Patent ID: 6647983
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A low-pressure valve, used in conjunction with a portable ventilator system, comprising:a housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end having at least one fluid inlet and said downstream end having first and second fluid outlets; an orifice plate disposed in said housing, said orifice plate having a first opening for allowing fluid to flow to said first fluid outlet, and a second opening for allowing fluid to flow to said first fluid outlet, and a second opening for allowing fluid to flow to said second fluid outlet; a wiper plate disposed parallel to and sealingly adjacent said orifice plate, whereby transverse motion of said wiper plate relative to said orifice plate at least partially covers said first orifice plate opening while it simultaneously at least partially uncovers said second orifice plate opening; multiple orifice plate designs; means for quick disassembly of said valve housing; and means for rapidly substituting one of said multiple orifice plate designs disposed in said valve housing for another depending on the needs of an individual patient.