Patent ID: 11040162

Abstract:
A representative method includes: providing a tracheostomy valve assembly having a housing and a diaphragm, the housing defining an interior airflow path, the housing having an exterior surface, a distal opening extending from the exterior surface to the interior flow path and a proximal opening, the distal opening and the proximal opening communicating with the interior airflow path, the diaphragm being disposed within the housing along the interior airflow path, the diaphragm being biased to a closed position to prevent air from passing the diaphragm along the interior airflow path, the diaphragm being configured to selectively move to an open position to enable air to be drawn into the distal opening, passed the diaphragm, and out of the proximal opening in an inhaling direction in response to a proximal side of the diaphragm being exposed to a predetermined negative air pressure applied at the diaphragm as a suction force; and urging the diaphragm away from the closed position with an actuation surface, movably coupled to the housing, to adjust airflow restriction through the tracheostomy valve assembly.