Indicator Structure Patents (Class 128/205.23)
  • Patent number: 11951337
    Abstract: A mask apparatus including a mask body that defines a communication hole, a sensor mounting portion that extends from a front surface of the mask body, that surrounds the communication hole, and that defines an installation space therein, a seal coupled to a rear surface of the mask body and configured to define a breathing space between the mask body and a user, a pressure sensor accommodated in the installation space and configured to sense air pressure inside the breathing space that is in communication with the communication hole, and a film disposed in the installation space and configured to restrict permeation of moisture from the breathing space into the installation space through the communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chiyoung Choi, Taeun Heo, Hojung Kim, Wansu Youn, Sangkyun Baek, Yeongcheol Mun, Keonwang Lee
  • Patent number: 11864722
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting ventilator settings in a patient based on information obtained by measuring anatomical dead space VD in a lung are provided utilizing controlled indicator gas delivery over multiple breaths, including related measurements and calculations of lung inhomogeneity, functional residual capacity, avelolar volume VA, dead space VD, and pulmonary blood flow {dot over (Q)}P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: VENTDX, INC.
    Inventors: Phi Anh Phan, Andrew Farmery, Clive Hahn
  • Patent number: 11833298
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a mask, ventilation therapy equipment and a method executed based on the ventilation therapy equipment, and belongs to the field of ventilation therapy equipment. The mask comprises a mask body, acquisition units and output units, wherein the acquisition units are arranged on the mask body and are used for acquiring eye movement data of the eyes of a user; the eye movement data comprises action data of the eyes of the user; and the output units are connected with the acquisition units, and are used for outputting the eye movement data. By the mask, a ventilation therapy equipment system and the method executed based on the ventilation therapy equipment system, the operation intention expressed by the user with the eyes can be recognized so as to carry out follow-up control on the ventilation therapy equipment, and the user experience is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: BMC MEDICAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Qiang Guo, Zhi Zhuang
  • Patent number: 11291869
    Abstract: A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is provided including one or more of a first inlet configured to receive an ambient gas; a gas filter in fluid communication with the first inlet and configured to filter the ambient gas; a blower configured to boost at least one of a flow rate or a pressure of the ambient gas entering and/or exiting the gas filter; a second and independent inlet configured to receive a non-ambient gas; a first outlet configured to selectively provide a breathing gas to a user from the ambient gas or the non-ambient gas; and/or a controller and switching device configured to select the source of the breathing gas between the first inlet and the second inlet. Embodiments may also include a power source for the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Immediate Response Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Springer, Daren Olsen, Steve Tourison
  • Patent number: 11235113
    Abstract: A device for monitoring adherence of a patient to a prescribed regimen is provided. The device has a pulmonary delivery device fluid, an adapter in communication with the delivery device and a dispenser in fluid communication with the adapter. A pressurized drug, contained in the pulmonary delivery device, can be delivered from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient through the adapter and the dispenser. A sensor is mounted to the adapter or the dispenser for detecting a temperature or pressure change caused by the movement of the drug from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient and generating a feedback signal based on the change. The feedback signal is further processed for generating a signal indicating a successful deliver of the drug to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, UCL BUSINESS PLC
    Inventors: Chris L. O'Callaghan, Xiao Liu
  • Patent number: 11173271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen sensors for medical ventilators. A medical ventilator includes a patient circuit delivering inspiratory airflow to a patient and returning expiratory airflow from the patient back to the ventilator. A manifold includes an air flow path into the patient circuit, and a port with an opening for an oxygen sensor. When mated to the port, the oxygen sensor samples the air in the air flow path and detects the amount of oxygen in the air. When the oxygen sensor is inserted into the port, a valve is biased open, to allow airflow through the opening into the oxygen sensor during ventilation. When the oxygen sensor is removed from the port, the valve biases into a closed position covering the opening, to prevent leaks. The ventilator can then continue to operate without the oxygen sensor in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory J. Glenn, Jose J. Aguirre, Matthew Tyson Grant
  • Patent number: 11129947
    Abstract: A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: NOSTRUM TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Israel Amirav, Asaf Halamish, Michael Newhouse, K. Mosaddeq Hossain, Paresh Vasandani, Vijay Shukla
  • Patent number: 10994088
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating a breathing apparatus with a touch-sensitive graphical display and just one other mechanical operating element, wherein the basic treatment can be started by pressing down the mechanical operating element, and additional adjustments are made using the touch-sensitive graphical display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Loewenstein Medical Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Karl-Andreas Feldhahn, Christof Schroeter, Andreas Rensmann, Uwe Strempel, Regina Schaefer, Matthias Schwaibold
  • Patent number: 10930175
    Abstract: A CPR training device is disclosed comprising a first member including a mouthpiece portion and a first engaging portion, a second member including an output portion and a second engaging portion, and an air passageway. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion cooperates to form a filter seating arrangement at a filter seat position when assembled together to secure a filter within the CPR training device. The air passageway is open to air outside of the CPR training device only through the mouthpiece portion and the output portion. The filter is disposed in the air passageway at the filter seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: RAYLYNN PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Ray Morrison, III
  • Patent number: 10867694
    Abstract: A bi-directional interface system that facilitates the seamless exchange of personal health information (“PHI”) between a mobile device and an associated healthcare organization's electronic health record system and/or other ancillary systems without storing any of the information on the mobile device. The system may display data that exists in the EHR and/or other ancillary systems that would be valuable to easily view at a glance (e.g., vital signs, weight, last void) data, as well as facilitate data entry that would feed into the EHR (e.g., vital signs and intake and output). Accordingly, the system may customize at a unit level and/or professional role the information available to nurses and other health care professionals at the critical time of handoffs and in an effort to standardize the information, reduce the nurse's and/or other health care professional's individual need to rely on memory, handwritten notes, reduce missed information or erroneous information opportunities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: NIGHTINGALE APPS LLC
    Inventor: Tiffany Kelley
  • Patent number: 10780238
    Abstract: In an alerting and controlling system, there is a measuring device and a controller. The measuring device is connectable to an endotracheal tube associated with a cuff inflatable below the vocal cords of a subject, for measuring at least one measure being indicative of the presence of leakage of secretions from above the cuff to the lungs of the subject. The controller adjusts inflation of the cuff responsively to the level of the at least one measure such as to reduce or prevent leakage of secretions from above the cuff to the lungs, and alerts that the endotracheal tube is malpositioned in the airway of the subject if an inflation pressure of the cuff exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hospitech Respiration Ltd.
    Inventors: Shai Efrati, Israel Deutsch
  • Patent number: 10709856
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating- and information system for a breathing apparatus, comprising a display for displaying information and for displaying operating fields for the user, and comprising at least one touch-sensitive input field arranged in close proximity to the displayed operating field. According to the invention, a first operating field and a second operating field are displayed in the region of the display, and a processing unit, which is coupled to the display and to the touch-sensitive input unit, is designed to register an operation of the first operating field via the touch-sensitive input unit, and, in accordance therewith, to cause the control unit to execute the function associated with the operating field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: LOEWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY S.A.
    Inventors: Karl-Andreas Feldhahn, Christof Schroeter, Andreas Rensmann, Uwe Strempel, Regina Schaefer, Matthias Schwaibold
  • Patent number: 10387617
    Abstract: Embodiments for scheduling the delivery of multiple medications to a patient by a processor. Any interactions between the multiple medications or between one of the multiple medications and a type of food are considered to construct an analytical model to identify an optimized schedule for delivery of the multiple medications to the patient. The optimized schedule is adjusted in real time as additional information concerning the multiple medications and the type of food are introduced, and delivered to a dispensing device associated with the one of the multiple medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derek P. Bagwell, Swaminathan Balasubramanian, Mamnoon Jamil, Cheranellore Vasudevan
  • Patent number: 10311536
    Abstract: A method and system may provide an automated pharmacy processing system which automatically processes an electronic prescription by converting the electronic prescription into a pharmacy prescription record. In this way, an electronic prescription can be filled by a pharmacist without manual data entry. The system receives an electronic prescription and compares data from the electronic prescription with entries in one or more pharmacy database(s). When there is a match between the electronic prescription data and an entry in the one or more pharmacy database(s), the system populates the pharmacy prescription record with data from the matching pharmacy database entry. If all of the data fields from the pharmacy prescription record have been populated the pharmacist can fill the electronic prescription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: WALGREEN CO.
    Inventors: Mohsin O. Ansari, Jill M. Kunicki, Paul K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10213630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of the breathing gas supply, in particular of the oxygen supply, from a pressure-leading supply conduit (1) to one or more breathing masks (3) of an oxygen emergency supply device in an air vehicle, in particular in an aircraft, with which an on/off valve (2) is arranged between the supply conduit (1) and the one or the several breathing masks (3), with which valve the conduit connection can be blocked or released, with which a desired mass flow dependent on cabin pressure is set and the actual mass flow is detected, wherein in a first method step the valve (2) is activated in an opening manner until the error between the actual mass flow and the desired mass flow and which is summed over time exceeds a previously fixed maximal error value (4), whereupon the valve (2) in a second method step is activated in a closing manner until the error between the actual mass flow and the desired mass flow and which is summed over time exceeds of a previously fixed minimal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Marz, Thomas Sauerbaum
  • Patent number: 10076626
    Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and methods related to respiratory support delivered to infants using limited-leak cannulas. Various embodiments include a method of providing respiratory support to an infant. The method can include attaching a limited-leak cannula having prongs to an inspiratory port of a ventilator with connection tubing. The method can include selecting an operations mode on the ventilator that is specific for unidirectional flow limited-leak cannula use. The method can include initiating a calibration procedure with the prongs of the cannula freely exposed. The calibration procedure can include measuring the flow rate of gas through the connection tubing at a set pressure. The method can include setting monitoring parameters on the ventilator, initiating respiratory support by inserting the cannula prongs into the nares of the infant, and continuously monitoring the flow rate of gas through the limited-leak cannula. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Louis John Heck
  • Patent number: 10059913
    Abstract: Presented is an airway organ bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use thereof, as well as bioartificial airway organs produced using the methods, and methods of treating subjects using the bioartificial airway organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Harald C. Ott
  • Patent number: 10016632
    Abstract: A flow indicator of a breathing apparatus that indicates a flow of a breathing-gas includes a structure within a conduit for delivering the breathable gas, where the structure undergoes a change as a result of a presence of the breathable gas or a movement of the breathable gas past the structure. The flow indicator also includes a gas flow display that is actuated by the change in the structure to visually indicate a presence or flow of the breathable gas, where the display is powered by the change in the structure without any outside power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Elliott, Mrinal Nagrecha
  • Patent number: 9993604
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing an optimized proportional assist breath type during ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes a novel breath type that delivers a target airway pressure calculated based on a desired patient effort range to a triggering patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Peter Doyle, Mehdi M. Jafari
  • Patent number: 9884158
    Abstract: A molded part that is made of synthetic material and that has a rigid frame and at least one movable portion that is movable and/or deformable relative to the rigid frame. The at least one movable portion is connected, during molding, to the rigid frame via at least one breakable bridge of material. The at least one breakable bridge of material is broken while the molded part is being assembled, or while the molded part is being used for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Gerard Papet, Anthony Saussaye
  • Patent number: 9820694
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor device having a body configured to be inserted into an airway of a patient and one or more sensors mounted in or on the body. The one or more sensors are configured to collect sensor data associated with the airway of the patient. The system also includes a signal analyzer configured to analyze the sensor data. The one or more sensors could include one or more microphones. The signal analyzer could identify volume and/or pitch characteristics of the sensor data, perform pattern recognition to identify one or more patterns using the volume and/or pitch characteristics, and use the one or more patterns to identify a type, a location, and/or a degree of airway obstruction. This could be done, for instance, to determine if the patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea or other condition that affects his or her airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Louis J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9808587
    Abstract: An inhaler includes a main body having a canister housing, a medicament canister retained in a central outlet port of the canister housing, and a dose counter having an actuation member for operation by movement of the medicament canister. The canister housing has an inner wall, and a first inner wall canister support formation extending inwardly from a main surface of the inner wall. The canister housing has a longitudinal axis X which passes through the center of the central outlet port. The first inner wall canister support formation, the actuation member, and the central outlet port lie in a common plane coincident with the longitudinal axis X such that the first inner wall canister support formation protects against unwanted actuation of the dose counter by reducing rocking of the medicament canister relative to the main body of the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND, TEVA PHARMECUTICALS IRELAND, NORTON (WATERFORD) LIMITED
    Inventors: Declan Walsh, Derek Fenlon, Simon Kaar, Jan Geert Hazenberg, Daniel Buck, Paul Clancy, Robert Charles Uschold, Jeffrey A. Karg
  • Patent number: 9789275
    Abstract: A respiration appliance (10) is configured to entrain the breathing of the subject. The breathing of the subject is entrained to modulate the autonomic nervous system of the subject to decrease sympathetic nerve activity and/or to reduce sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in order to provide relaxation to the subject. The respiration appliance (10) restricts the exhalation of the subject, while permitting substantially unencumbered inhalation, to impact the breathing of the subject in a manner that enhances relaxation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Vijay Kumar Iyer, Michael Edward Colbaugh
  • Patent number: 9669172
    Abstract: A device provides respiratory treatment such as for sleep disordered breathing and other respiratory conditions in a discreet configuration to provide a minimally invasive system. The system may include a flow pressurizer apparatus configured to generate a pressurized flow of air through a fine bore delivery conduit toward a patient interface. The system may further include a treatment compensator coupled with the fine bore delivery conduit. The treatment compensator may be configured at the patient interface to reduce pressure for patient inspiration. A processor may control adjustments to the pressure generated by the flow pressurizer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Samuel Cullen, Damien Julian Mazzone, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, Tumul Gupta, Justin John Formica, Aaron Samuel Davidson
  • Patent number: 9662464
    Abstract: An automatic wireless pairing method includes causing a base unit to wirelessly communicate with a number of wireless peripheral devices and wirelessly receive a peripheral device data signal from each of the wireless peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device data signal received from each of the wireless peripheral devices is based on one or more measurements made by a sensor of the wireless peripheral device, analyzing in the base unit each of the peripheral device data signals, selecting in the base unit one or more of the wireless peripheral devices based on the analyzing of the peripheral device data signals, and responsive to the selecting step, establishing or maintaining wireless communication according to the wireless communications protocol between the base unit and the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices and not the wireless peripheral devices other than the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Irwin Shelly, Jonathan Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9626481
    Abstract: A dose counter for a metered dose inhaler includes a force sensor, an electronic controller, a memory for storing data indicative of a remaining number of doses and an electronic display device coupled to the controller for displaying the remaining number of doses. The dose counter is attached or integrated into a base of a canister containing medicament such that force applied to the base of the canister is registered by the force sensor, the controller being configured to measure force applied to the dose counter when depressing the canister and being responsive to measured force to decrement the remaining number of doses stored in the memory and shown on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Solomon, Moti Goldhirsh
  • Patent number: 9521963
    Abstract: A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter. An indicating element coupled to the respiratory component sensor is adapted to output a representation of the orientation related characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony James Esposito, Michael Brian Jaffe
  • Patent number: 9443419
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the use of sensor links in a network to estimate the breathing rate of a breathing subject within a structure, estimate the location of the subject within the structure, and detect if the subject is breathing. The structure may be a bed, a building, or a room in the building. The received signal strength of the sensor links is obtained and is then used in various breathing models to determine the breathing rate estimation, the location estimation, and the breathing detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Anthony Joey Wilson, Neal K. Patwari
  • Patent number: 9426607
    Abstract: An automatic wireless pairing method includes causing a base unit to wirelessly communicate with a number of wireless peripheral devices and wirelessly receive a peripheral device data signal from each of the wireless peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device data signal received from each of the wireless peripheral devices is based on one or more measurements made by a sensor of the wireless peripheral device, analyzing in the base unit each of the peripheral device data signals, selecting in the base unit one or more of the wireless peripheral devices based on the analyzing of the peripheral device data signals, and responsive to the selecting step, establishing or maintaining wireless communication according to the wireless communications protocol between the base unit and the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices and not the wireless peripheral devices other than the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Irwin Shelly, Jonathan Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9278184
    Abstract: A pressure support system includes a gas flow generating system a patient interface device, and a tubing. The gas flow generating system includes a gas source, a controller, and a first inductive coil. The patient interface device includes a second inductive coil and an input element. The tubing is disposed between the flow generating system and the patient interface device to carry a flow of gas from the gas source to the patient interface device. The tubing includes a third inductive coil structured to transmit power and/or a signal between the first inductive coil of the pressure support system controller and the second inductive coil of the patient interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Richard Andrew Sofranko
  • Patent number: 9108073
    Abstract: A respiration system includes a pressure regulator including a housing, an inlet for connection to a pressurized gas comprising oxygen, and a first data communication system, and a respiration facepiece including an interface to which the pressure regulator is removably attachable, at least one seal system to form a sealing engagement with the face of a user to encompass the nose and mouth of a wearer; an inspiration port in fluid connection with the pressure regulator interface and in fluid connection with the interior of the facepiece and at least one display within a volume of sealing engagement with the face of the user that is within the field of view of the user. The pressure regulator interface includes a second data communication system to receive data from the first data communication system to control the at least one display. A sealing attachment may, for example, be formed between the pressure regulator and the interface of the facepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: MSA TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Carsten Leuschner, Klaus Schmidtke, Marco Tekelenburg, Michael Horn, Detlef Kielow, Thomas Kuba
  • Patent number: 9055968
    Abstract: A liquid injection device includes: a chamber which supply of the liquid and connects with the injection nozzle; a chamber volume varying unit to which driving voltage is applied to reduce the volume of the chamber to a volume smaller than the volume of the chamber before the driving voltage is applied; a driving voltage applying unit which applies the driving voltage to the chamber volume varying unit with the liquid supplied to the chamber; a pseudo noise data memory unit which stores sound data of pseudo noise having audible frequency components contained in driving noise generated when the driving voltage is applied to the chamber volume varying unit; and a pseudo noise outputting unit which outputs the pseudo noise by using the sound data of the pseudo noise such that the sound pressure of the driving noise decreases within the audible frequency range when the driving voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sekino, Takeshi Seto, Hideki Kojima, Takahiro Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9047873
    Abstract: A self-contained breathing and communication apparatus is described that can facilitate communication between a first user and a second user. A microphone can record sound when the first user speaks. The microphone can convert the recorded sound to a voice signal. A voice activity detection processor can detect spoken words and informative sounds of the first user from the converted voice signal. For this detection, the voice activity detection processor can remove noise from the voice signal. A voice-to-text processor can convert the detected words and informative sounds to a text message. A transmitter of the transmitting module can transmit the text message to a receiver of the second user via a communication network. A display device of the second user can display the text message on a graphical user interface. Related methods, apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Draeger Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Schuck
  • Patent number: 9038633
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory data to provide useful notifications and/or recommendations. Indeed, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate adjustments that may address certain patient conditions or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the occurrence of high-delivered VT, during various types of ventilation. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect an occurrence of and potential causes for high-delivered VT, and may subsequently issue suitable notifications and/or recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gary Milne, Kirk Hensley, Peter R. Doyle, Gardner Kimm
  • Patent number: 9032953
    Abstract: An adapter for use in a breathing circuit including a housing with a conduit having a ventilator port adapted to be coupled to a breathing circuit and a patient port adapted to communicate with a patient interface. A medicament container receptacle communicates with the conduit between the ventilator port and the patient port. The receptacle includes a support block having a well shaped to receive a valve stem extending from a container of medicament and an actuator finger extending upwardly in the receptacle adjacent the support block. The actuator finger is adapted to actuate a dose counter coupled to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Adam Meyer, James Schmidt, Chris Dobson, Daniel Engelbreth
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9000913
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to low pressure warning devices which may be worn with encapsulated protective suits and hoods by a user and may provide audio and visual alerts. In an embodiment, a low pressure warning device may comprise an earpiece operable to be retained to the ear of a user, wherein the earpiece may comprise a control system operable to sense the pressure inside the encapsulated protective suit or hood and activate the audio and/or visual alerts when necessary. In an embodiment, the low pressure warning device may be equipped with short range wireless communication capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil Gopal Patil, Garaga Phani Kumar, Swan Tuffery
  • Patent number: 8985111
    Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Jerry Grychowski, Martin Foley
  • Patent number: 8960194
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and rapidly deployed in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions. In one embodiment, the ventilator, having a minimal number of controls, is used to give ventilation or mechanical breathing to a patient suffering ARDS. The mechanical ventilation is based on pressure control and has variable pressure, breathing rate, and oxygenation. Preferably, the ventilator is rapidly deployable, easy and intuitive to operate, and capable of sustaining at least 75% of epidemic respiratory distress victims who require assisted ventilation until resuming normal breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Spacelabs Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Richard Henry Cooke, Nicholas Ong, Roy Hays, David Kevin Hinton, Theodore Scott Hergert, Jeffrey Jay Gilham
  • Patent number: 8955517
    Abstract: A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob includes a resilient prong having a ratchet bump. The ratchet bump is adapted to selectively engage a series of ridges provided to the frame connector to provide indexed incremental adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Chu, Mark Bertinetti, Joshua A. Gudiksen, Scott A. Howard, Susan R. Lynch, Eva Ng, Phillip Thomas Stallard, Murray William Lee, Matthew Eves, Shiva Kumar Shanmuga Sundara
  • Patent number: 8950401
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Daniel A. Desrosiers, Mark A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8944285
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container includes an indicator housing having an interior and an opening communicating with the interior. A first actuator is disposed within the interior and includes a resilient arm member defining a pawl portion. The first actuator is reciprocally moveable between an actuated position and an at-rest position. A spring is disposed in the indicator housing and biases the first actuator towards the at-rest position. A ratchet gear is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing, and is rotatable in response to the movement of the first actuator between the actuated and at-rest positions. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to the rotation of the ratchet gear. A second actuator is shaped to be received through the opening in the indicator housing. The second actuator and indicator housing are moveable relative to each other between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8936177
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Aptar France SAS
    Inventor: Fabien Poulard
  • Patent number: 8925546
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hancock Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel L. Bowditch, Thomas G. Goff, Tarmigan Casebolt
  • Publication number: 20150000669
    Abstract: An adapter is described for providing fluid to a device from a fluid source. The adapter has a housing with an inlet extending through the housing for connecting the fluid source to the device. The adapter also includes a latching component to secure the adapter to the device. The adapter further includes a tab having embedded magnets in a specific magnet configuration. The device has a sensor capable of detecting the specific magnet configuration. The device can be connected to other adapters, and identifies the fluid source based on the magnet configurations of the adapters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Harold MILLER
  • Patent number: 8919344
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hancock Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel L. Bowditch, Thomas G. Goff, Tarmigan Casebolt
  • Publication number: 20140360501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas pressure measurement system comprising at least one gas circuit and at least one pressure sensor (6) arranged so as to be able to measure the pressure of the gas in at least part of the gas circuit, said at least one pressure sensor being protected by a protective membrane permeable to gas, arranged between said at least one pressure sensor and the gas circuit. It further comprises a flexible intermediate piece formed by an elastically deformable material arranged between said at least one pressure sensor and the protective membrane, said flexible intermediate piece comprising an internal passage putting the protective membrane and said at least one pressure sensor in fluid communication. Patient ventilation apparatus comprising a gas circuit able to convey gas between a gas source and a patient, as well as such a gas pressure measurement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Hadrien GUIDUCCI, Damien Germani
  • Patent number: 8881727
    Abstract: A system and method provide feedback to a subject regarding compliance to a positive airway pressure support therapy regime. The feedback is provided to the subject in real-time (or near real-time). The feedback indicates to the subject whether a usage goal has been achieved. The usage goal may be dynamically and adaptively determined based on past usage by the subject. This may facilitate the automatic generation of usage goals for the subject that are realistic and gradually increase the compliance of the subject over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Aloia, thomas Bonnell, Erik Kurt Witt, Jeffrey Lynn Kepler
  • Patent number: 8869793
    Abstract: A portable unit for providing automated delivery of medication to a ventilator circuit that runs between a mechanical ventilator and a patient is provided. The portable unit includes: a housing configured to releasably hold an inhaler containing the medication, wherein the inhaler is in fluid communication with the ventilator circuit; an actuator at least partially in the housing and in communication with the inhaler to deliver medication from the inhaler to the ventilator circuit for a respective patient; a controller programmed to control an amount and/or frequency of medication delivery from the inhaler to the ventilator circuit for a respective patient, the controller configured to actuate the actuator to deliver the medication from the inhaler to the ventilator circuit at the programmed amount and/or frequency; and a display for displaying the amount and/or frequency of medication delivery and an amount of medication remaining in the inhaler, wherein the display is dynamically updated by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: IDTX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Spandorfer, Murphy Pearce Gilbert
  • Patent number: RE46050
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker