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Exhalation valve for mechanical ventilator

DC
  • US 6,102,038 A
  • Filed: 05/15/1998
  • Issued: 08/15/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An exhalation valve assembly for a mechanically ventilated patient, comprising:

  • a) a first conduit having a first end configured for connection to a patient, and a second end;

    b) a second conduit having a first end configured for connection to a ventilator, and a second end in fluid communication with the second end of the first conduit;

    c) a third conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the first and second conduits, and a second end openable to atmosphere;

    d) a valve located adjacent the second end of the third conduit and biased in the closed position so as to controllably open the second end of the third conduit; and

    e) a fourth conduit substantially coaxial with the valve and said third conduit and configured for connection to a source of exhalation drive pressure for communicating the exhalation drive pressure to the valve;

    f) the valve comprising;

    a spring engaged by a rotatable cap and an axially movable spring seat arranged to vary the bias of the spring by rotation of the cap; and

    a chamber exposed to exhalation drive pressure from said fourth conduit and being arranged to lock the valve closed by the exhalation drive pressure.

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