Patents Examined by Ned T Heffner
  • Patent number: 10092718
    Abstract: Pulmonary ventilator methods and systems are provided winch include a housing having a user interface control panel; a pneumatic circuit for delivering a high frequency pressure wave from the housing to a patient lung; a variable volume disposed within the housing including a stationary plate secured to the housing and a reciprocating plate pivotably mounted with respect to the stationary plate; and a magnet assembly disposed within the housing and configured to pivot the reciprocating plate. The variable volume may also include a resiliently contractible section extending between and joining a portion of the stationary plate and a portion of the reciprocating plate, wherein the resiliently contractible section may be in the form of a bellows and/or a pleated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Fox
  • Patent number: 10092720
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient for the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) that is less obtrusive includes a nasal cannula, cannulae (2a, 2b), prongs, or pillows and may be sealed or unsealed with the nares of the patient in use. The cannula, pillows or prongs may be positioned on the face of the patient by a headgear (6). The cannula, pillows or prongs may be smaller, lighter, and/or less visible than other nasal cannula, cannulae, pillows or prongs and may therefore be less obtrusive to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michiel Kooij, Paul Jan Klasek, Adam Vivian Benjafield, Peter John Sweeney, Richard Sokolov, Philip Rodney Kwok, Gerard Michael Rummery, Scott Alexander Howard, Robert Edward Henry, Renee Frances Doherty, Enrico Brambilla, Dieter Heidmann, Glenn Richards, Ian Frederick Johnson
  • Patent number: 10071212
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube apparatus and method includes a tube with a first end and a second end and an inside and an outside. Dual inflatable balloons are connected in spiral relation with the outside of the second end and a suction tube with more than one suction port is connected with the tube such that the more than one suction port captures secretions from the outside of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Michael V. Riesberg
  • Patent number: 10064651
    Abstract: An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: INPRESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander James Norred, Davis Reed Carlin, George Cochran Harper, David Lagrew, Jan Segnitz
  • Patent number: 10052447
    Abstract: A covering sheet for covering a skin adhesive surface of a device for holding a tracheostoma device over a tracheostoma of a patient may include a central/medial element for covering the central/medial part of the skin adhesive surface of the device. The covering sheet may include first and second elements arranged laterally of the central/medial element. Lateral peripheral borders of the central/medial element may be positioned adjacent medial peripheral borders of the first and second elements. The peripheral borders may be defined by division lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Atos Medical AB
    Inventor: Jan-Ove Persson
  • Patent number: 10039665
    Abstract: A medical headgear fabric that includes, at least: (i) a skin-facing fabric layer; (ii) an outermost fabric layer; and (iii) a plastic or metal layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably these layers, as well as any additional layers that may be present in the fabric are thermoformed to form a substantially unitary fabric with at least a substantially laminate structure. Preferably, the fabric also includes a foam layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of plastic, the plastic layer is in the form of a nylon, plastic strip. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of metal, the metal layer is in the form of an aluminum strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Blaszczykiewicz, James V. Nutty
  • Patent number: 10034988
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices, systems for delivering one or more compounds to a subject. Also described herein are methods and devices for transitioning a smoker to an electronic nicotine delivery device and for smoking or nicotine cessation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS I B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Wensley, Michael Hufford, Jeffrey Williams, Peter Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9987448
    Abstract: A tracheostomy tube apparatus and method includes an outer tube with a first end and a second end and an inside and an outside. Dual inflatable balloons are connected in spiral relation with the outside of the second end of the outer tube. An outer suction tube with more than one outer suction port is connected with the outer tube such that the more than one outer suction port captures secretions from the outside of the outer tube. An inner tube, conformed to fit within the outer tube, is provided. The inner tube has a first end and a second end and an inner suction tube with more than one inner suction port is connected with the inner tube such that the more than one inner suction port captures secretions from the inside of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Michael V. Riesberg
  • Patent number: 9987444
    Abstract: Methods and system of respiratory therapy treat sleep apnea by particular elevated pressure levels during the end of exhalation phases. Inhalation pressure levels may thus be significantly reduced and be, on average, lower than the exhalation pressure levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Michael Edward Colbaugh
  • Patent number: 9981102
    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: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Lee James Veliss, Carmel Therese Harrington, Philip Rodney Kwok, Philip John Gunning, Joshua Adam Gudiksen, Bart Jeremy Caffin, Richard Sokolov, Ian Fredrick Johnson, Eric Siu
  • Patent number: 9968749
    Abstract: A respiration system for noninvasive respiration includes a respiration drive, which is controlled by a control device, and includes a patient module (4) with electrodes for picking up electrode signals from the surface of the chest of a patient. The control device is set up to suppress ECG signals in the electrode signals in order to obtain electromyographic signals (EMG signals) representing the breathing effort and to control the respiration drive as a function of the EMG signals. Provisions are made for deriving ECG signals from the electrode signals before said ECG signals are suppressed and for making data representative of the ECG available for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Marcus Eger, Peter Bach, Leenderd Van Eykern
  • Patent number: 9962473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical aspiration cannula capable of aspirating a liquid component such as a small amount of blood while keeping an ability to aspirate a large clot such as a blood clot and to sweep them. The present invention relates to a surgical aspiration cannula that comprises a tip opening capable of aspirating a clot such as a blood clot; and an aspiration structure in the front of the tip opening. Due to the aspiration structure, the liquid component such as a small amount of blood can be aspirated. Further, even when the tip opening is pressed against the vicinity of an organ, the aspiration structure interposed between an aspiration port and a surface of the organ prevents clogging of the cannula or damage to the organ. In addition, in a case of bleeding in a surgical site, the blood is aspirated while controlling the bleeding by pressurizing a bleeding site, thereby providing a clear view and enabling a hemostatic site to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Tohru Tani
  • Patent number: 9956359
    Abstract: The invention of the present application relates to an apparatus to aid in administering inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol to a patient. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an aerosol delivery device. The apparatus comprises steps on the top and bottom of the apparatus, which when used aid the patient causes mandibular advancement, and opening of the mouth, causing opening of patient's airway, resulting in improved aerosol lung deposition. The invention also relates to a method of using such apparatus in a combination with an aerosol delivery device or a system, and to the mouthpiece of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kurt Nerner Nikander, Dirk Von Hollen, John S. Viviano, Eugene Nelson Scarberry, Ian Thomas Petherbridge
  • Patent number: 9943660
    Abstract: A nasal prong for sealing with a nasal passage of a patient includes a head portion structured to seal and/or sealingly communicate with the patient's nasal passage and a column or stalk structured to interconnect the head portion with a base. The nasal prong is structured to redirect air flow direction, diffuse air flow or create turbulence, and/or orient a prong orifice in order to reduce and/or eliminate air jetting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Selvarajan, David Rae Gale, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana
  • Patent number: 9931484
    Abstract: An interface appliance is configured to deliver a flow of fluid to the airway of a subject. The generation of the flow of fluid may be controlled to provide a therapeutic benefit to the subject. The interface appliance is configured to carry one or more sensors (24) configured to detect one or more parameters related to the flow of fluid on the subject. The one or more parameters may then be used to control the generation and/or delivery of the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas, Stephen Dalton Pittman
  • Patent number: 9889263
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, an elongate flexible strip supporting a plurality of reservoirs, each containing a dose of fluid or powder; an reservoir-opening mechanism for opening a reservoir on actuation; a first displacement mechanism for causing the flexible strip to advance before, during and/or after actuation, so as to bring a full reservoir into register with the reservoir-opening mechanism; and a second displacement mechanism for displacing a full reservoir against the opening mechanism each actuation. The leading end of the flexible strip is fastened to a rotary receiver element, the receiver element including a set of peripheral teeth that co-operates with a movable traction member, a stressed spring acting on the movable traction member so as to displace it, the displacement of the movable traction member causing the receiver element to turn, such that the receiver element exerts a traction force on the elongate strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pardonge
  • Patent number: 9878119
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway is provided. The connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway can include an inlet conduit configured to receive supplied respiratory gas, an outlet conduit configured to allow exhaled gas to exit to ambient during use, an artificial airway side conduit configured to couple to an artificial airway and a restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit. The restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit can be an outflow variable restrictor. The connector further can include a reducer coupled with the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Mergenet Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Landis, Charles A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9872963
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser, including a cover element; a blister strip; a blister opening mechanism; a first displacement mechanism having an indexer wheel; a second displacement mechanism pivoting between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position; a cocking member for urging the second displacement mechanism towards the dispensing position, the cocking member spring-loaded by opening the cover; a blocking mechanism for retaining the second displacement mechanism in the non-dispensing position; a trigger mechanism for releasing the blocking mechanism; a slidable carriage displaceable between a non-indexing position and an indexing position and including an actuator co-operating with the indexer wheel; a connection mechanism activated during inhalation that connects the carriage with the cover, so as to displace said carriage towards its indexing position when the cover element is brought towards its closed position, and so as to displace said carriage towards its non-indexing position when brought towards it
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Maxime Kirniak
  • Patent number: 9861838
    Abstract: A one-way valve for use in the inhalation and/or exhalation flowpath of respiratory protection equipment comprises a housing 1 defining a conduit and a circumferential array of three flexible flaps 2 each extending inwards from the conduit wall and in the direction away from the inlet end I of the valve. Under a pressure differential in the opening direction of the valve each flap is adapted to flex outwards towards the conduit wall and under a reverse pressure differential the free edge 5,5 of each flap is adapted to press in sealing contact with respective portions of the free edges of the neighboring flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian Huggins
  • Patent number: 9839761
    Abstract: A system and method for airflow control of pressurized air delivery, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a robust valve assembly for use in a positive airway pressure treatment (PAPT) system and method to improve speech during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Hal Rucker