The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 28, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 21, 1997
William T Hart, Murphys, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An appliance is provided for installation within the mouth of an individual to prevent obstruction of the natural airway of the individual and to enhance natural ventilation during sleep. The appliance is hollow and constructed of material which is custom-molded to the user. An external negative air supply is provided which connects to a tube extending from the appliance and draws air from the hollow appliance creating a partial vacuum in the user's retroglossal area urging the user's tongue and soft palate away from the user's posterior pharyngeal wall and thereby opening an airway to the user's nasal cavity. A sensor provides control information to the negative air supply by sensing relative pressure in the user's oral cavity. The natural breathing cycle is thus facilitated but not controlled by the appliance.