Active valve for ventilators

#In a representative embodiment, a valve for controlling a pressure in a ventilation system comprises: an electromagnet; a shaft connected to the electromagnet; and a diaphragm connected to the shaft. The electromagnet applies a force to the diaphragm based on an input.

#In another representative embodiment, a ventilation system comprises a ventilator connected to a patient circuit; a valve configured to control a pressure in the ventilation system, the valve comprising: an electromagnet; a shaft connected to the electromagnet; and a diaphragm connected to the shaft. The ventilation system comprises a controller connected to the valve and configured to provide an input to the valve. The electromagnet applies a force to the diaphragm based on the input.

#In accordance with another representative embodiment, a computer readable medium has a computer readable program code embodied therein. The computer readable program code is adapted to be executed to implement a method of controlling ventilation of a person. The method comprises: providing an inhalation pressure limit; determining when a pressure is greater than the inhalation pressure limit; and opening a valve when the pressure is greater than the inhalation pressure limit.

#The representative embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. The dimensions of features in the drawing figures may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

#FIG. 1A is perspective view of a valve in accordance with a representative embodiment.

#FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the valve depicted in FIG. 1A.

#In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, it will be apparent to one having had the benefit of the present disclosure that other embodiments according to the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices and methods may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of the example embodiments. Such methods and devices are within the scope of the present teachings.

#Unless otherwise noted, when a first device is said to be connected to a second device, this encompasses cases where one or more intermediate devices may be employed to connect the two devices to each other. However, when a first device is said to be directly connected to a second device, this encompasses only cases where the two devices are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening devices.

#In accordance with representative embodiments described below, a valve for use in a patient ventilation system is described. The valve functions as a safety valve, a PPRV and an NPRV and provides these functions as a single component. The valves of the representative embodiments are contemplated for use in non-invasive ventilation systems and in invasive ventilation systems.