Means For Supplying, Or Permitting Inhalation Of, Separate Streams Of Treating Agent/respiratory Gas Mixture Through Nasal Passages Patents (Class 128/203.22)
  • Publication number: 20140150789
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: INO Therapeutics LLC
    Inventors: Craig Flanagan, Simon Freed, John Klaus, Thomas Kohlmann, Martin D. Meglasson, Manesh Naidu, Parag Shah
  • Publication number: 20140144442
    Abstract: A delivery device for and method of providing for delivery of substance to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit for insertion into a nasal airway of a subject and comprising an outlet unit which includes a nozzle for delivering substance into the nasal airway of the subject; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver a dose of substance to the nozzle; wherein the delivery device is configured such that at least 30% of the dose as initially deposited in the nasal airway is deposited in an upper posterior region of the nasal airway, thereby providing a CNS concentration of the substance, and hence CNS effect, which is significantly greater than that which would be predicted from a counterpart blood plasma concentration of the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: OptiNose AS
    Inventors: Per Gisle Djupesland, Peter Roderick Hafner
  • Publication number: 20140083424
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in delivering a mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation. The nozzle includes a drug product inlet configured to receive a mixture of aerosolized propellant and an intranasal dosage form. The inlet is disposed at the proximal end. A nozzle body is secured to the drug product inlet. Two or more channels are disposed within the body. Two or more orifice apertures are disposed at the distal end of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Impel NeuroPharma Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hoekman, Michael Hite, Alan Brunelle, Joel Relethford
  • Publication number: 20140060536
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device can include an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device can also include an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: OPTINOSE AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 8616203
    Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Jaffe, Ivan Bustamante, Kimberly A. Golden, Randall J. Terry, Patrick Tuxbury, John A. Triunfo, Jr., Anthony T. Pierry, Gregory Kenny, Anthony Pannozzo, John Depiano, Julia Rose Anderson, Eric Hyman, Deirdre McKeown
  • Patent number: 8609043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: M & P Patent Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Claudia Mattern
  • Patent number: 8590530
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a container-receiving unit comprising a container chamber for receiving a substance-containing container which contains substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the container chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the container chamber; a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the container chamber and through which the subject in use exhales, such as to entrain substance from the container and deliver the same through the nosepiece; and moisture-mitigation means for mitigating an effect of moisture in an exhaled breath on the entrainment of substance from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventors: Per Gisle Djupesland, Roderick Peter Hafner, Colin David Sheldrake
  • Patent number: 8555878
    Abstract: A delivery device (20, 22) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway (1) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece (30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 8555877
    Abstract: A delivery device (20, 22) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway (1) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece (30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 8551454
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are vials and devices containing a ketorolac solution for intranasal administration and a head space comprising no more than about 10% v/v oxygen and which vials and devices are stored in an oxygen-impermeable pouch. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the vials and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Whiting, Ramachandran Thirucote
  • Patent number: 8511312
    Abstract: A respiratory auxiliary device includes a first conduit provided with a pair of nasal prongs and having two opposite end portions, two second conduits connected fluidly and respectively to the end portions, and a pressure-measuring pipe adapted for connection with a pressure-measuring device. One of the second conduits is adapted for discharging air exhaled by a patient. The other one of the second conduits is adapted to be connected to an air supply device. The pressure-measuring pipe is disposed within said one of the second conduits, and has one end extending into the first conduit in proximity to the nasal prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Galemed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary C. J. Lee, Shu-Ping Zou, Yi-He Lee
  • Patent number: 8464711
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. Rasor, Julia S. Rasor
  • Publication number: 20130109992
    Abstract: A surgical mask for use in dental procedures, and oral or facial surgery, formed of a continuous sheet of flexible material comprising a nose-conforming shell incorporating adhesive material for sealing and for maintaining position on the patient during the dental or surgical procedure. The mask forms an encasement for input/output manifolds, and terminates in flexible flange at the columella-labial junction; the mask includes a manifold for receiving and directing N2O/O2 into the nasal vault of the patient, and for the removal of exhalant and the scavenging of gases from the work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Robert F. Guyette
  • Patent number: 8408211
    Abstract: A method of intercepting controlled quantities of air exhaled from at least one of two nostrils on an individual's nose to permit inhalation of the intercepted air, including the steps of: providing an air flow intercepting apparatus; and placing the air flow intercepting apparatus in an operative position relative to the individual's nostrils so that as the individual inhales and exhales during repeating breathing cycles: a) a first quantity of exhaled air flows past the air flow intercepting apparatus; and b) a second quantity of exhaled air impinges upon the air flow intercepting apparatus so as to at least one of: i) stagnate; and ii) be redirected by the air flow intercepting apparatus so that at least a portion of the second quantity of exhaled air is drawn into the individual's nostrils as the individual inhales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Ruthanna DeJule
  • Patent number: 8327844
    Abstract: A delivery device (20, 22) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway (1) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece (30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 8277781
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and processes for preparing a vial for an intranasal administration of a medicament where the vial comprises reduced oxygen content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Whiting, Ramachandran Thirucote
  • Patent number: 8251058
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Erin Bird
  • Patent number: 8251061
    Abstract: A gas therapy system involves sensing the blood gas concentration of the patient and adapting a gas therapy based on the sensed gas concentration. Disordered breathing may be detected bases on blood gas concentration, and gas or cardiac electrical therapy may be adapted to treat the detected disordered breathing. One or more of sensing the blood gas concentration, detecting disordered breathing, or adapting the therapy may be performed at least in part implantably. The gas therapy is delivered to the patient through an external respiratory device, such as a positive airway pressure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Lee, Jesse W. Hartley, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Quan Ni
  • Patent number: 8191552
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for nasal drug delivery comprises a first tube in fluid communication with a means for generating a negative pressure and a second tube in fluid communication with an aerosol. The first tube is contacted with one nostril, the said second tube is contacted with the other nostril, and a negative pressure is applied to the first tube, producing a negative pressure within a nasal cavity and causing the aerosol to be drawn into the nasal passages and to deposit on an internal nasal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: CFD Research Corporation, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
    Inventors: Andrzej Przekwas, Vincent Harrand, Mark Papania
  • Patent number: 8181646
    Abstract: An aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Aeon Research and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil Kumar Dhuper, Herbert Fred D'Alo
  • Patent number: 8161971
    Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Jaffe, Ivan Bustamante, Kimberly A. Golden, Randall J. Terry, Patrick Tuxbury, John A. Triunfo, Jr., Anthony T. Pierry, Gregory Kenny, Anthony Pannozzo, John DePiano, Julia Rose Anderson, Eric Hyman, Deirdre McKeown
  • Patent number: 8146589
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device (11) for delivering substance to a nasal airway (1) of a subject, comprising: first and second nosepiece units (17, 19), each including a nosepiece (21, 23) for fitting to respective nostrils of a subject; at least one substance supply unit (13, 15) for supplying substance for delivery to the nasal airway (1) of the subject; and a valve unit (35, 37) for selectively fluidly connecting the at least one substance supply unit (13, 15) alternately to respective ones of the nosepiece units (17, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 8096301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Lewis George Gradon, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Christopher Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic
  • Patent number: 8025050
    Abstract: A nebulizer and cartridge structure thereof for use in a nebulization apparatus comprises a first cartridge accommodation space and a second cartridge accommodation space. The first cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection bottom, and the second cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection side. Moreover, the second cartridge accommodation space is disposed under a lower connection position of the first cartridge accommodation space. The connection bottom is connected to the connection side to form an included angle that can be a lead angle. The lead angle further includes a fillet angle or a chamfering angle. Accordingly, the nebulizer and the cartridge structure can efficiently reduce the residues of liquid medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Health & Life Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shan-Yi Yu, Han-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7987850
    Abstract: An infant nasal interface prong device for use with an nCPAP system. The device includes first and second nasal prongs and a base. Each prong includes a bellows segment, a tip, and a lumen. The tip extends from the bellows segment to a tip end and is adapted for insertion with an infant's naris. The lumen extends through the tip and the bellows segment. In an undeflected state, a central axis of the lumen along the bellows segment is transversely offset from the lumen axis at the tip end. The base is connected to each of the nasal prongs and is adapted for coupling to a CPAP generator. The bellows segment renders the corresponding prong highly flexible relative to the base. The offset positioning of the tip end promotes desired positioning of the base/CPAP generator, relative to the patient and more closely conforms to the expected nasal anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Zollinger, Brian Pierro
  • Patent number: 7975690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 7958890
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater airflow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Quadrant Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Andrew W. Gieschen, Michael Ligotke, Jeffrey Chen, Charles F. Ganem, Bernard Greenspan
  • Patent number: 7934498
    Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the delivery of medication/humidity to a patient without breaking a ventilator circuit that contains a two-position flow control valve in the circuit, so as to permit manual switching from a first position in which humidified air/oxygen will be supplied to a patient and a second position in which atomized medication will be supplied to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 7921846
    Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Thayer Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Marler, David T. Sladek
  • Patent number: 7861717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-supply system for patients receiving artificial respiration or breathing spontaneously, in which one or several gases (for example NO, oxygen) are added to the respiration gas at varying proportions (continuously or intermittently) by means of a control device (program control, sensor control or combined program/sensor control). This gas-supply system allows for adaptive dosing of the gas to suit individual patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: INO Therapeutics GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Krebs
  • Patent number: 7856979
    Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and sleep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Ryan Kendall Pierce, Bryan Loomas
  • Patent number: 7849851
    Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Zierenberg, Klaus Noehl, Johannes Geser, Gilbert Wuttke, Stefan Kaulmann, Hubert Kunze, Andreas Fiol
  • Patent number: 7845347
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. Rasor, Julia S. Rasor
  • Patent number: 7845348
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. Rasor, Julia S. Rasor
  • Patent number: 7841337
    Abstract: A breath-actuated nasal delivery device, comprising: a mouthpiece through which a user in use exhales to actuate the delivery device; a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of the user through which a substance is in use delivered; a substance supply unit actuatable to deliver a dose of a substance through the nosepiece; a loading unit operable to load the substance supply unit with an actuation force; and a release mechanism for enabling actuation of the substance supply unit in response to exhalation by the user through the mouthpiece; wherein the release mechanism comprises a locking unit which is movable: between a locking configuration in which the substance supply unit is locked in a non-actuated position when loaded by the loading unit and a release configuration in which the substance supply unit is actuatable by the loading unit, and a trigger member for releasing the locking unit from the locking configuration to the release configuration in response to exhalation by the user through the mouthpiece an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Optinose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 7836883
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. Rasor, Julia S. Rasor
  • Patent number: 7832400
    Abstract: A nasal cannula comprising a hollow main body having opposed first and second openings formed therein and the main body defining an internal chamber. A partition divides the internal chamber into first and second flow compartments. A flow passageway of a first nasal prong communicates with the first compartment and a flow passageway of the first mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a first flow passageway which communicates with both a first nostril and a mouth of the patient. A flow passageway of a second nasal prong communicates with the second compartment and a flow passageway of the second mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a second flow passageway which communicates with both a second nostril and the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James N. Curti, Peter W. Salter
  • Patent number: 7827986
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. Rasor, Julia S. Rasor
  • Patent number: 7810495
    Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Microdose Therapeutx, Inc.
    Inventor: Anand V. Gumaste
  • Patent number: 7753991
    Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kertzman Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Kertzman
  • Publication number: 20100147298
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device for being secured on an infant pacifier comprises a fluid delivery nozzle configured to direct fluid toward an infant's nares and a nozzle support member secured to the fluid delivery nozzle and configured for being secured on the mouth shield of the pacifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: A PLUS MEDICAL
    Inventors: Thomas C. Loescher, Dennis L. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 7708014
    Abstract: An inhalation device for transpulmonary administration comprises: a chamber (16) for containing a pharmaceutical composition which is pulverized into fine particles by an air-generated impact for dispersal in air; an air inlet flow path (2) for introducing to the chamber (16) outside air to apply the air-generated impact to the pharmaceutical composition and for injecting the outside air toward the pharmaceutical composition; an inhalation flow path (1) for inhaling the pulverized pharmaceutical composition; a housing (9) for accommodating the chamber (16), the air inlet flow path (2), and the inhalation flow path (1); a mouthpiece (10) provided at one end of the housing (9), the mouthpiece (9) being provided with a mouth-side flow path (11) which communicates with the inhalation flow path (1), and an auxiliary flow path (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikamasa Yamashita, Hitoshi Matsushita, Shigeru Ibaragi, Akitsuna Akagi
  • Patent number: 7640934
    Abstract: An infant nasal interface prong device for use with an nCPAP system. The device includes first and second nasal prongs and a base. Each prong includes a bellows segment, a tip, and a lumen. The tip extends from the bellows segment to a tip end and is adapted for insertion with an infant's naris. The lumen extends through the tip and the bellows segment. In an undeflected state, a central axis of the lumen along the bellows segment is transversely offset from the lumen axis at the tip end. The base is connected to each of the nasal prongs and is adapted for coupling to a CPAP generator. The bellows segment renders the corresponding prong highly flexible relative to the base. The offset positioning of the tip end promotes desired positioning of the base/CPAP generator, relative to the patient and more closely conforms to the expected nasal anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Zollinger, Brian Pierro
  • Patent number: 7559327
    Abstract: A ventilation interface device is disclosed that may include a hollow cannula, at least one nasal insert and at least one exhaust port or may include a mask designed to cover a user's nose, mouth or both nose and mouth. The at least one nasal insert may be formed so as to fit in any size nares of any user and may be detachable. Additionally, the at least one exhaust port may be in any of a variety of orientations and, in some embodiments, contain sealable ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Respcare, Inc.
    Inventor: Shara Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20090159081
    Abstract: Discharge device for nasal application of medicaments. The invention relates to a discharge device (10) for nasal application of medicaments, with a main body (A) having a contact surface (10b) which, during use, is vertically oriented and is directed toward the face of the user, and with a nosepiece (70) which is arranged in a fixed position with respect to the main body (A) and is designed to be inserted into a nostril of the user, which nosepiece (70) is provided on an upper edge area of the contact surface (10b), protrudes from the contact surface (10b) and has a discharge opening (72). Use as a discharge device that counteracts incorrect use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Stadelhofer
  • Patent number: 7540284
    Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a chamber adapted to contain a powder pharmaceutical formulation, a lid at least partially covering the chamber, at least one piercing element forcible through the lid to provide access to the powder pharmaceutical formulation, and a shapeable surface extending from the chamber, the shapeable surface being adapted to undergo a shape change to form a conduit. The powder pharmaceutical formulation may be extracted from the chamber by a user inhaling through the conduit. In another version, the lid is removable from the chamber without the need for a piercing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Novartis Pharma AG
    Inventors: John S. Patton, Michael T. Newhouse
  • Publication number: 20090101146
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device can include an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device can also include an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 7513252
    Abstract: Method and device for scavenging tainted escape gas at a location proximate the patient's mouth (24) before that gas diffuses into, or otherwise reaches the personal breathing space (32, 35) of attending health care providers (38, 39). The scavenging device (50) includes, but is not limited to a suction arrangement (52) suspendable from a patient's nasal mask (40) used for administering gaseous analgesia or anesthetic such as nitrous oxide to the patient (20). A suction inlet (54) is positionable proximate the patient's mouth (24) and an exhaust outlet (56) is provided that is interconnectable with a vacuum source (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Hakan Berg
  • Patent number: 7481218
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device includes an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device also includes an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Optinose AS
    Inventor: Per Glsle Djupesland
  • Patent number: RE41298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Chris Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic, Lewis George Gradon