Patents by Inventor Rick Blacker

Rick Blacker 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: 20050205085
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6929003
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6848443
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker
  • Publication number: 20030226562
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker
  • Publication number: 20030136399
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry Grychowski, Rick Blacker
  • Patent number: 6557549
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker
  • Publication number: 20020157663
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6450163
    Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Alex M. W. Verdun
  • Publication number: 20020029779
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker
  • Patent number: 6044841
    Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: 1263152 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Alex M. W. Verdun, Rick Blacker