Apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for attaching an intubated non-human animal (50) to a gas delivery system (100). The apparatus (1) comprises a first component (4) having a first end for attachment to an outlet (30) of the gas delivery system, a second component (8) having a first end for intubating the non-human animal (50), and a hollow tubular component (5) connecting the first component (4) to the second component (8) to form a gas flow path within the apparatus, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component. The hollow tubular component (5) is movable between at least a first position in which the first end of the first component (4) has a first orientation relative to the first end of the second component (8) and a second position in which the first end of the first component (4) has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component (8).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system. The present disclosure also relates to a gas delivery system incorporating such a device. [Background technology]

[0002] Gas delivery systems are used to deliver gases or aerosols to subjects during preclinical in vivo testing. There are a limited number of commercially available gas delivery systems suitable for such testing. Intratracheal delivery involves direct introduction of a substance into the trachea. Typically, intratracheal delivery involves the insertion of a tubular component, such as a needle or catheter, down the subject's mouth and throat. Such a process is typically referred to as endotracheal intubation. The tubular component can function as a conduit that maintains an open airway and through which one or more gases or aerosols can be administered to the subject.

[0003] Due to the invasive nature of endotracheal intubation, it may sometimes cause discomfort to the subject.Therefore, intubation is usually performed after administration of one or more of general anesthesia and neuromuscular blockers.Nevertheless, there remains a general desire to minimize one or more of the stress and discomfort to the intubated subject, especially during the process of connecting the subject to and disconnecting the subject from the gas delivery system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system. The apparatus may function as a means to allow the non-human animal to be first intubated and then to attach the intubated non-human animal to the gas delivery system. The apparatus also allows the intubated non-human animal to be removed from the gas delivery system. The apparatus may include a first component having a first end for attachment to an outlet of the gas delivery system. The apparatus may include a second component having a first end for intubating the non-human animal. The present disclosure also provides a gas delivery system incorporating such an apparatus.

[0005] The device of the present disclosure may include a hollow tubular component connecting a first component to a second component to form a gas flow path within the device. The gas flow path may extend from a first end of the first component to a first end of the second component. The hollow tubular component may be movable between at least a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position where the first end of the first component has a first orientation relative to the first end of the second component. The second position may be a position where the first end of the first component has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component.

[0006] The device of the present disclosure may include a connection mechanism positioned between the first component and the second component. The connection mechanism may include a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member may be attached to a second end of the first component. The second connection member may be attached to a second end of the second component. The first connection member and the second connection member may be configured to engage with each other to releasably connect the first component to the second component and form a gas flow path within the device. The gas flow path may extend from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component. The first connection member and the second connection member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connection member and the second connection member.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, the apparatus comprising: a first component having a first end for attachment to an outlet of the gas delivery system; a second component having a first end for intubating the non-human animal; and a hollow tubular component connecting the first component to the second component to form a gas flow path within the apparatus, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component, and the hollow tubular component is movable between at least a first position, where the first end of the first component has a first orientation relative to the first end of the second component, and a second position, where the first end of the first component has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component.

[0008] By providing an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, the apparatus comprising a hollow tubular component movable between the first and second positions identified above, the intubated non-human animal may be attached to the gas delivery system in an orientation that is not necessarily dependent on the orientation of the outlet of the gas delivery system to which the intubated non-human animal is attached. In this manner, the process of attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system can be accomplished in a manner that can help minimize one or more of stress and discomfort for the intubated non-human animal. Given the limited number of suitable commercially available gas delivery systems, such an apparatus can provide a distinct improvement over the art.

[0009] More specifically, in use, the device of the first aspect of the disclosure may be used to intubate a non-human animal by inserting a first end of the second component into the mouth and throat of the non-human animal. This step may be performed at a location suitable for such purpose, and this location may not necessarily be where a gas delivery system is present. The device may then be attached to a gas delivery system so that gas can be delivered to the intubated non-human animal. This may involve placing the intubated non-human animal on a support surface and then attaching the first end of the first component to an outlet of the gas delivery system. Due to the movable configuration of the tubular element, the intubated non-human animal may be attached to the outlet of the gas delivery system without requiring precise alignment between the support surface and the outlet of the gas delivery system. Thus, the device may be useful for attaching the intubated non-human animal to the gas delivery system in a manner that may help minimize one or more of stress and discomfort for the intubated non-human animal. Similar considerations may apply to the process of removing the intubated non-human animal from the gas delivery system.

[0010] By providing the hollow tubular component as a separate component from the first and second components, it is possible to achieve a mobile configuration for the device without necessarily imposing limitations on the material and / or design of each of the first and second components. That is, each of the first and second components can be manufactured from materials and designed in a manner that is compatible with their intended purpose. For example, the second component may be designed in a manner that is particularly suitable for intubating a non-human animal, such as, for example, by forming the second component from a rigid tube. Similarly, the first component may be designed in a manner that is particularly suitable for attachment to the outlet of a gas delivery system. This may include the need to achieve an airtight seal with the outlet of the gas delivery system.

[0011] As discussed above, the hollow tubular component may provide a means for connecting a first component of the device to a second component of the device. The hollow tubular component may define a hollow interior space extending from a first end of the hollow tubular component to the second tubular component. This interior space may be referred to as the lumen of the hollow tubular component. A portion of the gas flow path of the device may extend along the lumen of the hollow tubular component. That is, the hollow tubular component may be configured as a conduit for gas to flow from the first component of the device to the second component of the device.

[0012] The hollow tubular component is, for example, movable relative to one or both of the first and second components between at least a first position in which a first end of the first component has a first orientation relative to a first end of the second component and a second position in which the first end of the first component has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component. Thus, the hollow tubular component may be a flexible tube. The hollow tubular component may be formed of a flexible material. Suitable flexible materials include one or more of rubber, synthetic elastomers, phthalates, silicones, and combinations thereof.

[0013] The hollow tubular component may comprise a first portion connected to a second portion via one or more articulation joints. The one or more articulation joints may permit the first portion of the hollow tubular component to move relative to the second portion of the hollow tubular component. That is, movement of the first portion of the hollow tubular component relative to the second portion of the hollow tubular component about the one or more articulation joints may correspond to movement of the hollow tubular component between a first position and a second position.

[0014] A first portion of the hollow tubular component may be connected to a first component of the device. A second portion of the hollow tubular component may be connected to a second component of the device.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, the apparatus comprising: a first component having a first end for attachment to an outlet of the gas delivery system; a second component having a first end for intubating the non-human animal; and a connection mechanism positioned between the first and second components, the connection mechanism comprising a first connecting member attached to the second end of the first component and a second connecting member attached to the second end of the second component, the first connecting member and the second connecting member configured to engage with each other to releasably connect the first component to the second component and form a gas flow path within the apparatus, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0016] Rotation of one connecting member relative to another connecting member may be a desirable manner for connecting a first component of an apparatus to a second component of the apparatus because it may provide a reliable means for achieving a secure connection between the two components. This may be desirable to improve the effectiveness of gas flow paths formed within the apparatus. Such connections may be simple to implement. Such connections may also be easy to achieve reliably and repeatedly.

[0017] However, a rotational connection can also mean that at least some rotational stress is imposed on the intubated non-human animal as it is attached to the gas delivery system. Thus, by providing an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, where the apparatus includes an attachment mechanism that utilizes rotation of 180 degrees or less, the process of attaching the intubated non-human animal to the gas delivery system can be accomplished in a reliable manner, while also helping to limit one or more of stress and discomfort for the intubated non-human animal.

[0018] Specifically, with the device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, a first component of the device and a first connecting member of the connecting mechanism can be first attached to the outlet of a gas delivery system. Separately, a second component of the device and a second connecting member of the connecting mechanism can be used to intubate the non-human animal. This step can be performed at a location suitable for such purposes, and this location need not necessarily be where the gas delivery system is present.

[0019] The intubated non-human animal with the second component of the device and the second connecting member of the connecting mechanism can then be brought to the outlet of the gas delivery system. The first connecting member and the second connecting member can then be engaged with each other to releasably connect the first component to the second component, and thus releasably connect the intubated non-human animal to the gas delivery system. Because the first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to connect to each other using no more than 180 degrees of rotation between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the amount of rotational stress on the intubated non-human animal can be limited. This may help to minimize one or more of stress and discomfort for the intubated non-human animal during the process of attaching the non-human animal to the gas delivery system. This may also help to simplify the manner in which the intubated non-human animal needs to be handled during the process of attaching the non-human animal to the gas delivery system, as compared to, for example, an arrangement having a threaded engagement that requires several times 360 degrees of rotation.

[0020] Thus, the device of the second aspect of the present disclosure may enable a secure connection to be made between an intubated non-human animal and a gas delivery system in a manner that may help minimize one or more of stress and discomfort to the intubated non-human animal. Given the limited number of suitable commercially available gas delivery systems, such a device may provide a distinct improvement over the art.

[0021] The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to one another using a rotation of 135 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to one another using a rotation of 90 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to one another using a rotation of 45 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Minimizing the amount of rotation required to form a connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member may help to minimize any degree of stress and discomfort imposed on the intubated non-human animal during the process of attaching the non-human animal to the gas delivery system.

[0022] The first and second connecting members may be configured to connect to one another to form an airtight seal. The airtight seal may be formed around a portion of the gas flow path extending through the connecting arrangement.

[0023] The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 135 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 90 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 45 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal.

[0024] The first connecting member and the second connecting member may form a Luer connection. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may each comprise one of a male Luer connector and a female Luer connector.

[0025] The first connecting member may include a male luer connector and the second connecting member may include a corresponding female luer connector.

[0026] The first connecting member may include a female Luer connector and the second connecting member may include a corresponding male Luer connector.

[0027] The first connecting member may comprise a female luer connector and the second connecting member may comprise a female luer connector. In such an embodiment, the connection mechanism may further comprise a double male luer connector arranged to connect the first connecting member to the second connecting member, the double male luer connector comprising a body having a first male luer connector on one end of the body configured to engage with the female luer connector of the first connecting member and a second male luer connector on another end of the body configured to engage with the female luer connector of the second connecting member. The body of the double male luer connector may be hollow. Such a double male luer connector arrangement may be advantageous because one of the luer connector arrangements may be configured to create a connection using minimal rotation, such as a rotation of 180 degrees or less.

[0028] The first connecting member may comprise a male luer connector and the second connecting member may comprise a male luer connector. In such an embodiment, the connection mechanism may further comprise a double female luer connector arranged to connect the first connecting member to the second connecting member, the double female luer connector comprising a body having a first female luer connector on one end of the body configured to engage with the male luer connector of the first connecting member and a second female luer connector on another end of the body configured to engage with the male luer connector of the second connecting member. The body of the double female luer connector may be hollow. Such a double female luer connector arrangement may be advantageous because one of the luer connector arrangements may be configured to create a connection using minimal rotation, such as a rotation of 180 degrees or less.

[0029] One such suitable double luer connector arrangement is that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0206516 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] For example, a male Luer connector as described herein may comprise a tapered tubular portion configured to be received within a tubular receiving portion of a female Luer connector. A female Luer connector as described herein thus comprises a tubular receiving portion configured to receive a portion of a male Luer connector.

[0031] The double male luer connector described herein may include a first male luer connector at one end and a second male luer connector at the other end. The first male luer connector and the second male luer connector are in communication with each other. For example, gas may be able to flow through the first male luer connector and the second male luer connector.

[0032] The outer peripheral surface of the first male luer connector may define a first tapered surface (conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the first male luer connector. The outer peripheral surface of the second male luer connector may define a second tapered surface (conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the second male luer connector. The double male luer connector may further include a tubular portion surrounding the first male luer connector. A female thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion.

[0033] The entire double male luer connector may be integrally formed as one component.

[0034] The double male luer connector may further include a pair of engagement claws protruding outwardly at a location between the first male luer connector and the second male luer connector. The pair of engagement claws may be configured to engage with corresponding engagement structures provided on a female luer connector, such as the female luer connector of the first connection member or the female luer connector of the second connection member. For example, the double male luer connector may be configured such that the pair of engagement claws engage with corresponding engagement structures on the female luer connector when the second male luer connector is inserted into the female luer connector. In this configuration, a reliable connection between the second male luer connector and the female luer connector can be achieved with an airtight fit, while only requiring relatively few rotations between the second male luer connector and the female luer connector.

[0035] The pair of engagement claws may protrude outwardly from the body of the double male Luer connector. Such protrusions may extend radially away from a central axis of the double male Luer connector. The body of the double male Luer connector may comprise a flange extending around the entire circumference of the body. The pair of engagement claws may be provided on a cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the flange. Each engagement claw may have an inclined surface relative to the flange. Each engagement claw may have an inclined surface relative to a central axis of the double male Luer connector. Such inclined surfaces may help the engagement claws to form an airtight seal between the double male Luer connector and a corresponding female Luer connector when the double male Luer connector is connected to the female Luer connector.

[0036] The pair of engaging claws may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the double male luer connector. Of course, the above paragraphs are also written primarily with reference to double male luer connectors, and the disclosure therein may also be applicable to embodiments having double female luer connectors.

[0037] It will be appreciated that features described above for the apparatus of the first aspect of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner with the apparatus of the second aspect of the disclosure, and similarly features described above for the apparatus of the second aspect of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner with the apparatus of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0038] For example, the hollow tubular component may be positioned between the connection mechanism and the first component, i.e., the hollow tubular component may act to attach a first connecting member of the connection mechanism to a second end of the first component. Alternatively, the hollow tubular component may be positioned between the connection mechanism and the second component, i.e., the hollow tubular component may act to attach a second connecting member of the connection mechanism to a second end of the second component.

[0039] We now describe further optional features of the devices of the present disclosure, including those of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] The first end of the first component may include an opening defining a gas inlet for the apparatus.

[0041] The first component may comprise a hollow tube. The first component may consist of a hollow tube. The hollow tube may have a first end defining a first end and an opposite second end of the first component. The second end of the hollow tube may be attached to the hollow tubular component. The second end of the hollow tube may be attached to the first connecting member.

[0042] When the first component includes or consists of a hollow tube, the hollow tube may be rigid, i.e., a first end of the hollow tube may not be movable relative to a second end of the hollow tube. The hollow tube may be formed of a metal. The hollow tube may be formed of a plastic.

[0043] The first component may define a hollow interior space extending from a first end of the first component to a second end of the first component. This interior space may be referred to as the lumen of the first component. A portion of the gas flow path of the device may extend along the lumen of the first component. That is, the first component may be configured as a conduit for gas to flow from the gas delivery system into the device.

[0044] The first end of the second component may include an opening defining a gas outlet for the device.

[0045] The second component may comprise a hollow tube. The second component may consist of a hollow tube. The hollow tube may have a first end defining a first end and an opposite second end of the second component. The second end of the hollow tube may be the second end of the second component.

[0046] The hollow tube of the second component may be rigid, i.e., the first end of the hollow tube of the second component may not be moveable relative to the second end of the hollow tube of the second component.

[0047] When the second component comprises or consists of a hollow tube, the hollow tube of the second component may be formed of metal. The hollow tube may be formed of plastic.

[0048] The second component may comprise a catheter for intubating the non-human animal.

[0049] The first end of the second component may be rounded.

[0050] The second component may define a hollow interior space extending from a first end of the second component to a second end of the second component. This interior space may be referred to as the lumen of the second component. A portion of the gas flow path of the device may extend along the lumen of the second component. That is, the second component may be configured as a conduit for gas to flow out of the device and into the intubated non-human animal.

[0051] As noted above, the present disclosure also includes a gas delivery system comprising an apparatus as described herein. Thus, according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a gas delivery system for delivering gas to at least one non-human animal, the system comprising a body defining a gas chamber, the body having a gas chamber inlet configured to receive a supply of gas and at least one gas chamber outlet, and an apparatus according to one or both of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus configured to attach an intubated non-human animal to the at least one gas chamber outlet of the body of the gas delivery system.

[0052] The gas delivery system may comprise a supply of a substance to be delivered to an intubated non-human animal attached to the device. The supply may be attached to the gas chamber inlet, such that the substance can be introduced into the gas chamber through the gas chamber inlet. The gas delivery system may thus be configured to deliver a substance to an intubated non-human animal attached to the device. The substance may be an aerosol, or may form an aerosol when entrained in the gas flow from the gas chamber inlet. The substance may include a gaseous drug.

[0053] The gas delivery system(s) described herein may be for delivering gas to at least one subject, e.g., multiple subjects. Thus, the device described herein may be a device for attaching a subject to a gas delivery system. The or each subject may be a non-human animal, such as a mouse. Thus, the gas delivery system may be for delivering gas to at least one non-human animal, e.g., multiple non-human animals. The system may be for delivering gas to multiple subjects, e.g., multiple non-human animals, simultaneously. As used herein, the term "subject" may be used to refer to a non-human animal.

[0054] As used herein, the term "engage" may be used to mean "directly engage." The engaged components may be connected or attached to one another. The engaged components may contact one another. The engagement of two components may not require any additional components, such as an adapter or engagement means, separate from the engaged components.

[0055] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein. EXAMPLES

[0056] [Example 1] 1. An apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, the apparatus comprising: a first component having a first end for attachment to an outlet of the gas delivery system; and a second component having a first end for intubating the non-human animal.

[0057] [Example 2] The device according to example 1, further comprising a hollow tubular component connecting the first component to the second component to form a gas flow path within the device, the gas flow path extending from a first end of the first component to a first end of the second component and movable between at least a first position, in which the first end of the first component has a first orientation relative to the first end of the second component, and a second position, in which the first end of the first component has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component.

[0058] [Example 3] 3. The apparatus according to example 2, wherein the hollow tubular component comprises a flexible tube.

[0059] [Example 4] The device according to example 2 or example 3, wherein the hollow tubular component is formed of a flexible material, such as one or more of rubber, synthetic elastomer, silicone, and combinations thereof.

[0060] [Example 5] The device according to any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the hollow tubular component comprises a first portion connected to a second portion via one or more articulation joints.

[0061] [Example 6] The device according to example 5, wherein movement of a first portion of the hollow tubular component relative to a second portion of the hollow tubular component around one or more articulation joints corresponds to movement of the hollow tubular component between a first position and a second position.

[0062] [Example 7] The device according to any of Examples 1 to 6, further comprising a connection mechanism positioned between the first component and the second component, the connection mechanism comprising a first connection member attached to a second end of the first component and a second connection member attached to a second end of the second component, wherein the first connection member and the second connection member are configured to engage with each other to releasably connect the first component to the second component and form a gas flow path within the device, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component, and wherein the first connection member and the second connection member are configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connection member and the second connection member.

[0063] [Example 8] The apparatus according to example 7, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to connect to one another to form an airtight seal.

[0064] [Example 9] An apparatus according to example 8, wherein an airtight seal is formed around a portion of the gas flow path that extends through the connection mechanism.

[0065] [Example 10] The device according to Examples 7-9, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member each comprise one of a male luer connector and a female luer connector.

[0066] [Example 11] The device of Example 10, wherein the first connecting member comprises a male luer connector and the second connecting member comprises a corresponding female luer connector, or the first connecting member comprises a female luer connector and the second connecting member comprises a corresponding male luer connector.

[0067] [Example 12] The device according to example 10, wherein the first connecting member comprises a female Luer connector and the second connecting member comprises a male Luer connector, and the connecting mechanism further comprises a double male Luer connector arranged to connect the first connecting member to the second connecting member, the double male Luer connector comprising a body having a first male Luer connector on one end of the body, the first male Luer connector configured to engage with the female Luer connector of the first connecting member, and a second male Luer connector on another end of the body, the second male Luer connector configured to engage with the female Luer connector of the second connecting member.

[0068] [Example 13] A device according to any of Examples 10 to 12, wherein each male luer connector comprises a tapered tubular portion configured to be received within the tubular receiving portion of the female luer connector.

[0069] [Example 14] The device according to any of Examples 7 to 13, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 135 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0070] [Example 15] The device according to any of Examples 7 to 14, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 90 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0071] [Example 16] The device according to any of Examples 7 to 15, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 45 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0072] [Example 17] An apparatus according to any of Examples 7 to 16, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal.

[0073] [Example 18] An apparatus according to any of Examples 7 to 17, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 135 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal.

[0074] [Example 19] An apparatus according to any of Examples 7 to 18, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 90 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal.

[0075] [Example 20] An apparatus according to any of Examples 7 to 19, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be configured to connect to each other using a rotation of 45 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member to form an airtight seal.

[0076] [Example 21] The apparatus according to any of Examples 1-20, wherein the first end of the first component comprises an opening defining a gas inlet for the apparatus.

[0077] [Example 22] The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the first component comprises a hollow tube having a first end defining a first end of the first component and an opposing second end.

[0078] [Example 23] 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, when dependent on at least claim 1, wherein the second end of the hollow tube is attached to the hollow tubular component.

[0079] [Example 24] The apparatus according to example 22, when dependent on at least claim 6, wherein the second end of the hollow tube is attached to the first connecting member.

[0080] [Example 25] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the hollow tube is rigid.

[0081] [Example 26] The apparatus according to any of Examples 22 to 25, wherein the first end of the hollow tube is not movable relative to the second end of the hollow tube.

[0082] [Example 27] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 26, wherein the hollow tube is formed of metal.

[0083] [Example 28] The device according to any of Examples 1-27, wherein the first end of the second component comprises an opening defining a gas outlet for the device.

[0084] [Example 29] The apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the second component comprises a hollow tube having a first end defining a first end of the second component and an opposing second end.

[0085] [Example 30] 30. The apparatus according to example 29, wherein the hollow tube of the second component is rigid.

[0086] [Example 31] The device according to example 29 or example 30, wherein the first end of the hollow tube of the second component is not movable relative to the second end of the hollow tube of the second component.

[0087] [Example 32] The apparatus according to any of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the hollow tube of the second component is formed of metal.

[0088] [Example 33] The device according to any of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the second component comprises a catheter for intubating the non-human animal.

[0089] [Example 34] The device according to any of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the first end of the second component is rounded.

[0090] [Example 35] A gas delivery system for delivering gas to at least one non-human animal, comprising: a body defining a gas chamber, the body having a gas chamber inlet configured to receive a supply of gas, and at least one gas chamber outlet; and an apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 35 configured to attach an intubated non-human animal to the at least one gas chamber outlet of the body of the gas delivery system.

[0091] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a gas delivery system comprising multiple devices according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the components of FIGS.

[0093] 1 shows an apparatus 1 for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system according to a first embodiment. The apparatus 1 comprises a first component 4 in the form of a hollow metal tube. The first component 4 has a first end for attachment to an outlet of the gas delivery system. The apparatus also comprises a second component 8 in the form of a hollow metal tube or catheter. The second component 8 has a rounded first end for intubating the non-human animal.

[0094] The device further comprises a hollow tubular component 5 connecting the first component 4 to the second component 8. The hollow tubular component 5 is directly connected to the first component 4, for example by an adhesive that attaches the second end of the first component 4 to the hollow tubular component 5. The hollow tubular component 5 is indirectly attached to the second component 8 by a connection mechanism 10, which is described in more detail below. Thus, a gas flow path exists within the device, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component 4 to the first end of the second component 8.

[0095] The hollow tubular component 5 is a flexible tube formed from one or more of rubber, synthetic elastomers, phthalates, silicones, and combinations thereof. As such, the hollow tubular component 5 is movable between at least a first position in which the first end of the first component 4 has a first orientation relative to the first end of the second component 8, and a second position in which the first end of the first component 4 has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component 8.

[0096] As indicated above, the connection mechanism 10 resides between the first component 4 and the second component 8. The connection mechanism 10 enables the first component 4 and the second component 8 to be releasably connected to one another to form a gas flow path within the device 1.

[0097] The connection mechanism 10 comprises a first connection member 6 attached to the second end of the flexible tubing 5. The first connection member 6 is in the form of a female Luer connector.

[0098] The connection mechanism 10 also comprises a second connection member in the form of a double male Luer connector 7 and a second female Luer connector 22. The second female Luer connector 22 is attached to the second end of the second component 8, for example by adhesive. The double male Luer connector 7 is illustrated in more detail in the perspective view of Figure 3, where the double male Luer connector 7 is shown in partially transparent form for the purposes of enhancing the visibility of its features.

[0099] The first female Luer connector 6 and the second female Luer connector 22 are each configured to rotate to engage and form a fixed connection with the double male Luer connector 7. Specifically, the double male Luer connector 7 comprises a body having a first male Luer connector 31 on one end 41 of the body and a second male Luer connector 32 on the other end 42 of the body. The first male Luer connector 31 is configured to engage with the first female Luer connector 6. The second male Luer connector 32 is configured to engage with the second female Luer connector 22. The second male Luer connector 32 comprises a pair of outwardly protruding engagement prongs 52. Each engagement prong has an inclined surface configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the second female Luer connector 22 to form an airtight fit with the second female Luer connector 22. Specifically, when the second male luer connector 32 and the second female luer connector 22 are brought together and rotated relative to one another, the angled surface of the engagement prongs 52 engages with a corresponding surface of the second female luer connector 22 to form an airtight seal between the luer connectors. The rotation between the luer connectors is no more than 180 degrees, such as 45 degrees.

[0100] 2 illustrates a gas delivery system 100 comprising two devices according to a first embodiment. The gas delivery system 100 comprises a body 20 defining a gas chamber 22. The body 20 also has a gas chamber inlet 24 configured to receive a supply of gas from a supply 40 in fluid communication with the gas chamber inlet 24. The body 20 also has two gas chamber outlets 30 to allow attachment of an intubated non-human animal to the body 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the intubated non-human animal is a mouse 50.

[0101] In use, a substance may be released from supply 40 into gas chamber 22 through gas chamber inlet 24. The substance may be an aerosol, or may form an aerosol when entrained in the gas flow from gas chamber inlet 24. The substance may then pass out of gas chamber outlet 30 and through a lumen formed in each device 1 (i.e., through the respective gas flow paths) and be delivered to an intubated non-human animal 50.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for attaching an intubated non-human animal to a gas delivery system, comprising: a first component having a first end for attachment to an outlet of a gas delivery system; a second component having a first end for intubating the non-human animal; a hollow tubular component connecting the first component to the second component to form a gas flow path within the device, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component; The hollow tubular component comprises at least: a first position, wherein the first end of a first component has a first orientation relative to the first end of a second component; The device is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first end of the first component has a second orientation relative to the first end of the second component.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hollow tubular component comprises a flexible tube.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hollow tubular component comprises a first portion connected to a second portion via one or more articulation joints.

4. the apparatus further comprising a connection mechanism positioned between the first component and the second component, the connection mechanism comprising: a first connecting member attached to a second end of the first component; a second connecting member attached to a second end of the second component; the first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to engage one another to releasably connect the first component to the second component and to form a gas flow path within the device, the gas flow path extending from the first end of the first component to the first end of the second component; 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to connect to one another using a rotation of 180 degrees or less between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to connect to one another to form an airtight seal.

6. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member each comprise one of a male luer connector and a female luer connector.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the first component includes an opening defining a gas inlet for the apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first component comprises a hollow tube having a first end and an opposite second end that defines the first end of the first component.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the second end of the hollow tube is attached to the hollow tubular component.

10. The apparatus described in claim 4, wherein the first component comprises a hollow tube having a first end defining the first end of the first component and an opposite second end, the second end of the hollow tube being attached to the first connecting member.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the second component includes an opening defining a gas outlet for the apparatus.

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second component comprises a hollow tube having a first end and an opposite second end that defines the first end of the second component.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second component comprises a catheter for intubating a non-human animal.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the second component is rounded.

15. 1. A gas delivery system for delivering gas to at least one non-human animal, comprising: a body defining a gas chamber, the body having a gas chamber inlet configured to receive a supply of gas and at least one gas chamber outlet; and the device of any one of claims 1 to 14 configured to attach an intubated non-human animal to the at least one gas chamber outlet of the body of the gas delivery system.

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