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Exhalation valve for face mask with spacer chamber connection

  • US 5,988,160 A
  • Filed: 04/25/1997
  • Issued: 11/23/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In combination:

  • an aerosolization chamber for receiving an aerosol from a source of aerosol medication, the aerosolization chamber having an exit end;

    a mask having an upstream end connected to the exit end of the aerosolization chamber;

    wherein the mask is comprised of;

    a first frustoconical portion of shallow taper;

    a second frustoconical portion of greater taper located downstream of said first frustoconical portion;

    a nosepiece extending from end to end of the second frustoconical portion, and wherein the second frustoconical portion opens radially into the nosepiece;

    a wall extending from a point between the first frustoconical portion and the second frustoconical portion, the wall forming an upstream end of the nosepiece;

    a one-way valve near the exit end of the aerosolization chamber and located in an opening in the mask, the one-way valve preventing backflow into the aerosolization chamber; and

    a second valve located in an opening in the wall, the second valve operative to prevent air flow through the opening upon patient inhalation but which permits air flow through the opening upon exhalation into the mask so as to permit a patient wearing the mask to exhale air through the opening.

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