Patents Assigned to Respiratory Care, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4401241
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bottle container has tubular inflow and outflow sections projecting from its top wall and a coupling enlargement of a tubular passage formation on the side wall to accommodate its use with other components of a nebulizing system, for inhalation therapy purposes. The coupling enlargement has frangible portions through which the puncturing end of a flexible tube is inserted for withdrawal of liquid from the bottom of the container. A latch and retainer molded integral with the container releasably holds the outflow section in a bent operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Exequiel D. Cruz
  • Patent number: 4366105
    Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replinishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy to the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the cartridge module. The cartridge module is separated in two compartments by means of a metallic disc positioned horizontally in the approximate center thereof and having a tube extending above and below the disc. Water is drawn from the water supply through the tube and into the mixing chamber located above the disc in the cartridge module. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with connections to a source of oxygen or air which terminates above the top of the tubing extending through the disc. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a temporary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally above the disc which serves as an evaporating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Nowacki
  • Patent number: 4350647
    Abstract: An adapter for connection between an oxygen flowmeter and a water bottle whose contents humidify oxygen fed to a patient. An audible duckbill valve is mounted on a valve seat transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector. When oxygen pressure through the connector becomes excessive, the valve opens, producing an audible sound to alert an attendant to the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Exequiel de la Cruz
  • Patent number: 4322594
    Abstract: In a system in which temperature control of a heated region is critical, assurance means of fail-safe nature are provided to guard against improper temperature. An example wherein temperature is critical is: the artificial ventilation of an unconcious patient's lungs by periodically inspired heated gas under pressure. The assurance means includes dual thermometers which sense the actual temperature in the heated region. The actual temperature is compared with the desired temperature to control an electric heater, which, when energized, increase the temperature of the heated region. Furthermore, the temperatures, as sensed by the two thermometers, are compared with each other. If the difference exceeds a predetermined limit, an alarm is given and the heating system is shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Glen Brisson
  • Patent number: 4319701
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for blow molding a thermoplastic container. The blow molded container is fabricated conventionally from a downwardly descending thermoplastic extruded parison tubing which passes between sets of separated mold halves. One of the sets of mold halves is adapted to accommodate an insert positioned on a retaining wand. When the molds close and the parison is conventionally blow molded the wand continues to support the insert while at the same time extends beyond the container so blow molded. The insert may be, for instance, a nozzle for a thermoplastic bottle having a cap molded thereabout having break away features whereby the cap may be removed. In another embodiment the wand is supported by a block located externally of the mold halves and in some cases axially with respect to the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio
  • Patent number: 4307059
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container of blow molded plastic material which may contain a hermetically sealed biological. Attached to its outer side is an elastomeric diaphragm, adapted for cooperative use with a hypodermic needle as a self-sealing puncture site for injection or aspiration. The diaphragm may be protected by a storage cover which can readily be snapped off when the container is to be used. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for making the just described container with diaphragm and storage cover, in the preferred embodiment, as an assembled device, in a blow mold operation in which the container body is blown to fit against and lock to the diaphragm and storage cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio
  • Patent number: 4305388
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the amount of heat delivered to a human body through ventilator therapy so as to maintain the body at a desired core temperature. The temperature of the inspired and expired gas is measured by temperature sensors to control operation of an inhalation heater so that the inspired gas temperature tracks the expired gas temperature with different adjusted separations. Automatic switching is under control of a body core temperature sensor detecting deviations from the desired body temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Glen Brisson
  • Patent number: 4284590
    Abstract: A multiple aspirator has a disk with an axial hole and a plurality of radial bores, providing liquid feeding channels, which end at the axial hole. A round rod is disposed coaxially in the axial hole. Gas flow parallel to the axis, through the hole past said disk, is forced by the rod into an annular pattern, thereby aspirating fluid from the radial bores and nebulizing it in said annular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy DeBoer, Jr., Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4248217
    Abstract: For use in inhalation therapy, a system for raising inhalation temperature which senses both inhalation and exhalation temperatures. In one mode of operation, the inhalation temperature is continuously raised, while the time sequence of inhalation and exhalation temperatures is recorded. In another mode of operation, the inhalation temperature is made to track, at a constant lower offset, the exhalation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Glen Brisson
  • Patent number: 4217328
    Abstract: A method for blow molding a thermoplastic bottle of the type wherein the bottle is filled with a liquid usually water. The bottle is sealed while in the mold. Access to the contents therein is obtained through one or more breachable seals. In the present matter the bottle is supplied during the molding step with a manifold at the bottom of the bottle which acts as a diffuser in admitting air therethrough both during the molding step and during the use of the bottle for the purpose intended, i.e., humidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4213933
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for blow molding a thermoplastic container. The blow molded container is fabricated conventionally from a downwardly descending thermoplastic extruded parison tubing which passes between sets of separated mold halves. One of the sets of mold halves is adapted to accommodate an insert positioned on a retaining wand. In another embodiment the wand is supported by means located externally of said mold halves and in some cases axially with respect to the molds.When the molds close and the parison is conventionally blow molded the wand continues to support the insert while at the same time extends beyond the container so blow molded. The insert may be, for instance, a nozzle for a thermoplastic bottle having a cap molded thereabout having break away features whereby the cap may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio
  • Patent number: 4195044
    Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A primary venturi-type insert member is disposed uprightly within a vertical tubular portion of the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface. The aerosol containing oxygen is humidified by being further charged with evaporated water from the capillary absorption means. Suitable egress port means is provided to which a flexible tube is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4187951
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for blow molding a thermoplastic bottle of the type wherein the bottle is filled with a liquid usually water. The bottle is sealed while in the mold. Access to the contents therein is obtained through one or more breachable seals. In the present matter the bottle is supplied during the molding step with a manifold at the bottom of the bottle which acts as a diffuser in admitting air therethrough both during the molding step and during the use of the bottle for the purpose intended, i.e., humidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4178334
    Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge having a housing containing a replenishable water supply is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen stream for inhalation therapy through the agency of a nebulizer adapter which couples pressurized oxygen to the water cartridge. A venturi-type insert member is disposed vertically with the cartridge. The venturi draws water from the water supply and directs atomized droplets of water and oxygen into a mixing chamber located above the water level in the cartridge. The cartridge has a vertical tubular portion with a connection to a source of oxygen or air and terminates above the level of the water in the cartridge. The aerosol flows out of the cartridge through an outlet nozzle. The cartridge is an elongated housing having a capillary active cylindrical absorption surface means internally whereby water is drawn up along the cartridge's cylindrical body wall which serves as an evaporating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4172534
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container of blow molded plastic material which may contain a hermetically sealed biological. Attached to its outer side is an elastomeric diaphragm, adapted for cooperative use with a hypodermic needle as a self-sealing puncture site for injection or aspiration. The diaphragm may be protected by a storage cover which can readily be snapped off when the container is to be used. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for making the just described container with diaphragm and storage cover, in the preferred embodiment, as an assembled device, in a blow mold operation in which the container body is blown to fit against and lock to the diaphragm and storage cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio
  • Patent number: 4172105
    Abstract: A previously disclosed cartridge type humidifier apparatus including a separate heater module with a cylindrical opening for replaceably receiving therein disposable cylindrical humidifier cartridge modules, having a housing containing a replenishable water supply, is employed as a water supply source for producing an aerosol with an oxygen supply for pediatric inhalation therapy. The cartridge modules each have a tubular metal main body adapted for a sliding fit within a complimentary tubular walled heater. The metal tubular body has rigid plastic top and bottom end portions. The plastic top end portion is a cap with a center axial gas inlet tube, and a separate transverse gas delivery pipe, the cap forming a closed air space over a pool of humidifying liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Miller, Martin Foley
  • Patent number: 4149556
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tubular connector for connecting the end of a tubular gas carrying conduit to the mouth of a thermoplastic bottle containing a liquid wherein the mouth prior to use has a breachable seal. The connector comprises two oppositely facing cup means each having internal threads therein, one to be screwed to the gas conduit the other to the mouth of the bottle. The two so disposed cups are connected by axially disposed tubular means extending respectively from each bottom of the cups whereby they are maintained in spaced relationship. That cup that is attached to a gas conduit is supplied with a relief valve at the bottom of the cup whereby excess gas pressure in the system is permitted to escape. At the same time a thin annular membrane is associated with the said relief valve whereby an audible sound is achieved due to the escaping gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Schwabe
  • Patent number: 4150071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nebulizer of simple three-piece construction, adapted by its design to be injection molded for delivering to a patient, entrained in a stream of oxygen or other gas flowing at a modest rate (such as 6 to 8 liters a minute) a quantity of liquid supplied from a unit-dose hermetically sealed vial. The entire nebulizer with unit-dose vial attached, fits the hand of the patient, and its small size and the use of a unit-dose vial simplifies self-administration by an out-patient. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the nebulizer to a mouthpiece, with means permitting the patient to control the concentration of the mist delivered to the lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Pecina
  • Patent number: RE30046
    Abstract: A water supply is adapted as a source for nebulized liquid through the agency of an adapter which couples oxygen pressure to a container for the water. A venturi within the adapter draws from the water supply and directs highly atomized water and oxygen through an outlet pipe on the adapter. The adapter is also provided with means of providing air to the outgoing stream in order to dilute the oxygen content.A depending suspended ball is disposed in the path of flow downstream of the venturi in a chamber. It traps water particles which should not pass to the patient. The water particles or drops collected in the chamber are drained into a means located at the bottom of the chamber. Means is located along and at the bottom to assist in collecting the liquid water and conducting it to the drain means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward van Amerongen
  • Patent number: D257763
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlando D. Cambio, Jr.