Patent ID: 6067984
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for modulating airway pressure of a patient, comprising:(a) a chamber;(b) a port having an interior end and an exterior end, said interior end in flow communication with said chamber;(c) a valve, said valve including a first actuation area in flow communication with said port when said interior end is closed by said valve, said valve including a second actuation area in flow communication with said port when said interior end is open, said first actuation area being less than said second actuation area, wherein said valve is configured to open and close by changes in flow pressure applied to said port, and wherein the pressure required to open said valve is greater than the pressure required to hold said valve open; and(d) a biasing member that provides a restorative biasing force on said valve, wherein said valve is normally biased in a position wherein said port is closed, and wherein said pressure applied to said port opposes said restorative biasing force.