Method and apparatus for a tracheal valve
US7025784B1 · kind B1 · utility
37Cited by
12References
36Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1981 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M16/0497
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An externally worn tracheal valve has a valve assembly supporting a flexible, resilient lightweight diaphragm centrally thereof. The diaphragm is folded towards the trachea so that air expelled from the trachea will tend to unfold the diaphragm to an extended position to close the valve. During normal breathing the diaphragm remains at least partially folded and the valve remains open. During voice exhalation, the diaphragm extends to close the valve. During high pressure coughing exhalation, the diaphragm may evert, opening the valve to release excessive pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.