Positive expiratory pressure device having an oscillating valve
First Claim
1. A Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) module comprising:
- an airflow passageway formed from a device housing and a valve housing, the airflow passageway having a first end and an opposing second end; and
a valve assembly configured to be disposed between the first and second airflow passageway ends, the valve assembly comprising the valve housing and a valve movably mounted on the valve housing, the valve defined by first and second legs movably affixed to the valve housing, the first and second legs joined by a central ledge, the central ledge defining an angle that is complementary to an angle defined by a wall that forms a portion of the airflow passageway, whereby the valve is operable for producing oscillations in an airflow, whereby the valve is configured to pivot between a first posture substantially in the airflow whereby the valve is positioned more proximal the airflow passageway and oriented complementary thereto, and a second posture substantially out of the airflow whereby the valve is pivoted more distal relative to the airflow passageway, and whereby the valve assumes the first posture absent the presence of the airflow.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A PEP module is provided for producing and transmitting oscillations of expiratory air to the lungs and airways of a user to thereby loosen and mobilize mucus obstructions. The PEP module includes an external device housing having a mouthpiece at a first end thereof and a cover at an opposite second end thereof configured for providing resistance to the airflow of the expiratory air. The PEP module further includes a valve assembly contained within the external housing and disposed medially between the mouthpiece and the cover. The valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve moveably mounted on the valve housing. The valve rapidly and repeatedly oscillates relative to the valve housing as the user exhales to produce oscillations in the expiratory air that are transmitted to the lungs and airways of the user to loosen and mobilize the mucus obstructions.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) module comprising:
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an airflow passageway formed from a device housing and a valve housing, the airflow passageway having a first end and an opposing second end; and a valve assembly configured to be disposed between the first and second airflow passageway ends, the valve assembly comprising the valve housing and a valve movably mounted on the valve housing, the valve defined by first and second legs movably affixed to the valve housing, the first and second legs joined by a central ledge, the central ledge defining an angle that is complementary to an angle defined by a wall that forms a portion of the airflow passageway, whereby the valve is operable for producing oscillations in an airflow, whereby the valve is configured to pivot between a first posture substantially in the airflow whereby the valve is positioned more proximal the airflow passageway and oriented complementary thereto, and a second posture substantially out of the airflow whereby the valve is pivoted more distal relative to the airflow passageway, and whereby the valve assumes the first posture absent the presence of the airflow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) module for producing oscillations in expiratory air exhaled by a user and transmitting the oscillations to the lungs and airways of the user, the oscillating PEP module comprising:
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a generally hollow external device housing, the device housing comprising; a mouthpiece at a first end thereof configured for receiving the expiratory air; and a cover at an opposite second end thereof configured for restrictively releasing the airflow of the expiratory air through a device housing airflow passageway generating a positive pressure in the lungs and airways of the user; and a valve assembly contained within the external device housing and disposed medially between the mouthpiece and the cover, the valve assembly comprising; a valve housing defining a valve housing airflow passageway therethrough for directing the expiratory air from the mouthpiece towards the cover, the valve housing airflow passageway in fluidic communication with the device housing airway passageway; and a valve movably mounted on the valve housing and configured for repeated movement into and out of the airflow of the expiratory air, the valve defined by first and second legs positioned in parallel orientation and rotatably affixed to the valve housing at opposing sides of the valve housing airflow passageway, the first and second legs joined by a planar central ledge, the central ledge defining an angle complementary to an angle defined by a wall that forms a terminal portion of the passageway of the valve housing, whereby the valve is configured to pivot between a first posture substantially in the airflow of expiratory air whereby the valve is positioned more proximal the valve housing airflow passageway and oriented complementary thereto, and a second posture substantially out of the airflow of expiratory air whereby the valve is pivoted more distal relative to the valve housing airflow passageway, and whereby the valve assumes the first posture absent the presence of the expiratory airflow. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification