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US 6,206,003 B1Granted
Mask with integral valve
OwnerJohn M. Burchinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mask for transmitting gases to and from a patient or other user includes a valve which selectively blocks or enables the flow of gases through a port. In one embodiment, the state of the valve is automatically controlled in response to whether the mask is in contact with the patient. In another embodiment, the valve on the mask is manually controlled.
Claims13
A mask comprising:
- a face plate having a port disposed therein for coupling to a gas source;
- a seal surrounding said face plate for contacting a user's face during use of the mask;
- and
- a valve coupled to said port, said valve switchable between an open position to allow passage of a gas through said port and a closed position to restrict flow of a gas through said port, said valve having an extended member which places said valve in said open position when the user's face pushes the extended member to a first position while the seal is pressed against the user's face and places said valve in said closed position when the user's face is not pressed against the seal.
1 more element
A mask comprising:
- a face plate having a port disposed therein for coupling to a gas source and a seal which changes shape when in contact with a patient;
- a valve, coupled between said seal and said port, having an open position to allow passage of a gas through said port and a closed position to restrict flow of said gas, wherein said valve is automatically switched responsive to whether the patient is in contact with the mask.
A method of providing gas to a patient, comprising the steps of:
- providing a gas source;
- providing a mask with a port for receiving gas from said gas source, said mask having an integral valve for selectively enabling the gas from flowing through the port when in an open position and disabling the gas from flowing through the port when in a closed position, said valve having an extended member which places said valve in said open position when the user's face pushes the extended member to a first position while the seal is pressed against the user's face and places said valve in said closed position when the user's face is not pressed against the seal;
- applying the gas to the port in a mask;
- and
- placing the mask on the patient such that the extended member is pushed to said first position.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.