Mouthpiece for a nebulizer
First Claim
1. A mouthpiece device for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer comprising:
- an inlet connector adapted to engage an outlet port of the nebulizer;
a hollow mouthpiece for insertion into a patient'"'"'s mouth;
a conduit forming a fluid passageway between the inlet connector and the hollow mouthpiece;
an exhaust valve for removing exhalation gases and fluids exhaled into the mouthpiece device, to outside the device, said exhaust valve being positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector and the hollow mouthpiece;
exhaust valve support means positioned below, when in use, and in contact with a valve disc and integral with the hollow mouthpiece so as to prevent opening of said exhaust valve during patient inhalation; and
a deflector positioned in the conduit between the exhaust valve and the inlet connector to deflect inspiration mist flowing into the inlet connector away from the exhaust valve, and to deflect exhalation gases emanating from the hollow mouthpiece toward the exhaust valve;
wherein the exhaust valve comprises a valve disc housing securing an annular outer peripheral edge portion, in its entirety, of the valve disc between a support ring and a retaining ring, the valve disc having a plurality of radial cuts, each radial cut being joined with a circumferential cut arranged adjacent the peripheral edge and radially inward of the secured edge portion, to form a plurality of hingeable flaps facilitating the opening of the valve in response to pressure in the fluid passageway resulting from exhalation therethrough by a patient and return of rainout exhausted through the exhaust valve to the fluid passageway of the mouthpiece.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mouth piece exhalation valve for a nebulizer or breathing circuit. The nebulizer has an internal passageway containing an offset causing an inspiration mist flow to bypass the exhaust valve without impingement. The offset includes a deflector which aids in the deflection of the inspiration mist flow away from the exhaust valve. The deflector is also utilized for directing the exhaust flow upon expiration by a patient through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve design includes a flap or disc having leaves formed by peripheral arcuate cuts to facilitate the opening and the closing of the leafs in accordance with the expiration and inhalation of a patient respectively. The cuts also aid in the re-introduction of any accumulation of fluid on the external surface of the disc and valve back into the inspirational cycle so as to minimize any external buildup of fluid.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A mouthpiece device for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer comprising:
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an inlet connector adapted to engage an outlet port of the nebulizer;
a hollow mouthpiece for insertion into a patient'"'"'s mouth;
a conduit forming a fluid passageway between the inlet connector and the hollow mouthpiece;
an exhaust valve for removing exhalation gases and fluids exhaled into the mouthpiece device, to outside the device, said exhaust valve being positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector and the hollow mouthpiece;
exhaust valve support means positioned below, when in use, and in contact with a valve disc and integral with the hollow mouthpiece so as to prevent opening of said exhaust valve during patient inhalation; and
a deflector positioned in the conduit between the exhaust valve and the inlet connector to deflect inspiration mist flowing into the inlet connector away from the exhaust valve, and to deflect exhalation gases emanating from the hollow mouthpiece toward the exhaust valve;
wherein the exhaust valve comprises a valve disc housing securing an annular outer peripheral edge portion, in its entirety, of the valve disc between a support ring and a retaining ring, the valve disc having a plurality of radial cuts, each radial cut being joined with a circumferential cut arranged adjacent the peripheral edge and radially inward of the secured edge portion, to form a plurality of hingeable flaps facilitating the opening of the valve in response to pressure in the fluid passageway resulting from exhalation therethrough by a patient and return of rainout exhausted through the exhaust valve to the fluid passageway of the mouthpiece. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification