Respiratory Method Or Device Patents (Class 128/200.24)
  • Patent number: 9764107
    Abstract: A cradle style cushion includes a central sealing body portion including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall includes a central sealing surface, a first stabilizing surface and a second stabilizing surface, the first and second stabilizing surfaces each extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the central sealing surface and a top edge of the front wall and being structured to wrap around and engage an outside of the nostrils when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, wherein the first stabilizing surface includes a first front side edge portion and the second stabilizing surface includes a second front side edge portion, and wherein the top edge of the front wall, the first front side edge portion and the second front side edge portion together define a front opening of the central sealing body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sayer Grashow, Robert O'Grady
  • Patent number: 9750657
    Abstract: An accessory flat-top panel for use with a surgical table includes a board adapted to support a patient, a left attachment pylon coupled to the board, and a right attachment pylon coupled to the board. The left and right attachment pylons are each formed to include channels sized to receive a rail included in a surgical table. The width of the board between a left side and a right side of the board is greater than the width of a pair of rails included in a surgical table to support portions of a patient wider than pair of rails included in the support top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse S. Drake
  • Patent number: 9744299
    Abstract: A data processing device is provided for an anesthesia device for feeding an intravenously administered hypnotic, a volatile hypnotic, and an opioid such that the volume flow can be adjusted. The device determines and standardizes the effective concentrations of the anesthetics. A pharmacokinetic model adds up the standardized concentrations of the hypnotics to a total hypnotic concentration. An isobole is calculated based on a coordinate plane with a total hypnotic concentration axis and an opioid concentration axis, as a function of the currently determined concentrations. The system displays a two-dimensional action diagram with the y-axis as an indicator of the total hypnotic concentration and the x-axis as an indicator of the standardized opioid concentration. The calculated standardized total hypnotic concentration and opioid concentration and the isoboles determined are displayed. The display is adapted to changes occurring in the isoboles determined in the course of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Jürgen Manigel, Martin Luginbühl
  • Patent number: 9730828
    Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically-stacked layers that form a unitary truss. The truss features end regions that engage outer wall tissues of a user's nasal passages, joined by an interconnecting region that traverses the bridge of the nose. The dilator acts to stabilize nasal outer wall tissues and prevent them from drawing inward during breathing. Dilator components are sized and shaped to engage the nose and provide effective dilation, and to facilitate lateral and longitudinal registration during manufacture, while reducing material waste. Methods of manufacture include progressive steps to fabricate and assemble components into finished devices. Some partially-assembled embodiments include a final assembly step performed by the user to create a dilator with a customized truss length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Corbett-Lair Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9730827
    Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically-stacked layers that form a unitary truss. The truss features end regions that engage outer wall tissues of a user's nasal passages, joined by an interconnecting region that traverses the bridge of the nose. The dilator acts to stabilize nasal outer wall tissues and prevent them from drawing inward during breathing. Dilator components are sized and shaped to engage the nose and provide effective dilation, and to facilitate lateral and longitudinal registration during manufacture, while reducing material waste. Methods of manufacture include progressive steps to fabricate and assemble components into finished devices. Some partially-assembled embodiments include a final assembly step performed by the user to create a dilator with a customized truss length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Corbett-Lair Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9724266
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying enhanced guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregg Voss, Anja Metzger, Keith Lurie, Demetris Yannopoulos
  • Patent number: 9707121
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system for treating sleep apnea includes a collar, a pump, and a motor. The collar has a vacuum surface and has a sealing surface that is configured to form a seal with a region of a neck of a subject having an airway. The pump is secured to the collar, and is configured to maintain the airway open by drawing a vacuum between the vacuum surface of the collar and a region of a throat of the subject. And the motor is secured to the collar and is configured to drive the pump. As compared to existing systems (e.g., a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system) for treating sleep apnea, the above-described system may be more portable, more comfortable, may be less likely to require adjustment while a subject using the system is asleep, and, therefore, may be less likely to awaken the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Kenneth G. Caldeira, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9700235
    Abstract: A peak expiratory flow rate measuring apparatus (PFM) having at least one measurement channel and at least one bypass flow channel including at least one entrance, at least one exit, at least an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein at least a portion of said at least one bypass flow channel has a variable cross-sectional area, is provided herein. Further disclosed is a PFM having at least one measurement channel comprising at least one first flow entrance, at least one bypass flow channel comprising at least one second flow entrance, and at least one guide wall, having an axially forward portion adjacent to the second flow entrance and an axially aft portion adjacent to the first flow entrance is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Noble International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mark Bunker, Paul van der Pol
  • Patent number: 9681980
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving or preventing a condition, such as the treatment of pain syndromes and migraine headaches are disclosed. A method for treating pain can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic effect. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Core Thermal, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Swyer, Iain Hueton
  • Patent number: 9669179
    Abstract: A device for securing a tube includes a strip defining upper and lower surfaces and an attachment array on the lower surface thereof. First and second attachment members are coupled to the strip adjacent end portions thereof and define attachment arrays facing in the same direction as the upper surface of the strip. A third attachment member defines opposed surfaces having respective attachment arrays. A first of the attachment arrays is releasably engaged with the attachment array of the strip. The strip is configured to wrap around a tube with the attachment arrays of the attachment members and a second attachment array of the third attachment member releasably engaged with a strap member for securing the tube therebetween. The first and second attachment arrays of the third attachment member are configured such that the first attachment array defines a greater holding force than the second attachment array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Airways Development LLC
    Inventors: Wayne W. Disanza, Robert M. Landis
  • Patent number: 9655546
    Abstract: A system for determining the location of patients uses a patient-associated communicator which wirelessly communicates with a network of environmental reference communicators arranged at fixed or otherwise known locations. A camera can be used to monitor or detect pressure ulcers and relay the information to a host system. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Leaf Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Z. Shen, Barrett J. Larson, Mark V. Weckwerth
  • Patent number: 9642995
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an external nasal dilator, more specifically to an improved external nasal dilator, which provides a focused and efficient spring force to the outer wall tissues of a first and second nasal passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline, LLC
    Inventors: Gustav R. Fenton, Snigdha Mishra
  • Patent number: 9622752
    Abstract: Systems and devices for minimally invasively treating an air leak in a lung comprise the steps of detecting an air leak in a lung; locating an airway in fluid communication with the air leak, introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and occluding an airway upstream of the air leak for a period of time. The airway occlusion device is preferably removed after the air leak has substantially permanently healed. The occluding device may be a one-way valve. The occluding device may also comprise strut members and anchors that penetrate an airway wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Steven C. Springmeyer, William A. Sirokman
  • Patent number: 9615962
    Abstract: A nasal cannula includes a cannula body having a passageway extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and an airflow restrictor coupled to the cannula body and positioned to selectively restrict air flow through the passageway during exhalation. A flow regulator is settable to a plurality of airflow positions and cooperates with the airflow restrictor to regulate the air flow during exhalation such that the air flow during exhalation is variable in response to the airflow position of the flow regulator. In one embodiment, an airflow restrictor is deformable from an at-rest configuration to an inhalation configuration during inhalation, and exerts a substantially constant backpressure during exhalation for a predetermined range of expiration flow rate. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Robitaille
  • Patent number: 9612176
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing protective masks for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding, mounted directly on a mask tester or integral with the mask tester. The test head assembly includes a body and a cover. The body includes a head section simulating at least a portion of a human head. The cover is mounted on the body to cover at least a portion of the head section. The test head assembly is preferably configured such that a portion of the cover can be inflated while the remaining portion of the cover remains in a relaxed state and in contact with the corresponding portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Allen Hanson, Gary Warren McCurdy, Michael Joseph Serach, Christopher Roi Wilson, David Fisher, Ron Riemer
  • Patent number: 9604022
    Abstract: A portable, compact closed circuit ventilation device for manual ventilation of a patient undergoing a surgical or medical procedure that requires sedation as well as emergency management of respiratory failure. One example embodiment includes a closed breathing circuit having a manually squeezable bag, a carbon dioxide absorption canister, a plurality of valves, a gas port and a plurality of sensors for measuring Tidal Volume (TV), Peak Airway Pressure (PAP) and End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2). Another example embodiment includes an open breathing circuit having a bag, valves and sensors. A monitor displays the sensor measurements during the respiratory phases. In a spontaneously breathing patient the device may be used to assess the adequacy of patient's respiratory efforts. During manual or assisted ventilation, the monitor assures safe and efficacious ventilation by the closed breathing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Osborne Williams
  • Patent number: 9597469
    Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Colla, Barton John Kenyon
  • Patent number: 9597245
    Abstract: This invention makes reference to an autonomous, versatile and non-invasive hyperbaric capsule with a new functional and esthetic design for high-pressured air or oxygen therapies for one or more people which can be installed to any structure. It has vertical to horizontal oscillating effect and features a new bolted gate with a 2-movement, 3-position twin closure mechanism. Also, it has all the necessary equipment already built in ready to be operated according to the wishes of the patient inside or by an assistant in the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Alvaro Fabian Bricio Arzubide
  • Patent number: 9579540
    Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The face mask is adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose and to form an air-tight seal with the user's face. The device also includes an outer layer overlaying the face mask and having a pair of straps for affixing said face mask about the user's face. The device also includes at least one air admittance valve assembly disposed within a corresponding one of the apertures of the face mask. The air admittance valve assembly is adjustable to provide a selected degree of air flow therethrough. The device also includes at least one air exhaust valve assembly disposed within a corresponding one of the apertures of the face mask. The air exhaust valve assembly prevents air from passing into the face mask and allows air to pass out of the face mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TrainingMask, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Casey Danford
  • Patent number: 9572959
    Abstract: Improvements in an easily wearable catheter. A housing secures the components of the catheter, i.e. the valve, the removable cap, the twist valve, and the hose, to the user by means of an attachment. The present retainer for a peritoneal dialysis catheter relates generally to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis methods and systems and, more particularly, to a user-wearable catheter housing which does not require any tape, belt or other bulky retainer to keep the catheter attached to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Alfonso
  • Patent number: 9549690
    Abstract: A system is configured to monitor the dead space fraction of a subject in a substantially ongoing manner, rather than only updating the dead space fraction of the subject if one or more blood gas parameters of the subject are measured. This may facilitate enhanced control over respiratory therapy being provided to the subject, may inform decisions about care of the subject, and/or may provide other enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lara Brewer, Joseph Allen Orr
  • Patent number: 9511196
    Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are topical gas delivery systems and methods for promoting wound healing. A provided gas delivery system comprises a gas reservoir comprising at least one chamber adapted to contain one or more therapeutic gases selected from NO, CO, O2, air, or combinations thereof, and at least one gas permeable membrane operably coupled to the reservoir. A provided method comprises using a provided gas delivery system to deliver the one or more therapeutic gases to a wound site such that a NO/ONOO? ratio suitable for promoting wound healing is achieved at the wound site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Tadeusz Malinski
  • Patent number: 9504795
    Abstract: A ventilator that delivers air at different pressures to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory cycles of breathing and that cycles from inspiratory to expiratory operation when the patient's respiratory flow passes a threshold level. The threshold generally increases form the beginning of inspiration to the end of inspiration. The increase can be linear over all or only a proton of the inspiratory cycle, and the threshold can be adjusted so that cycling is prevented during the initial portion of an inspiratory cycle. The minimum and maximum levels may both be functions of peak flow and the threshold may increase as a function of elapsed inspiratory time. The rate at which the threshold increases from a minimum level to a maximum level may be adjustable for individual patient needs and may be determined from previous breaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: David John Bassin
  • Patent number: 9498396
    Abstract: The present invention describes a medical, supply or transfer lock (120) for a pressure vessel (100) for human occupancy. The medical lock (120) includes a body tube (122), an outer door flange (124) and an outer door (140) in sealing face relation with an inside face (125) of the outer door flange (124). In an embodiment, the outer door (124) has upper rollers (146a) and lower rollers (146b). The upper rollers run on a horizontal rail (160) while the lower rollers run on a slant rail (170), which is mounted below the horizontal rail (160). The ends of the horizontal and slant rails (160,170) are curved (163, 172) so that weight component of the outer door is generated to assist the outer door to close. When pressure in the medical lock (120) is increased, the outer door (140) of this medical lock (120) becomes self-locking and self-sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Marine Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bradford
  • Patent number: 9463288
    Abstract: A dry powder inhalation apparatus operable by breath of a user which provides for controlled and smooth transfer of medicament during multiple actuations by a user. A mechanism of the apparatus for achieving this controlled and smooth transfer includes a device normally held adjacent a reservoir for receiving medicament in a cup or receptacle and which is generally movable transversely of a longitudinal axis of the apparatus to delivery channels of the apparatus. This bodily shifting of the device is achieved by a yoke acting on an abutment thereof. Spillage of medicament in the apparatus is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: NORTON HEALTHCARE LTD.
    Inventors: Brian Barney, David O'Leary, Rachel Striebig
  • Patent number: 9433551
    Abstract: A patient protection device is provided for an operating room table. A rigid support frame extends transversely over a top surface of said table, including a main body with an upper support surface and a pair of support legs that are secured to the table. A receptacle tray to receive medical equipment is securely mounted to the rigid support frame via a removable connection. The receptacle tray includes a first planar surface positioned above a body lying over said top surface of said operating room table. The receptacle tray is slidable, relative to the rigid support frame, along a direction substantially parallel to the upper support surface of the rigid support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Dan Allen, Jimmie Vincent Leanza
  • Patent number: 9433741
    Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (16) structured to engage a face of a patient when the patient interface device is donned by a patient, and a frame assembly (14), wherein the cushion member is coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly including a main frame member (18) having a plurality of pocket members (32) provided therein, and a plurality of peg members (20) coupled to the main frame member, wherein each peg member includes an arm member (42) that is received and held within a respective one of the pocket members at a user selectable position, and where in movement of the peg members relative to the main frame member adjusts a size and/or shape of the patient interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Alicia Marie Zack, Robert William Baiko, Jr., Daniel James Miller
  • Patent number: 9408989
    Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus and method in which a leak is determined by using an averaging window. The window starts at the present time and extends back in time to a point determined according to a current one of progressively detected phase measures of a first respiratory cycle and a corresponding phase measure attributable to a preceding second respiratory cycle. In another aspect, a jamming index indicates whether the leak is rapidly changing. To the extent that jamming is high, the leak estimate used progressively changes from that using sliding breath-window averaging to a more robust and faster responding low-pass filter method, and adjustment of ventilatory support based on measures employing estimated respiratory flow is slowed down or stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: David John Bassin
  • Patent number: 9408424
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a shaped filtering face-piece respirator having a face seal that includes a water-vapor-breathable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dong-Sun Noh, Jin-Ho Lee, Tae-Sub Kim
  • Patent number: 9396486
    Abstract: The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BodyMedia, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Stivoric, Eric Teller, David Andre, John A. Monocello, III
  • Patent number: 9381358
    Abstract: A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ternes, Kenneth L. Baker
  • Patent number: 9364368
    Abstract: A nasal dilator of vertically laminated layers, each consisting of one or more components. The laminated layers form a unitary truss with end regions for engaging outer wall tissues of a user's nasal passages and for traversing the bridge of the nose. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising material separations or shape discontinuities formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separations or discontinuities may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and may be configured to separate or vertically protrude from the dilator when it is in use. The separations transform the angle of focused delaminating spring biasing forces generated by the resilient layer from primarily peel forces into primarily shear forces, and further redistribute the transformed forces to tissue-engaging surface areas extending outward and beyond the separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Corbett Lair Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Vincent Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9320844
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100, 200) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100, 200) comprises a filter (12) which has a membrane (16) that separates a blood region (14) from a gas region (18). The extracorporeal flow of blood is passed through the blood region (14) of the filter (12). Likewise, a gas flow of a purge gas is passed through the gas region (18), the purge gas being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. Further, the invention relates to a method for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood in which likewise an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is used as a purge gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET VERTRIEB UNO SERVICE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thilo Joost, Rainer Kobrich
  • Patent number: 9247728
    Abstract: Methods and systems of maintaining, evaluating, and providing therapy to a lung ex vivo. The methods and systems involve positioning the lung in an ex vivo perfusion circuit; circulating a perfusion fluid through the lung, the fluid entering the lung through a pulmonary artery interface and leaving the lung through a left atrial interface; and ventilating the lung by flowing a ventilation gas through a tracheal interface. Maintaining the lung for extended periods involves causing the lung to rebreath a captive volume of air, and reaching an equilibrium state between the perfusion fluid and the ventilation gas. Evaluating the gas exchange capability of the lung involves deoxygenating the perfusion fluid and measuring a time taken to reoxygenate the perfusion fluid by ventilating the lung with an oxygenation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: TRANSMEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Fishman, Robert Havener, Ihab Abdel Fattah, Anas Abdelazim, Scott Newell, Tom Bishop, Tamer Khayal, Stanley Kyi, Ron Taylor, Doug Harriott, Matthew De Remer, Paul Murray, John Sullivan, Mark Anderson, Richard Bringham, Michael Van Driel, Waleed Hassanein
  • Patent number: 9241638
    Abstract: An implantable physiologic sensor assembly is configured to be implanted within a patient. The assembly includes a module that houses an internal operative chamber, and a flexible pressure-detecting member connected to the module. The module and the pressure-detecting member are separated before implantation into the patient. At least a first end of the pressure-detecting member is configured to be inserted into an artery of the patient and a second end of the pressure-detecting member is connected to the module. The module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Zoltan Somogyi
  • Patent number: 9220855
    Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Adam Meyer, Noel Gulka, James Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9192795
    Abstract: A self-calibrating powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). The PAPR comprises an electric motor mechanically coupled to a blower; an air flow sensor, and a controller coupled to the air flow sensor and to the electric motor. The controller is configured to automatically execute a one-time self-calibration by driving the electric motor to a predefined operation point, receiving an indication from the air flow sensor, determining a reference parameter based on the indication from the air flow sensor, and storing the reference parameter, wherein after completion of the one-time self-calibration the controller controls the electric motor based on the stored reference parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Praveen Kumar Palacharla, Madan Mohan Reddy Dumpala, Swapnil Gopal Patil, Mehabube Rabbanee Shaik
  • Patent number: 9180267
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source e.g., a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hancock Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel L. Bowditch, Thomas G. Goff, Tarmigan Casebolt
  • Patent number: 9162088
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of assembling an abrasive blast respirator are disclosed. The method may comprise removably attaching an exhalation valve into an exhalation valve port of a facepiece, removably installing the facepiece into a hood, removably attaching a filter to a first inhalation valve, where the first inhalation valve is coupled to the facepiece, and removably attaching a breathing hose to a second inhalation valve, where the second inhalation valve is coupled to the facepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil Gopal Patil, Joseph Rodrigues, Joseph Venagro
  • Patent number: 9149589
    Abstract: A respiratory device comprising a housing enclosing a chamber and an orientation indicator moveable with respect to the housing between a first position indicative of an orientation of the housing predetermined to be suitable for operation of the respiratory device, and a second position indicative of an orientation of the respiratory device predetermined to be less suitable for operation of the respiratory device. The orientation indicator is positioned in a location on the respiratory device visible to a user during the operation of the respiratory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Adam Meyer, Noel Gulka
  • Patent number: 9119620
    Abstract: The disclosed elastic strip includes an elastic substrate and an overlying carrier. The elastic strip allows for controlled stretch of the elastic substrate. After stretching and applying to skin, the elastic strip can pull portions of the adhered skin. Therefore, the elastic strip can be used as a wound closure or as a nasal dilator, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald G. Peterson, Cary A. Kipke, Daniel T. Popko
  • Patent number: 9072849
    Abstract: A method and system for modifying ventilator operation based on determining the orientation of a patient associated with the ventilator is disclosed. A patient orientation monitoring device, which may be attached to the patient, generates patient orientation data to facilitate in modifying the ventilator operation. Modifying the ventilator operation includes instructing the ventilator to increase the amount of fresh gas to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 207, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Steinhauer, Terry Blansfield, Mark Rogers, Stephen J. Birch
  • Patent number: 9056173
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dry-powder inhaler device comprising: a casing; an air inlet located at a first terminus of the casing; a powder delivery port located at a second terminus of the casing, which is positioned distal to the air inlet; and an elongated assembly located within an interior of the casing. A first terminus is located proximally to the air inlet, a second terminus is located proximally to the powder delivery port, and the assembly is fitted within the casing such that said assembly partially rotates therein about a single axis. The assembly has at least one compartment containing dry-powder, which is located proximally to the second terminus. The compartment with a dry-powder comprises a porous structure encasing the dry-powder; whereby airflow through the device causes the assembly to partially rotate within the casing about a single axis and release the dry-powder in the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: AESPIRA LTD.
    Inventors: Dan Adler, Amnon Kritzman, Arie Holtz
  • Patent number: 9044561
    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: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
  • Patent number: 9044562
    Abstract: A patient interface for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion and a head strap system. The frame portion is for surrounding oral and nasal regions of a patient. The head strap system is configured for coupling from a left lateral portion of the patient interface, around a posterior skull of a patient, and to a right lateral portion of the frame portion such that in response to donning of the patient interface, the head strap system supplies a securing force to secure the frame portion in a position over nasal and oral cavities of the patient, the head strap is also configured to retain a head-shape when not in use to enable intuitive donning on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dillingham, Christopher M Varga
  • Patent number: 9038627
    Abstract: An artificial oral airway, an esophageal blocker, and a pharyngeal airway assembly are disclosed. The artificial oral airway includes a main body and an airway. The airway penetrates the main body, and the main body has a body front end. The esophageal blocker is slidably connected to the artificial oral airway and penetrates the main body to contact the esophagus of a patient. The esophageal blocker has an opening portion, an esophageal blocking portion, and a slice body. The opening portion touches the body front end, and the esophageal blocking portion is used for blocking the esophagus of the patient. The slice body is used for connecting the opening portion and the esophageal blocking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Tien-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9038625
    Abstract: A liquid spray device includes a container defining a reception space for receiving a liquid medicine therein, having a discharge outlet for discharging the liquid medicine to an exterior of the container; a spray module disposed in the discharge outlet, and connected electrically to a driving source such that the liquid medicine forcefully collides against the discharge outlet due to ultrasonic oscillation of the spray module and spraying out a plurality of mist droplets; and a particle sorter disposed downstream to a discharging direction of the liquid medicine, spaced from the spray module at a predetermined distance to permit once against collision of the liquid medicine during the discharging operation such that the mist droplets are sprayed out through the particle sorter in terms of a plurality of micro-mist droplets along the discharging direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Sheng-Pin Hu
  • Patent number: 9027551
    Abstract: Inhalers with fins that deagglomerate dry powder using inspiratory effort of a user of an inhaler. The inhaler fins, at least in steady state conditions, are configured to generate dry powder and airflow patterns having turbulence with flow vortices, some of which may have a vortex having an axis of rotation that extends in an inspiratory flow direction while others may have a vortex that is substantially orthogonal to the inspiratory flow direction in an inspiratory airflow path, as an amount of dry powder travels through the inhaler to thereby deagglomerate the dry powder without trapping undue amounts of the dry powder during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael King, Jeffrey Alan Warden, Patrick D. Lopath, Richard D. LaRoche
  • Patent number: 9022031
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for configuring a ventilator to estimate the carinal pressure to minimize the work of breathing due to a breathing tube. A patient's carina is a cartilaginous ridge located at the site of the tracheal bifurcation between the two primary bronchi. An estimated carinal pressure (a pressure estimated to exist at the patient carina) may be determined and used as feedback control for the carinal pressure. According to embodiments, the estimated carinal pressure may be compared to the carinal pressure command to determine an error. The carinal pressure command may be positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) or some other suitable target pressure. The error between the estimated carinal pressure and the carinal pressure command may then be used as feedback control to achieve the carinal pressure command and thereby to minimize the work of breathing due to the breathing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Richard Nakai, Periagounder Arul, David Hyde
  • Patent number: 9022024
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Frazier, Chad C. Roue, Michael T. Dineen, Erik J. Van Der Burg