US4056104A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endotracheal tube
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-01-15
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Granted: 1977-11-01
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Expires: 1996-01-15
Abstract
Abstract The tube has a round cross-section along the majority of its length but includes a relatively short section that is of a triangular cross-section. This triangular cross-section is positioned along the tube to contact the larynx and matches the shape of the larynx. A cuff extends about the tube below the triangular cross-section area and a pilot tube is provided which connects via a cuff inflation lumen in the wall of the tube to the cuff.
Inventors
- 👤 Burton Jaffe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M16/00; A61M16/04; A61M16/0402; A61M16/0431; A61M16/0475; A61M16/0477; A61M16/0484
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
An endotracheal tube comprising a pliable hollow plastic tube of a length many times its width having open distal and proximate ends defining a fluid passageway, a section of the tube spaced from either end having a triangular cross-section extending along at least a portion of the tube that would normally contact the larynx and conforming to the shape of the larynx when the tube is in position with the distal end of the tube in the trachea and the proximate end extending from the mouth, a cuff coaxial with and secured to the tube between the distal end and said section, and a cuff inflation lumen extending longitudinally from said cuff lengthwise of the wall of said section toward said proximate end, said section having a substantially uniform wall thickness along its length extending along the tube a distance less than the entire length of the tube with the passageway through said section also having a triangular shape to optimize fluid passage through the tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
An endotracheal tube comprising a pliable hollow plastic tube of a length many times its width having open distal and proximate ends defining a fluid passageway, a section of the tube spaced from either end having a triangular cross-section extending along at least a portion of the tube that would normally contact the larynx and conforming to the shape of the larynx when the tube is in position with the distal end of the tube in the trachea and the proximate end extending from the mouth, a cuff coaxial with and secured to the tube between the distal end and said section, and a cuff inflation lumen extending longitudinally from said cuff lengthwise of the wall of said section toward said proximate end, said section having a substantially uniform wall thickness along its length extending along the tube a distance less than the entire length of the tube with the passageway through said section also having a triangular shape to optimize fluid passage through the tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said triangular section is defined by three straight walls integrally connected by rounded edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tube has an S-shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 including a hole in the wall of the tube at the distal end for permitting air passage should the end of the tube become blocked.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 4 including a pilot tube and pressure means in the pilot tube, said pilot tube coupling to the lumen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cuff is spaced from but adjacent one end of said triangular section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lumen extends through said section at one of the edges defining the triangular section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said section has a length at least on the order of 2 centimeters with the remainder of the tube being of rounded shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 8 wherein said section has a length on the order of 2-5 centimeters.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said triangular section is formed by three contiguous planar wall segments.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
An endotracheal tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein said section has a length only as long as the length of the larynx with the remainder of the tube being of rounded shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-10-31 | 1981-05-02 | 1981-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-31 | 1985-05-02 | 1985-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-31 | 1989-05-02 | 1989-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |