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Three stage implantable pressure relief valve with adjustable valve stem members

  • US 4,729,762 A
  • Filed: 12/23/1985
  • Issued: 03/08/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A subcutaneous implantable valve for regulating the flow of fluid from one location in the body to another location, comprising:

  • a housing including an upper housing portion;

    a flexible diaphragm in said housing and dividing the same into first and second interior chambers;

    inlet port means for establishing fluid communication between said first interior chamber and the one location;

    outlet port means for establishing fluid communication between said second interior chamber and the other location;

    a valve seat forming a part of said diaphragm and providing a fluid passageway opening communicating said first interior chamber with said second interior chamber;

    said valve seat and diaphragm having a static position within said housing in the absence of a first predetermined pressure differential between said chambers;

    a combination valve closure member and valve stem fluid flow restrictor mounted in said upper housing portion and projecting into said first interior chamber in coaxial alignment with said fluid passageway, said restrictor projecting from said valve closure member and at least into close association with said valve seat for control of fluid flow through said fluid passageway opening, whereby in the static condition of said diaphragm said valve seat is in engagement with said valve closure member to establish a first valving mode wherein fluid flow through said fluid passageway is prevented in the absence of said first predetermined pressure differential between said chambers, and whereby in response to a varying pressure differential between said chambers exceeding said first predetermined pressure differential said valve seat is displaceable away from said valve closure member to move along and past said restrictor to successively establish second, third and fourth valving modes wherein fluid flow between said chambers in said second valving mode is sufficient to maintain said first predetermined pressure differential, fluid flow between said chambers in said third valving mode is at a substantially constant rate, and fluid flow between said chambers in said fourth valving mode is sufficient to prevent exceeding a second predetermined pressure differential between said chambers;

    said upper housing portion being provided with an opening through which said combination valve closure member and restrictor is advancable and retractable to permit variation in the parameter of at least said first predetermined pressure differential; and

    said valve closure member being provided with an opening through which said restrictor is advancable and retractable to permit variation in the parameter of at least said second predetermined pressure differential.

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