Oral appliance having hollow body
US5950624A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2016/0027
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An appliance is provided for installation within the mouth of an individual to prevent obstruction of the natural airway of the individual and to enhance natural ventilation during sleep. The appliance is hollow and is custom-molded to the oral cavity for biasing tissues surrounding the user's natural airway to keep the airway open. An external positive air supply is also provided which connects to a tube extending from the appliance and forces air through the hollow appliance to a rear opening of the appliance in the user's retroglossal area. A sensor provides control information to the positive air supply by sensing relative pressure in the user's oral cavity. The natural breathing cycle is thus enhanced but not controlled by the appliance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.