Device with actively-moving members that hold or move the tongue
US7954494B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention is a device with actively-moving members external to the tongue that hold or move the tongue forward (using friction, compression, tension, pushing, pulling, adhesion, peristaltic motion, or a combination thereof) in order to reduce obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, or both. This device has advantages over Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), surgical procedures, tubes or stents, jaw-positioning appliances, devices that use suction, piercing the tongue, and devices using friction with static or passively-moving members. With actively-moving members, the places of pressure on the tongue can be moved throughout the night to avoid tissue injury. Also, the device can actively re-engage tongue when it slips out. A dynamic sleep apnea device with actively-moving members creates new treatment options for the millions of people suffering from sleep apnea.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.