Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12274831-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention is an oscillating positive expiratory pressure respiratory device in which exhaled airflow passes through an exhalation flow path that includes an orifice positioned along the flow path. The orifice is configured to increase in size in response to a flow of air along the flow path, and a restrictor member positioned upstream of the orifice is movable between a closed position and an open position to vary how restricted the airflow is.
In one configuration, the device includes a vane positioned in the flow path adjacent the orifice. The vane is configured to rotate in response to the flow of air along the flow path, and the restrictor member is operably connected to the vane so that the restrictor member moves between the closed and open positions. This vane-to-restrictor linkage is used to generate oscillating back pressure by using airflow-responsive movement of the vane and restrictor member.
Multiple structural embodiments are disclosed, including variable nozzle or orifice arrangements where the orifice can increase in size while maintaining a non-changing cross-sectional shape during expansion, and configurations with folded airflow paths. Selectable adjustability of chamber inlet orientation and the option of an inlet bypass and control ports are disclosed to tune frequency and amplitude.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a respiratory treatment device with an inlet and outlet defining a flow path containing an upstream movable restrictor member and an orifice that increases in size in response to airflow. The independent claims define the device using a combination of inlet/outlet flow path structure and airflow-responsive elements that interact mechanically to vary restriction and create oscillating back pressure-related operation, comprising three main inventive-feature groupings across the independent claim set.
Upstream movable restrictor member and expandable orifice along a flow path
A respiratory treatment device with a housing, an inlet configured to receive air, an outlet configured to permit air to exit, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; an orifice positioned along the flow path, the flow path passing through the orifice, the orifice configured to increase in size in response to a flow of air along the flow path; and a restrictor member movable between a closed position and an open position to restrict the flow less when open, where the restrictor member is positioned along the flow path in a location upstream of the orifice.
Adjacent rotating vane operably connected to an upstream restrictor member
A respiratory treatment device with a housing, an inlet configured to receive air, an outlet configured to permit air to exit, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; an orifice positioned along the flow path, the flow path passing through the orifice, the orifice configured to increase in size in response to a flow of air along the flow path; a vane positioned in the flow path adjacent the orifice, the vane configured to rotate in response to the flow of air along the flow path; a restrictor member operably connected to the vane; and where the restrictor member is positioned along the flow path in a location upstream of the orifice.
Vane rotating with airflow and restrictor member movable between closed and open positions
A respiratory treatment device with a housing, an inlet configured to receive air, an outlet configured to permit air to exit, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; an orifice positioned along the flow path, the flow path passing through the orifice, the orifice configured to increase in size in response to a flow of air along the flow path; a vane positioned in the flow path adjacent the orifice, the vane configured to rotate in response to the flow of air along the flow path; and a restrictor member operably connected to the vane, the restrictor member movable between a closed position where the flow of air along the flow path is restricted and an open position where the flow of air along the flow path is less restricted.
Across the independent claims, the claim coverage centers on a respiratory treatment device in which an upstream restrictor member (movable between closed and open) works with an orifice along the flow path that increases in size in response to airflow. The independent claim set also covers embodiments where a vane adjacent the orifice rotates in response to airflow and is operably connected to the upstream restrictor member to achieve the coordinated airflow-responsive restriction.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?