Patents Assigned to RIC Investments, LLC.
  • Patent number: 10709860
    Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: RIC Investments LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Peter Chi Fai Ho, James DiPasquale, Derrick Andrews, Eugene N. Scarberry, Steven C. Stegman
  • Patent number: 10363386
    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: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Aaron Grider, Nic Davirro, Christopher D. Von Dohlen, Justin Rothermel
  • Patent number: 10245405
    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: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Todd, Christopher James McCracken, Robert Hieber
  • Patent number: 9752699
    Abstract: An electronic oxygen conserving device for controlling a flow of oxygen from an oxygen storage container to a user. When a conserve setting is selected, a flow of oxygen travels through an oxygen regulating valve that has an open state and a closed state. A temporary electrical charge or current is provided to the oxygen regulating valve during the initial inhalation of oxygen by an individual, opening the regulating valve opens to delivery oxygen to the user. The oxygen regulating valve remains open even after termination of the electric current. After a predetermined timed delivery dose or upon exhalation by the individual, a subsequent temporary electric charge or current is provided to oxygen regulating valve, closing the regulating valve closes to prevent delivery of oxygen to the user, thus conserving oxygen. The oxygen regulating valve remains closed even after termination of the subsequent electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Gary N Holder
  • Patent number: 9743841
    Abstract: A system that determines one or more sleep phenotyping parameters of a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sleep sensor, a stimulus generator, and a processor. The sleep sensor generates signals that convey information related to the physiological functions that indicate the sleep stage of the subject. The stimulus generator provides a stimulus to the subject that enables information related to the sleep phenotyping parameters to be determined. The processor receives the signals generated by the sleep sensor and is in operative communication with the stimulus generator. The processor (i) determines, based on the signals received from the sleep sensor, whether a trigger condition related to the current sleep stage of the subject is satisfied, (ii) controls the stimulus generator to provide the stimulus to the subject if the trigger condition is satisfied, and (iii) quantifies the response of the subject to the stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen D. Pittman, Stefanida K. Blake, Jacobo D. Reif, David P. White, Erik K. Witt
  • Patent number: 9713692
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: John Raymond Pujol, Patrick Truitt, Daniel R. Martin, Winslow Kevin Duff, Steven Adam Kimmel, Jeffrey Kepler, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Lance Ranard Busch, Jerome Matula, Jr., Drew A. Demangone, Anthony J. Bafile
  • Patent number: 9707365
    Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Doug L Davidowski, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Lance Ranard Busch, Richard Joseph Lordo, Jerome Matula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9649463
    Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Jerome Matula, Jr., Derrick Blake Andrews, Richard Andrew Sofranko, Dana Marie Horn
  • Patent number: 9636475
    Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Derrick Andrews
  • 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: 9486597
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mask for sealing an area around a patient's mouth and nose for delivery of an aerosol. The mask includes a mask body having an opening for reception of the aerosol and a mask seal configured to engage a patient's face around the nose and mouth. An adapter is arranged to be removably attached to the mask body for removably coupling the mask body to an aerosol delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Lieberman, Dirk von Hollen
  • Patent number: 9399107
    Abstract: A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Cornelis Petrus Hendriks, Rudolf Maria Jozef Voncken, Willem Potze, Joyce Van Zanten, Nicolaas Petrus Willard, Mareike Klee
  • 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: 9352144
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system configured to stimulate a vestibular system of a user while the user is in a sleeping position. The system comprises a housing; a power supply; an electrode assembly; a controller that controls stimulation of the vestibular system through delivery of energy from the power supply to the electrode assembly; an input element configured to control operation of the system; an auditory output device that provides auditory output to the user, wherein the auditory output is synchronized with the stimulation of the vestibular system to enhance an effect of the stimulation; a mounting assembly for mounting the housing on the user; and a sensor adapted to generate an output signal related to a physiological parameter of the user, wherein the controller controls the electrode assembly to cease delivery of the energy responsive to the output signal indicating that the user is leaving the sleeping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary D. Paul, Stefanie Lattner, Benjamin A. Giovannelli, Michael E. Colbaugh, Todd Kirby, Kevin Wells, William H. Broadley, Al Vangura, Michael Cessna
  • Patent number: 9320865
    Abstract: A seal that contacts a portion of a patient to provide a comfortable interface between an external device, such as a respiratory mask, and the patient. The seal includes an elastic casing filled with a soft gel substance having a cone penetration of from about 5 to 200 penetrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 9248250
    Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Jerome Matula, Jr., Derrick Blake Andrews, Richard Andrew Sofranko, Dana Marie Horn
  • Patent number: 9186476
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems to provide a liquid oxygen delivery system that efficiently delivers therapeutic oxygen in accordance with a patient's respiratory cycle. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a portable liquid oxygen delivery system having a liquid oxygen device, an oxygen conserving device, and an accumulator device. The portable liquid oxygen delivery system has a collective gaseous oxygen volume and the accumulator device is enabled to actuate and reduce the collective gaseous oxygen volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Whitcher, Jeremy Blair, Don Griffin
  • Patent number: 9095811
    Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM<9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Dolensky
  • Patent number: 8997744
    Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Jerome Matula, Lance Busch
  • Patent number: 8997740
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: J. Raymond Pujol, Patrick W. Truitt, Daniel Martin, Winslow K. Duff, Steven A. Kimmel, Jeffery Keppler, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Lance Busch, Jerome Matula, Jr., Drew A. Demangone, Anthony J. Bafile