Endotracheal tube with intrinsic suction and endotracheal suction control valve

An improved endotracheal tube providing a built in suction channel for the removal of excessive secretions from the lumen of said tube and the tracheobronchial system is disclosed. Control valves for regulating the suction feature are also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the endotracheal tube includes an additional suction channel, an above-the-cuff suction channel adapted to remove secretions above the cuff outside the endotracheal tube and within the trachea. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the endotracheal tube is configured for use with an endoscope for videolaryngoscopy, and the like. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, an improved technology for the administration of medications within the tracheobronchial system is disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to endotracheal tubes used for intubating the trachea and like opening of human and animal bodies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During general anesthesia the gasses introduced through the endotracheal tube and the tube itself create irritation in the tracheobronchial system resulting in secretions that must be suction removed periodically by the anesthesiologist to clear the airway.

In the current conventional system, this requires detaching the gas delivery apparatus from the end of the endotracheal tube so a smaller suction tube can be introduced and passed down the lumen of the endotracheal tube. When the suctioning is finished, the gas delivery apparatus must be reattached. Thus, the flow of essential gasses to the patient is temporarily interrupted and some gasses undesirably escape into the operating room air breathed by the operating team, which can present a risk to the team personnel. Furthermore, the movement of the endotracheal tube and the insertion of yet another foreign object, the conventional suction tube itself, often stimulates involuntary patient muscle contractions and movements which can cause bleeding or otherwise interfere with surgical maneuvers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein revises, modifies, improves, and extends the originally presented purpose, design, and function of the specialized endotracheal tube as disclosed in Applicants' application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/855,995 filed on Sep. 14, 2007, and entitled “ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE WITH INTRINSIC SUCTION & ENDOTRACHEAL SUCTION CONTROL VALVE,” and of which the application cited above is incorporated in-full by reference herein.

The improved specialized endotracheal tube further provides the capability to remove accumulated secretions above the cuff outside the endotracheal tube and within the trachea as well as within the tube and beyond in the tracheobronchial system as originally presented. This alteration also permits use with an endoscope and videolaryngoscopy to assist in insertion (intubation) through the vocal cords and accurate placement of the tube. This is of significant value in difficult cases. The new revisions also provide for ease of administration of intratracheobronchial medications. The suction and medication functions are accomplished with a closed system to reduce the possibility of contamination in the work area as well as infection in the patient (post intubation/anesthetic pneumonia) from the potentially contaminated secretions.

The intrinsic suction channel previously described is modified in shape, size and configuration to allow it to be used also as a conduit for a flexible endo scope with its tip optical lens positioned at or near the tip of the endotracheal tube. This allows for visualization per videolaryngoscopy to precisely insert the endotracheal tube between the vocal cords and place it at the desired distance within the trachea. After insertion of the endotracheal tube, the endoscope is removed. That same channel then is used for suction removal of secretions within the endotracheal tube and beyond the end of the tube from the tracheobronchial system. The same channel is used for direct administration of medications into the trachea and beyond. This modified intrinsic suction channel has also a redesign of the suction holes between its channel and the main lumen inside the endotracheal tube and at its tip. These holes open on the sides of the rounded suction channel to more effectively attack the secretions which accumulate within the tube, and the revised opening at the tip better attacks those secretions in the tracheobronchial system.

In addition, a new separate second suction channel, the above the cuff suction channel, is designed to remove secretions pooling above the cuff within the trachea but outside the endotracheal tube. Therefore its suction holes present to the outside of the endotracheal tube just above the cuff.

Suction is applied to either one or the other of the two suction channels individually by way of an integral suction select valve which directs the suction function into the selected channel when the suction is activated as originally presented via the suction control valve connected to the suction source. These suction functions are accomplished with a closed system so that it is not necessary to uncouple/disconnect the gas delivery system from the endotracheal tube or the suction source from the suction channels. Therefore, contamination of the area is minimized relative to the systems in common usage which require uncoupling and introduction and withdrawal of separate suction tubes in order to clear secretions.

The introduction and administration of medications into the tracheobronchial system is also effected by way of the intrinsic suction channel, and again uncoupling/disconnecting the gas delivery system or the suction source is not required.

The same benefit is realized relative to minimization of contamination compared to the method in common usage where uncoupling is required.

This specialized endotracheal intubation system as originally presented including the Suction Control Valve and now as revised is adapted to serve all the major needs of gas administration and airway management in a clean fashion: endoscopic videolaryngoscopy, gas delivery, removal of potentially contaminated secretions, administration of medications, and maintenance of as clean an environment as possible for the patient and for the work area and the personnel in attendance.

In an exemplary embodiment of the technology described herein, an endotracheal tube with intrinsic suction and above-the-cuff suction. The endotracheal tube includes: an outer tube, the outer tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen, wherein the outer tube approximates an inner diameter of a body passage to be intubated; an inflatable cuff, encircling the outer tube near the distal end, and adapted to provide a seal; an intrinsic suction channel integrally formed within the lumen of the outer tube, the intrinsic suction channel spanning from above the proximal end to the distal end of the outer tube and having an opening at the distal end and a plurality of openings along a length of the intrinsic suction channel, the intrinsic suction channel configured to allow a plurality of fluids to be suctioned into the intrinsic suction channel from an area surrounding the distal end of the outer tube and from an area within the lumen of the outer tube; and an above-the-cuff suction channel integrally formed within the lumen of the outer tube, the above-the-cuff suction channel spanning from above the proximal end of the outer tube to immediately above the cuff and having a plurality of holes disposed immediately above the cuff and which open from the above-the-cuff suction channel to an outside of the outer tube at the above-the-cuff suction channel farthest distal extent and adapted to remove secretions which accumulate above the cuff within the trachea and outside of the outer tube.

The endotracheal tube also can include a suction select valve configured for operable selection between a first suction action in the intrinsic suction channel to remove secretions within the outer tube and beyond from the tracheobronchial system and a second suction action in the above-the-cuff suction channel to remove secretions above the cuff outside the outer tube and within the trachea.

The endotracheal tube further can include an endoscopy and medicine port configured for operable insertion of an endo scope and a medicine, wherein the endoscopy and medicine port is fluidly coupled to the intrinsic suction channel. The endoscopy and medicine port is adapted to directly administer medications into the tracheobronchial system without the need to uncouple and disconnect a gas delivery system and a suction system. The endoscopy and medicine port is adapted to receive the insertion of a flexible endoscope for videolaryngoscopy to assist in accurate passage of the endotracheal tube between the vocal cords and proper positioning with the trachea.

The endotracheal tube also can include the intrinsic suction channel defined by a Y-branch extended side arm, wherein a first branch of the Y is adapted for the suction select valve, and wherein a second branch of the Y is adapted for the endoscopy and medicine port.

The endotracheal tube further can include an extension tube having an opening defined at its terminus, fluidly coupled to the intrinsic suction channel and the above-the-cuff suction channel of the endotracheal tube and outwardly extending from generally the proximal end of the outer tube, to provide a removal path out of the body passage for the plurality of fluids suctioned into the intrinsic suction channel and the above-the-cuff suction channel. The suction select valve is disposed with the extension tube in at least one embodiment.

The endotracheal tube also can include: an end cap selectively placed on a proximal end of the extension tube to close the proximal end of the extension tube; and a security tether to connect the end cap to the extension tube; a locking plate extension having a locking plate opening defined in a margin of a body wall of the extension tube at the terminus and adjacent to the extension tube opening; and a cylindrical projection with a rounded tip defined with the end cap and adapted to securely couple to a tubular lumen of the extension tube when not in use.

In at least one embodiment, the intrinsic suction channel includes a round circumferential shape and the openings along the length of the intrinsic suction channel are alternated from a first side to a second side of the intrinsic suction channel and staggered in distribution.

The endotracheal tube also includes: an air passageway located within the wall of the outer tube and fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff; an inflation extension tube fluidly coupled to the air passageway in the wall of the outer tube and outwardly extending from the proximal end of the outer tube; and a filler valve coupled to a proximal end of the inflation extension tube to regulate the flow of air entering or exiting the inflation extension tube and the inflatable cuff.

The endotracheal tube also can include a radiopaque strip located within the outer tube in a portion of the outer tube located underneath the suction channel and extending longitudinally from the distal end of the outer tube to the proximate end of the outer tube to disallow the passage of radiation.

The endotracheal tube further can include an opening in the outer tube located between a tip of the endotracheal tube and an inflatable cuff to assist in ventilation and help avoid complete endotracheal tube obstruction.

The suction select valve also can include: a valve housing; a Y-shaped tubular passageway fluidly coupled to the intrinsic suction channel and the above-the-cuff suction channel, wherein a first branch of the Y is adapted for the intrinsic suction channel and wherein a second branch of the Y is adapted for the above-the-cuff suction channel; and a cylindrical internal reciprocatable element adapted to rotate operably within the valve housing in a limited defined range between the first branch of the Y and the second branch of the Y, thereby between a first suction action in the intrinsic suction channel to remove secretions within the outer tube and beyond from the tracheobronchial system and a second suction action in the above-the-cuff suction channel to remove secretions above the cuff outside the outer tube and within the trachea.

In another exemplary embodiment of technology described herein, a method for intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube having intrinsic suction and above-the-cuff suction is disclosed. The method includes: providing the endotracheal tube as defined in the embodiments above, and further including: placing the endotracheal tube within the patient; selectively utilizing the intrinsic suction channel as necessary to remove secretions within the outer tube and beyond from the tracheobronchial system; and selectively utilizing the above-the-cuff suction channel as necessary to remove secretions above the cuff outside the outer tube and within the trachea.

The method also can include providing an endotracheal tube having a suction select valve as defined above, and operatively turning the suction select valve to select either the first suction action in the intrinsic suction channel or the second suction action in the above-the-cuff suction channel.

The method also can include providing an endotracheal tube having an endoscopy and medicine port as defined above, and directly administering a medicine into the tracheobronchial system without the need to uncouple and disconnect a gas delivery system and a suction system; and directly administering an insertion of a flexible endoscope for videolaryngoscopy to assist in accurate passage of the endotracheal tube between the vocal cords and proper positioning with the trachea.

The method also can include providing an endotracheal tube having an extension tube as defined above, and removing the plurality of fluids suctioned into the intrinsic suction channel and the above-the-cuff suction channel.

The method further can include providing an endotracheal tube having an end cap, security tether, locking plate extension, and cylindrical projection as defined above, and securely coupling the end cap to the tubular lumen of the extension tube when not in use.

The method also can include providing a suction select valve as defined above having a valve housing and a Y-shaped tubular passageway, and operatively selecting between the first suction action in the intrinsic suction channel and the second suction action in the above-the-cuff suction channel.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described and which will form the subject matter of the claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred and other embodiments of the technology described herein, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-10, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now toFIG. 1andFIGS. 2A,2B, and2C, illustrated therein is an embodiment of an improved endotracheal tube with intrinsic suction. An outer tube4has an outer diameter that approximates the inner diameter of the passage to be intubated. A built in intrinsic suction channel2runs through the outer tube4. The intrinsic suction channel2is integrally formed within the lumen of the outer tube4. The intrinsic suction channel2spans from above the proximal end to the distal end of the outer tube4and has an opening16at the distal end. The design configuration of the intrinsic suction channel2which courses along within the convex aspect of the endotracheal tubeFIG. 1is round. The intrinsic suction channel2extends beyond the main endotracheal tube past a new suction select valve53to become the suction extension tube5which, in use, is connected to one or the other of two versions of the suction control valve (FIGS. 4A through 8D) and then to the available Suction Source SS.

The intrinsic suction channel2includes a plurality of openings3along a length of the intrinsic suction channel2and allows the movement of fluids from the outer tube lumen15into the suction channel lumen14. The intrinsic suction channel2is configured to allow a plurality of fluids to be suctioned into the intrinsic suction channel2from an area surrounding the distal end of the outer tube4through tip opening16and from an area within the lumen of the outer tube4by a plurality of holes3. The plurality of holes3which permit fluid movement of secretions from the main outer endotracheal tube lumen15to the intrinsic suction channel lumen14are now placed along either side of the intrinsic suction channel2immediately adjacent to the contact point where the wall of the suction channel contacts/joins the inner aspect of the wall of the main endotracheal tube. The holes3may vary in number, size, shape, arrangement, position, distribution and location even though they are just along one side as depicted.

The endotracheal tubeFIG. 1includes an inflatable cuff13, encircling the outer tube4near the distal end, and adapted to provide a seal. An air passageway10is located within the wall of the outer tube4and fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff13. An inflation extension tube11is fluidly coupled to the air passageway in the wall of the outer tube4and outwardly extending from near the proximal end of the outer tube4. A filler valve12coupled to a proximal end of the inflation extension tube11to regulate the flow of air entering or exiting the inflation extension tube11and the inflatable cuff13. The air passageway10, filler valve12and inflation extension tube11allow air to be pumped into or out of the inflatable cuff13.

The endotracheal tubeFIG. 1includes an above-the-cuff suction channel59. The above-the-cuff suction channel AC,59is integrally formed within the lumen of the outer tube4. The above-the-cuff suction channel59spans from above the proximal end of the outer tube4to immediately above the inflatable cuff13. The above-the-cuff suction channel59has a plurality of holes60disposed immediately above the inflatable cuff13and which open from the above-the-cuff suction channel59to an outside of the outer tube4at the above-the-cuff suction channel farthest distal extent. The above-the-cuff suction channel59is adapted to remove secretions which accumulate above the cuff13within the trachea and outside of the outer tube4.

The endotracheal tubeFIG. 1includes a suction select valve53configured for operable selection between a first suction action in the intrinsic suction channel2to remove secretions from within the lumen15of the outer tube4and beyond from the tracheobronchial system and a second suction action in the above-the-cuff suction channel59to remove secretions above the cuff13outside the outer tube4and within the trachea.

The new suction select valve53is depicted in frontal view53B, side view53A, and internal cut away views53C,53D. SeeFIG. 1,FIGS. 1A,9A,9B, and9C. InFIG. 1andFIG. 1A,53D the suction select valve shows a cylindrical internal reciprocatable element54which rotates in a limited defined range and being snugly disposed within the lubricated outer housing of suction select valve53. This element54is secured to the back of its housing by a center rotatable axle (not shown).

Within this reciprocatable element54is a Y-shaped tubular fluid passageway55. When the reciprocatable element54is rotated to its full allowable defined range in one directionFIG. 1andFIG. 1A,57it results in fluid alignment of its internal Y-shaped tubular passageway55allowing communication between the internal suction channel2and the suction extension tubeFIG. 1andFIG. 1A,5which is in turn connected to either one or the other of two versions of the suction control valve (the opening, activating or closing, deactivating device) depicted inFIGS. 4 through 8and then to the suction source SS. Thus, when activated, suction is delivered to within the endotracheal tube via suction channel2and then via holes3as well as to the tip of the endotracheal tube and the tracheobronchial system via its suction channel end hole16.

When the rotatable element54within the suction select valve53is rotated in the opposite directionFIG. 9C,58to its defined limit it results in fluid alignment of the above-the-cuff suction channel59and the suction extension tube5, etc. This permits suction removal of secretions pooling above the inflatable cuff13between the endotracheal tube and the tracheal wall via a plurality of holes60just above the cuff13and which open from the above-the-cuff suction channel59to the outside of the endotracheal tube at the channel's farthest distal extent. Three such holes60are depicted, but their number, size, shape, arrangement, position, distribution and location may vary.

As depicted specifically inFIGS. 9A,9B, and9C, the rotation of the reciprocatable cylindrical element54is limited and defined by stable fixed stop blocks61,62which are simple extensions of the outer shell63housing the reciprocatable cylindrical element54. When the element54rotates, the stop blocks61,62abut and impinge on margins of lateral rim cut outs65of a flat front cover64which is fixed to the cylindrical rotational element54. These cut outs65both permit the rotational excursion and, together with the stop blocks61,62they also restrict and limit the range of the rotational excursion so that at each extreme of allowable rotation either the intrinsic suction channel2or the above-the-cuff suction channel59is selected for suction function.

The defined rotational movement is effected by a turn blade handle66projecting away from the face plate at 90 degrees and fused to the face plate. The blade66is positioned on the face plate such that when rotated it points at the specific suction channel selected, either 2 or above-the-cuff suction channel59. For ease of selection, the external aspect of the intrinsic suction channel2is clearly marked with a T for trachea, and the above-the-cuff suction channel59is clearly marked externally with AC for above the cuff.

The suction extension tube5is depicted quite short, but it would be longer in reality. It is covered when not in use by a revised cap9and security tether8. SeeFIGS. 1,10A,10B, and10C. The cap9has on its underside a cylindrical projection with rounded tip70which inserts snugly into the tubular lumen of the suction extension tube5when it is not in use. The cap9is shown in place. The cap9also has a tongue like short projection71on its leading edge which effects a locking engagement into an opening73in a lock plate extension74from one margin of the body wall of the suction extension tube5at its terminus and adjacent to its opening.

The endotracheal tubeFIG. 1includes a Y branch extended side arm continuation of the intrinsic suction channel2which projects from the upper area and ends with an open port called the dedicated endoscopy and medicine port67(endoscopy/med port). This port is equipped with a cap68and tether69(like on the suction extension tube9,8) for secure closure when not in use.

The endoscopy/med port67enables the use of the revised conduit previously only known as the intrinsic suction channel2to be used to pass a flexible endo scope within it to or near its tip to permit videolaryngoscopic accurate placement of this multi-specialized endotracheal tube between the vocal cords and properly locate it in the trachea (intubation). After intubation, the endo scope is withdrawn. This novel feature is of tremendous value especially in cases of difficult intubation.

The same endoscopy/med port67is available after intubation for the direct administration of medications into the tracheobronchial passages without any need to disconnect either the gas delivery system to the endotracheal tube or the available suction source from the suction extension tube5. Furthermore, the endoscopy/med port67is available also for other therapeutic modalities which may come into use in the future.

A side opening7is positioned near the end of the outer tube4,FIGS. 1 and 3. The opening7is a “Murphy's Eye hole” disposed in the outer tube and located between a tip of the endotracheal tube and an inflatable cuff13to assist in ventilation and help avoid complete endotracheal tube obstruction.

A radiopaque strip6runs the length of the outer tube4underneath the suction channel2. The radiopaque strip6extends extending longitudinally from the distal end of the outer tube4to the proximate end of the outer tube to disallow the passage of radiation.

Referring now toFIG. 3which depicts the tip of the endotracheal tube below (distal to) the inflatable cuff13as viewed from the concave side of the tube and as revised in this addendum. The design and configuration and functionality are modified from the original disclosure. The intrinsic suction channel2is changed from elliptical to round in circumferential shape as depicted at its tip opening16. Also the holes3depicted at the sides of the round intrinsic suction channel2are depicted at the sides alternately on one side and then the other and staggered in distribution. It has been noted previously that these holes3may vary in number, size, shape, arrangement, position, distribution and location. While it is not shown specifically, the cuff is located well away from the tip of the tube (typically approximately 3 centimeters in an adult size tube).

Referring now toFIG. 4A, illustrated therein is a front view of the first version of the suction control valve means19for the regulation of the flow of fluids through the suction channel2or the above-the-cuff suction channel AC,59depending on which suction function is selected by the suction selection valve53. A fluid outlet port20and a fluid inlet port21extend outwards from the valve body23. A hose connected to a suction system commonly found in operating environments will slide over the outlet port20. The extension tube5of the endotracheal tube'sFIG. 1continuation of suction channel2and suction channel AC,59will slide over the inlet port21. A plurality of ridges22on the outlet and inlet ports creates an airtight seal between the hoses and the ports. A vent hole25in the front of the valve body allows air from the surrounding room to be sucked into the suction system when the valve is in the closed position. An additional vent hole (not shown in this drawing) is also on the back side of the valve body. A push button24controls the operation of the valve. A stem34connects the push button to a sliding element within the valve body23.

FIG. 4Bshows a side view of the first version of the suction control valve means19from the side facing the push button24.

FIG. 4Cshows another side view of the first version of the suction control valve means19from the side opposite the push button. A vent hole26allows air to move in and out of the valve body23. This allows a reciprocatable element within the valve body to slide back and forth without creating a vacuum that could restrict the movement of the element.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of the first version of the suction control valve means19showing the reciprocatable element27in its closed position. Two fluid passageways are disposed within the reciprocatable element27. A suction passageway28has one opening at the bottom of the reciprocatable element27and one opening at the top. A suction bypass passageway29has one opening at the top of the reciprocatable element27and two openings on the sides of the reciprocatable element27. A coil spring31keeps the valve in the closed position until an operator depresses the push button24. Silicone washers33provide airtight seals between the reciprocatable element27and both the inlet port21and the outlet port20. A plurality of vent holes26on the side of the valve body23opposite the push button and a vent hole32on the other side of the valve body (or end plate under the push button) allow air to move into and out of the space between the reciprocatable element27and the valve body23preventing a vacuum from forming that could restrict the movement of the reciprocatable element27. Grooves35in the stem34align with ridges36in the hole in the end plate through which the push button stem slides. The engagement of the grooves and ridges keep the stem34and reciprocatable element27from rotating out of alignment. A bumper block30prevents the reciprocatable element27from being pushed beyond the open position. The bumper block30is shaped like a flat doughnut with a hole in the middle of it to allow air to pass through it and in and out of vent hole26.

FIG. 5Billustrates a side mid-cross-sectional view of the first version of the suction control valve means19in its closed deactivated position. The suction bypass passageway29is in fluid communication with the outlet port20and the two side vent holes25on each side of the valve body23allowing only room air to be suctioned.

FIG. 5Cillustrates a mid-cross-sectional view of the stem34connecting the push button with the reciprocatable element. Grooves35in the stem34align with opposing ridges attached to the valve body opening36in the body23end plate through which the stem slides back and forth.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a front cross-sectional view of the first version of the suction control valve means19with the push button depressed and the reciprocatable element27in its open activated position. In this position the suction passageway28is in fluid communication with the inlet port21and the outlet port20and the suction feature is functional. The push button24stops short of touching the control valve body by blocking action of bumper block30so as not to occlude vent hole32.

FIG. 6Billustrates a side mid-cross-sectional view of the valve means19in its open activated position.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a front view of a second version of the suction control valve means40in its closed deactivated position. This valve utilizes a rotatable blade type knob41to turn a rotatable element disposed within the valve body44. A round knob stem49connects the rotatable knob41to the rotatable element. An inlet port21and an outlet port20extend outward from the valve body44. A vent hole43represented in this drawing as a dotted line is positioned on the back of the valve body44.

FIG. 7Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the second version of the suction control valve means40in its closed deactivated position exposing a rotatable element50. A fluid passageway48is disposed within the rotatable element50. A spring anchor block45is attached to the valve body44and a spring attachment post51is attached to the rotatable element50. A spring not shown in this figure connects the anchor block45and attachment post51and keeps the rotatable element50in its closed position when the suction feature is not needed. A stop block (not shown in this figure) attached to the valve body keeps the attachment post51and rotatable element50from moving beyond the valves closed position and within the ninety degree rotation arc. The spring anchor block45and the stop block also serve as spacers between the end of the rotatable element and the body end plate47which encloses the inner components of the valve40.

FIG. 7Cillustrates a side mid-cross-sectional view of the second version of the suction control valve means40in its closed deactivated position. This view illustrates that the fluid passageway48is comprised of two separate passageways joined together and has three openings. In this closed position one opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port20and another one is in fluid communication with the back vent hole43so only room air is suctioned. A silicone washer33forms an airtight seal between the rotatable element50and the outlet port20.

FIG. 7Dillustrates a side view of the second version of the suction control valve means40in the deactivated position without the endplate and the knob. A single leaf compression load type spring52is attached to the spring anchor block45and to the spring attachment post51. A stop block46keeps the attachment post51and the rotatable element50from moving beyond the valve's closed position so only room air would be suctioned.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a front view of the second version of the suction control valve means40shown inFIG. 7Awhere its knob41has been rotated ninety degrees from its closed position into its open activated position.

FIG. 8Billustrates a front cross-sectional view of the second version of the suction control valve means40shown inFIG. 8Awhere the rotatable element50and knob41have been rotated ninety degrees into in its open activated position. In this position one of the openings of the fluid passageway48is in fluid communication with the outlet port20and one of the openings is in fluid communication with the inlet port21so the suction feature is functional.

FIG. 8Cillustrates a side mid-cross-sectional view of the second version of the suction control valve means40in its open position.

FIG. 8Dillustrates a side view of the second version of the suction control valve means40without the side endplate and the knob where an operator has rotated the rotatable element50ninety degrees into its open activated position. The spring anchor block45also functions as a stop block and keeps the rotatable element from moving past its open position. The spring52is compressed and loaded in this position and it will force the rotatable element50back into its closed deactivated position when the operator releases the knob.