Valve For Controlling Gas Flow Patents (Class 128/207.12)
  • Patent number: 11865267
    Abstract: A control system provides automated control of gas washout of a patient interface, such as a mask or nasal prongs. A gas washout vent assembly of the system may include a variable exhaust area, such as one defined by gears, radial exhaust revolvers and/or flow diverters for a conduit having a variable gas passage channel. The vent assembly may be attached substantially near or included with the patient interface. An actuator of the assembly, such as a solenoid, motor or voice coil, manipulates the vent assembly. The actuator may be configured for control by a processor to change the exhaust area of the vent assembly based on various methodologies including, for example, sleep detection, disordered breathing event detection and/or leak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventors: David Brent Sears, Steven Paul Farrugia, Aleksandr S. Nagorny, Richard G Krum, Joseph M Sampietro
  • Patent number: 11766535
    Abstract: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Gregory James Olsen, Roheet Patel
  • Patent number: 11660367
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for disinfecting air circulated in an HVAC system. The system includes a multi-phase system, wherein the multi-phase system comprises at least six segments, with at least one segment representing each of at lease one air intake, at least one air handler, and at least one connecting ductwork. The system has at least one interchangeable filter, wherein each filter in said at least one interchangeable filter is an elongate three-dimensional grid with a series of openings to allow circulated are to flow over the air filter's elongate surfaces. The system also has a plurality of ultraviolet lights, and an airborne disinfecting system with at least one spray nozzle mounted to said at least one connecting duct, wherein a supply hose connects said at least one spray nozzle to at least one reservoir of disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventors: Lakdas Nanayakkara, Pravin Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 11617920
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a respiratory system for exercising and analysing respiration of a subject comprising: a breathing unit comprising: a mouthpiece connected to: at least one inhalation air way, at least one exhalation air way, and an electronic sensor unit comprising at least one pressure gauge for measuring air pressure in the mouthpiece, and a processing unit for collecting/storing and/or transmitting air pressure data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: AIROFIT A/S
    Inventors: Christian Tullberg Poulsen, Tue Toft, Rudy Bergholdt, Klaus Karkov, Bjarne Månsson, Karsten Videbæk
  • Patent number: 11617853
    Abstract: A mask includes a body having an interior surface defining a cavity shaped to receive a user's nose. An exterior surface of the body is exposed to an ambient environment. The body includes an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity and a one-way exhaust valve in fluid communication between the cavity and the ambient environment. A therapeutic substance dispenser is in fluid communication with the cavity. In one embodiment, a nasal aromatic decongestant is disposed in the therapeutic dispenser. A mask includes an upper nasal cavity separate from a lower oral cavity, with an inlet in fluid communication with only the upper nasal cavity. A medicament delivery assembly, and methods for the use thereof, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Neritan Alizoti, George Baran, Darlene Haapanen, Mark Nagel, Jason Suggett
  • Patent number: 11583606
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation system comprising: a light emitting diode (LED) disinfecting face mask comprising: a flexible mask body having a front surface and a back surface; a flexible printed circuitry (FPC) sheet disposed within the flexible mask body, the FPC sheet having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit UV light, the plurality of LEDs facing the front surface; a vibration sensor electrically connected to the FPC sheet, the vibration sensor being adapted to detect vibrations; a UV-reflective layer disposed behind the FPC sheet, the UV-reflective layer being adapted to reflect the UV light; and a light diffusion layer disposed in front of the FPC sheet, the light diffusion layer being adapted to scatter the UV light; and a control module comprising: a central processing unit (CPU), an LED driver, and a power source; the CPU being in electrical communication with the LED driver and the vibration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventors: Yonglin Huang, Andy P. Huang, Liang Wang, Yongxing Huang, Xiangdong Shi
  • Patent number: 11547825
    Abstract: A patient interface, including a mask assembly and a headgear assembly, provides improved facial sealing and improved ease of use. The mask assembly includes an inflating or ballooning seal. The seal can be secured between two portions of a snap-fit exoskeleton. The headgear assembly connects to the mask assembly with flexible straps during course fitting and with more rigid straps following course fitting. The straps include holes that fit over a tapering post on the mask assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Daniel John Smith, Brett John Huddart, Matthew James Adams, Nicholas Alexander Hobson, Timothy James Beresford Sharp, Troy Barsten, Gregory James Olsen, Matthew Roger Stephenson, Roheet Patel
  • Patent number: 11344753
    Abstract: A partition plate device of a respirator mask includes a partition plate having an upside surface and a downside surface each cooperating with a mask body and a user's face to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber, respectively, a mask connecting rims for connecting against an inner surface of the mask body a user connecting rim for contacting the user's face, and at least one valve hole extending through the upside and downside surfaces and communicating with the upper and lower chambers. A valve unit includes at least one valve flap covering the valve hole and being movable away from the same to permit air in the lower chamber to flow in a single direction to the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Ning-Chu Wang
  • Patent number: 10881830
    Abstract: A vent arrangement for a respiratory pressure therapy device may include one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture for communicating a flow of breathable gas. The vent arrangement may be configured with a cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent that does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent arrangement may include a plurality of the vents and the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or an air circuit may include the vent arrangement, or the vent arrangement may be configured to connect with a patient interface or an air circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Roger Mervyn Lloyd Foote
  • Patent number: 10834980
    Abstract: A pleated molded filtering face piece respirator to be worn upon the face of a wearer and for providing filtering including at least one layer of moldable flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material for providing a plurality of perforations for allowing for the free passage of air through the openwork plastic. A layer of moldable filter material for filtering impurities in the air, the one layer of flexible plastic material formed from openwork flexible plastic material and the layer of filter material for filtering impurities in the air lying one on top of the other to form a moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material. The moldable multilayer of flexible plastic material and filter material are pleated into pleated material and molded to form the pleated filtering face piece respirator to a desired configuration where the one layer of openwork flexible plastic material forms a support layer to carry the layer of filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MOLDEX-METRIC, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Magidson, Crest Turdjian
  • Patent number: 10603461
    Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Skipper, Alison Oldenburg, Karthikeyan Selvarajan
  • Patent number: 10500365
    Abstract: A respiratory interface, such as a mouthpiece having a vestibular shield overlapping a user's teeth and gums, gases passageway extending through the vestibular shield allowing for the passage of the gases through mouthpiece and an extra oral seal associated with the gases passageway, wherein the passageway in use causes gases to be diffused when exiting from the gases passageway. Mouthpiece may have an adjustment mechanism to alter distance between the vestibular shield and the extra-oral seal. The interface may include an elbow having a vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Adam Alexander Tebbutt, Blair Albert Neal, Lewis George Gradon, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock
  • Patent number: 10188813
    Abstract: A device and a method for artificial respiration in emergencies are proposed. The device comprises respiratory mask (40) which can be placed onto the nose and mouth section of a person to be provided with artificial respiration, a mouth section mouthpiece (41), through which respiratory air from an aider can be supplied, a flow tube (2) disposed between the respiratory mask (40) and the mouthpiece (41), which flow tube forms a continuous flow channel for the supplied respiratory air from the mouthpiece (41) to the respiratory mask (40), at least one sensor (10) disposed in the flow channel of the flow tube (2), which sensor measures parameters of the gases flowing through the flow channel, a processor disposed on the flow tube (2) and an output device (124). Here, the processor processes the mass or volumetric flow registered by the flow sensor (19) to form an output signal. The output device (124) emits the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Karl Kuefner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Bronner, Joachim Hiller, Till Kaz
  • Patent number: 10076619
    Abstract: A control system provides automated control of gas washout of a patient interface, such as a mask or nasal prongs. A gas washout vent assembly of the system may include a variable exhaust area, such as one defined by gears, radial exhaust revolvers and/or flow diverters for a conduit having a variable gas passage channel. The vent assembly may be attached substantially near or included with the patient interface. An actuator of the assembly, such as a solenoid, motor or voice coil, manipulates the vent assembly. The actuator may be configured for control by a processor to change the exhaust area of the vent assembly based on various methodologies including, for example, sleep detection, disordered breathing event detection and/or leak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: David Brent Sears, Steven Paul Farrugia, Aleksandr S. Nagorny, Richard G. Krum, Joseph M. Sampietro
  • Patent number: 9387301
    Abstract: A pad assembly for use with a gas delivery mask for delivering a flow of gas to an airway of a patient is described. The pad assembly includes an outer casing and a support element. The outer cashing has a housing portion and a mounting portion. The housing portion has a first wall and a second wall defining a hollow cavity therebetween. The first wall is structured to engage a portion of the patient, and the mounting portion is structured to couple the outer casing to the patient interface device. The support element is disposed substantially within the cavity of the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Cha Fi Ho, Lance Ranard Busch
  • Patent number: 9375544
    Abstract: A mask assembly is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body and a breathing circuit interface. The mask body includes an opening for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Todd, Christopher James McCracken, Robert Hieber
  • Patent number: 9027560
    Abstract: A breathing gas delivery system and method provides a flow of breathing gas to a patient. The gas flow is purposely interrupted for the patient's exhale phase in order to minimize irritation and injury to nasal tissues due to constant, uninterrupted flows. Embodiments include an oscillating ball valve that interrupts oxygen supply during the patient's exhale phase, cannula tips that are shaped to minimize trauma, and a sleep apnea treatment system that interrupts breathing gas supply during the patient's exhale phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Loma Linda University, Faculty Physicians and Surgeons of LLUSM
    Inventors: Albert W. Farnsworth, Wolff M. Kirsch, Yong Hua Zhu
  • Patent number: 8997743
    Abstract: A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Brett John Huddart, Denny Adianto Purnomo, Kevin Blake Powell, Bhavna Patel, Emma Louise Duckworth
  • Patent number: 8955514
    Abstract: A respiration system includes a regulator including an inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet for delivery of the gas to the user, and a respiration facepiece for use in connection with the regulator including an interface removably attachable to the regulator, at least one seal system adapted to form a sealing engagement with the face of a user, an inhalation port in fluid connection with the regulator interface and with the facepiece interior, an inhalation check valve in fluid connection between the inhalation port and the facepiece interior; an exhalation port in fluid connection with the facepiece; an exhalation check valve in fluid connection with the exhalation port; and an ambient port separate from the inhalation port and from the exhalation port, which is in fluid connection with the facepiece interior without an intervening check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: Carsten Leuschner, Klaus Schmidtke, Michael Horn, Christopher L. Prete, Marco Tekelenburg
  • Publication number: 20150027446
    Abstract: A respiratory protection mask (10) for alpine recreationalists, including a frame structure (14) that creates an air void (12) about a users mouth and nose and an outer covering (32) that creates a seal about the air void (12), the users mouth and nose. The mask (10) includes an inlet (20) for allowing air to be drawn into the air void (12) from external of the mask (10), and an outlet (26) for allowing exhaled air to be exhausted from the mask (10) at a location spaced from the inlet (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Tristan Brega
  • Patent number: 8910663
    Abstract: A uni-directional valve for an air path of a ventilation device. A flexible valve element is held biased in a housing of the uni-directional valve to close at least one air passage located in a sealing section and with a sealing portion to at least partially open the air passage if the valve element is impinged by a sufficient air pressure against the bias. The valve element is designed as cylinder and the sealing portion is located on the lateral surface of the cylinder. The sealing portion is located opposite to a support portion located on the lateral surface of the cylinder. The support portion interacts with a support section of the housing. The distance between the support section and the sealing section of the housing is smaller than the distance between the support portion and the sealing portion in the unbiased state of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Kern, Torben Skov
  • Patent number: 8875708
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a ventilation device and method to be used on a patient during CPR. In one embodiment, the ventilation device comprises a housing having at least one opening for interfacing with a patient's airway, at least one valve configured to permit outflow of respiratory gases/air from the airway to ambient, a release mechanism for opening and closing an inlet passage to permit inflow of respiratory gases/air to the airway, and a control device for controlling the opening/closing of the inlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical AS
    Inventors: Jon Nysaether, Kenneth George Morallee, Joar Eilevstjonn
  • Patent number: 8863744
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a stowage box for a breathing mask that includes a frame forming a receptacle for the mask, the frame having an open face for inserting and extracting the mask, and a pneumatic assembly to control the feed of a breathing gas under pressure to the breathing mask. The pneumatic assembly is adapted to close the feed of breathing gas when the mask is inserted into the frame and to open the feed of breathing gas when the mask is extracted from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Leopoldine Bachelard, Philippe Gerard
  • Patent number: 8851075
    Abstract: A mask system includes a mask component including one or more openings for gas washout and a vent component provided to the mask component. The vent component includes one or more tracks or grooves along its outer surface adapted to guide gas washout. The vent component is adapted to cover the one or more openings in the mask component so that gas washout escapes along the one or more tracks or grooves between an outer surface of the mask component and the vent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Eva Ng, Robert Henry Frater, Lee James Veliss, Barton John Kenyon, Daniel Robert Judson, Robert Edward Henry, Alison Oldenburg, Renee Frances Doherty, Michael John Reid
  • Patent number: 8833371
    Abstract: A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit and a gas washout vent assembly (20). The gas washout vent assembly (20) includes at least one gas washout orifice (22) extending from a first side of the vent assembly (20) positioned, in use, adjacent the human or animal's face and a second side positioned, in use, adjacent the atmosphere. The cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the first side is larger than the cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Perry David Lithgow
  • Patent number: 8826910
    Abstract: A method for attaching a removable, washout vent insert to a CPAP mask, the CPAP mask comprised of a rigid plastics shell having an inlet tube, the rigid plastics shell having an opening bounded by a rim, the vent insert being made of a material more flexible than the rigid plastic shell, the vent insert having a plurality of orifices, the vent insert, in a cross-sectional view, having a recess located at its periphery, includes: squeezing the vent insert along its longitudinal axis; aligning the vent insert so it is oriented to match the shape of the opening; inserting the vent insert into the opening; and releasing the vent insert once it is within the opening, the vent insert resiliently expanding to engage the rim of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Perry David Lithgow
  • Patent number: 8678003
    Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a mask assembly includes a first vent, a second vent and a selector to switch the flow of exhaled gas from a patient between the first and second vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Donald Darkin, Patrick John Mcauliffe
  • Patent number: 8631794
    Abstract: A gas mask is provided for normal-pressure and overpressure operation with at least one breathing port, an expiration valve with a valve spring, an adjusting element affecting the prestress of the valve spring and a pushing element having a first switching position and a second switching position. The pushing element is designed to act on the adjusting element during a translatory motion from the first switching position into the second switching position. A change in the prestress of the valve spring can be brought about and a switchover from a “normal pressure” mode into an “overpressure” mode can thus be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Alexander Busch, Dirk Feil
  • Publication number: 20140000594
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft passenger emergency oxygen supply device comprising an oxygen mask having a mask body with a first opening for covering mouth and/or nose of the passenger, a second opening connecting said first opening with a source of oxygen, a passenger service unit, a connecting line fixed to the oxygen mask body at one end and having a coupling at the other end for coupling said line to the passenger service unit wherein a chemical reaction component is comprised in the oxygen mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rittner, Rüdiger Meckes, Günter Boomgaarden, Marco Hollm
  • Patent number: 8596271
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason Paul Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Grider, Nic Davirro, Christopher D. Von Dohlen, Justin Rothermel
  • Patent number: 8573217
    Abstract: A mask assembly (10) is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body (12) and a breathing circuit interface (16). The mask body includes an opening (13) for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure (20) for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion (17) rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion (19) that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit (18) for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Todd, Christopher James McCracken, Robert Hieber
  • Patent number: 8573201
    Abstract: A headgear for use with a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes at least a strap (741) adapted to position the patient interface in sealing engagement with the patient's airways. The strap is constructed from an elastomer and a first side of the strap includes a first region (215) on a portion of its surface that is textured to reduce friction with objects contacting the strap. A textured surface coating for a portion of an elastomer strap included in a headgear system is adapted to contact the skin of a patient, when in use, and the coating has a Ra value greater than zero. A vent (500) for use with a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a plurality of rises (580) and runs (570) in a stepped arrangement; and a plurality of holes (510) in the stepped arrangement for the venting of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Michael Rummery, Robert Edward Henry, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Andrew Hurst, Philip Michael Nurse
  • Patent number: 8567402
    Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Amal Amarasinghe
  • Patent number: 8528558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Joanne Elizabeth Drew, Alexander Virr, Geoffrey Crumblin
  • Patent number: 8528562
    Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, Michael Thomas Janiak
  • Patent number: 8517024
    Abstract: An elbow assembly for a mask system includes an elbow including a slot and a port, an anti-asphyxia valve adapted to be received within the slot and including a flap portion adapted to selectively close the port depending on the presence of pressurized gas, and a clip member to secure the anti-asphyxia valve to the elbow. The clip member includes a slot that is adapted to interlock with a protrusion provided to the anti-asphyxia valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Selvarajan, Christopher Scott Skipper, Joshua Adam Gudiksen, Steven John Lubke, Alison Oldenburg, Murray William Lee
  • Patent number: 8517021
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for controlling flow of exhalation gases from a patient to a vacuum line. The demand valve comprises: a housing having a housing inlet that allows exhalation gases to flow into the housing from a patient, and a housing outlet that allows gases to flow from the housing into the vacuum line; a diaphragm having a flexible skirt and a rigid portion moveable in response to gas pressure in the housing; a sealing member connected to the rigid portion to engage the housing outlet to resist the flow of gases from the housing to the vacuum line. In a first condition, the vacuum line pressure causes the sealing member to engage the housing outlet and in a second condition a predetermined pressure of exhalation gases in the housing causes the sealing member to disengage from the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrew Richard Thomas Tatarek, Gunther Weiszl
  • Patent number: 8443806
    Abstract: A sealing device for positive pressure testing is attached to a respirator face mask and includes an outer frame integrally joined to a movable cap by a flexible link that biases the cap in an open position for the operational use of the face mask against a manually applied force to move the cap to a sealed position for the positive pressure testing to assure the proper fit of the face mask on the wearer. The method for positive pressure testing includes flexibly moving the sealing device from the open position to the sealing position such that the sealing surface of the cap seals the exhalation valve assembly closed. The wearer then exhales into the mask to test the seal of the mask. When the test is completed, the sealing device is released and the inherent biasing force moves the cap from the sealing position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Morelli, Nino Granatiero, Joseph Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8342181
    Abstract: An elbow assembly for a mask system includes an elbow including a slot and a port, an anti-asphyxia valve adapted to be received within the slot and including a flap portion adapted to selectively close the port depending on the presence of pressurized gas, and a clip member to secure the anti-asphyxia valve to the elbow. The clip member includes a slot that is adapted to interlock with a protrusion provided to the anti-asphyxia valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Selvarajan, Christopher Scott Skipper, Joshua Adam Gudiksen, Steven John Lubke, Alison Oldenburg, Murray William Lee
  • Patent number: 8307828
    Abstract: A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin W. Confoy
  • Patent number: 8251066
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve device for use with respiratory equipment of the type that produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device combines the exhalation and entrainment functions in one valve with a single air path. The valve device provides an exhaust valve function during normal operation and provides a less restricted access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction. The valve device includes a valve element that moves between at least two positions. During normal operation, when the pressure generating system is generating a flow of gas, the valve element is in a “closed” or “exhaust valve” position. When in the exhaust valve position, the gas flow to the atmosphere is restricted without being completely blocked off. When the flow of gas is decreased or interrupted, the valve element moves to the “entrainment valve” or “open” position that allows a greater, i.e., less restricted flow, of gas between the user and the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, James DiPasquale, Elias G. Diacopoulos
  • Patent number: 8245712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory protection mask for a compressed air breathing apparatus comprising a pulmonary machine which is controlled by a control membrane when the wearer of the mask breathes in. According to the invention, the air outlet of the expiratory valve and the control membrane are covered by a common cover, forming a rinsing area on the outside of the control membrane through which homogeneously temperate, clean rinsing air flows from the air outlet to the air discharge openings in the cover, thereby ensuring high functionality and high service life of the membrane-controlled pulmonary machine despite extreme environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: MSA Auer GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kling
  • Patent number: 8240308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiration valve (401) for performing respiration tests on e.g. humans, consisting of at least three ports, a first mouth port (402) and two breathing ports (403, 404). The breathing ports (403, 404) comprise pneumatic pinch valves consisting of a channel (101) with a flexible wall (201) to be used for the flow of material and molded as an integrated part of a surrounding chamber (102). The flexible wall (201) comprises two opposing angularly interconnected wall segments (202) which are angularly connected at interconnection points (203) and which flexible wall (201) is pinched by a pressure from fluid, such as air, introduced into the chamber (102). The cross sectional shape corresponds in one embodiment approximately to a elongated hexagon. The construction of the respiration valve (401) comprising these pneumatic pinch is valves enables a very small, light, hygienic, and safe yet inexpensive construction with a long life expectancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Innovision A/S
    Inventors: Peter Christian Clemensen, Klas Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 8215305
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a cushion for a ventilation interface is disclosed. A ventilation mask can include a mask body adapted to matingly engage with the cushion. The cushion can be a double-membrane cushion having an outer sealing membrane and an inner membrane, both of which can extend from a frame. The outer sealing membrane can have a face-contacting portion. The inner membrane can be outwardly oriented from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mergenet Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shara Hernandez, Louis Javier Collazo
  • Patent number: 8205615
    Abstract: An exhaust port assembly adapted for delivering a breathing gas to a patient. The exhaust port assembly includes a body and a mechanism associated with the body. The mechanism, in response to a motive force, is structured to control the direction of a flow of exhaust gas discharged through at least some of a number of exhaust ports. A system and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 8146596
    Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, Michael Thomas Janiak
  • Patent number: 8146592
    Abstract: Fluid flow regulators and fluid conservers are disclosed. An exemplary fluid conserver may be operated in one of an intermittent mode of operation and a continuous mode of operation. Further, the exemplary conserver provides at least two pulses of fluid in response to a first trigger, such as the inhalation of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ameriflo, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Voege, David A. Ferrer, Matthew G. Thie
  • Patent number: 8104472
    Abstract: A respiratory mask (10) that comprises a mask body (12) and a harness (21) that includes a carriage (22) and a strap (24). The mask body (12) lacks a rigid insert, is non-elastomeric, and is adapted for fitting over a person's nose and mouth. The mask body (12) has a nose portion (14), a chin portion (16), first and second cheek portions (18 and 20), and an axis (32) that extends from the nose portion (14) to the chin portion (16). The mask body (12) is constructed to deform such that the first and second cheek portions (18 and 20) move towards each other about the axis (32). The carriage (22) is joined to the mask body (12), and the strap (24) is joined to the carriage (22) for supporting the mask body (12) over a person's nose and mouth. When tension is applied to the strap (24) and an opposing force acts at the nose and chin portions of the mask body, the first and second cheek portions (18, 20) exhibit movement about the axis (32) towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Henderson, Audra A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8061355
    Abstract: An exhaust port assembly comprising a conduit carries a flow of gas. A vent assembly having a fixed exhaust area is provided on the conduit for venting a flow of exhaust gas from within the conduit to ambient atmosphere. The vent assembly is configured so as to minimize noise associated with the flow of exhaust gas passing to atmosphere, diffuse the flow of exhaust gas passing to ambient atmosphere over a relatively large area, and minimize the area occupied by the venting assembly on the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC.
    Inventors: Marcel Douglas Jaffre, Zachary Dean Paul, Winslow K. Duff, Michael Bobeck, Lance Ranard Busch
  • Patent number: 8020700
    Abstract: Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Bryan Loomas, Enrique F. Mendez, Arthur G. Sandoval, Jeffrey W. Servaites, Matthew Durack