Means For Supplying Respiratory Gas Under Positive Pressure Patents (Class 128/204.18)
  • Patent number: 8677995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a brushless DC (BLDC) motor over a wide range of angular speeds is presented. Analog magnetic sensors provide continuous signal measurements related to the rotor angular position at a sample rate independent of rotor angular speed. In one embodiment, analog signal measurements are subsequently processed using an arctangent function to obtain the rotor angular position. The arctangent may be computed using arithmetic computation, a small angle approximation, a polynomial evaluation approach, a table lookup approach, or a combination of various methods. In one embodiment, the BLDC rotor is used to drive a Roots blower used as a compressor in a portable mechanical ventilator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 203, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyle, Michael Holmes, Malcolm Williams
  • Patent number: 8677997
    Abstract: A method and CPAP apparatus characterizes different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors that measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing one, a method calibrates the generator for the mask system. The method includes determining air flow characteristics using flow measurements from a first test period when flow through the mask system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the mask system during a second test period when flow through the mask system is blocked and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser of the mask system using the air flow characteristics of the air delivery hose determined during the first period and the pressure measurements made during the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Michael O'Connor, John David Oates, Nicola Frances Wickham
  • Patent number: 8677999
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for providing mechanical ventilation support of a patient using an open airway patient interface. The system includes gas delivery circuit and patient interface configurations to optimize performance and efficiency of the ventilation system. A ventilation system may include a ventilator for supplying ventilation gas. A patient interface may include distal end in communication with a patient airway, a proximal end in communication with ambient air, and an airflow channel between the distal end and the proximal end. A gas delivery circuit may be adapted to attach to the patient interface without occluding the patient interface to allow ambient air to flow from outside the patient interface to the patient airway. The ventilation gas may entrain air from ambient and from the patient airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Allum, Anthony D. Wondka, Joseph Cipollone, Lutz Freitag
  • Patent number: 8676323
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to improve respiratory function. Systems include an external electrical stimulator coupled to electrodes that stimulates diaphragm contraction and may optionally include a positive pressure mechanical ventilator. The system further includes an electrode suitable for temporary implantation. Electrical stimulation is provided to specific portions of the diaphragm, such as one hemidiaphragm preferentially over another. By preferentially contracting one hemidiaphragm, a specific portion of a lung may be expanded, such as a posterior portion. By the provision of the negative intrathoracic pressure from diaphragm contraction, greater expansion of specific portion of lung is achieved in relationship to air pressure within the lung, thereby improving compliance. Supplementation of stimulated diaphragm contraction with positive pressure driven air flow from a PPMV directs the air flow to specific portions of the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Synapse Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Ignagni, Raymond P. Onders
  • Publication number: 20140069432
    Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a bearing-housing structure provided to the housing and adapted to rotatably support a rotor, a motor provided to the bearing-housing structure and adapted to drive the rotor, and an impeller provided to the rotor. The bearing-housing structure includes a bearing shaft having a bearing surface that rotatably supports the rotor. The bearing shaft provides only a single bearing of the non-ball bearing type for the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: RESMED MOTOR TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Aziz Mebasser, Peter Jeffrey Thomas, Roman Vinokur, Kevin Gene McCulloh, William S. Lane, Yeu-chuan Hsia, Michael David Bednar, John Paul Freese, Karl Yutaka Iwahashi, David Brent Sears, Barton John Kenyon, Richard G. Krum, Par Egron Dannas, Hiroshi Suzuki, Malcolm Edward Leader
  • Publication number: 20140069427
    Abstract: There is disclosed a harness for breathing apparatus which is arranged to support a plurality of cylinders of breathable gas side-by-side and is arranged to be worn on the back of a wearer. The harness comprises upper and lower longitudinally spaced housings coupled together by a longitudinally extending back member. The upper and lower housings are arranged to retain upper and lower portions of each cylinder respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: DRAEGER SAFETY UK LIMITED
    Inventors: James Farnaby, David Cheesman, Paul Townsend, Gordon Wrigley
  • Patent number: 8667963
    Abstract: A ventilator circuit is provided for use with a ventilator and a low pressure low flow oxygen source to provide a hyper-oxygenated mixture of air and oxygen at the onset of inspiration. The ventilator circuit achieves this result by using its inspiratory limb to store oxygen between breaths. As a result, the oxygen content of dead space gas is increased before delivery to the distal alveoli of the patient. Accordingly, the ventilator circuit achieves an efficient use of available oxygen and requires less oxygen to a desired oxyhemoglobin percentage at the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: IMPACT Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie H. Sherman, George Beck
  • Patent number: 8667962
    Abstract: A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Barton John Kenyon, Renee Frances Doherty, Enrico Brambilla, Philip Rodney Kwok
  • Publication number: 20140060537
    Abstract: A device (10) for the mechanical respiration of a patient (12) has a gas delivery device (14), which includes a flow module (16) for generating a gas stream (A), a gas outlet (24) and a gas inlet (34). The device (10) includes a gas-carrying short-circuiting unit (56), by which the gas outlet (24) and the gas inlet (34) can be coupled with one another to short-circuit the gas delivery device (14), and a plasma generator (62) coupled into the short-circuited gas delivery device (14) for enriching the gas stream (A) generated in the short-circuited gas delivery device (14) with a disinfecting plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: DRAGER MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Ullrich HANSMANN, Michael RIECKE, Henryk SCHNAARS
  • Patent number: 8656913
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the presently described invention provides a ventilator including a timing device, an electric power source and a flow control device. The timing device is electronically controlled and is capable of controlling a period of time that a fluid is delivered to a patient. The timing device can control this period of time using a solenoid. The flow control device controls a rate of flow that the fluid is delivered to the patient. The flow control device can control the rate of flow using a plurality of orifices. The timing device and flow control device are separate from one another and each is capable of being operated independent of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Kroupa
  • Patent number: 8656914
    Abstract: A medical ventilator is coupled to a patient via a hose system to generate a respiratory flow according to a predetermined ventilation mode. The ventilator has a first flow sensor for generating a first sensor signal indicative of an inspiratory flow into the hose system distant from the patient. The hose system has a further flow sensor for generating a further sensor signal indicative of the respiratory flow proximal to the patient. The ventilator has an input for receiving the further sensor signal. The ventilator compares the further sensor signal with an expected sensor signal indicative of the respiratory flow proximal to the patient. The expected sensor signal is determined by a combination of the first sensor signal and the predetermined ventilation mode. The ventilator controls the ventilating in dependence on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Salvador Almagro Frutos, Geert Van Dijk
  • Patent number: 8656909
    Abstract: A nozzle, for use in a fluid dispensing device, having a body defining a fluid flow channel which is shaped to impart acceleration and angular momentum to fluid passing therethrough, an inlet port formed in the body and defining an inlet to the channel, and an outlet port formed in the body and defining an outlet from the channel, wherein the fluid flow channel includes a swirl chamber having a plurality of swirl chamber segments, the swirl chamber being located between the channel inlet and the channel outlet, wherein the body is comprised of a mating assembly of a plurality of like component parts, each of the component parts providing one of the swirl chamber segments; wherein the fluid flow channel includes a plurality of inlets to the swirl chamber for feeding fluid into the swirl chamber and wherein each of the component parts provides one of the swirl chamber inlets; wherein the swirl chamber inlets are positioned to feed fluid into respectively different swirl chamber segments and wherein the swirl ch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: James William Godfrey, Mark Graham Hedley
  • Patent number: 8656912
    Abstract: This invention relates to a breathing unit having an electric motor for driving a compressor, compressed air being conducted through a first heat exchanger cooled by cooling air of the compressor, and the compressed air being conducted through a second heat exchanger being cooled by cooling air of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: E Innovation AS
    Inventor: Ă˜yvind Næss Johannessen
  • Patent number: 8651105
    Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: CS Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent L. Christopher, Stephanie S. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20140041663
    Abstract: A multiple stage variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the multiple stage blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Daniel Daly, Alexander Virr, Stephen Anthony Lea, Dion Charles Chewe Martin, Nicholas Jerome Reed, Larry Puckeridge, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu
  • Patent number: 8646447
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, an air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for treatment and a pulse oximeter. In certain example embodiments, the pulse oximeter is configured to determine, for example, a measure of patient effort during a treatment period and provide a patient effort signal for input to control operation of the flow generator. Oximeter plethysmogram data may be used, for example, to determine estimated breath phase; sleep structure information; autonomic improvement in response to therapy; information relating to relative breathing effort, breathing frequency, and/or breathing phase; vasoconstrictive response, etc. Such data may be useful in diagnostic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, John David Oates
  • Patent number: 8640699
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for controlling the delivery of a breathing gas to a patient including automatic lung recruitment maneuvers. The method may include regulating the FiO2 and the PEEP of the breathing gas delivered to the patient, determining a blood oxygenation level of the patient, automatically adjusting the FiO2 of the breathing gas delivered to the patient based on at least the blood oxygenation level of the patient, and in response to determining that the FiO2 of the breathing gas delivered to the patient exceeds a pre-determined value: automatically initiating a lung recruitment maneuver; and automatically increasing the PEEP of the breathing gas delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8640696
    Abstract: A patient treatment system and method comprising a patient circuit, a pressurizing flow module disposed in the patient circuit, a humidifier disposed in the patient circuit, a monitor, sensors within the patient circuit, and a processor. The patient circuit delivers a flow of gas from a gas source to an airway of a patient. The pressurizing flow module elevates the pressure of the gas within the patient circuit. The humidifier elevates the humidity of the gas in the patient circuit to a circuit humidity level. The monitor monitors at least one parameter of the gas from the gas source. The sensors generate corresponding signals that can be processed to estimate a rate at which vapor is added to the gas in the patient circuit. The processor determines the humidity level of the gas in the patient circuit downstream from the humidifier based on the signals generated by the sensors and the at least one parameter of the gas in the gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: RIC Investments LLC
    Inventors: J. Raymond Pujol, William Perroz, Jr., Robert G. Rybicki
  • Patent number: 8640698
    Abstract: According to certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided an apparatus for treatment of a patient with both sleep-disordered breathing and diabetes. A PAP device may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas. At least one glycemia sensor also may be provided. A controller may be operable to receive a signal from the at least one glycemia detector and may be further operable to analyze the signal for an indication of a glycemia abnormality (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic coma, etc.). Optionally, when the signal indicates that the patient is experiencing a diabetic event, an alert may be generated and/or a drug delivery unit may administer an appropriate treatment to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: RedMed Limited
    Inventors: Donald Darkin, Klaus Henry Schindhelm, Carmel Therese Harrington
  • Patent number: 8640701
    Abstract: A system and method of providing bi-level CPAP therapy is provided that incorporates an infrared carbon-dioxide sensor to determine whether a patient is inhaling or exhaling. Patient exhalation causes the infrared light to be absorbed, while patient inhalation reduces the presence of carbon-dioxide causes little or no absorption of carbon-dioxide. The level of carbon-dioxide in an associated patient breathing interface is monitored for thresholds that trigger higher CPAP pressure upon inhalation and lower CPAP pressure upon exhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph B. Richey, II
  • Patent number: 8640700
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for controlling the delivery of a breathing gas to a patient. The method may include regulating the delivery of the breathing gas delivered to the patient, determining a value for a first ventilation parameter, comparing the determined value of the first ventilation parameter to a pre-determined target value for the first ventilation parameter, automatically adjusting the breathing gas delivered to the patient in response to the comparison between the determined value of the first ventilation parameter and the pre-determined target value for the first ventilation parameter, and automatically determining a new target value for the first ventilation parameter based at least in part on the determined value of the first ventilation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8640697
    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: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Jerome Reed
  • Patent number: 8636002
    Abstract: A respiratory humidifier chamber for use with a breathing assistance apparatus is described. The chamber includes a water-tight vessel having an inlet for receiving gases from the breathing assistance apparatus, and an outlet through which heated humidified gases exit the vessel for delivery to a patient. The chamber has a partition which divides the chamber into upstream and downstream sub-chambers. The sub-chambers are separated by the partition except for an aperture which passes through the partition and allows gaseous communication between the sub-chambers. The downstream sub-chamber includes a heater base which heats a volume of water contained within it. The aperture is located above the volume of water. The upstream sub-chamber contains an internal heater which heats gases passing through it from the inlet to the aperture. At least part of the internal heater is located immediately adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Raymond Ka Yau Lo, David Fraser Wixey, Ian Douglas Makinson
  • Patent number: 8636003
    Abstract: An oxygen supply system is provided for generating oxygen from cabin air in an aircraft. The oxygen supply system exhibits a modular cabin unit with an oxygen port and a decentralized oxygen supply unit with an oxygen outlet, and the decentralized oxygen supply unit is set up in the modular cabin unit. The decentralized oxygen supply unit is set up to generate oxygen-enriched air from the cabin air by means of electrical power, and the oxygen-enriched air can be provided to the oxygen port of the modular cabin unit via the oxygen outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Deutscher, Thomas Vogt, Robertino Kolarski, Dorothee Lang
  • Patent number: 8638200
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent a myriad of ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during volume ventilation of a non-triggering patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm
  • Publication number: 20140020684
    Abstract: A respiratory apparatus comprising a base and removable chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to hold a supply of water and include a blower arrangement adapted to provide a supply of pressurized air or gas to the supply of water. In certain embodiments the respiratory apparatus includes a split motor, wherein the stationary components are located within a base and the rotating portions are located within a chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Jan Klasek, Liam Holley, Quangang Yang, Steven Paul Farrugia, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Robert Henry Frater
  • Patent number: 8631797
    Abstract: Spontaneous respiration is detected by sensors. An additional amount of oxygen is administered to the lungs via a jet gas current at the end of an inhalation procedure. Breathing volume, absorption of oxygen during inhalation, and clearance of carbon dioxide during exhalation are improved. If required, the exhalation procedure of the patient can be arrested or slowed by a countercurrent to avoid a collapse of the respiration paths. An apparatus including an oxygen pump can be connected to an oxygen source and includes a tracheal prosthesis that can be connected via a catheter. The respiration detections sensors are connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump. The tracheal prosthesis includes a tubular support body with a connection for the catheter, and the sensors are associated with the support body. The tracheal prosthesis and jet catheter are dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe and speak without restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lutz Freitag, Gregory Kapust, Anthony D. Wondka
  • Patent number: 8631799
    Abstract: A nasal cannula for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient and a method of treating a patient with sleep disorder. The nasal cannula comprises a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening located therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a high flow respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James M. Davenport, James N. Curti, Peter W. Salter, James Chua, Barry Crandall
  • Patent number: 8631789
    Abstract: A humidifier (14) for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber (16) configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub (20) configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid (18) provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal (19) provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator (12) configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Andrew Roderick Bath, Nathan John Row, Dan Kao, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Nicholas Andrew Earl, Hargopal Verma, Junning Chen
  • Publication number: 20140018605
    Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Pulmonx Corporation
    Inventors: Peter P. Soltesz, Nikolai Aljuri, Ajit Nair
  • Publication number: 20140014108
    Abstract: A nasal cannula diffuses a gas stream to distribute the volume of the gas stream as it is delivered into a user's nostril. The nasal cannula can direct flow of gas, such as oxygen, away from the more sensitive nasal tissues. The nasal cannula can diffuse the gas flow out of a plurality of orifices formed in the nostril prongs of the nasal cannula device, rather than sending the entire volume of gas out of a single orifice, as is the case with conventional nasal cannula devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: David G. Dillard
  • Publication number: 20140014109
    Abstract: This apparatus (1) includes a fan (2) constituted by a motor (5), an impeller (6) and a fan scroll (7), the motor (5) being contained in a motor casing (8) having a first end connected to the fan scroll (7) and an opposite second end; and a casing (22) receiving the fan (2), defining around that fan (2) a space (23) for flow of gas for cooling the fan (2) having an inlet (24). According to the invention the first end of the casing (8) includes at least one first hole (10); and the second end of the casing (8) includes at least one second hole (11) separated from the inlet (24) in such a manner as to prevent capture of the hot cooling gas leaving the casing (8) by the inlet (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AIRFAN
    Inventor: Gilbert Grasmuck
  • Patent number: 8627819
    Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a Roots-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the Roots blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 203, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. DeVries, David Boyle, Michael Holmes, Malcolm Williams
  • Patent number: 8622057
    Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatus for the treatment of asthma patients. A controlled supply of breathable air delivered to a patient interface or mask (4) is controlled for patient comfort to maintain a steady pressure level in a range 2 to 4 cm H2O to accommodate patient respiration. The breathable air is cleaned by a high efficiency particulate arresting filter (10) to remove allergens from the air supply. The apparatus may be programmed to automatically detect asthma-related symptoms such as an asthma attack by analyzing the respiratory flow of the patient. In response to the detection of such an attack, the apparatus may provide an audible warning or if configured with a treatment delivery module (14A, 14B), the device may administer a therapeutically effective dose of a drug or substance, for example, a broncho-dilator, to alleviate the patient's breathing difficulty. Preferred mask designs allow for proper CO2 washout to accommodate the low pressures supplied to the mask and prevent asphyxia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Ltd
    Inventors: Anthony John Ujhazy, Jonathan Caldwell Wright, Joanne Elizabeth Drew, Michael Berthon-Jones
  • Publication number: 20140000604
    Abstract: A method for logging ventilator data. The method includes logging the ventilator data, wherein the ventilator data is associated with a ventilator; and providing access to the logged ventilator data for use by a medical entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Tom Steinhauer, Terry Blansfield, Willis Lam, Stephen J. Birch, Mark Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140000616
    Abstract: A system is structured to provide a regimen of respiratory therapy to a patient having an airway. The system includes a gas flow generator structured to generate a flow of breathing gas, a patient interface device structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a patient circuit structured to couple the gas flow generator to the patient interface device. The patient interface device includes headgear, a cushion structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a fabric pouch holding the cushion. The fabric pouch is supported by or coupled to the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Haibach
  • Publication number: 20140005566
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for delivering respiratory treatment to a patient. For example, a treatment system may include a mechanism for delivering a positive pressure breath to a patient, and one or more limb flow control assemblies which modulate gas flow to and from the patient. Exemplary treatment techniques are embodied in anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and manual ventilators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: RESQSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: ResQSystems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8616204
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The method and system provide a known desired quantity of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient independent of the respiratory pattern of the patient. The preferred pharmaceutical gases are CO and NO, both of which are provided as a concentration in a carrier gas. The gas control system determines the delivery of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient to result in the known desired quantity (e.g. in molecules, milligrams or other quantified units) of the pharmaceutical gas being delivered. Upon completion of that known desired quantity of pharmaceutical gas over a plurality of breaths, the system can either terminate any further delivery of the pharmaceutical gas or can activate an alarm to alert the user that the known quantity has been delivered. The system also has alarm functions to alert the user of possible malfunctions of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: INO Therapeutics LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Montgomery, Duncan P. Bathe
  • Patent number: 8616206
    Abstract: Methods and/or apparatuses for treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are provided. In particular, systems and/or methods are provided which may temporarily boost the pressure of a supply of breathable gas provided by an AutoSet device for the treatment of hypopnea. In certain example embodiments, a supply of breathable is provided to patients to treat apneas and/or hypopneas. The presence and/or absence of apneas and/or hypopneas are detected (e.g. by monitoring the Apnea-Hypopnea Index). When hypopnea events are detected, the pressure of the supply of breathable gas temporarily is increased above the Pcrit and/or CPAP levels, at least during patient inspiration. When the hypopnea events are normalized, the pressure is reduced. In certain example embodiments, the pressure will not be increased when a non-hypopnea event is detected at the same time as a hypopnea event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ron Richard, Steven Paul Farrugia, Philip Rodney Kwok, David Mulcahy
  • Patent number: 8616208
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling negative pressure supplied in oral cavity, for relieving sleep apnea and snoring is provided. The method includes: sensing a physiological signal from the user and outputting the sensed physiological signal; extracting a physiological status based on said sensed physiological signal; and automatically controlling said negative pressure provided to the user's oral cavity based on said physiological status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Chu Chen, Chen-Liang Lin, Chen-Ning Huang, Tung-Ming Yu
  • Publication number: 20130340752
    Abstract: A gas delivery conduit adapted for fluidly connecting to a respiratory gases delivery system in a high flow therapy system, the gas delivery conduit includes a first connector adapted for connecting to the respiratory gases delivery system, a second connector adapted for connecting to a fitting of a patient interface, tubing fluidly connecting the first connector to the second connector where the first connector has a gas inlet adapted to receive the supplied respiratory gas, one of electrical contacts and temperature contacts integrated into the first connector. The gas delivery conduit further can include a sensing conduit integrated into the gas delivery conduit, where the first connector of the gas delivery conduit is adapted to allow the user to couple the first connector with the respiratory gases delivery system in a single motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert M. Landis, Charles A. Lewis, Louis Javier Collazo
  • Publication number: 20130340757
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm SMITH, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow
  • Patent number: 8607793
    Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The flattening index serves as an obstruction index used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon comparison of values of airflow in different sectors of the inspiratory peak of the wave function and is particularly suitable for distinguishing M shaped or square shaped respiratory patters indicative of partially obstructed airways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Armitstead, Chinmayee Somaiya
  • Patent number: 8607790
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing ventilatory data associated with those parameters, and providing useful notifications and/or recommendations to clinicians. Modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent a myriad of ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during various types of pressure ventilation of a patient exhibiting an obstructive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm
  • Patent number: 8607789
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent multiple ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during volume ventilation of a non-triggering patient exhibiting an obstructive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm
  • Patent number: 8607791
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing ventilatory data associated with those parameters, and providing useful notifications and/or recommendations to clinicians. Modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent a myriad of ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during various types of pressure ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm
  • Patent number: 8607792
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The method and system provide a known desired quantity of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient independent of the respiratory pattern of the patient. The preferred pharmaceutical gases are CO and NO, both of which are provided as a concentration in a carrier gas. The gas control system determines the delivery of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient to result in the known desired quantity (e.g. in molecules, milligrams or other quantified units) of the pharmaceutical gas being delivered. Upon completion of that known desired quantity of pharmaceutical gas over a plurality of breaths, the system can either terminate any further delivery of the pharmaceutical gas or can activate an alarm to alert the user that the known quantity has been delivered. The system also has alarm functions to alert the user of possible malfunctions of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: INO Therapeutics LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Montgomery, Duncan P. Bathe
  • Patent number: 8607785
    Abstract: Various systems and devices for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a porous solid matrix positioned with the body. The porous solid matrix is coated with an aqueous solution of an antioxidant, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the solid matrix to convert nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow into nitric oxide. The porous solid matrix allows the device to be used in any orientation. Additionally, the porous solid matrix provides a rigid structure suitable to withstand vibrations and abuse without compromising device functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Geno LLC
    Inventors: David H. Fine, Bryan Johnson, Gregory Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8608827
    Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a stationary unit and a portable unit. The portable unit includes a compressor, molecular sieves, controllable valves and an enriched gas storage chamber. The stationary unit includes a compressor having a greater capacity than a capacity of the portable compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bernhard Lewis Haberland, Joseph Thomas Dolenski, Jeremy Blair, Donald Kenneth Griffin, Marvin Norman Zeigler, Gerry Dean Richardson
  • Patent number: 8607788
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent multiple ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during volume ventilation of a triggering patient exhibiting an obstructive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm