Patents by Inventor Blanca M. Fukunaga
Blanca M. Fukunaga has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 7717109Abstract: A system for providing anesthesia or assisted ventilation that has a post-inspiratory valve fresh gas flow input is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a fresh gas flow diverter valve is provided to permit an operator to provide fresh gas flow proximally or distally of the inspiratory valve. Also disclosed is an adaptor and other breathing circuit components for forming a system of the present invention. A method of providing anesthesia or assisted ventilation using low flow fresh gas is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: F-Concepts LLCInventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 7418965Abstract: A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit with a detachable proximal fitting for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient. The circuit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. Despite many teachings away in the prior art from making breathing circuit tubing detachable from the proximal terminal, the proximal end of the rigid multilumen proximal fitting can be attached and detached by a user at a site of use to a mating multilumen proximal terminal while its distal end can be attached to multiple lumens formed of flexible tubing for carrying gases to and from a patient. The present invention introduces for the first time to the multilumen unilimb circuit art a detachable proximal fitting.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Medlis Corp.Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 7275541Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, axial extension or contraction of the second conduit causes a corresponding axial extension or contraction of the first conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb, multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: F-Concepts LLCInventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 7261105Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, inner and outer flexible conduits are formed of pleated tubing that is axially extendable and compressible to form a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The pleating provides for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume. In an embodiment, at least one tube in a multilumen respiratory conduit is radially collapsible and radially expandable to a maximum radius for carrying respiratory gases to and from a patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: F-Concepts LLCInventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 6874500Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Publication number: 20040194781Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, inner and outer flexible conduits are formed of pleated tubing that is axially extendable and compressible to form a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The pleating provides for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume. In an embodiment, at least one tube in a multilumen respiratory conduit is radially collapsible and radially expandable to a maximum radius for carrying respiratory gases to and from a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga
-
Publication number: 20030183232Abstract: A system for providing anesthesia or assisted ventilation that has a post-inspiratory valve fresh gas flow input is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a fresh gas flow diverter valve is provided to permit an operator to provide fresh gas flow proximally or distally of the inspiratory valve. Also disclosed is an adaptor and other breathing circuit components for forming a system of the present invention. A method of providing anesthesia or assisted ventilation using low flow fresh gas is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 6564799Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Medlis Corp.Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Publication number: 20030075176Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Alex S. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 6439231Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Improved assisted ventilation devices, including an improved proximal terminal, improved tubular attachments and improved coaxial filters, are disclosed which are safer and less expensive to use than corresponding prior art unilimb assisted ventilation devices. Connector fittings and adapters to provide connector fittings on assisted ventilation devices are disclosed which provide positive indication of attachment of assisted ventilation devices and resist detachment of assisted ventilation devices. The devices of the present invention also reduce medical waste in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Medlis Corp.Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Publication number: 20020017302Abstract: A multilumen unilimb conduit for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The conduit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit has fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Publication number: 20010047804Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 6003511Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer the less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Medlis Corp.Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 5983894Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Medlis CorporationInventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 5983896Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Medlis CorporationInventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga
-
Patent number: 5778872Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Medlis, Inc.Inventors: Atsuo F. Fukunaga, Blanca M. Fukunaga