ELECTRICALLY STIMULATED MASK AND/OR ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS
First Claim
1. A respiratory assistance component comprising a first and a second conduit that each comprise electro active polymer that causes the respective conduit to change shape and/or size between a first non-energized state, when no electrical voltage or current is applied to the electro active polymer, and a second energized state, when voltage or current is applied to the electro active polymer,wherein the electro active polymer of the first conduit and the electro active polymer of the second conduit are selectively energizable to change at least one of the shape or size of the respective conduit so as to modify or maintain an aspect of the respiratory assistance provided to a patient.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.
66 Citations
75 Claims
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1. A respiratory assistance component comprising a first and a second conduit that each comprise electro active polymer that causes the respective conduit to change shape and/or size between a first non-energized state, when no electrical voltage or current is applied to the electro active polymer, and a second energized state, when voltage or current is applied to the electro active polymer,
wherein the electro active polymer of the first conduit and the electro active polymer of the second conduit are selectively energizable to change at least one of the shape or size of the respective conduit so as to modify or maintain an aspect of the respiratory assistance provided to a patient.
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13-68. -68. (canceled)
Specification