Electrically Heated Means Producing Water Vapor Patents (Class 128/203.17)
  • Patent number: 11930566
    Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol-generating system configured to receive an aerosol-forming article is provided, including a tubular portion configured to receive the aerosol-forming article; and a heater element including an end face, the heater element being disposed proximate an end of the tubular portion so that the end face is proximate an end of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tubular portion, the system being configured to supply a first amount of electrical energy to the heater element to heat the heater element to a first temperature, and to supply a second amount of electrical energy to the heater element to maintain the heater element at a second temperature, wherein a difference between the first and second temperatures is at least about 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventors: Julien Plojoux, Dani Ruscio, Olivier Greim
  • Patent number: 11565074
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-heated humidification device comprising a wick; a chamber for holding water in contact with the wick; and a gas inlet to the chamber, wherein the chamber and wick are configured to humidify gas passing through or over the wick at ambient conditions. The device may be modular and attachable to a flow generator. The device may comprise dual gas circuits and a control system for controlling the gas flow through the gas circuits in order to control the humidity of the gas output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nimansha Budhiraja, Adam John Darby, Johannes Nicolaas Bothma, Mark Samuel Hamilton, Donald Roy Kuriger, Igor Olegovich Yatsevich
  • Patent number: 11318267
    Abstract: A high flow therapy system for delivering heated and humidified respiratory gas to an airway of a patient, the system including a respiratory gas flow pathway for delivering the respiratory gas to the airway of the patient by way of a non-sealing respiratory interface; wherein flow rate of the pressurized respiratory gas is controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert M. Landis, Charles A. Lewis, Louis Javier Collazo, Chris Agami
  • Patent number: 11089660
    Abstract: A device for generating a condensation aerosol includes vaporization chamber having an upstream first inlet and a downstream outlet. A tube supplies liquid to a heater in the vaporization chamber. The liquid is pumped out of the tube and onto the heater, which vaporizes the liquid. Air flows from inlets through the vaporization chamber, and generally perpendicular to the tube. The vaporized liquid is entrained in the air, forming a condensation aerosol having a particle size in a selected range. A second inlet provides a substantially laminar flow of air into the airflow path, wherein the second inlet is downstream of the heater; and the device capable of changing air flow in the vaporization chamber to change the particle size of the condensation aerosol and/or to change the amount of visible vapor emitted from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Wensley, Michael Hufford, Peter Lloyd
  • Patent number: 11071688
    Abstract: A steam generator for a shower steam system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and an intermediate heat transfer member. The first chamber is configured to receive water. The second chamber is configured to receive a flow of air. The intermediate heat transfer member fluidly separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The intermediate heat transfer member includes a heating element configured to generate heat energy. The intermediate heat transfer member is configured to transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the first chamber to generate steam in the first chamber, and transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the flow of air in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Donald P. Freier
  • Patent number: 10898660
    Abstract: A device for generating a condensation aerosol includes (a) vaporization chamber having an upstream first inlet and a downstream outlet; (b) a heater element in the vaporization chamber between the upstream first inlet and the downstream outlet; (c) an airflow path in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber, wherein the airflow path comprises a second inlet configured to permit a substantially laminar flow of air into the airflow path, wherein the second inlet is downstream of the heater element; and (d) the device having components or apparatus on or in the device for changing air flow in the vaporization chamber. Changing the air flow in the vaporization chamber may be used to change the particle size of a condensation aerosol produced in the vaporization chamber, and/or to change the amount of visible vapor emitted from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Wensley, Michael Hufford, Peter Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10893977
    Abstract: A device for treating eyes, eyelids or both, in the form of a handheld housing is disclosed herein. The device has a first chamber a second chamber acting as a vapor reservoir, and hydrophilic material disposed within the first chamber. The hydrophilic material having has a plurality of pores configured to allow the fluid to seep from the first chamber to the hydrophilic material. A heating element is positioned adjacent the hydrophilic material to convert the fluid to a vapor and continuously regulate a temperature of the vapor. A user interface is disposed on an outside of the housing and configured to control a variable circulator which in turn controls control the temperature of the vapor reaching the user. A method for treating eyes, eyelids, or both is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: OMERA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Zoumalan
  • Patent number: 10792217
    Abstract: A cold-hot mixed type humidifying facial steamer comprising a shell, wherein a water tank assembly is arranged on one side of the inner chamber of the shell, and a fan is arranged on the other side of the inner chamber of the shell; a cold humidifying mist chamber is arranged below the water tank assembly; the cold humidifying mist chamber is connected with a hot humidifying steam chamber through a water pipe; an atomizer is arranged underneath the cold humidifying mist chamber; the top of the cold humidifying mist chamber is connected with one side of the bottom of an herb feeding chamber through a cold mist conveying pipe; a heating element is arranged in the hot humidifying steam chamber; the hot humidifying steam chamber is connected with the other side of the bottom of the herb feeding chamber through a hot steam conveying pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Jingqing Liang
  • Patent number: 10773037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a ventilation device of a ventilator against backflowing exhaled air, and to a ventilator. A respiratory gas flow is generated by a blower device and is guided via a flow connection to a breathing interface. The respiratory gas flow is adjusted with the aid of a control device to a first ventilation pressure during an inhalation phase of the patient and to a second ventilation pressure during an exhalation phase. A characteristic variable for a flow within the flow connection is detected by a device for monitoring backflowing exhaled air. A back pressure with respect to the backflowing expiratory flow is adjusted by a specific increase of the ventilation pressure taking into consideration the characteristic variable, whereby an undesirable rebreathing into the ventilation device is counteracted by the back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: LOEWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin Adametz, Marcel Mehnert
  • Patent number: 10701975
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods to generate an inhalable vapor in an electronic vaporization device. The vaporization device may generate a vapor with one or more defined characteristics. In some cases, the vapor may have a predetermined aerosol number density and/or a predetermined average aerosol diameter. The vaporization device may generate a vapor from a vaporizable material. In some cases, the vaporizable material may be a liquid material housed in a cartridge. The vaporization device may comprise a rechargeable power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Juul Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Bowen, Steven Christensen, Christopher Nicholas HibmaCronan, James Monsees, Joshua Morenstein
  • Patent number: 10701982
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, and an aerosol passage are interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Patent number: 10500366
    Abstract: A humidification device for a respiratory breathing circuit comprises an induction heater assembly to inject steam into a breathing circuit gas line. The assembly comprises a housing defining a housing lumen. An induction element is located around the housing lumen. A cannula is disposed within the housing lumen and surrounded by the induction element, the cannula being configured to receive a flow of water. A heating element is located inside the cannula, the heating element being at least partially surrounded by the induction element. The induction element is excited by electrical current to generate an oscillating magnetic field to create eddy currents in the heating element to heat the heating element, and thereby heat the flow of water in the cannula flowing past the heating element, to thereby vaporize the water into steam which exits the induction heater assembly and housing to be injected into the breathing circuit gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Douglas Roy Drew
  • Patent number: 10478585
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Michael Snow, Simon Robert Cork, John Zekic, Benjamin John Hunter
  • Patent number: 10272221
    Abstract: A low cost medical humidifier for adding moisture to a patient air flow is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a water reservoir, a disposable evaporative wick containing a heater, a lid containing electrical contacts to engage the heater in the wick and airway connections. The wick heater comprises a PET film with aluminum tracks and a cover layer of PTC resistive ink. The heater is covered with paper to provide a water pathway via capillary flow. There is a capillary path from the water reservoir to the wick. The wick and heater are manufactured with printing and calendaring processes in reel to reel processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Roger Foote
  • Patent number: 10194693
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, kits, and systems for modulating aerosol particle size generated by an aerosol generating device (e.g., electronic nicotine delivery device). Also described herein are methods, devices, kits, and systems for modulating the delivery of aerosol particles generated by an aerosol generating device (e.g., an electronic nicotine delivery device) to the deep lung of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Wensley, Peter Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10149952
    Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to non-invasively treat a sleep disordered breathing disorder of a user may include a humidifier indicator backlight configured to indicate operation of a humidifier and a heated tube, the humidifier indicator backlight having an on state and an off state, a first backlit color and a second backlit color, and a first brightness and a second brightness, and the humidifier indicator backlight being configured to change between the first backlit color and the second backlit color and/or between the first brightness and the second brightness in response to user adjustment of a humidifier setting and/or a heated tube setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Bertinetti, David Peter Wawrzonek, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Rohan Neil Primrose, Heike Thiele, Alexander Virr, Andrew Roderick Bath, Sandra Robyn Curtis, Andrew Mikael Price
  • Patent number: 10143821
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the temperature of a patient circuit (56, 58) of a pressure support system (50) includes determining (directly measuring or estimating/deriving) one or more environmental parameters relating to environmental conditions around the pressure support system, such as ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity, determining a desired temperature based on at least the one or more environmental parameters, and controlling the operation of a heating apparatus (70) operatively associated with the patient circuit based on the desired temperature. Also, a pressure support system implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: John Raymond Pujol, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10137265
    Abstract: Systems and methods regarding ventilation of a patient, such as a victim at the scene of an emergency are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Annemarie Silver, Ulrich Herken, Jon P. Cloutier
  • Patent number: 10117462
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a personal electronic vaporizer configured to receive a selected oven assembly and heat the medium therein in accordance with a heating profile associate with the selected oven assembly. The personal electronic vaporizer may define a pathway entirely surrounded by a material. The material is preferably an inert material such as glass or a material otherwise desirable to channel the vapors emitted by the heated medium to the user. The user may swap or select a different oven assembly associated with a different heating profile. The first oven assembly is thereafter removed from the personal electronic vaporizer and replaced with the newly selected oven assembly. The personal electronic vaporizer may automatically recognize the particular selected oven assembly and heat the substance therein according to a predefined heating profile associate with the oven assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Intrepid Brands, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Johnson, Charles H. Melander, Michael G. Terry, Curtis R. Berry, Trent Edward Grantz
  • Patent number: 10076628
    Abstract: Components for a respiratory treatment apparatus that is capable of providing a humidified respiratory treatment permit a reduction in condensation in a patient interface and/or its gas delivery tubing. In some embodiments, a rainout valve that may be an integrated component of a humidifier output aperture, or coupled thereto, may reduce condensation with a vapor barrier operable to selectively block and permit humidified gas transfer from the humidifier. For example, the barrier may be operable to open in response to a flow of pressurized breathable gas that may be generated by a flow generator of the respiratory treatment apparatus. In the absence of such a generation of pressurized flow, the barrier may prevent a transfer of the humidified gas such as into a conduit for a patient interface by retracting to a closed position. Example vapor barriers may include a resilient membrane, cover, bellows, flap, shutter or other suitable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Gordon Joseph Malouf, Liam Holley, Paul Jan Klasek
  • Patent number: 10058663
    Abstract: A breathing assistance system is provided for delivering a stream flow of heated, humidified gases to a user. The system includes a humidifier unit which holds and heats a volume of water, and which in use receives a flow of gases from a gases source via an inlet port. The flow of gases passes through the humidifier and exits via an exit port. The system further includes a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the gases exiting the humidifier unit, an ambient temperature sensor which measures the temperature of gases before they enter the humidifier unit, and a flow sensor which measures the flow rate of the gases stream. The system also includes a controller which receives data from the temperature and flow sensors, and which determines a control output in response. The control output is configured to adjust the power to the humidifier unit to achieve a desired output at the humidifier unit exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Stanislav Tatkov, Christopher Malcolm Crone, Peter Hawkins, Jae Chul Han, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Andrew Robert Donald Somervell
  • Patent number: 10029055
    Abstract: The traditions, studies and international practice, prove that the inhalation of hot steams with or without the impurity of a medicine, helps the prevention and treatment of respiratory system diseases in hospitalization or home treatment. The device of application of the therapy is simple, easy to use, safe and affordable cost. This invention concerns a system with: 1) A inventive pipe—conductor of air, with an embodied safe system of electric points and power connections—cables for the supply of the nebulizer device with air and power simultaneously. 2) A nebulizer device that permits the simultaneous heating of the solution and nebula at 35-40° C. via a temperature regulator. In addition it posses system which via the electromagnets or the mechanism opens and closes impellers or a silicone leaf and settles the provision of nebula towards the inhalation mask. 3) A mask of inhalations with conical channels that routes the expired air to the sensor and the inhaled nebula to the mouth and nasal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: George Naoum
  • Patent number: 10021910
    Abstract: An e-vaping section includes an outer housing, a supply reservoir, an inner tube, and a heater capable of vaporizing a pre-vapor formulation. The section includes a female threaded connector on an end of the e-vaping section that defines an air inlet positioned adjacent to threads of the connector. A power section includes an outer housing and a power supply, with a male treaded connector defining a vent hole. An assembled e-vaping device connects two e-vaping sections via the male and female threaded connectors causing the air inlet and vent hole to be in fluid communication with each other. A method of manufacturing an e-vaping device includes adjusting a cross-sectional area of the air inlets defined by the female threaded connector to adjust a resistance-to-draw (RTD) value for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Shmuel Gavrielov, Moshe Eliyahu, Yechezkel Stern
  • Patent number: 10004266
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette body is provided with a functional element, a sleeve and a locating member. The sleeve is slidably connected to the electronic cigarette body and configured to cover the functional element. The locating member is fixed on the electronic cigarette body and located between the sleeve and the electronic cigarette body, and is configured to make the sleeve to be slidably connected to the electronic cigarette body. Two ends of the sleeve are provided with non-metallic stopping members respectively. The locating member is located between the non-metallic stopping members and is configured to abut against the non-metallic stopping members to limit a sliding distance of the sleeve and prevent the sleeve from sliding off the electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette prevents the functional element from being touched by mistake or hit due to being exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9987454
    Abstract: A system for providing respiratory therapy to a subject using a subject interface (180). The system responding and/or adapting to a detection of the subject exerting a heat influence on the system, e.g. the subject increasing the temperature of the subject interface. For respiratory therapy that includes the use of a humidifier (150), condensation or rainout is commonly a problem. The response and/or adaptation may inhibit condensation from forming along the subject interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ronald Winski, Richard Charles Dombrowski, Benjamin Alfred Giovannelli
  • Patent number: 9955729
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette capable of protecting the functional element on the surface of the main body of the electronic cigarette is provided. The main body of the electronic cigarette is provided with a functional element, a protection mechanism and a magnetic locating member; the protection mechanism is slidably connected to the main body of the electronic cigarette and is configured to cover the functional element; and the magnetic locating member is connected to the protection mechanism magnetically, and is configured to prevent the protection mechanism from randomly sliding on the main body of the electronic cigarette in a case that the functional element is exposed or covered by the protection mechanism. The present application avoids the exposure of the functional element, which prevents the functional element from being touched by mistake when the electronic cigarette is carried by the user, and allows the electronic cigarette to operate normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9888720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an electronic cigarette. The cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a smoke channel for smoke flowing therethrough and a reservoir chamber surrounding the smoke channel for storing liquid solution, the reservoir chamber comprising an opening which communicates the interior of the reservoir chamber with the exterior of the reservoir chamber; and a sealing member secured to the cartridge body, the sealing member comprising a first sealing portion for sealing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited
    Inventor: Zhiping Chen
  • Patent number: 9861778
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurized, breathable air includes varying a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, varying a height of the variable portion varies a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, use of a humidifier reservoir base component with a maximum water capacity substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of water of the humidifier reservoir or the use of intersecting inlet and outlet axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 9802022
    Abstract: A humidifier for a respiratory apparatus for delivering a humidified flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a humidifier chamber configured to store a supply of water to humidify the flow of breathable gas, the humidifier chamber comprising a first heating element configured to heat the supply of water; a relative humidity sensor to detect a relative humidity of ambient air and generate signals indicative of the ambient relative humidity; a first temperature sensor to detect a temperature of ambient air and generate signals indicative of the ambient temperature; and a controller configured to determine an absolute humidity of the ambient air from the signals generated by the relative humidity sensor and the first temperature sensor and to control the first heating element to provide a predetermined relative humidity to the flow of breathable gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, Andrew Roderick Bath, Nathan John Row, Alexander Virr
  • Patent number: 9578819
    Abstract: A Growing apparatus for cleansing air and watering plant, wherein the apparatus includes a modular panel constructed for either vertical or horizontal planting systems, including connecting couplers and end caps for directing water flow from upper to lower channels. Panel consist of 5 channels per section with opposing conical top and bottom set at 45 degree angles (FIG. 9-23) for both channeling water and accepting irrigation nozzle. System can also use a horizontal channel system while the orientation is different but function is the same. Panels stack nesting consecutively on top of each other to make larger systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark R Prescott
  • Patent number: 9289572
    Abstract: A system for providing humidification to gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing including: a humidification component configured for adding water vapor to the gas; and a humidification component controller coupled with the humidification component and configured for receiving humidification target value information, the humidification component controller including: a humidification target value determiner configured for determining, based on received humidification target value information, a humidification target value of at least two possible humidification target values, the humidification target value identifying a humidification level setting corresponding to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Korneff, Paul David Dixon, Christopher M Varga
  • Patent number: 9289570
    Abstract: A breathing circuit system for supplying a breathable gas from a breathable gas supply system to a patient interface. The system comprises a heated conduit, comprising a hose and a hose heating system associated with the hose, and a plurality of adapter elements. The hose heating system is provided for operating within a first predetermined voltage range. A controller is associated with the breathing circuit and provides voltage within a second predetermined voltage range. Each adapter element comprises at least one electric component provided for adjusting the voltage supplied by the controller from a second range to the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: PLASTIFLEX GROUP
    Inventors: Rik Julia Raoul Langerock, Neil Anthony Kaye, Malcolm Graham James, Jeno Kurja
  • Patent number: 9259541
    Abstract: A warming gas flows through a jacket to heat an insufflation gas flowing in a separate tube, thereby reducing cost and disposable waste. The heated warming gas may be filtered to sterilize or maintain sterility and released to atmosphere after heating the flowing insufflation gas. Alternatively the warming gas may be reheated and recirculated through the jacket, with an additional tube being used within the jacket so that the warming gas flows in both directions lengthwise. As an alternative to separate tubes, a single, multi-lumen tube may be used. The insufflation gas may be CO2 and the warming gas may be room air. The heating element and sensors may be separate from the disposable unit of a heated insufflation set, and need not be re-sterilized prior to or after use in surgery. The heat is constantly maintained, thereby eliminating “cold spots” caused by the natural cycling of the resistance heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: John Temple
  • Patent number: 9119896
    Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric medical sealant. The medical sealant is useful for application to the tonsils and adenoids, wherein the sealant performs at least one of the following functions, a) inhibit the colonization of bacteria, b) inhibit the binding of bacteria to tissue, c) reduction of tissue morbidity, d) hemostasis, e) coating and protection of tissue during healing. f) promotion of healing, and g) reduction of pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: James Britton Hissong, Dana A. Oliver, Cecil O. Lewis, Janis Saunier, Matthew F. Myntti
  • Patent number: 9010324
    Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a first housing; a flow generator provided in the first housing, the flow generator configured to generate a flow of breathable gas; a second housing configured to be connected to the first housing, the second housing including a channel having an inlet configured to receive the flow of breathable gas and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of breathable gas, wherein the first housing is provided on top of the second housing such that a footprint of the PAP device is not substantially increased beyond a footprint of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, Barton John Kenyon, Alexander Virr, Dmitri Anatolievich Doudkine, Philip Rodney Kwok, Richard Charles Napper, John Michael Snow
  • Publication number: 20150040902
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a mixture suitable for a hyperthermal inhalational treatment of an upper portion of respiratory tract is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical wall defining an interior compartment. wherein a mixture of mist and vapors of an inhalant is formed. A preferably added module for a hyperthermal inhalational treatment combined with administration of pharmaceuticals and/or saline is disclosed as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Michael BLUM
  • Patent number: 8944056
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Donald Darkin, Nathan John Row, Paul Jan Klasek
  • Patent number: 8905023
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8844522
    Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Ronald James Huby, Andrew Roderick Bath, John David Oates
  • Patent number: 8833367
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Philip Rodney Kwok
  • Patent number: 8833364
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Batmark Limited
    Inventor: Helmut Buchberger
  • Patent number: 8714150
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first cartridge, a sensor, and a controller. The first cartridge can include a first release device configured to release a first substance into a housing. The controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor. The controller can determine an amount of first substance released by the first cartridge based on the data and estimate a remaining amount of first substance in the first cartridge based on the determined amount of first substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eli Alelov
  • Patent number: 8701662
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: J. Raymond Pujol, Patrick W. Truitt, Daniel Martin, Winslow K. Duff, Steven A. Kimmel, Jeffery Keppler
  • Patent number: 8677993
    Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8616202
    Abstract: A breathing assistance system is provided for delivering a flow of gases to a user. The system includes a humidifier unit which holds and heats a volume of water, and which in use receives a flow of gases from a gases source via an inlet port. The flow of gases passes through the humidifier and exits via an exit port. The system further having a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the gases exiting the humidifier unit, an ambient temperature sensor which measures the temperature of gases before they enter the humidifier unit, and a flow sensor which measures the flow rate of the gases stream. The system also has a controller which receives data from the temperature and flow sensors, and which determines a control output in response. The control output is configured to adjust the power to the humidifier unit to achieve a desired output at the humidifier unit exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Stanislav Tatkov, Christopher Malcolm Crone, Peter Hawkins, Jae Chul Han, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Andrew Robert Donald Somervell
  • Patent number: 8550072
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Mohammad Thudor, Ian Douglas Makinson, Philip James Biggs, Philip John Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8528552
    Abstract: A device and a process for controlling a respirator with inclusion of an oxygen saturation value (34) for compensating a device-dependent time response (15), a physiological time response (16) and a measuring method-dependent time response (17) are described. The device-dependent time response (15), the physiological time response (16) and the measuring method-dependent time response (17) are determined in a continuous sequence and a run time of a change in the oxygen concentration from the metering means (9) in the respirator to the patient (4) is determined and taken into account in regulating the oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Tilman von Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 8469025
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas, a humidifying apparatus, a respiratory gas tube and a connecting apparatus therefor. The apparatus of the invention includes a blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing device which has a bottom region, a top surface region and a side region extending upwardly between the top surface region and the cover region, as well as a connecting device for connecting a humidifying apparatus for humidifying the respiratory gas, wherein the connecting device is arranged in the side region of the apparatus in such a way that the humidifying apparatus can be laterally coupled thereto. The humidifying apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by a partial amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid pre-stored in a liquid storage space into a humidifying region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed R&D Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mayer, Harald Genger, Stefan Madaus, Andreas Klopp, Stefan Schatzl, Harald Vögele, Bernd Lang
  • Patent number: 8453640
    Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a first housing; a flow generator provided in the first housing, the flow generator configured to generate a flow of breathable gas; a second housing configured to be connected to the first housing, the second housing including a channel having an inlet configured to receive the flow of breathable gas and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of breathable gas, wherein the first housing is provided on top of the second housing such that a footprint of the PAP device is not substantially increased beyond a footprint of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, Barton John Kenyon, Alexander Virr, Dmitri Anatolievich Doudkine, Philip Rodney Kwok, Richard Charles Napper, John Michael Snow
  • Patent number: 8397719
    Abstract: A pressure support system (10) comprises a humidifier (20) adapted to increase the amount of water vapor entrained in a supply of breathing gas, and a positive air pressure device (30) fluidly coupled downstream of the humidifier. The positive air pressure device is structured to generate a positive pressure flow of breathing gas from the supply of breathing gas received from the outlet of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kepler, Chad Kolas