Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Woods

Thomas J. Woods 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: 6997187
    Abstract: A ventilation or CPAP interface system adapted to be inserted into a nares of a user to secure the interface. A cannula adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation gas forms a first portion of an input gas flow passage to supply the ventilation gas to the user. A nasal insert adapted to be inserted the nares of the user forms a second portion of the input gas flow passage from the cannula to a distal end of the nasal insert. A seal portion adapted to engage a portion of the first naris is provided adjacent the distal end of the nasal insert. Ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: InnoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wood, Shara Hernanadez, Bruce M. Sher
  • Patent number: 6994089
    Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface comprising a hollow body having at least one and preferably two nasal apertures, and at least one and preferably two inhale apertures, and at least one and preferably two nasal insert tubes each associated with one of the nasal apertures and having an annular sleeve that forms a seal with a nostril of the patient. The hollow body has at least one and preferably two exhale apertures and at least one valve assembly associated with the exhale apertures that are capable of preventing air from passing through the exhale aperture upon the patient inhaling and allowing air to pass through the exhale aperture upon exhaling. The hollow body may also have at least one and preferably two filters for retaining heat and moisture from the exhale air and transferring the retained heat and moisture into the inhale air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: InnoMed Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6863069
    Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface comprising a hollow body having at least one and preferably two nasal apertures, and at least one and preferably two inhale apertures, and at least one and preferably two nasal insert tubes each associated with one of the nasal apertures and having an annular sleeve that forms a seal with a nostril of the patient. The hollow body has at least one and preferably two exhale apertures and at least one valve assembly associated with the exhale apertures that are capable of preventing air from passing through the exhale aperture upon the patient inhaling and allowing air to pass through the exhale aperture upon exhaling. The hollow body may also have at least one and preferably two filters for retaining heat and moisture from the exhale air and transferring the retained heat and moisture into the inhale air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: InnoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6807967
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: InnoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20040182397
    Abstract: A ventilation interface to be inserted into a nares of a user of the ventilation interface. A ventilation insert includes a cannula connectable to a source of ventilation gas. A nasal insert adapted to be inserted into a first naris of the nares of the user forms a portion of an input gas flow passage from the cannula to a distal end of the nasal insert for supplying the ventilation gas to the user. A seal portion is adapted to engage a portion of the first naris, the seal portion provided adjacent the distal end. A gas output forms a portion of an output gas flow passage from the nasal insert to an exterior of the ventilation interface for channeling a gas expired by the user. At least a portion of the input gas flow passage and at least a portion of the output gas flow passage are configured to produce laminar flow for the gas passing therethrough when the nasal insert is inserted into the first naris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6776162
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. In one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the nasal inserts and a source of positive airway pressure, the valve having a rim with a one-way diaphragm pivotally attached to the valve body with an inflatable bladder depending from the rim which seals against an exit port during inspiration and deflates to uncover the exit port on expiration. Another embodiment has nasal inserts without positive airway pressure but with a removable filter in the inserts for filtering inspired air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20040020493
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6595215
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030116163
    Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface comprising a hollow body having at least one and preferably two nasal apertures, and at least one and preferably two inhale apertures, and at least one and preferably two nasal insert tubes each associated with one of the nasal apertures and having an annular sleeve that forms a seal with a nostril of the patient. The hollow body has at least one and preferably two exhale apertures and at least one valve assembly associated with the exhale apertures that are capable of preventing air from passing through the exhale aperture upon the patient inhaling and allowing air to pass through the exhale aperture upon exhaling. The hollow body may also have at least one and preferably two filters for retaining heat and moisture from the exhale air and transferring the retained heat and moisture into the inhale air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6478026
    Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface comprising a hollow body having at least one and preferably two nasal apertures, and at least one and preferably two inhale apertures, and at least one and preferably two nasal insert tubes each associated with one of the nasal apertures and having an annular sleeve that forms a seal with a nostril of the patient. The hollow body has at least one and preferably two exhale apertures and at least one valve assembly associated with the exhale apertures that is capable of preventing air from passing through the exhale aperture upon the patient inhaling and allowing air to pass through the exhale aperture upon exhaling. The hollow body may also have at least one and preferably two filters for retaining heat and moisture from the exhale air and transferring the retained heat and moisture into the inhale air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20020092527
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. In one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the nasal inserts and a source of positive airway pressure, the valve having a rim with a one-way diaphragm pivotally attached to the valve body with an inflatable bladder depending from the rim which seals against an exit port during inspiration and deflates to uncover the exit port on expiration. Another embodiment has nasal inserts without positive airway pressure but with a removable filter in the inserts for filtering inspired air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20020059935
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5533506
    Abstract: A nasal ventilation system comprising a tube terminating in a pair of nasal inserts. Each insert tapers at its end and has a soft membrane covering the tapered end for wearer comfort. A washer positioned below the membrane provides a positive seal with the nostril and prevents gas leakage by resting on the support bar. A support bar having slots which can accommodate the nasal inserts also permits lateral movement of the inserts for positioning of the inserts within the nostrils. An adjustable harness system is removably secured to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Medlife, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 4682777
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a definition-word spelling game which is both educational and entertaining. The game uses a game board, a deck of cards, player pieces, letter-covering pieces, marker pieces and a chance device. The four sides of the game board are each defined by one of four different and distinct characteristic colors. The four player pieces, four sets of cards, four sets of cover tiles and four sets of markers are all similarly color coded. The board has four special function corners and each side between adjacent corners includes seven spaces for a total of 28. Each space includes a different and distinct letter of the alphabet with the remaining spaces being assigned special functions. A player landing on a given space, draws a card corresponding to the color on that section of the board the player is then read a definition of a word which normally starts with the letter on his given space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 4353364
    Abstract: An ear-insertable protecting device includes a body unit and an integral extending tubular portion adapted to be received in the aperture of the auditory meatus of the ear so it affects a sound seal between the inserted portion and the ear canal with the device having an auditory channel extending therethrough with sound attenuating means located in the auditory channel, includes a cooperating retaining device having a barb at each end which can be plugged into the body unit, in either the auditory channel or another opening provided therefor whereby the device can provide partial or total sound occlusion at the option of the user. In addition, the tubular portion is preferably tapered from the body unit and has a radially extending web wound spirally thereon to facilitate affecting a sound seal with the ear canal without accompanying discomfort. Further, the barb may include a lanyard to prevent loss of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Thomas J. Woods
  • Patent number: 4323174
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing mastic material such as butyle mastic sealant consists of a hopper for receiving cold mastic material and which is arranged to be heated to soften the material for feeding towards an outlet by a feed screw in a lower longitudinal receptacle. A pre-heating coil is provided in the hopper and a lower part of the latter and the lower receptacle and an outlet barrel are housed in a tank containing a heating fluid such as oil heated by thermostatically controlled immersion heaters to maintain the mastic material in the required softened condition in the hopper receptacle and barrel. Heated oil from the tank is circulated through the pre-heating coil. A reduced continuation of the feed screw operates in the barrel for force feed of the heat softened mastic material to the outlet. In use an applicator nozzle or gun is connected by a hose to the outlet. Both the hose and gun are heated to maintain the mastic material in a required softened condition up to the point of issue from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood