Means For Indicating Improper Condition Of Apparatus Patents (Class 128/202.22)
  • Patent number: 10183184
    Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus (2) and a method of operating the same, the method comprising: determining whether a sufficient amount of replenishing gas is being supplied to a breathing circuit (4); sensing pressure within the breathing circuit (4) using a pressure sensor (6); generating a pressure signal representative of the sensed pressure; determining whether the pressure signal is representative of breathing; and generating an alert if it is determined that both an insufficient amount of replenishing gas, such as oxygen, is being supplied to the breathing circuit (4) and that the pressure signal is representative of breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: DRAEGER SAFETY UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Marcus Berney-Smith
  • Patent number: 10173020
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a compliance monitor for monitoring usage of a medicament delivery device that includes a store of medicament, and a medicament dispenser for delivering a dose of medicament. The compliance monitor includes a compliance monitor housing configured to attach to the medicament delivery device, a dose detector for determining when a dose of medicament is dispensed, and a recognition module for identifying the properties of the medicament delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ADHERIUM (NZ) LIMITED
    Inventors: Garth Campbell Sutherland, Michael James Gormack, Kin Lung Chan, Terry Palmer
  • Patent number: 10166338
    Abstract: A system comprising first and second drug delivery devices (1) based on the same technology platform, each comprising a main portion (3) with a reservoir holding a type of drug, a drug outlet, and drug expelling means for expelling drug from the reservoir through the drug outlet, as well as a cap (100) releasably mountable to the main portion to enclose the drug outlet, each cap comprising a unique user-identifiable marking indicating the corresponding type of drug. The cap and main portion of each drug delivery device comprise a pair of corresponding key structures preventing the first cap from being mounted on the second main portion, and the second cap from being mounted on the first main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Karsten Baker Nielsen, Andre Larsen
  • Patent number: 10105509
    Abstract: An active exhalation valve for use with a ventilator to control flow of patient exhaled gases. The valve includes a patient circuit connection port, a patient connection port, an exhaled gas port, a pilot pressure port, and a valve seat. The valve further has a movable poppet with inner and outer bellows members and a bellows poppet face. An activation pressure applied to the pilot pressure port extends the bellows members to move the poppet face into engagement with the valve seat and restrict flow of patient exhaled gases to the exhaled gas port, and the reduction of the activation pressure allows the bellows members to move the poppet face away from the valve seat and out of engagement with the valve seat to permit flow of patient exhaled gases to the exhaled gas port, thereby controlling the flow of patient exhaled gases from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ventec Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. DeVries, Shan E. Gaw
  • Patent number: 10099025
    Abstract: The present invention connects to tubing through which gas flows to a patient. An alert notifies monitoring personnel that oxygen flow to the patient has been interrupted, because the tubing has been disconnected. The invention comprises an adapter that is connected to a gas or oxygen source and a nipple over which the tubing fits and through which oxygen flows to the patient. When the tubing becomes disconnected from the nipple, the oxygen flow actuates an alert. In one embodiment, the invention includes a fixed arm and a swing arm. A latch and a spring that pull the fixed arm and swing arm toward each other connect the two arms. When the tubing becomes disconnected, one arm rotates and activates a switch that sends a signal to an alert that is preferably audible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Roger F. Donenfeld
  • Patent number: 10080510
    Abstract: A breath analyzing and training assembly for detecting CO2 concentration in the breathing gas of a user, includes a selective colorimetric CO2 detector having a detector surface which rapidly and reversibly changes color with CO2 concentration, when exposed thereto, and an adapter including: a docking part for receiving a mobile unit including an image capturing element, a display, and a processing element, the docking part configured to position the image capturing element in a fixed relation to the colorimetric detector, such that the image capturing element captures images of the detector surface; a detector holding part for receiving the colorimetric detector; a conduit for leading breathing gas to and from the user such that part thereof passes the detector surface; wherein the processing element measures CO2 concentration changes in the breathing gas by identifying color changes of images of the detector surface captured by the image capturing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SEEBREATH AB
    Inventors: Andras Gedeon, Paul Krill
  • Patent number: 10058278
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to monitoring the force or pressure applied to a portion of the human body, including in the neck region of a patient during a medical procedure, such as tracheal intubation, to ensure that the medical personnel are applying the desired level of force, and in regions of bony prominences to monitor and prevent the formation of pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. In particular, the systems and methods described herein include piezoresistive elements connected to signal processing circuitry for measuring the force or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ANAESTHESIA ASSOCIATES OF MASSACHUSETTS, P.C.
    Inventor: Christopher William Connor
  • Patent number: 10039891
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube alarm apparatus includes an inner cannula having an outer mating surface, the outer mating surface having a seated first electrical conductor, and a ventilator tube having an inner mating surface slidably coupled to the outer mating surface of the inner cannula, the inner mating surface having seated second and third electrical conductors extending circumferentially about the inner mating surface and each in complementary opposition to the first electrical conductor so that the third electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the second electrical conductor through the first electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Edrine Pineda Buenafe
  • Patent number: 9981098
    Abstract: An apparatus, for assisted ventilation (1), includes at least one ventilatory device (2) connected to and controlled by a driver (3), and at least one sensor device (4) connected to the driver (3) and adapted to provide it with a signal of electrical activity produced by the diaphragm. The apparatus further includes at least one calculation device (5) connected to the driver (3), to the sensor device (4) and to the ventilatory device (2), the calculation device (5) receiving from the sensor device (4) a signal of diaphragmatic activity (Eadi) and from the ventilatory device (2) a ventilatory pressure signal (Paw) and providing the driver (3) with calibration parameters (Cal) calculated on the basis of a signal of diaphragmatic electrical activity (Eadi*) and a ventilatory pressure signal (Paw*) upon switching-off said ventilatory device (2) so as to cause an expiratory pause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Giacomo Bellani, Antonio Pesenti, Antonino Nicolò Patroniti, Tommaso Mauri
  • Patent number: 9956440
    Abstract: An oxygen supply system for a station operator includes an oxygen cylinder; a mask operably connected to the oxygen cylinder; a pouch operably connected to the mask; carbon dioxide scrubber disposed inside the pouch; first one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases exhaled by the operator from the mask to the pouch; and second one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases from the pouch to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Bertil R. L. Werjefelt
  • Patent number: 9937314
    Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a ventilation tube to a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, wherein the ventilation tube comprises an electrical line and the respiratory humidifier (1) comprises a housing (2) and a liquid container (4), the connection system including a first connection element (6) arranged on the liquid container (4); a first electrical contact element (24) arranged on the housing (2); and a second connection element (14), which can be connected to the ventilation tube (7, 9) and comprises a second electrical contact element (16), which can be connected to the electrical line of the ventilation tube (7, 9); wherein the first connection element (6) and the second connection element (14) can be connected to each other in a first connecting direction in such a way that, by establishment of the pneumatic connection of the ventilation tube (7, 9) to the liquid container (4), the electrical connection of the first contact element (24) to the second contact element (16) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Medical AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Patent number: 9937316
    Abstract: A liquid-container/ventilation-tube kit for a ventilation system that includes (a) a ventilator, (b) a respiratory humidifier having a housing and a liquid container, the housing having a pair of first electrical contact elements, (c) a first inhalation tube extending from the respiratory humidifier to a Y-piece, (d) a second inhalation tube extending from the ventilator to the respiratory humidifier, and (e) an exhalation tube extending from the Y-piece to the ventilator, the kit including the liquid container having a pair of first connection elements for removable connection of the first and second inhalation tubes thereto, and a pair of second connection elements each attached to a respective one of the first and second inhalation tubes and by which each of the inhalation tubes is pneumatically connected to a respective one of the first connection elements along a first connecting direction, each second connection element having a second electrical contact element that is positioned and arranged such that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Medical AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Patent number: 9851103
    Abstract: A gas valve assembly may include a valve body with one or more valves movable between an opened position and a closed position, one or more valve actuators configured to operate the valves, and one or more pressure sensors to sense a pressure within a fluid path of the valve assembly. A valve controller may receive a measure related to a sensed pressure from the one or more pressure sensor(s). The valve controller may compare the received measure related to the sensed pressure to an overpressure threshold. In the event the measure related to the sensed pressure surpasses the overpressure threshold value, the valve controller may be configured to provide a signal that indicates an overpressure event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Kucera, Gregory Young, Donald J. Kasprzyk, Gregory Todd Filkovski
  • Patent number: 9821135
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heating element (48) which converts electrical power to heat energy, a heatable element (44) having a first surface and a second surface, and a dielectric laminate layer (46) between the heating element and the first surface of the heatable element, wherein the dielectric laminate layer (46) is thermally conductive to transfer heat energy from the heating element (48) to the heatable element (44), and wherein the second surface of the heatable element is configured heat a liquid in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Zhuo Ran Tang, Ronald James Huby, Hargopal Verma, Andrew Roderick Bath, Roger Mervyn Lloyd Foote
  • Patent number: 9808182
    Abstract: An apparatus including a tubular channel having a pathway extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the tubular channel. The proximal end is configured to connect directly or indirectly to an end tidal CO2 monitor. The distal end has an opening. The apparatus further includes a detection member including a chamber disposed in fluid communication with the pathway of the tubular channel such that gas entering the tubular channel via the opening on the distal end passes into the chamber. A detection element is disposed within the chamber and includes a component that is sensitive to one or more systemic biomarkers such that, upon exposure to a predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers contained in the gas, a state of the detection element experiences a permanent alteration and the detection member indicates that the predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers is present in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bohnas LLC
    Inventors: Casey Johnson, Greg Bauer, Doran Thomas
  • Patent number: 9770569
    Abstract: A method for measuring the anesthetic agent consumption in a ventilation system has a breathing circuit which contains a gas mixer (1) and an anesthetic agent metering device (2). The anesthetic agent quantity, which is consumed over a pregiven time interval in the ventilation system, is determined from the sum of the determined anesthetic gas volume flows in the ventilation system which are integrated over the pregiven time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventor: Ralf Heesch
  • Patent number: 9750910
    Abstract: Systems and devices for monitoring, detecting, and removing fluid build-up found at various regions along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient. The fluid management system includes pressure and flow sensors for detecting whether there is fluid at the various regions along the tracheal tube, and a means for drawing out the fluid into collection jars. The system also includes lavage features that is able to rinse different the various regions along a tracheal tube. Also disclosed are respiration insertion devices that either couple to existing tracheal tubes or incorporate tracheal tubing, where the respiration insertion body has channels and ports that contact various regions along the tracheal tube. The combination of the fluid management system and the respiration insertion devices effectively monitor and remove fluid at various locations along a tracheal tube of an intubated patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: COEO LABS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Jagdish Chaturvedi, Nitesh Kumar Jangir, Nachiket Deval, Ramakrishna Pappu, Raghuveer Rao, Mohammed Sajid Ali, Vimal Kishore Kakani
  • Patent number: 9737895
    Abstract: A portable rechargeable personal ionic air purifier energizing a personal airspace and cleaning particulate pollutants therefrom in a manner that poses little or no personal shock risk and that minimizes battery drain to maximize battery life includes ionization means and ionization actuation means cooperative to provide ion bursts at regular intervals to energize and to clean particulates from the personal airspace. The ionization means includes an ion emitter and the ionization activation means includes means for providing a pulse train of predetermined frequency and duty cycle. The ion emitter may be removably mounted to a portable housing and/or to a facemask or other objects in the personal airspace via an elongated flexible cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Headwaters Inc
    Inventors: Philippe J. Genereux, Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Troy G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9675771
    Abstract: The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator. The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing internal leak estimation, total leak estimation, and/or external leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Jafari, Periagounder R. Arul, Jeffery K. Aviano
  • Patent number: 9649458
    Abstract: A method for managing pressure in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient via a patient connection system is provided. The method may include receiving one or more first pressure sensor signals from a first pressure sensor, and analyzing the one or more first pressure sensor signals. Based at least on the analysis of the one or more first pressure sensor signals, either the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor may be selected for use in controlling the breathing assistance provided to the patient, and the breathing assistance provided to the patient may be controlled based at least on signals from the selected pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Claude Andrieux, Cedric Jourdain
  • Patent number: 9636474
    Abstract: A controller or processor (s) implements detection of respiratory related conditions that may serve as control logic to synchronize pressure treatment delivery with a patient's respiratory cycle. Based on data derived from sensor signals associated with the respiratory treatment, a monitoring device, detector or respiratory treatment apparatus may evaluate flow measures from a flow sensor and distinguish flow attributable to the respiratory treatment apparatus and flow attributable to patient respiratory muscles. The determination may serve as a basis of synchronization criteria that controls pressure levels from a pressure treatment apparatus, such as by evaluating the determined patient generated flow or a relationship between total flow and apparatus flow. In some embodiments, data for the cycling conditions is determined in preliminary treatment cycles during which synchronized pressure changes are controlled according to other cycling criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Qestra Camille Mulqueeny, Didier Tassaux
  • Patent number: 9592353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to connectors for uses where an indicator/alarm must be activated if the axial force rises above a predetermined value. It can be used in applications where excessive forces on tubings/connectors are not acceptable, for example, in tubes/couplings in fluids, and in electronic/electric, optical and other systems where a strain-relief cannot be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Sanjay K Roy
  • Patent number: 9592357
    Abstract: A method for controlling a capacity of a carbon dioxide remover in an anesthesia breathing system is disclosed herein. The method includes determining exhaled breathing gas flow volume of a subject in the breathing system, and determining exhaled gas flow volume removed from the breathing system. The method also includes determining carbon dioxide concentration exhaled, and calculating a data indicative of a volume of carbon dioxide removed by the carbon dioxide remover from a breathing gas flow based on the determined exhaled breathing gas flow volume, the determined exhaled gas flow volume removed from the breathing system and the determined carbon dioxide concentration. The method also includes storing the calculated data indicative of the volume of carbon dioxide removed by the carbon dioxide remover, and comparing the stored calculated data with information indicative of carbon dioxide removing capacity of the carbon dioxide remover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Erkki Heinonen
  • Patent number: 9587846
    Abstract: A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory J. Dobbyn
  • Patent number: 9566403
    Abstract: A Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) device includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air. The flow generator includes a programmable controller. The programmable controller is adapted to allow continuous access to at least one active operating mode and selective access to at least one dormant operating mode. The programmable controller includes a mode control system adapted to receive a data signal to control the selective access to the at least one dormant operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Jerome Reed
  • Patent number: 9539417
    Abstract: A vacuum assembly for clearing a user's nasal passage includes a housing that may be positioned proximate a user. A pump is coupled to the housing. A medication reservoir is coupled to the pump. The medication reservoir is operationally coupled to the pump. A port is coupled to the housing. The port is operationally coupled to an inlet of the pump. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator actuates the pump. A control is coupled to the housing. The control adjusts a pressure of the pump. A meter is coupled to the housing. The meter displays a pressure of the pump. A tube is operationally coupled to the port. A canister is operationally coupled to the tube. A tip is operationally coupled to the tube. The tip is selectively inserted into the user's nasal passage so the user's nasal passage is cleared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher N. Do, Sabrina Do
  • Patent number: 9525765
    Abstract: Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide a substantially active noise canceling area over a sound source by causing disruptive interference to all frequency fields of speech sounds from the sound source. In some embodiments, active noise control or active noise cancellation means (“ANC means”) are provided to the device. Said means include one or more active noise canceling speakers for the addition of sound specifically designed to cancel noise from the speech sound source without interfering with the sound source going to the microphone, so the listener can clearly hear what the user is saying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Scott A. Moser
  • Patent number: 9492086
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Fresca Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ewers, Kevin Chen, Andrew Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9480781
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suction device. The suction device includes a sensor unit which measures a breathing condition of a patient, a tube unit which is inserted into a bronchus of the patient in order to suck foreign material generated in the bronchus of the patient, when the values measured by the sensor unit exceeds a predetermined reference value, and a control unit which controls to drive the tube unit based on the measured value received from the sensor unit. According to the present invention, there is provided the suction device which is automatically operated by directly determining whether foreign material is generated in the bronchus of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LMCA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-kil Kang, Jin Jung, Jin-ho Roh
  • Patent number: 9463293
    Abstract: A system for delivering a flow of breathing gas to a patient's airway that includes a gas flow generator and a patient circuit for communicating the flow of gas to the patient's airway. A sensor measures a characteristic associated with the flow of gas, such as flow rate, maximum average inspiratory flow, tidal volume or minute ventilation. A controller determines a first characteristic based on the measured characteristic and provides positive pressure support to the patient if the first characteristic is below a first target and provides a negative support if the first characteristic is above a second target. When the positive pressure support is provided, the pressure provided during inspiration is higher than the pressure provided during expiration. When the negative pressure support is provided, the pressure provided during inspiration is lower than the pressure provided during expiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Irwin Shelly, Michael Thomas Kane, Gregory Delano Matthews
  • Patent number: 9446211
    Abstract: A resuscitator has a patient airway interface device, a bag, a flow passage coupled between the bag and patient airway interface device, and a sensor assembly. The patient airway interface device may be a mask or an endotracheal tube. The sensor assembly has a display, at least one sensor coupled to the flow passage and configured to provide a measurement of at least one parameter, and a processor coupled to the display and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor and provide information on the display based on the received measurement. The information may include a current breath rate, a pressure-vs-time curve, and guidance to the user to assist in achieving a target breath rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Varga, Dennis White, Michael McMahon
  • Patent number: 9440038
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during a treatment period. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during a learning period preceding the treatment period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during the treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael Berthon-Jones, Peter Edward Bateman, David John Bassin, Gordon Joseph Malouf
  • Patent number: 9408990
    Abstract: An oxygen mixing valve comprises a valve body. The valve body has an oxygen inlet, an air inlet, and a gas mixture outlet. A mixing chamber in communication with the gas mixture outlet, an oxygen chamber in communication with the oxygen inlet, and an air chamber in communication with the air inlet are disposed in the valve body. A first guide seat is elastically disposed in the oxygen chamber, and a second guide seat is elastically disposed in the air chamber. A first ball and a second ball are respectively disposed at inner ends of the first guide seat and the second guide seat. The first ball and the second ball are connected through a ball mandril. A mandril is movably disposed at an outer end of the first guide seat, a bearing capable of rotating is disposed at an outer side of the mandril, an involute cam is disposed at an outer side of the bearing, and the involute camis connected to an output shaft of a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Beijing Aeonmed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinquan Ji, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 9305450
    Abstract: An interactive wireless life safety communications system is disclosed. A central coordination server is linked to a first network, over which there is a connection to at least one resident life safety device at a specific location or for specific resident. An alarm signal is generated by the resident life safety device upon detection of an alarm condition and transmitted to the central coordination server. A caregiver communications device is connected to the central coordination server over a second network, and is receptive to an alarm notification that is generated by the central coordination server in response to the alarm signal. The caregiver communications device is also receptive to a caregiver user input, from which an action status response is generated for transmission to the central coordination server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Richard E. Knecht A Professional Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Halverson, Richard E. Knecht
  • Patent number: 9302066
    Abstract: A modularized respiratory treatment apparatus provides various respiratory pressure treatments. The apparatus may be formed by discrete connectable modules such as a flow generator module, alarm module and/or humidifier module. Each module may include its own external casing or housing to independently retain or enclose the respective components that serve the function of the module. Different modules may be adapted with different components and functionalities and may be readily coupled using standardized gas and electrical connection configurations that have flow and communication paths that extend through the modules. When coupled, operation of the respiratory treatment apparatus may be controlled by detection of different modules, such as the alarm module that generates visual and/or audible alarms based on detected conditions, so as to selectively enable or disable different respiratory treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Mark Bertinetti, Zhuo Ran Tang, Craig Laing, Jing Wen Xie, Jianhua Zhu, Chinmayee Somaiya, Graham Stephen Cutcliffe, Sandra Robyn Curtis, Peter Milliken, Dimitri Marco Maurer
  • Patent number: 9254369
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Cedric Jourdain, Olivier Bernadet
  • Patent number: 9233219
    Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring and controlling the pressure in the inflatable cuff (26) is described, which, in one embodiment, controls the pressure about a setpoint pressure, while preventing loss of sealing pressure during a patient's respiratory cycle. In other embodiments, the method and apparatus monitors for: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Indian Ocean Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Young, Mario Zocca
  • Patent number: 9205218
    Abstract: A wearable air purifier assembly provides filtered air that is directed toward a person's nose and mouth. The assembly includes a housing. A tether is constructed of a flexible material and is attached to the housing. The tether is configured to be positioned around a person's neck to suspend the housing from the person's neck. A filter is positioned within the interior space of the housing for filtering the ambient air drawn into the interior space of the housing. An output fan is coupled to the housing and positioned proximate a second end of the housing. The output fan is in fluid communication with the ambient air filtered by the filter wherein the output fan directs the ambient air filtered by the filter outwardly of the housing toward a nose and mouth of the person wearing the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: Nardeo Bachan, Vashti Bachan
  • Patent number: 9180268
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in an inflatable cuff of a tracheal tube may employ pressure transducers associated with a cuff inflation line or a pilot balloon assembly. The pressure transducers may be implemented to provide continuous or intermittent cuff pressure. Also provided are tracheal tubes with adapters or other devices that incorporate pressure transducers. The tracheal tubes may facilitate wireless cuff pressure monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Lockett Wood, John Burns, Sarah Hayman
  • Patent number: 9126063
    Abstract: Described is an oxygen breathing device, including a casing, the casing accommodating, in a non-activated condition, an oxygen source, in particular a chemical oxygen generator or an oxygen pressure tank, a starter device for initiating a flow of oxygen out of the oxygen source, a buffer connected to the oxygen source, the buffer being adapted to temporarily store oxygen produced in the oxygen source, at least one oxygen mask connected via an oxygen supply line to the buffer wherein a flexible buffer is provided in the oxygen breathing device and connected to the oxygen source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Libis, Gunter Boomgaarden
  • Publication number: 20150144131
    Abstract: Systems and methods for smart connections are described herein. An example system for determining continuity of a portion of a patient breathing circuit includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may include a first end of an electrical lead. The electrical lead may be configured for enabling a continuity check of the first connector. The second connector may include a second end of an electrical lead. The electrical lead may be configured for enabling a continuity check of the second connector. Another example system for patient ventilation includes a breathing circuit including a machine readable identifier and a ventilator configured to read the machine readable identifier. An example method is described for checking continuity of a breathing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. VARGA, Stephen J. Birch, Thomas Dillingham
  • Publication number: 20150144130
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus is configured to provide a heated and humidified glow of gases and has a control system that is configured to detect a fault in the flow path. A flow path is provided for a gases stream through the apparatus from a gas inlet through a blower unit and humidification unit to a gases outlet. A flow rate sensor is provided in the flow path and is configured to sense the flow rate and generate an flow rate signal and/or a motor speed sensor is provided that is configured to sense the motor speed of the blower unit and generate an indicative motor speed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Peter O'Donnell, John Han, Jack Che-Wei Hsu, Samuel Robertson Frame, Grant Martin Dover
  • Patent number: 9038628
    Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a system and/or a computer-based method for determining safe operation of a breathing gas system comprising the step of receiving a present oxygen concentration value from an oxygen concentration sensor. The method further comprises the step of receiving, at the computer, a present altitude value from an altimeter of the aircraft and using the computer to calculate an alarm flow rate, where the alarm flow rate is a function of the present oxygen concentration value and the present altitude value. The method may further comprise the step of receiving, at the computer, a present flow value from a flow meter, where the present flow value represents the rate of flow of breathing gas to the user. The method may comprise the step of comparing the calculated alarm flow rate to the received present flow value to determine a safe operation of the oxygen system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AVOX SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: John A. Ratajczak, Danko A. Kobziar
  • Publication number: 20150136125
    Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Alan COLLA, Barton John KENYON
  • Publication number: 20150128937
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Daniel A. Desrosiers, Mark A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9027549
    Abstract: A method for providing battery security in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. A battery security system of the breathing assistance system receives battery data from a battery received in the breathing assistance system, and analyzes the received battery data to determine whether the battery is approved for use in the breathing assistance system. If the battery is determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is allowed to provide power to the breathing assistance system. If the battery is not determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is prevented from providing power to the breathing assistance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Claude Andrieux, Cedric Jourdain
  • Publication number: 20150114390
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sleep disordered breathing may include: a flow generator to deliver a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient; a user interface, the user interface comprising: a display configured to display a plurality of screens; and a set of controls; and a controller in communication with the user interface and configured to control operation of the flow generator, wherein the flow generator is configured to couple with at least one accessory device and during a first mode of operation of the flow generator the controller determines a first screen of the plurality of screens to display on the display based on the at least one accessory device, the first screen of the plurality of screens being configured to enable adjustment of one or more parameters related to the operation of the at least one accessory device or the flow generator using the set of controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Phoebe Katherine HILL, Mark Bertinetti, Rohan Neil Primrose, Heike Thiele, Alexander Virr, Andrew Mikael Price, Sandra Robyn Curtis, Andrew Roderick Bath
  • Publication number: 20150114389
    Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mats Ulrik Sernfält, Fredrik Nisser
  • Publication number: 20150107584
    Abstract: The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator. The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing internal leak estimation, total leak estimation, and/or external leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Jafari, Periagounder R. Arul, Jeffery K. Aviano
  • Patent number: 9010328
    Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: John David Oates, Mark David Buckley, Philip Rodney Kwok, Mark Alexander Abourizk, Thomas Evan Miller, Simone Marie Jeha, Mark John Payne, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana