Respiratory Method Or Device Patents (Class 128/200.24)
  • Patent number: 10307243
    Abstract: A valve comprising: (a) a rod, (b) a plurality of struts in communication with the rod and extending generally radially outward away from the rod in a deployed state, the plurality of struts including at least: (i) a plurality of first struts that extend radially outward from the rod a first distance, and (ii) a plurality of second struts that extend radially outward a second distance from the rod, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and (c) one or more membranes that are in communication with the first struts, the second struts, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SPIRATION, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Liljegren, Clinton L. Finger, Alexis Jensen
  • Patent number: 10272226
    Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: FRESCA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, John Logan, Haim Nissimov, Richard Christian Ewers, Mark Alan Adler, Eugene G. Chen, John Edwin Trusheim, John Eugene Nolting, Stephen William Anderson, Kevin Nai Hong Chen
  • Patent number: 10245400
    Abstract: A portable handheld pressure support system (10) is configured to provide pressure support therapy to a subject. The pressure support system provides a pressurized flow of breathable gas that is delivered to the airway of the subject to treat COPD and/or dyspnea, hyperinflation, and/or other conditions. The system is configured to adjust an expiratory pressure level of the pressure support therapy responsive to identification of hyperinflation in the subject. The pressure support therapy provided to the subject is configured to be used as needed to rapidly alleviate shortness of breath, hyperinflation, and/or other symptoms. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that the subject may carry the system and use the system as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Anandi Mahadevan, Jr., Robert William Murdoch
  • Patent number: 10245406
    Abstract: A method of providing a breath to a human patient having a patient connection connected by a patient circuit to a ventilator device. The method includes delivering both a bolus of oxygen and breathing gases including air to the patient circuit. The patient circuit conducts the bolus of oxygen and the breathing gases to the patient connection. The breathing gases are delivered before an end of the inspiratory phase of the breath. The bolus may be delivered at or before a beginning of an inspiratory phase of the breath, and the delivery of the bolus may be terminated before the end of the inspiratory phase of the breath. The bolus and breathing gases are delivered to the patient circuit via different ventilator connections that isolate the bolus from the breathing gases before they enter the patient circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ventec Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. DeVries, David M. Good, Shan E. Gaw, Joseph Cipollone, Richard Branson
  • Patent number: 10238822
    Abstract: A PAP system is adapted for treatment of respiratory disease or sleep disordered breathing. The PAP system includes headgear, a patient interface and a flow generator. The flow generator includes a blower adapted to provide pressurized breathable gas to a patient through the patient interface. The blower is at least partially vibrationally isolated from the patient's head by at least one foam layer mounted within the flow generator to secure the blower. The at least one foam layer is adapted to reduce the amount of transmitted vibration received by the patient. The flow generator further includes a mounting structure limiting an extent of a compression of the at least one foam layer due to the weight of the blower. The mounting structure includes at least one protrusion extending from an interior surface of the flow generator toward the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Adam Francis Barlow, Clementine Le Loc'h, Dmitri Anatolievich Doudkine, Craig Edward Harris, Robert Edward Henry
  • Patent number: 10231864
    Abstract: A comfortable device for treating sleep apnea incorporates a mask, a flexible hose and a chamber for collecting expired air containing CO2. A sensor detects apnea and a control system automatically adjusts the amount of rebreathed CO2 to minimize apnea and also minimize arousal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: John Webster, Icaro dos Santos, Jacob Levin, Mehdi Shokoueinejad, Fa Wang, Jerome Dempsey, Ailiang Xie
  • Patent number: 10232160
    Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery apparatus includes a housing for being fastened to a user, a microneedle assembly for being engaged against the skin of the user, a first force provider for providing a first force for forcing the microneedle assembly outwardly from the housing and against the skin, a reservoir movably carried by the housing for containing the fluid and for being in fluid communication with the microneedle assembly, and a second force provider for providing a second force for causing at least some of the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the microneedle assembly after the reservoir has moved into fluid communication with the microneedle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SORRENTO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Baker, Elizabeth Deibler Gadsby, Russell F. Ross, Luke Hagan
  • Patent number: 10234850
    Abstract: A controller for controlling an electric or a fluidic valve drive. The controller includes a communications interface which is configured to output a current signal and convert drive-related measurement information into a current signal level within a current interval according to a communications protocol. The communications interface is further configured to convert at least two different items of device status information into different current signals levels outside of the current interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ante Cobanov, Martin Wiesner, Manuel Braun, Ralf Blumentritt
  • Patent number: 10219735
    Abstract: An intraoral moisture measuring device includes: a swing member that swings with respect to a main body about a predetermined swing center; a moisture amount detection unit provided at a tip of the swing member, for detecting a moisture amount by being directly or indirectly abutted against a measurement site in a mouth; and a biasing member for biasing the swing member in one of swing directions. Consequently, the intraoral moisture measuring device is capable of measuring intraoral moisture in a simple and highly-accurate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKIKAISHA RAIFU
    Inventors: Makoto Furukawa, Ryuki Sato, Jun Furukawa
  • Patent number: 10183137
    Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a cushion structured to be coupled to a faceplate that includes a peripheral end and a coupling assembly. The faceplate peripheral end includes a formable material and a portion of faceplate peripheral end is a customized contoured end. Cushion is coupled to faceplate adjacent faceplate customized contoured end, cushion conforming to faceplate customized contoured end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Lauren Patricia Chodkowski, Robert William Baiko
  • Patent number: 10179217
    Abstract: A monitoring system for multiple medical ventilators is provided. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes a memory that includes instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive data for a plurality of medical ventilators, and identify a configuration for each of the plurality of medical ventilators from the received data for the plurality of medical ventilators. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to associate each patient with a respective one of the plurality of medical ventilators, determine an identification and status for each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators, and provide, for display, information indicative of the configuration of each of the plurality of medical ventilators and indicative of the identification and status of each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Vyaire Medical Capital LLC
    Inventors: Tom Steinhauer, Willis Lam, Terry Blansfield, Stephen J. Birch, Leonard Mulkowsky, Clifton Pait, Mark Rogers
  • Patent number: 10173083
    Abstract: There is disclosed a lung demand valve comprising: a body within which is disposed a diaphragm and a valve assembly having a valve inlet, the valve assembly and diaphragm arranged to cooperate to control the delivery of breathable gas to a user. There is also provided a breathable gas inlet fluidically connected to the valve inlet inside the body and arranged to be fluidically connected to a supply of breathable gas; and a whistle coupled to the body. The whistle has a whistle inlet fluidically connected to the breathable gas inlet inside the body and a whistle outlet disposed outside the body. In use, when the pressure of the breathable gas in the breathable gas inlet is less than a threshold, breathable gas flows from the breathable gas inlet through the whistle inlet and outlet thereby causing the whistle to sound outside of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: DRAEGER SAFETY UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Nicholas Townsend
  • Patent number: 10165977
    Abstract: Therapy delivery to a patient may be controlled based on a determined sleep stage of the patient. In examples, the sleep stage may be determined based on a frequency characteristic of a biosignal indicative of brain activity of the patient. A frequency characteristic may include, for example, a power level within one or more frequency bands of the biosignal, a ratio of the power level in two or more frequency bands, or a pattern in the power level of one or more frequency bands over time. A therapy program may be selected or modified based on the sleep stage determination. Therapy may be delivered during the sleep stage according to the selected or modified therapy program. In some examples, therapy delivery may be controlled after making separate determinations of a sleep stage based on the biosignal and another physiological parameter, and confirming that the sleep stage determinations are consistent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianping Wu, Gregory F. Molnar, Gabriela C. Molnar, Timothy J. Denison
  • Patent number: 10149781
    Abstract: The present invention integrates a decorative design element into the functional elements of a nasal dilator. The design element includes a predetermined artistic, aesthetic, shape defined by at least a portion of a periphery of at least one layer of the dilator. The nasal dilator thus may decoratively express or represent teams, programs, sports, organizations, sponsors, institutions, clubs, schools, companies, product or service brands, legal entities, individuals, etc. In use the nasal dilator stabilizes and/or expands the nasal outer wall tissues and prevents said tissues from drawing inward during breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CORBETT LAIR INC.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Ierulli
  • Patent number: 10149990
    Abstract: A portable oxygen-generating breathing apparatus comprising a user interface configured to receive an exhalation air stream from and supply a breathable inhalation air stream to a user, a reaction chamber configured to house a reaction composition that reacts with the exhalation air stream in order to convert the exhalation air stream into the breathable inhalation air stream, an inflatable member configured to receive the breathable inhalation air stream from the reaction chamber, and an interface junction disposed between the user interface and the reaction chamber in a flow direction of the exhalation air stream and between the inflatable member and the user interface in a flow direction of the breathable inhalation air stream, the interface junction having an exhale valve to allow the flow of the exhalation air stream and an inhale valve to allow the flow of the breathable inhalation air stream one-directionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SOTERIA TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Scott Schuler, Mel Blum, Jeff Peterson
  • Patent number: 10137262
    Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing machine-induced inexsufflation with diaphragmatic pacing of a subject, e.g. through a diaphragm pacer, use the detected onset of an inhalation and/or exhalation of a subject. The detection is based on output signals generated by one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Seunghyun Lee, Richard Grace, Michael Howard Kissel, Mark Christopher McDermott
  • Patent number: 10130766
    Abstract: A system and method provides closed-loop sedation, anesthesia, or analgesia by monitoring EEG and automatically adjusting the delivery of sedative, anesthetic, and/or analgesic drugs to maintain that desired or predetermined level of cortical at all echelons of care. The system and method further monitor the subject's cortical activity to detect occurrence of burst suppression which can be indicative of unsafe depth of anesthesia or sedation. Further, the system and methods provide for alteration or cessation of the administration of anesthesia or sedation based on the occurrence of burst suppression to mitigate harm to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NeuroWave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Bibian, Tatjana Zikov
  • Patent number: 10123639
    Abstract: A device for use with a respiratory mask comprises a pillow having at least one recess structured to receive the mask so that the pillow does not exert substantial pressure on the mask, and a cover that at least partially covers the exterior surface of the pillow and substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess. A method of using a respiratory mask comprises providing a pillow having at least one recess, positioning a cover on the pillow so that the cover substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess, positioning a respiratory mask on the head of a user, and positioning the user's head on the cover and pillow such that the mask is received in the at least one recess so that the pillow and cover do not exert substantial pressure on the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: BANYAN LICENSING L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edmund Scott Davis, Antonio Arcieri
  • Patent number: 10124139
    Abstract: A patient interface device (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730) that includes a support member (34, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634) comprising a central support portion and of cheek mount supports (70) coupled to the central portion. Each cheek mount support is configured to apply a force a side a user's cheekbone while applying substantially no force over an apex of such a user's cheekbone responsive to the patient interface being worn by a user. A seal member (36, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736) is coupled to the support portion. The seal member is adapted to seal against a surface of a user to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of such a user. A conduit coupling member (38, 355, 438a, 438b, 538) is coupled to the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Jerome Matula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10092717
    Abstract: A system and method are configured to utilize patient effort to increase cough flow of a subject by limiting airway collapse by causing a series of exsufflation events over an individual exhalation of the subject. A single exhalation of the subject is segmented into a series of exsufflation events by a processor configured to toggle a pressure regulator between a first airway closed mode and a second airway open mode. The processor is configured such that the transitions between the closed and open modes are initiated based on predetermined timing or based on output signals generated by sensors monitoring one or more gas parameters (for example, pressure) in the airway of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Leonardus Christian Brand, Wei Zhou, Huimin Chen
  • Patent number: 10092201
    Abstract: An ECG system measures and annotates the I-point of in an ECG waveform from harmonic waveforms. Electrical impulses are received from a beating heart. The electrical impulses are converted to an ECG waveform. The ECG waveform is converted to a frequency domain waveform, which, in turn, is separated into two or more different frequency domain waveforms, which, in turn, are converted into a plurality of time domain cardiac electrophysiological subwaveforms and discontinuity points between these subwaveforms. The plurality of subwaveforms and discontinuity points are compared to a database of subwaveforms and discontinuity points for normal and abnormal patients. A discontinuity point is identified as the I-point of the ECG waveform from the comparison. The ECG waveform is displayed along with a marker at a location of the discontinuity point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventors: Guangren Chen, Rong Yang, Zhongnong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10092477
    Abstract: Provided are systems (100) for control of or determining the effectiveness of a neck suction device using one or more secondary metrics. A sensor device (101) may be used to measure or determine one or more secondary metrics relating to the neck of a patient in response to the application of suction to the neck of the patient proximal to the hyoid bone of the patient by a neck suction device. A processing device (107) may then determine whether to adjust the suction intensity in response to the measured/determined metrics. The metrics may also be use do determine whether neck suction is likely to be effective for a specific patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Jonathan Sayer Grashow
  • Patent number: 10085546
    Abstract: A hands-free electronic device is provided, including a housing, a first elastic element and a second elastic element. The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite thereto. The first elastic element includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section covers the first side. The second section is connected to the first section, and the second section includes a first concave surface. An end of the third section is connected to the second section, and the other end of the third section is a free end. The second elastic element is disposed in the holding space, wherein a first end of the second elastic element is affixed to the second side, and a second end of the second elastic element is connected to the first elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: WISTRON NEWEB CORP.
    Inventors: Ting-Hsuan Chen, Jen-Yung Chang, Guo-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 10071217
    Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes at least one elongated support member structured to contact a user. The support member has at least one conduit portion and at least one porous portion. The conduit portion is structured to allow the passage of gas therethrough. The conduit portion is structured to be in fluid communication with a pressure generating system and with the porous portion. The porous portion is structured to allow for axial passage of gas therethrough and for radial exhaust of gas therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sayer Grashow, Paul Denis McGroary
  • Patent number: 10058666
    Abstract: A CPAP system includes a flow generator, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit that interconnects the flow generator and the patient interface, and a packaging arrangement including at least one storage facilitating member to allow storage of the air delivery conduit. The at least one storage facilitating member may be provided to the flow generator, a cradle, and/or the air delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Bruce Gregory, Karthikeyan Selvarajan, James Morrison
  • Patent number: 10052464
    Abstract: A method of treatment and a nasal delivery device for dosages containing dissolved gaseous carbon dioxide in saline fluid for treating head ailments includes: a) a main housing having a hollow central area containing the dosage; b) a dosage dispenser head located at the distal end of the main housing, having at least one flow channel for movement of the dosage from the main housing through the dosage dispenser head and externally of the dosage dispenser head; c) a dosage release control component located between the main housing and the dosage dispenser head to permit flow of the dosage through the dosage dispenser head in response to increased pressure against the dosage at a flow rate of less than 1 cc per second; and d) a pressure-changing moveable component located on the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CLOVER HILL HEALTHCARE, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth P Glynn
  • Patent number: 10039781
    Abstract: A method of treating a human subject which is effected by intermittent breathing cycle-coordinated pulse delivery inhalation of gaseous nitric oxide at a concentration of at least 160 ppm, or at a load per cycle of 80 ppm-hour, is disclosed. The method can be utilized for treating a human subject suffering from, or prone to suffer from, a disease or disorder that is manifested in the respiratory tract, or from a disease or disorder that can be treated via the respiratory tract. The disclosed method can be effected while monitoring one or more of on-site and off-site parameters such as vital signs, methemoglobin levels, pulmonary function parameters, blood chemistry and hematological parameters, blood coagulation parameters, inflammatory marker levels, liver and kidney function parameters and vascular endothelial activation parameters, such that no substantial deviation from a baseline in seen in one or more of the monitored parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: AIT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yossef Av-Gay, David Greenberg, Einav Levi
  • Patent number: 10010691
    Abstract: In a breathing apparatus and a method for the operation thereof, a gas monitor monitors at least one gas and includes a pump that controls a sidestream flow from a patient circuit to the gas monitor via a sampling line having a first end connectable to the gas monitor and a second end connectable to the patient circuit. At least one pressure sensor measures a pressure at the sidestream gas monitor and provides a first pressure signal indicative of the measured pressure. A processor determines if a leakage is occurring in the sampling line based on the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAQUET CRITICAL CARE AB
    Inventors: Tom Pessala, Toni Oradd, Kiomars Fathollahzadeh, Mats Eriksson
  • Patent number: 10010442
    Abstract: An external nasal dilator comprises resilient and engagement elements. The engagement element functions primarily to affix, adhere, or otherwise engage the dilator to the skin surface of the nose. The resilient element comprises one part that provides out-of-plane resiliency, or spring biasing forces, and another part that provides in-plane elasticity, or stretching or tensioning forces. The dilator includes horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: Corbett Lair Inc., Aso LLC
    Inventors: Joseph V. Ierulli, Edmund A. Sinda
  • Patent number: 9956361
    Abstract: A device outputs portioned medications (M) from individual chambers of a strip arranged one behind the other. The strip includes a base strip and a closure strip and the raised chambers of the strip can be opened by pressing a handle by sharp-edged deflection of the closure strip. In order to simplify the design and for safe operation, a chamber elevation directed toward the mouthpiece opening blocks the actuation of the handle using a blocking element, in which position a chamber arranged in front that has already been freed from the closure strip lies above a fall-through opening, which opening is closed using a flap that can be moved into the opening position by the suction air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred Von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 9936803
    Abstract: A portable table for supporting a book above a user lying in a bed includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. The base is positioned proximate the bed. A pair of legs is coupled to and extends upwardly from the base. A frame is coupled to the legs. The frame may be positioned above the user lying in the bed. A plurality of rods is movably coupled to the frame. The rods are positionable in a selected configuration so the rods may support the book. The user may read the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jermaine Shivers
  • Patent number: 9925345
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes measuring a pressure, providing a measured pressure, measuring an inlet flow and an outlet flow, and providing a measured net flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Milenko Masic
  • Patent number: 9914017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sports mask for breathing training. The sports mask includes a head assemble containing clips to hold the mask against the head. The sports mask further includes a face band assembly that includes straps that are received by the clips present on the head assembly to hold the face assembly against the face of a user. The face assembly includes a face mask unit comprising an airflow valve. The airflow valve includes an airflow resistance varying module that helps in varying flow of air into the airflow valve. The control of airflow resistance varying module can be either manual or automatic when the mask is connected to a wearable device or a vital parameter collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick McKeown, Teresa McKeown
  • Patent number: 9913955
    Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Jerry Grychowski, Martin Foley
  • Patent number: 9901479
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of making an external nasal dilator amenable to continuous and automated manufacture. For example, in one embodiment of the method, a roll of a three-layered material is used as the starting material, the three layers consisting substantially and respectively of (1) a resilient sheet, (2) an adhesive-protecting sheet, and (3) an adhesive layer between the resilient sheet and the adhesive-protecting sheet. A series of dies are used to cut the three-layered material into the appropriate shape and (when necessary) to impress grooves in the resilient sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline, LLC
    Inventors: Randel B. Holmes, Dennis White
  • Patent number: 9901480
    Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Corbett Lair Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Vincent Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9901481
    Abstract: A nasal dilator is constructed as a single body truss having a resilient member structure comprising a plurality of overlaid, island-placed, or overlapping resilient members. Methods of mass producing dilator devices, individual resilient members, and overlapped, overlaid, and island-placed resilient member structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Corbett Lair Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9889267
    Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurized air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways comprising: a cushion member that includes a retaining structure and a seal-forming structure permanently connected to the retaining structure; a frame member attachable to the retaining structure; and a positioning and stabilizing structure attachable to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Alicia Kristianne Wells, Craig David Edwards, Shiva Kumar Shanmuga Sundara, Murray William Lee, Kirrily Michele Haskard, Anthony Paul Barbara, Stewart Joseph Wagner, Chia Ik Tan, Frederick Arlet May, Lachlan Richard Goldspink, Martin Forrester, Ralph Jourdan
  • Patent number: 9877785
    Abstract: A surgical drape support for maintaining a surgical drape above a patient's face is provided. The surgical drape includes a base member positioned adjacent to a top portion the patient's head, the base member including a first end and a second end, a first connector secured adjacent a first end of the base member, a second connector secured adjacent a second end of the base member, and an arch support member extending from the first connector, across the patient's face, and to the second connector. The arch support member extends diagonally across the patient's face for supporting the surgical drape above the patient's mouth while allowing the drape to be positioned directly adjacent one of the patient's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Breazeale
  • Patent number: 9867553
    Abstract: A respiratory gas measurement system is described. In one embodiment, the respiratory gas measurement system includes a chamber and an adhesive pad. The chamber is configured to collect a respiratory gas. The adhesive pad includes a substrate. At least a portion of a first surface of the substrate is covered with adhesive. The adhesive on the first surface of the substrate attaches the adhesive pad to a first surface of the chamber. The adhesive pad enables the chamber to attach to a surface of another nasal cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Christian I. Garaycochea
  • Patent number: 9855006
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing compliance with position therapy. In an embodiment, position therapy is provided to a user while the user is wearing a position therapy device. The position therapy comprises, by the device, collecting positional data, determining positions of the user over a time period based on the positional data, and, when it is determined that the user is in a target position, providing feedback to the user to influence the user to change to a non-target position. In addition, the device stores a duration of use in its memory. The duration of use indicates a duration that the user has used the wearable position therapy device in each of one or more positions. An assessment of the user's compliance with the position therapy is then provided based, at least in part, on the duration of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Levendowski, Timothy Zavora, Philip R. Westbrook, Mirko Mitrovic, Bratislav Veljkovic, Chris Berka, Jonny Trejo
  • Patent number: 9848885
    Abstract: A device for compressing body tissue includes a clip having a connection portion with first and second clip arms extending therefrom, the clip includes a recess formed on an inner surface of the connection portion, the recess being shaped and sized to slidably receive a mounting bar coupled to an outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted with inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms maintained in an open position by contact between an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted and the inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms. The clip is slidable over the outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted until the clip moves distally beyond the distal end of the endoscope so that the first and second clip arms spring closed to grip tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Shepard
  • Patent number: 9849263
    Abstract: A system for delivering oxygen to a substantially stationary patient without coupling a device to the body of the patient is disclosed. The system includes a source of oxygen coupled to a delivery system wherein the delivery system has a pump configured to pressurize oxygen and an elongate hollow member operatively coupled to the pump. The elongate hollow member has a proximal end and a distal end and is constructed to receive oxygen in its proximal end and deliver oxygen to the patient out the distal end. The length and diameter of the elongate member, the flow of oxygen through the elongate member, and the distance from the distal end of the elongate member to the face of the patient are optimized to collimate a stream of oxygen such that when the stream of oxygen reaches the patients face it envelops the face of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Touchfree O2 LLC
    Inventors: Edbert E. L. Dittmar, Sidney Smith Rodabough, Kenneth Elwin Kenyon
  • Patent number: 9849312
    Abstract: A portable chemical oxygen generator for delivering oxygen to a patient is described. The generator includes a housing containing a reaction chamber. Within the reaction chamber is a quantity of a peroxide adduct. A valve is provided with a lower portion of the valve in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. An upper portion of the valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir that holds a quantity of an aqueous solution. An internal chamber is formed within the valve by releasable seals that separate the internal chamber from the upper portion of the valve and a lower portion of the valve. The internal chamber holds a quantity of a peroxide-decomposing catalyst. The generator also includes a valve actuator. Operation of the valve actuator releases the seals in the valve and creates a fluid path from the reservoir through the internal chamber into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Rapid Oxygen Company Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Imbruce, David Cowan
  • Patent number: 9844336
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, the method comprising: acquiring a sleep sound signal comprising sounds made by a person during sleep; detecting a plurality of snore sounds in the sleep sound signal; determining a set of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients for each of the snore sounds; determining a characterizing feature for the sleep sound signal responsive to a sum of the variances of the cepstral coefficients; and using the characterizing feature to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority, Mor Research Applications Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaniv Zigel, Ariel Tarasiuk, Nir Ben Israel
  • Patent number: 9821132
    Abstract: A patient interface device (10) includes a patient sealing assembly (60) including a cushion (70), and a frame member (80) coupled to the cushion, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (200) provided at the distal end (120) of the frame member. The adjustable forehead support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (202) coupled to a forehead cushion (204), wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a forehead cushion support member (212) having a base portion (216) coupled to the forehead cushion and an vertical/upright rotatable wheel member (214). Rotation of the wheel member causes movement of the frame member and the cushion relative to the forehead cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Justin Edward Rothermel, Chad Zediker, Robert Earl Hieber, IV, Richard Thomas Haibach, Steven Charles Stegman, Karl Herbert Beitzel, Jason Anthony Belton
  • Patent number: 9795749
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a dose container assembly having a dose container disk with opposing upper and lower surfaces, a first row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a first radius and a second row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a second radius. The dose containers have dry powder therein and are sealed via a first flexible sealant over apertures in the upper surface and a second flexible sealant over apertures in the lower surface. A piercing mechanism includes two reciprocating piercers that serially alternate between the two rows of dose containers in the dose container disk. A rotatable ramp disk includes first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart ramp elements in staggered, concentric relationship that are configured to move the first and second piercing members between retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Thoe, James G. Skakoon, David A. Schuelke, Thomas W. Ruckdeschel, David Harris, Scott Alexander Lewis, Andrew Murray Gow, Jonathan David Tuckwell
  • Patent number: 9788989
    Abstract: A simple, reusable, adjustable nasal dilator is disclosed for improved breathing by the user. The dilator includes first and second elastic bands to which nose clips are attached. The nose clips are used for engaging with the side walls of the user's nostrils, and optionally have nose pads for increased comfort level during use. The two bands of the dilator work together to pull the user's nostrils open, thereby providing force and tension to dilate the nasal passages of the user. The nasal dilator can be worn during sleep periods to improve breathing and sleeping, as well as other times the user wishes to improve air flow through the nasal passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Ray Weir
  • Patent number: 9783327
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid. The apparatus including a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and a plurality of containers coupled to the apparatus, a sealing element disposed within each of the plurality of containers, the sealing element configured to couple the container to the apparatus and automatically seal the container when the container is decoupled from the apparatus, and a first retaining member and a second retaining member affixed to each of the plurality of containers to position the sealing element in a neck of each of the plurality of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Telebrands Corp.
    Inventors: Ajit Khubani, Paul Dowd, Ryan Kelly
  • Patent number: 9782552
    Abstract: A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Phillip M. Adams