Electric Patents (Class 128/203.27)
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Patent number: 7448378Abstract: An information processing device for a diver used for diving by using a plurality of mixed gases in which the mixture ratios of a plurality of diving gases are the same or different determines the switch timing of the mixed gas on the basis of a preset scheduled dive pattern and an actual dive pattern up to present. A notification is issued regarding the switch timing and information for specifying the mixed gas to which a switch is to be made based on this switch timing. When the diver selects one of the cylinders as the cylinder to which the switch is to be made and in which the mixture ratio of the diving gas is different, processing is carried out that prohibits switching to the selected cylinder when it is determined that the selected cylinder may create a danger of oxygen deficiency or oxygen poisoning.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takeshi Hirose
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Patent number: 7445007Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Vaporbrothers, Inc.Inventors: Bertram A. Balch, Daniel G. Seng
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Patent number: 7413173Abstract: A molded base plate for use in a humidifier and ventilation assembly is disclosed. The base plate is connected to a cover which forms the water chamber of the humidifier. A thermally conductive material is used in the molding process of the base plate so that heat applied to the base plate is conducted into the water.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventors: Mark DiMatteo, William Perroz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080190427Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Matthew Jon Payton, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Christopher Simon James Quill, Ian Douglas Makinson, Emily Joy Drake, Craig Karl White, Virginia Louise Glover
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Publication number: 20080163871Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing salt aerosol, suitable for treating respiratory diseases, the apparatus including a ventilator, a delivery pipeline connected to the output of the ventilator, the pipeline being connected to a throat for entering ground salt containing NaCl salt into the air streaming in the delivery pipeline for producing aerosol as a mixture of salt and air. The pipeline section is between the output of ventilator and the pipeline connection to throat the delivery pipeline is provided with a heating device and at the output of the delivery pipeline a collisional-ionization arrangement is placed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: ASTHMA REHABILITACIOS CENTRUM KFT.Inventors: Denes BOZOKY, Alexander TOROKTIN
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Publication number: 20080156325Abstract: An improved heating element connector assembly includes an insulative, rectangular frame with a central opening, and a plurality of conductive terminals which are press fit into openings in the frame. The terminals are spaced apart from each other lengthwise of two opposing sidewalls of the frame, and pairs of terminals are aligned with each other between the two sidewalls. A plurality of conductive strips are held together in an assembly and the ends of the strips are interconnected along two spaced apart lines by carrier members that may be molded over the ends of the conductive strips. The carrier members extend down into cavities on the frame and terminals are pushed into the cavities to bear against the ends of the strips and effect an electrical connection between the terminals and the strips.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Charles Galauner, Gregory Menn, Richard A. Nelson, Hazelton P. Avery, Timothy E. Purkis, Richard A. Faje
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Publication number: 20080156326Abstract: An apparatus for generating aerosol comprises a capillary tube comprising at least one bend, fluid inlets, regions of reduced wall thickness located between the fluid inlets and the at least one bend, and an outlet along the at least one bend. The capillary tube is heated to a temperature sufficient to volatilize fluid in the capillary tube, such that the volatilized fluid discharges from the outlet to form an aerosol.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Marc D. Belcastro, Jeffrey A. Swepston
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Patent number: 7373938Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080105257Abstract: A respiratory apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurised gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier for vaporising water and delivering water vapor to humidify the gas; a gas flow path leading from the flow generator to the humidifier and from the humidifier to a patient interface; and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater comprises an elongate heating filament in the form of a tape. A humidifier for respiratory apparatus includes a first respiratory gas passage for receiving gas from a flow generator, a humidifier chamber, a second respiratory gas passage for delivering humidified gas to a patient interface, and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater comprises an elongate heating filament extending along at least part of both said first and second respiratory gas passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: ResMed LimitedInventors: Paul Jan Klasek, Alexander Virr, Nathan John Row, Ronald James Huby, Jack Wei Cheng
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Patent number: 7364140Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus to supply pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a humidifier having a gas inlet coupled to the gas outlet of the flow generator, and a filter operatively positioned between the gas outlet of the flow generator and the gas inlet of the humidifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Matthew Lipscombe, Richard L. Jones
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Patent number: 7347203Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Thayer Medical CorporationInventors: Gregory S. Marler, David T. Sladek
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Patent number: 7302949Abstract: An improved humidifier which may be used with a nasal cannula for high-flow respiratory gas therapy wherein a sterilized liquid is drawn from a sterilized liquid container by a high-flow driving gas passing adjacent to an aspirator tube orifice through which the sterilized liquid is drawn into contact with the driving gas for fracturing the liquid into a mist which is warmed and delivered to the patient or user, and the driving gas is also passed adjacent a condensate return orifice which draws any condensate formed in the humidified respiratory gas delivery system away from the cannula and back into the system for re-use.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Pelerossi, Fredrick M. Richards, Rex A. Niles, Gregory S. King
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Patent number: 7264148Abstract: When using a drug container having an identification tag fixed or detachably provided at a predetermined position of the container, the tag having drug data on a kind and a concentration of a drug and both or one of upper and lower limits of a flow rate on a continuous infusion and the upper and lower limits, time and flow rate on a one-shot administration recorded thereon, it is possible to ensure safety by prompting for a stop of injection by a warning when a setting beyond the upper and lower limits is performed and rewrite a liquid infusing time and a flow rate and so on required to be set according to symptoms of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuharu Tachibana
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Patent number: 7237770Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Matthew Lipscombe, Richard L. Jones
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Patent number: 7231920Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having a plurality of pockets for containing medicament wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between two peelable sheets secured to each other, said dispenser having an internal mechanism for accessing said medicament contained within said medicament carrier. The internal mechanism is operated by an electronic drive system.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Glaxo Group LimitedInventors: Stephen James Harvey, Paul Kenneth Rand
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Patent number: 7143766Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Aradigm CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Schuster, Joan Rosell, Avi Eliahu, Christopher J. Flaim
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Patent number: 7137388Abstract: A humidifier is provided including a first humidifier part, a second humidifier part connectable with the first humidifier part, and a sealing gasket disposed between the first and second humidifier parts. The second humidifier part is configured to hold a volume of liquid therein and the first and second humidifier parts and the sealing gasket define first and second internal passages within the humidifier. The first passage is disposed so as to be exposed to a surface of the volume of liquid and the second passage is isolated from at least one of the first passage and the surface of the volume of liquid. The second passage is configured to communicate with a pressure and/or sound sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Alexander Virr, Ian Malcolm Smith, Perry David Lithgow, Richard Llewelyn Jones, Andrew Cheung
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Patent number: 7121276Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Vbox, IncorporatedInventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
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Patent number: 7096865Abstract: A supply of gas such as oxygen is provided to a person in need of such gas supply. The delivery system includes an alarm to alert the recipient of the gas or another when and if the gas supply is disrupted. The alarm system preferably includes a reset and on-off switch that is recessed sufficiently to prevent accidental disabling of the alarm system.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Oxygen Lifeline, LLCInventors: Joseph E. Coury, John S. Massaad
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Patent number: 7088914Abstract: A device for vaporizing a medicament (4). The device comprises a resistive element (9) on which the medicament is deposited. The device also comprises a source of electrical power which can be connected across the resistive element to vaporize the medicament. The element is configured to provide a central cool region (11) on which the medicament is deposited and a relatively hotter region (12) surrounding the cool region. Through holes (13) are also provided. The resistive element may be a mesh, foil or a tile on which a resistive pattern is deposited.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignees: GW Pharma Limited, Tyco Electronics UK LimitedInventors: Brian Anthony Whittle, John Erwin Richard Bowyer, Anthony Hamish Harper, Anthony Vanhinsberg, Christopher Robert Melbourne, David Downs, Rajiv Bobby Dave
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Patent number: 7051733Abstract: A humidification apparatus for humidifying a gas flow to be supplied to a patient or other person in need of such gas is provided. A first temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at an outlet of a humidification chamber and a second temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at the patient end of the conduit. A display is provided for display of temperature information to a user. A controller or processor is configured or programmed to receive input from the temperature sensors and to output a signal to the display to cause a temperature to be displayed to the user which is the lower of the temperature sensed by temperature sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard
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Patent number: 6990978Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Shaahin Sean Shayan
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Patent number: 6988497Abstract: A humidifier apparatus for operating at an air pressure is disclosed for use with a respiratory therapy breathing apparatus that provides a breathable gas supply to patients requiring higher concentrations of liquid vapor and gas pressure. The humidifier apparatus includes a feed liquid supply bag in fluid communication with a humidifier cartridge via a conduit. The conduit enables air to flow therethrough to equalize air pressure between the humidifier cartridge and the feed liquid supply bag in response to liquid being supplied to the humidifier cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Medex Cardio-Pulmonary, Inc.Inventor: Walter Levine
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Patent number: 6945247Abstract: Treatment of pulmonary disorders associated with hypoxemia and/or smooth muscle constriction and/or inflammation comprises administering into the lungs as a gas compound with an NO group which does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Treatment of cardiac and blood disorders, e.g., angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, sickle cell disease and clotting disorders, comprises administering into the lungs as a gas, a compound which reacts with cysteine in hemoglobin and/or dissolves in blood and has an NO group which is bound in said compound so that it does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Exemplary of the compound administered in each case is ethyl nitrite.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Jonathan S. Stamler, Eric J. Toone, Andrew J. Gow
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Patent number: 6923179Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
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Patent number: 6918389Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor senses absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold facilitates easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
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Patent number: 6880554Abstract: An inhaler, comprising an electrohydrodynamic comminution means, a means for partially or fully discharging the liquid comminution and a conduit through which the liquid comminution is administered, wherein the discharging means is arranged to be activated by inhalation of the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: Ronald Alan Coffee
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Patent number: 6877510Abstract: To provide a unit for adjusting humidification capable of improving inconveniences that may otherwise be caused to occur due to damages, while sustaining the humidifying ability and other performance that are to be originally achieved by the humidification adjusting unit. Around the outer surface of the exothermic member 13 are wound multiple hollow fibers 14 each having a minute diameter and having a peripheral wall with minute openings each being large enough to allow water vapor to permeate therethrough yet small enough to fail to permeate water therethrough, and the multiple hollow fibers 14 and the exothermic member 13 are inserted tightly into an extendable mesh cover tube 15 in engagement therewith. In order to perform humidification, water to be supplied to the multiple hollow fibers 14 is warmed by the exothermic member 13 to generate water vapors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Respironics, Inc.Inventor: Kazufuku Nitta
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Publication number: 20040231668Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for practicing a method of treating viruses in the nasal mucosa. Vapor is generated, heated and delivered to the nasal mucosa in intermittent bursts, timed to coincide with inhalation. Control circuits are provided to maintain the temperature of the vapor at the point of delivery at a level greater than that necessary to kill viruses in the nasal mucosa. Timing circuits can synchronize the vapor delivery with a breathing cycle with heated vapor being supplied during inhalation and blocked during exhalation. Other circuits terminate operation when liquid is insufficient or after a predetermined timed interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20040221844Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus adapted to deliver humidified gases at a desired level of humidity to a patient including a humidifier and a heated conduit is disclosed. The humidifier includes a controller which determines the flow rate of the gases and then determines the required power input to the humidifier to deliver the gases to the patient at the required patient humidity. This means the need for external sensors is dispensed with and thus the apparatus is simple and less bulky.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Peter John Hunt, Mohammad Thudor, David Wixey, Stephen William McPhee
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Patent number: 6805119Abstract: A device for controlling the breathing gas flow is provided including a breathing gas block (2), a cover (4) and a valve plate (3) as well as a heating device. Condensation effects are prevented from occurring with the supply of the smallest possible amount of energy by provision of a heating foil (16) as a heating element.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Karsten Hoffmann, Olaf Wohlenberg
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Patent number: 6799572Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
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Patent number: 6772757Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device includes two concentric, electrically conductive tubes, the tubes being electrically and physically connected near a distal end of the tubes, and the tubes each having electrical connections to the power source, with the electrical connections to a power source being near a proximal end of the tubes. The proximal end of an inner one of the tubes is in fluid communication with a source of fluid. The device can be used to aerosolize medicament containing solutions to produce an aerosol with particles within a desired size range.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventor: F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
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Patent number: 6772999Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Matthew Lipscombe, Richard L. Jones
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Patent number: 6772756Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Advanced Inhalation Revolutions Inc.Inventor: Shaahin Sean Shayan
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Patent number: 6725860Abstract: A monitoring process for the reliable metering of different gaseous anesthetics uses a gaseous anesthetic monitor designed as only a single-channel monitor for determining the concentration of only one gaseous anesthetic. The process also uses an associated gaseous anesthetic metering means.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Dräger Medizintechnik GmbHInventors: Carl F. Wallroth, Frank Gottschalk, Ernst-Günter Scharmer, Helmut Thiemann
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Publication number: 20040065321Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Alex Stenzler
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Patent number: 6701921Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a fluid passage arranged between a first and a second layer wherein the first and second layers at least partially define the fluid passage. A liquid supply is arranged to provide a fluid in liquid phase to the fluid passage. The aerosol generator also includes a heater arranged to volatilize the fluid in the fluid passage. An outlet of the aerosol generator is arranged to receive the volatilized fluid and direct the volatilized fluid out of the fluid passage. The aerosol generator can be used to generate aerosols containing medicated materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr., Walter A. Nichols, Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy S. Sherwood, Scott A. Sowers, Zelita R. Washington, Sirisha Reddy
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Patent number: 6701922Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a housing, a heater and a mouthpiece wherein the heater volatilizes liquid material within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. Mixing ambient air with the vaporized liquid material controls a droplet size of the aerosol. The ambient air can be directed into the mouthpiece by at least one air passageway in an airflow entrainment control member. The at least one air passageway provides a desired volume and/or velocity of ambient air entering into the mouthpiece thereby achieving a desired droplet size distribution of an aerosol. In an alternative arrangement, a funnel shaped airflow entrainment control member includes a narrow end proximate the outlet end of the flow passage. A cone angle of the funnel-shaped member can be selected to provide a desired volume of ambient air which mixes with the vaporized liquid material and achieves a desired aerosol droplet size distribution.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Michael Hindle, Peter R. Byron, John N. Hong
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Patent number: 6694975Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Aradigm CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Schuster, Joan Rosell, Avi Eliahu, Christopher J. Flaim
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Patent number: 6681998Abstract: An aerosol generator includes an induction heating arrangement to vaporize fluid contained in a fluid passage. The vapor is then expelled from the fluid passage into the air creating a mist that forms the aerosol. The aerosol generator includes an excitation coil that inductively heats a heating element which transfers heat to the fluid in the fluid passage. The fluid passage can be located in a metal tube which can be removably mounted in the aerosol generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: David E. Sharpe, John L. Felter
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Patent number: 6672306Abstract: An arrangement for supplying a medical apparatus with anesthetic is so improved that, when changing the anesthetic supply vessel (1), the new anesthetic is made available directly and, when there is a malfunction of an anesthetic metering device (2), an exchange is possible in a simple manner. The arrangement includes a supply vessel (1) for the liquid anesthetic (6), a metering device (2) for liquid anesthetic and a pin-and-socket connection (15) between the metering component (2) and a vessel receptacle (3) of a medical apparatus (4). The metering component (2) is electrically drivable and is connected to the supply vessel (1) so as to form a modular unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Ralf-Ernst Löser, Michael Rehfeldt
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Publication number: 20030213487Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating the oxygen content of and injecting aroma into a stream of air and delivering the stream of air to the nostrils of a person includes an air intake filter in fluid communication with the air compressor for drawing a stream of air out of the surrounding atmosphere; a sieve bed in fluid communication with the air intake means, each sieve bed containing a quantity of nitrogen absorption material and having sieve bed input and output valve mechanism; so that the sieve bed extracts nitrogen from the air stream so that the proportion of oxygen exiting the sieve bed is elevated, and as the input valve mechanism closes, the sieve bed output valve mechanism opens and vents absorbed nitrogen from the sieve bed to the atmosphere; an aroma chamber containing aroma releasing material in fluid communication with the output valve mechanism so that the stream of air is delivered through the aroma chamber and receives and retains an aroma; and a canula comprising an exit port having a nose deliveType: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Duard I. Hardy, Thierry de Beaurepaire
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Publication number: 20030205228Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol and includes first and second capillary tubes connected electrically in series by providing separate electrodes at the inlet ends of each capillary tube, and connecting the outlet ends of the capillary tubes by an electrical connection that connects the outlet ends both electrically and thermally. The capillary tubes are heated by the flow of electricity therethrough, and liquid flowing through the tubes is vaporized. The outlet ends of the capillary tubes are easily maintained at a temperature for optimizing aerosol generation since there is minimal heat loss through the connection connecting the outlet ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Walter A. Nichols, Kenneth A. Cox, Tung Tien Nguyen
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Patent number: 6622720Abstract: An inhaler that uses capillary effects to output droplets of pharmaceutical product is described. The inhaler includes transducers and lenses to generate focused acoustic waves. The frequency and pulse width output of the transducers are set to cause capillary action in a reservoir of pharmaceutical product. The capillary action results in the ejection of small droplets of pharmaceutical product at low frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Babur B. Hadimioglu
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Patent number: 6571793Abstract: A method and a process are disclosed for optimizing an electrostatically dosed dry powder inhaler (EDPI) for utilization of a prepared pre-metered electro-dose consisting of a electro-powder. An arrangement is set-up for measuring parameters affecting a systemic delivery or local lung delivery of a pre-metered electro-dose from and DPI including analysis of dose de-agglomeration, particle size distribution as well as dose-to-dose variation together with pressures times and flows. A dry powder inhaler, DPI, is adjusted for a systemic or a local lung setting with respect to activation pressure and closing pressure having a DPI with a 20 to 60 liters/minute inhalation air flow for systemic delivery setting and 20 to 80 liters/minute for a local lung setting. Furthermore the de-agglomeration power is adjusted between 0.1 and 6 watts to be used in the DPI by optimizing the pressure drop and inhalation flow rate by changes to the mouthpiece and/or the device member and their relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Microdrug AGInventor: Thomas Nilsson
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Patent number: 6557552Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy Paul Beane, William R. Sweeney
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Patent number: 6557551Abstract: A humidification unit adapted to be disposed in a patient circuit for humidifying the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient via the patient circuit by an artificial ventilator system. The humidification unit includes an exothermic member having an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheral wall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to pass therethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passing therethrough. Liquid delivered to the hollow fibers is heated by the exothermic member and the gas vapor resulting from the heating passes through the hollow fiber walls and humidifies the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Respironics, Inc.Inventor: Kazufuku Nitta
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Patent number: 6554260Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Matthew Lipscombe, Richard L. Jones
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Patent number: RE39724Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard