Patents by Inventor Joseph Grehan
Joseph Grehan 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).
-
Publication number: 20240066542Abstract: An aerosol delivery system has an aerosol generator with a vibrating aperture plate (10) and an actuator (11, 16, 17, 19), a controller (18, 19). The controller in real time monitors (201) the aerosol generator as it is driven for vibration of the aperture plate, and detects (202) a change in an electrical characteristic in response to a transition from a wet state to a dry state of the aperture plate. It automatically modifies (203, 205, 206), during the transition, operation of the aerosol generator in response to the detected change. The modification includes reducing applied power (203). The controller continues (204) to monitor during the transition, including monitoring the aperture plate for presence of residual liquid on the aperture plate first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Noel COYLE, Russell GREANEY, Stephen THORNTON
-
Patent number: 11839891Abstract: An aerosol delivery system has an aerosol generator with a vibrating aperture plate (10) and an actuator (11, 16, 17, 19), a controller (18, 19). The controller in real time monitors (201) the aerosol generator as it is driven for vibration of the aperture plate, and detects (202) a change in an electrical characteristic in response to a transition from a wet state to a dry state of the aperture plate. It automatically modifies (203, 205, 206), during the transition, operation of the aerosol generator in response to the detected change. The modification includes reducing applied power (203). The controller continues (204) to monitor during the transition, including monitoring the aperture plate for presence of residual liquid on the aperture plate first surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph Grehan, Noel Coyle, Russell Greaney, Stephen Thornton
-
Publication number: 20230248921Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH
-
Patent number: 11660404Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20210308387Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20210252231Abstract: A nebulizer comprises a controller linked at its output to a nebulizer head, and at its input to a USB cable and USB plug for connection to a host system. The link between the USB plug and the controller is a USB cable with power and data channels. The controller comprises a boost circuit, a microcontroller 11, and a drive circuit. The latter provides power and control signals via a cable and proprietary plug to the nebulizer head. These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolised. The controller has a housing with LED status lamps, and an ON/OFF button. The controller can be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Michael CASEY, Joseph Grehan, Kieran Hyland, John Power
-
Patent number: 11065399Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20210187209Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph Grehan, Michael Casey, Shaun Porter, Niall Smith
-
Patent number: 11027076Abstract: A nebulizer comprises a controller linked at its output to a nebulizer head, and at its input to a USB cable and USB plug for connection to a host system. The link between the USB plug and the controller is a USB cable with power and data channels. The controller comprises a boost circuit, a microcontroller 11, and a drive circuit. The latter provides power and control signals via a cable and proprietary plug to the nebulizer head. These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolised. The controller has a housing with LED status lamps, and an ON/OFF button. The controller can be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Michael Casey, Joseph Grehan, Kieran Hyland, John Power
-
Patent number: 10967138Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph Grehan, Michael Casey, Shaun Porter, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20200156098Abstract: An aerosol delivery system has an aerosol generator with a vibrating aperture plate (10) and an actuator (11, 16, 17, 19), a controller (18, 19). The controller in real time monitors (201) the aerosol generator as it is driven for vibration of the aperture plate, and detects (202) a change in an electrical characteristic in response to a transition from a wet state to a dry state of the aperture plate. It automatically modifies (203, 205, 206), during the transition, operation of the aerosol generator in response to the detected change. The modification includes reducing applied power (203). The controller continues (204) to monitor during the transition, including monitoring the aperture plate for presence of residual liquid on the aperture plate first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2018Publication date: May 21, 2020Applicant: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Noel COYLE, Russell GREANEY, Stephen THORNTON
-
Publication number: 20200009332Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH
-
Patent number: 10449307Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20190224709Abstract: An aperture plate 1 comprises an inlet surface 2 for receiving a liquid to be aerosolised, an outlet surface 3 and a plurality of apertures 4 extending therebetween. The apertures 4 are tapered from an inlet opening 10 at the inlet surface 2 to an outlet or exit opening 12. The aperture plate 1 is convex in the direction of the inlet openings 10 and concave in the direction of the exit openings 12. The aerosol exits on the concave side of the aperture plate. The aperture plate of the invention generates an aerosol plume which converges and is particularly suitable for application to the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2017Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Patrick Martin KELLY, Joseph GREHAN, Finbarr MAGUIRE
-
Publication number: 20180361083Abstract: A nebulizer comprises a controller linked at its output to a nebulizer head, and at its input to a USB cable and USB plug for connection to a host system. The link between the USB plug and the controller is a USB cable with power and data channels. The controller comprises a boost circuit, a microcontroller 11, and a drive circuit. The latter provides power and control signals via a cable and proprietary plug to the nebulizer head. These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolised. The controller has a housing with LED status lamps, and an ON/OFF button. The controller can be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Michael Casey, Joseph Grehan, Kieran Hyland, John Power
-
Publication number: 20180256829Abstract: A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph GREHAN, Michael CASEY, Shaun PORTER, Niall SMITH
-
Publication number: 20180214643Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall SMITH
-
Patent number: 10029053Abstract: A nebulizer comprises a controller linked at its output to a nebulizer head, and at its input to a USB cable and USB plug for connection to a host system. The link between the USB plug and the controller is a USB cable with power and data channels. The controller comprises a boost circuit, a microcontroller 11, and a drive circuit. The latter provides power and control signals via a cable and proprietary plug to the nebulizer head. These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolized. The controller has a housing with LED status lamps, and an ON/OFF button. The controller can be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LTD.Inventors: Michael Casey, Joseph Grehan, Kieran Hyland, John Power
-
Patent number: 9956356Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITEDInventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
-
Publication number: 20150320944Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Joseph GREHAN, Niall SMITH