US3760797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for endotracheal intubation
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-02-03
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1991-02-03
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to novel apparatus for endotracheal intubation which comprises a rigid acrylic rod sized to fit easily inside a trachea tube and extend from end-to-end thereof, and a source of illumination fastened to one end of the rod in position to direct a light beam therealong, said light source and rod cooperating to stiffen the trachea tube while illuminating the area beyond the distal end thereof. The invention also encompasses the unique method for inserting a flexible tube into the trachea which includes the steps of stiffening the tube by inserting a rigid acrylic rod therein, illuminating the area beyond the distal end of said tube by directing a light beam into the proximal end of the rod, passing the distal end of the rod thus sheathed into the larynx illuminated thereby, and removing the rod and associated light source from the proximal end of the tube while the latter remains in place.
Inventors
- 👤 V Stauffer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M16/00; A61M16/04; A61M16/0488; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/267; A61B1/2676; A61B1/06; A61B1/0661; A61B1/0669; A61M16/049; A61M16/0495
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
Endotracheal intubation apparatus which comprises: an elongate flexible trachea tube having the distal end thereof adapted for insertion into a patient''s larynx; a rigid acrylic rod sized to fit into said trachea tube and extend therethrough to a point adjacent said distal end thereof; and, a source of visible light adapted to be connected to the proximal end of the rod, said light source and rod cooperating with one another with said rod inside the tube to stiffen the latter while illuminating the area beyond the far end thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
Endotracheal intubation apparatus which comprises: an elongate flexible trachea tube having the distal end thereof adapted for insertion into a patient''s larynx; a rigid acrylic rod sized to fit into said trachea tube and extend therethrough to a point adjacent said distal end thereof; and, a source of visible light adapted to be connected to the proximal end of the rod, said light source and rod cooperating with one another with said rod inside the tube to stiffen the latter while illuminating the area beyond the far end thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
95 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: a tubular coupling is mounted on the proximal end of the trachea tube adapted for connection to the gas delivery tube of an inhalation-type anesthesia machine; a connector is fastened to the proximal end of the rod, said connector having its front end adapted to telescope into the proximal end of the tubular coupling and the proximal end thereof formed to provide a proximally-opening socket; and, in which the source of illumination is detachably mounted within the socket in the proximal end of the connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
101 words
The subassembly for use in combination with an elongate flexible trachea tube having a tubular coupling on the proximal end thereof adapted for connection to the gas delivery tube of an anesthesia machine, which comprises: an elongate rigid acrylic rod sized to fit inside the trachea tube and extend therethrough substantially to the distal end thereof; and, a source of illumination detachably connected to the proximal end of the rod, said source of illumination and rod cooperating with one another upon insertion of said rod into the tube to stiffen the latter while illuminating the area beyond the distal end thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
The subassembly for use in combination with an elongate flexible trachea tube having a tubular coupling on the proximal end thereof adapted for connection to the gas delivery tube of an anesthesia machine, which comprises: an elongate rigid acrylic rod sized to fit inside the trachea tube and extend therethrough substantially to the distal end thereof; and, a source of illumination detachably connected to the proximal end of the rod, said source of illumination and rod cooperating with one another upon insertion of said rod into the tube to stiffen the latter while illuminating the area beyond the distal end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The subassembly as set forth in claim 3 which includes: a connector attached to the proximal end of the rod, said connector having the distal end thereof formed to telescope into the proximal end of the coupling on the proximal end of the trachea tube, and said connector having a proximally-opening socket on the proximal end thereof shaped to detachably receive the source of illumination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
The improved method of endotracheal intubation which comprises the steps of: stiffening a trachea tube by inserting a rigid acrylic rod therein all the way to the distal end thereof that first enters the patient; illuminating the area beyond the distal end of the tube by directing a beam of light into the proximal end of the rod; passing the distal end of the rod thus sheathed into the larynx illuminated thereby; and, removing the rod and light source from the tube while leaving the latter in place within the larynx.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
The improved method of endotracheal intubation which comprises the steps of: stiffening a trachea tube by inserting a rigid acrylic rod therein all the way to the distal end thereof that first enters the patient; illuminating the area beyond the distal end of the tube by directing a beam of light into the proximal end of the rod; passing the distal end of the rod thus sheathed into the larynx illuminated thereby; and, removing the rod and light source from the tube while leaving the latter in place within the larynx.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |