Fluid handling – Line condition change responsive valves – Direct response valves
Patent
1998-03-02
2000-03-14
Ferensic, Denise L.
Fluid handling
Line condition change responsive valves
Direct response valves
1375124, F16K 1514
Patent
active
060358963
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention concerns a valve capable of being used in flow tubes of different types. This valve features certain improved properties with regard, in particular, to its manner of opening, allowing for the maximum passage of the fluids.
There is a need for valves of this type in different sectors, particularly in the construction of medical equipment, for example in equipment for the care of the respiratory tract. In this sector, devices are known which have a therapeutic role, the aim of which is to improve the respiratory function of the patients (for example, EP-A0565489), while at the same time dispensing a medication in the form of droplets or particles in the flow of air which is inhaled. These devices comprise a number of different tubes connected to a mouthpiece, and which are fitted with valves to allow the patient to carry out alternating inhalation and exhalation.
In order for these devices to take effect properly, the valves intended for the conveying of the medication during inhalation must allow, in the open position, for the maximum cross-section of the passage for the flow of air, and for closure rapidly and completely as soon as the inhalation effort has ceased. In addition to this, the arrangement of the elements of the valve must be such that the flow is not disturbed, that in particular it remains laminar, and that the depositing of medication on the walls of the valve or the walls of the tube will be avoided.
It is noted that no existing valve satisfies these conditions in an entirely acceptable manner. In particular, tests conducted with the existing systems have demonstrated losses of active substance of up to 80%, which in the case of expensive medications, or medications difficult to apply in sufficient quantities on the target tissue, represent a considerable economic loss.
The valve according to the invention is a valve comprising a fitting in the form of a rigid frame and a shutoff element comprising an assembly of vanes connected to the frame by articulations, and pivoting about said articulations when opening under the effect of the introduction of the fluid.
Valves of this type are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,358, and in the published version of the French patent application Nos 2 410 198 and 2 548 162.
The shutoff element described in the first of these documents comprises an open-work pyramidal fitting, the shutoff element being formed from a group of flat triangular vanes mounted on spring-loaded articulations, around the fitting. In the closed position, each plate is supported against one of the faces of the pyramid.
The two French documents describe shutoff devices formed from two vanes in the form of a segment of a cone or a segment of a cylinder, each connected to the seat by a spring-loaded articulation. In the closed position, each vane rests on the flat ring-shaped surface of the seat, and is in contact with the other vane.
The shutoff devices described in these three documents, of somewhat complicated design, are provided with external springs. They are intended for tubes for the passage of industrial fluids, but they are not suitable for equipment for providing care for the respiratory tract.
A valve intended for a respiration device is described in Belgian Patent No. 1005924. This comprises an element derived by cutting out from a single sheet of elastomer material, of constant thickness across its whole surface. This valve does not, properly speaking, constitute a non-return clack valve, but operates in both directions, with different resistance pressures. To this end, the sheet which is cut off forms a central disk connected by a tongue linkage to a ring element which surrounds it, the central area of the disk being divided into several sections by radial slots. The sheet is mounted in the wall of a tube, and a rigid seat is provided for, which serves to support the periphery of the disk. Accordingly, in one direction, the tongue bends, and the disk moves off the seat, like a normal clack valve, while in the other direction the periphery of the disk is sup
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patent: 3113586 (1963-12-01), Edmark, Jr.
patent: 3861416 (1975-01-01), Wichterle
patent: 4053084 (1977-10-01), Anderson
patent: 4308885 (1982-01-01), Geisseler
patent: 4465102 (1984-08-01), Rupp
patent: 4905726 (1990-03-01), Kasugai et al.
Ferensic Denise L.
Kim Joanne Y.
Varioraw Percutive S.A.
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