Patent ID: 8051856
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tracheostomy valve unit configured to cooperate with a tracheostomy tube insertable within a patient's trachea, the valve unit comprising: a valve body having a first end, a second end, a continuous sidewall extending between the first and second ends, and a fluid passageway extending therethrough, the first end being configured to be operably connected with the tracheostomy tube; a flexible diaphragm positioned within the fluid passageway and being spaced from the first end of the valve body, the diaphragm having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; and a rib positioned within the fluid passageway, wherein the rib is shaped substantially as a flat plate, at least a portion of the rib abutting the first face of the diaphragm, the rib further comprising a post integrally formed with the rib, a spacing between the diaphragm and the valve body first end being greater than a spacing between the rib and the valve body first end, the rib being contiguous with and abutting opposite inner surfaces of the continuous sidewall of the valve body substantially orthogonal to the diaphragm; wherein the rib defines a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the diaphragm.