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:
Oct. 24, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 22, 1998
Ronald R Roy, Spofford, NH (US);
Sims Portex Inc., Keene, NH (US);
Abstract
To ensure that the inner cannula is mated to the outer cannula of a tracheostomy tube, a pressure adjusting device is provided to the collar of the inner cannula so as to apply a biasing force against the tabs that extend from the hub of the outer cannula. The torque force that is required to assemble/disassemble the inner cannula to/from the outer cannula may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the thickness of the pressure adjusting device which may be in the form of a spring ring which elasticity is adjustable by varying the thickness thereof. Ramps are provided within the collar of the inner cannula to guide the movement of the tabs relative to that of the collar. In addition, stops are provided within the collar for arresting any further movement of the tabs with respect to the collar. Indents are further provided within the collar whereat the tabs can rest. By thus applying a biasing force against the tabs while they rest on the indents, absent a deliberate disassemble torque to the collar, the inner cannula will stay securely fixed to the outer cannula.