Patents by Inventor Niall Smith

Niall Smith 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: 11998678
    Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Michael Casey, Shaun Porter, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20240066258
    Abstract: A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Ronan MACLOUGHLIN, Niall SMITH
  • Patent number: 11833310
    Abstract: A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Ronan MacLoughlin, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20230248921
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH
  • Patent number: 11660404
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20210308387
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall Smith
  • Patent number: 11065399
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20210187209
    Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Michael Casey, Shaun Porter, Niall Smith
  • Patent number: 10967138
    Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Michael Casey, Shaun Porter, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20200155788
    Abstract: A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Ronan MACLOUGHLIN, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20200129723
    Abstract: Apparatus (500) and components for coupling fluid or gas conducting elements, such as apparatus and components for connecting a nebulizer (501) with a gas flow system. In particular, the apparatus (500) and components are useful for connecting, in a gas-tight and quick release manner, a nebulizer (501) to a pressure-assisted breathing system, such as a mechanical ventilator or a continuous airway pressure (“CPAP”) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: James B. FINK, Gavan O'SULLIVAN, Paul DUNNE, Declan MORAN, John POWER, Niall SMITH
  • Patent number: 10617840
    Abstract: A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Ronan MacLoughlin, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20200009332
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH
  • Patent number: 10449307
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20180256829
    Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Michael CASEY, Shaun PORTER, Niall SMITH
  • Publication number: 20180214643
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall SMITH
  • Patent number: 9956356
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20170021125
    Abstract: A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Ronan MACLOUGHLIN, Niall SMITH
  • Publication number: 20160250437
    Abstract: Apparatus (500) and components for coupling fluid or gas conducting elements, such as apparatus and components for connecting a nebulizer (501) with a gas flow system. In particular, the apparatus (500) and components are useful for connecting, in a gas-tight and quick release manner, a nebulizer (501) to a pressure-assisted breathing system, such as a mechanical ventilator or a continuous airway pressure (“CPAP”) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: James B. Fink, Gavan O'Sullivan, Paul Dunne, Declan Moran, John Power, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20150320944
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH