Patents by Inventor Nicholas Charles Alan Smith

Nicholas Charles Alan Smith 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: 20100024825
    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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan SMITH, Alastair Edwin McAULEY, Chris Earl NIGHTINGALE, Ivan MILIVOJEVIC, Lewis George GRADON
  • Publication number: 20090223520
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: ALASTAIR EDWIN McAULEY, CHRISTOPHER EARL NIGHTINGALE, LEWIS GEORGE GRADON, MARK JOSEPH HAYCOCK, NICHOLAS CHARLES ALAN SMITH, DANIEL MAHON, FIONA ELIZABETH CRESSWELL
  • Patent number: 7096867
    Abstract: The present invention is related to patient interfaces, such as nasal masks (2), particularly though not solely for use in providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy or positive pressure ventilation to patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. In a first form the invention is a patient interface that has securement means (601) releasably attaching the interface to headstraps wherein the securement means (601) is slidably engaged with the patient interface. In a second form of the invention the mask headgear is formed of a plurality of straps (701, 702) where at least one of the plurality of straps is slidably engaged with another of the plurality of straps. In a further form the patient interface may be provided with vertically adjustable engaging means (802) that engage the patient interface with the headgear straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Chris Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 7066174
    Abstract: A valve for use in a CPAP system or any stem at a pressure above ambient which vents the pressurised gases from the blower during expiration. Due to the pressure-flow characteristics of the blower this results in the patient having a much lower airway pressure during expiration making breathing easier. The valve includes a movable member which blocks flow from the blower to the patient during exhalation and vents externally. During inhalation gases flow normally from the blower to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley
  • Patent number: 7017576
    Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Martin Leckie, Neil Prime, Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Patent number: 6997186
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material and is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield. A connection for connecting the mouthpiece to a breathing circuit is provided which reduces the transfer of forces caused by movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Robertson, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 6951218
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described. A forehead rest with a horizontal pivot that is attached to the mask is disclosed. An outlet vent to reduce the noise from exhausted carbon dioxide is described. A mouthpiece is also described with an outlet diffuser including Heat Moisture Exchanger Material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Health Care Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale, Daniel Mahon
  • Patent number: 6892729
    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: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Chris Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 6820617
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material and is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield. A connection for connecting the mouthpiece to a breathing circuit is provided which reduces the transfer of forces caused by movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Robertson, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 6789541
    Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Martin Leckie, Neil Prime, Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Publication number: 20040065327
    Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Patent number: 6701926
    Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Martin Leckie, Neil Prime, Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale, Geoffrey Mark Shaw
  • Publication number: 20040035428
    Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Martin Leckie, Neil Prime, Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Patent number: 6679257
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material and is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield. A connection for connecting the mouthpiece to a breathing circuit is provided which reduces the transfer of forces caused by movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Robertson, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 6662803
    Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Publication number: 20030217746
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user. Various interfaces are described for delivering the gases. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described. A forehead rest with a horizontal pivot is attached to the mask. An outlet vent to reduce the noise from exhausted carbon dioxide is described. A mouthpiece is also described with an outlet diffuser including Heat Moisture Exchanger Material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale, Daniel Mahon
  • Publication number: 20030196659
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user. Various interfaces are described for delivering the gases. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and a thin sheath is described. A forehead rest with a horizontal pivot is attached to the mask. An outlet vent to reduce the noise from exhausted carbon dioxide is described. A mouthpiece is also described with an outlet diffuser including Heat Moisture Exchanger Material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale, Daniel Mahon
  • Patent number: 6615834
    Abstract: A improved nasal mask is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The nasal mask has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Publication number: 20030154978
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user. Various interfaces are described for delivering the gases. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described. A forehead rest with a horizontal pivot is attached to the mask. An outlet vent to reduce the noise from exhausted carbon dioxide is described. A mouthpiece is also described with an outlet diffuser including Heat Moisture Exchanger Material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale, Daniel Mahon
  • Patent number: D479876
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith