Patents Examined by Danton DeMille
  • Patent number: 7497837
    Abstract: A device for performing chest compressions for CPR in coordination with applying electro-stimulus for additional resuscitative actions such as electro-ventilation, electro-counterpulsion, and defibrillation. The device includes a chest compression mechanism, electrodes and power supply for electro-stimulus, and a control system for applying electro-stimulus in coordination with the action of the chest compression mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren R. Sherman, Steven R. Bystrom
  • Patent number: 7494475
    Abstract: A pivotal lever has a first therapeutic member and a second therapeutic member positioned below the first member, for the members to grip and knead the shoulder of the person to be massaged as by the fingers of the acupressurist. A massage unit 20 comprises a pair of left and right pivotal levers 100 pivotally movably arranged on a chassis 21, and a first therapeutic member 200 and a second therapeutic member 300 arranged on each of the pivotal levers 100 and movable toward and away from each other. The first and second therapeutic members 200, 300 have motion conversion 400 coupled thereto for converting the pivotal movement of the pivotal lever 100 into the movement of the first and second therapeutic members 200, 300 toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitoshi Morita, Yuji Kan, Nobuaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7494476
    Abstract: A foot massage apparatus comprises: a housing (5); a pair of replaceable footprint plates (4) with holes (40) arranged according to a particular foot massage pattern, which are placed on an upper plate (51) of the housing (5); protrusions (2; 3) protruding from the holes (40) of each replaceable footprint plate (4); a vertical adjustment mechanism provided in the housing (5), for adjusting the height of the protrusions (2; 3); a horizontal adjustment mechanism provided in the housing (5), for adjusting the horizontal position of the protrusions (2; 3); and a driving mechanism provided in the housing (5), for driving the protrusions (2; 3) to move up and down cyclically. The foot massage apparatus of the present invention has the advantages of enhancing a particular bodily function and fitting different foot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Thomas K. S. Wong, Joanne W. Y. Chung, Sonny H. M. Tse, Ka Lun Fan, Ching Ching Cheung, Pony Ma, Yin Ki Lau, Sarah W. M. Au
  • Patent number: 7490603
    Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Gonda, Reid M. Rubsamen, Stephen J. Farr
  • Patent number: 7491184
    Abstract: A percussive massager is provided having a housing including a massage head portion and a handle portion, and a motor support unit affixable within the massage head portion. A motor is supported by the motor support unit, and an output shaft rotatably driven by the motor protrudes from the motor on either side thereof. The massager further includes a pair of vertical connecting rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are operably connected to the output shaft such that rotation of the output shaft causes the connecting rods to reciprocate axially in an asynchronous manner. A rocker arm is attachable to the motor support unit at a central pivot axis thereof, wherein the rocker arm is operably connected to the second ends of the connecting rods and is moved about the central pivot axis by rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Huang
  • Patent number: 7491185
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior counterpulsation (ECP) system that includes a garment for being worn on the exterior of a patient's body. The garment includes electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators connected thereto. In one embodiment, the EAP actuators are woven into the garment. In another embodiment, they are mounted to the garment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien A. Couvillon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7491183
    Abstract: A playing rack intended for stimulating children having functional disorders includes a base and a platform, on which a child can stand, holding onto and/or be held by a holding device, e.g., a hand railing. An intermediate plate is mounted between the base and platform to give the platform a limited movability. To achieve a stimulation of the growth of the child's skeletal structure the platform can be vibrated by vibrators. To stimulate the child's motor function and give a positive playing experience the platform can be given other movements. Thus, fluid operated bellows can raise, lower and tilt the platform. Motors attached between the base, the intermediate plate and the platform can displace the platform in a controlled way in various ways, e.g., rotating it. Inputs are mounted at the railing to be operated by the child, giving signals to a computer connected to the vibrators and motors to make the platform vibrate and perform other movements as controlled by the child's input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Jump & Joy AB
    Inventor: Ylva Dalén
  • Patent number: 7491182
    Abstract: An improved method of producing high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) includes generating oscillating pneumatic pressure and applying an oscillating force to a patient's chest that corresponds to the oscillating pneumatic pressure. The frequency of oscillations changes according to a prescribed treatment regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Van Brunt
  • Patent number: 7484508
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the time onset (Tonset) and end (Tend) of patient inspiratory efforts. A composite pressure signal is generated comprising the sum of an airway pressure signal, a gas flow pressure signal obtained by applying a gain factor (Kf) to a signal representing gas flow rate and a gas volume pressure signal obtained by applying a gain factor (Kv) to a signal representing volume of gas flow. Kf and Kv values are adjusted to result in a desired linear trajectory of composite pressure signal baseline in the latter part of the exhalation phase. The current composite pressure signal is compared with (i) selected earlier composite pressure signal values and/or (ii) value expected at current time based on extrapolation of composite pressure signal trajectory at specified earlier times and/or (iii) the current rate of change in the composite pressure signal with a selected earlier rates of change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: YRT Limited
    Inventor: Magdy Younes
  • Patent number: 7481783
    Abstract: A massage device for providing cold or hot massage therapy including a liquid reservoir and a rotatable ball positioned in an open end of the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially filled with a liquid that is heated or cooled. The liquid in the massage device is heated or cooled. The rotatable ball is heated or cooled through heat transfer between the liquid and the rotatable ball. Massage therapy can be provided using both the reservoir portion and/or the rotatable ball of the massage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Polar Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry S. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7476206
    Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: James Adam Palazzolo, Ronald D. Berger, Henry R. Halperin, Darren R. Sherman
  • Patent number: 7470242
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a body massager comprising a portable housing including a backrest and a seat support. A longitudinal guide is provided in the backrest cooperating with a carriage for translation of the carriage within the backrest and a motor drives the carriage along the guide. A pair of massage members are supported by the carriage and extend from the backrest for imparting a rolling massage effect upon the back of the user. A second motor drives the massage members for generating a rotary kneading massage effect or for adjusting a width of the rolling massage effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co.
    Inventors: Roman Ferber, Stephen Chung
  • Patent number: 7469700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Trudell Medical Limited
    Inventor: George Baran
  • Patent number: 7445606
    Abstract: A method for exercising muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which the muscles are performing work; and at least partially transferring the absorbed energy to at least one of the muscles and another device during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which energy is absorbed by the muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7445007
    Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Vaporbrothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertram A. Balch, Daniel G. Seng
  • Patent number: 7442173
    Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Darren R. Sherman, Steven R. Bystrom, Cameron Miner
  • Patent number: 7435233
    Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically ventilating a patient is provided to have two separate components movably arranged with respect to one another within a flexible, air-tight covering fit about the torso of a patient. When the components move away from one another within the air-tight covering, negative pressure is generated which causes the patient to draw air into the lungs. Conversely, when the components stop moving away from one another within the air-tight covering, the patient's natural exhalation recoil takes over to allow the patient to expel the air from within the patient's lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Baldy By Design, LLC
    Inventors: Mary Baldauf, Thomas Baldauf
  • Patent number: 7431706
    Abstract: A handheld massage tool includes a body with at least three contact elements spaced circumferentially therearound for engaging a recipient of therapy. The body has shoulder segments extending between adjacent contact elements enabling the user to grip the tool and manipulate a non-adjacent, opposed contact element. The contact elements may take the form of a narrow point, a broad point, or a wedge. To aid in massage therapy, the massage tool has significant weight, has an elastomeric or similar coating providing a non-abrasive outer surface and is formed with rounded edges and suitably curved contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: John G. Louis
  • Patent number: 7429251
    Abstract: A massaging device gives different massaging patterns to different parts of a user's body for enhanced and pleasant massaging effect. The device includes an applicator applying a massage force to the user, and at least two driving units for driving the applicator to make different reciprocating movements respectively in different directions from each other. The least two driving units is controlled to reciprocate the applicator for providing the massaging force in different massaging patterns. A sensor is provided to acknowledge the position of the applicator. A massage pattern selector is provided to select one of the massaging patterns depending upon the position of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Fumihiro Nishio, Daisuke Tsukada, Yuuichi Nishibori, Motoharu Muto
  • Patent number: 7428903
    Abstract: A filtering face mask that has a mask body and an exhalation valve. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The exhalation valve is positioned on the mask body substantially opposite to a wearer's mouth. The exhalation valve comprises a valve seat that has a seal surface, an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface, and cross members that extend across the orifice to create a plurality of openings within the orifice. The valve also includes a single flexible flap that has a fixed portion and a free portion and first and second opposing ends. The first end of the single flexible flap is associated with the fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation, and the second end being associated with the free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation. The second end also is located below the first end when the filtering face mask is worn on a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson