Patents Issued in March 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9295762
    Abstract: The present application discloses that incorporation of dermatan sulfate and/or HA in composite scaffolds of certain polymers gives rise to a chondrogenic effect on chondrocytes resulting in formation of cartilage that resembles the natural ECM. This effect with dermatan sulfate as the primary additive has not previously been seen. The composites are formed by incorporation of dermatan sulfate finely dispersed particles optionally nanoparticles or as molecular dissolutions in a polymer matrix with no bonding between the DS and the matrix, providing the DS to the chondrocytes in an accessible non-crosslinked form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Hanne Everland, Jacob Vange, Christian Clausen, Lene Feldskov Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9295763
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical tube mainly comprising a thermoplastic resin wherein the surface contacting the blood has been subjected to a heparinizing treatment and wherein quality defect due to whitening and oil defect is reduced. According to the present invention, there is provided a medical tube wherein an antithrombotic material is coated on the inner surface of a tube prepared by a melt extrusion molding of a composition comprising a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer, characterized in that the difference (?L) between the brightness of the medical tube before coating and the brightness of the medical tube after coating measured in accordance with JIS Z 8722 is 1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOBO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Kawakatsu, Shigeo Tsuchiya, Masaharu Yamada, Tomoya Ohashi, Wataru Takahama
  • Patent number: 9295764
    Abstract: A corporeal drainage system and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The corporeal drainage system includes a connection tube and a fluid receptacle in fluid communication with the connection tube. The fluid receptacle creates a negative pressure in the system by transitioning from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The system may include an activation member to initiate transitioning of the fluid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Jim C. Beasley, Kelly B. Powers
  • Patent number: 9295765
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, devices, and systems for controlling surgical fluid flows, particularly during treatment of an eye. In many embodiments, the invention provides a console that interchangeably accepts multiple types of eye treatment cassettes. The cassettes enable one or both of displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration. The console and the cassette may communicate to establish the functionality of the installed cassette. The multiple types of cassettes may be produced using a common cassette frame and may include a visual indication of functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: John I. Muri, Craig Edwards, Thomas B. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9295766
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a wound valve assembly provide an annular space extending radially around a central portion of a valve, which valve acts to substantially relieve pressure build up in a thoracic cavity when applied to a thoracic wound. In an illustrative example, the valve assembly may form an annular space that extends radially in all directions around a check valve. In some examples, gasses and exudates may flow substantially radially and/or parallel to the patient's local body. Various embodiments may advantageously provide open fluid communication for the gasses and exudates escaping from the wound when the valve assembly is partially covered (e.g., body armor, clothing, blankets), or when the patient may be lying down on the side of the body with the wound, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FastTrack Medical Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William Scheremet, Steven J. Brinkman, Kim Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9295767
    Abstract: A heart assistance device for the pulsatile delivery of blood is provided that includes a first pump chamber, a second pump chamber, and a pump. Both pump chambers each have a fluid chamber and a blood-carrying chamber. By means of the pump, each fluid chamber can be filled with a fluid or emptied thereof in such a way that an expansion or contraction of the fluid chamber takes place. During the expansion of the fluid chamber of one pump chamber, a compression of the blood-carrying chamber of the same blood chamber takes place. The pump is designed as a roller cell pump or vane pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT E.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Schmid, Bernhard Vodermayer, Heinrich Gmeiner, Alexandra Wimmer, Andreas Kunz, Wolfgang Schiller
  • Patent number: 9295768
    Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting cardiac function are provided. One such device for assisting heart function includes a first plate and an opposing second plate, each plate having an inner surface, a cardiac processor coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, a bladder having an inner chamber and disposed between the inner surfaces, and a first catheter having a proximal end in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder and a distal end having a first pericardial balloon coupled thereto. A gas and/or a liquid within the inner chamber of the bladder can be injected into the first pericardial balloon upon compression of the first plate relative to the second plate, and the gas and/or the liquid can be removed from the first pericardial balloon upon retraction of the first plate relative to the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CVDevices, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Jose A. Navia, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9295769
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a dialysis device is made available that can be implanted at least partially into the body of a patient and comprises a blood chamber, through which the patient's blood can flow, a dialysis chamber for receiving a dialysate, and a hydraulic pump device for compressing the two chambers alternately by means of a hydraulic fluid, wherein both chambers are each equipped with two valves for controlling the inflow and outflow of blood and dialysate, respectively, and wherein both chambers are connected to each other in an area designed as a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DUALIS MEDTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schiller, Thomas Schmid, Hiep T Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9295770
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least a first volume flow in a blood treatment apparatus which comprises: a primary circuit for conducting the blood to be treated; a secondary circuit for conducting a fluid that is used for the blood treatment; a blood treatment module provided for exchanging fluids and/or substances between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit; and an optionally provided fluid connection between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit, provided for introducing the first volume flow from the secondary circuit into the primary circuit; wherein the method encompasses determining the first volume flow of the secondary circuit taking into account a first pressure value or pressure measurement and a second pressure value or pressure measurement in the secondary circuit. The present invention further relates to a calculating device and a blood treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Gagel
  • Patent number: 9295771
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BRAVO BIOMED, INC.
    Inventor: Sameh Mesallum
  • Patent number: 9295772
    Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson
  • Patent number: 9295773
    Abstract: A medical blood access system used for hemodialysis treatment to enable blood withdrawal for processing of blood by an external apparatus and return the same blood to a patient, comprising an interfacial fluid conduit between the machine and patient's blood supply which is repeatedly connectable along a guided pathway passing through epidermis and subcutaneous tissue via a naturally formed tissue tract to enter blood space, providing improved patient safely, convenience, effective prophylaxis, without bleeding or tissue trauma or pain, and is executable by the patient to precisely connect and disconnect with minimal disfigurement or life restrictions, and is useable on virtually all patients soon after placement and is robust and safe to high blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Prosl, Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Heidrun Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 9295774
    Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Claude, Edward A. Barlow, David W. Hunter, Michael S. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9295775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for injecting contrast media including at least two separate vessels and immiscible contents inside one and/or both of the vessels, an injector and a distributor arranged such as to establish alternating communication between said vessels and said injector, said medical device being characterised in that it includes a means for providing said alternating communication at a frequency of 0.2 to 5 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BRACCO INJENEERING S.A.
    Inventors: Hervé Duffour, Frédéric Neftel
  • Patent number: 9295776
    Abstract: A casing may be configured to envelop at least a portion of a plunger arm attached to a plunger head located in a reservoir. A plunger head moveable in a reservoir may have a front portion comprising a first material compatible with fluidic media in an interior volume of the reservoir. A seal member having a first end and a second end that taper to a mid-portion may be positioned between a reservoir and a plunger head. A bias member may be configured to force a plunger arm operatively connected to a plunger head against a drive member to operatively engage the plunger arm to the drive member. A plunger head moveable in a reservoir may have a first ridge, a second ridge, a seal member adjacent at least one of the ridges, and protrusions arranged around at least one of the ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan
  • Patent number: 9295777
    Abstract: A wearable insulin dispensing device has features and operation characteristics supporting and easing compliance by the users of the device. For example, the device may provide capabilities of rendering a very specific and well-tuned dosage which may be altered according to the specific development of the individual user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Morten Mernoe, Michael Gorm Lyngsie
  • Patent number: 9295778
    Abstract: A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to said motor. The sensor senses a rotation of said motor. The controller acts to control operation of said motor and monitor the quantity of said agent delivered to said patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 9295779
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Eric Yeaton
  • Patent number: 9295780
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Larry Brian Gray, Eric Yeaton
  • Patent number: 9295781
    Abstract: A syringe made of borosilicate glass and having a cone for fastening or mounting of transfer adapters and needles is provided. The cone includes a coating that increases roughness. The coating has structure-forming particles are embedded in a glass matrix and is free of Pb, Cd, Hg and CrVI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Siebers, Inka Henze, Juergen Thuerk
  • Patent number: 9295782
    Abstract: A medication injection pen (11) includes a housing (1) and a dose set knob (2) rotatable with respect to the housing (1). A brake assembly (68) is disposed in the housing (1) and has a ratchet member (43). A driver (21) includes at least one external tooth (57) engaging the ratchet member (43). The engagement between the ratchet member (43) and the at least one external tooth (57) substantially prevents the driver (21) from rotating with respect to the dose set knob (2) during dose setting and dose correcting. The engagement between the ratchet member (43) and the at least one external tooth (57) allows the driver (21) to rotate with the dose set knob (2) during an injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Michael Quinn, Richard Cronenberg
  • Patent number: 9295783
    Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having an exterior surface, an inside surface defining a chamber, an open proximal end, a distal end, and an outlet disposed adjacent the distal end in fluid communication with the chamber; and a plunger assembly disposed at least partially within the syringe barrel. The plunger assembly includes an elongated plunger rod and a plunger head. The elongated plunger rod is associated with the plunger head to move the plunger head within the chamber of the syringe barrel through an injection cycle. The plunger rod is adapted to move from a collapsed position extending alongside the exterior surface of the syringe barrel to an extended position engaging the plunger head to move the plunger head through the injection cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventors: Chee Leong Lum, Eric Schiller
  • Patent number: 9295784
    Abstract: The invention resides in a hand-held medicament delivery device which comprises a housing containing a first electrical circuit and a battery, a medicament delivery mechanism, and a protective cap releasably securable to the housing. The housing also includes a contactless switch and the cap a switch actuator. The switch is operable between an on state in which the first electrical circuit is connected to the battery and an off state in which the first electrical circuit is disconnected from the battery. The invention also resides in a method of controlling power in a hand held medicament delivery device comprising the steps of actuating a contactless switch in the housing by an actuator in a housing cap when the switch and actuator are in proximity, the actuation of the switch signalling to a microprocessor that the cap is on the housing, detecting the status of the device by the microprocessor, and only if the microprocessor determines the device is inactive, powering down the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ilona Eggert, Aiden Michael O'Hare, Barry Yates, Aled Meredydd James, John David Cross
  • Patent number: 9295785
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front end for an auto-injector, the front end comprising a syringe with an injection needle and a stopper, wherein the syringe is slidably arranged within a syringe retainer, wherein an outer sleeve for preventing access to the needle is removably arrangeable over the syringe retainer, wherein the syringe retainer comprises a screw thread for connecting it to a correspondent screw thread of a mounting of a re-usable auto-injector back end comprising a drive means for advancing the syringe and needle in a proximal direction for needle insertion and for advancing the stopper within the syringe for injection, wherein a resilient locking barb is arranged to rotationally lock the syringe retainer to the mounting in an unscrewing direction when the front end is screwed to the re-usable back end and when the outer sleeve is removed, wherein the outer sleeve is arranged to unlock the resilient locking barb when arranged over the syringe retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Matthew Ekman, Thomas Kemp, Douglas A. Jennings
  • Patent number: 9295786
    Abstract: An introducer is provided for introducing a sensor into the body of a patient. The introducer connects to a sensor hub. When the sensor hub and introducer are connected, the introducer needle is exposed. When the sensor hub and introducer are disconnected, a needle cover and the needle move with respect to each other so that the needle cover substantially covers the needle, protecting a user from being injured by the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Rajiv Shah, Katherine T. Wolfe, Eric Allan Larson
  • Patent number: 9295787
    Abstract: According to the invention, an adaptor means for use in combination with a pre-filled syringe and a safety device for the pre-filled syringe is adapted to affix the pre-filled syringe thereto, whereby the adaptor means engages a barrel of the pre-filled syringe. The adaptor means comprises at least one locking projection that is adapted to lock the adaptor means to the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Gareth Roberts, Sioned Owen, Matthew Ekman
  • Patent number: 9295788
    Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a tubular barrel having an open proximal end, a distal end, and an internal a fluid retaining chamber. A plunger is slidingly received in the chamber and is configured to draw fluid into and expel fluid from the chamber. A hollow projection extends from the distal end of the barrel and a cannula extends from the hollow projection. The cannula may have a spiked tip, a transverse orifice, and longitudinally disposed bi-lateral fluid flow channels. The cannula is adapted to penetrate the seal of a medical access point, such as a medicine vial, IV port, or catheter port. A receiving collar including one or more male threads surrounds the hollow projection and the cannula and is adapted to releasably engage a needle hub. The needle hub has an internal cavity configured to matingly receive and cover the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Anestaweb, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Green
  • Patent number: 9295789
    Abstract: The present invention inter-alia relates to an apparatus comprising a needle guide configured to at last partially receive a needle of a needle assembly in a longitudinal opening and to center the needle of the needle assembly in the longitudinal opening, wherein the needle guide is longitudinally compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Detuschland GmbH
    Inventor: Philippe Nzike
  • Patent number: 9295790
    Abstract: A medical device connectable to a frontal attachment, the medical device having a forwardly projecting fluid outlet member and a forwardly projecting protective guard extending beyond the outlet member to protect the outlet member from pathogenic contamination by contact prior to connection to the frontal attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Retractable Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Shaw, Ni Zhu, Gary Wood
  • Patent number: 9295791
    Abstract: A device for detecting moisture for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to and/or out from the patient, for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment and for monitoring a central venous access in acute dialysis, an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient, and a method of producing a device for detecting moisture for connection to a monitoring arrangement are described. The device for detecting moisture is characterized in that at least a part or portion of the device takes the form of a resilient attaching element having parts which fit round a flexible line and/or a system for connecting a flexible line. The attaching element, which is formed after the fashion of a clip, allows the device for detecting moisture to be attached quickly and securely to a flexible line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Schroers, John Heppe
  • Patent number: 9295792
    Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler includes an impaction element onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively, the inhaler includes an oscillating and/or vibrating device for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation. Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler includes one or two mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite rotation directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: VECTURA DELIVERY DEVICES LIMITED, BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Wachtel, Quentin John Harmer, Matthew Neil Sarkar, Ivan Milivojevic
  • Patent number: 9295793
    Abstract: An inhaler device (1) contains, or is capable of accepting, a plurality of doses of a medicament to be dispensed from the inhaler (1). To ameliorate the problem of double dosing from the inhaler (1), the device further comprises prevention means (26, 28, 40) for preventing, at least temporarily, the dispensing of a dose of medicament, and detection means (32) for detecting the inhalation of a previously dispensed dose of medicament. When the detection means (32) detects the inhalation of the previously dispensed dose of medicament, it releases the prevention means (26, 28, 40), allowing the device to dispense a further dose of medicament. The detection means (32) may be a pressure sensor, and the prevention means (26, 28, 40) may operate by causing a disengagement of an actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: AVENTIS PHARMA LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Ferris, Matthew Young, Jonathan Oakley, Wayne O'Hara
  • Patent number: 9295794
    Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods to provide variable flow oxygen therapy. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of oxygen therapy involving delivering oxygen-enriched gas to a patient during a first portion of a breathing cycle at a first flow rate. Furthermore, the method of oxygen therapy involves delivering oxygen-enriched gas to the patient during a second portion of the breathing cycle at a second flow rate, where the second flow rate is greater than zero and less than the first flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Bliss, Robert Murdoch, Robert Romano, Peter D. Hill
  • Patent number: 9295795
    Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CS Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent L. Christopher, Stephanie S. Diehl
  • Patent number: 9295796
    Abstract: A breathing system for ventilating a patient has a gas channel enclosing a gas channel volume (V), and a compliance (C). The system has a flow calculation unit operative to determine a gas flow estimate (Fe) at a flow estimate location in the gas channel. The gas flow estimate (Fe) is based on a relationship between a monitored gas flow (Fm) in the gas channel and a compressible gas flow (Fc) which depends on the compliance (C) in the gas channel. The monitored gas flow (Fm) is a gas flow at a monitoring location in the gas channel and the compressible gas flow (Fc) is a flow of gas in the gas channel between the flow estimate location and the monitoring location, and the flow estimate location is remote from the monitoring location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Mathias Eklund, Fredrik Norrby, Magnus Hallbäck
  • Patent number: 9295797
    Abstract: A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject in accordance with a therapy regime. Responsive to the subject resuming respiration after a respiratory event, delivery of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is resumed at an inhalation in the therapy regime. As such, the therapy regime is effectively re-synchronized with the respiration of the subject subsequent to a respiratory event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Shissler, Peter Douglas Hill, Birpal Singh Sachdev
  • Patent number: 9295798
    Abstract: The invention provides a laryngoscopic device that can be paired with any video baton imaging system to concurrently view the upper airway, deliver oxygen and administer a topical anesthetic to select areas in the airway as needed. The invention also provides a video laryngoscope that includes two conduits, one for delivering oxygen and the other for delivering a pharmaceutical agent to select areas of the airway under real-time visualization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Danny Martin Sartore
  • Patent number: 9295799
    Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is designed for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Ivan Milivojevic, Aidan Mark Shotbolt
  • Patent number: 9295800
    Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Samuel Davidson, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Matthew Eves, David John Worboys, Susan Robyn Lynch
  • Patent number: 9295801
    Abstract: Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in breathing circuits and especially neonatal breathing circuits. The subject patent provides an improved breathing tube component for managing rain-out particularly in neonatal applications. In particular the breathing tube has a smooth inner bore, and an outer insulating layer containing stagnant gas and a heater wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Peter Kenneth Graham, Jonathan David Harwood, Laurence Gulliver
  • Patent number: 9295802
    Abstract: A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Duncan P. Bathe, John Klaus, David Christensen
  • Patent number: 9295803
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a phase angle between a first signal based on ventilator airflow for a breath and a second signal based upon ventilator firing for the breath. Based on the phase angle, an indication of a nature of dis-synchrony of airflow and ventilator firing is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Jerome B. Korten
  • Patent number: 9295804
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for controlled delivery of a breathing gas including oxygen, preferably an increased ratio of oxygen with respect to ambient air, to the respiratory tracts of a user which includes a valve having two modes; a closed default mode, which substantially impedes any flow of the breathing gas through the valve; and an active open mode, which allows for a substantial flow of the breathing gas through the valve, wherein the open mode can be activated by the user manipulating the valve with his/her mouth. Such a valve may be used in a device for delivery of breathing gas and in an apparatus for controlled delivery of the breathing gas to the respiratory tracts of a user. A method for controlled delivery of the breathing gas to the respiratory tracts of a user may include operating the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: RESMED R&D GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Schätzl
  • Patent number: 9295805
    Abstract: An elbow assembly for a mask assembly includes an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) assembly that may take the form of a box-like frame work, a drop-in arrangement, or a slot-in arrangement. In each case, the AAV assembly may include a flap element which is movable so as to either direct ambient gas/air to the elbow assembly and thus the patient using the mask assembly, or to allow the passage of pressurized gas to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: David John Worboys, Alison Oldenburg, Philip Thomas Stallard, James William Charles Vandyke, Susan Robyn Lynch, Steven John Lubke, Scott Alexander Howard, Robin Garth Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 9295806
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining pre-cognitive and/or cognitive emotional response to predetermined olfactory stimuli. Among other things, the invention may include exposing a test subject to a controlled flow of a predetermined olfactory stimulus, measuring eye data (e.g., using an eye tracking device) corresponding to when the olfactory stimulus reached the subject's nose, and analyzing and processing the eye data for determining the subject's emotional response to the olfactory stimulus. In some implementations, the invention may include measuring the test subject's respiratory parameters so as to deliver the predetermined olfactory stimulus at a certain point in the test subjects respiratory cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: iMotions A/S
    Inventors: Jakob De Lemos, Ole Baunbaek Jensen, Golam Reza Sadeghnia
  • Patent number: 9295807
    Abstract: A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Yem Chin, John B. Golden, Paul M. Scopton, Robert B. DeVries, John O. McWeeney
  • Patent number: 9295808
    Abstract: Described is a guide catheter for guiding other medical devices into or through a body lumen, comprising: a polymeric, tubular inner liner having a textured inner surface; and, a polymeric jacket bonded to an exterior of the inner liner; wherein the texture of the inner surface of the inner liner reduces the coefficient of friction between the inner liner and the other medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. De Kock, Daniel J. Horn, Huisun Wang, Michael S. Arney, David A. Durand
  • Patent number: 9295809
    Abstract: Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Sheetz
  • Patent number: 9295810
    Abstract: The method of purifying an unrefined edible oil or fat by contacting the unrefined edible oil or fat with at least one adsorbent material. The at least one adsorbent material comprises magnesium silicate. The magnesium silicate may be used alone or in combination with other purifying materials, such as citric acid. Such method provides for improved removal of impurities, such as phosphorus-containing compounds, soap, chlorophyll, metals, and sterol glucosides from the unrefined edible oil or fat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Dallas Group of America, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Hicks, Brian S. Cooke, Bryan L. Bertram, Chris Abrams
  • Patent number: 9295811
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen. The main lumen has a first cross-sectional area, a first length, and a distal end outlet. The secondary lumen has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a second length less than the first length, and a distal end outlet terminating proximal of the main lumen distal outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey E. Knapp