Automatic safety valve and diffuser for nasal and/or oral gas delivery mask
US5438981A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M16/208
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-regulating valve device adapted for use with respiratory equipment of a type which produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device affords automatic access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction and includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet and an outlet. The primary inlet is adapted for connection to a ported exhalation valve which, in turn, is connected to one end of an elongated flexible tube, the opposite end of which is connected to a gas flow generator. The outlet, in turn, is connected to the inlet of an oral, nasal or oral/nasal respiratory mask respectively adapted to cover the patient's mouth, nose or mouth and nose. The valve device further comprises a pressure-responsive valve element for regulating gas flow into the inlet of the respiratory mask. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is additionally provided a diffuser element positioned generally at the valve outlet/mask inlet junction. The diffuser element diffuses or disperses the flow of incoming gas (pressurized or ambient) to the mask, whereby the patient's comfort is enhanced while undergoing treatment for sleep apnea, or other re…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.