Adjustable and biased-open unidirectional speaking valve
US9302062B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M16/0497
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.