Patents Examined by Nihir Patel
  • Patient interface and headgear connector
    Patent number: 7931025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection device for connecting a headgear having straps, a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient. The connection device incorporates a locking member or locking portion which is configured to lock the straps in a particular location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jason P. Eaton, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Elias G. Diacopoulos, Lance Busch
  • Multi-port side-fire coagulator
    Patent number: 7927330
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Robert C. Platt
  • Heat and moisture filter exchanger and method
    Patent number: 7921846
    Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Thayer Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Marler, David T. Sladek
  • Device and method for placing within a patient an enteral tube after endotracheal intubation
    Patent number: 7921847
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Intubix, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Totz
  • Muffler of linear compressor
    Patent number: 7921845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a muffler of a linear compressor. In the present invention, a center of an entry pipe of the muffler is in line with that of an inhale port of a piston. Therefore, a flow loss occurred when fluid is inhaled into the inhale port from the entry pipe can be reduced, and inhale efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the plurality of inhale ports is eccentrically disposed in a front of the piston, and each center of the plurality of entry pipes is formed to be in line with that of the inhale ports. Not only the center but also the number of the inhale port and the entry pipe are agreed, on this account, the flow loss can be decreased and the inhale volume can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeong Woo Kim
  • Portable gas fractionalization system
    Patent number: 7922789
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor
  • Elliptical purge valve for snorkels
    Patent number: 7909030
    Abstract: The instant invention incorporates an asymmetrical purge valve tilted to fit within the confines of a chamber having a substantially elliptical cross-section. The elliptical cross-section is oriented to minimize the frontal area presented in the direction of swimming movement. The reduced cross-section results in a corresponding reduction of drag when the diver is swimming underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Christianson
  • Metered dose inhaler with lockout
    Patent number: 7905230
    Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing, a container comprising a reservoir storing a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises a propellant, and a metering valve. The metering valve is in communication with the reservoir and is moveable into the container to an actuated position where a predetermined amount of the pharmaceutical formulation is released. A contact member is provided in the housing. In one version, the contact member is moveable between a first position and a second position to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve. In another version, the contact member's configuration may be changed to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Carlos A. Schuler, William Alston
  • Patient interface device
    Patent number: 7900628
    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. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member via a snap assembly associated with the support member and the sealing assembly. The snap assembly allows the sealing assembly to selectively attach to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Grider, Nic Davirro, Chris Von Dohen, Justin Rothermel
  • Pressure-responsive device and associated method of manufacture
    Patent number: 7896001
    Abstract: There is provided a pressure-responsive device (40) suitable for use in an inhaler, the pressure-responsive device (40) comprising a closed frame (42) over which is fixed a membrane (44), a tongue (46) being supported on the membrane (44). Two upstanding wings (50) are integrally moulded with the tongue (46) and incorporate square apertures (52). A method of manufacturing the pressure-responsive device (40) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pfizer Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Harrison, Daniel Godfrey
  • Intubating laryngeal mask airway device with fiber optic assembly
    Patent number: 7896007
    Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and a viewing system. The mask portion is inflatable and can be inserted, when deflated, through a patient's mouth to a location near the patient's glottic opening. The mask portion also includes an epiglottis elevator bar and a distal end of the bar defines an aperture. The viewing system has a proximal end located outside the patient. The viewing system also has a distal end positioned so that light rays can pass from a portion of the patient's anatomy, through the aperture in the elevator bar, and into the distal end of the viewing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Indian Ocean Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Archibald I. J. Brain
  • Gas systems and methods for enabling respiratory stability
    Patent number: 7886740
    Abstract: Minimal concentrations of CO2 are mixed with pressurized air to provide a gas mix effective for stabilizing breathing of target patients or users. CO2 concentrations below about 2% and preferably between about 0.5% and 1.25% are employed. A gas modulator includes a gas mixing module, a sensor and a control processor. The gas mixing module mixes plural gases, including CO2, into a gas mix, for delivery to a substantially leak-proof patient face mask. The sensor, located substantially at the face mask, measures CO2 concentration in the face mask. The control processor, based on a signal from the sensor, controls the CO2 concentration in the gas mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Thomas, Robert W. Daly
  • System and method for circuit compliance compensated volume control in a patient respiratory ventilator
    Patent number: 7886739
    Abstract: A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Carefusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Steven Duquette
  • Diaphragm valve for a respirator
    Patent number: 7882836
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is provided, in which there is improved sealing of a closing cover (15) against the valve housing (3). The seal includes a cylindrical sealing washer (25), which is connected to the valve housing (3) in one piece and into which a cylindrical wall section (18) of the closing cover (15) can be inserted with press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Brian Hewitt, Piers Antony James
  • Disposable mask system
    Patent number: 7878199
    Abstract: A mask system includes a frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips that are configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system are configured to promote single patient use, e.g., by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, David John Worboys, Gregoy Scott Smart, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, John Michael Snow, Philip Thomas Stallard
  • Patient interfaces
    Patent number: 7874292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Chris Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic, Lewis George Gradon
  • Respiratory mask having intraoral mouthpiece with large sealing area and multiple sealing configuration
    Patent number: 7870860
    Abstract: A respiratory mask provides improved sealing through the use of an intraoral mouthpiece with a large sealing area. A tubular extension, configured at one end to accept standard respiratory fittings, is the conduit for gas delivery to the intraoral mouthpiece. The respiratory mask may also include an intraoral oropharyngeal airway which flexes so that it can be inserted without the need for rotation or use of a tongue blade. The respiratory mask may also include an external shield to enhance sealing and provide a barrier of protection for the healthcare provider. The mask's design allows for a novel handgrip technique that allows a single healthcare provider to ventilate with enhanced sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Numask, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. McCormick, William Jou, David Anthony, David Isagholian
  • Method and apparatus for controlling the purity of oxygen produced by an oxygen concentrator
    Patent number: 7866315
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: VBox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Sleep appliance
    Patent number: 7861722
    Abstract: A dental oral appliance to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper or lower teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. An anterior tongue restrainer which is attached to the transpalatal bar at one end and the front of the appliance at the other end, aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward and backward movement of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Bryan Keropian
  • Respiratory mask assembly
    Patent number: 7861714
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask frame, a mask cushion and a cushion clip to secure the mask cushion and mask frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Gregory S. Smart