Rubens Valves
Object numberED.CS.2025.35.209
TitleRubens Valves
CreatorSimonsen & Weel (Manufacturer)
DescriptionTwo Rubens type valves, used on ventilators as a one-way valve and also used on manual ventilation reuscitation bags. Air and gases can only flow one way through this valve as there is a bobbin moving against a spring. The valve is named after its developer Henning Moritz Ruben (1914-2004), a Danish anaesthetist. In 1950, he was attempting to re-create a non-rebreathing valve from an American medical journal. Despite mis-interpreting the drawing, he came up with something new, with the help of a watchmaker. Early designs made a clicking noise when used.
T shaped, with three different coloured ends in bronze, blue, and red. (blue on one has mostly worn away) Inside the clear central body a spring mechanism can be seen. Inscribed on the body is 'S & W, Pat., Made in Denmark'.
Production placeDenmark
Production date 1960 - 1980
Production periodTwentieth century
Object nameAnaesthetic apparatus
Object categoryMedical Equipment
Dimensions
- Width: 8 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Height: 3 cm