Patents Examined by Ned T Heffner
  • Patent number: 11154686
    Abstract: A system for tracking anesthetic agent in a vaporizer reservoir includes a mass flow sensor configured to measure a flow rate entering or exiting a vaporizer chamber, a gas pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of a mixed gas provided from the vaporizer chamber, a gas temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the mixed gas provided from the vaporizer chamber, and an agent time module executable on a processor. The agent time module is configured to calculate a remaining agent time based on at least the gas flow rate, the pressure of the mixed gas, the temperature of the mixed gas, and an anesthetic concentration in the mixed gas. The remaining agent time is then provided for display on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Julie Anne Mills, Thomas Bender, II, Joseph Lacey, Russell Kuzelka, David Michael Wahl
  • Patent number: 11154256
    Abstract: Mouth-breathing can be detected in early phase expiration during respiratory treatments involving a pressure support device. In accordance with some embodiments, an output signal is received from a sensor that conveys information relating to one or more parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas as it is delivered to an air-way of a subject. Transitions are estimated between inspiratory phases and expiratory phases of respiration by the subject based on the one or more determined parameters. A local extreme is identified in a level of a first parameter during a given expiratory phase of respiration by the subject. The level of the first parameter is analyzed as a function of time within a sampling window to determine whether the subject is breathing by mouth during the given expiratory phase. The sampling window begins at or proximate to the identified local extreme in the level of the first parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Surya Subrahmanya Sreeram Vissapragada Venkata Satya, Leonardo Alberto Baloa Welzien, Manuel Laura Lapoint
  • Patent number: 11141550
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Blackwell, Gerard Michael O'Connor, Marita Elizabeth Barraclough
  • Patent number: 11135385
    Abstract: A neonatal laryngeal mask airway (NLMA) can be used for airway management in the neonate in emergent situations, e.g., respiratory distress syndrome after premature birth, and nonemergent situations, e.g., elective surgery. The NLMA includes a back plate and a cuff. The back plate provides a shelf, a back plate opening, and a wall, which is perpendicular to the shelf, that surrounds a portion of the back plate opening. The cuff is coupled completely around a perimeter of the back plate. The cuff is configured for inflation from an uninflated state to an inflated state in a patient with a pharynx, a larynx with a laryngeal inlet, and a trachea. In the inflated state, the cuff forms a seal around the laryngeal inlet to isolate the larynx from the pharynx, and the back plate is configured to guide a catheter inserted through the back plate opening into the trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Samreen Mehar Ali
  • Patent number: 11135384
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for automatically controlling inspired oxygen delivery, including: receiving signals representing a plurality of input oxygen saturation (SpO2) values for a patient; generating control values based on the input SpO2 values and a target SpO2 value; and generating output inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) values based on the control values and reference inspired oxygen concentration (rFiO2) values; wherein the control values include: immediate control values, generated based on the input SpO2 values, the target SpO2 value, and an immediate gain coefficient; accumulation control values, generated based on the input SpO2 values, the target SpO2 value, and an accumulation gain coefficient; and predictive control values, generated based on the input SpO2 values, the target SpO2 value, and a predictive gain coefficient; wherein the immediate gain coefficient is determined based on the rFiO2 value; and wherein a non-linear compensation weighting is applied to the accumulation control val
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: University of Tasmania
    Inventors: Timothy John Gale, Peter Anderson Dargaville
  • Patent number: 11129953
    Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a foam interfacing portion adapted to provide a nasal interface to contact under and around the patient's nose in use and including an orifice adapted to surround both the patient's nares in use, and a positioning and stabilizing structure to support the foam interfacing portion in an operative position on the patient's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure is structured to provide a range of rotational, axial, and/or lateral movement to the foam interfacing portion while maintaining a sufficient interface and resisting the application of tube drag and/or headgear tension to the foam interfacing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Lee James Veliss, Alicia Kristianne Wells, Fiona Catherine Carroll, Gerard Michael Rummery, David Anthony Pidcock
  • Patent number: 11123509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a respiratory treatment apparatus that may be especially helpful for pediatric patients, though it may be useful for patients of all ages. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an endotracheal tube that is physically coupled to a bronchial blocker in a non-concentric fashion. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises an endotracheal tube that is physically coupled to a steering balloon apparatus. The endotracheal tube, bronchial blocker, and/or steering balloon apparatus may be non-unitary components that are attachable to one another with one or more attachment structures, and once physically coupled, may be put to use. The endotracheal tube and bronchial blocker and steering balloon apparatus may be selected from a plurality of endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers and steering balloon apparatus, to create an assembled apparatus that meets the needs of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Provincial Health Services Authority
    Inventor: F. Robert Purdy
  • Patent number: 11116930
    Abstract: A control circuit of an oxygen concentrator maintains pressure within a compressor of the oxygen concentrator. The control circuit includes a microprocessor that controls functioning of a controller based on two or more of: a user-adjustable flow rate of oxygen delivered by the oxygen concentrator to a user, an ambient temperature, and an ambient pressure. The functioning of the controller further controls the adsorption of various gases by sieve beds of the oxygen concentrator to produce oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CAIRE INC.
    Inventor: Beau Hart
  • Patent number: 11077272
    Abstract: A respiratory mask for use with a patient, and that is suited for use with children, includes a flexible cushion arranged to interface with and deliver air to the patient's nose. The cushion has a tube connection portion at one or both sides adjacent the patient's nares, the tube connection portion being arranged to connect to an air delivery tube. This location, plus the very low profile of the mask, allows a patient (e.g. an infant) to sleep on their face more comfortably. A more rigid support structure adjacent the cushion is provided to stabilize the cushion and prevent it from collapsing. Headgear is also provided and arranged for releasable attachment to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Lee James Veliss, Carmel Theresa Harrington, Philip Rodney Kwok, Philip John Gunning, Joshua Adam Gudiksen, Bart Jeremy Caffin, Richard Sokolov, Ian Frederick Johnson, Eric Siu
  • Patent number: 11065406
    Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Peter David Alexander Bearne, Leon Edward Evans, Matthew Roger Stephenson, Craig Robert Prentice, Bernard Tsz Lun Ip, Tony William Spear, Mark Arvind McLaren, Roheet Patel, Brad Michael Howarth, Jonathan David Harwood
  • Patent number: 11066139
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for determining the partial pressure of at least one gas in a mixture of gasses contained in a pressure vessel, in particular a pressure vessel in the form of a life support pressure chamber/decompression chamber, or a diving gas storage cylinder. The method comprises the steps of: coupling a gas analysis sensor (14) to a pressure vessel (10); directing a portion of the mixture of gasses in the pressure vessel to the sensor for analysis; reducing the pressure of the portion of the mixture which is to be analysed by the sensor to a level which is below the pressure in the vessel but above local atmospheric pressure; operating the sensor to measure the partial pressure of the at least one gas at the reduced pressure level; and using the partial pressure of the at least one gas, measured at the reduced pressure level, to determine the actual partial pressure of said gas in the mixture contained in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: FATHOM SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Gareth Kerr
  • Patent number: 11040164
    Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Francis Barlow, Rupert Christian Scheiner, Justin John Formica, Aaron Samuel Davidson, Kai Stuebiger
  • Patent number: 11033694
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an inhaler for oral delivery of medication that includes an actuation detector configured to provide an actuation signal in response to release of the medication from the inhaler, and an accelerometer configured to measure an orientation of the inhaler. The inhaler may include a processor, coupled to the actuation detector and the accelerometer, configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations to determine a quality of use of the inhaler based on the actuation signal provided by the actuation detector and the orientation of the inhaler measured by the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Ballam, Robert Bruce Ganton
  • Patent number: 11027083
    Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a container defining a variable volume chamber having a least one first orifice to be connected to an auxiliary hose such that, in use, the variable volume chamber of the pressure regulator and a sealing cuff are in communication. The regulator includes a pressure means acting on the container for exerting a certain force by means of a weight that can move along an articulated rod for adjusting the air pressure contained in the variable volume chamber. A system for locking the weight is provided for preventing unexpected movement of the weight. The invention is applicable to endotracheal tubes, tracheotomy tube or similar instruments for the ventilation of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: LEVED
    Inventor: Edouard Levêque
  • Patent number: 11027080
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leaks in a ventilation system based on data obtained during periods within a breath in which the patient is neither inhaling nor exhaling. The methods and systems described herein more accurately and quickly identify changes in leakage. This information is then to estimate leakage later in the same breath or in subsequent breaths to calculate a more accurate estimate of instantaneous leakage based on current conditions. The estimated leakage is then used to compensate for the leak flow rates, reduce the patient's work of breathing and increase the patient's comfort (patient-ventilator breath phase transition synchrony).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Jafari, Rhomere S. Jimenez, Jeffrey K. Aviano, Gail F. Upham
  • Patent number: 10987048
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices that may be used to incentivize inhaler use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Robert C. Petroski, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 10953182
    Abstract: A breathing mask comprises: a frame; a forehead support frame connected to the frame pivotally to allow the forehead support frame to shift toward or away from the forehead of a patient; and an adjusting member connected to the frame rotatably and having an adjusting slope. The forehead support frame has a joining part in contact with the adjusting slope so that the forehead support frame is driven to rotate pivotally through the rotation of the adjusting member. Through the matching between the adjusting slope and the joining part, the breathing mask converts the rotation of the adjusting member to the shifting of the forehead support frame; and through rotating the adjusting member, the height of the forehead support frame relative to the forehead of the patient can be adjusted. In use, the forehead support frame can be shifted by rotating the adjusting member with a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: BMC MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifeng Zhan, Zhi Zhuang
  • Patent number: 10946151
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering therapy and/or medicament to a subject use one or more sensors to generate signals that represent characteristics of ultrasonic energy emitted during the use of respiratory medicament delivery devices. Parameters based on these signals indicate energy amplitude in one or more frequency ranges. Such parameters can be used to characterize the emitted ultrasonic energy and control and/or monitor device operation and/or patient adherence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Morrison, Dirk Ernest Von Hollen
  • Patent number: 10940243
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing reduced pressure to and monitoring pressure at a plurality of tissue sites using a plurality of pressure management devices. The pressure management devices are associated with a plurality of sensing conduits that fluidly couple the pressure management devices and the plurality of tissue sites. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin John Hall, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 10905837
    Abstract: A respiratory device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable through a first angular displacement in a first direction from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position. The valve member is rotatably oscillated back and forth when the valve member is in the first position and when the valve member is in the second position so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, are provided to the patient's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: HILL-ROM SERVICES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Chau Chong Ye, Vinay Joshi, Suresha Venkataraya, Nookarajesh Varma Sangadi, Joel Preetham Fernandes, Jack Barney Sing, Eugene Hong Kheng Kung, Wei Teik Daniel Tan, Cong Jiang, Siew Ying Koh, Graham Keith Lacy, Sergio Malorni, Alexander Cristian Hautenne Hanson