in biased condition by spring (321) against the seat (not specifically numbered) to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (350). A safety cap
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(327) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (319) protects the components of the adapter (350). The adaptor (350) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (329). The receiver head (330) is provided with threads (not specifically numbered) complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (319) to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for. Figures 35 to 37 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from one container to vaporiser. Figure 35 indicates the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (350) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (329) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head (330) after removing the safety cap (327). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the spring (321) keep the plug (317) in leak tight contact with the seat preventing fluid flow through the device.
Figure 36 indicates the second stage, in which the container (329) is rotated with the adapter (350). This movement opens the flow path (A) between the receiving head (330) and the adapter (350) and pushes receiving head pin (305) back, compressing spring (33).
Figure 37 indicates the third stage, in which the container (329) is pushed with the adapter (350). Due to this movement plug (317) pushes the receiving head pin (305) backward, compressing the spring (not specifically numbered) provided in the receiving head (330). During this movement the top cover (326) remains stationary due to hinderance of bush (311). This movement opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (350) and the liquid container (329) establishing liquid flow through the device. The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an
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empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner.
Figures 38 to 46 show an alternative embodiment of the device for transferring of volatile fluids in accordance with the present invention indicated by reference numeral (400). The device (400) comprising: a receiving head indicated by reference numeral (430) and an adapter indicated by reference numeral (450).
Referring to figure 39, the receiving head (430) consists of receiving body (401) adapted to receive a resilient spring (403), an inner pin (405), a gasket (409), a bush (411) and a safety cap (413). In an operative configuration the components of the receiving head (430) are positioned inside the body (401) by the complementary threaded connection between the body (401) and retaining bush (411). Fluid passage paths (not specifically numbered) are provided within the receiving head (430) for fluid flow through the receiving head (430). In an operative configuration the pin (405) and gasket (409) are held in biased condition against seating provided on the receiver head to prevent fluid passage through the receiving head (430). A safety cap (413) remove-ably fitted on the bush (411) prevents accidental opening of the receiving head closure device when not in use and protects the components of the receiving head (430). The receiving head (430) is fitted to the inlet of a vaporizer (not specifically shown).
Referring to figures 40 and 41, the adapter (450) consists of body (419), provided with internal fluid passage path. An inner pin (417) and an O-ring seal (415) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (419)) and a gasket (423) is assembled on the other end of the adapter body (419). In an operative configuration the inner pin (417) and the O-ring seal (415) are held in biased condition by spring (421) against the seat provided to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (450). A safety cap (427) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (419) protects the components of the adapter (450). The adaptor (450) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (429).
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Bush (411) of the receiving head (430) is provided with threads (not specifically numbered) complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (419) to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for. Figures 42 to 46 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from one container to another. Figure 42 indicates the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (450) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (429) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head (430) after removing the respective safety caps (427 and 413). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the springs (403 and 421) keep the inner pin (417) in leak tight contact preventing fluid flow through the device.
Figures 43 and 44 indicate the second stage, in which the container (429) is rotated with the adapter (450) This movement rotates the inner pin (405) of receiving head screwed on the inner thread of body (401) and opens the flow path (A) of the receiving head (430).
Figures 45 and 46 indicate the third stage, in which the container (429) is rotated further into the adapter (450) till the top cap (426) stops further movement and subsequent rotation causes the pin (417) to move back due to the relative motion. This movement opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (450) and the liquid container (429) establishing liquid flow through the device. The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner. Figures 47 to 53 show an alternative embodiment of the invention having an adapter generally indicated by the reference numeral 550. Referring figures 48 and 49 the
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adapter (550) consists of body (519), provided with internal fluid passage path. An inner pin (517), an O-ring seal (515) and top part (526) are fitted at one of the open end of the adapter body (519). A gasket (525) is provided on the other end of the adapter body (519) to secure the adapter to a container (529). In an operative configuration the inner pin (517) and the O-ring seal (515) are held in biased condition by the spring (521) against the seat provided in the adapter body (519) to prevent fluid passage through the adapter (550). A safety cap (527) remove-ably fitted on the adapter body (519) protects the components of the adapter (550). The adaptor (550) is fitted to a volatile fluid container (529).
Matching part of the receiving head (not specifically numbered) is provided with threads (not specifically numbered) complimentary to threads provided on the adapter body (519) to ensure anesthetic agent specific use of the assembly. This prevents accidental use of any other anesthetic agent apart from the one for which the assembly has been designed for.
Figures 50 to 53 show the steps involved in transferring volatile liquids like anesthetic agents from one container to vaporiser. Figure 50 indicates the first stage in which the device is set-up for transferring volatile fluid. The adapter (550) is fitted to a volatile liquid container (529) containing fluid to be transferred and inserted into the receiving head after removing the safety cap (527). At this stage the resilient bias applied by the springs (521) keep the inner pin (517) in leak tight contact preventing fluid flow through the device.
Figures 51 and 52 indicate the second stage, in which the container (529) is rotated with the adapter (550). Due to this movement the inner pin (505) of receiving head is pushed back compressing the spring (not specifically numbered) provided in the receiving head (530). This movement opens the flow path (A) of the receiving head (530).
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Figures 53 indicates the third stage, in which the container (529) is rotated again into the adapter (550) till the top cap (526) stops further movement and causes the pin (517) to move back due to the relative motion. This movement opens the flow path (B) between the adapter (550) and the liquid container (529) establishing liquid flow through the device.
The sequence of operation ensures that closure arrangements provided in the device open one after the other due to positive rotary movement of the container thereby preventing accidental release of volatile liquid or vapour to the atmosphere. Disconnection of an empty or partly filled container from the device takes place in reverse sequence in stages in a safe manner.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of a device for transferring volatile liquids, the improvisation with regards to it, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. Dated this 24th day of March, 2009
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