Patents by Inventor Dan Kao

Dan Kao has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9610420
    Abstract: A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry David Lithgow, Alexander Virr, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Andrew Roderick Bath, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Jim Saada
  • Publication number: 20170087327
    Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey CRUMBLIN, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Barton John KENYON, Perry David LITHGOW, Rohan Neil PRIMROSE, Jim SAADA, John Michael SNOW, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Alexander VIRR, Arthur Kin-Wai YEE
  • Patent number: 9539409
    Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Publication number: 20160317775
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm SMITH, John Michael SNOW, Perry David LITHGOW, Dan KAO
  • Publication number: 20160303343
    Abstract: A tub is configured to contain a supply of water and is configured to be inserted into a chamber of a humidifier. The tub includes a tub base configured to contain the supply of water. The tub also includes a tub lid and a flow plate provided between the tub base and the tub lid. The flow plate includes a water level indicator configured to indicate a level of the supply of water in the tub base. In addition, the water level indicator includes a generally rectangular portion and a generally triangular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander VIRR, Andrew Roderick BATH, Nathan John ROW, Dan KAO, Phoebe Katherine HILL, Nicholas Andrew EARL, Hargopal VERMA, Junning CHEN
  • Patent number: 9402970
    Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Andrew Roderick Bath, Nathan John Row, Dan Kao, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Nicholas Andrew Earl, Hargopal Verma, Junning Chen
  • Patent number: 9393377
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
  • Publication number: 20160175554
    Abstract: A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Perry David LITHGOW, Alexander VIRR, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Andrew Roderick BATH, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Jim SAADA
  • Patent number: 9358359
    Abstract: A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry David Lithgow, Alexander Virr, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Andrew Roderick Bath, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Stephen Anthony Lea
  • Publication number: 20160114122
    Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 9248248
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus, including a mask and a neck component. The mask is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component is attached to said mask, and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask. The breathing apparatus has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PAFTEC TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Dan Kao, Xiaoyi Fu, John Michael Snow, Junning Chen
  • Patent number: 9227035
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. In addition, a flexible face seal is positioned at an end of the air flow passage. An end of the face seal is configured to abut a side wall of the tank that includes the tank inlet when the tank is received in the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Publication number: 20150314144
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus (1), including a mask (2) and a neck component (3). The mask (2) is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component (3) is attached to said mask (2), and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component (3) includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask (2). The breathing apparatus (1) has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: PAFtec Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: ALEXANDER VIRR, DAN KAO, XIAOYI FU, JOHN MICHAEL SNOW, JUNNING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150306336
    Abstract: A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Perry David LITHGOW, Alexander VIRR, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Andrew Roderick BATH, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Stephen Anthony LEA
  • Publication number: 20150231358
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator comprising a motorized fan with an outlet. The motorized fan is configured to pressurize a supply of gas. The flow generator further comprises a flow generator outlet in communication with and offset from the motorized fan outlet and comprises a connector configured to receive the pressurized supply of gas from the flow generator, the connector being in communication with the flow generator outlet and positioned downstream of the motorized fan outlet. The connector comprises an attaching portion at a first end, the attaching portion configured to be coupled to the flow generator. The connector also comprises a flexible sealing portion at a second end opposite the first end, the flexible sealing portion comprising a bellows-type conforming face seal that is axially and/or laterally flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm SMITH, John Michael SNOW, Perry David LITHGOW, Dan KAO
  • Patent number: 9072860
    Abstract: A flow generator and humidifier construction is described, including a flow generator construction adapted to reduce noise output compared to known flow generators of comparable size. The flow generator includes a chassis forming first and second muffler volumes and a venturi-shaped connection portion, and a metal/polymer composite material blower enclosure which suppresses noise from the blower. The flow generator may be programmed to include a reminder system including a menu from which the user may request a reminder to take specific action, e.g., replace a component, call a physician, and/or enter patient data card, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry David Lithgow, Alexander Virr, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Andrew Roderick Bath, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Stephen Anthony Lea
  • Patent number: 9038631
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 9038629
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a humidifier including humidifier tub having a heat conducting base plate; and a cradle to support the humidifier tub in an operative position. The cradle may also support a flow generator in operative relation to the humidifier tub. The cradle includes a heater plate in communication with the heat conducting base plate of the humidifier tub in use. The cradle further includes a retaining mechanism to retain the humidifier tub in the cradle, the retaining mechanism being structured to force the base plate into engagement with the heater plate. The humidifier and/or flow generator may include various features to manage inadvertent back-spill of water from the humidifier to the flow generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
  • Patent number: 9038632
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Publication number: 20150020805
    Abstract: A flow generator and humidifier construction is described, including a flow generator construction adapted to reduce noise output compared to known flow generators of comparable size. The flow generator includes a chassis forming first and second muffler volumes and a venturi-shaped connection portion, and a metal/polymer composite material blower enclosure which suppresses noise from the blower. The flow generator may be programmed to include a reminder system including a menu from which the user may request a reminder to take specific action, e.g., replace a component, call a physician, and/or enter patient data card, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Barton John KENYON, Arthur Kin-Wai YEE, Geoffrey CRUMBLIN, Perry David LITHGOW, Alexander VIRR, Donald Angus RICHMOND, Mark John PAYNE, Jim SAADA, John Michael SNOW, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Andrew Roderick BATH, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Marek Tomasz SAPULA, Simone Marie JEHA, Andrew Charles MURRAY