Flow switching valve and method of use in ventilating multiple patients with a single ventilator
US11911567B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2207/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An airflow switching valve allowing a single ventilator to sequentially ventilate multiple patients, each patient being ventilated through a respiratory cycle. The airflow switching valve includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a spring. Each of the outer and inner housings have a plurality of apertures that, when aligned in different positions, direct airflow to different patients. The inner housing rotates within the outer housing into different positions. The rotational movement is guided by a track of the outer housing. Extensions on the inner housing engage the track of the outer housing and translate along the track, thereby directing the movement of the inner housing between varying positions. Movement of the inner housing is initiated by either a spring force caused by the spring of the airflow switching valve or by air pressure caused by an inspiratory breath flowing into the airflow switching valve from the ventilator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.