Patents Assigned to Inovo, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9468732
    Abstract: A reservoir cannula is described that has a static fluidic control structure, in that it does not employ a membrane or other moving parts. Furthermore, the reservoir is open to ambient air instead of being sealed. In use, the reservoir cannula enables storage of oxygen and oxygen-rich gas in a storage chamber as well as in and around the patient's nasal passages and nasopharynx, which enables high volume oxygen delivery to the patient early in the next inhalation. Consequently, patients using this delivery mode can carry a smaller and lighter portable oxygen container for ambulatory oxygen, because lower flow oxygen is required to meet their oxygenation needs. In addition, patients requiring a higher flow of oxygen can achieve oxygenation levels previously achieved only by high flow mask or high flow nasal oxygen systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Tiep, Rebecca E. Pacas
  • Patent number: 9427537
    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: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin W. Confoy
  • Publication number: 20140130805
    Abstract: A reservoir cannula is described that has a static fluidic control structure, in that it does not employ a membrane or other moving parts. Furthermore, the reservoir is open to ambient air instead of being sealed. In use, the reservoir cannula enables storage of oxygen and oxygen-rich gas in a storage chamber as well as in and around the patient's nasal passages and nasopharynx, which enables high volume oxygen delivery to the patient early in the next inhalation. Consequently, patients using this delivery mode can carry a smaller and lighter portable oxygen container for ambulatory oxygen, because lower flow oxygen is required to meet their oxygenation needs. In addition, patients requiring a higher flow of oxygen can achieve oxygenation levels previously achieved only by high flow mask or high flow nasal oxygen systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Tiep, Rebecca E. Tiep
  • Publication number: 20130032150
    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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventor: Inovo, Inc.
  • 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: 8240325
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a housing and a pressure regulator positioned within the housing along a first axis for controlling the pressure of gas received from a pressurized source. A flow meter controls the flow rate of the gas received from the pressure regulator. The flow meter is positioned relative to the housing along a second axis, transverse to the first axis. An outlet nozzle member has a nozzle stem and is positioned along the first axis. The outlet nozzle member receives the gas from the flow meter and delivers the gas through the nozzle stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Publication number: 20100212669
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: INOVO, INC.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Publication number: 20100108068
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a slave valve assembly for receiving and controlling the flow of gas to a desired destination. A timing chamber is positioned adjacent to the slave valve assembly. The timing chamber has an inlet for also receiving the gas. An electronically operated pilot valve assembly is in communication with the timing chamber for operating the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is closed, gas pressure within the timing chamber acting on the slave valve assembly closes the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is open, gas exits the timing chamber and reduces the gas pressure in the timing chamber, thereby allowing the slave valve assembly to open and deliver the gas to the desired destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: INOVO, INC.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Patent number: 7708016
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Publication number: 20100101654
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a housing and a pressure regulator positioned within the housing along a first axis for controlling the pressure of gas received from a pressurized source. A flow meter controls the flow rate of the gas received from the pressure regulator. The flow meter is positioned relative to the housing along a second axis, transverse to the first axis. An outlet nozzle member has a nozzle stem and is positioned along the first axis. The outlet nozzle member receives the gas from the flow meter and delivers the gas through the nozzle stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: INOVO, INC.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Patent number: 7591266
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a slave valve assembly for receiving and controlling the flow of gas to a desired destination. A timing chamber is positioned adjacent to the slave valve assembly. The timing chamber has an inlet for also receiving the gas. An electronically operated pilot valve assembly is in communication with the timing chamber for operating the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is closed, gas pressure within the timing chamber acting on the slave valve assembly closes the slave valve assembly. When the pilot valve assembly is open, gas exits the timing chamber and reduces the gas pressure in the timing chamber, thereby allowing the slave valve assembly to open and deliver the gas to the desired destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Patent number: 7578311
    Abstract: A gas regulator includes a housing and a pressure regulator positioned within the housing along a first axis for controlling the pressure of gas received from a pressurized source. A flow meter controls the flow rate of the gas received from the pressure regulator. The flow meter is positioned relative to the housing along a second axis, transverse to the first axis. An outlet nozzle member has a nozzle stem and is positioned along the first axis. The outlet nozzle member receives the gas from the flow meter and delivers the gas through the nozzle stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Publication number: 20080173304
    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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: INOVO, INC.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin W. Confoy
  • Patent number: 6510747
    Abstract: Semi-spherical supports are used in the piercing of small, consistently sized holes in a soft metal. In particular, a flow control device, such as an orifice plate, can be fabricated with small, consistently sized flow apertures to regulate flow in a gas flow regulating device. By using semi-spherical supports, the need for hand-punching and real-time flow calibration can be avoided and automated machinery with a tapered piercing tool can be used to fabricate the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Patent number: 6401740
    Abstract: A label is manufactured for permanent mounting to a gas flow regulator. The label is made from a material having a surface that can be permanently colored with a color layer and permanently etched, such as an aluminum alloy. The color layer can be anodized with a color layer to various colors. The etching can includes an etched bar code, which is readable by typical bar code readers, or an etched design. The label is formed as a continuous walled structure, such as a cylindrical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventor: LeNoir E. Zaiser
  • Publication number: 20020014266
    Abstract: A label is manufactured for permanent mounting to a gas flow regulator. The label is made from a material having a surface that can be permanently colored with a color layer and permanently etched, such as an aluminum alloy. The color layer can be anodized with a color layer to various colors. The etching can includes an etched bar code, which is readable by typical bar code readers, or an etched design. The label is formed as a continuous walled structure, such as a cylindrical tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventor: LeNoir E. Zaiser
  • Patent number: 6053056
    Abstract: Semi-spherical supports are used in the piercing of small, consistently sized holes in a soft metal. In particular, an orifice plate can be fabricated with small, consistently sized flow apertures to regulate flow in a gas flow regulating device. By using semi-spherical supports, the need for hand-punching and real-time flow calibration can be avoided and automated machinery with a tapered piercing tool can be used to fabricate orifice plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Inovo, Inc.
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy